My first hobbies of 2009

[colincurry]

I went to Fen Drayton lakes today. I saw one hobby powering across a lake; and later, several high and distant birds were pointed out to me.

In the vain hope of a long range marsh harrier shot, I had added my 1.4 tc to the 100-400 lens. I kept this on my camera.

On my way back, a colleague spotted three harriers. Eventually, they came closer and even overhead.

These are the best of the shots; and I am quite pleased as you will know how difficult it can be to auto focus with this combination even with taped pins. It helped greatly that the birds were showing against the sky, rather than foliage.

Lovely to see them again.









Colin

[Bunnyrabbit]

Great shots, well done....

[ellen h]

Lovely set of shots
Have yet to see any,hoping they will be back this year!
ellen

[ron1863]

Lovely shots and a nice bird, none round my neck of the woods though

[aeshna5]

One of my favourite birds. I was lucky to see 10 last weekend at Stodmarsh + 1 in my local park a couple of days ago. Look forward to many more sightings this season!

[Emma S]

Good shots.

I would never have recognised it as a hobby; I would probably have thought it was a peregrine - I am hopeless with the smaller birds of prey How can you tell the difference between the two?

[Cheryl]

Lovely pictures Colin I'm still waiting to see them here again this year.

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by Emma S

Good shots.

I would never have recognised it as a hobby; I would probably have thought it was a peregrine - I am hopeless with the smaller birds of prey How can you tell the difference between the two?

Emma I'm no expert on birds of prey - but from what I can see the markings on the breast are different; the Hobbys are streaked and the Peregrines' are barred.

[Hedge Witch]

Wonderful Colin, I'll be looking out for these beautiful birds