Surprising outcome from a bad day.

glsammy · #1 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 07:08 PM

Today we went out, more in desperation than real hope! The weather was dull and cloudy.
We decided to go a raptor view point, all this is is a small pull off by the side of the road, close to Welbeck Estate, near Clumber park. There's a small grassy area before a large lake, leading to a Hillside where , with a lot of luck you can see Buzzards with a powerful pair of binoculars.
On the fence in front of our car there are some bird feeding points and it was these I was most interested in today.
Where we were parked was directly under a large tree, and the general light levels were very poor so I wasn't really expecting too much from my shots, although the Grassy area in front made for a clean lighter background. I was able to stand by my car, no more than 10ft away from the bird feeders.
Here's some shots of a number of Nuthatches that came frequently.
Just a quick reminder to click on the bar above the image to see them correctly.

Marsh Tits and Coal Tits were also very frequent visitors, and usually ended up fighting for access to the feeders:

For all these shots I was using ISO 800, as the light levels were so low, but it now got even darker so I went to ISO 1600, expecting next to nothing.

Here's a few I got:

Firstly a rat, there were a number of them, obviously making the most of the bird feeders.

This one really surprised me. 1/320sec @ F8, ISO 1600. To me it looks far better than I expected. Admittedly, neat image has done an excellent job of cleaning up the image noise, but the detail level is still better than I thought I'd get.

This Robin was at 1/400sec F8. ISO 1600:

The luxury of 1/500sec @ F8.0 ISO 1600 for this Marsh Tit.

I can see that this image has lost some detail, although better than nothing!

It has made me think again about my attitude to poor conditions. Providing there is some lightness in the scene, even if it's in front of you and the subject, you can still get shots that make it worthwhile going out.

mh68 · #2 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:16 PM

Great timing on the 3rd Nuthatch pic

All very good shots Graham,just shows not to be put off by less than ideal weather.I`ve not been out anywhere this last week or so for various reasons, hopefully my new fz50 wil be here in the next day or two though, so a good excuse to get out and about

Mark H

matt_xyz · #3 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:17 PM

I agree Graham. A very nice series of shots, well worth the trip I would say.

Matt

glsammy · #4 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:27 PM

Yes, well worth it. I can't wait to get there when the sun is shinning!

The actions between the birds was well worth recording, but most of them today turned out too blurred due to too slow a shutter speed. A bit of sunlight behind me will liven the place up a treat.

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh68

Great timing on the 3rd Nuthatch pic

All very good shots Graham,just shows not to be put off by less than ideal weather.I`ve not been out anywhere this last week or so for various reasons, hopefully my new fz50 wil be here in the next day or two though, so a good excuse to get out and about

Mark H

Thanks Mark. I see it's present time!

I'm expecting my wide angle lens tomorrow, so I'm even considering taking shots of something that doesn't fly or move!

mh68 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:32 PM

Nice one Graham, great when you get new toys to play with isnt it

Mark H

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh68

Nice one Graham, great when you get new toys to play with isnt it

Mark H

Yep, you can't beat it. It's my birthday in a couple of weeks time, so this is an early present to myself!

Cazzie · #8 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 10:30 PM

Stonking shots there Graham! *well jealous*

Love them all but especially ratties whikkies!

Just need to find my camera manual now...

Meles meles · #9 (**permalink**) 23-09-2007, 10:39 PM

Great photos,

And if that was on one of your "bad days",
Christ in that case i think i may only have about ten good days a year

the second pic of Nuthatch is fab,
A real "look at me proudly pose"

GME · #10 (**permalink**) 25-09-2007, 08:11 PM

Lovely shots. I'm always impressed by such nice images when high ISO settings are used. Shows just what can be achieved in difficult conditions with a bit of patience, persistence and talent! Thanks for sharing & congrats on some quality pics