discussion Strictly for the birds

[Tim Marlow]

Hi all
I haven't posted anything in here yet, and as I currently have no bench I thought it would still be a way for me to contribute to the forum.....
Amongst my other interests are birdwatching and photography.....I haven't done much recently due to the house move preparations, but here are some shots from the last few years....















All of these were taken in the wild (except the Vulture :rolling: ) at various RSPB or nature reserves around Salisbury. I have some more that I'll post soon......

 

[Guest]

Very nice Pictures :smiling3:.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Nest instalment......


This Oystercatcher was used on the Radio 4 web site to illustrate "Tweet of the day".....

This Red Kite got "Shot of the day" on Flykr.....



My favourite shot so far.....







I have also found that it's far easier to take pictures than it is to process them.....I'm about eighteen months behind now.....
Hope this is of interest to someone....
Tim

 

[spanner570]

All great shots Tim.
Love the Tern just touching the surface - Top Shot!

Thanks for sharing.
Ron

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks guys, appreciate the replies.....

 

[wotan]

Tim

I share your interest. These are very nice shots.

John

 

[Jim R]

Hi Tim
Beautiful photos of beautiful creatures. The avocet was timed just so - perfect.
Jim

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks John, appreciate the comment.....where is your local patch?
Hi Jim, many thanks......no timing involved, I just tracked him in and crashed the motor drive LOL......

 

[Ian M]

They are all great, but the in flight ones are spectacularly good.

 

[Ian M]

Could we ask what you are using?

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Ian
The camera is a Canon 7DII, and there were two lenses used. The oldest shots were taken with an L series 300mm F4 prime fitted with a 1.4 converter, and the later ones used a 100-400L zoom. All shots were hand held. Post processing was carried out using Adobe Light room.....and the images have been compressed to keep the upload file sizes small.....
The Canon is very useful for in flight shots in particular....it has three user configurable pre-sets, so I always have one optimised for stationary birds and one for in flight birds....all I have to do is switch to the right pre set, frame the shot, and fire away.....I also have it set up for rear button focus so I can lock on and pre focus before firing the shutter.....

 

[Mickc1440]

Such a great variety to take pics of, stunning pics Tim

 

[stillp]

Superb photos Tim!
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Mick, thanks for the compliment...there are loads out there, take a walk with some binoculars and see what turns up....

Hi Pete, thanks, appreciate that mate....

 

[Guest]

Great to see these on here Tim. Hopefully you will soon find some good places for some more photos in your new area .

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks John, there are some good reserves on the somerset levels that I will be much closer too....and we will be in a rural area anyway.....so here’s hoping!

 

[yak face]

Superb pics tim , i love to see nature , particularly birds, ive had a keen interest ever since my next door neighbour gave me a book when i was about 10 years old . It was the AA book of british birds , a beautifully illustrated book and superbly set out . I still have it to this day and its still relevant , if i had the skill to take pics like these i would as i find them fascinating , cheers tony

 

[colin m]

Great pictures. Of course wildlife isn't always helpful when trying get a quick pick so I'm sure there's some very difficult pictures in here.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks Tony, nice of you to compliment me like that....I find sitting in a hide for an hour or so very good for de-stressing.

Thanks Colin. I’m not the most patient photographer, so usually go walking in wildlife “hot spots” to increase my chances. One of the tricks is to observe the wildlife, looking for repeated patterns, such as circuits and landings....get into the right spot, check the background will be uncluttered, and then just wait for the animal to come to you....nothing that difficult here.