Below are some of my personal favourite shots from this past year. All have been taken with my Sigma 70-300mm which, for most of the year, has been jammed on 200mm and struggling to auto-focus!
By the end of January, I had already snapped up a local rarity in the form of a beautiful Long Eared Owl; which took no notice of me or my companion, David Campbell (see his blog here) and allowed some excellent photography opportunities...
A trip to Hayling Island in late Winter with the RSPB would prove to be a brilliant day out, with a very scarce Glaucous Gull being the reward. It was very cautious of us as it fed, constantly looking up at us, but I was provided with a rare photography opportunity...
I took one of my favourite shots of a Teal at the London Wetlands Centre. The bird had just appeared out of the undergrowth in the Sheltered Lagoon, and the crystal clear water and conditions allowed for a nice reflection...
In the middle of spring, I heard news of a very rare White throated Sparrow on my favourite nature reserve, Old Winchester Hill. It showed brilliantly for me and a few others, before dipping down into the bushes and only very rarely reappearing for the rest of it's stay...
I don't think 2009 has been anything special, and I haven't managed to get out and about as much as I would have hoped due to GCSE mocks, however, I have been particularly pleased with a few shots I have taken this year, especially the ones above.
The situation will probably be the same in 2010, with the real GCSEs looming over, and until the start of summer, where I will have a big gap before College to do as much photography as I like, the blog will probably be quite quiet.
New Year's resolutions? I never really know what to put... but I guess that when I have the time, I should aim to get down to my local patch more (Bushy Park) and try for the common species that I haven't yet caught on camera like Coal Tit, Siskin and a Tawny Owl. Maybe I should start a patch list again to keep me motivated.
Anyway, have a great New Year... roll on 2010!
5 comments:
Excellent stuff Bill - especially the long eared owl! Good luck next year - and with the exams too.
Hi Billy. Excellent shots from your 2009 collection. Patch list sounds like a good idea, I'm definitely going to try local more often next year.
HNY and good shooting in 2010. FAB.
Excellent shots and review Billy, that Long-eared Owl was simply brilliant and the highlight of my year.
We should go on one of those walks down to the Hampshire coast (or elsewhere) again soon.
atb
David.
Thanks guys. That Owl was spectacular! Good luck with your patch listing Frank.
I agree, David. Sorry we haven't met up this holiday but there are a couple of Guildford RSPB walks coming up or we could go for the Firecrests?
Good one Bill and I much enjoyed the 2009 summing-up. Here's wishing you much success in 2010 both with your GCSE's and your blog/photography.
GRAMPS
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