What have you seen

Thanks for the info BM! We enjoyed seeing Swans and Mallards down on the water too, plus a lone Cormorant near Temple Meads (they seem to get everywhere!) I can take a walk on the Downs next time I visit, my sister lives up there so perhaps she can point me in the right direction. 

We got back home today and a female blackbird has started nest building in a shrubby area on the front of our house. This happens nearly every year and we rarely see her, the nest is usually well hidden and she is very clever at avoiding being seen.

Missed the Waxwings by minutes yesterday but did watch a SEO for about 30 mins at Oulton Marshes.  Off to RSPB Strumpshaw this morning, might get a pic of the Jack Snipe

How is the progress on the new lens, any good shots?

Decided to try using raw files with the 5d mk4 as I have more time, only to find my photoshop and lightroom are not compatible with the latest raw files, so having to learn how to use the DPP from canon. 

Hey BM, Have got some good shots with new lens and converter but still a bit of a learning process.

Went to Strumpshaw this morning and saw both common Snipe and Jack Snipe.  Jack Snipe continually bobs up and down which I didn't know.  So apart form the broad yellow stripes on the back you can identify by the bobbing.  Every day is a learning experience

2 x Tree Creepers at Strumpshaw today

Having used a monopod for most of the sports events I covered, bird pics were very different and found hand held the most useable.

However, a fairly fast shutter speed (1/1500 plus) gave better results as my ability to hold the lens/ converter still enough was challenged. A very good photographer I know recommended 1/3000 whenever possible.

A couple of good days here near Pickering. Lapwings and Curlews calling yesterday morning replaced this morning by a Skylark. Saw a couple of Red Deer Does in the woods by Cawthorne Roman Camps, and our first frogs & spawn in Cropton Forest. This morning I heard my first Yellowhammer calling, and then is evening a pair of Hares chasing round in the field beyond the site. To top it off a Barn Owl was patrolling the hedgerows around the site around 4:00 this evening. Hope to be ready with my camers for a return visit tomorrow.

Saw several Brimstone Butterflys at Strumpshaw.

Haven't seen or heard a Skylark yet around here.

We've got skylarks but no sight of  a Brimstone butterfly yet. Lots of  different bees out. A neighbour keeps bees but apparently his head off in an easterly direction each day so the bees in our garden are probably from somewhere else. We have a lot of bumble bees living in crevices in our stone walling etc. it's good to see them out just now.

Went to BIL's and surprised to see a Black Cap in his garden.