Afternoon In The Dearne Valley

Had a great afternoon exploring two lakes in the Dearne Valley area, one at Park Springs near Grimethorpe and the other at Manvers which is next door to RSPB Old Moor.

After completing a circuit of Park Springs, we spotted a Kestrel hovering but wherever it moved to, I was always shooting towards the sun. A little while after the Kestrel moved on, another bird of prey appeared which was soaring quite high up so I couldn't get a decent picture. We think it might have been a Buzzard but can't be sure.

One of the Swans there took a dislike to one of the others and it's head went down as it charged in it's direction. I was fascinating to watch as both Swans flew past me before landing at the other end of the lake.

Next we visited a lake we've never been to before, despite it being right next door to Old Moor. Not as many birds here but it's a lovely walk and I'm sure we'll be back again soon.

Debbie.

RSPB Fairburn Ings

Yesterday we went along to RSPB Fairburn Ings, we've not been here since June 2005. Paul persuaded me that it would be a good idea to go on the Kingfisher Walk but there were too many people in the group trying to squeeze into the hides for it to be enjoyable or to have much chance of seeing anything. We did find out where the best places were to look for them though and did get some good views during the afternoon when we went back round the reserve.

I tried my teleconverter on the 300mm lens but the manual focus was more trouble than it was worth, I don't think I've done bad at all without it. I did get some shots of the Kingfisher but it was just a little bit too far away, Paul managed a few shots with his monster lens.

I love the bird feeding areas at Fairburn, out in the open with plenty of light, even on a dull day like yesterday, not like at Old Moor where it's dark even in bright sunshine. The rats I'm not so keen on and they were everywhere you looked!

Debbie.

Wharncliffe Wood

Had a good four hour walk around Wharncliffe Wood this afternoon, would have been a bit quicker if the routes were marked a little better!

The Autumn colours are starting to come through now and the leaves are steadily falling, I'm hoping to get out and catch some of those golden browns over the next few weeks.

Debbie.

Potteric Carr

Had a trudge round Potteric Carr yesterday, loads to see but not a great deal in range of my 200mm lens even with a 2x converter. On the up side, having to use manual focus with the converter wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, I still need to try it out with the 300mm lens though.

I'm all photographed out today, having a break from it before we head off yet again!

Debbie.

Garden Sunset

We've had an amazing sunset tonight, had to sprint out into the garden with the camera or I'd have missed it!

Debbie.