Personality.
Mar 28th, 2007 by Duncan
Photographing birds is a funny game I always think, you can take lots of acceptable shots of a species, and then you’ll get one with just that little bit extra, one that captures the character of the bird. I made one of my usual pilgrimages to Lake Guyatt while I was in Sale today, there wasn’t a great variety of birds there, but nevertheless I took several shots of Black Swans and Silver Gulls, common birds that I’ve photographed often. I deleted most of them, but kept one of each that I thought fitted in the above thoughts.
There was one good bird there, a Darter, drying its wings on the floating platform. It was a bit wary of the mob of school children yahooing their way along the path, and then of me, but I managed to shoot plenty of frames before it was up and away. Once again I deleted most of them, but saved the one that showed the bird just that little bit better than the others.
There’s rain forecast for the next day or two, still badly needed, hopefully I won’t have any opportunity to take the camera outside. Click for bigger pix.
There’s rain on the way Dunc. That’s if it lasts that long. It’s been very spasmodic and very sparse. Good luck. Hope it makes it.
Fingers crossed Shirl.
Good catch with the darter. I haven’t seen one for ages. The chequered patterns on the wings of those birds are stunning.
BTW, we’ve had about 6mm of rain this evening.
Wonderful group of photos, Duncan. Quite the look on that gull’s face! I hope you get that rain as I’m sure you could use it.
I know what you mean. I find it’s easier to bring out the personality of urban ring-billed gulls since they sit still long enough for me to take a series of shots of them.
Darters have become quite common up here over the last few years Snail, we never used to see them, yes, those wings are striking, I just went out and checked the gauge, 12 mm, beauty.
Great minds think alike eh John.
Thanks Bev, when I first looked over the little lake I nearly got back into the car, but then saw the darter, and one thing led to another. Just goes to show one shouldn’t be too hasty!
Nice group Duncan–envious of the Darter! I never tire of photographing even the most mundane of birds (if I’m allowed to suggest that there ARE mundane birds). I’ve photographed next door’s Starlings on numerous occasions trying to get that ultimate image. I suggest that all aspiring bird photographers should hone their skills that way.
I’m envious every time I look at your pictures Alan! Looks as though we’re of the same mind, always keep trying for that special image no matter how many times we’ve clicked the shutter on a species. I’ve just had orders from “the management” to have a go at the starlings in their speckled finery.
Great shots yet again Duncan. Hope you continue to get good rains in coming months – we’ve just had a little drizzle on and off – I tried to get wet on my walk this morning – to no avail.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you too Trevor, we all need some of that elusive rain.
Beautiful photos – but I particularly loved and was stunned by the photo of the Darter.
Glad you like them M, The Darter is a special bird.