A clutch from the weekend

Hello all. I haven't posted any pics for a week or two I think, but I managed to get out with the camera this weekend and here's a handful. Weather was a bit changeable although the theme was generally that I would go out early with the camera and the weather would then get really nice when I got back home and had my 'chores' to do......

All taken with K7 but variety of lenses - have indicated against each picture

First up is a rather lovely blue flower with somewhat twirly buds... (DFA 100) makes me think of some sort of weird organic radar set...



A Mandarin Duckling (growing up fast) practices her ballet in the morning. Or maybe does yoga. Stretching anyway... (Sigma 100-300)



A Moorhen feeding it's chick amongst all the water lillies. I have to say the Moorhen chick is not much of a looker... (Sigma 100-300)



Mama Mandarin looks right into the camera (DA* 50-135)



Finally, there are foxgloves flowering all over the place! (these two both DA*50-135)






and they are attracting plenty of insect interest (this with the DA* 300):



Hope you like them. As ever any C&C welcomed. My LBA got the better of me this week so I now have a DA 21 Ltd... looking forward to putting it through it's paces this week

Regards

Really liking 3 Mat, nice set.

Regards,

John

the first i like the most, i like the color of the flower and the buds.

mama mandarian is also a great capture

I agree with johnwhit

I love the mandarin duckling stretching - I think you were very lucky managing to get that one - why do I like it - it's different

Mama Mandarin is a lovely study .

There's lots to enjoy here, Matt. The mother duck, the foxgloves, the bee... oh, whatever. I like all of them. Shows your versatility as a photographer!

Thanks for the kind comments everyone - much appreciated. I have to confess that I have a soft spot for the Mandarin ducks... , as long as you can get them in focus (not always straightforward) then they tend to make for great pictures (if you like ducks)

Regards

That is pleasant bokeh out of the 50-135 Mat!

Thanks i-Berg and Gareth - you are right on both counts (IMO). The 50-135 does seem to have nice bokeh. I think both Foxglove shots were taken at f2.8..., and probably at the long end of the lens; and it is a cool duck as well

Thanks again all

Mat,

Your "rather lovely blue flower with somewhat twirly buds" also answers to the name of Meadow cranesbill and is a member of the geranium family.

Fine specimen sensitively photographed: by far the most successful of the set from both a technical and creative perspective, IMHO.

Regards,

Jon

Thanks for comment and especially the info Jon

Regards