A stroll in the park

Knock me down with a 600mm f2.8. Looked outside this morning and it wasn't raining for the first time since about 1976. The following were all taken with K-5 IIs and Sigma 100-300mm f4.


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4 - This distinctive, heart-shaped nesting hole is coveted by many species, but nuthatches usually win. Just after this one had popped in to inspect the furnishings, however...


5 - ...it found itself trapped by the world's most optimistic avian. It took the parakeet several minutes to realise it wouldn't fit, after which the nuthatch was able to fly off to the letting agent (a shot I missed, obviously).


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7

The more I see from this lens....A cracking set of shots

Cracking set indeed.

Mazeballs, specially the robins. I love robins.

How do you get them to keep their mouths open? Do you tell them a particularly extraordinary story?

That's an unfortunate consequence of the unseasonally mild climate, Chris. Robins are dynamic singers at the best of times, and often hold long notes of Aretha Franklin proportions, but at the moment they seem to have been fooled into thinking it's time to find a mate (which it isn't, yet), so all the bloke robins are in a particularly melodic mood. Breeding now would be a rubbish idea, because there is bound to be a cold snap before spring is sprung and sustaining sufficient warmth for fledglings could be problematic, ditto finding enough food.

It makes for more dramatic robin pictures, but you can't help but wish they'd check their calendars.

Thanks to all for the kind words. Much appreciated.

Superb set those Simon.

Wonderful photos. (It's amazing that you get them so sharp with a long lens while strolling in the park! )

Philip

Great pics Simon
Which park was it ?

Kelsey Park, Ian, in Beckenham. Great range of wildlife, but at weekends you need to get in fairly early before teeming humanity scares it all away.

Thanks
I'll try and pop down during the week -)

Excellent shots!

Very nice - and all in one day

to be a bit picky, I would say they are mostly a trifle over-exposed, but really nice shots anyway!