Kingfisher update

Even a 'lurker' such as myself has to comment on this amazing set.
For me #4 is an image of a lifetime, capturing the beauty, grace and stealth of a stunning bird.

With such great shots it seems a shame to pick on the noise etc.

I have to agree with Gareth in terms of the jealousy level

I have only seen a Kingfisher flash by once as well and that was when I was visiting the wildlife centre just outside Cardigan

I'm not 'picking' on anything, etc. I think the first set was exceptional. If this set was as technically proficient then they would be extraordinary. They are very good shots but I don't think that the exceptional timing is matched by the technical aspects, which as explained was due to the bad luck of a hunting lens. I'm sorry not to eulogise about these shots (I'll reserve that for the first set) but I think there is room for contrary opinion. I know the subject matter is very challenging but for me a great shot has to be pretty much perfect regardless of the difficulty factor.

I'm not having a go Dr O I just felt it would be a shame if I mentioned the issues - I did not make myself clear - sorry .

For the record I feel that your comments are constructive, well placed and welcome (IMHO)

No worries Dr. O. I know exactly where your coming from and I appreciate your critique. I present my pictures on here for honest appraisal, while I put them on flickr for a pat on the back Although I must say I've met some great people through flickr whose contributions also help to raise the bar.

I did allude to issues in my OP I was both very excited and at the same time disappointed when I took the pictures I just knew I had to grab a few before trying to make focal length corrections. I was actually pleasantly surprised to have captured what I did.

I do also very much appreciate the comments from those who have "savoured the moment". Because it was fabulous and I'm priviged to have seen it and been able to share it (sounds corny, but it really felt special)

Anyway. it does mean I hsve to carry on trying. While I hope it doesn't take another 60 hours, I think that it will probably take a lot longer as the opportunity I had here seems out of the ordinary. I'll put a couple of hours in tommorrow AM before work (I tried this morning and didn't click the shutter once)

In the meantime I've still got loads like the first set from both sessions