Many thanks Steve, John and Emma. The pics are mainly taken with the DA*300 on my K-7, although the Damselfly was taken with the DFA100 mounted with a 2x teleconverter. The DA*300 is a great lens, but last week it was nice and sunny so i could get the aperture squeezed down small to f8, f9 and still get decent fast shutter speeds, giving some sharp results.

Cheers

Hello again all. Last week I managed to have a mosey around two of the WWT Wetland Centres, at Barnes (near my home) and Arundel (the next nearest), and thought I would share a handful of shots of what I found there. If you like birds and wildlife at all I recommend them for a visit. They have a good mix of a 'collection' of species, which are effectively captive, although not particularly in enclosures, and wild animals, some of which you can get very close to, and others which can be seen from the extensive hides provided. Long lens recommended though.

Anyway, first up, water ON a duck's back...




A Bufflehead (somewhat of a cutie) seeking refuge in the shade:




Bewick's Swan - he looks built for speed to my mind:




and it's not all birds! Here's a frog (Marsh Frog?):




and a Damselfly (Blue tailed Damsel I think):




Sleepy Scoter... These guys are all black and look very cool!




A Mallard throwing shapes (ahem...)




and finally a white headed duck. I can never resist these ducks. Their big blue bill is just a wonder




I hope you like these. Any C&C welcome as ever. There are a load more on my flickr if anyone wants to see more...

Regards

I heartlly recommend Richmond Park (especially), Bushy Park, and also Bedfont Lakes... all in West London (or outer west London) where there are ponds (ducks, geese...) other birds, rabbits, Deer and loads of bugs, all for free. As John says, the WWT at Barnes is ace, and I go there often, although (unless you are a WWT member) will cost a tenner to get in. Lots of guaranteed subject matter ideal for a 300mm lens, though, in their collection (there's a fair few shots from there on my Flickr...)

These are very cool Tim. Well observed and taken. Your street photographs are very accomplished!

Regards

Thanks again all. Paul you are right it is pretty expensive - just short of £14 for an adult - so I don't go very often (especially with so many other (free) green spaces nearby as well). I remember years ago it was almost free to get into Kew I think. Having said that, there is a fair bit to see and wander around so you can certainly spend a day there if that way inclined.

i-Berg, here is the cactus flower in colour...




Regards

I agree with Fatspider. There is good focus on the bird and nice wing blur catching the action, so I reckon you could crop a bit tighter, but it's a great catch. I always find find it so hard to get good shots of these small critters. Nice one

Wow nice work - well done!

Regards

Thanks all. I think you are right Smeggy, that Heron is definitely standing in something unsavoury, but whether it is its own...

Great set! there are some crackers here. I especially like number 6. With a little PP these would be fantastic I think.

Nice job

That's a great set! and what an amazing looking landscape. The colours and the texture in the first four are rather splendid but all of these are strong shots. I especially like the dolphin too

Regards