MK5 Golf GTI

General => Photography Section => Topic started by: RedRobin on August 06, 2010, 11:06:58 pm

Title: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 06, 2010, 11:06:58 pm
.
As someone who only cleans his car when it gets particularly dirty, I only strim the grass in my garden occasionally, only cut my hair about twice a year, and generally much prefer low maintenance although my GTI gets serviced etc every 10k miles. Consequently, my garden may be described as rustic and a haven for wildlife. I live near a small river with many trees. I used to lug around a professional camera kit - Nikon and then Canon - but nowadays a compact digital Fuji Finepix EXR does the job. Obviously it has a number of limitations and I accept the compromise.

So, technically the following pics won't be the most pin-sharp or professional quality but I think the images are worth sharing.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FRedAdmiral.jpg&hash=2039e6a7d8ed73fff8a06a9550ca959f351191c5)

^ Red Admiral. Apparently quite rare but I've always had one or two in my garden. I have a whole bunch of nettles growing and they like them. This shot was taken literally at arm's length as the beauty was in a tree. That's a bench seat in soft focus below.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSnails_probing.jpg&hash=24afea55185dfb0bf69d9fd0955867f991d5ff46)

^ Two Giant Pond Snails about to enjoy coitus for a couple of hours. Yes, that white 'tongue' is actually a penis. A Magpie has since smashed up one of these two - I saw it happen.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSnailEggs.jpg&hash=625d3ff6a4f4e8e601fa811700d1e88e09cafb3a)

^ The resulting snail eggs under a dying lily leaf.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLilyLeaves.jpg&hash=d508455a57775c0c0e139091018df881908df7d9)

^ Dying water lily leaves in the small pond I built. Nature's paintings.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLarvae.jpg&hash=ad501f6e4d3ac6b85720d84978ef0a363aedeb99)

^ Unidentified larvae - Probably Mosquito or Gnat.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHoverFly1.jpg&hash=be08ef235a7a67301f14f470b937574763ad670e)

^ Hover Fly (Helophilus pendulus) on water lily leaf. A regular visitor who is quite tame and allows me to get close.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflower_birth.jpg&hash=0b4c6efdf2e1623ce34e6f85e813b9ddb12135ff)

^ The birth of a Sunflower. Again a very low maintenance plant.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflower_birthbud.jpg&hash=1b2ad52363e92a299df964832d8b0c7bae7faf4c)

^ Another Sunflower head starting.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FMayFly.jpg&hash=44c93e671f281cf7df258b080082a4b419d55830)

^ Mayfly (Drake Mackerel) - Elegance!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHedgehog_baby.jpg&hash=0770b6f143650037675acb23ea3df45eb7b2a315)

^ A young Hedgehog on a mission. I came across him one morning - He didn't hang around!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FFly_whiteflower.jpg&hash=99346332cf62d80aa95ef395521c18a0f5f721c8)

^ Another type of Hoverfly (Eupeodes luniger), a migrant species from Europe, on an unknown-to-me plant. The only things I've planted have been Sunflowers and a couple of trees.

More pics to follow in due course. Hoping you enjoy  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on August 06, 2010, 11:09:35 pm
Excellent robin.  :notworthy:

And great quality pics when viewed on the imac.  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Greeners on August 06, 2010, 11:10:47 pm
Lovely shots RR!  :congrats:

I may have to XXX rate the snail shot, and as for your 'tame' hoverfly!!  :signLOL: :grin: Classic!  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 06, 2010, 11:21:52 pm
^^^^
THX guys  :drinking:

I couldn't believe what I was witnessing with those snails. A friend with a large pond (well actually more than one pond) had given them to me only hours earlier and I was watching to see how they'd settle in. They were connected for about two hours!! I think they're bi-sexual. The snails help clean up the pond - I'm not going to have any fish (too much maintenance!).

A friend said I should have made a snail porn video with some of my music as soundtrack and put it on YouTube :laugh:.


 
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: stealthwolf on August 06, 2010, 11:33:05 pm
is that the F200exr camera?

Some awesome shots.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: matsu on August 07, 2010, 08:56:15 am
wow.. cool pix
thanks for sharing
matsu
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Andy on August 07, 2010, 09:06:49 am
Excellent photo's R/R :notworthy: think i will have to invest in one of them camera's
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Richn83 on August 07, 2010, 09:21:19 am
dont take this the wrong way but when i read the title i expected scantilly clad ladies  :signLOL:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 10:19:05 am

dont take this the wrong way but when i read the title i expected scantilly clad ladies  :signLOL:


....Absolutely not taken in the wrong way - I'm always flattered to be associated with beautiful ladies :drinking:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 10:29:17 am

Excellent photo's R/R :notworthy: think i will have to invest in one of them camera's


....Cheers for the encouragement (and stealth and matsu!).

It's the FinePix F200 EXR with Super CCD sensor:  http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09020402fujifilmfinepixf200exr.asp

Cost about 300 squid and I haven't explored all its settings yet. Nice big viewing screen, not too small to operate but small enough for a pocket. Stokeballoon has the same camera.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Richn83 on August 07, 2010, 10:44:08 am

dont take this the wrong way but when i read the title i expected scantilly clad ladies  :signLOL:


....Absolutely not taken in the wrong way - I'm always flattered to be associated with beautiful ladies :drinking:

And just to add they are also excellent pictures RR very clear and well exposed,  :drinking:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Janner_Sy on August 07, 2010, 11:30:15 am
very good pics there RR :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 11:46:06 am

Excellent robin.  :notworthy:

And great quality pics when viewed on the imac.  :happy2:


....Thx TC :drinking:. Coming from someone who also takes good pics imo, that's a great compliment. My strength is in my sense of composition and capturing the moment, not in the technical side. I have cropped most of these pics to improve the originals. I've added colour saturation and sharpness in some but only in iPhoto and not Photoshop.

I won't thank you for mentioning how good they look on your new iMac.. I'm still using the spare G4 iMac and haven't bought the new one yet!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 11:57:42 am

 and as for your 'tame' hoverfly!!  :signLOL: :grin: Classic!  :happy2:


.... :laugh:  Yes I know what you mean and it's very typical of me to think like that.

Whether as big as a horse (or elephant) or as small as a fly, creatures do have varying degrees of shyness or timidity or 'tameness' and most of it is in their species DNA to do with survival.

Some people freak out whenever a wasp or bee appears. Not me, I once went on a beekeepers course and had no fear and could approach closely to a hive without getting stung - I didn't block or interfere with their entrance though! From much experience with horses and Macaws, I believe that most animals are able to tune in on how you are and will respond accordingly. Dogs are another good example. Most cats sense I'm not their friend.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Janner_Sy on August 07, 2010, 12:16:12 pm
you need to change your name to Dr dolittle
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 12:32:32 pm

you need to change your name to Dr dolittle


....Ooooh! Yum-yum.. Babes and fish eggs!  :party:

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Richn83 on August 07, 2010, 12:47:08 pm
I can confirm they look good on the new macbook pros, only just got my first mac and just starting to play with iphoto so interested to know what you did RR.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 07, 2010, 01:08:29 pm

I can confirm they look good on the new macbook pros, only just got my first mac and just starting to play with iphoto so interested to know what you did RR.


....Yep, I bought my daughter a 17" Macbook Pro but I only get to use the spare G4 iMac for now.

In iPhoto (v.6.06 on this Mac), simply double-click your selected thumbnail image to open in the bigger Edit window, or click the <Edit> icon. Drag cursor, adjust and Crop as needed. Open icon <Adjust> panel and you'll see sliders... Adjust as needed and don't be afraid to experiment. In the latest iPhoto you can copy and paste slider settings onto a different pic. You can hit Command+Z to undo or Revert To Original via top Menu.

You can also view more than one pic in the Edit window and make comparisons. Like most Apple stuff, it's very intuitive and user-friendly. Photoshop is far more powerful but has a steeper learning curve.

HTH  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Richn83 on August 08, 2010, 05:38:23 pm

I can confirm they look good on the new macbook pros, only just got my first mac and just starting to play with iphoto so interested to know what you did RR.


....Yep, I bought my daughter a 17" Macbook Pro but I only get to use the spare G4 iMac for now.

In iPhoto (v.6.06 on this Mac), simply double-click your selected thumbnail image to open in the bigger Edit window, or click the <Edit> icon. Drag cursor, adjust and Crop as needed. Open icon <Adjust> panel and you'll see sliders... Adjust as needed and don't be afraid to experiment. In the latest iPhoto you can copy and paste slider settings onto a different pic. You can hit Command+Z to undo or Revert To Original via top Menu.

You can also view more than one pic in the Edit window and make comparisons. Like most Apple stuff, it's very intuitive and user-friendly. Photoshop is far more powerful but has a steeper learning curve.

HTH  :happy2:

Cheer RR, will give it a little play this evening, I have some nice RAW images to play with so should be able to get some good results!  :drinking:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 08, 2010, 06:42:15 pm

Cheer RR, will give it a little play this evening, I have some nice RAW images to play with so should be able to get some good results!  :drinking:


....iPhoto isn't great for handling/editing RAW images (Photoshop is) but check out info here and on Apple's iPhoto Discussions forum:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2297

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iPhoto/8.0/en/6411.html

Have a rummage around the Apple site and especially their Help documents and How-to vids.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Saint Steve on August 08, 2010, 07:43:34 pm
Great Photo's Robin, and as wild as your Back garden is, its good you managed to find your way back to your front door mate going by what i saw when down at yours :signLOL: :signLOL:

Its amazing what exsists in your own garden with some investigation :happy2:

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Hurdy on August 08, 2010, 08:06:41 pm
Great pics Robin. You must have a lot of patience to get those shots :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: cmdrfire on August 08, 2010, 10:00:36 pm
Some great pics there Robin. You've certainly got the knack to capture the "moment"!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: tony_danza on August 09, 2010, 10:23:44 am
I really enjoyed those, you must have a gentle approach.

I love macro pics, here's a bee, a lilly and a tree!

Sorry, Facebook knocks the res & quality right down.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs059.snc1%2F4527_93141075795_611430795_2344255_3830992_n.jpg&hash=f08288a4e945b1cc78f64b2c0b4d40aa7c107200)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs019.snc1%2F4527_93141165795_611430795_2344272_3834825_n.jpg&hash=fc3d32bb12e99a0987bc0811ee64e156dedd44e3)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc4%2Fhs289.snc4%2F40810_93141090795_611430795_2344258_1606919_n.jpg&hash=c8a0888896d8f20140a68d5d0cec4f265bf17999)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 09, 2010, 12:07:02 pm
^^^^
Excellent, Mike!

You've really captured the busy-ness of that bumble bee. You have an eye for composition too  :notworthy:.

If you add a line space inbetween your posted pics they'll look even better with a complete surround, rather than running into each other.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: tony_danza on August 09, 2010, 12:34:46 pm
Why thank you. I have no idea what I'm doing, but they seem to come out ok.

Whilst I love cars, I find real beauty in nature and architecture and like photos of them.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 24, 2010, 12:24:03 am
.
Another set of photos, all on the Fuji 200EXR and shot in the last couple of days:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FCollaredDoves_birdtable.jpg&hash=7e669bf609aa874f2ef45c2f66649e8077f74bd0)

^ My bird table with daily visitors - A pair of Collared Doves. I call it The Bird Cafe and keep it well stocked all year.

I get a wide variety of regular birds visiting including a Sparrowhawk swooping through for a kill.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSpider.jpg&hash=2ef83f25276913e05c6664ad75505b7885d7226a)

^ I'm not sure which spider.. Quite big, as the hole is 15mm.. Probably a Lace-webbed variety.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHarvestman_pumpkin.jpg&hash=ad3d19674aa49b5b597baa8ca312cd302b3a07f7)

^ A Harvestman on a pumpkin.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FFleshFlies_mating.jpg&hash=1a1a9c79433b3d56f2b3563d3496cc56c90d5b6d)

^ A pair of Flesh Flies mating.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSpeckledBushCricket.jpg&hash=5d45260e3cf37f210be6ec036cd2fc05c324f09f)

^ Speckled Bush Cricket - Very handsome mini-beast.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 24, 2010, 10:03:13 am
.
I've just bought a Guide To Garden Wildlife by Richard Lewington:

http://www.richardlewington.co.uk/books.php

His illustrations are stunning and extremely good for identifying the wealth of living creatures who share your garden. Very useful info too.

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Richn83 on August 24, 2010, 10:05:45 am
Nice collection of Photos again RR, I especially like the huge spider coming out of that hole all really well focused and exposed  :drinking:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 24, 2010, 10:25:33 am

Nice collection of Photos again RR, I especially like the huge spider coming out of that hole all really well focused and exposed  :drinking:


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSpider.jpg&hash=2ef83f25276913e05c6664ad75505b7885d7226a)

....Thanks, Rich :drinking:. It's nothing like as pin-sharp as it would be if using a professional Canon or Nikon but you can't carry one of those in your pocket! You never know when you'll get the opportunity to capture a shot: I was doing some fencing and drilling into a concrete post which disturbed this mother spider who went on the defence. I'm not scared of spiders but I'm glad they ain't a lot bigger!

One thing I miss on my digital compact is the ability to set speed and let the aperture auto adjust.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: cmdrfire on August 24, 2010, 10:42:18 am
That's why you want a digital Leica M Robin - much smaller than a DSLR, small enough that I can carry it practically anywhere, with some of the best lenses ever designed, and all manual controls. M8s are quite reasonable these days ever since the M9 came out.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 24, 2010, 12:23:16 pm
^^^^
Which Leica M, Neo? There seem to be quite a few and some at £3.5k - More than I want to spend on a camera nowadays. My pro 35mm Nikons and Canons earned me enough money to pay for themselves.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: cmdrfire on August 24, 2010, 01:46:52 pm
Leica M8 (used) in box, £1799 + lens.

http://www.reddotcameras.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=34_35&products_id=2476

For a superb camera that's quite a good price. But I do appreciate it is big-ish money.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on August 24, 2010, 02:42:28 pm
^^^^
Hmm.. I fully appreciate a Leica's supreme quality but my Fuji Finepix 200EXR only cost me just over £300 and it's far more compact for a pocket in the real world. Plus I only use the results for internet posting / email attachments. Notice how I'm trying to justify not considering spending money on a Leica!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on September 05, 2010, 04:57:34 pm
.
Some more pics, taken recently:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSmallTortoiseshell_wing.jpg&hash=430e1a237a03719adededd126b23adbefbd611ff)

^ Wing of a dead Small Tortoiseshell butterfly who had hibernated in my house and not survived the Iron Butterfly loud rock music.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FMagpieFeather.jpg&hash=79aaba8e53cd47336999355884d8bb113d4c0f95)

^ Discarded Magpie feather.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflowerBirth.jpg&hash=ab56b5956ae4ea28978c23ee7c4fffec37bedb28)

^ Flower Power about to be unleashed.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflowerThreesome.jpg&hash=0c9fa97efcf7d04bf504fa3b554ce934ff14f107)

^ Room enough for a threesome.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflower1a_2010.jpg&hash=3ed007b35cde4a1278e58fe974319011fe952bf8)

^ Maturity. Pushing towards the 10 ft mark and with 6 more flower heads now on the way.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunFire.jpg&hash=c7c7a98d17dbbb31e69c0aa2e457e33d541fff88)

^ Drama.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FCaterpillar_LargeWhite.jpg&hash=c93b5409ac5b4c62802cbc2c3368df973142f267)

^ Caterpillar of the Large White butterfly.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLargeRedSlug.jpg&hash=d440f91da2991b93f17578336e9ee3ad5427d85d)

^ Large Red Slug - Good for the garden. They can grow to nearly 6 inches.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FGardenSpider1.jpg&hash=37dc227883c2b39931f2781e078237a8adcf6942)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FGardenSpider2.jpg&hash=5d06232a1e1407f2298f86a3de781fc1e6f8c12c)

^ A Garden Spider aka Diadem Spider. A lot larger than all my reference books say!

Now what the heck are these!?:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBugMiteBeetle2.jpg&hash=60e2427f8884c21f673e9b0401a712080c5f7bd0)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBugMiteBeetle1.jpg&hash=1f8964d09eaf2bc6c2bf217f749c00e3890eddaa)

^ They suddenly appeared on a water lily leaf yesterday evening and there are no signs of them today.

Bug? Mite? Beetle? Water or land based? - Any experts in the house?

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on September 19, 2010, 09:21:36 am
.
Another round of recent pics:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSunflowerFurryBee.jpg&hash=f566ebf8f10ee8f8da4e32ba4f13640e19c9737f)

^ Honey Bee wearing fur coat in the early morning chill.
Actually, he had died and was just hanging there. I wondered why he kept so still for me!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLogpile_EarlyMorn.jpg&hash=1f8877e74a28f86a1d45c7420fba5109ef26e054)

^ My log pile in the early morning - A lucky sunlight reflection.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FWeir_Autumn.jpg&hash=b505640e33c71bab4223a605516fe1a072104ca6)

^ The wier on the small river at the back of my gaff. From the footbridge. A snap on the way into town.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FWeir_Autumn_2010.jpg&hash=f22b9580a4a755f1bc835a30ea41a246ae8c4238)

^ Autumn leaves - The season is changing.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FSpiderSkyDiver.jpg&hash=b5783553f4beb17fc0f9d1f2b2ded4685666cbc3)

^ The Sky Diver. Always a good idea to look up! Most people don't.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FWolfSpider_ambush.jpg&hash=1dc5b5c248baafe3da4e941a1801554a175dded0)

^ Ambush on the street, or possibly guarding the footpath to my gaff.
Carl is gonna supply him with a gun. One of the many Wolf Spider species I think.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on September 19, 2010, 09:32:26 pm
Great pics Robin.  I think your little mites are aphids (green fly ).  :happy2:

My garden is really small so not to much in the way of wildlife to shoot.

Caught the cat and bits with the new camera. No composition or thought went into these. I was just excited that i was getting exposed pics in manual mode for the first time.  :jumpmove:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FCanon_550D_pics%2FIMG_0217.jpg&hash=6374fc89f48820e5df33cc6efe2b5f6728077170)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FCanon_550D_pics%2FIMG_0219.jpg&hash=45670939d862c0b91038138db47a438c8beb9f3e)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FCanon_550D_pics%2FIMG_0200.jpg&hash=d857ae87e03701b6bd85fb361aa7684b020f58a2)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FCanon_550D_pics%2FIMG_0214.jpg&hash=ab183ba12c1a2e8c4da79e10aef806f7d3290d99)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on September 19, 2010, 10:50:46 pm
@ TC:

Funny thing is that though you say not composed, these shots look composed even if subtley so. I like that first grass pic best - It has a strong sense of movement. The bottom line is whether a photo appeals on some 'emotional' level or not - Just like in any art form. And it's best not to over analyse or get too intellectual about it imo.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Hedge on September 19, 2010, 10:58:56 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftomashandmilly%2FCanon_550D_pics%2FIMG_0200.jpg&hash=d857ae87e03701b6bd85fb361aa7684b020f58a2)

This one here is my favourite.
Obviously the subject matter is close to my heart but the picture is well exposed (not easy with blacks and whites) and you know that one wrong move and he will have your face off.  :smiley:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on September 19, 2010, 11:04:15 pm
^^^^
Yep, the cat shot is strong. As it's so simple I think it would be justifiable to Photoshop away the debris.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: cmdrfire on September 19, 2010, 11:11:11 pm
<3 that white cat. Love the slightly awkward paws.

Here's a pic of our garden wildlife that I took...

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2514%2F4124906371_4dbf7f45a2_b.jpg&hash=8ec026ec45b8a3a51c9a538f3e062c44627b86b0)

(he's a big sweety really)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 09, 2010, 12:52:26 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FRockery_upper_Oct28.jpg&hash=5928181bb83f99caf83768cbc8263e4f9d198489)

More wildlife and pondlife pics coming soon   :smiley:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 09, 2010, 03:00:03 pm
.
It's Ladybird Time!  :pomppomp: :pomppomp: :pomppomp: :pomppomp: :star:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLadybirdEmerge_July7.jpg&hash=93615a7f9d0660a1a16dc0e442c813277b7c7b64)

^ 0-spot ladybird emerging from its pupa (July). Will it develop spots?

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHarlequin1_Oct30.jpg&hash=37109b101ea97aac78cca9b971b64b873ead6b3d)

^ The infamous bad boy on the block Harlequin Ladybird.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHarlequin_Oct30JPG.jpg&hash=e9c06db533b6c47661fa2d8813f0230b46c7efd2)

^ Another shot of the same Harlequin.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHarlequin_dimple.jpg&hash=bf52438f62e452c531e0528c299bd45a3cb9ae50)

^ Another Harlequin bad boy, identifiable due to the dimples.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FHarlequin_black.jpg&hash=4d1bc807d4dd6c4a5e8918f71b65c13f199573f5)

^ A black Harlequin.

The Harlequin Ladybirds are considered as unwelcome aliens by some purists - It's a whole different and very debatable topic.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FLadybirdBee_nestbox.jpg&hash=0e2d284e46e72476f1b9fc8081c8146880b5bd22)

^ My recently installed Bee & Ladybird box. Hopefully solitary species of bees will inhabit the upper bamboo tubes (aka missile launchers) and ladybirds the basement.

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 13, 2011, 06:02:08 pm
.
My daughter bought me a Bumble Bee Nester for my birthday :

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleNest_location.jpg&hash=49aba2f815a789f744d914c51c19d220e7742a86)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleB_nesterbase.jpg&hash=93d2b2b2dda29c56d549d79208f38709fcb86afe)

^ It's ceramic and frost-proof  :happy2:

This is why I leave large areas of my grass uncut and there's no such thing as weeds in my book :

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleB_pollen.jpg&hash=1c649abd89ba26139790d9d10a6ea5bd260e64f4)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleB_bum.jpg&hash=99fc931093d9f827021384769885dde7b58bb975)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleB_tongue.jpg&hash=ab77b09b7b3d69db9c55d130680d29d9b603e897)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FBumbleB_tail.jpg&hash=201d4eae1b942e2342819048aa446fc874b4f7b3)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Jack Rabbit on April 13, 2011, 06:24:20 pm
i like the bumble bee nester  :happy2:

we used to have a bumble bee nest in our wall, our patio table was in the flight path and was hilarious to watch them come into land heavy, miss it and not seen them for a year or so.

Where did you find that nester mate? and how do you encourage bumble bees to nest? genuinely interested - would love to have some in our garden again
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MPS on April 13, 2011, 08:56:07 pm
Here's some pics I took a few years ago, a Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas Tiliae) drying its wings out in the breeze of the wind-tunnel that is our driveway!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0393.jpg&hash=7affb0160c703c8f8321ccd6f138887054561950)

Beautiful wing-pattern and colouration, screams 'Vulcan Bomber' to me!!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0397.jpg&hash=d1412953bcff8eadb357bc716f8894f85ba929d6)

Beady-eyes!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0398.jpg&hash=3b32a16d4cf08bbce5d836cd83239d41af95cf79)

...and the pupae found directly underneath, which I gave to my nephew for him to show at his wildlife lesson in school!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0395.jpg&hash=9e27b2a6723b51f1074c43deb213ea02d02c3584)

I also spotted this newt one summer in the driveway, dunno what it was doing there or how he got there as I thought they were water based? Anyone know what type it could be? It was approx 3.5 - 4 inches long.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0372.jpg&hash=ace547e6f6fd1a4418016dea665c2ebb0df7beb1)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: alexperkins on April 13, 2011, 11:33:05 pm
Some good shots there MPS. Difficult to capture the little Gecko/lizard types sharply as they move so bloody quick!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MJR on April 13, 2011, 11:35:35 pm
1st pic of the moth is very good  :happy2:

I'll need to start a thread of all my photography soon, busily starts uploading all my pics to the tinterweb  :signLOL:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 13, 2011, 11:58:45 pm

Here's some pics I took a few years ago, a Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas Tiliae) drying its wings out in the breeze of the wind-tunnel that is our driveway!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0393.jpg&hash=7affb0160c703c8f8321ccd6f138887054561950)

Beautiful wing-pattern and colouration, screams 'Vulcan Bomber' to me!!

I also spotted this newt one summer in the driveway, dunno what it was doing there or how he got there as I thought they were water based? Anyone know what type it could be? It was approx 3.5 - 4 inches long.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FIMG_0372.jpg&hash=ace547e6f6fd1a4418016dea665c2ebb0df7beb1)

....That moth screams Vulcan bomber to me too. Hedge will like that.

That's a female Common Newt aka Smooth Newt. They live and breed in water from about March to July and then hibernate on land. It's not uncommon to find them en route to somewhere on land. I've currently got at least 5 Palmate Newts breeding in my wildlife (no fish) pond.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FNewts5_7thMar11.jpg&hash=c4086cb8a5afb0870ee5e56122e81edbee93ca80)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on April 14, 2011, 12:07:16 am
Robin... that beehive looks ace! I will be interested to see if they take to it  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 14, 2011, 12:09:29 am

i like the bumble bee nester  :happy2:

we used to have a bumble bee nest in our wall, our patio table was in the flight path and was hilarious to watch them come into land heavy, miss it and not seen them for a year or so.

Where did you find that nester mate? and how do you encourage bumble bees to nest? genuinely interested - would love to have some in our garden again


....My daughter bought it for me from somewhere on the internet.

Bumble Bee Nester:   http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ceramic+bumble+bee+nester&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

Ideally they like an old mouse nest but cut straw etc will usually suffice. The nester comes with simple instructions. The stone outside the entrance to mine offers a landing pad.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: GLIDN on April 14, 2011, 06:00:32 am
great pictures  :drinking:

the mayfly one would have to be my favourite.
But keep up the photography. You clearly have a knack for it.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 14, 2011, 10:02:45 am

great pictures  :drinking:

the mayfly one would have to be my favourite.
But keep up the photography. You clearly have a knack for it.


....Thanks for the encouragement  :smiley: I've been taking photos for over 50 years so am not about to stop!  :grin:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 15, 2011, 04:18:28 pm
.
Some more newt pics:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FNewt_14thApr11.jpg&hash=fce54fa917616439a2ed3e226af6308a1aad7e5f)

^ Palmate Newt male (more colourful).

The following two pics are of a male and female pair. The female may be preparing to lay an egg and the male ready to release sperm:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FNewtPair_14thApr11.jpg&hash=039952185fd350d6819e39d4f9de17619eae7742)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FNewtsPair_14thApr11.jpg&hash=6c73875200d298941222cd8207853ed93657ab49)

Photography in these conditions is largely a matter of luck. Newts are shy and more easily seen at night and tend to spot you first and then hide. My camera is also limited for such photography being a digital compact Fuji FinePix F200EXR. But I'm pleased with the best of my shots, not as sharp professional standard but for capturing the moment and atmosphere.

I have become a newt enthusiast!  :grin:

This pic puts the wildlife pond (no fish) in context:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FPond_15thApr11.jpg&hash=64e0ea9bc7f3615d1ad49c742b4c57216b9541d6)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on April 15, 2011, 04:22:42 pm
They are great pics for a compact.  :happy2: and those Newts wont want to leave, it looks like a great place for them.  :smiley:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: gti265 on April 16, 2011, 02:52:47 am
just some photos of animals/wildlife


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fyy167%2Fspike2018%2F426.jpg&hash=6328b0028769df9be1fbcb4a5f1e237620903bc0)
giraffe in south africa

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fyy167%2Fspike2018%2F424.jpg&hash=8677ce35d59d89a2b8fa6c001142113f2801d81b)
zebra in south africa

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fyy167%2Fspike2018%2F118.jpg&hash=73818f4c1d7f0973b996e4562f080acdf37a0898)
cow and calf on my farm

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fyy167%2Fspike2018%2F100.jpg&hash=45c3082fc320ce8b3cf1f40cf57ac72983c83465)
calf

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fyy167%2Fspike2018%2F136.jpg&hash=3bc849879cec272f3bec3018946798a7accf187d)
calfs


Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 16, 2011, 08:44:32 am

They are great pics for a compact.  :happy2: and those Newts wont want to leave, it looks like a great place for them.  :smiley:


....Thanks, TC  :drinking: - I think if I was a Newt I'd want to stay in my pond too!  :grin:

The underwater Star Dome is the place to hang out! :

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FNewt_StarWindow.jpg&hash=ee77e3a4be37cd115dca6cb3924202268417d573)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MPS on April 18, 2011, 10:54:24 am
A beautiful dragonfly basking in the warm summer sun. Not the sharpest photo by any means (taken with my mobile phone before it had chance to fly off, which they do with amazing silence!) Can anyone confirm this species? I think it's an Emperor, although I'm not 100% sure.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FDragonfly2.jpg&hash=41a2dd0255a8625a99595b704c59934e159d941f)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Britishlion on April 18, 2011, 03:54:15 pm
Animals ! Here are two of my recent attempts (today actually) which one do you prefer ?



(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_xu65o13o8jw/TaxM5bYmJEI/AAAAAAAAARY/n45A_ZIoFVg/s800/DSC02946.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xu65o13o8jw/TaxM44oF6eI/AAAAAAAAARU/58vepgLUTtQ/s800/DSC02949.jpg)

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 18, 2011, 04:08:48 pm

A beautiful dragonfly basking in the warm summer sun. Not the sharpest photo by any means (taken with my mobile phone before it had chance to fly off, which they do with amazing silence!) Can anyone confirm this species? I think it's an Emperor, although I'm not 100% sure.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fac351%2FMatt_S_2009%2FDragonfly2.jpg&hash=41a2dd0255a8625a99595b704c59934e159d941f)


....I think it's a Hawker species, probably Brown Hawker (Aeshner grandis) due to amber wing veins. Can you enrich the colour? Most of your pics look slightly over-exposed (too pale). Nice shot though  :happy2:

Coincidentally, I found a Dragonfly Nymph case in my pond today. The nymphs are extreme predators and have extendable labia jaws!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDragonflyCase_closeup.jpg&hash=6a61b7ba16f1d661eda6c87c3f15c127f9a268c6)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDragonflyCase_labia.jpg&hash=151b78f00ba4b7deb52c33c907d96b2ed0feba40)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Gti_Mad on April 18, 2011, 04:16:05 pm
That's a lovely looking dog u got there Britishlion  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Bane on April 19, 2011, 10:40:22 pm
Meh,I'll post one in here too...

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5223%2F5636029538_85315f2c05.jpg&hash=392ecf9ef7e9caadc147a9d3d215b399b361056e) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59571684@N07/5636029538/)
Bluebells (http://www.flickr.com/photos/59571684@N07/5636029538/) by Orkric (http://www.flickr.com/people/59571684@N07/), on Flickr
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 20, 2011, 12:06:31 am
^^^^
Quality precision, Bane  :happy2: Almost unreal.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 30, 2011, 02:02:30 pm
.
I already had spotted as many as 12 Damselfly nymphs in my small wildlife (no fish) pond but I think they may have come in with the water plants I was given as I only created the pond last June. I exclusively use river water as there's a small one within walking distance - Rainwater is a good alternative but never tap water if you want a healthy pond for creatures.

I was very surprised indeed to suddenly spot a Large Red Damselfly, Pyrrhosoma nymphula, in the process of egg laying the other day. She laid in oxygenator plants and evenly spread eggs throughout the pond in six locations, resting briefly on a Devon Pink rock halfway through. I was amazed how unperturbed the Damsel was but then realised that if you were on the toilet (equivalent of squeezing out eggs) and someone stuck a camera in yer face you wouldn't really have much choice.

As I've said with most of my macro photography, technically I'm not going to win any awards but they're shots I'm pleased with using the limitations of my compact digital (useless on Manual!) FinePix F200EXR. It's a perfect example why it's best to always have a camera in your pocket - I'd have missed the pics otherwise.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FPond_15thApr11.jpg&hash=64e0ea9bc7f3615d1ad49c742b4c57216b9541d6)

^ The pond (to show environment).

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamsel_LargeRed_egglay.jpg&hash=8c2cf42c614159cb869627f3d78570f21e49ebe9)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamsel_LargeRed_egglay2.jpg&hash=15529ee385e9f362a4f8a795ef021f4a6286ee86)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamsel_Pyrrhosomanymphula.jpg&hash=bb30183e9386c9ced923598ee25e13cbe61a48e6)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamselMeasurer.jpg&hash=17486d2c110d07b9a1b548e06bfde302890d3ce8)

^ I was so focussed on shooting the Damselfly that I didn't notice the Water Measurer (Hydrometra stagnorum) to the right. If the Damsel hadn't been preoccupied unloading eggs I reckon she'd have had him for dinner! The other chap/chapesse in the pic is a Great Pond Snail - They are actually bisexual.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamselNymph_March11.jpg&hash=7779edb9878bc12a399ea183c142b544ff635377)

^ Damselfly nymph.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on April 30, 2011, 08:13:04 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDamsel_LargeRed_egglay.jpg&hash=8c2cf42c614159cb869627f3d78570f21e49ebe9)

Thats a belter robin!  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 30, 2011, 09:22:09 pm

Thats a belter robin!  :happy2:


....Thanks, rich  :happy2:. It's my favourite of the set too. My arm was fully stretched across the pond and I was trying not to drop the camera in the water! I was also trying to get close enough to grab the shot before she moved away.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on April 30, 2011, 09:24:45 pm
You need to buy a proper camera and a macro lens!  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on April 30, 2011, 09:31:48 pm

You need to buy a proper camera and a macro lens!  :happy2:


....I used to have all that gear (Nikons and Canons) but would not have had it in my pocket and got the shot at all. What concerns me about the Leica X1 (if I ever got one) is no macro.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on May 01, 2011, 08:53:24 pm
You need to buy a proper camera and a macro lens!  :happy2:

I am constantly amazed at how well Robins point and shoot does, at close ups. I think his photo's portray very well what he is trying to show us. It is less about the detail of each creature and more about the actual pond life.   :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on May 01, 2011, 11:22:45 pm
^^^^
Cheers, TC  :drinking:

The main problem with the FinePix is that it's tricky to control. It can't preset a fixed aperture and let shutter speed auto set and it can't do vica-versa. The overall exposure is very good on the camera but the auto focus can easily lock onto an area where I don't want to. It's a bit like how a conventional automatic gearbox compares with DSG in manual mode. I guess it's the compromise made in being able to have a camera always in your pocket and accessible.

In theory, being able to manually balance speed and aperture via the screen works but it doesn't work in practice when fully stretched in macro situations.

I reckon that the latest Lumix with the manual lens ring solves some of those limitations.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: diesel junior on May 02, 2011, 08:09:34 am
This is a top thread! Robin you have taken some terrific pictures i really enjoy looking at them. You have a point about the Lumix, the picture below of the Panda i took with my FZ8 and was 80m away at the time, while the Mallard was only 20m away with my Canon 20D, they have come out pretty well. Keep the pictures coming!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1229.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee465%2Fdieseljunior%2FPanda.jpg&hash=23df7596292dbdb4ae953d0bcad6d49b9ad621fb)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1229.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee465%2Fdieseljunior%2FMallard.jpg&hash=7170ada001787de6f8e6c87353d335b685596571)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Norbreck21a on May 05, 2011, 08:10:28 am
Nice Thread Robin (love animal photos) and lovely shots BTW.

Can I play..please....? . Just a few from the back garden and a Safari we had to Kenya a couple of years ago:

Dragonfly Sunning itself
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg190.imageshack.us%2Fimg190%2F9484%2Fdsc4297a.jpg&hash=52015f32df8e9d584b177002b10d11665df27faa)

Tame(ish) squirrels
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg859.imageshack.us%2Fimg859%2F3742%2Fsquirrel2.jpg&hash=c93254762d377e6ed79aa967adbd7c92d5e5a603)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg651.imageshack.us%2Fimg651%2F6480%2Fsquirrel1.jpg&hash=39f1681ec198934dbd3cf4275424b91fd8987268)

White tiger from West Midlands Safari park (absolutley georgous) !

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F1753%2Fhdr1of15.jpg&hash=225d1c024d6481d55737764a1a3eca6abe6547d0)

A few from our Safari holiday in the Masai Mari Kenya

Hippo having a bit of a yawn
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg534.imageshack.us%2Fimg534%2F2600%2Fdsc010101.jpg&hash=51087af13a72dab32c6f35ac06bcce8895356559)

Young Male Lion moving towards his pride.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F2672%2Fhdr1of1.jpg&hash=122c710a277a78a4e8716ce2750f02baf830ea17)

Male Bull Elephant, which as there were yong present, took exception to our presence in the Landrover !
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg163.imageshack.us%2Fimg163%2F3965%2Fdsc238101.jpg&hash=80d085a7a0df302ab85bec0b151ef75a7bd1d93b)

This one scared the life out of us. Our Jeep parked by a small river and the guide then proceeded to reach into a carrier bag and pulled out a piece of Raw Chicken. He then asked us to watch the river as he hurled the Chicken price skywards. This Croc then leaped about 6 feet out of the water and caught the meat mid air. What was more firghtening, is that we hadn't seen him in the rushes on the riverbank just 10 feet away !!!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F7461%2Fdsc015601.jpg&hash=e5dd58dd17a30cfb757b71ad689aaee84c9e6cd1)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on May 05, 2011, 08:23:06 am
Greta piccies.  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on May 05, 2011, 09:26:17 am
^^^^
Ace pics, Norbreck. Great textures (good lenses)  :notworthy:

Those crocs are masters at ambush.



^ No matter how many times I've watched this I still find it funny.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Hedge on May 05, 2011, 02:12:28 pm
I've known girls that look like that.  :signLOL:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg534.imageshack.us%2Fimg534%2F2600%2Fdsc010101.jpg&hash=51087af13a72dab32c6f35ac06bcce8895356559)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on May 19, 2011, 10:04:26 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi22.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb308%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDragonflyCase2.jpg&hash=ebcb91350eb8f668bffefed2619304477514c87a)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2FDragonflyCase2a.jpg&hash=92a8210152abb6ab46b2dd0e098247ceac283794)

^ 2 inches of mean machine - The fiercest predator in my pond - Dragonfly larvae (exuvia).
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on September 16, 2012, 04:54:59 pm
.
I have taken a lot more wildlife photos since starting this thread, so thought I would update it.

I have also updated my camera from a Fuji FinePix F200 EXR to a F500 EXR. I still have all the limitations of a compact digital camera but pocket-sized better suits my lifestyle. I usually shoot in 100 ISO on 16 x 9 format and initially upload into iPhoto on my 27" iMac. Some photos get copied into Aperture but I find that I don't feel the need to edit much outside iPhoto and very rarely in Photoshop. Obviously they are never going to be as sharp and pristine as photos taken by richwig, TC, PND, and other wildlife photogs on the forum but I am more about graphic composition and capturing the moment (not that the others aren't doing that as well).

Inspired by needing to crop some pics to use as Facebook 'covers', I quite like that more extreme panoramic format too, but those are all cropped in the editing stage when on the iMac.

Here are some of my favourite Sunflower shots this year:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FRR_Sunflowers_2857.jpg&hash=51a8f2dc204b8a4b13fd5a7821515bb2bd0d455d)

^ Taken by my daughter (her idea) a few days ago. Many of those Sunflowers are nearly 8ft high!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2Ffile.jpg&hash=61a80fb73181ff0054a3e40a318bf97341d371d3)

^ Of course I absolutely had to buy this sign when I saw it. It's on my 'Bird Cafe' post.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_Sunflower_Butterfly_2515.jpg&hash=227ab167ba6a27f398b45418b4aace3650423fd6)

^ I got lucky didn't I. It was a windy day too, so I had to hold the stalk with one hand while taking the pic.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_Sunflower_2656.jpg&hash=f229214f1dd608e14463f4671665baaec66fc133)

^ Growing so high that some are almost out of reach for photography!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FSunflowers_Bees_Fb_2866.jpg&hash=2abae14b4b60643e62faa67ca90b9ed298b14109)

^ The chap on the left is a Hoverfly. There are over 5,000 different species and most are nectar-feeders (and are very friendly!).

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_Sunflower_2849.jpg&hash=5464b7c276f10ca77d1815f7344767ee039e6787)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_SunflowerBee.jpg&hash=714bb4bea8247bcb0e49c14e78898e997d8288c1)

^ It's so satisfying to see so many Honey Bees and Bumble Bees visit my garden for nectar and pollen etc. They have had a very hard wet Spring and Summer and honey will be in short supply next year as Bee populations have suffered very badly. They don't fly in the rain! It's easy to underestimate the important role to Life which Bees play.

[More pics to come]
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on September 17, 2012, 08:42:29 pm
Great pics Robin, full of natural colours and life.  :notworthy:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on September 20, 2012, 07:39:05 pm
Great sunflowers robin... ours were crap this year!  :sad1:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on October 08, 2012, 12:24:53 pm

Great sunflowers robin... ours were crap this year!  :sad1:


....Some of mine are still only just emerging into flower and it's October:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2Ffile-4.jpg&hash=f5bae614f0190f7d4f077a0ddfc1cf1b26a37c90)

Others have fed the Honey and Bumble Bees and are turning to seed (more for me to plant next season):

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2Ffile-5.jpg&hash=92d6a86ad23ca328d52b7216d69881496d557b11)

Most are close to 8ft high!  :scared: :

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2Ffile-3.jpg&hash=755349fa2b88635be62c966ad1c215dd5fba7b52)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on October 08, 2012, 12:27:32 pm
.
I don't know exactly why but of all the many Sunflower pics I have shot so far, this is possibly my favourite:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_Sunflower_2646.jpg&hash=32eb0a049872d26135176782a5060c575f850aab)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Panthera on October 08, 2012, 02:40:26 pm
.
I don't know exactly why but of all the many Sunflower pics I have shot so far, this is possibly my favourite:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FSunflowers%2FFb_Sunflower_2646.jpg&hash=32eb0a049872d26135176782a5060c575f850aab)

I can see why. Nice rich bold colours and nice arrangement.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on October 08, 2012, 04:48:56 pm
.
I don't know exactly why but of all the many Sunflower pics I have shot so far, this is possibly my favourite:


I can see why. Nice rich bold colours and nice arrangement.


....Cheers  :drinking:

I think its composition has been determined and benefitted by my cropping it to fit as a Facebook page 'Cover' - Those ultra panoramic crops can often help a photo.  The angle of the shot is because the sunflower is so tall. I got lucky with the flying bee and the breeze arranging the flower petals.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on October 16, 2012, 09:41:40 am
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile.jpg&hash=1681359aee70b94a8a120a428a4b6d34307ce6f9)

^ Slow-worm - Nearly 24 inches long and they can live up to 50 years.

This is where I came across it:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FLandscapes%2Ffile.jpg&hash=3cf5a9fdc197aca469b459ce494c357b656311ed)

West Dorset countryside is full of hills and this one is only a 10 minute walk away.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: TurboTrev on October 16, 2012, 07:42:35 pm
Great pics. :congrats:   Love the slow worm one, I'm a big reptile fan. :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 01, 2012, 10:59:05 pm
.
This photo is never going to win any awards but I'm pleased I captured what was going on: A female Kestrel which had just killed a Vole:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-6.jpg&hash=4294bfd6d2bb5eeba82f2982195a66f6280c8e0b)

I grabbed the shot through my closed kitchen window and on zoom on my FinePix F500EXR compact.

The only other bird of prey I have seen in my garden is a Sparrow Hawk.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 17, 2012, 08:33:58 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2FPalmate_webfeet_3437.jpg&hash=afe7af49fa8fc9e6159d224b77dd3196b00f459c)

^ Male Palmate Newt.

At this time of year (November) the Newts will have left my pond and found somewhere to hibernate for the Winter before returning to my pond in February/March to live and mate - They have exciting courtship displays. I am currently extending my small wildlife pond and suddenly found this Newt in the new part so I scooped him up with a soft net and popped him in a shallow glass jar for photography. It's important not to handle Newts during the hibernation period because you will transfer your body temperature and upset their natural 'clock'. [/newts lesson]

I've always got my pocket size camera on me so I miss fewer shots. Photographically I accept the compromise and work with what I've got. I have to say I am pleased with the colour and composition of this photo.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: phil1975 on November 25, 2012, 12:39:27 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F307-1.jpg&hash=c4df9f20ba6c3281f802826b9328d4d6361ed761)
One sunny day earlier in the year
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F306.jpg&hash=ee6ccc73175c02b0b124315157261cb23a5703ad)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F307.jpg&hash=b0afc72fb0cb70066e6161b65399db5dfec5f3b3)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F362.jpg&hash=8b43d4cbd015791dabd64770ff1bd41c1cc09a4c)
Little fella popped out for a snack one lunchtime.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F064.jpg&hash=39c074bba1142b15fdf430462be6571aaaf11c86)
Hardly wildlife in the garden I know, but taken as a shot to nothing at Vancouver aquarium.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Andy on November 25, 2012, 12:43:42 pm
Brilliant  pics Robin;keep them coming
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 25, 2012, 12:45:40 pm

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F306.jpg&hash=ee6ccc73175c02b0b124315157261cb23a5703ad)


....Lovely natural lighting and angle on that Painted Lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui - Not very common.  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 25, 2012, 12:56:13 pm

Brilliant  pics Robin;keep them coming


....Thanks for the encouragement, Andy!  :drinking:

I took 44 photos yesterday, mostly of a Water Beetle! And have just come back indoors after taking half a dozen shots this morning. Will sort out and upload my favourites soon (after a cuppa).

Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: phil1975 on November 25, 2012, 01:57:40 pm

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fz331%2Fphil1975%2F306.jpg&hash=ee6ccc73175c02b0b124315157261cb23a5703ad)


....Lovely natural lighting and angle on that Painted Lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui - Not very common.  :happy2:

Thanks Robin :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 25, 2012, 02:08:22 pm
.
What started out as this in June 2010....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-13.jpg&hash=56c8bcfb917c77ea5ada20b0b7908ed3082be36e)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-11.jpg&hash=9d058f6f4d7a7b0ca462436b1a6fe04968270f6c)

^ The green tray is a bird bath/drink and successfully keeps the birds out of the pond.

Has now grown to this in November 2012....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-8.jpg&hash=4373ceefb202dad2fae289842eceb333ab97f114)

With the most recent development (taking me 10 days to construct!) being this gravel beach at one end....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-10.jpg&hash=579e65245d3d50c8ccfcc85741485da85dcec62d)

The pond and its wildlife inhabitants (no fish) have so far endured and survived snow, ice, and flood....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-14.jpg&hash=b712b7187619e9b5923715d8b9befb5644e64126)

^ Snow and ice 28th November 2010.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-15.jpg&hash=ee1d19f892affa981da01020f6691dca565ca6d3)

^ Flooded 5th July 2012.

More of my pond inhabitant pics to follow......
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Greeners on November 25, 2012, 03:35:05 pm
Enjoying your pics RR!  :congrats:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on November 26, 2012, 04:57:25 pm
.
Some more as promised...........

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-20.jpg&hash=e9473a2879897f34d0e1a99ff0d5544e266cb759)

^ The newly constructed (and finished, I think!) 'beach' extension which is 5" at its deepest.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-16.jpg&hash=f6a43906fc770cb48aa4394270c76111b9c5213a)

^ It's surprising how quickly it attracted inhabitants. Note Water Beetle on left and baby Plamate Newt on right.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2Ffile-7.jpg&hash=06cc6accc39e0834cea065a799e15f3a83890ff5)

^ The surprise continued with an adult Palmate Newt (male).

I managed to capture the Newt 'baby' and, with great difficulty as they are turbocharged, the Water Beetle...........

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2Ffile-2.jpg&hash=a33165c980710bfe8841b7ccb45c487f6635ba6d)

^ I was a bit concerned if one would try to eat the other but they were a similar size.

Water Beetles are both carniverous and aggressive.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2Ffile-5.jpg&hash=b504da8eeb08d0a4295460a77e14a53c42931968)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FNewts%2Ffile-3.jpg&hash=2123ba52e55001cbfda66998b32001a06f40a77a)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-17.jpg&hash=b529b71f08db46d5b1a8dce2953300ffdcb82598)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-19.jpg&hash=d5800470afc09dec022fc1aac2b4c2ce9f5ae778)

^ The glass can give some great colour effects.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FPondLife%2Ffile-18.jpg&hash=7919bb1fb6698e415ff0bc2be9a9374f53d032a4)

^ One of my favourite shots - He (it's a male Aribus bipustulatus) looks like he is flying onto a landing strip with lights. They are air breathing and do fly in the air.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on November 26, 2012, 09:35:02 pm
Excellent Robin.... i really like the idea of that pond!  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Hurdy on October 25, 2013, 07:11:57 pm
Here you are Robin.
I think it is a Red Admiral.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ft8%2Fhurdy_album%2F20130928_155608_8_bestshot_zps976e8a35.jpg&hash=eadba753542b47c6c4b9162a7a63012032d5243b)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: rich83 on October 25, 2013, 07:19:50 pm
Thats a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Hurdy on October 25, 2013, 09:52:00 pm
Thats a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
You're right. Red Admirals have an"eye"on each wing. :smiley:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on October 26, 2013, 12:40:07 am

You're right. Red Admirals have an"eye"on each wing. :smiley:


....No, the Butterflies with an 'eye' on each wing are Peacocks (in my garden):

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FRED_INK_Wildlife%2FPeacock_8722.jpg&hash=6ea28b837076d4a506a0b31d557b651beffd234d)

This is a Red Admiral (in my 'Backyard'):

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FRED_INK_Wildlife%2FRedAdmiral_9006.jpg&hash=ed6ebc6a042667fe0a144f27c0035044297030db)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Marc-5-GTI on October 28, 2013, 09:51:42 pm
WOW! these pics are amazing! I want a pond! I want a pet newt!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Joeystoney on November 30, 2013, 07:52:45 pm
The detail is amazing :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on December 02, 2013, 09:37:37 am
.
Some shots from Saturday in my garden....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FWelcome_BlueTit_1781.jpg&hash=4dc1e55b9db5ddb7008d4ce2240a7f7fb643fce0)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FBlackbird_whitehead_1753.jpg&hash=9dc649c42b24d90ac26e6036721bc8030128ef22)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FSparrow_BirdCafe_1772.jpg&hash=5f3d767031a8c6a6f452d4dfbac7a0b8f306fb10)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FSparrows_BirdCafe_1773.jpg&hash=00d1c2f8d8a2a083b2bf965439b6f056fb9c31c5)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on December 02, 2013, 08:29:08 pm
Very nice Robin, are these taken with your new camera.  :jumping:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on December 02, 2013, 10:05:09 pm

Very nice Robin, are these taken with your new camera.  :jumping:


....Thanks. New lens (Canon 70-200mm f4L IS) which I got at a fraction of its normal price because it was an unwanted replacement component in an insurance claim - Brand spanking new and totally unused. Am I the first person to have a lens without having a camera body? I have borrowed my daughter's Canon 100D for now. This morning....

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobinLeylandii_1801.jpg&hash=f0ef2800d7835d5169c1e2314e9cde4a56eaf0bf)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobinsinging_1812.jpg&hash=790adc890d169d0c4de4666946c27abed5398381)

^ Same Robin in my garden, taken 13 minutes apart and my first ever DSLR Robin pics.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Scottymon on December 02, 2013, 10:10:27 pm
Proper RR pics eh!?  Good shots there dude. :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MC71 on December 02, 2013, 10:23:22 pm
Lovely photos Robin.   :congrats:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MPS on December 03, 2013, 11:59:45 am
I was just about to upload a photo I took of a Robin but after seeing the quality of those I don't think I'll bother!

Here's a dragonfly I managed to capture on Vai Beach, Crete

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3677%2F10232833213_4e5e910bc1_b.jpg&hash=9e346f2cda50b67201bf5dafba5b437f02b603c1)
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on December 03, 2013, 04:43:52 pm
^^^^
Wow, Martin MPS! That looks like a Common Darter Dragonfly which are also common in the UK. Did you know that I run a UK Dragonflies & Damselflies group page on facebook?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/561222590593478/

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FDragonflies%2FFb_Group_UKDragonflies_1.jpg&hash=4978ffe66d542ecdd3b0ae74cc1170da2d5e6aaf)

^ One I snapped on my pocket size FinePix F500EXR in my 'Backyard' this summer. Also a Common Darter.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MPS on December 05, 2013, 11:47:52 am
^^  :happy2:

I'll check the fb group out, cheers.

But who's Martin?  :grin:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on December 05, 2013, 11:56:52 am

But who's Martin?  :grin:


....Oops! I got you mixed up with MC71 in the previous post. I have now corrected my error.  :happy2:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: MPS on December 05, 2013, 12:08:11 pm
No worries!
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on January 13, 2014, 03:29:28 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FBlueTit_m1444v.jpg&hash=4caac475cebc72e6778bbf84fe26983234596964)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobin_m1447v.jpg&hash=9bafeea5288e958358fdffdca53a2c85ff37f4db)

Making progress with DSLR photographing birds in my garden (when the light is good enough!).
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: doylebros on January 13, 2014, 09:35:23 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FBlueTit_m1444v.jpg&hash=4caac475cebc72e6778bbf84fe26983234596964)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobin_m1447v.jpg&hash=9bafeea5288e958358fdffdca53a2c85ff37f4db)

Making progress with DSLR photographing birds in my garden (when the light is good enough!).

Do you never get any of these down your way Robin?

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/goldcrest-europes-smallest-bird-spotted-6494676

I've seen two In Northallerton of late but never been quick enough to catch them with the camera.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on January 14, 2014, 04:05:18 pm
[quote author=doylebros link=topic=17826.msg814295#msg814295 date=1389648923

Do you never get any of these down your way Robin?

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/goldcrest-europes-smallest-bird-spotted-6494676

I've seen two In Northallerton of late but never been quick enough to catch them with the camera.

[/quote]

....I have heard of sightings down here but never seen any myself. All small birds, except perhaps Wrens, are tricky to photograph as they suddenly dart about.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Top Cat on January 14, 2014, 07:34:29 pm


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobin_m1447v.jpg&hash=9bafeea5288e958358fdffdca53a2c85ff37f4db)



Self portrait!?    :innocent:
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: RedRobin on January 14, 2014, 08:52:45 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FPondLife%2FBirds%2FRobin_0846v-1.jpg&hash=af86498ed7ac9d3bc50cebd931df9dde667b1850)

^ A better self portrait  :grin:

I am fast building a whole folder of Robins photos - He's always in my garden.

I had to quickly step back to grab this shot as I had the 70-200mm lens on.
Title: Re: RR's Wildlife Portfolio....
Post by: Horatio on January 15, 2014, 07:19:53 pm
They will eat tit-bits out of your hand, apparently very sociable birds