A Late Xmas Pressie

With the routine pretty much back to normal, after a New Year visit to Shropshire. And a another serious bought of Cold, I was able to get back out and about with the Camera at lunch time today. Now having been on about it for about 2 months to close friends, family and work colleagues (Particularly my Girlfriend) I forked out some serious saved Cash to upgrade my photographing distance. Take a look at this bad boy!

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM

My Christmas present to myself! So off I popped at lunch today lens attached and fitted to the tripod, the only problem with upgrading.....It weighs a lot more than I had previously had to carry. And before I get carried away as a moany photographer I'll shut up about it.

On the Wildlife front though a pretty disappointing trip, the weather, as I guess it was in every other part of the UK today was pretty darn windy. All the water borne birds underneath the shelter of the overhanging branches. Canada Goose, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck & Little Grebe all sheltering from the wind. The only birds brave enough to ride the quite choppy waves being the Coot & Moorhen.

No signs of any smaller birds, 2 or 3 Robins flitted about around the path, along with a couple of Blackbirds, I did get a brief glimpse at the first Kingfisher of the year, as he flew into the reeds. So all in all not really a great chance to try my new bit of kit out.

Talking of stunning pieces of kit. My Mum bought Dad a Trophy / Stealth Camera for Christmas this year, after setting it up on the Bird Table in the garden and soon realizing that the Birds are too small to set it off. He maneuvered it too his Barn Owl Box across the field in front of our house. With all this windy weather it appeared that an ivy branch 40 yards away seemed to cause the most common movement in setting the sensor off. 3 Days & 1000 Pics later - All I can say is not bad for a first attempt! It's now repositioned and ready for a second go.

Andy Clay. Copyright 2012