Canadian Longneck (Zeltornis ginsburgi)

I was able to snap this Canadian Longneck in my neighbours garden just the other day. Canadian Longnecks come to the UK for the summer and this was the first one we've seen this year. My neighbour is such a lover of these gracefull predators that she has a specially stocked pond in her yard to attract them...

Hides

Hides- literally structures in which to hide- are a very important consideration for the serious wildlife photographer.
Here are some examples of hides that I have been able to build in the woods near my home.
Just a word of caution- do not build these constructions too close to residential areas or military establishments.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine Falcon is often stated to be the fastest animal on the planet because in its hunting dive it soars to a great height and then dives steeply at speeds commonly said to be over 199 mph. A study testing the flight physics of an 'ideal falcon' found a theoretical speed limit at 250 mph for low altitude flight and 390 mph for high altitude flight. In 2005, a falcon was recorded diving at 242 mph.

Camouflage

You can't expect to just stroll about the countryside and get up close and personal with birds. They are very shy. That's why it's important to adapt a discrete appearance and blend into the natural environment.
I have been lucky enough to have had some military training, as well as been quite keen on paramilitary activities, and i have been able to utilise these skills in my birdwatching activities.
Here is my typical 'multi purpose' get up:

If I'm just off for a walk on the heath or in the woods with nothing particular in mind I'll probably wear this discrete rig, and then if I happen to see an interesting bird I can just grab my camera and spring into action!
For other situations, when i have planned an expedition to photograph a particular bird, I might wear something like this:

General Franco

It's not all about the great outdoors!
Here's a photo of my friend Eddie and his cockatoo- General Franco.

Eddie says he can't imagine life without a cockatoo- he's kept them for years...
For this picture I used some Japanese camera- I think it was a Canon.

Birds in Flight...

When people ask me 'where's a good place to look for birds?' I reply 'the sky!'
But all joking aside of course the sky is where you do see most birds. Capturing a good shot of birds in flight can be highly satisfying...

I'm not too sure what birds these are? I took the picture by lying flat on my back and pointing the camera straight up at the sky.

Greetings.

Greetings fellow bird watchers!
In this blog i will be sharing some examples of my ornithological photography and posting a record of my birdwatching activities.
I'm no expert in this field, just a keen amateur- infact I took up the hobby only a few years ago in order to aid with my rehabilitation from agoraphobia.