As an extension to the ongoing "I saw my first kingfisher today" thread, I thought it might be interesting if people wanted to post and share any wildlife pics that they've taken. As I said on the other thread, that way instead of just talking about what birds and other wildlife we've seen, we can also show photos of them. 

 

Hope you think it's a good idea.

 

As the current topic in the "kingfisher" thread is herons, I thought I'd start with a couple of pics of them that I've taken...

 

Juvenile heron (looking very interested in a dragonfly)

 

Heron in sunset silhouette

 

Next up, a couple of pics of blackbird chicks, which I was lucky enough to get while looking out through a window at home.

 

 

 

Come on then, show us what you've got. The only condition is that the photos are ones you've taken yourself.

 

Dave. I will bet that the thrush is a fledgling and the starling will have just brooded its young, so for a short while there is a parental bond to feed chicks, any chicks that open there beaks will get a response from the adult.

 

Steve

Strange compulsion, I usually just slap kids that open their mouths

Sorry I haven't been on for a while, here are a few pics I've taken where I live in Teesdale over the last few weeks

Sorry I haven't been on for a while, here are a few pics I've taken where I live in Teesdale over the last few weeks

Saw a white and a pink flowered self heal in the Hoz to Beteta just over a week ago, though photos were rubbish, so don't have proof.  Nice Common Spotted Orchid too.

Yes sorry it is on its side it wouldn't upload the right way up, there's lots of common spotted orchids and northern marsh orchids in Teesdale at the moment. I love wildflowers, I always keep my eyes peeled for the more unusual ones

The blue flowers are Woody Cranesbill they're less common than the Meadow Cranesbill I have posted up before, both are native wild geraniums

The bird on the post is a male Skylark, the skylark population in the UK has crashed. They are a red list RSPB species, felt yo be as a result of a change in farming practices. Thankfully here in Teesdale they are doing well, this particular male must have had a nest nearby with the female as he was dive bombing me n the dog, he sat on the post giving us a further singing warning

Suz x

The bird on the post is a male Skylark, the skylark population in the UK has crashed. They are a red list RSPB species, felt yo be as a result of a change in farming practices. Thankfully here in Teesdale they are doing well, this particular male must have had a nest nearby with the female as he was dive bombing me n the dog, he sat on the post giving us a further singing warning

Suz x

Suz. When I was a kid growing up in Widnes, one of the most polluted towns in the country, I could walk in fifteen minutes to open fields and listen to skylarks singing, sometimes so high that you couldn't see them . a sure sign that spring had arrived. Since then it has always brought a smile to my face whenever I hear one.

 

Steve

I miss the Skylarks, used to see tons of them on the South Downs, here we have Crested Lark and Thekla Lark, seen most days if I go to the beach.

Went for a walk down my favourite woods this evening down circle walk Butterknowle/South Side in Teesdale. Loads of Sweet Cicely about it smells divine

Went for a walk down my favourite woods this evening down circle walk Butterknowle/South Side in Teesdale. Loads of Sweet Cicely about it smells divine

Looks more like meadowsweet Suz, smells like candyfloss.

Actually you are right, thank you, it must be meadowsweet as the stalks there are like a dark reddy purple colour. It does smell lovely

Edited July 10, 201410 yr by suzannek

I think me orchid has loaded the right way around

♫ Just a perfect day... ♫   

 

No photos I`m afraid, but visited a lake today and caught some carp and the sun    I was amazed at the number of really bright turquoise dragonflies about, saw the usual heron, watched big carp sun bathing and rolling on the top of the water, marvelled at loads of swifts dipping down into the water etc.  A great day out!

♫ Just a perfect day... ♫   

 

No photos I`m afraid, but visited a lake today and caught some carp and the sun    I was amazed at the number of really bright turquoise dragonflies about, saw the usual heron, watched big carp sun bathing and rolling on the top of the water, marvelled at loads of swifts dipping down into the water etc.  A great day out!

That will take some beating as a a way to spend a day. Am jealous,  because I didn't go fishing today or get out with my camera

 

Steve

Saw a couple of conger eel heads discarded by the fishermen on the beach (this is a public beach where families go), also dead sea urchins and a dead sea cucumber, but then this is Spain, LOL

A friendly squirrel who couldn't resist coming up to say hello.

 

 

 

Well finally after a two year wait for me to upgrade my camera it looks like Canon are set to announce the long awaited eos 7d mk 11. It's very much looking like a Sept release. Can't wait to see if the rumours are true regarding the 10 /12 frames per second shooting, the 24 mega pixel,s. The built in battery grip like the 1dx, mag alloy fully weather sealed body. And all for hopefully under two grand. Can't wait.

 

Steve

Well finally after a two year wait for me to upgrade my camera it looks like Canon are set to announce the long awaited eos 7d mk 11. It's very much looking like a Sept release. Can't wait to see if the rumours are true regarding the 10 /12 frames per second shooting, the 24 mega pixel,s. The built in battery grip like the 1dx, mag alloy fully weather sealed body. And all for hopefully under two grand. Can't wait.

 

Steve

Under two grand? Good Lord!

 

I just upgraded my aged 10 mega pixel Nikon D80 last week to a 24.2 mega pixel Nikon D3200 for the euro equivalent of £265. And there's a 50 euro cash back voucher with it, so approx £220 in total! 

 

Each to their own, of course 

Under two grand? Good Lord!

 

I just upgraded my aged 10 mega pixel Nikon D80 last week to a 24.2 mega pixel Nikon D3200 for the euro equivalent of £265. And there's a 50 euro cash back voucher with it, so approx £220 in total! 

 

Each to their own, of course 

Russell. It is a awful lot of money I know. My Canon eos 50d cost me £500 second hand and has been obsolete for a few years now. This new camera will be my forever camera. When you spend a lot of time outdoors either fishing or birdwatching like I do .I need waterproof kit and unfortunately that comes with a hefty price tag especially camera's and more so Lenses. At this moment in time I can more than afford it, I've stopped buying records, It's the price of a Al Williams. I who am nothing. My favourite all time record. I don't smoke , very rarely drink. And with a bit of luck will be a lot less than the £2000, that price could even have been euro's not sterling.

 

Steve

It is a lot of money, Steve, and how you spend it is entirely down to you. That goes without saying. I'm sure it will give you great pleasure for a good number of years. It's very much like buying records in many respects. They're all indulgences - and we're very much the lucky ones in that we can afford indulgences; we have the quality of life in the main to do so.

 

That said, stuff the camera - I wish I could afford to spend that amount on a decent lens or two 

It is a lot of money, Steve, and how you spend it is entirely down to you. That goes without saying. I'm sure it will give you great pleasure for a good number of years. It's very much like buying records in many respects. They're all indulgences - and we're very much the lucky ones in that we can afford indulgences; we have the quality of life in the main to do so.

 

Tzhat said, stuff the camera - I wish I could afford to spend that amount on a decent lens or two 

Russell. The lens I want is over £10,000. I wish. The main one I use cost me more than a Al Williams would have done and its only 200ml. But yes I'm very lucky to be able to indulge myself. The difference kids growing up makes. Steve

Betony wildflower taken near Wham, Teesdale 12.7.14

Edited July 13, 201410 yr by suzannek

A friendly squirrel who couldn't resist coming up to say hello.

 

SquirrelRegentsPark.jpeg

I had a pet squirrel for ages, Cyril, used to come everywhere with me in my pocket, didn't like seagulls, but was great fun on trains

We had three great weeks on the lovely Greek island of Lesvos not long ago. I'm just sorting through the holiday snaps now and this one immediately stood out for me.

 

It was taken from the balcony of our apartment. I stood there for ages, camera poised, hoping that one of the many swallows, swifts and martins might cut across the scene of the sun rapidly setting into the Aegean sea. The waiting was worth it!

 

We had three great weeks on the lovely Greek island of Lesvos not long ago. I'm just sorting through the holiday snaps now and this one immediately stood out for me.

 

It was taken from the balcony of our apartment. I stood there for ages, camera poised, hoping that one of the many swallows, swifts and martins might cut across the scene of the sun rapidly setting into the Aegean sea. The waiting was worth it!

 

DSC_9799-New-web.jpg

Russell. That's as good a photograph as I have ever seen. 

 

Steve

 

 

Russell. That's as good a photograph as I have ever seen. 

 

Steve

Thank you very much! I'm chuffed that you think so.   

 

Heres a picture (bit fuzzy ) of my favourite flower of all time

Many years ago when I used to deliver milk part time before school there was a garden on the round that had this flower and because it was a un godly hour it was still full of scent. it has the most amazing scent ever and only of a night time.

Get some seeds for next year and sow them near a seating area and if you have never had the pleasure you are in for a treat  

Night scented stock

 

Steve

This is my favourite flower, Lophophora williamsii, not scented, but can produce some magic    

I have three of these cacti (all products of one original) and they've all just flowered. The sad thing is they only last about a day and a half.

I also have this Epiphyllum which regularly flowers. This year I only had one flower on the plant but last year it had about 20 - it's probably due for repotting.

 

The Harebells are just coming through at Wham where I live, without doubt my favourite wildflower. They grow on infertile, pesticide free land

Edited July 16, 201410 yr by suzannek

The Harebells are just coming through at Wham where I live, without doubt my favourite wildflower. They grow on infertile, pesticide free land

Is George Michael or Andrew Ridgely a neighbour?

Ha people always say that Wham is actually derived from a Norse word for valley, this Wham is a valley about a 1000 foot above sea level ;)

Ha people always say that Wham is actually derived from a Norse word for valley, this Wham is a valley about a 1000 foot above sea level ;)

Never heard of it Suz, but a cool name, shame it was used in the pop industry

It is a tiny hamlet very remote, it is teeming with flora and fauna though

Suz x

It is a tiny hamlet very remote, it is teeming with flora and fauna though

Suz x

A two egg hamlet? with herbs?

It is a tiny hamlet very remote, it is teeming with flora and fauna though

Suz x

Suz. it sounds just like where I live in Manchester    I wish

 

Steve

A two egg hamlet? with herbs?

Dave. how did you know what I had for my dinner. Makes a change from soup

No choice at the moment had surgery Monday on my gum and jaw bone to remove abscess root got seven stiches and a sore mouth for my sins

 

Steve

not mine sadly, but I want one

Dave. how did you know what I had for my dinner. Makes a change from soup

No choice at the moment had surgery Monday on my gum and jaw bone to remove abscess root got seven stiches and a sore mouth for my sins

 

Steve

and I thought I had a hard time after having my third wisdom tooth out a couple of months ago. That beats me hands down. Get well soon, eating and drinking add fun to living.

Dave

monkey orchid1.jpg not mine sadly, but I want one

Wow. Dave what's that  ? it looks amazing

 

Steve

Wow. Dave what's that  ? it looks amazing

 

Steve

It's a Monkey faced orchid

pretty things from Asia

monkey orchid1.jpg not mine sadly, but I want one

Brilliant - Masdevallias?

Brilliant - Masdevallias?

yes, and quite stunning, bloody expensive though

I'll just have to be content with my bonsai

We have no street lights as have no streets ha, very little light pollution so we can see the stars

Suz x

Suz. I've got a street light no more than 30 ft from my bedroom window and living on a corner there's another one just across from it.   Plus it's a rat run for the local traffic trying to avoid Rochdale Rd ( a main road into Manchester ) so there's ALWAYS car's going past even at this time of the night

 

Steve

Suz. I've got a street light no more than 30 ft from my bedroom window and living on a corner there's another one just across from it.   Plus it's a rat run for the local traffic trying to avoid Rochdale Rd ( a main road into Manchester ) so there's ALWAYS car's going past even at this time of the night

 

Steve

We get light pollution here, up until midnight-ish, then it's blissfully quiet and dark, Sunday mornings are amazingly quiet. Saw two crescents in the sky a couple of weeks ago, one I knew (I hope) was the moon, the other heaven knows, I was walking the dogs so didn't have my camera, had to relaunch a swift the same morning, first time I've really had a close look at one.

Priceless

More pretty things