A new year and a new photo thread to keep us entertained through the months ahead.

My first addition is something suitably seasonal - a wintery scene taken in the Amsterdam woods.

All contributions very much welcomed, and if the photos we've seen in previous years is anything to go by, we've a lot to look forward to.

Enjoy!

16 minutes ago, TattooDave said:

Tut tut, now that is poor parking!

Nice one Dave 🤣

A few from yesterday, Canada Geese, a couple of Autumnal scenes, Male Chaffinch, Sculpture in a local pond, 3 Buzzards (pity I was the other side of a farmers field, not the best qualtity)

At last I've managed a photograph of the Milky Way with some background scenery to emphasise the sky properly.

Every single white dot is a Star .

Steve 

Edited October 7, 20186 yr by Winsford Soul

Chough. One of the UK rarest birds.

Unfortunately it blinked when I took the photograph

Steve

19 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Chough. One of the UK rarest birds.

Unfortunately it blinked when I took the photograph

Steve

Chuffin' hell, Great photo Steve.

Atlantic grey seal pups. Taken last night when I could hardly stand up in the wind that was blowing the camera and the 500mm  lens about something silly but it just shows how good image stabilisation is on the lenses these days

Steve

On 05/10/2018 at 21:48, Steve S 60 said:

Sweet dreams Peter........

Lots of fungi to be seen in the Amsterdam woods presently. These two pics were taken using my aged iPhone while on a Sunday stroll there.

A glorious, sunny day here yesterday, so took the opportunity to cycle to the Amsterdamse Bos armed with my camera to see if I could get some pics with an autumnal feel. Here's a few fungi...

Can't name them, unfortunately. If you can identify them, please do. Shown in the last pic are chanterelles?

 

 

Not fungi, but very definitely exuding that real sense of autumn...

Oh, and a question for the knowledgable folk on here... While in the woods yesterday, I foraged 3lbs (1 1/2kg) of sweet chestnuts. 

What's the best way to look after them so they'll remain edible in the months ahead?

 

Edited October 11, 20186 yr by Amsterdam Russ
spelin

17 minutes ago, Amsterdam Russ said:

Oh, and a question for the knowledgable folk on here... While in the woods yesterday, I foraged 3lbs (1 1/2kg) of sweet chestnuts. 

What's the best way to look after them so they'll remain edible in the months ahead?

 

Either cook them and freeze them, or dry them out and store somewhere cool in a biscuit tin.

20 minutes ago, Steve S 60 said:

Either cook them and freeze them, or dry them out and store somewhere cool in a biscuit tin.

Thanks. Shells on or off after cooking or doesn't it matter? Just thinking back a few years and recall trying to dry and store a batch we'd foraged. The Netherlands is a very damp country, and they all went mouldy!

6 minutes ago, Amsterdam Russ said:

Thanks. Shells on or off after cooking or doesn't it matter? Just thinking back a few years and recall trying to dry and store a batch we'd foraged. The Netherlands is a very damp country, and they all went mouldy!

You can freeze them raw or cooked, in or out of the shell.  Probably safer than trying to store them.

Eurasian Eagle Owl, There are now according to very good reports about 50 breeding pairs in the UK despite the RSPB denying that they have colonised naturally and refuse to accept them on the to the British breeding birds list ( they have accepted White tailed sea eagles and Ospreys who they re introduced ), Yes some have escaped from captivity but others have flown over from mainland Europe especially the Netherlands where they are everywhere. Anyway enough politics from me 

Steve

Edited October 11, 20186 yr by Winsford Soul

After I've uploaded a few more pictures over the next few days I wont be able to add to the soul source photograph catalogue for a couple of weeks maybe longer, my camera has developed a fault the requires it to be returned to Canon for no doubt a very expensive investigation / repair. Problem with the shutter button  stuck so as its continually taking pictures as soon as its powered up. Gutted to say the least because I sold my other camera body. And my phone doesn't have the same reach or quality 

Steve

Common Buzzard. waited years to get half decent photographs of a Buzzard and like buses they come in twos 

Steve

Is it definitely the button stuck down Steve, might be worth googling the fault as you may find a DIY fix online.

I could always loan you a Nikon body, but you would need an adaptor to fit your lens on it ... either that or get creative with some gaffer tape 😄

1 minute ago, martyn pitt said:

Is it definitely the button stuck down Steve, might be worth googling the fault as you may find a DIY fix online.

I could always loan you a Nikon body, but you would need an adaptor to fit your lens on it ... either that or get creative with some gaffer tape 😄

Thanks mate, much appreciated with the gaffer tape. I had taken some Dolphin pictures this morning then went for breakfast whilst there my camera started taking pictures on its own, then started going through different program modes when I shoot in manual, tried removing battery grip and using single battery , still the same every time I powered it up. Its definitely not very well. I've tried google for advice with no joy, since then I've spoken to Cambrian photography who told me that its happened to two other people that they know about so unfortunately its back to Canon  mate

Steve

46 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Thanks mate, much appreciated with the gaffer tape. I had taken some Dolphin pictures this morning then went for breakfast whilst there my camera started taking pictures on its own, then started going through different program modes when I shoot in manual, tried removing battery grip and using single battery , still the same every time I powered it up. Its definitely not very well. I've tried google for advice with no joy, since then I've spoken to Cambrian photography who told me that its happened to two other people that they know about so unfortunately its back to Canon  mate

Steve

Try removing the lens and cleaning the contacts on the body and the lens, that can resolve some problems.

2 hours ago, martyn pitt said:

Try removing the lens and cleaning the contacts on the body and the lens, that can resolve some problems.

First thing I tried Martyn.  Then i removed the CF memory card didn't want it corrupted.  The worst thing is deleting all the blank frames . I luckily have a card reader with me as you know at 10 frames per second soon adds up with a dodgy button.  

Steve 

4 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Eurasian Eagle Owl, There are now according to very good reports about 50 breeding pairs in the UK despite the RSPB denying that they have colonised naturally and refuse to accept them on the to the British breeding birds list ( they have accepted White tailed sea eagles and Ospreys who they re introduced ), Yes some have escaped from captivity but others have flown over from mainland Europe especially the Netherlands where they are everywhere. Anyway enough politics from me 

Steve

Stunning! 

A bit of an emotional and physical roller coaster yesterday. It as finally the day when I collected Ace from the rescue centre near Stoke. He is a beautiful example of a Doberman Pinscher in my view - but I'm bound to say that. He is also very big, and very very strong. Yesterday, he was amazingly affectionate, but I knew he was wary of him being let down again. You should see him today - he's already cottoned on that this is his forever home. I've walked him nicely on his lead without any pulling, and he sticks to my left knee. He understand come, sit, down, stay. He's amazing. He has also taken the liberty of making my brand new sofa his best bed!

6 minutes ago, jumpinjoan said:

Stunning! 

Thank you my Dear 

Steve

3 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

A bit of an emotional and physical roller coaster yesterday. It as finally the day when I collected Ace from the rescue centre near Stoke. He is a beautiful example of a Doberman Pinscher in my view - but I'm bound to say that. He is also very big, and very very strong. Yesterday, he was amazingly affectionate, but I knew he was wary of him being let down again. You should see him today - he's already cottoned on that this is his forever home. I've walked him nicely on his lead without any pulling, and he sticks to my left knee. He understand come, sit, down, stay. He's amazing. He has also taken the liberty of making my brand new sofa his best bed!

Fantastic news for both of you my Friend. Good luck 🐾

Steve

Female Dolphin and Calf. Only the fin is visible of the female. The other picture is I think a bull Dolphin. Ten minutes later when I was   having breakfast over looking the harbour there where at least seven adults and two calves less than 40 metres out 

Steve

 

Edited October 11, 20186 yr by Winsford Soul

7 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Fantastic news for both of you my Friend. Good luck 🐾

Steve

What Steve said, he's absolutely gorgeous Peter x

6 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Female Dolphin and Calf

Steve

No pic, Steve... ☹️

Just now, Amsterdam Russ said:

No pic, Steve... ☹️

Sorry Russell. I pressed the button to post without the pictures. Just edited to include them

Steve

26 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Sorry Russell. I pressed the button to post without the pictures. Just edited to include them

Steve

I see them now. 

19 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

After I've uploaded a few more pictures over the next few days I wont be able to add to the soul source photograph catalogue for a couple of weeks maybe longer, my camera has developed a fault the requires it to be returned to Canon for no doubt a very expensive investigation / repair. Problem with the shutter button  stuck so as its continually taking pictures as soon as its powered up. Gutted to say the least because I sold my other camera body. And my phone doesn't have the same reach or quality 

Steve

Got a box brownie tha can borrow m8 😬

Time ' might pass you by'.

Ed

On 06/10/2018 at 20:03, TattooDave said:

Tut tut, now that is poor parking!

 

On 06/10/2018 at 20:03, TattooDave said:

Tut tut, now that is poor parking!

Went past on Monday use to be a fantastic Chinky years ago 

More Whitby....sultry morning.

 

Tenby at dusk.

Steve 

 

A bit brighter..

Ed

Just sorting out the spare room when I found a bag of stuff.  My old brogues from the Casino.  Got to say farewell to amazing times and countless memories.  Time marches on

Steve 

Well worth a look: the landscape photographer of the year awards. Some of the photos are stunning!

https://news.sky.com/story/landscape-photographer-of-the-year-awards-the-winners-11526414

Thanks for sharing it Russell. Aspire to be there 

Steve 

2 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Just sorting out the spare room when I found a bag of stuff.  My old brogues from the Casino.  Got to say farewell to amazing times and countless memories.  Time marches on

Steve 

Looks like they did some stompin steve 👏.baz

42 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Thanks for sharing it Russell. Aspire to be there 

Steve 

One day!

39 minutes ago, baz1 said:

Looks like they did some stompin steve 👏.baz

They did certainly graced a few dance floors mate. Dancing non stop for 5 hours one nighter in a competition with me mate to see who could dance for longer . Prize...... bottle of coke. Even off my head wiped me out man.

Steve 

37 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

They did certainly graced a few dance floors mate. Dancing non stop for 5 hours one nighter in a competition with me mate to see who could dance for longer . Prize...... bottle of coke. Even off my head wiped me out man.

Steve 

Dont think I could get rid of um bro,just one glance at um must bring back some great memories ♥.atb baz

42 minutes ago, baz1 said:

Dont think I could get rid of um bro,just one glance at um must bring back some great memories ♥.atb baz

I've snuck em back in the bag mate 

Steve 

49 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

I've snuck em back in the bag mate 

Steve 

 

Just now, baz1 said:

😂😂😂👏 nice one

 

On 15/10/2018 at 13:10, Winsford Soul said:

They did certainly graced a few dance floors mate. Dancing non stop for 5 hours one nighter in a competition with me mate to see who could dance for longer . Prize...... bottle of coke. Even off my head wiped me out man.

Steve 

5 hours? Once? You soft Northern lad. 

I used to dance non stop all night - at every nighter. 

A link here to the winners of the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

https://news.sky.com/story/take-a-look-at-the-best-wildlife-photos-of-the-year-11527469

A few stunners, for sure, but I can't help feel a bit underwhelmed by some of them. What do you think?

Can anyone help in identifying this caterpillar?

They arrived yesterday by the 1000's, our terrace is overrun with them, they are about an inch long.  I'm very concerned that they may be dangerous for Clyde my gorgeous boy.

Any help out there? Don't forget we are on the Balearic islands

Thanks in Advance 

Sharron x

Edited October 17, 20186 yr by crazylegs

Well I've had a week with Ace the Beast now. He is extremely loving and affectionate but it has been really tough and yesterday I was worn down and in a bad place. He's huge, and very, very strong, and doesn't walk well on a lead. Perseverance is the key and I'm more positive today. Here he is - the pictures belie his size. 

Edited October 17, 20186 yr by Peter99

1 hour ago, crazylegs said:

Can anyone help in identifying this caterpillar?

They arrived yesterday by the 1000's, our terrace is overrun with them, they are about an inch long.  I'm very concerned that they may be dangerous for Clyde my gorgeous boy.

Any help out there? Don't forget we are on the Balearic islands

Thanks in Advance 

Sharron x

Hi Sharon.  Hope you and Steve  are well. It looks like a Pine Processionary  caterpillar.  Google it for advice regarding pets and humans.  

Steve.  X