This morning dawned dull with mist. The mist was peculiar stuff as it was blessed with a bit of mass so was falling. It took me a while to realise it was the finest snow I’ve ever seen.
By half eleven the light was good so off I set with Bertha. I’ll post another picture of the lens. She is a monster and one of the few lenses I have doubts about buying. It is just too heavy and unwieldy for me. I have owned it for a year or more now and when I get a shot with it it’s a good one. It is a cracking lens for wildlife as fast as I could desire. It’s not fast to deploy though. I have to find birds or animals then go back, set up and wait. Today I waited for three hours for the Dipper and never even saw it. I’ve been here a week and they are up and down the burn as regular as clockwork. Where the little blighters had gone today I don’t know. It was very cold; happen they have migrated. The Squirrels must have followed on foot as they were conspicuous by their absence. I did put a load of nuts down under the tree I’d seen them run up, I hid the dogs behind a log, I did my best. I was a tad depressed when I got back after a four hour outing with nothing, Action was required; I took tripod and tilt shift lens down to the loch. It had got colder. I only have one silk glove left to work the camera and I have mislaid it. My fingers felt like wood. I have found it now, but it is a left hand one. It was stuffed in my clean jeans back pocket. The glove is clean, always look for the upside. 
I called at the local shop for bread and milk, it’s a great shop as it does ski rental, has an obstacle course for birds and squirrels, a cafe and a bar. I had a couple of pints to drown my sorrows. It even has a picture on the wall of a Pine Marten. They are nocturnal but I’m not going to try for one of them. The shop has been here since 1957 and there is only the one picture. I’m a rubbish fauna taker, I can’t find the little devils to take.
Have fun.
I reckon them red's have headed off to the that weird light in the first image, did the red too have a flashgun?
ReplyDeleteI really like the big panorama. I was wondering if perhaps someone in the area might have some feeders up and has red's visiting might be worth asking around or hang around any carparks near the woods, they're tricky little so&so's
Douglas, there are two feeding stations for Reds but as it isn't light till 0830h there are people about.
DeleteDouglas, there are two feeding stations for Reds but as it isn't light till 0830h there are people about.
DeleteAdrian, that is a really beautiful shot. Did you use that same lens you used for the Christmas lights?
ReplyDeleteYes Carol, It is a wonderful piece of kit.
DeleteThe pines photo is excellent Adrian, can I save it to my pc, or is there copyright?
ReplyDeleteGary, you are welcome to any images I post. If you want them for print and not for profit I can reprocess. All images are free for personal use.
Deletewhat a stunning sun through the pines shot!
ReplyDeleteNorma, I'm happy with it.
DeleteSeeking Nature photos with two yapping terriers in tow is ambitious. When David Attenborough creeps up on gorillas or birds of paradise, he isn't yelling "COME 'ERE ALF YE LITTLE BUGGER! MOLLY GET DOWN!"
ReplyDeleteYP, it isn't ideal I'll grant you. They are reasonably good whilst I'm birding. I am too soft to leave them for hours on a regular basis.
DeleteVery effective shots! I appreciate all the trials and tribulations you suffer through to share the views of so many lovely areas. Hope you have warmed up.
ReplyDeleteGlo, I really ought to get a life. I did try, I warmed up in the pub. Today is storms but there is a céilidh tonight so that may provide some photographs.
DeleteI have the same problems with my point and shoot. When I want fox photos and park by their den I don't see them. I always blame it on my impatience!
ReplyDeleteRed, I am quite impatient. I will have to take up yoga or something.
DeleteEnjoyed reading the story very much. I can relate to days like that. I chuckled. It is not easy to make disappointment humorous.
ReplyDeleteDavid If I didn't laugh I'd cry. It is only a hobby and there are worse places to sit than ancient woodland.
DeleteThe waiting game. I'm really an opportunist. The sun in the trees is a real gem: as Kiwi as it is Scottish.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I'll pinch this as a title. I seem to have spent January waiting.
DeleteWonderful images Adrian, especially the sun through the pine trees. The panorama is magnificent too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mersad.
DeleteAdrian what a lovely photo, s
ReplyDeleteThank you Bas.
DeleteBeautiful landscapes, the panos are so nice.
ReplyDeleteMaria, I love it here. I have to head down to Darlington soon but will come back the middle of February.
DeleteLove this landscape!!! Very impressive
ReplyDeleteLaura, If the temperature dropped five degrees it would be better.
DeleteJust as well you had the landscape to fall back on. You've done that tree shot proud and inspired many people in the process.
ReplyDeleteJay, there is usually something that catches my eye on a walk.
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