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Well, my Canon 100-400L Lens has arrived back from Canon and I’m desperate to see if the recalibration they have done has improved the sharpness. However, it seems that the curse of the new lens has struck. I either have bad weather, or good weather and the little furry or feathered subjects refuse to play ball.

Its holiday week for the family this week and we would normally be away, however, we are about to have an extension built and decided not to go away this week. As well as getting out with the camera with the family, (out for a mountain bike ride today, and tried to image common lizards but bad weather and incredibly strong winds put paid to that!) I’m also sneaking out at every opportunity.

Last night was a couple of hours waiting for no-show barn owls. I’m hoping to be up at Langford for dawn tomorrow as I have information that a Little Owl is roosting among some old bales. Fingers Crossed!

As a family we attended a firework competition at Belvoir Castle on Saturday night. There are a couple of images in the recent image section. The fireworks where superb, however, I have to say my favourite images where of the castle under stormy clouds before the show. Take a look at the image in recent images that I converted to monochrome. As I say we could be in the Carpathians!

Scott

Since my last blog I have been using my new Canon 100-400 zoom almost exclusively. I would like to say that I’ve been impressed, but in fact its been quite the opposite. Over the last ten years I have used several lenses as my main wildlife lens. These include the Sigma 170-500, Sigma 50-500 and the canon 300L (f4) with converter, and I can say without doubt that this lens does not produce images anywhere near the quality of the lenses mentioned above.

As with any new bit of kit it takes some time to get used to, and all lenses have their limitations and “sweet spots”. It has therefore taken me a month to come to this conclusion, as when you spend £1300 on a lens you expect it to be pretty much pin sharp. I have gone through all the processes of blaming myself, “am I doing something wrong?” However, after a couple of sessions where I shot images at ISO 200, Aperture 8, and with a shutter speed of 1/1600 with the lens balanced on a bean bag and Image stabilisation, and still there is a slight fuzziness to the image you have to conclude that all is not well.

There is also a function on the camera which allows you to change the focus point for each individual lens as in some cases the lens can slightly back or front focus. Again this made no difference. I am therefore convinced that there is a problem. So the lens will soon be winging its way back to canon with hopefully the result that there is some misalignment within the lens that is causing the issue and this can be sorted.

In a way I am happy that the Marsh Harriers or Bittern have not made the close up appearance I’ve been looking for. Imagine getting home after putting over 20 hours of work in for the image only to find its not sharp and the lens is to blame! It doesn’t bare thinking about!

This image of a grey heron was taken at Langford with the problem lens. Its had load of work on it to get it passably sharp and was about a 50% crop.

Off to the Lake District for a few days next week with my daughter so may be able to practice a few landscape shots. If I do the results will be on the site shortly.

Scott

Well the Marsh Harriers are really testing my perseverance at the moment. This morning saw another 4am start and up at Langford Lowfields reserve by 5am, just as the sun arose. And it was a beautiful sunrise. The viewpoint at Langford is on the eastern bank of the reserve and the reed beds are sunk slightly below the banks, originally created by the spoil created from the old gravel pits. You have the sun coming up behind you and the golden light gradually lights up the reeds furthest away from you and crawls gradually closer.

All was well, however, the sun rose and then after twenty minutes proceeded to slide under a bank of cloud that had come in from the west. This was really think grey cloud and suddenly the reserve was plunged back into darkness. I had to revert to ISO 1600 to get any sort of flight shot. It was at this point that my cynical mind thought “I would bet a few quid that the harriers come over to this side of the reserve for the first time out of my ten visits”. Fifteen minutes later the male disappeared going north over the reed beds, only to reappear, quartering over the reeds directly in front of me! I managed to get a fair few shots, but wasn’t convinced they would be usable. The female then disappeared over the bank to the south of me, near the current site workings. Fifteen minutes later she appeared in exactly the same position as the male had been! Unfortunately I had begun to pack away my kit as I saw the rain rolling in from the west.

I have added a picture of the male Marsh Harrier below, it has been processed in Photoshop and also using a neat plug in that helps to get rid of noise, useful at ISO 1600. Please let me know what you think. All feedback is welcome as I strive to get the location, the birds and the weather to come together and with a bit of look the image I’m looking for.

All the Best!

Scott

Well my quest to get some reasonable images of Marsh harriers at Langford Lowfields continues. I took another trip there this morning. I was at the viewing point for 4.30am and watched the sun start to come up and then disappear behind cloud! The camera and lens where really struggling for light to enable me to get any flight shots at all.

All the recent hot weather had also lead me to a poor equipment choice, you really don’t want to be stood about in a tee-shirt at that time in the morning. I did persevere however, and the Marsh Harriers finally graced me with their presence at around 6.40am. And as normal they where way over at the other end of the reserve. Far to distant for any meaningful photography.

On two occasions I was surprised by something light brown in colour skimming across the tops of the reeds. On both occasions I was caught out because it seemed to appear from no-where. On the second occasion I did manage to swing the camera around and snap a few shots. Unfortunately I had to use ISO 400 to get any sort of shutter speed and a wide open aperture. The bird was also very distant across the reeds.

I’m a firm believer that in wildlife photography you should always try and find a positive from any trip you make, however badly it appears to have gone. From todays trip I could say a waste of time, poor weather, harriers distant again and tired all day from the early start. However, my spin on it is this. Had to work harder to get any sort of image, this will pay off on the good days. Saw my first Bittern, and managed to get an image of my first bittern and to cap it all it was a flight shot.

So, try and be positive. I have got pictures of a bird I have never seen before let alone photographed, and I now have a site where images of Marsh Harriers and Bittern are present on my doorstep. On reflection a pretty worthwhile morning!

This weeks blog deals entirely with one location. Langford Lowfields is an RSPB reserve on the Eastern edge of Nottinghamshire. It isn’t yet open to the public, and I would stress that at the moment it is important that it stays that way, for the protection of the wildlife and for your own health and safety.

The RSPB, however, have been kind enough to create a viewing area on one of the footpaths that encircle the site. From here you get extensive views of what has to be the largest reed bed in the county. This is very much still under development and the site is still a working gravel quarry in places.

I had gone to the viewing area with the specific idea of working on my flight and action shots of the birds that frequent the reed beds. Common Terns and Herons are regular visitors. I have been very fortunate this year to also be able to view the only breeding pair of Marsh Harriers in the county. Consequently it has become a bit of a mission to try and get some reasonable shots of them. This prompted a 4am start this morning to be at the viewing area by 4.30 and in position for sun rise at 4.50! I think I have managed to get some ok images of the birds today. They do seem to hug the far bank of the reed bed and this is where my camera was trained this morning. Much to my surprise one of the birds flew up from the reeds directly in front of me at around 6.00am, and as normal I wasn’t ready and the shots I got where not the stunners I was after. Still I have to see this as progress and they are the best shots I’ve got yet.

I have posted one in the recent images gallery of the male and you can see the female below.

As always with these issues I would stress that if you fancy a visit to the site please stick to the public footpaths around the site and in particular the RSPB viewing site as this has been placed in the best position. I know this as I’ve walked round them all and this offers the best views!

I will continue to try and get to the site whenever I can and hopefully improve my shots of this beautiful and rare bird of prey.

If you would like a guided tour of the site with an RSPB expert then please have a look at their website as I believe they are doing a number of guided walks around the site in July/August, the first is scheduled for July 18th 2010.

Scott

NEW LENS

Well my Canon 100-400L zoom lens has finally arrived and I hope to be posting some new images taken with it shortly. You can find my first attempt, a black headed gull in flight in the recent gallery. Reasonably pleased with this effort, needed more space on the right for the bird to fly into but as it was the first time I’d handled the lens I’ll let myself off! I’m still hopeful of more badger images, news of this project later. Also want to get a trip to Bempton Cliffs in within the next couple of weeks and maybe Roe deer images as the rut starts in July.

COMPETITIONS

I have also entered a couple of competitions. I would love to do more of this if I had the time but clients projects always come first, which is as it should be! I have an image entered at The Digital Camera Photographer of The Year competition. Please take the time to have a look and pass your comments and vote at:-

http://www.photoradar.com/photographer-of-the-year/photos/124959/igneous/look-out-its-behind-you

I have also entered the Sarcoma Trust Photography Competition.

TESTING TIMES

I think as photographers we all go through periods where nothing seems to go as we would like. The badgers are being very difficult at the moment. My usual sett seems to have changed since last year. I am beginning to think that the entrance holes used last year have now been superseded by new tunnels dug further into the wood and under the trees. Last night had me tearing my hair out!

I had been in position since 7.00pm, the badgers finally began to make an appearance at 9.00pm. Their behaviour is different this year, they would normally emerge from tunnels almost directly in front of where I set up, now they seem to appear from out of the wood on the top of the ridge where there sett is. The youngsters as always spend ten minutes chasing around and annoying the adults who groom during this period. Peanuts had been placed in a trail leading towards where I wanted to take my images.

As soon as the badgers had appeared I began to hear faint music. There are footpaths all around this area and I assumed that someone was approaching with an old style ghetto blaster. The music seemed to fade and then get louder. “Dance Dance wherever you may be…. “ Folk music? The Badgers didn’t move off but they where definitely on edge. After a while I came to the conclusion that one of the nearby villages must be having some sort of Fete and the wind was carrying the music to me from about a mile away.

Finally the badgers began to move towards the peanuts I had laid down. Sitting and waiting may not sound like hard work, but after keeping the same position for two hours I was really beginning to ache. I got ready to press the shutter, and then loud voices on the path through the wood. Two blokes walked across the bridge, one spotted me and said, “Oh he must be here for the badgers”. What badgers? They had gone.

I couldn’t believe it! I had walked through this wood in the middle of the day hundreds of times and hardly ever saw anyone. At this time of night the only people you bumped into where other photographers being as quite as you. I decided to call it a night, thinking that the badgers where now safely ensconced in their sett with peanuts stuffed in their ears to cut out the terrible music!!

I hope for better fortune next month, but that’s the reward of photography, you never know when that stunning image is going to come.

Will My Luck Turn!!

Review - Naneu K4L Adventure Camera Backpack

Introduction




The K4L is a camera backpack designed with the serious photographer in mind, and has the classic two compartment design. The lower section is fully padded with customisable dividers to accommodate camera, lenses and accessories. The top section will hold clothing and lunch etc.

There is also the added bonus of a compartment running down the length of the back which will hold a 17” laptop. Additionally there are three accessory pockets, one located to the front and base and two on the wings of the main upper compartment.

A flap also folds down on the front to hold a tripod, if required. The legs drop into the pouch and then it is secured by two straps. This can be zipped away if not required. On the straps there is a small pouch that will hold a small water bottle, but is used to locate a rain cover should the need arise.

In Use




I had been looking for a new camera backpack for a while as my five year old Lowepro Trekker was showing its age and was bulging at the seams. Stepping up from this was a considerable investment and would take me well over the £100 pound barrier. I had studied backpacks from Lowepro, Tamrac and Kata and had narrowed my choice down to a couple. It was by chance that I went onto Premier Inks website and saw the Naneu range of bags. I had never heard of them, but after a bit of research and seeing their you tube video I was impressed enough to order the K4L top of the range bag. This has a retail price of £120 but is being sold for £82.

On arrival, the following day (thanks Premier Inks!) I was immediately impressed with the build quality and materials used. I have always been a Lowepro user and the bag matches their standards. My only concern with the bag was that I plan to purchase a Canon 100-400 L Lens, and this would use up a lot of the space in the camera compartment, however, as these lenses do come with their own padded lens bags, it is quite easy to accommodate it in the top section when I want to take it out.

The tripod fits very easily onto the back. It can feel loose when the top compartment of the bag is not full, however, I can assure you that it won’t go anywhere. With all this weight it feels heavy to lift, but once on you back this is distributed very well and on fastening the straps it becomes one of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve ever carried. So far, I have carried the bag for hikes of over eight miles and have had no problems.

Because of the advent of much larger memory cards I tend not to carry a laptop with me anymore, so the laptop section could be redundant for a lot of users, however, I have found that this is a great place to store my camo groundsheet folded into a square which doubles as camouflage and somewhere to get out of the rain.

Another feature of the bag is the double access into the camera section of the backpack. There is a zip on the front, and when unfastened , the top half of the bag tips backwards and you have access to the gear. You can also access this section through the top compartment as the bottom of this section is hinged and Velcro’d to allow you to lift it and gain access this way.

On first sight the garish orange of the camera compartment may be of-putting, however, in practice this does prevent you loosing lens caps in the bottom of the bag as they are easily distinguishable.

The pads and straps are very thick and are excellent at allowing air to flow between your back and the bag, so perspiration problems are less than with some other backpacks. Importantly for me it also has the second smaller strap that fastens across the chest. I always seem to loose the strap off my left shoulder but with this in place I have no problems.

There are numerous smaller sectioned areas in the front accessory pocket and I use this for memory cards, batteries and filters etc.

Conclusion




I suppose you can only judge a backpack like this after a long period of time, so maybe I should take a look in five years and see how it’s held up against my Lowepro. My initial impressions however are of a backpack that has the same build quality as a Lowepro. It is very adaptable, and gives me the flexibility of carrying all camera gear, or camera plus enough gear for a day hike. The last point for me is price. I don’t believe that at the moment I could have purchased a backpack with these features from one of the main manufacturers for less than £150.

Am I happy with it, yes! Would I recommend it to anyone else, an emphatic yes! If your still not convinced and to have a visual look at the features of this bag take a look at:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GASDCh3QBe0

Well my trip to Stannage edge in Derbyshire turned instead to a trip to Woodhall Spa. I had in my mind a picture of old mill stones caught in the first light of the sun, but, it also dawned on me that as we are now in Summer, these stones could well be engulfed by bracken. I decided that my best bet would be postpone these trips until the autumn.

I considered Woodhall Spa a safe bet for snakes at this time of the year and If I got there early enough I could take some landscape images at Kirkstead Abbey, or what remains of it. I arrived at the abbey at 4.30am after a 3.00am alarm and all was going well. The sun really lit up the golden sandstone that is used in a lot of the buildings around this area. See gallery for example image.

I then headed off to the snake site. The sun was up and within an hour it had lit up the heather and gorse bank where adders usually bask. No adders where to be seen. I then proceeded to do circuits of the site, each time expecting the snakes to have appeared, and still no snakes. I was taking all the usual precautions, the main one being to walk with almost no footfall as the slightest vibration is picked up by the snake and they disappear. I eventually gave up at 10am and headed back home. I believe that the absence of snakes may have been due to the exceptionally warm weather of the previous day, I can only assume that they hadn't cooled off sufficiently to require them to bask and warm back up. If anyone can tell me if this is the case or other factors may be in play please drop me a line.

The good thing about the reserve at Woodhall Spa is that it does give you other options. I did happen upon one extremely grumpy Grass snake (see image below) Who flattened himself out and hissed at me! I then spent ten minutes following the Damsel and Dragonflies around. Images in recent work gallery.

The day wasn't a total waste as I am reasonably pleased with my Kirkstead Abbey shot and Grass snake. I would also note here that when imaging animals the welfare of the animal should always come first. I never remove or manipulate the animals in my shots in any way, although I have seen images in the past where this has clearly been done. I backed off from my Grumpy Grass snake as soon as he let me know he didn't want me there, and he was left to get on with his day. I will occasionally temporarily relocate insects to enhance the shot but they are always returned to their preferred location.

Enjoy the Galleries and your comments are as ever welcome!






Scott

As from June 2010 it could be the time to purchase your favourite print as we have a free postage offer for all uk residents.

Scott

Well, the coming bank holiday week is shaping up to be fairly busy for me, and hopefully there should be a nice crop of images to showcase on the website by next weekend. Of course, a lot will depend on the weather but these are my provisional plans.

As well as having a couple of commissions to complete I am hoping to get some more landscape images from around my local patch. I also have a specific trip into Derbyshire planned. Initially this was to try and capture some sunrise images over Stannage edge or Froggart edge which would have made a 2.30am start to get there in time. Since I would be getting up before I was going to bed "almost" I have decided to go earlier and perhaps have a go at some painting with light techniques. I think I may have the ridge to myself.

I will not be neglecting the badgers either, and hope to get a trip to the sett this week. I'm ever hopeful that this misguided cull does not come to pass. I don't want to turn this into political rant but it does seem to me that as humans we think that the only way life will go on is if we get involved. I have news for us all. Life got along fine before we arrived and will no doubt carry on just as well when we're gone! The certainty that badgers are to blame has not been proven and there are also suggestions that deer carry the same thing. Perhaps we should cull the lot?

Anyway, I will also be taking a trip to Kirkby moor to have another go at adders and slow worms. There is also the possibility of damsel and dragonflies here as well, again weather dependant. This may have been a slightly later start, however, a colleague pointed out an old ruined abbey on the map close to woodhall spa, so an early start for some atmospheric landscapes as well.

Finally, I have begun my Diploma and I have to say I think it will be a challenge. I know that wildlife and landscapes may not be such a challenge but this course is forcing me to look at areas of photography that, shall we say, don't really float my boat. See image below! I obviously have a long way to go in this genre of photography!




More Later

Scott

Back to The Badgers (May 2010)

Well its come round to that time of year again and I have just paid my first visit to the sett. The paths and trails around the sett seem a little bit more overgrown this year and I can only assume this means that no-one has been down offering free supplies of peanuts yet.

The Badgers didn't appear until after nine today and I had moved from my original position down-wind of the sett to my more normal site, which turned out to be less favourable with regard to the breeze. A couple of badgers did appear briefly but after raising there noses to the air, and obviously catching my scent, proceeded to either disappear over the back of the sett or back down one of the numerous entrances.

So, no pictures where taken tonight and I had forgotten my own best advice and was subjected to the worst midge attack outside Scotland. Its amazing how after only a year you forget your own best advice!

I'm looking for some more unusual images this year and perhaps a little more interaction between individuals rather than the standard portrait shot. Unfortunately these decisions aren't down to me and I'm totally in the hands of the wildlife. One thing wildlife photography does teach you is perseverance!

Hopefully on my next update there should be some new images for the gallery, but for now one from last season, caught hunting down those peanuts. We have to be thankful they don't try to take them from your bird feeders, although it wouldn't surprise me.




Scott

As a photographer I travel to some super places around the country to take pictures, however, I suspect like a lot of people I have a great affection for the county I was born and bred in, and where I have lived all my life. For me that County is Nottinghamshire.

My landscape images have never really lived up to my expectations and one of my plans this year is to try and improve this area of my photography. To try and get an idea of the images that others are producing (the competition) I had a trawl on the net. The results of this have lead me to the following conclusion.

"There are no photographic locations in Nottinghamshire or there are no photographers capturing stunning images of Nottinghamshire"

Perhaps its flawed research but if you look at Derbyshire there are some fantastic images out there. The same goes for Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. I understand that terrain wise Derbyshire and Yorkshire have more dramatic landscape and Lincolnshire borders the sea but surely Nottinghamshire can do better?

This leads me to my idea. For me its liable to be doubly difficult. Firstly I'm never happy with the standard of my Landscape images, and secondly are their the locations to even give me a chance of really showcasing the County?

If any of my regulars or casual browsers on this site have ideas for locations within Nottinghamshire that can give me a helping hand, please drop me an email with your suggestions on this page or the email link from this site.

Anyway, hopefully I can provide some images that really do show that Nottinghamshire has a lot to offer the photographer. If it goes well I may devote it a special gallery on the site!

Watch out for more Badger images coming soon too!

Scott

If you have the time and would like to see the wild creatures of this wonderful country remain free from persecution, have a look at the link below. Being championed by Brian May and supported by the likes of Chris Packham.

Well worth signing up to!

http://www.save-me.org.uk/

During the next few months you will see increasing numbers of astrophotography images appearing on the site. I had always had an interest in this field of photography, and indeed, I went as far as purchasing a telescope a couple of years ago. Unfortunately for me my camera did not easily mate to the telescope and my plans where thwarted.

Wildlife photography will not be forgotten but this will probably be practiced more on holidays to Scotland. It has become increasingly difficult to find the hours necessary to get out with the camera. Anyone who has taken wildlife images before will realise that to take a successful image can involves hour behind the camera and in preparation before a shot is fired!

Astrophotography has the advantage of supply suitable candidates to image every night but is not without its complications. Perhaps the most frustrating is the weather! I am lucky to live at a fairly dark site (looking across the River Trent flood plain) but the weather is a constant pain. Last night for example I had placed the scope outside at 7.30pm and left it to cool down to the outside temperature. I then spent the next four hours covering and uncovering the scope as frequent snow showers rushed through! Eventually, just before midnight I gave up and called it a day.

Cost is another issue. It is difficult to get long exposure images of deep sky object in particular on a small budget. Currently I have two scopes piggybacked together, enabling one scope to take the images while I guide that scope with the other. At present I manually guide, meaning I place a star in the centre of the eyepiece and try and keep it in that position while the camera is taking the image, not easy! In the future (and at more cost) I will use a guide camera to do this through a laptop computer.

Happily for me those freezing cold nights, and early mornings, stood on the patio may soon be over! We are extending our house and have negotiated with the boss to convert some of the garage into an observatory and warm room. I will post some images on here for those who are interested in due course.

Nature Diary - What to shoot in August

Plants and flowers - Many of our native flowers are coming to the end of their display during August but there are still a few to be found. Foxgloves can still be found and if venturing onto the high moors Heather can be at its most spectacular.

Mammals - Roe deer are coming to the end of their rutting season. Field signs include well trodden areas around trees and bushes as well as the bark stripped off from around 30cm above the ground. Remember if you find a site for Roe deer to approach from down wind of their position.

Macro - Damselflies and Dragonflies are still prominent at this time. Early starts are best as they can be found at rest and before they warm up can be approached and photographed more easily. Don’t neglect spiders - the wolf spider is ground dwelling and can be seen hunting on the ground and low vegetation by leaping out onto prey. If you have access to a moth trap August can also be a productive month.

Reptiles - I still need to improve my coverage of the Common Lizard, and if we get some reasonable weather I will be heading to my two best sites this month to try and catch sight of these basking. South facing banks are best and I find that old railway embankments can be a good place to look. When looking for these you must approach slowly and with gentle footfalls. You may at first hear a rustle in the undergrowth and see nothing. If this is the case stay completely still and the lizard will soon reappear.

Birds - If you haven’t yet developed a bird feeding station at home then this month is a good time to plan and begin to develop it. The sooner this is done then the more species of bird will have become accustomed to it when you want to take pictures as the autumn sets in.

Dragonflies and Damselflies - July is a great month to look out for these, hopefully some examples on my site soon. Try and get out early before they’ve warmed up and find them on their roosting perches. Not only will this allow you an easier opportunity to photograph them but if your lucky they may be covered in droplets of dew. The sites I find most at in Nottinghamshire are along the banks of the river Trent, Maun or Meden. It can also be profitable to visit Spalford Warren nature reserve which surprisingly has no water but can have lots coming over the road from the nearby Girton sailing lakes.


Reptiles - I advise getting out early again for these. Look for a bright day with some cloud. Because reptiles have to regulate their temperature by basking in the sun they will be more sluggish first thing in the morning. Best sites include heathland and surprisingly I have had some success on abandoned railway embankments. Reptiles will detect you by feeling the vibration of your footsteps through the ground, therefore you must tread quietly and look ahead. I have found that although reptiles need to bask in the open they will never be far away from thick cover. If you walk over ground and find discarded metal sheeting or wood always lift as their may be a slow worm underneath. A word of caution, I would advise lifting sheets with a stick as I once did this to be faced with an adder which struck at me narrowly missing my fingers!



Butterflies - July should see an explosion of these. Much the same as dragonflies an early start is recommended as this is when they are most sluggish. We have well over fifty species of butterfly in the UK and most sites should have at least a couple to keep you entertained.

Flowers - Our meadows and woodland rides will now have an abundance of flowers. Don’t forget to look at the differing grasses and the insect and bug life down at the lower levels.

Birds - This will be one of the last chances you get this season to visit nesting seabird colonies. As mentioned last month Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast is the closest to me and is well worth a visit. Although very difficult to get images of the swallows, martins and swifts are all in abundance this month. A more realistic shot may be when they briefly rest on telephone wires, however, if your really skilled why not have a go at some very difficult flight shots!

Scott

I wanted to write this down because at times Wildlife Photography can be a solitary existence, and the experiences we have we can feel that no-one else has the same experience.

This story logs my attempt to photograph Roe Deer. See if it sounds familiar!



10th March (First Contact)

Behind our house we have a field, then a small stream, then a larger field and finally the mighty river Trent. To the front of the house we have a major road, the A1. This makes us quite closed off and it was surprising, while walking the dog, see three Roe deer in the field behind us. On seeing the dog the deer were soon across the stream and into a small wood.

This became the pattern over the next few weeks, but the deer would never be in the same place at the same time. And, invariably when I did see them I had the dog with me. Conversely, when I went out specifically to look for them with the camera there was no sign. I was beginning to think that I was the unluckiest photographer in the world.

12th April (First Image Attempt)

While coming back with the dog I noticed two of the Roe deer in the field behind the house. The grass in here was being grown for silage and stood about 18 inches high. I nipped back to the house, jumped into some camo clothing and headed back out with the camera. I approached from down wind of the deer which where still in the field. After almost braking my neck trying to climb stealthily over a metal five bar gate I preceded to crawl towards the deer. The advantage of this approach was that I was under cover. The disadvantage was that I had to lift up out of cover to see where the deer had moved too. As always seems to happen to me I lifted up after crawling about 200 yards to be greeted by the Roe deer looking directly at me. After one blurry shot they where gone into the cover of the wood, I returned home wet and cold with nothing to show for it.

13th April to June 14th

Over this period there where various botched attempts where I was outfoxed by the Deer. There where many more days where the deer where always there when I didn’t have the camera, had the dog or I just couldn’t get out because I had to go to work. I was beginning to think that the only way to get the pictures would be to use a hide and stay their all night and be their when the deer showed up when it got light.

The problem with this was that the deer where sometimes behind the house, but they could be over a mile away. Sometimes they would be in the same field for a couple of days but then disappear for a while. Because I don’t do this full time I can’t dedicate a week or two for this approach. I am sure this is a problem most of us face an is a constant frustration when you have a full time job to go to.

17th June to 19th June

During this three day period I would take the dog out for her walk at 6.15am, and climbing over the gate into the field was faced with a male Roe Deer. He would bound off to a safe distance, and surprisingly, even with the dog to heal would not disappear over the stream but watch from a safe distance. As I walked round the edge of the field he would manoeuvre himself around us at a safe distance. As always he was out of camera range.

20th June (a lesson in Perseverance)

I had decided that because of the last three days I would get up at 5.30 am and as it was a Saturday I could sneak into the field and hopefully, finally get some pictures. I was in full camo gear, and I had worked out a silent approach route which would keep my scent away from the deer. Everything went to plan and I got into a covered position where I could observe the whole field, and sure enough, no deer! I truly was the unluckiest photographer in the world. I decided to sit and observe for half an hour more in hope than any thought that the deer would turn up. And sure enough, nothing.

I headed off home totally dejected. The dog was waiting for me as normal and threatened to awaken the whole house. I got changed and headed back out where I had just come from this time with an over excited dog in tow. I approached the field and could see my neighbours two horses staring at a male Roe deer who was about 150 yards away. Well there was no turning back so I took the dog for her walk, this was shortened because I just couldn’t leave it alone, I had to have another go!

Back home I went, changed again, got the camera out again and walked passed the field. I climbed over the gate and I now had a hedge between me and the deer with the wind in my face. Never the less I could see the deer looking at me and new I could not approach. I walked away to the far end of the field and then turned and made my approach from the other side of the field. Amazingly I had managed to get into cover amongst the hedge. The deer had moved about three hundred yards away and to rub insult into injury it was browsing on the hedge that borders our back garden. I cursed silently, I could have got pictures from my own back door!

I wasn’t going to give up and walk off this time. I knew the Deer could walk across the field at any time and disappear over the stream. Over the next 30 minutes he tempted me by coming a little closer and then moving away. I was convinced he didn’t know I was there, I just needed a bit of luck.

Finally he moved over to the horses again, and as the adrenalin began to pump, he approached my position. In fact he was too close for a time. I began to take some shots, he could hear the shutter on the camera. The shots weren’t the best either but better than anything else I’d got. He finally became aware of my presence and bolted across the stream. In the past I may have packed up and headed off at this point, however, I had seen him move off before and then turn as if not quite sure what he had run from. Sure enough, he obviously felt safe across the stream and stood in a lovely position for me to take about 20 images before heading off into the wood.

I headed home grinning from ear to ear. After a mainly disappointing few months when I felt like nothing was going right and that this could only happen to me, my perseverance had paid off. See the pictures in the recent images gallery. Maybe not the best you’ve ever seen, but to me they represent a real point that we should all strive to follow. Never Give Up!

June is a very busy month as far as wildlife and nature goes. If your not careful you can end up chasing after too many things and not managing to catch any of them to the standard you want. This list is by no means comprehensive but it does show what I hope to capture images of this month. Use it to give you a few ideas if your stuck!

Plants

Wildflowers are very prominent this month. Orchids in particular have begun to spring up in abundance if you go to the right place. If your not sure I would advise a bit of research on the web and a search of your local Wildlife Trust Site should give you some good pointers. There are a number of wildlife trust sites in Nottinghamshire where orchids can be seen. Kirton Wood has good numbers of Common Spotted Orchid in June.

Insects

A good month to shoot macro. Needless to say with flowers out, butterflies are also prominent. Don’t just look at the obvious however, woodlands and gardens will be awash with so-called minibeasts. Spiders, ladybirds, grasshoppers, hard-shelled beetles are all down in the undergrowth, in fact, it is possible to be kept busy all month just with the contents of your garden. Don’t neglect your night-time visitors either, my moth trap is now very busy, more images soon!





Birds

June is a month when lots of fledging takes place. You should be able to find youngsters being fed outside the nest by parents. Obviously long lenses are best as the welfare of the young should come first. It will give you the chance to capture behavioural shots as the young are fed. On a personal note, I hope to get up to Bempton Cliffs on the east coast to photograph sea birds at the massive colony there. Again, adults should be brooding or feeding young so expect lots of action.

Badgers

I continue my project with the badgers this month. This should be the best month as we have the longest day coming up and they will need to feed while it’s still light. Again my advice would be to seek out the knowledge of your local expert, wildlife trust or badger group. They may even have a permanent hide and lead groups on specific nights.

Scott

As this project progresses I will try to keep you updated with the latest trials and tribulations. As you can see from the gallery I have already managed to capture a couple of shots, unfortunately not at the standard I hope to get eventually.

I hope to visit again within the next few evenings, but if your planning your own badger watch or project hear are a few pointers that I would pass on which may assist you.

1) Bait - The badgers at my sett love peanuts so take some along and place them in a position that gives you the best view. I have also heard that peanut butter is a favourite but have not tried this.

2) Wind Direction - Very important to have the wind blowing into your face or at least not directing your scent towards the badgers. Although their eyesight is poor they will smell you very easily. I have managed to watch these badgers while only being five yards away by simply placing myself with my back against a tree and they have not spotted me.

3) Wrap up well even if its warm - I put this on for two reasons. Firstly you're going to be there from when the sun is still up until its dark, so you can experience a huge temperature change. Secondly, and I have found this to my cost, midges and mozzies love nothing better than a large hairless mammal as a sitting target! If you don't cover up you could end up getting bitten to death.

4) Portable light source - Although I haven't used one of these I did get to a point on my last session when the camera would not focus as it got too dark. I have seen this done before where a light is placed to illuminate the area where you have put your feed. This did not bother the badgers in the least. Please note however, that the welfare of your subjects is paramount so if you think it will cause disturbmance please err on the side of caution.

If I discover any more useful points that crop up throughout this project I will update this news story so keep checking in!

27th May 2009

Well, managed to get up to the sett again last night and true to my word about involving the family I made the visit with Leia my ten year old daughter. We had a really great time with a total of seven badgers coming out before it got dark and we had to leave. Photography I'm afraid took a back seat as we watched the three youngsters going ballistic. It was all we could do to stop ourselves bursting out laughing with there antics, culminating in Norman (named by my daughter) doing a 360 degree spin then rolling backwards down a steep slope. I'm sure this wasn't the effect he was looking for!

Anyway, I had moved under the trees for this session as I thought that the badgers where coming out earlier in this heavily shaded area. This proved to be the case and almost as soon as I had put peanuts down the youngsters where out. It was 7.30pm. Throughout the session the badgers stayed further away than we would have liked and did not approach the bait, they obviously knew that something was not quite right and this could have been due to the wind direction which may have been pushing our scent across them.

I did manage to get a shot of one of the youngsters and I will post that up in the badger gallery later today if its come out Ok.

01/06/09

Another eventful evening with the badgers. Got there early on a lovely sunny evening, and the young badgers where out almost before I'd set up my kit after putting down the peanuts.

The interaction between the youngsters and adults was very interesting, culminating in one of the youngsters agressively causing one of the adult badgers to move off from his stash of peanuts, something I wouldn't have thought possible. One of the images in the gallery shows the two side by side so you can clearly see the size difference.

I also had the pleasure of meeting another badger watcher at the site tonight. A retired chap who had never thought it possible to get so close to these wild creatures. We did spend quite a lot of time talking which cut down the number of pictures I took, but it just goes to prove that watching wildlife doesn't have to be a solitary existance. I also have to admit that he did give me a couple of tips of interesting site to take pictures of other wildlife! More updates later.

11/06/09

Just a short update - I hope to get another session in with the badgers in the next few days. After reviewing my images so far I am going to try and tone down the harshness of the flash by adding a homemade 5 minute diffuser (cut form an old milk carton) I had hoped to getaway without flash but my move under the trees has now ment that this is not possible, so the plan is to try and get a softer light more flattering to the subjects. A picture of my bodge diffuser is shown below and I will post some new images taken with it shortly. Please let me know what you think.

With the warmer weather I have started to get larger numbers of moths coming to my moth trap. These are a fantastic way to get a large variety of creatures into your back garden and all potential photography models.

People who have never used a moth trap before are amazed at the variety and colouring of the moths that most of us never see. It is also a fantastic way to get children involved in wildlife, they can be involved in setting up the box in the evening and then the excitement of the examination in the morning and never being sure what you've caught.

I find that I get more moths if I site the box near tall stemmed plants or grasses. This allows moths to not only enter the trap but also you will find many more in the two metre square around the trap resting on plant stems etc. Once I have collected these moths and dropped them into the trap, the box is placed somewhere out of the sun while I work out the best backgrounds or perches for taking photographs. The old style of egg box is also useful to place into the bottom of the trap for the moths to rest on. The best time to release the moths is the following evening, just leave the lid off and the moths will depart in their own time as darkness falls.

There is always a debate about making your own trap or a spending a larger amount of money for a commercially produced one. I think it is possible to get all the bits together and make one for under £40, however, I eventually bought a unit for around £60. I have put a link to the website in case anyones interested. I don't have any links with the supplier other than I bought the trap about four years ago and its still going strong.

Last nights haul included three different types of hawk moths (the big ones). The elephant hawk moth, these are the large pink ones, a privet hawk moth, these are massive and a poplar hawk moth that tries to look like a bunch of dead leaves. There are numerous smaller moths of varying colours which I need to identify.

As you can see a magnificent wildlife experience on your own doorstep!