...over the last few days :)

Thought I'd share these, they're up on my FB - but for those not, I thought I'd put them here too I'm still struggling a lot with the camera, especially, to my dismay, the macro stuff - as it's my favourite. The lens I use is rather heavy and hard to manage at times, and I find it really gives me breathing troubles in this heat. I also get terrific shake with it as it weighs so much, not to mention I can't bend down. Was gutted to day as missed a gorgoeus photo opportunity of a Ruby Tailed Wasp - it's only the second time we've found one, so meh! Buuuut - I can use the Bigma on a monopod, mostly anyway, and I can still use my beloved 50mm So it's not all doom and gloom, I just have to make do with what I can physically manage at the moment - at least I can do it at all!

Here's that Whitethroat we've been watching. It's getting easier to track his movements, but he's still a flighty little fella, and baiting him doesn't work. Going to try using recordings of Whitethroats from the car window next, see if that'll attract him into singing back. Rather like this, even if he is far away, think he looks rather fetching amongst the gorse


Some of the Dippers near our house. We've been watching these a while, hoping to see their fledglings - we go down very early morning. Thinking about it, it's not the best time for light, but the river is in a wood, so chances are the light would never be brilliant. I was quite happy considering








This isn't good photography, but now I've found some places where we get Fulmar every day (all day!), I'm quite taken with them. This pair were very loved up too <3 :-* they were making the most endearing noises!




Also, very pleased with how this Starling shot came out! These guys are nesting in a hole in the wall next to our house


Just about the only good macro shot I've managed so far since I got out:


Annnnd - some pretty local scenes

Ballynacarriga Castle:


Bridge on the way into Crookstown:


A gate lodge in Crookstown:






Gougane Barra:












Eeeeeeek - sorry there's so many - guess I'm just excited to be able to take some shots again! :-[ :-[

xx

Nice to see you are getting back behind the camera.
It must be fustrating while you recovering, but I'm sure you'll get there.

I love 9 and 17
That flower is beautifully lit, it seems to glow and that mossy tree is gorgeous.

Some lovely shots in there Z, think my faves are 15 16 17, esp 16 17!

Some great photo's there Z, don't know which is my favourite but to do like the B&W.

Jeff

Great pics Love the flower macro

Great to see you've been out and about - I do like the last one of the trees and I would love to find somewhere to have a go at dippers.

They're everywhere over here Phil! Pracitcally one of the national birds. We have three species here that are distinct strains exclusive to Ireland, Coal Tit, Jay and Dipper

You should find them in Scotland no problem - about half of the birds in Britain and Ireland are in Scotland! From one site - you can see them here:

* Argyll: Bridgend, Islay (NR 336624)
* Dumfries and Galloway: Wood of Cree RSPB (NX 381708)
* Aberdeenshire: Glen Tanar (NO 480965)
* Perth and Kinross: Killiecrankie (NN 906628)
* Renfrewshire: Lochwinnoch RSPB (NS 358580)
* Inverness-shire: Nethybridge (NJ 001205) and Glen Affric (NH 215241)

and this looks nice:
http://www.incallander.co.uk/birdlife.htm

xx

Those are all really nice shots Laura, especially the Dippers