Grim weather

Grim weather here in the west country today - its one of those days where you get soaked with the drizzle. I was going out on the Levels to see what had come in over the weekend but decided against it as I did not want to get drenched (fair weather photographer eh!) turned out to be a good decision although, in the past, I have been surprised with what a digital camera can pick up in not-so-good light - I wonder what I have missed so will have a look later on the Somerset Ornithological Society website. www.somersetbirds.net/  Do you have any such resources in your area? - Most local Bird Clubs have some way of recording latest sightings within their area and I recommend that you use these resources should they be available.
So, instead, I looked through my last trip to Scotland and found the above image of a Curlew in long grasses - brings back memories of drier weather!!
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Falklands 2013

Falklands 2013

Its that time of year again as I plan my bi-annual trip to the Falkland Islands - I just cannot keep away as this will be my 5th trip to these un-disturbed areas of beautiful wildlife watching. Its a wonderful destination for those that enjoy being able to walk and roam amongst the many species of Penguin and many other types of birds and mammals plus the opportunity to photograph wildlife in its prime - there are few other destinations that offer such close and intimate encounters with nature as can be achieved on these islands. Sitting on a beach at Carcass Island and watching the Gentoo Penguins coming ashore - or even coming across a Short-eared Owl (pictured above) whilst walking in the sand dunes at Sea Lion Island. Should you wish to join me in such an adventure, please email me and I will forward details.

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Photographic evening in Bristol

One of the images  shown last night of a Stellar Eagle 

Photographic Talk  -

Had a very enjoyable evening last night at the Downend Camera Club in Bristol. I was made most welcome by the enthusiastic members of the club as we travelled “Around the World in 120 minutes” - mind you, they only gave me 100 minutes so we had to hurry and hope that nobody ended up with jet-lag!!!!  Many thanks to all who attended for their contribution and making the evening so enjoyable - should  you live in the area, I would recommend you try them out if you are looking for a friendly camera club.

www.wildlite.co.uk

Brazil - Pantanal

Yacare Caiman

Brazil - Pantanal

Just returned from a fantastic trip to Brazil - first time visit to this country and very impressed with what I found - getting around was relatively straightforward with airports operating well - once on the road we managed to get where we wanted to go without too many delays although getting out of Rio was interesting (2 hours and it wasn't even rush-hour!) lets hope that they have a system in place when they host the World Cup and Olympics!!

After testing out the local hospital services (insect bite) the photography was good - plenty of species within lens reach along the roadside and over the 120 odd bridges taking us down into the Pantanal. (I use the term, bridges, loosely as they are planks of timber across water!) Tarmac road up to Picone and then a very good dirt-road down to the Cuiaba River where we stayed for four days. This is where we saw this Yacare Caiman who was keeping his eye on us!!!

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Welcome

Welcome to my blog and first post - here I will be giving information on what I am currently working on, whether home or abroad.  This will include details of trips, photographic tips, where to see certain species, exchange of information on equipment etc.

I have just returned from Brazil and I am already looking forward to returning to see the majestic Jaguars together with Giant Otters and the wonderful bird life.  I will be sharing an image or two and some details on the next post.Also, having organised recent trips to the Shetlands, Outer and Inner Hebridean Islands, Yellowstone and the Falkland Islands, it's been a hectic few months and I'm now back for some catch up in admin and organisation of images.Please feel free to contact me for dialogue and discussion to benefit all, whatever level of photography you are at.

Mike

www.wildlite.co.uk