I've not had much time for posting etc recently as I've not been out much and have been working on a few projects which have eaten up time indoors. As yesterday was such a nice day, I decided to chuck the camera in the car when I went to order some frames. I'm glad I did now as I spotted this Woodie on the way home ! These birds never cease to amaze me - turning up in places where I least expect to find them. Most of us would expect to find these birds in wooded areas...not this one - this one was sat out on broad open moorland - must think it's a grouse
However, there's more to this Woodie than at first meets the eye, but more of that in later posts
Hi Nick
Not sure about the composition on this, I think it would have worked better with the beak completly exposed or in landscape mode but it does show the secretive nature of these birds,Love the light and detail,I had one walking around in my garden in France last year but never managed to get a shot of it
John, no she wasn't sitting, her brood was out - two fine chicks, which means she'd nested up on the moors. Also spotted the first Lappie chicks of the season nearby too. Yet to see any other chicks out, though I'm sure they won't be long in coming.
Nice one Nick of a bird I've yet to even see. I like how the bird blends into the surroundings.
Its funny how seeing a bird for the first time is the difficult thing after that it becomes much easier - I think its because our visual system is optimised for recognising patterns and if it hasn't seen the pattern before it has much difficulty picking out the bird from the background -at least thats my excuse!
Talking about odd places they turnup - according to Bradford Birders - 8.30am 3/5/06 Bradford city centre.
My favourite bird.
Not a shot I'd be happy with though Nick. Framing's awkward and it's showing too much of everything else except the bird.
Did you take any w/o the 1.4x on? If so did the looser composition help?
Woodie chicks? now there's something you don't get the chance top see every day.........hope you got shots of them
Spent a long time with her John, so got a variety of stuff. None of the shots are fully "in the clear" though as I didn't flush the bird or chicks. In fact she was in the same spot again today and a third chick had appeared, so she's had a good brood . The chicks are quite big, but not fully fledged either.
Discussion
11 replies1DII, 500/4, 1.4xII, 1/80s @ f/11, ISO200, tripod.
I've not had much time for posting etc recently as I've not been out much and have been working on a few projects which have eaten up time indoors. As yesterday was such a nice day, I decided to chuck the camera in the car when I went to order some frames. I'm glad I did now as I spotted this Woodie on the way home
However, there's more to this Woodie than at first meets the eye, but more of that in later posts
Not sure about the composition on this, I think it would have worked better with the beak completly exposed or in landscape mode but it does show the secretive nature of these birds,Love the light and detail,I had one walking around in my garden in France last year but never managed to get a shot of it
nice pic. Is the Woodcock sitting on eggs?
John
Aberdeen
John, no she wasn't sitting, her brood was out - two fine chicks, which means she'd nested up on the moors. Also spotted the first Lappie chicks of the season nearby too. Yet to see any other chicks out, though I'm sure they won't be long in coming.
Dave, I'm glad to take Woodies as I find them
Its funny how seeing a bird for the first time is the difficult thing after that it becomes much easier - I think its because our visual system is optimised for recognising patterns and if it hasn't seen the pattern before it has much difficulty picking out the bird from the background -at least thats my excuse!
Talking about odd places they turnup - according to Bradford Birders - 8.30am 3/5/06 Bradford city centre.
John
Nice shot
Tim
Super portrait - like you I'm surprised you found this bird so far from cover. Looking forward to more images and the rest of the story!
David
I've never seen one this close. Usually see them whizzing overhead with their frog and squeaky call.
Stu
Not a shot I'd be happy with though Nick. Framing's awkward and it's showing too much of everything else except the bird.
Did you take any w/o the 1.4x on? If so did the looser composition help?
Woodie chicks? now there's something you don't get the chance top see every day.........hope you got shots of them
John
I've seen thousands of woodcock in the years I've been keepering but have yet to see their young.
Looking forward to seeing more from you.
Cheers,
John