New camera!

Since I started photographing wildlife (twelve or so years ago) I've progressed through the Pentax 'K' range, starting with a K-x, on to K-1, KS 2, K-3, arriving at K-3 11. I've found them all easy to use and quite robust, but they are definitely not in the same class as Norman and Brian's Nikons. Still: since I don't enter any photographic competitions and take pictures just for use here and on social media, it's impossible to justify the expense of a change!

My last K-3 became a little unreliable - it probably just needs a good clean - so I snapped up the latest upgrade on Ebay. So far it seems excellent, but a day in the field this week should test it out! (The pictures below were all taken through my grubby office window!)

Another Bikers' rally!

This time, courtesy of the Suffolk Coasters MCC, at Seething Airfield. A great venue with a capacity crowd in the large marquee: an appreciative audience, great food and drink and amusing inter-set entertainments made it a memorable night.

First look at Comet Tsuchanshin-ATLAS

Since the early morning sky was crystal clear, with a thin crescent Moon hanging over the eastern horizon, I thought it might be worth searching for Tsuchanshin before it passes behind the Sun. From the top of the Heath the sky was dark and full of stars, with Mars and Jupiter both prominent in the constellation of Gemini.

Just before dawn (at around 05.30) I managed to glimpse the comet as a slightly fuzzy 'star' of around magnitude 2.8. Hopefully when - if - it re-emerges in mid October it might be a much more impressive sight.

Look what the wind blew in!

Quite surprised to see three House Martins whizz over the garden today! A few Buzzards were not unexpected, but a pair of displaying Marsh Harriers were unusual. A large mixed tit flock comes and goes most days - not easy to  photograph, but great to see!

September wildlife count at Hemblington All Saints Church

To be honest, the 'wildlife' in question tend to be birds, bees, dragonflies and butterflies! Today was a breezy, cool day, with a strong south-westerly: Sue, Linda, Peter and I met at the church without any great expectations, but in fact managed to log a decent number of species, including four species of raptor.

Feeding up for Winter!

It's only September, but the various berry and fruit bushes in the garden are already being stripped by the resident blackbirds and finches! Meanwhile 'our' pair of Red-legged Partridges have started bringing a third bird along for a feed: perhaps it's one of their youngsters? Good to see that 'Whitey', the pale Common Buzzard, is still King of the Castle!

Twitch at Titch!

Norman and I spent half a day on the North Coast, starting at a somewhat barren Cley (high water and maintenance work) before moving on to Titchwell. We arrived just as the rain stopped and headed out to the Parrinder Hide for a good search through the Golden Plover flock(s). Every now and again I thought I'd located the American Golden Plover, but there was no-one in the hide with a 'scope to confirm. I was giving directions to Norman when, just as the candidate emerged from behind the other GPs, the whole flock was flushed! Still: looking at the photos, I'm pretty sure I found the target bird...

As we walked back to the centre, we came across the long-staying 'escaped' Black-winged Stilt and a distant Little Stint: both good to see on a somewhat gloomy day. A return to Cley on the way home was unproductive: the cafe was closed!

Marine tank update

Our little coral reef continues to flourish - some of the inhabitants are over five years old now! I never fail to enjoy the sight of the corals under actinic light (to avoid algal growth the white lights are only rarely on: see final photo)

Great Synergy gig in the Brecks

A bit of a long drive down to Whittingham, near Methwold for Synergy's latest gig: well worth it, though, especially to witness the incredible collection of vintage, modern and custom bikes on show.

The afternoon / evening went well for us, with an appreciative crowd enjoying three hours of virtually non-stop rock and blues in a large, comfortable marquee.