20110410

Top 10 most wanted

I thought it might be an interesting exercise to share my 10 must-get British wildlife shots. The list is not in any particular order, but represents those images I would love to have in my portfolio, but have yet to manage. It's also not intended to be a list of rarities – my passion is not for the seldom seen but simply for compelling images which, I hope, convey something of the beauty of the animal. Perhaps it would be fun for other bloggers to post their photographic wish-lists. So, over to you…

Here goes...

1. WEASEL or STOAT – either hunting or within a family group

2. GOLDEN EAGLE – in my dream shot it is in flight carrying off its prey, possibly a young hare or rabbit

3. PUFFIN – preferably with its bill stuffed full of glistening sand eels (I have a trip planned to the Farne Islands over Easter, so this one might yet happen)

4. OSPREY – leaving the water with a fish in its talons

5. KINGFISHER – relatively common here in North Norfolk, but I have yet to capture one on film. In my dream shot it would be diving headlong into pristine water or perched on a branch with its stickleback catch

6. SWALLOW – yes, common enough, but I would love to capture an adult bird feeding an infant bird on the wing

7. OWL – Barn Owl or Tawny Owl captured at the moment of a kill

8. DORMOUSE – simply because they are the most delightful creatures and I have never seen one

9. BAT – any one of our eight resident species caught on the wing (if anyone out there can advise on the techniques involved in managing to capture on film a bat in flight, I'd love to learn more)

10. BOTTLENOSED DOLPHIN – leaping from the water.

6 comments:

  1. You don't want much do you Time.{:)
    Its a superb list and would be good in anyones portfolio.

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  2. Oh how I can relate to your dream images.....

    When we first moved to the farmhouse I was chatting to a neighbour. As we stood there passing the time of day, a weasel strolled by with a woodmouse in it's mouth. Needless to say I did not have my camera to hand. I now take my camera most places with me, you just never know.

    I have bats in my loft. I watch them catch moths in my gardens most evenings in summer. I have never been able to capture one on camera.

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  3. Hi Roy. It's good to have targets, don't you think? And I'm happy in the knowledge there will be other great moments as I try to tick off some of this list over the years.

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  4. Hi Cheryl. The weasel and woodmouse encounter must linger in the memory. What a moment.

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  5. Wow - I'd be happy to share your list Tim...and couldn't agree more about the dormouse... I'd just like to see one.

    I would add to my list: Lesser spotted woodpecker at a nest hole. I haven't even seen one yet, let alone pointed a lens at it, so it continues to be my bogey bird! :D

    Good luck with your quest :D

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  6. Hi Tricia. Here's wishing you well in capturing one – such a fabulous bird. – Tim

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