Macro shot of a fly

 

I was thrilled with this macro shot of a common fly on a leaf. As always with flies, the compound eyes have it! The image is helped by the uncluttered background brought into play with a pleasing bokeh.  

Canon 1Ds Mk III, Canon 100mm L-series prime macro lens,  f 4.0, 1/250th sec, ISO 640

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

This Sparrowhawk attack happened while I was having lunch in the garden. My attention was drawn to a kerfuffle in the hedgerow behind a large Hydrangea. I grabbed my phone and held it up to where the panicked squealing was coming from. As I did, the Sparrowhawk took flight with a house sparrow in its talons.

iPhone video

Compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella)

 

One of my great joys is walking the dog on the beach just after now tide to see what's been washed up. Often – especially after a storm – this can include numerous Compass jellyfish. The thinking behind why so many get washed up ashore is that because they have no means of controlling their direction they can simply drift off course on strong winds, tides or currents. Sadly, the jellies will die very quickly after being grounded on the sand. This one washed up on the North Norfolk coast at Mundesley.

iPhone 12 Pro Max image

Starling (Sternus vulgaris)

 

I never ceased to be thrilled by the sight of a Starling close up. That striking livery – the outrageous stern of its Latin name – is electric.

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f 8, 1/500th sec, ISO 800

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

 

Simple but rewarding shot of a Robin in the hedgerow in autumn.

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 5400mm prime lens, f 5.6, 1/250th sec, ISO 800

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

 Simple shot of a Dunnock on the ground beneath the feeders, but I do enjoy its head posture…

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f 7.1, 1/400th sec, ISO 800

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

 

This male Blackbird spent some time on the ground beneath the feeding station and I was taken in by its expressive face. Great fun watching.

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f 6.3, 1/320th sec, ISO 800

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

 

Male House Sparrow with a female below.

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mm prime lens, f 16, 1/2,500 sec, ISO 800

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

This female sparrow on the feeders appears to be somewhat in two minds – should it be the corn seed or perhaps the pea? 

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mmm prime lens, f16, 1/2,500 sec, ISO 800