Retirement!

After forty years of public service, I have decided to take early retirement! 

The words of Sir Winston seem most appropriate:

"Now is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning".

Trying a Canon 500mm Lens at Brandon Marsh.

Mute Swan

Some of you will know that I have been contemplating purchasing a 500mm lens. Today, I had the chance to try a second hand Canon 500mm at Brandon Marsh. With my imminent retirement, I have no way of justifying a new lens, so it was nice to try a good used one, courtesy of Ady R. The day was rather challenging, dull and grey with only a few brief bright spells and what is more, the birds were distant! While waiting for Ady, a Goldfinch and Magpie took my attention.

Goldfinch (Canon 400mm 5.6)

Magpie (Canon 400mm 5.6)

Mute Swan (Canon 500mm 4.0)

Shoveler (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Shelduck (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Lapwing (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Cormorant Courtship (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Tufted Duck (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Wigeon & Teal (Canon 500mm 4.0 with Kenko 1.4 converter)

Overall, well impressed! I need a lot more practice handling a large lens and perhaps some gym work to carry it any distance!

Sun Rise on the Dog Walk!

Walking Symphony first thing in the morning has its rewards! Images taken with my "take everywhere" Olympus SP-820UZ.

Symphony Reflecting!

The Ridgeway Farm

Sunrise

"Magical" Reflections

Long Before the Game