An Expressive Face

These little critters are Colombian Spider Monkeys and they were enjoying the summer sunshine but the heat doesn't really match that of their home in Colombia.

Stood with some of the other visitors to the zoo I wondered what the monkeys made of everyone staring and pointing at them. They certainly seemed curious and their faces are so expressive. But its not just their facial expressions that are so captivating but their overall body language. 

I think they are very photogenic and I love all of these shots but the middle picture is my favourite.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Also tomorrow is a landmark for this blog so make sure you come back tomorrow for what I hope will be a real treat.

A Fleeting Visitor

So for today here are two more shots of the beautiful Kingfisher that I had waited so long to see. I love the poses but wish a) he had stayed still and b) that I had had a more steady hold of my camera. Nonetheless it was a real treat to capture these images and a joy to be able to share them with you...

You've gotta love a Robin

So there I was walking around the zoo, I had spent about 40 minutes watching the Red Pandas and after getting a few decent shots I was heading over to look at some owls when this noisy little Robin flew past me and settled on a post just off the main path. I hadn't intended to take any pictures of it, after all Robins are everywhere and I didn't go to the zoo to look at common garden birds. But I do love Robins and I know there's a few of you out there who would say "you've gotta love a Robin" and just look at him, he was watching me so intently it seemed rude to ignore him. I love the pose  and I like the way the blurred background with the shaft of light highlights the bird perfectly. 

Just as it would have been rude not to take the shot it would be rude not to share it, so please take a few moments to enjoy this beautiful bird and I hope that like me, your day was just a little bit brighter for seeing it.

One Swallow ...

... does not a summer make!

It is rare to see a swallow up close and perched so near to the ground as this one was. Normally they are seen flitting around in search of food, often sat high up on power lines and sometimes stealing a drink of water by skimming the surface of a pond. But perhaps on Skomer these birds have no fear of predators and that is why I was able to get so close. 

Anyway regardless of the reason it was a real treat to be able to approach so close and get these great pictures while it paused briefly before setting off again to feed.