Robins Appear when Loved Ones are Near

 

Meet my new friend.

One day in December I really felt the need to get out and take a little time to myself so I headed off to Burton Mere. I wasn't really bothered about taking photos and for much of the time I just walked or stood quietly to enjoy the peace of my surroundings. 

I had spotted a small, noisy flock of Long Tailed Tits in a tree next to the path so I stopped to watch them and as I stood there this beautiful Robin flew down to the railing next to me. For the next 15 minutes he kept me company, even flying onto my outstretched hand twice, despite the fact that I had nothing to feed it. As I spoke to it it cheeped back at me and it posed nicely for photos. In that short space of time I was totally absorbed in the moment, I felt at complete peace. Even now several weeks later when I recall the experience I feel that same feeling of peace. It was such a simple thing but it has had a big impact on me and my sense of well-being.

I am so pleased with these images too, the detail and the lighting are perfect and I am so pleased to be able to share them, I hope they give a little lift to your day.

Cave Troll

Ok so it's not really a troll, it's my youngest son who was with me on my day out.

I am really pleased with this shot because it wasn't posed at all. I had been taking some shots of the interior of the cave and as I turned to leave I was able to quickly capture this image. I think it is a great composition and the lighting is spot on. I did do a slight adjustment in lightroom by tweaking highlights and shadows but apart from that it is pretty much as shot. 

Red Panda

One of my favourite mammals; the Red Panda. 

OK it may be a bit cliche because they are just so cute but they really are beautiful and whenever I visit Chester Zoo I am drawn to see them. 

I love this shot, I think the lighting is spot on with the sun coming in from the right and the shaded areas helping to frame the panda as it was trotting towards me.

Looking Good...

I was lucky enough to spot this lone stag in a small clearing, he had quite clearly been digging up the soil with his antlers, perhaps searching for acorns or other tasty morsels. I followed at a safe distance trying not to spook him and to let him know I meant him no harm as he walked through the woodland. He stopped a few times and watched me and I thought  that he might run off but happily he seemed quite contented and relaxed. He approached a fallen tree and proceeded to clean his antlers by brushing against the branches.

As I slowly approached he would lift his head, look at me and sniff the air and then when he was satisfied that I was no threat he resumed his scraping. 

So today's three pictures show that story with his head down in the first image you can see how intently he was cleaning his impressive antlers.

In the second shot he has his tongue out, he wasn't being rude he was just doing a bit of grooming.

I like both of those shots because they are candid shots of a wild animal at ease going about its daily life.

I love the third shot though because it is a perfectly posed and beautifully lit natural portrait of a truly majestic and beautiful creature.