There once was an ugly duckling...

... but it turns out it wasn't a duck at all; it was a swan, a beautiful swan!

Earlier this year I paid a visit to Dunham Massey and I photographed a pair of swans on a clutch of eggs (click here) so today when I went back to visit the park although my main aim was to photograph the deer I wanted to check on the swan family.

To my delight the adults were still there and they have successfully raised three handsome cygnets. I had hoped to get a family portrait as they were all sat together on the nest but as I was preparing the shot another visitor to the park arrived and started hurling lumps of bread into the water disturbing the piece and ruining the opportunity.  

Although they didn't return to the nest as a family group I waited patiently and managed to get a few nice shots.

Smiling Buck

Tamron 150mm - 600mm f/5:6.3

ISO 100   600mm  f/6.3   1/160 sec

At Dunham Massey I had spent most of the time in the gardens photographing the spring flowers but before going home I wanted to wander into the deer park and see whether I could get some nice shots.

At this time of year the herd of deer is spread out around the park in small groups and unlike the autumn months when there is a lot of activity in early May the deer seem much more relaxed and were contentedly feeding as the many visitors walked by. 

It wasn't really the best time of day to get really interesting shots but I do like this one of a young buck who was gently munching on some grass. He was completely at ease as I approached and seemed to pose for me. You can see that his cheeks are full of food but with his lips parted slightly I think it looks very much like he is smiling.

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.

Just For You, Deer

I am sticking with a wildlife shot for today and I hope you will agree this is a great shot of a female white tailed deer. 

As we drove through the Mission Marsh area of Thunder Bay we had been promised we would see some deer and sure enough we spotted a couple taking shelter from the rain under a few trees. We stopped the car and with the help of a few apples we managed to coax one a little closer, then before we knew it about eight more approached from their places hidden in the long grass. Although they came close they were appropriately wary but I was able to get some good shots. They have such gentle faces, beautiful eyes and lovely long lashes.

Gotta Love a Tree Hugger

While camping lake side in the provincial park we were visited by lots of critters on a daily basis including chipmunks, skunks and squirrels. During our stay we saw grey, black and red squirrels but by far the most friendly were the reds, like this one that let me get up close as he posed for this delightful portrait. He had been active around the site all week but had been quite difficult to photograph because he was so darned fast so patience was the key to getting this shot. 

I think that you will agree he is adorable.

Out of the Jungle

My favourite character from The Jungle Book was Bagheera the panther and my favourite big cat is the Jaguar (Pantera Onca). At Chester Zoo they have a great enclosure for the Jaguars as part of their conservation program. 

The black panther was outdoors, sheltering in a small cave and at first it was quite difficult to see and this picture was taken using my 150 - 600 mm lens fully extended. I like the fact that s/he was looking directly at the camera.

The other one was indoors looking very regal and relaxed and although in full view I had to shoot these pictures through the glass. It was difficult to get a clear shot without reflection but I think I did OK, in fact the final crop is better than OK and I am very pleased with this portrait of one of my favourite animals.

Abstract Reflections

I am fascinated by reflections and I love the way the motion of the water distorts the reflections of the trees along the river bank. The uneven surface adds texture and depth to the reflections and gives a sense of movement too.

I think there is something a cubist portrait in the first image and I really like that picture.  I have shown a few people the image and they all see something different in it.  That is the beauty of an abstract image.

Graceful Swan

I really like swans, they are so graceful and serene (when they're not hissing at you).  They will often pose obligingly for a photo as in the first of today's pictures and then they swim away so gently leaving barely a ripple.  I am really pleased with the second picture because it captures the reflecting well.  A few moments later a strengthening wind broke up the water's surface and there was no chance of getting another reflection. As always timing is the key.