Large White Butterflies - Updated photos

Top Tips for Photographing Butterflies

Wildlife photography is always a lengthy process and you need some patience. I have tried butterfly photography before and not always got the shots I want. Slowly they are improving from a small subject in the middle of the screen to something with a bit more creativity (In my opinion :o)).

As said butterflies can be tricky to photograph, either you get too close and they fly off or they flutter from flower to flower without pausing or allowing you to focus properly.
As I have been trying to improve I have put below are some tips I have found useful when photographing butterflies;

• I have found that if I keep the tripod head loose and use the tripod for some stabilisation it allows me to get in quicker.
• Set the camera'ss sensor parallel to the wings this will help to ensure the wings and body are sharp.
• Wait for the butterfly to be front lit by the sun.
• Use a fast shutter speed (try ISO400 to help increase shutter speed)
• Wait for it to be colder, butterflies need the heat of the sun to use their wings, try and get them earlier or later in the day when they are sat absorbing the sun.
• Shooting in JPEG instead of RAW, you may want to consider shooting in JPEG instead of RAW. This will allow you to snap a lot more shots in a burst, increasing your chances of getting a sharp photo (when everything stood still for a microsecond) especially if you’re having a hard time with the wind and a constantly moving butterfly.
• Wait for the butteflies to come to you, focus on a flower and you will find they will come and settle on one near you rather than you chasing them. This requires some planning and research on my part and use a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/5.6 - f/4 is ideal) and a relatively fast shutter speed (maybe 1/1600s, however anything >1/250), ISO200-400 and then wait for a butterfly to appear. bracketing exposure may lso help - 3 shots if your camera has this functionality.
• Patience, patience, patience and practise practise practise. 
• Also try zooming in or macro shots, try with the flash as well , above all try and be creative 

MY SET-UP

Canon 1200D
7-300mm Lens, set to macro 200-300mm
ISO 200
f5.6
1/500
Tripod - Velbron Sherpa 200with ball head

 Examples from today's walk around Stretford Meadows, early morning;

 Gate Keeper

Large  White

Large White

Red Admiral

Meadow Brown 

I am more pleased with these images, still some room for improvement but finally getting there.

Dance Moves Support Evidence for New Bird-of-Paradise Species

I like my Birds of Paradise and follow this project with interest.

The Superb Bird-of-Paradise—the shape-shifting black bird of central New Guinea that woos its mate with an iridescent blue “smiley-face” dance—has an equally superb cousin in the isolated mountains of Indonesia’s Bird’s Head Peninsula in the island’s far west. Scientist Ed Scholes and photographer Tim Laman, with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Birds-of-Paradise Project, have now visually documented the distinct differences between the western population in the Arfak Mountains and the more common form found elsewhere on the island. Both believe the western form should be considered a new species.

“The courtship dance is different. The vocalizations are different. Even the shape of the displaying male is different,” says Scholes. “For centuries, people thought the Superb Bird-of-Paradise in the mountains of the Bird’s Head region was a little different from the other populations throughout the rest of New Guinea, but no one had ever documented its display in the 200 plus years this bird has been known to occur there.”
“Even after many trips to the region, we’d never seen the Arfak birds do their courtship display,” says Birds-of-Paradise Project co-leader Tim Laman. “When we finally located a display site and saw a male open his cape for the first time, what we saw was a complete surprise!”
When expanded for courtship display, the western male’s raised cape creates a completely different appearance—crescent-shaped with pointed tips rather than the oval shape of the widespread form of the species. The way the western male dances for the female is also is distinctive, being smooth instead of bouncy.

The raised cape of the western male (left) is crescent shaped and unlike the
oval shape of the widespread Superb Bird-of-Paradise (right) found throughout
most of New Guinea.
Left image © Tim Laman ML 62126951. Right image © Ed Scholes ML 458003

Scholes and Laman have been studying and filming birds-of-paradise behavior in the Arfak Mountains for the past 13 years. They first uncovered this population’s unique courtship behaviors in June 2016 and returned again this year to gather additional documentation for a forthcoming scientific paper.
A recently published independent genetic study confirms the visual and behavioral evidence collected by Scholes and Laman. A team of researchers from Sweden and Australia used DNA samples from museum specimens to examine the evolutionary relationships among Superb Bird-of-Paradise forms throughout New Guinea. Their research, published online in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, found that the western form is more genetically distinct from the widespread form than previously thought. They, too, say the western population should be recognized as a full species called Lophorina neidda inopinata. 
“The timing of this DNA-based study is perfect,” said Ed Scholes, “because it is great to have our field observations supported by solid genetic evidence. We really appreciate this in-depth study of the evolutionary relationships among the different forms of Superb Bird-of-Paradise.”
The Cornell Lab’s Birds-of-Paradise Project (birdsofparadiseproject.org) is a research and education initiative to document, interpret, and protect the birds-of-paradise, their native environments, and the other biodiversity of the New Guinea region—one of the largest remaining tropical wildernesses on the planet.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Press Release published June 29, 2017.
Link to article here

Birds: Learn to draw a variety of amazing birds step by step (How to Draw and Paint)

Another learn to draw book to try out.

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walter Foster (15 Mar. 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600583407
• ISBN-13: 978-1600583407
• Product Dimensions: 26 x 0.3 x 34.9 cm

Birds are an intriguing subject for artists of all skill levels, and aspiring illustrators and bird enthusiasts alike will find creative inspiration and valuable drawing instruction in Drawing: Birds. This comprehensive book opens by introducing pencil artists to the essential drawing tools, including graphite pencils, erasers, paper, and other materials. Valuable information on the different types of drawing pencils and the strokes they produce, as well as suggestions for ways to handle the pencil establishes the content to follow, including how to render a variety of techniques, such as shading, stippling, hatching, crosshatching, and others. Aspiring artists will also discover helpful tips for creating composition, understanding and seeing value, transferring photo references, and taking artistic liberties. Professional artist and nature enthusiast, Maury Aaseng, offers simple, comprehensive instruction for drawing a range of lovely birds, as well as information for achieving accurate proportions, capturing motion, and building up form. Special attention is given to creating realistic textures, such as feathers, bark, nests, and water. With easy step-by-step projects that start with basic shapes and progress to detailed final drawings, artists will learn to draw many birds of a feather, from the common to the exotic. Artists will explore the sizes and shapes of birdlife, including a golden eagle, crane, finch, pelican, and more. Easy-to-follow instruction and art tips throughout make Drawing: Birds a complete guide for artists desiring to create realistic and detailed drawings of their flighty feathered friends. For the aspiring avian artist, Drawing Birds is a must-have art-instruction reference.

Israel, Holy Land Travel Trip Oct 2018

Myself, Beth, Mandy, Billy, Julie and Bill have today paid deposits for our trip to the Holy Land next October (2018). A great opportunity to spend ten days walking with Jesus and some awesome photography opportunities.

An exciting year of planning and packing ahead.

Help Preserve Our Local Meadows - SIGNED!!

The campaign is created by Cllr Stephen Adshead

Concerning development of the Stretford Meadows

The Petition is to withdraw any suggestions, ideas etc. to develop industrial units/warehousing on the meadows greenbelt area that links Stretford and Urmston, and instead support the local community and Trafford Council’s strategy to help enhance this green space for the benefit of the local communities.

Why is this important?

These meadows are a former landfill site that has gradually over the years been transformed and enhanced into a green space with a diverse number of uses, Trafford Councils Strategy for the site includes:
• The provision of attractive, accessible links from surrounding residential areas;
• The creation of a strategic route encouraging cycling and walking, linking urban and
Countryside areas, that is highly accessible by a large number of Trafford residents;
• The inclusion of measures to secure improvements to biodiversity, for instance by
Enhancing the area adjacent to the existing wetland to encourage Reed Buntings,
Improving meadow habitat for Skylarks and supplementing naturally regenerating oak trees;
• Tree planting to create woodland to help tackle air pollution and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
All this could now be under threat if Land care develops proposals to industrialise our local greenspace, the local area includes high density housing and some depravation, and this green space is well used and valued by the local community. It is also home a diverse community of wildlife that would also be lost.

SIGN HERE - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/help-preserve-our-local-meadows-1

up to 32 species of bird on the land (maybe more), lots of butterflies, moths and other animals. it is an important site and needs to be kept to support wildlife. We are loosing a lot of greenspace and we don't have much to begin with in Stretford, our Parks are also under threat of development, soon it could be a concrete jungle is that what we want?

Walk around Stretford Meadows to the Water Park (Sat 1st July 2017)

A nice sunny day today, so a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine for a few hours.

Started on the meadows in a circular route so that I would end up at the café at the water park.

Some of the highlights from today's walk, in the main butterfly's. All taken with a Sigma 17-70mm lens, trying it out properly for the first time.

Small Tortoiseshell - Sun loving caterpillar's feed on nettles

Comma - feeds on nettles, note the ragged edged wings

Stretford House from the meadows

Meadow Buttercup

Bridge under Chester Rd

Red Admiral - Summer migrant, often in good numbers.

Stretford house from Stretford Ees.

Stretford Ees

Common Blue Damselfly - have to look close for this one (centre)

Bridgewater Canal

Speckled Wood

Side of the tram lines to SWP



River Mersey

Broad Ees Dole

Swimmers in the lake

Stretford looking good, very summery.

And to finish off the walk with a nice piece of Carrot Cake at the SWP Café - great afternoon!!

Dragonflies in the garden!

Another new visitor to our garden, a Common Darter dragonfly and male Common Blue Damselfly, we have had a couple now.
need to sort some more tubs of wild flowers out for next year.

More Birds in the GARDEN!!!

There seems to be an increase in birds visiting the garden (or just overhead) this year.
We have seen:

Young Sparrows
Young Blue Tits
Robin
Blackbirds
Wood Pigeon
Magpies
Goldfinch
The odd Bat at dusk
Swifts high above the garden.

The main thing is there seems to be more of them which is good. We have been trying to attract more birds for a long time and it looks like it may pay off. We have never had sparrows in the garden, what we have seen though are loads on the other side of the road.

We shall be keeping a close eye on what goes on.

Wind and Rain Podding Adventure 4th to 6th June

Another trip out in the Pod and another visit to Blue Belle Cottage Site at Knott End. The idea was to take Thomas away for a few days while Rebecca gets on with her dissertation.
The drive there was great and the weather was fantastic, leading us in to a false sense.

Day One: evening, some colouring, note the sunshine.

Then a bit of tablet time.

The following days were very wet and very windy.

Brew time.

Although stuck inside Thomas had a great time and said the bed was the best bed he had ever slept in.

Unfortunately no time for photography or birding. May be next time....

Below you can see the car looking a bit wind swept.

 

Swifts Return

Nice to see the Swifts have returned for Summer above the garden.

Bird of Paradise feature in new book on evolution.

Bird of Paradise Project

Check out a feature in the New York Times abour Richard Prums new book on evolution.

Read more here

Must be a first

A badger seen wandering nr Victoria Park

RSPB has announced that Cattle Egrets are breeding at its Burton Mere Wetlands reserve in Cheshire

RSPB has announced that Cattle Egrets are breeding at its Burton Mere Wetlands reserve in Cheshire this spring.

read more here

How to Draw and Paint Birds

I'm thinking of starting a journal, a nature journal so have looked for a few books on painting birds etc.
I have some Windsor and Newton water colours and some sketch pads and have been practicing, its been a while since I have done any sketches but now we are podding I think I may just have some time to do a bit more.

 

 

I will post some new examples up soon, there are a few old images here

Pod Checklist v3

POD CHECKLIST:

==============

Spare Tyre (Underneath)

Wheel brace

Plastic Jack Pads

Hook-up Cable

Lrg Window Blackout

Awning Extension Cable

Water Pump

Water Carrier (Sm)

Waste Carrier (Sm)

Kyham Awning 12kg (Put in car of needed) pegs & mallet

Propane Gas 3.9, (9.9kg Full)/ Spanner

Vision Plus Digital TV/DVD 18.5", Ariel, Remote, Bracket, Booster etc.

Fan Heater

Electric Low Wattage Kettle

Electric Low Wattage Toaster

Gas Folding Silicone Kettle

Leisure Battery

Consumer Unit

Dometic Fridge

2 Burner Stove

Portapotty / Chemical Tablets / Loo Roll

Sm Wastebin

Table Top and Leg (*Have small circle table for one nighters / Single beds)

Spacer for Bed

Step

Wheel Lock / Hitch Lock

Ground Sheet (2.5mx2.5m) (Breathable)

Rechargeable Lantern/Torch.

Pans x2 (Camping)

Frying/Poaching Pan

Chopping Board

Lighter

Sm Plastic Bowl

Cutlery & Tray

Cork Screw

Can Opener

All Melamine - Plates x4 / Bowls x4 / Cups x4 / Glasses x4

Cleaning Products (Wipes, Fairy, Refuse Bags, Dish Cloths)

Duvet / Pillows / Throw / Topper

Flat Sheet

Sleeping bags (Double)

3 x soft cushions

2 x Bath towels

2 x Hand Towels

2 X lrg Bath Towels

Tea Towels

In the car we would have....

============================

CCC Membership Cards / Insurance / Breakdown Recovery details folder

Campsite Fees (Usually paid on arrival)

Waterproofs

2x Chairs

Folding Cupboard (Larder)

Clothes for what you are doing / weather

Slippers / Flip-flops (showers)

Beer

Food - Plan menu or have an idea of some meals, eat out treats.

Toiletries - Flannel, Soap, H&S shampoo, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Deodorant

Bug Spray

Technology - Phones, Tablets, Laptop / Camera's / Scopes etc.

Books

Chargers

Oil Radiator (650W small)

Can always put the awning in the car if needed and use the fridge, just need to distribute weight across each.

GOING AWAY?

===========

1. If you need the Fridge hook-up and get it to correct temp before hand. Switch to "car" whilst traveling and everything will stay cold. Only works on hook up or gas to chill.

2. Give the Pod a good wash.

3. Check Tyre's car Run Flat Tyre's (32psi Locking nut in boot) and Pod (35psi) Change every 5 years (3914 so need changing wk39 2019). Check water / Screen wash etc.

4. Check Gas Bottle, will it be enough? Swap/take spare?

5. Hitching up - ensure all windows and cupboard doors are locked. Everything is secure and distributed OK. Remove TV from bracket and ensure it is stored safely. Remove wheel lock and hitch lock. Ensure pop up is down and secured. Ensure Gas is turned off. Ensure safety cable is attached correctly (wrap around tow bar). Test lights are working.

6. Ensure you have breakdown / recovery details and know how to sort out a puncture on both car (RFT’s) and pod (underneath).

7. Every year get your Pod serviced (102 RL)

NOTES:
======

STANDARD POD WEIGHTS: New MiRO = 545Kg
TOTAL WEIGHT: Approx. 680Kg (MAX POD Weight=750Kg) & Approx. 47Kg Nose Weight

COUNTRYMAN Max tow weight unbraked and braked

HANDBOOK: MINI Countryman (2010 onwards) 1.6 D Cooper ALL4 (Chili Pack)5d
UnB = 500kg B=800kg (1760lbs)
MAX Nose Weight = 75kg

FOOD CHECKLIST:

===============

You can always go shopping when you get there so only take what you need for when you arrive in the evening and breakfast the following morning:

Coffee, Tea, Sugar

Milk
Bread or Barms & Crumpets Potato Cakes
Bacon
Eggs

Cereals

Butter
Jam/Marmalade
Ovaltine

Reb / Brown Sauce
Salad Dressing
Bottles of Beer
Cordial
Bottled Water
Biscuits

Salt and Pepper
Pek
Crisps

Packet Soups
Porridge

Shopping:

Fruit
Salad, tomatoes, cucumber etc

Pickles
Ham

Steak

Blue Belle Cottage (CCC) Knott End, Podding Adventure

A few images and some notes from this weekends Podding Adventure.
Setting up was much easier this time, approx 15mins. Everything is where you need it :o).
Not much time for Photography or Bird Watching, good job as I forgot my camera bag and scope, maybe next time.
Time spent sat enjoying the sunshine, reading, watching the football (forget that Semi final :o(() and eating - Full English on Sunday morning was easy to cook on the stove - team work. Oh and we did some visiting as well, we went to Broadwater Park to see Harry's new van - very posh.

Blue Belle Cottage is a great site and we had a very friendly welcome from Mark who was also extremely helpful when we arrived, assisting to site the Pod.  We had a heated shower room, admittedly during set times but these were long enough so everyone could use the showers and some where to wash your pots undercover and warm. The site is very quiet and is visited by regulars, everyone was very friendly. A couple of ducks kept us company all weekend. In the village is a great chippy and a lovely bakery. We went to the chippy Sunday evening with Uncle Harry, Uncle Brian and Aunty Caz and had a brilliant fill of Fish Chips and Mushy Peas (now open Sundays until 7.30pm), well worth a visit even if staying in Fleetwood.

We will be visiting again in the summer, if we can get on.....

Clean and Warm Shower Block

Well looked after site and flat.

Looking from our pitch to the shower rooms/toilets.

Knott End has a special landmark down by the ferry LS Lowry statue, telling us of his vantage point from the slipway where he sketched and painted. The painting below is the arrival of the ferry.

The statue.

Thanks to Mark and Sharon (Site Owners) for a wonderful trip.

Now to plan our May trip.

POD Campersmiles Plates/Bowls etc

Just arrived, early anniversary present from Rebecca/Dan, Thomas and Ella. These match the cups and glasses we got from Red Lion.... perfect.

Next Adventure Booked

3 nights at Blue Belle Cottage Campsite, it looks very nice.

Lets see if we can get some birding and photography in this time.


http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/lancashire/nrpoultonlefylde/bluebellcottage

Our 1st Adventure in Linny-Pod

DATE: Fri 24th to Mon 27th March
# NIGHTS: 3
VENUE: Century House CCC Site, Scarisbrick Southport.

Getting ready Friday took a little longer, we weren't sure what to take so took everything. The thinking behind that was that we could sort out over the weekend. We would have time to learn what we needed and where it needed to go in the Pod.
Once we had packed everything it was time to hook the pod to the car, this was extremely easy as one person could move the pod off the drive.

It was a glorious day, the Sat Nav said it was approx a 1hr journey, we decided for the first outing we would take it easy down the East Lancs (A580). The trip was pretty much uneventful and we got to the site nice and relaxed. Harry had already arrived and was all set up with his Romahome.

The site is a very friendly family run working farm and has great very clean facilities. Each hook up point has a little brick service hut. The field is nice and flat. Toilets are especially clean and the shower although £1 for a token is well worth it (6 minutes).

 

We pitched the Pod and erected the Kyham XL Tailgate awning, this was self erect and once you got the gist of it took very little time to put up.

All in all it took about 15mins to fully set up and get the kettle on, this was encouraging, it can only get faster once we are sort out everything.

Friday evening we were presented with a lovely sunset.

And on Saturday morning after a very clear night we were woken up to frost that had frozen the condensation in the awning. It was one of those cool crisp mornings very nice.

 

In the Pod we were toasty. We set the bed up and left it up as the weather forecast was good so we thought we would live in the awning and sleep / cook in the Pod.

The day was spent relaxing and watching the birds, Goldfinch, Robin, Blue & Great Tit, Blackbirds, some BoP in the distance, Oystercatchers, Wood Pigeon and Chaffinch to name a few. We decided to pay a visit to the Red Lion Caravan dealer, we needed a extension for our waste pipe, this they provided free and we also bought some new cups. They had a couple of Pods on show and a great accessory shop.

For lunch we had salad and cold meats on wraps, lovely. We were amazed at how much the fridge actually help and how cold it was. For tea we had a treat and went out for a Carvery at the local pub. Harry had fish and chips. It was busy due to it being Mothers Day on Sunday and everyone trying to beat the rush :o). Back at camp we were treated to another great sunset.

Sunday was slightly warmer outside but that didn't matter to us inside the Pod, again a great nights sleep, I think I sleep better in the Pod than I do at home. Another day relaxing.  A first for breakfast, fresh duck eggs, they were gorgeous. After an exciting trip to Red Lion yesterday we thought we would go back for a second look and buy some more goodies. Harry had a bit of a stumble that looked really painful - not good, luckily he was OK after a short rest.
We bought some matching glasses, electric kettle, toaster and some green tabs for the porta loo. I think we have everything we need now :o)))

A fantastic weekend was had by all of us, great weather, great company and we will be visiting here again at some point.

We are now planning our April adventure......