Caerlaverock Photographic Course

In an attempt to improve my photography skills I booked myself on to one of the weekend photographic courses at Caerlaverock. As it turned out I was the only delegate and as a consequence received excellent 2:1 tuition from the two local professional photographers who were running the course.

I learned much and now feel I have a solid base to go forward from. In particular I will now be shooting in raw and have a much greater understanding of histograms and the exposure compensation button. I also need to get far faster at altering the settings on the camera! Hopefully that will come with practice.

The following demonstrates some of my work over the weekend :

Loch of Kinnordy

Had been at a retirement party in Dundee the previous evening and came home via Kirriemuir. A reasonably bright day but wish I had had a bit more time.

Most obvious birds were the flock of Grey Lag Geese, with some Pink Feet using the loch to bathe and drink. A few Whooper Swan were also present along with small numbers of Wigeon & Teal. Apparently, at least 1 Bittern has been present on and off and it appears that Kinnordy is now a regular wintering site.

Part of a flock of several hundred Greylag

Cryptic Pheasant

Heritage Loch at Night

Heritage Loch on the north side of East Kilbride

Early Winter Day

No doubt there are plenty of dark, wet days to come but on a bright day in early winter there is lots to see in the Glasgow area including autumn colours at Baron's Haugh:

Chestnut Walk

Autumn berries

Seed Heads

Funghi

Soon to fall

Lots of birds around as well including Nuthatch, calling from the direction of Dalzell Estate & 1 female Stonechat.

Had just finished devouring 2 frogs

Stunning against the autumn grasses

Enjoying the free handouts

Lift off

Even when the sun went behind the clouds the winter thrushes brightened the day:

Part of a flock of several hundred Fieldfares

Moving on to Hogganfield the light was just perfect to do a study of Goosanders:

Even as the afternoon progressed the light stayed good:

On reflection

Hung out to dry

Gadwall - not just a brown duck

Whooper back for the winter

Easter Crowned Warbler or Caerlaverock

Plan A was to go for the ECW in Cleveland. Been here before a few years ago at South Shields. Similar scenario, the birds 4th day, westerly winds.

No news by 8:15 and so pulled into the Gretna services for a coffee and by 8:30 a message ".... no sign by 8:24". Oh well Plan B Caerlaverock.

Never a chore Caerlaverock. Sunny day nice selection of birds etc. Tried Lochmaben later on for Willow Tit & failed, at least 2 Nuthatches though.

Barnacle Geese - really close 1st thing from the hides on the Peter Scott trail

Sky full of Geese

Family party of Whoopers

Moorhen

Mother & Child

Watchful

A typical Folly Pond Scene - no sign of the GW Teal though