Gadwall, Goosanders and more

[Mick Harris]

Took a short trip to Sevenoaks Reserve again today ... the first sunny day for a week!
All shots with a 7D and 400 mm 5.6L either with support of window frame in hide (the ducks) or on a tripod.
A female Gadwall. I like the subtle beauty of these.

20120219-IMG_2777 Gadwall female by Mick Harris, on Flickr
A first sighting of Goosanders for me. Poor shots due to distance and bright sun causing burnt out whites ... never mind.

20120219-IMG_2783 Goosander by Mick Harris, on Flickr
Lunchtime

20120219-IMG_2783 Goosander by Mick Harris, on Flickr
Canada Goose in the winter sun.

20120219-IMG_2797 Canada Goose by Mick Harris, on Flickr
Two close-up Robin shots to finish with.

20120219-IMG_2797 Canada Goose by Mick Harris, on Flickr

20120219-IMG_2804 Robin by Mick Harris, on Flickr
The missing shots, I hope!! One of a Goosander with a good catch and another of the many fearless Robins that allow people toget up close.

20120219-IMG_2794 Goosander by Mick Harris, on Flickr

20120219-IMG_2815 Robin by Mick Harris, on Flickr

[Ely Teehankee]

Exceptional pictures with a 400 mm. I like all of them especially the Goosanders with its red red beak. Well done Mick & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Very nice captures, Mick. I especially like the details on the European Robin.

The 2nd and 3rd photos are the same, as are the 4th and 5th photos.

[Mick Harris]

Thanks Ramon And Ely. Don't know what happened re the duplicates but have added the missing two shots that I meant to share. I will revisit and hope for some closer Goosander opportunities and in kinder light.

Happy birding'

Mick.

[Eric Patdu]

I love the Robin photos. They're great!

[Mick Harris]

Thanks Eric.
I must say I find it difficult to ignore Robins when out and about with my camera. They are one of the few birds that sing all year round (although their winter song is more subdued and simple) and they are often very tame and steady with people and can follow you around when gardening grabbing any insect or worm that gets disturbed.

Happy birding,

Mick

[Tonji Ramos]

Well photographed Mick. The Robin photos are very nice.

[tina mallari]

I like all the photos. Most specially the Robin photos :-) Look at those details on the feathers - WOW !!!

[Mick Harris]

Thanks again Tonji and Tina. Robins are of course very common and generally easy subjects to get close to but I still take most opportunities to photograph them. This one was only 4 or 5 metres away hence to detail.

Happy birding,

Mick

[Mark Itol]

A wonderful set, Mick. The robin with the opened beak is my favorite -- excellent detail and I like the catchlight. And of course, the open beak.

[Mick Harris]

Thanks Mark. The sun is shining as I write this and am tempted to go on another trip but must really try and stay to do some work in the garden ... maybe tomorrow?

[Ariel Matias]

Outstanding qualities most specially the last one. Well done, Mick!

[Mick Harris]

Thanks Ariel ... as you say, it helps when you get close ... about 4 or 5 metres in the Robin's case.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

great shots, mick! the robin is my favorite in this series! =D

[Mick Harris]

Thanks Mark ... much appreciated