Nikon D5500, 18-200 lens, f. 11, 1/30, ISO 200
This week saw what has been described as a “mini heat wave” in Southampton, and the Common has been absolutely beautiful. Apart from all the litter that got left behind every evening. The wildlife could do without this, and it created endless extra unnecessary toil for the hardworking staff who try to keep the Common safe, beautiful, and in order. (I am not one of the staff, I am one of the things that they try to keep in order.)
Nikon D5500, 18-200 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 250
Nikon D5500, 18-200 lens, f. 10, 1/30, ISO 200
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 9, 1/640, ISO 1600
The ducklings at the Ornamental Pond who delighted me on Monday have continued to melt my heart all week. They are growing fast, but are still all big eyes, tiny wings and oodles of fluff, getting up to the cutest antics in and around the water and earning plenty of adoration. The Common has been a popular place to come to for a picnic lunch this week, and those who chose to sit beside the Ornamental Pond invariably got involved in duckling worship.
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 1600
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f. 10, 1/640, ISO 1250
On Thursday the picnickers included a small gathering of students from the nearby college, who sat down at a bench near to where I was playing. A well-spoken young man from the group approached me and asked if I happened to have any napkins, as they had forgotten theirs. I was very impressed that the youth of today were aspiring to a proper picnic, with napkins, and handed him a pack of tissues (a rather poor substitute, but it was my best offer). He was most polite and grateful, and as I wandered off I considered contacting the college to compliment them on the manners and conduct of their students. As I stood duckling gazing, mentally composing my complimentary email, I heard one of the girls say: “It was really nice of that old lady to let us have these tissues.” I decided, on reflection, that the college probably did not really have the time to deal with an email from me.
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.8, 1/640, ISO 1600
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.8, 1/640, ISO 1600
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.8, 1/640, ISO 1600
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.10, 1/640, ISO 1600
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.9, 1/640, ISO 1250
There are nests springing up everywhere on the Ornamental Pond: the coots and moorhens are busy collecting twigs and reeds, and territorial wars have broken out more than once. The swans continue to prepare their nest and to take time out to generate content for it, and soon I think the sitting will begin in earnest.
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.10, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.8, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, 70-300 lens, f.8, 1/640, ISO 1250
Nikon D5500, Nikon 70-300 lens, f.10, 1/640, ISO 1000
As an especially welcome sign that summer is just around the corner the butterflies have begun to appear again. This week I have seen several brimstones, commas, red admirals, and spotted woods. They weren’t feeling too keen on sitting still, but I was still very glad to see them.
Nikon D5500, Tamron 70-300 di macro lens, f.10, 1/800, ISO 1000
Nikon D5500, Tamron 70-300 di macro lens, f.10, 1/800, ISO 1000
Nikon D5500, Tamron 70-300 di macro lens, f.11, 1/640, ISO 800
Now that it’s the weekend the temperature has fallen a bit, we have had an impressive storm this evening, and the forecast has less of the sun and a bit more of the rain. But I have seen ducklings and butterflies, and feel that it cannot be long before my beloved dragonflies return to torment me.
Nikon D5500, Nikon 70-300 lens, f.9, 1/640, ISO 1250