Sand Martin - Riparia riparia

[ladylouise62]

Just out of the town centre I was surprised to see a number of small martins zipping across the canal - it was at a very closed-in point with building up close on both sides. They were appearing from the wall of the canal. Apparently they set in a number of pipes specially for them.

I watched for a while entranced because they were SO close. They were of course too fast and agile to get anything really good in flight (and I got only a very fuzzy shot of 3 trying to get into a hole at the same time), but here's the best of what I got.

[rolf]

Cracking, I shall be down there tomorrow with the Bigma.

[ladylouise62]

... so we shall expect some nice shots of them in action.... bastard

[rolf]

Wouldn't bank on it, the Bigma isn't great for action shots, too big and heavy.

I'll take the 150mm as well, do they come reasonably close?

[ladylouise62]

Yep - you are standing (or kneeling in my case - ouch!!) right at the edge and they fly across to the middle.. and of course as it's not up high that doesn't add to the distance. You may not get any good action shots ( they are quick little suckers), but you are bound to get some nice 'wall' shots.

[rolf]

Well if they're that close I could use the 50mm with wide open aperture F1.4 and a lightning fast shutter speed and just click until one flies through the frame.

[ladylouise62]

Yep, should work well - it's a relatively limited space they are flying through, bounded by the buildings and of course are often in or out of the nests so it's not hard to predict their location.

[rolf]

Well wasn't a great success, was being constantly watched by one of the locals, who spent all of the time i was there, taking phone calls and having quick meetings with people, same one who spoke to you yesterday apparently, sure he thought I was staking him out.

[ladylouise62]

Still there on his phone, eh? I wonder what sort of business he's in

Pity - not as good a selection as I would expect from you - still, it makes mine less disappointing The last couple are nice and clear, though, and it's easy to try again.

[rolf]

Yep, I parked in Orts road, a 50m walk, using my trade permit. It had got a bit dull by the time I took the last photos, I may try again later in the week, but even a 500mm is a little too short.

[Chocky]

Nice Captures Have never seen any

[ladylouise62]

Since I can't get about much I didn't think that I would get the chance to see any so I was gobsmacked to see them just 10 mins walk from the town centre!!!

[joe]

After walking down Orts road which way to turn? I'd like to have a try with the 300mm and X2 converter. The sand martin banks at Dinton are just too far away.

[rolf]

Into Orts road from Kings road, turn left through the first block of flats, just before the permit parking, takes you down to the riverside and there you are.

[joe]

Thanks Rolf, will probably walk down there tomorrow afternoon.

[rolf]

Worth a visit Joe, although we may have rain tomorrow.

[ladylouise62]

That chap is going to wonder about a photographer turning up 2 days in a row!!!

[rolf]

Well Three days actually.

[ladylouise62]

Oops - I meant to say 3... it must have been the excitement of the world cup final Hey - can we find anyone else to go tomorrow?

[rolf]

Just procesed slightly larger versions of two of the photos.

[ladylouise62]

Nice shots. They are a very 'cuddly' looking bird, I think it may be the relatively large head and eye - i.e. the same thing that makes babies seem cute.