From Monday and sunday in the dark and wet

First things first, this evening I have downloaded my pictures from the last couple of days and as promised I have a picture of not one but 2 little grebes well that is what I think they are. both in winter plumage, well it was the last day of november.

I thought I would get that out of the way first, so what else is there to say on this Tuesday evening.

I left my camera at home this morning, even though it was cold and clear. I just got distracted by trying to get to work and defrost the car and a hundred and one other minor things.

I feel less guilty now though as by the time lunch came around the cloud had invaded from the west and it was overcast and in general fairly grotty. The rain duly arrived late afternoon and in the dark on the way home I had the windscreen wipers going for most of the journey. In contrast the morning was beautiful with a few red clouds on a blue sky and coming over the hill to Telford the tall buildings in the centre catching the early morning sun. It did not last long but I enjoyed all the same. Taking pictures on the M54 at 70mph is frowned upon so I hope someone caught it.

I did manage to go out on Sunday afternoon, it was overcast and cloudy and had been threatening to rain for most of the afternoon. I got up to Sandwell Valley and park by the farm on the opposite side of the lake from the RSPB Centre. I walked half way to the the Centre but as it grew darker and the threatened rain finally arrived I decided the I prefered to be warm and dry so I wandered back to the car. On the way back I someone had been feeding the ducks and geese and I saw in amongst them a group of goosander. I managed to take a couple of pictures of individuals. I did have to lighten up the images to get it make both more presentable. I was quite impressed with myself.

Also have a look at this picture of a swan taken at the same time. I like the effect of the water on the feathers and that I managed to get the balance right so the white of the plumage has features and tones (if that is the right phrase) and has not been "blown out"

By this time I was quite wet so I headed on home to help sort out the children and get ready for the new week.




It is now almost Wednesday. I have some training tomorrow in running and employability course for our clients, it should last all day though with luck there will be a lunch break and I can go for a walk and take my camera.

As always I look forward to reading any comments . I will be back soon.