It is a long time since I have added to this blog and seems a long time since I have taken many photos. The weather for most of April was absolutely awful and since then, work and family commitments have kept me very busy. Looking back though I have had a couple of successful trips!

I also made a couple of significant purchases during this period. The first of these, after much deliberaton, was a new Canon EOS 7D. This was part one of my birthday present for a recent significant birthday - one where life is supposed to begin again! I was therefore very keen to try out the new focussing system and 8 frames per second (amongst many other new features) on the first of these trips - a trip to Norfolk in early April. This effectively replicated a trip at the end of May last year, albeit with slightly different locations and a different balance to the day.

Again, I travelled to Norfolk early, to try and benefit from the early morning light. My first location has proved productive in the past but, despite the early arrival, initially didn't provide any photographic opportunities. An obedient Black Headed Gull and a few distant shots of a Redshank and Brent Geese didn't seem worth the early rise and drive. I was still itching to use the new camera in anger.

It wasn't until mid to late morning that things improved - but boy did they improve!

One of my favourite birds is the Avocet - a very elegant bird, with beautiful plumage, long legs and an elegant upturned beak. I was very fortunate to get incredibly close to a pair of Avocets feeding in a pool, right next to a public footpath. Lying on the ground, using a bean bag for support, I was able to move forward on my stomach until I was within just a few feet. My careful approach ensured that I didn't disturb or interupt the birds. And with 8fs at my disposal I ended up with really quite a lot of images!! I have selected just a few below (more to come).

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

Avocet

I was very pleased to get these images - a truly memorable experience!