4 from the weekend & last post of the year - Egret, Snipe, Teal & Redshanks

[paulhillion]

Probably my last post before I disappear somewhere a bit warmer for Christmas & the New Year, so may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosporous New Year!

I'm particularly pleased with the Snipe shot :)

All taken with 30D, 300 f/2.8 with 2x extender, hand-held or with my trusty bean-bag :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/hillion/little_egret-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/hillion/snipe_calm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/hillion/teal.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/hillion/reds.jpg

[bromm]

Wow Paul, what a way to finish off the year. All are nice captures, the green wing being my favourite as I am still trying for a good shot of these. Thanks for sharing.

[Boy jack]

Cool Snipe i have never seen one out in the open like that.

[dewmuw]

Nice series Paul - flying south for the winter?

I've never seen a snipe out like that, usually only hiding in the reeds.

[kr88]

Nice way for you to finish the year. Fantastic series! I agree the Snipe is a fine one indeed. Unlike you, I will trading the warm sunny days for a week back to freezing New York to visit some family and friends for the Holidays...Have a Happy and joyus Holiday!

[paulhillion]

Nice way for you to finish the year. Fantastic series! I agree the Snipe is a fine one indeed. Unlike you, I will trading the warm sunny days for a week back to freezing New York to visit some family and friends for the Holidays...Have a Happy and joyus Holiday!
And the same to you sir.

Nice series Paul - flying south for the winter?

I've never seen a snipe out like that, usually only hiding in the reeds.
Me and my wife (and mother makes 3) are flying out to San Francisco where my brother lives. He's treating us (my belated 40th present!) to the New Year out in Hawaii :D

As for the Snipe, that's why I was so pleased to get the shot as like you say you very rarely see them out in the open. This one was moving quickly between 2 reed beds when he stopped half-way for a couple of seconds to catch his breath :)

[paulhillion]

Wow Paul, what a way to finish off the year. All are nice captures, the green wing being my favourite as I am still trying for a good shot of these. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Trevor.

[dancinec]

Excellent series of shots, all are well conceived and executed. The water in the first shot has a beautiful effect.

[Wonga]

Great series Paul,
Enjoy Hawaii, look forward to your pics in the New Year

[nitefrogger]

All great. Like an early Christmas present- Thank you! Enjoy your trip!:D :D

[Reyno]

Excellent captures Paul. Love the timing and composition on the fourth.

[paulhillion]

Thanks Reyno, nitefrogger, Phil & Dennis.

[Roy C]

Great series Paul - all nice but I like the Snipe shot the best.