Robin - redbreast / Erithacus rubecula - Taken at Bradgate Park / Leicestershire - UK
After two weeks of clouds, rain, and storms in Britain, I finally had the chance to take some photos today.
When I checked the weather report this morning and saw sunshine, I couldn’t resist grabbing my coffee and heading straight to Bradgate Park. Light changes throughout the day in terms of color, direction, brightness, and softness, offering various opportunities for all kinds of photographers. The softness of sunlight is a function of the relative size of the light source. I particularly enjoy photographing animals in soft backlight early in the morning, positioning myself approximately 50° diagonally to the light. This brings out incredible details.
For example, with deer, it reveals the protective fur around their eyes that we might otherwise overlook under normal lighting.
Today, my favorite little companion, the Robin, joined me once again. Generously, it posed under various angles of sunlight, allowing me to capture its vivid feather colors fluttering gently in the breeze. I’ve shared five photos of this colorful beauty with my Flickr friends, hoping they will enjoy them. The reflections of the blue sky in the bokeh enhance the Robin’s vibrant plumage and delicate movement.
As for the deer, now that the rut season has ended, Bradgate Park has returned to its serene state. The large male deer, still overseeing their harems, calmly graze across the vast open spaces after their morning meals.
Wildlife always surprises us photographers in unique ways, regardless of the environment. After a 3.5-hour photo tour, I’ve worked on selecting the best shots to share.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) -
Distribution in the UK - Widespread Presence: Robins are one of the most common and well-loved birds in the UK. They are found throughout the year across the mainland, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Habitats: They thrive in diverse habitats, such as gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and urban areas.
Migration: While UK robins are mostly sedentary, some individuals from Scandinavia and continental Europe migrate to the UK during the winter, increasing their population density.
Physical Characteristics -
Size: Around 14 cm in length, with a wingspan of 20-22 cm.
Plumage: They are known for their bright orange-red breast and face, olive-brown upperparts, and whitish belly. Both sexes look identical.
Voice: Robins are known for their melodic song, especially prominent in the winter when they defend their territories.
Behavior and Feeding -
Territorial: Robins are highly territorial, singing to establish and defend their space.
Diet: They feed on insects, spiders, earthworms, and fruits. In gardens, they are attracted to mealworms and suet.
Breeding
Nesting: They build nests in concealed locations such as hedges, tree roots, or even unusual spots like sheds and plant pots.
Breeding Season: March to July. A pair may produce 2-3 broods per season, with 4-6 eggs per clutch.
Cultural Significance in the UK -
The robin is an iconic bird in the UK, often associated with Christmas. Its image frequently appears on holiday cards and decorations.
It was voted the UK's national bird in a public poll in 2015.
Conservation Status -Robins are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. They are widespread and stable in population, benefiting from a bird-friendly culture and conservation efforts in the UK.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
Robin - redbreast / Erithacus rubecula - Taken at Bradgate Park / Leicestershire - UK
After two weeks of clouds, rain, and storms in Britain, I finally had the chance to take some photos today.
When I checked the weather report this morning and saw sunshine, I couldn’t resist grabbing my coffee and heading straight to Bradgate Park. Light changes throughout the day in terms of color, direction, brightness, and softness, offering various opportunities for all kinds of photographers. The softness of sunlight is a function of the relative size of the light source. I particularly enjoy photographing animals in soft backlight early in the morning, positioning myself approximately 50° diagonally to the light. This brings out incredible details.
For example, with deer, it reveals the protective fur around their eyes that we might otherwise overlook under normal lighting.
Today, my favorite little companion, the Robin, joined me once again. Generously, it posed under various angles of sunlight, allowing me to capture its vivid feather colors fluttering gently in the breeze. I’ve shared five photos of this colorful beauty with my Flickr friends, hoping they will enjoy them. The reflections of the blue sky in the bokeh enhance the Robin’s vibrant plumage and delicate movement.
As for the deer, now that the rut season has ended, Bradgate Park has returned to its serene state. The large male deer, still overseeing their harems, calmly graze across the vast open spaces after their morning meals.
Wildlife always surprises us photographers in unique ways, regardless of the environment. After a 3.5-hour photo tour, I’ve worked on selecting the best shots to share.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) -
Distribution in the UK - Widespread Presence: Robins are one of the most common and well-loved birds in the UK. They are found throughout the year across the mainland, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Habitats: They thrive in diverse habitats, such as gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and urban areas.
Migration: While UK robins are mostly sedentary, some individuals from Scandinavia and continental Europe migrate to the UK during the winter, increasing their population density.
Physical Characteristics -
Size: Around 14 cm in length, with a wingspan of 20-22 cm.
Plumage: They are known for their bright orange-red breast and face, olive-brown upperparts, and whitish belly. Both sexes look identical.
Voice: Robins are known for their melodic song, especially prominent in the winter when they defend their territories.
Behavior and Feeding -
Territorial: Robins are highly territorial, singing to establish and defend their space.
Diet: They feed on insects, spiders, earthworms, and fruits. In gardens, they are attracted to mealworms and suet.
Breeding
Nesting: They build nests in concealed locations such as hedges, tree roots, or even unusual spots like sheds and plant pots.
Breeding Season: March to July. A pair may produce 2-3 broods per season, with 4-6 eggs per clutch.
Cultural Significance in the UK -
The robin is an iconic bird in the UK, often associated with Christmas. Its image frequently appears on holiday cards and decorations.
It was voted the UK's national bird in a public poll in 2015.
Conservation Status -Robins are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. They are widespread and stable in population, benefiting from a bird-friendly culture and conservation efforts in the UK.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)