Robin - redbreast / Erithacus rubecula - Taken at Bradgate Park / Leicestershire - UK
"A Misty Morning at Bradgate Park"
This morning, in my local Leicestershire area, dense fog greeted me as I set out for Bradgate Park. Despite my car showing 0°C, I didn’t let the chill deter me. Wildlife photography is always full of surprises, teaching us enthusiasts to stay prepared for the unexpected.
Yesterday, during my three-hour photography session at Bradgate Park, I experienced this once again. After parking, I spent some time with my little friend, a Robin, near the car park. Knowing its usual spot, I brought some feed to reward it for posing for me.
As I stepped through the park gates, my initial plan was to photograph a pair of European Stonechats. However, they proved elusive, and after an hour of waiting, they didn’t reappear. Undeterred, I continued along my walking route through the park's 850 acres.
Climbing towards the Bradgate House ruins, I hoped to stumble upon the Stonechats again. The fog slowly began to clear, but the thick grey clouds kept the environment dim.
Suddenly, an unexpected encounter took my breath away—a Eurasian Sparrowhawk appeared, flying swiftly towards me. With an agile move, it passed by and perched on the historic dry-stone wall about 60 meters away. Its sharp eyes scanned for prey, and I seized the opportunity. Quietly and carefully, I approached in two stages, taking shots with my Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF lens paired with a TC 14E II Teleconverter.
As anticipated, the Sparrowhawk displayed its remarkable agility once again, swooping down from the wall toward its target and disappearing from sight.
At the end of the day, I uploaded 10 photos, including my surprise capture of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed capturing these moments. Have a wonderful day!
Robins and Winter Conditions
Robins (Erithacus rubecula), commonly found across Europe, are resilient birds but face significant challenges during winter, especially in snowy conditions. Here are some key points:
Struggle to Find Food:
Robins primarily feed on insects, worms, and berries, often foraged from the ground. Snow-covered landscapes limit their access to these essential food sources, making survival more difficult.
Increased Energy Needs:
Cold temperatures demand more energy to maintain body heat. If robins cannot meet this energy requirement, their chances of survival drop significantly.
Human Support:
People can aid robins by placing seeds, oats, berries, and dried fruits in bird feeders during the winter months. Providing fresh water is equally vital, as natural water sources may freeze.
Connection to Snow:
Robins become more visible against snowy backdrops due to their vibrant red breast, making them a favorite subject for photographers.
These challenges highlight the delicate balance of winter ecosystems and the need to support wildlife during harsh conditions.
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
"A Misty Morning at Bradgate Park"
This morning, in my local Leicestershire area, dense fog greeted me as I set out for Bradgate Park. Despite my car showing 0°C, I didn’t let the chill deter me. Wildlife photography is always full of surprises, teaching us enthusiasts to stay prepared for the unexpected.
Yesterday, during my three-hour photography session at Bradgate Park, I experienced this once again. After parking, I spent some time with my little friend, a Robin, near the car park. Knowing its usual spot, I brought some feed to reward it for posing for me.
As I stepped through the park gates, my initial plan was to photograph a pair of European Stonechats. However, they proved elusive, and after an hour of waiting, they didn’t reappear. Undeterred, I continued along my walking route through the park's 850 acres.
Climbing towards the Bradgate House ruins, I hoped to stumble upon the Stonechats again. The fog slowly began to clear, but the thick grey clouds kept the environment dim.
Suddenly, an unexpected encounter took my breath away—a Eurasian Sparrowhawk appeared, flying swiftly towards me. With an agile move, it passed by and perched on the historic dry-stone wall about 60 meters away. Its sharp eyes scanned for prey, and I seized the opportunity. Quietly and carefully, I approached in two stages, taking shots with my Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF lens paired with a TC 14E II Teleconverter.
As anticipated, the Sparrowhawk displayed its remarkable agility once again, swooping down from the wall toward its target and disappearing from sight.
At the end of the day, I uploaded 10 photos, including my surprise capture of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed capturing these moments. Have a wonderful day!
Robins and Winter Conditions
Robins (Erithacus rubecula), commonly found across Europe, are resilient birds but face significant challenges during winter, especially in snowy conditions. Here are some key points:
Struggle to Find Food:
Robins primarily feed on insects, worms, and berries, often foraged from the ground. Snow-covered landscapes limit their access to these essential food sources, making survival more difficult.
Increased Energy Needs:
Cold temperatures demand more energy to maintain body heat. If robins cannot meet this energy requirement, their chances of survival drop significantly.
Human Support:
People can aid robins by placing seeds, oats, berries, and dried fruits in bird feeders during the winter months. Providing fresh water is equally vital, as natural water sources may freeze.
Connection to Snow:
Robins become more visible against snowy backdrops due to their vibrant red breast, making them a favorite subject for photographers.
These challenges highlight the delicate balance of winter ecosystems and the need to support wildlife during harsh conditions.
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 :)