Friday 31 December 2010

How Time Flies.

Just over a year ago I entered a new phase in my life ... no work and time on my hands. Looking back at 2010 I wondered how time seems to has flown by so quickly ..... so here is a snapshot of my year.

At the beginning of the year the garden visitors were much the same as in previous years (Starlings, House Sparrows, Parakeets, Greenfinch and Blue Tit) except we had the pleasure of a male Blackcap who hung around together with his mate for quite a few weeks during the very cold days from mid January into February. Interestingly some 11 months later the Blackcap reappeared on 26th December for a brief visit .
When Spring arrived the morning chorus slowly increased in crescendo with Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Common Whitethroat adding their voices to the resident Blue Tit and Song Thrush. Quite a few migrant visitors including Nightingale failed to be captured by the lens but with luck I'll get another chance next year.
From mid Spring into late Summer my attention was once again drawn towards the ever increasing array of flutters .... above are just a few of the 30 species that I found within a half hour drive from home.

Dragonflies and a few other insects also found themselves as quarry for the lens. Capturing these endearing creatures demanded a lot of patience and with all the time in the world at my disposal I spent many hours watching these fliers. Unfortunately Santa didn't produce a macro lens so I may have to raid the piggy-bank in time for next season! 
As we moved into Autumn the woodland scene eventually produced glorious tints above our heads plus the diverse colours and shapes from the fruiting bodies errupting from the soil below.

Throughout the year I was fortunate on a few occasions to be able to get close to many of our common bird species and also spending some quality time in the company of the parkland Deer.

At the end of the year the weather made a distinct impression with deep snowfalls followed by a thaw and then freezing mist and fog invaded the local ponds ..... more bird listening than birdwatching!


I have no idea what 2011 will produce .... more of the same will be just fine but with hopefully a few different species appearing in front of the lens.
 
Wishing everyone a HAPPY 'Wildlife Watching' NEW YEAR ........ Cheers FAB.

29 comments:

  1. What an incredible, thoughful post to say farewell to 2010. It appears you used your newfound time wisely!! You have a gift that I am so glad you share. Your ability to take amazing photographs is topped only by your special eye for putting together the most beautiful collages. I, for one, look forward to your posts this next year. A very Happy New Year to you! ~karen

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  2. A magnificent collection of photographic memories beautifully presented Frank.
    A Happy wildlife watching New Year to you.

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  3. Great colour filled post Frank! I wish you all the best in your wildlife exploits next year.

    Sorry i dont post as often as I would like to, but I follow you blog closely, and find it both informative and interesting

    Happy new year mate.

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  4. Excellent post to see out the year Frank.
    I hope the New Year is even better my friend.

    All the very best wishes to you and Anita, for 2011

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  5. Happy New Year Frank.
    Can't wait to see what fantastic images you produce in 2011.
    Happy Birding.
    John.

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  6. Wonderful set of photos you chose to document your year. Looking forward to seeing what you find to photograph in 2011. Happy New Year!

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  7. Nicely done Frank. I love all of these wonderful collages. My favorite image is the duckling. He looks so innocent. Happy New Year to you and yours Frank. Carol

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  8. Hi Frank...wonderfully and colletively pieced together for a year in review!!
    I wish you and Anita much happiness,hope,and health for the New Year!!

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  9. Great way to see out the old and bring in the New Year Frank... A very happy one to you both!

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  10. What a lovely way to reflect on the things you enjoy to see on your walks or even garden spotting!
    Beautifully put together Frank.
    May you have much more to view during 2011!
    Frank & Anita, Happy New Year!

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  11. Thanks Frank for sharing your photos with all of us and for this year-end treat! Happy New Year to you and yours - see you online in 2011.

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  12. What awesome collages Frank!! You sure got some great photos this past year. I hope you get to see some fantastic animals this coming year also. Happy New Year!

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  13. Congratulations on your first year of retirement. You've done a great job as I enjoy your posts and photos. I look forward to more interesting posts this year.If you're in the game retirement is very active and busy.

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  14. A really nice collection of photos for the year, Frank. Can't wait to see what pops in front of your lens in the year to come. Happy New Year from across the ocean!

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  15. As usual, I loved your blog with its wonderful photos. They are so perfect--as though you told the birds to "perch here" or "turn your head just so" and were even able to place shadows just where you wanted them to go!
    Happy new year. I look forward to another year of your wanderings and photographs.
    Kay

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  16. And happy new year to you and Anita, Frank! I have enjoyed following your blog as you manouvered through what 2010 threw at you. May 2011 be healthy and filled with happiness for you both.

    cheers,
    Wilma

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  17. Lovely selection Frank. Happy New Year.

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  18. What a MAGNIFICIENT YEAR - COLLECTION...beautiful souvenirs and unforgettable moments; isn't it true....!?

    How lovely your fantastic wildlife photography; this beautiful collages and I remember...: there were soooo many others magic animal shots........so very wonderful; just as a real wildlife
    book!!!!!!

    Have a brilliant start in this new year, Frank......I am looking forward to many others wildlife adventures!

    ciao ciao elvira

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  19. I hope 2011 is very happy for you and your family, and you add a few new birds to your list! :D

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  20. Wow, what a fantastic recap of the year. I am so enjoying your blog and your images.

    Very best for 2011,
    Lois

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  21. What a great collection of photos - especially love the little Blackcap - we also had a visit from one here this year but they're not around for long - ours returned and the pair nested here last year which was v.exciting. Very Happy New Year for 2011 - Miranda

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  22. Hi Frank,
    You got a fantastic year and I was happy to follow your encounter on your blog. i wish you the best for 2011 and hope you will get as exciting photography challenges as this year! Best...

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  23. Thanks Frank, and a Happy ‘Wildlife Watching’ New Year to you too!

    Wonderful montages of the year there, Frank. Lovely captures as always. You do have a very good eye and clearly a lot of patience too. I hope 2011 is a good one for you :-D

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  24. Happy new year Frank (and Anita of course!) What a terrific post. I love the way you set out your photos Frank - I may have to borrow the idea for my blog. Best wishes for 2011.

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  25. Really lovely and looking forward to following your blog

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  26. An absolutely glorious synopsis of the year 2010. You have delighted our eyes throughout the four seasons. The photography collages in this post are stunning. Your talent abounds! I'm looking forward to viewing your upcoming 2011 images. Always a feast for the eyes. Happy New Year!

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  27. Thanks for all your encouraging comments. 2011 has been a little slow so far and the weather not particularly helpful but hopefully things will improve soon. FAB.

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  28. No wonder the year was over so quickly my friend! I hope 2011 will be even better a year for birding.

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  29. Thank you Amila. The grey weather is not very inspiring at the moment; just waiting for some sunshine. Best wishes to you for 2011. FAB.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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