Today the Sun was shining and the birds were singing, quite a lot of them actually. I saw numerous Blackbirds — though not as numerous as last year — Blue and Great tits and even a few Thrushes in the undergrowth. I also saw several Wrens, the lack of which Clare was concerned about at the Weekend.
In the interests of scientific rigour, and an effort to substantiate my claims, some photographs would be needed. Now those that know Clare may be aware that she rarely goes anywhere without photographic equipment; perhaps in contrast, I’ve got a cheap mobile phone.
Undaunted I set out on my hour long mission: to prove that avian life is thriving on the Old Railway track. The first attempt didn’t go all that well.
A Wren was here… the loud beep when the phone focused scared me too. Then I hit upon the idea of setting the focus by partially depressing the shoot button ahead of the encounter. Despite the finger cramp, this was more successful and allowed me to get a shot from within six feet of my quarry.
This photograph does include a bird, but I challenge you to find it and if, having achieved that, you can identify the species, you deserve an award. No, you’re not getting one anyway, so don’t ask me.
So can a Sony Ericsson W810i be successfully used for wildlife photography? Err… no, well not by me, or not yet, but I might keep trying.