27 October 2013

Mugimakis




I got to use my lens for the first time today and the main test subjects were 2 Mugimaki Flycatchers at Onuma. I think all these picsbar one are are of a first year male but I may be wrong.









Onuma was very autumnal, beautiful colours everywhere. It was tricky photographing these flycatchers though. They kept flitting in and out of the light/shade and also one minute it was raining and the next minute it was sunny. My new 500 f4 lens is also way heavier than I was expecting (all these shots were handheld, my arms are sore as I type this). I tried to use it wide open as much as possible meaning a lot of the shots closer up were out of focus. All thse shots are cropped slightly, more for composition than anything else.

It was also difficult to get a clear shot.




I think this one may be a female.


Mugimaki Flycatchers are scarce but regular passage migrants in Japan, I see them most springs and autumns and indeed often see them in this very spot. This pair were feeding on berries instead of flies. That is good news..............it means the mosquitoes have finally f**ked off.





Otherwise it was pretty quiet in Onuma. the tame tits and nuthatches were buzzing around taking our sunflower seeds. Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker and Japanese Grosbeak were also present as were a flock of Whooper Swan on the lake. That means one thing. Winter is coming. It is known.

Nothing much in town, a flock of Black Headed Gull at Kamiiso being the only noteworthy species.

My digestive system declared total war on me this last week and it has left me completely exhausted. Luckily tonight's late game is Chelsea v Man City, my 2 least favourite teams in the Premier League. They represent everything that is wrong with football at the moment. Don't need to stay up for that one.

Liverpool 2nd? Eh?

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18 comments:

  1. Very nice results from your new lens. They are a bit heavy, and long, aren't they? The autumn colour does make a great background. You'll have to take up weights while watching the football to build up your arm strength! I'll be looking forward to more images.

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    1. I already lift glasses of beer whilst watching the footy...............

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  2. Beautiful little bird and super way to start off with the new lens. (Left a comment earlier via iPhone before and didn't work. Wish I remembered what I had said) Anyway fine results to start off with.

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    1. Thanks Russell, yes it was a nice one to kick off with.

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  3. Lovely shots with your new lens. Such a pretty bird, and I really like the golden colours in the background.
    Cheers.

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    1. Thanks for the comment, it is undeed cute species.

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  4. HI Stunning shots with your new lens. I am sure you are pleased.

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  5. Seriously nice photos of Mugimakis in a very beautiful autumnal setting, Stu! Your new lens seems to be working just fine. I agree with all the identifications of age and sex.

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    1. Hi Ayuwat, yes it was very atmospheric with all those yellows and golds.

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  6. Mugimagnificent...... (see what spellcheck tries to do with that) I think image 5 is my favourite.

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    1. Mugilicious would have been an even better choice of adjective John.

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  7. You found some good backgrounds there Stuart, those yellows work really well. The lens looks to be fine with those results but I have wondered anout the weight of a 500 even if I could afford £5000 plus.

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    1. Hi Phil, it's right bang on the limit of handholdibility and portability, possibly beyond the limits of comfort though.

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  8. Stunning Bird, I saw this in Malaysia a few years ago, love its name too

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  9. Hi Dave, it is named after the Japanese name for wheat as it appears in harvest time............

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  10. Stunning bird...and the light is just awseome! Really really like this serie ;-)

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