Hello Nicky.

I used to post nature stuff much more regularly, kinda got out of the habit recently (and also as I don't drive, my options are limited). But yes, it made a nice change to get out and see some stuff yesterday. I also managed to get some half decent photos too which was a bonus 😉

It was a beautiful place, here is a proper wide angle type shot from my phone:

I love being outside, and we go all sorts of different places, but my favorite places are always the big open landscapes with big, open skies. My partner loves walking in the woods and amongst tree's and I prefer heathland and moorland (and the odd hill or mountain). Big and wide and open, bordering on bleak and desolate at times. I guess like the sense of scale if that makes sense? Reminds me how small our lives are compared to the rest of the planet, and that maybe as a species we should try to be a bit more humble and respectful to the organisms that we share this earth with.

The Mallard flight shot, shutter was 1/800 I think? A really long telephoto lens helped. And to be honest the best thing with digital camera is that I can take 50 shots in 5 seconds, and then keep the 3 shots that are actually sharp and focused and delete the 47 rubbish ones!

The phrase 'Spray and pray' springs to mind!

The Robin is always such a character, and I was pleased with how well the Stonechat came out too. Regarding the t-shirt design... er can I ask how you will you use the image? Are you going to use it as it is, will you be adding your own work to it (such as editing or adding some text) or will you use it as a reference photo to paint or draw a piece of art?

I'm not saying no, I just want to know more before I say yes...

I'm going outside this afternoon to sit somewhere out there in the clear air after seeing your pic. In fact... I'm chomping at the bit now!

Did you manage to get outside for some fresh air in the end?