Monday, April 5, 2010

Smooth Otters Midday Nap


D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

This couple of otters was seen resting at Khatib Bongsu. They came out of the water, rolled themselves on the dry soil and took a short nap before getting back into the water. It was of course a great opportunity to take a few shots.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Common Goldenback



D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

I observed a couple of common goldenbacks bringing in turn beakfull of insects to their nest (a hole in the bark of a tree). While rapid, their pattern of flight and trees visited was regular. Their next move could therefore be somewhat anticipated. Problem was the low light and the fact that they never seemed to be in the right spot when clouds had cleared or the right position passing through rare sunlit patches... I left thinking that I would go back to take more pictures in better light conditions.

When I went back a few day later, the nest was empty and the goldenbacks were gone... Well, I had often read to fully work out the subject when available as better or similar conditions were not guaranteed...



Saturday, April 3, 2010

White-Vented Myna


D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

White-vented myna on the flower of an African tulip tree.

As the most numerous and successful bird in Singapore, the myna is considered a pest. However, when I saw this one in precarious balance on the flower, I could not resist taking a snap. In fact, I kind of like this picture.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Common Tailorbird


D700 500mm +1.7 teleconverter ISO400 f/6.7 1/320 flash -1.3EV tripod

Some buzzing sounds came from two different locations within a low dry shrub. First thought was that there were two noisy insects answering each others calls. The sounds were just too loud. After a few minutes of observation, some branches moved, then a tiny bird appeared. It could not stay in place for more than a few seconds. By following it from branches to branches, I managed to capture a few pictures. After reviewing them, I could not find one where the bird had its beak closed...

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Chinese Koi Pond


D700 70-300mm @ 300 ISO200 f/5.6 1/15

A few fishes for the first of April!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Oriental Pied Hornbill - Pulau Ubin


D700 70-300mm @ 300 ISO400 f/9 1/400

An opportunity take, so the light and background are not great . It might be worth it to go back with the right lens...

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Colours Of Pulau Ubin (6)


D700 70-300mm @ 70 ISO400 f/13 1/5

I found these drawings of plants on the inside wall of a disused wooden house. A creeper started to take over the space through the broken floor. Some post processing was applied to the capture to give an aging feel to the picture.