Saturday 3 October 2009

Quote, unquote

Quote, unquote

The treatment, arrived last Monday. Since then the weather has turned lousy for bird photography, with heavy monsoon rains and high gusts not helping the cause. This Yellow-eared Bulbul was in a small feeding party of birds led by Sri Lanka White-eyes at the Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya, where I found myself on the first outing with my new toy.

Yellow-eared Bulbul

If you are new here, we are talking about the Canon 100-400mm lens, "the treatment" I sought to cure APOBPS, the critical condition that this blog was diagnosed with. This is my first "L series" lens and won't be the last. For the record, it was a brand new one and it put me back by Rs. 185,000 (US$ 1,623). I got it through the local Canon dealer after months of waiting.

The results so far may not relfect those of a 185,000 buck lens yet, but I am sure will get there. This Scaly-bellied Munia was feeding on some seeds, not too far from the aforementioned feeding party.

Scaly-bellied Munia

This Crested Hawk Eagle found close to Kithulgala was too far for my lens and I had to resort to digiscoping to get this one.

Crested Hawk Eagle

Although the weather has not been too favourable for bird photography, it has been not too bad for macro. The quote, unquote critter above, with a face only a mother can love, was found on my neighbour's live fence. It is a Tree hopper (family: Membracidae). Here's a lateral view of it.

Tree hopper

The winds have brought about some pleasant changes in the environment. These include the arrival of migrant birds in search of warmer weather. Noteworthy ones seen by me so far include Grey Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Blue-tailed Bee-Eater, Barn Swallow, Bright Green Warbler and Common Sandpiper. I am very much looking forward to the Sri Lankan 'birding season', which spans from mid October to late April.

windy

11 comments:

rainfield61 said...

I got some pictures on treehopper that are not "macro" enough. I have searched for some information.

Interesting!!!

mboi said...

Amila that last pic of the tree branches getting blown around in the wind just reminded just how amazing the windy, rainy season in Sri Lanka is. I just remember the storm clouds hitting the mountains, the wind howling throught the trees, flocks of birds trying not to get blown away, the wetness in the air. and it will be school holidays soon. Meanwhile i have to put up with the 40C australian summer with pretty much nowhere to go...

Chrissy said...

I look forward to seeing more of the migrant birds. Sri Lanka has some absolutely beautiful wildlife. Thanks for sharing them with us. I've been stuck looking at crows for the last while. Your birds are beautiful.

Shady Character said...

The "quote, unquote" leafhopper is very appropriately named!

I hope you do share some nice birding season images. My own birding season is winding down and I'll miss the local activity.

Kirigalpoththa said...

I hope the treatment wouldn't work completely on APOBPS.
I want your macros atleast once a week :)

Wish you a splendid birding season with the new lense!

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Congratulation on your new L Lens. This worth an investment with that beautiful pictures.
I'm waiting for my second L, 600mm f4 (if budget approved by finance minister);)

Amila Salgado said...

Hi Rainfield,
Tree hoppers make intriguing macro subjects.

Hi mboi,
Yes that scene would look a familar site for you especially at Kandy.

Geez, 40°C sounds seriously warm. I don't think I have ever experienced such warm temperatures in my life.

Hi Chriss,
Yes we have some very good wildlife here. This season I am determined to concentrate more on birds...

Hi Shady Character,
Thanks. I am about to go on a twitch to see a Pectoral Sandpiper taking a 8-hour journey by bus, shortly. I should have some pics to share, hopefully.

Hi K,
Fo' shizzle my nizzle!

Hi Tabib,
Thanks! 600mm f4 sounds fantastic!
I hope the finance minister will get cabinet approval soon.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Thanks brother! :)

dev wijewardane said...

I've got a 100-400 and absolutely love it. All the bird shots on my blog and flickr stream were taken with that lens. I'm sure you'll have a blast this season. Looking forward to seeing some great shots.

Stuart Price said...

Congrats on the new lens, I'm sure you'll enjoy it............that Munia pic is pretty good for starters.

The macro stuff is a good as ever........

Amila Salgado said...

Hi Dev,
I am just back from a great trip to Yala and Bundala. I have got lot of blogging fodder. I will check your images when I have steady internet soon.

Hi Stu,
Thanks! You will like my new shots, which I will share next week.

Related Posts with Thumbnails