31 July 2009

The second personaliy in our section on DBWPS 'People' is Peter Hayes, a contributor to the Devon Birds website whose birdwatching forays have increasingly been augmented by a growing enthusiasm for photography. Here, Peter writes about his hobby and gives four examples of his skill with a camera.

Geared up and ready for action: Peter in birdwatching mode.

Peter writes: “I was asked to say a few words about my interest in birding and photography, so here goes. I took up birding less than five years ago. At the time, I had never heard of DBWPS but immediately joined after being put right by Andrew Cunningham!

I work away from home a lot but I bird whenever I can. I go to the Scillies every October but would not describe myself as a twitcher. I no longer keep a list, having lost all those I did keep a year ago. I find it very liberating!

Probably the best bird I have ever seen was the Long-billed Murrelet in Devon, although the Cream-coloured Courser on Scilly golf course is right up there. Day to day I appreciate almost anything – just getting out into the open air is superb.

I now combine birding with photography, having invested in a Nikon D300 and a 500mm Nikkor lens. Combined with a 1.4 converter, that gives me a focal length of 700mm. I also have a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod and a Wimberley Gimble head (see photo), which I find essential for flight shots. A most important plus is that I have an incredibly indulgent wife, of course!

I am on a steep learning curve regarding the technical side of photography. I spent 30 years in front of the camera on television but never so much as picked one up in all that time. I have to say that it is much more difficult behind the camera, as I am finding out!

The main places I visit are Bowling Green Marsh and the platform, Topsham recreation ground, the River Otter, Stover Park and the River Axe. I would be very grateful for tips on other places to go where the birds are near enough to photograph. They always seem so far away!

This site is superb. Congratulations to all those who beaver away behind the scenes to make it work.”

Grey Heron – Stover Country Park – © Peter Hayes – 26 April 2009

Cormorant – River Otter – © Peter Hayes – April 2009

Nuthatch – Stover Country Park – © Peter Hayes – April 2009

Little Egret – Bowling Green Marsh – © Peter Hayes – 2009

Thanks Peter, for your words and photos – and the comment on the site! Ed.