On Friday I went up to Falmer Village with a group of colleagues on a Nature Photography session, part of our department’s festive activities. I’d volunteered to lead the session and was delighted that Friday proved to be sunny which meant we could get out ‘in the field’ (and I wouldn’t need to do a presentation).

It’s always a bit risky promising wildlife sightings (especially when squeezing a works outing into a lunch hour), and even though I’d seen a cormorant at the pond early morning I didn’t really expect it to still be there. As we were gathering at the edge of the pond on arrival a kestrel flew over, and the sunshine even drew out one of the local terrapins (perched on a tree root). I didn’t get photos of either of those and so was delighted when the absent cormorant flew in over the pond, and landed on the water. It swam around, fished (successfully) and then did the typical cormorant dash as it took to the air once again. That’s when I took this short sequence.

Cormorant making a slash at Falmer Pond

Cormorant on the verge of take-off

Wings Ups!

Wings Up #2

And away…

Apart from enjoying the sunshine and the surprisingly strong showing of local fauna, we talked about cameras, apertures, settings and some general tips on how to get better photos (e.g. get low to the eye line, check the background for distractions, and don’t be afraid to experiment with camera settings). It made a great change from the usual routine.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.