Swallows

A small group of adults and juveniles were foraging just above the ground during frequent rain showers. They often passed just 1-2m from me but were usually traveling to fast and erratically for the camera to respond. I tried the 7D on various settings but it really struggled to focus on the Swallows. I am still not convinced that it is any better than the 40D. I guess 7 weeks in France and Spain with blue sky and raptors will determine whether its any good or not. Or maybe i just expect to much from it.

Gotland, Southern Sweden, July 2005

A few years ago i spent two amazing weeks on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. The nights were spent moth trapping and the daylight hours spent watching and sketching insects and birds. I've never bothered sorting out any of the photos and sketches from this trip so i made an effort tonight.

Apollo

Turquoise Blue (female)

A rare species in Sweden. The males uppersides are a beautiful light turquoise blue.

High Brown Fritillary

Rhinoceros Beetle

Baltic Gull, Barnacle Geese, Caspian tern and Common Gull

There was something very special about the light on Gotland, especially in the evenings. The coastal rocks, birds and water took on the most amazing hues.

The wader passage on Gotland was incredible. Summer plumage Broad-billed, Wood and Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints and Ruffs mingled with the huge flocks of Dunlins.

Large Blue

Lesser Marbled Fritillary

Tiger Moth, Orache Moth, Scarce Silver-lines, Lappet and Grayling

Moths, Small Copper and Marsh Warbler

The Borders

Clouded Magpie, Lempke's Gold Spot, Gold Spot, Gold Swift, Whinchat and Swallow.