Birdwatching and Wildlife Blog - Dartford Waffler
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Birdwatching and Wildlife Blogging
There are millions of people who enjoy watching wildlife in some shape or form, however, many species of birds, insects, mammals, plants etc are poorly understood due to the fact that relatively few people actually record their observations. Since January 2007 I have been recording my wildlife observations on my blog Dartford Waffler in my own attempt to rectify this situation.
In this way I have surprised myself in the number of interesting observations I have made in a short time and I have built up quite a collection of nature photos.
The best thing about recording my sightings in this way is that I can put them down easily before I forget them and they are there for others to see. With a simple digital camera I am also able to illustrate the blog even though I am not a great photographer.
Do You Blog About Wildlife?
Bird Observations
First and foremost I am an ornithologist, so most of my blog concerns bird observations, although I have precious few photos of them. Even so, with a simple digital camera, which I now always carry with me, I have managed to obtain some good record shots of the birds I have seen.In October 2007 I managed to get a record shot of a Pectoral Sandpiper, a rare migrant in UK, on my local birdwatching patch - thanks to the fact that I always now carry my digital camera on walks. Likewise, I managed this shot of a Red-backed Shrike which posed was extremely confiding at Dungeness in 2009.
Latest Entries to Dartfordwaffler.co.uk
Insects
The biggest advantage I have found in recording insects on my blog is that I can track down experts, send them the link to where I have posted my photos and get them identified. This has proven an excellent strategy in getting dragonflies identified.
Insect Photos
You can check out a whole load of my photos of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies on these lenses; you can use these photos royalty free on your websites too.
Reptiles/Amphibians
I haven't too many pictures of these but it has been fun to photograph slow moving frogs and toads from weird angles. Toads in particular tend to freeze near predators so they make perfect models for bad photographers like me.I have even managed to get a picture of a Red-eared Terrapin that was obviously once someone's pet.
Very few people record observations of amphibians and reptiles, so that any records you do make could eaily be of interest to local/national recorders. It is worth takign a moment to browse the internet to see if their are any good websites on this subject that cover your region; you may be surprised to see that you have something to add.
Plants
Blogging on wildlife has increased my interest in flora and now I am able to identify a large number of flowering plants in the UK because of the increased enthusiasm my website has given me.Obviously plants don't move too quickly so they give struggling photographers such as myself plenty of time to practice and the ability to delete mistakes and try again has become a much-used facility on my digital camera. Using the macro facility on my digital camera has allowed me to get a lot of nice shots.
Some more of my flower photos
Red Clover
Common Spotted Orchid
Lotus Flower
Wild Ginger
Flower Photos
My Wildlife Watching Equipment
Join The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Nikon Coolpix 7600
Nikon Coolpix 7600 7MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $374.75 (as of 05/31/2012)
The Nikon Coolpix is the camera I always use and it has served me well, despite the fact that i am generally a hopeless photographer. It is easy to use and pretty much idiot proof with loads of settings to help get good pictures. I seem to get my best results on the macro setting.
Cool Digital Cameras
Please Leave Your Comments Here
Try making your own wildlife blog. Let me know if you have a wildlife blog already.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Oct 17, 2011 @ 7:46 am | delete
- I plan to create and publish a wildlife observations lens very soon. I appreciate what you are doing with your blog and how you choose to live. One of the very best things about where I live is the opportunity to observe many interesting creatures. They teach me so much (the best kind of learning).
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UKGhostwriter
Apr 4, 2011 @ 8:26 am | delete
- I love thilics lens!!
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Mujjen
Apr 4, 2011 @ 6:49 am | delete
- I think it is a great idea to record what you see when you're out. I used to do it, but got out of the habit. Will get me a notebook immediately!
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sonia_simone
Sep 19, 2007 @ 11:34 am | delete
- Good information here! I'd love to hear more about what camera you use, what you like about it, and maybe any features that you recommend in a good digital camera to capture wildlife.
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nickupton
Jan 28, 2011 @ 3:59 am | delete
- I added the info about my camera - its just a simple compact digital.
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About The Lens Author
by nickupton
Having been a birdologist since the age of seven I am something of an ornithological recluse.
I spent most of my time at university getting to grips...
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Wildlife Photos
Canon Power Shot
Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Deep Red)
Amazon Price: $399.50 (as of 05/31/2012)
This excellent little digital camera is the best selling compact digital camera on Amazon.com.
