Arriving about an hour early to the school camp, I grabbed a long lens (300 f4) and went for a wander.
Within a few minutes I found a pair of young swallows learning the ropes. The wind was strong and I admire their resilience (one was actually knocked over at one point), but for a few minutes, not much happened.
Then the plucky (and plump) one took flight. I missed it on the way out, but within seconds it was curling back.
Inspired by its sibling, the more cautious one gave it a go and I was ready this time. Looks like it’s sibling is giving instructions?
Within ten minutes of arriving, I had one of my best bird images of the year. It’s not something I do a lot, mostly just grab what presents around sports grounds etc, but even so, a win by any measure.
Looking a little further, I came across some bees having a productive time (same lens, which doubles as a super macro insect chaser).
The system seems simple. They dive in, get fully “loaded”.
Then they “do their hair” by pushing the pollen back to their hind legs. Looks messy, but seems to work.
This one was actually shot on the S5 and IRIX 150 macro the next day, but good for illustrating their “swimming”.
This seems to be bee-universal.
Twenty minutes and I am looking at some of my better insect chasing shots for the year (again not a thing with me often, but I do get the bug….. sometimes).
Camp is gooood.