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Wooooohoooo! The River Is Running!!!!!! (Video)

If you live in the Algarve, you will know that the region was starting to get desperate for rain, also you will know just how much rain we’ve had in the last 2 days, particularly here in the northern hills where it has been heavy and persistent. I had a bet with myself yesterday that the river would get a kick-start and be running this morning. However, it was still dry and we even walked the dogs along our usual route along the river bed.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when I stood outside the Quinta and could hear gushing water. I headed down to the river (its just over 400 metres away) and it is now in full flow, even over the top of the bridge/ford (Video below).


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White Storks Of Silves Field Trip 2020! – Saturday 8th February

This field trip back in February was very popular and sold out quickly therefore, I have added the event for booking much earlier this year and is scheduled for Saturday February 8th.

If you know all about this trip and just want to book, please CLICK HERE.

Come and spend a morning with me and other like-minded nature and photography lovers in the historic town of Silves amongst the stunning White Storks. Although this trip is designed with photographers in mind, feel free to join us even if you don’t bring a camera!

There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph Storks on their huge nests and point your camera at these giants in flight. We may even be lucky to witness them fighting over nesting rights. Of course, I will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of photography from exposure settings to bird in flight techniques.

This is the perfect Field Trip if you are wanting to improve your Bird in Flight technique!


The morning will consist of the following schedule;

» A brief talk about the White Storks and their habitat, lifestyle, feeding, breeding and migration patterns.
» Photographic opportunities of Storks on their huge nests with walks to various nest sites around the city of Silves.
» Photographic opportunities of Storks in flight.
» During the morning I will be on hand to help with any photographic tips and techniques from exposure settings to Bird in Flight Techniques.

Although it helps if you have a little experience in photography anyone is welcome on this field trip as I will offer help and advice. It can be used as a followup or a taster to my Digital Photography Fundamentals Workshop.


Where is this Field Trip?
This trip is in the stunning historical city of Silves. Why not make a day of it and spend the afternoon exploring this fantastic city! Google Map of Silves

How large is the group size?
This trip has a maximum number of 12 people.

What time does it start?
We will meet at 8:00am in Silves.

What time does it finish?
Approximately 1pm, however, you are able to leave earlier if you wish.

Is this a strenuous activity?
No, although we will be walking around the city and standing for most of the time.

Is transport included?
No, attendees must make their own travel arrangements.

What language is spoken during this Field Trip?
English

What is the price?
Just €14 per person

Are White Storks sightings guaranteed?
Whilst nothing in nature can be guaranteed, it is extremely unlikely that there will be no White Storks present. Silves has White Storks all year and during February they are usually in abundance.

What camera do I need?
Any camera is suitable and although you don’t require super telephoto or zoom lenses, it is recommended that you have a modest magnification available. Feel free to bring along any equipment (various lenses, tripods etc.) you wish, but bear in mind you will be responsible for carrying your equipment. Please Contact Me should you want any advice.

Is this trip dependent on the weather?
Yes and maybe rescheduled due to bad weather. We of course want perfectly clear skies and glorious light, however, this cannot be guaranteed. Should there be inclement weather forecast (rain or strong winds) then the trip will be rescheduled. Should bad weather be forecast then a final decision will be made 5pm the night before and all attendees will be notified by email and/or telephone.

Where is the meeting place?
The location will be communicated nearer the day.

Payment is required in advance by booking online and paying via either PayPal (inc Credit/Debit card without a PayPal account) or Bank Transfer. By booking onto the this Field Trip you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.


Surprising the Lagoa Bombeiros With Some Gifts

You may remember a short while back that a photograph I donated to the “Alerta de incêndio florestal” Fine Art Auction to raise well needed money for the Bombeiros reached an amazing €150.

The following day I was contacted by Debby Burton (Alerta Chief!) to tell me that word had filtered down that the Bombeiros who assisted with the carrying of the artwork to and from the stage during the auction wanted the photograph but was out of their budget to bid. Without a thought, I offered a framed print to donate to them to hang on the walls of the Lagoa station.

We have been waiting for the same shift staff to be at the station and this afternoon was the time to turn up with Debby & husband ‘Bertie’ along with Bomberios Chief Gabriel to surprise them with a framed print. I also took along 2 smaller prints from the same day. It was an honour to present these prints to these incredibly hard working people who put their lives at risk to protect the lives of many others!

(If you are wondering who took the first photo, well done to my partner Emma who took charge of the camera!)


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Change Of Shoes For Autumn? Check Them For Spiders

After a rainy day yesterday my morning walk meant a change of shoes to my waterproof walking boots. I haven’t used them since spring so gave them a check for the Brown Recluse Spider.

This is the only spider in Portugal that can cause any serious problems and most bites are from disturbing them. As the name suggests, they hide away and choose dry and dark places. Occasional shoes are perfect!

For more information on the Brown Recluse, read HERE.


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Kingfishers of 2019 (The End Of This Years Project) – Framed Prints Now Available!

It started off quite a difficult task this year with the Kingfishers. The river level was a little lower than usual in late spring which didn’t provide the correct angles I was looking for with my perched portraits. It wasn’t until the juveniles left the nests that I was able to shoot at the correct angles. It really was a waiting game, which paid off.

The local Kingfishers bred very successfully this year and I had some amazing sessions with them. All my favourite photos follow below. Most of these photos and others are available to purchase in print in the Webshop.

Clicking each photo will open up the product in the shop. I am slowly updating the shop to include these prints framed. All Kingfisher photos are now available framed! To celebrate my the Kingfisher success, all Kingfisher prints (including framed) have been discounted until the end of September!

Please note, currently all framed prints are available for local pickup only and can be viewed (by appointment only) in my viewing gallery here at the Quinta. I can also meet and greet in the central Algarve area!

Common Kingfisher (Juvenile Female) - Guarda-rios (juvenil femea) - Alcedo atthis
The Perfect Pose : 📷 Nikon D850, AF-S 500mm f/4 @ 1/1000sec, f/10, ISO800
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