It doesn't happen often but there are some "good natured" people out there that can just make your day...Making the most of cold but sunny weekend decided to go up to New Lanark and Falls of Clyde for a wee walk. It is the time of the year when peregrines start nesting with one of the pairs nesting just next to the public path (not that we knew it before setting off!). The Scottish Wildlife Trust takes no chances and set up a 24h watch of the nesting couple to make sure the eggs are not stolen or ruthlessly destroyed by pigeon fancies (yes, the weird people who think pigeons are the top animal to keep).
Two lads are constantly keeping a watch, encouraging visitors to peek through telescopes and answering any questions about the birds. For many here this is the first such a close encounter with these mighty birds - overall a great idea to raise awareness and get people interested in wildlife.
When I took out my camera and was about to put the 200mm lens on, one of the guys asked me what's the glass I'm using. I proudly told him "300mm on that one" and stared mounting it on the D300 body. At that point he disappeared in the shed and two minutes later re-appeared with a rocket launcher on a wooden stand in his hand (considering he was wearing green camouflage jacket it just didn't look good...)
"try this one" he said pointing at the rocket launcher... the mighty 2000mm f11 reflex lens by NIKON... 17kg of glass and steel, two knobs, built in filters and great optics... 3000mm on my digit!!!!!
I put the camera on, get it set up (not an easy task as no tripod would take this monster lens!) and took a few shots.
Nothing great but the experience of playing with the monster and the generosity of the guy are just such a refreshing experience.
How often does it happen that somebody offers you to play with their photo gear?
To learn more about the nesting pair of peregrines visit Peregrine Diaries. And if you around New Lanark in the next three months make sure you take a walk up the Clyde and have a look what they up to... and who knows - maybe you'll have a chance to see the unique 2000mm f11?
rocket launcher in action...
On the way back few shots of a friendly robin - this time with the tiny, shiny, lightweight Nikkor 200mm f2.8...
