There’s a local spot I like to sit of an evening. It overlooks the sea looking West towards Solva. Over the years I’ve noticed the gulls that habitually make their way along the coast in the evening. I presume they are heading back to where they spend the night. The small outcrop I sit atop is a speed bump on their way and they will come quite close to the ground as they swoop over the top of my position. Some will fly farther out to sea and skirt around, whilst others will be more inland. It’s always been fascinating to watch their flight and a meditative experience to sit and wonder where they are going or where they have been. I’ve recently been getting used to using a long lens so have been able to get some images of their flight. Here’s a selection of the good ones. Mostly versions of the same shot but they only fly left to right from where I’m standing so apologies!
Technically it’s a tricky endeavor as holding a lens zoomed out to 600mm is tiring and trying to pan with the flight of the birds is a hit and miss exercise. Focusing on a small object moving speedily through the frame is a challenge despite the abilities of a modern camera. I’m learning that there is lots to the art of getting good wildlife images and can only doff my hat to those who capture great images of birds in flight.
