What have I done to offend the great photography Gods?

I popped out to the shops, and specifically decided not to take my camera as it was too hot to wear my backpack if not needed (I have a lovely granny trolley :) ). As I arrived at the open bit, 2 Red Kites were hovering about, one just 2 houses high and hovering to a standstill... just above me... with lighting behind me... with a lamppost for me to steady myself against... and still hovering. Then, as they eventually flew on, a SParrowhawk landed in a tree at about the same height... D'OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :014: :014: :014:

LOL, you share the family luck. :-rofl

I think you need to get a small camera to keep in your pocket, Louise!

At least you enjoyed seeing them.:)

I had my camera (and just that) when we went to Keyhaven on Friday. (It was too lovely a day to carry a handbag - which holds my binoculars too).

So, in the very bright light, I found it difficult to ID many birds - including the rather small 'Little Egret' on which which an army of twitchers had their long lenses fixed.

It was only when I downloaded my pics that I realised that 'Little Egret' was an Avocet - the only one I've ever photographed in the UK - and I didn't even 'see' it!:(

You are right, Catherine, I did enjoy watching them, but although low down, they were still too high up to really see the details. A small camera would be nice, but I do like my big lens - they say that size isn't everything, but.... ;)

I often use my camera as a set of binoculars, but don't usually get such an interesting find as you :)

very very nice, thx.