Tag: Photography
To buy or not to buy
by Neville on May.06, 2010, under Birding, News, Photography
Ever since I developed an interest in birding I’ve realized that my equipment is something that is truly stopping me from getting the best shots. Over the last year I’ve shot dozens of images of birds with my trust kit lens, a Nikkor 18 – 135mm, which gives me a range of around 200 metres at the longest. I’m proud to say that I’ve shot some great images with this lens by just using proper birding technique (a whole other post would be required for this) and some know how to get the right shots.
Why is it time to expand my focal length? Well because sometimes it’s just impossible to get closer to certain birds without making them fly off or freak out, as a nature lover and photographer I don’t want to do either. So the best way I can think of getting closer is to use a better focal length along with some proper birding technique.
What lenses have I shortlisted? Well I would love to pick up a 400 or 500mm lens with a small aperture but its way out of my range right now. So I’ve decided to go with a Sigma AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro which is really affordable for me and fits my requirements… for now. The lens will require more work because of the aperture values but I am sure it’ll be an excellent value-for-money birding lens.

Sigma AF 70 - 300mm
I’ve been following a couple of photographer who use this lens for bird photography and air shows and they have shot some superb images. Also on the longer end of this lens is a macro feature which also interests me when I shoot flowers and the like. Here is a link to the flickr group for this lens – Sigma AF 70 – 300 mm flickr group
Share your thoughts with me regarding this lens. I’m hoping to pick it up this month!
Majestic in Black and White
by Neville on Feb.07, 2010, under B&W, Photography, Travel

Majestic
Shot at the park in Nisarga Dhama in Coorg. Got some great shots there when I visited in January. Will be posting those up as well. Don’t fret loyal readers there will be more posts in the near future. January was a busy full filled month for me. Spent almost 2 weeks in Mysore and had a lot of great experiences and photos to share!
Interview with a Ringer
by Neville on Dec.04, 2009, under Birding, Photography, Travel
Surfing the web gives me (and everyone) a chance to learn about new things and meet lots of new people from across the globe. The other day I came across a very interesting blog by Peter Fearon, a Science Teacher from Liverpool, who is also a Ringer. Don’t know what a Ringer is? Well find out more below -

Peter Fearon

Cedar Waxwing

Northern Parula


- Chesnut-sided Warbler
- Nightjar
- Black-shouldered Kite
- Orange-crowned Warbler
- Red-headed Woodpecker
Although these are a few particular favoruites, every bird is treated equally when we catch them!
Head over to Peter’s blog to read more - Peter Fearon’s Ringing Blog
Hanging With Other Birders
by Neville on Nov.19, 2009, under Birding, News
Since my recent foray into the world of Bird photography I’ve been meeting a lot of birders on-line and also out in the field. One of the best places to meet like minded people is by joining the BNG Birds group on Yahoo Groups. It’s a relatively simple matter of just signing in and joining the group. Once thats done you can see what birders in your area (Bangalore) are up to.
The group also has various trips on almost every weekend to places which are known for the variety in birds. I’ve been with this group to Nandi Hills, Shivanahalli and Anekal. In these trips I’ve basically learnt a lot more about birding than I would have going out by myself. I’ve seen and spotted many more species of birds and become better at identifying calls of certain birds.
There are a lot of great people who you can meet during these trips and its definetiely worth checking out. Catch you at the next BNG Birds trip!
Weekend Getaway to Nandi Hills
by Neville on Sep.25, 2009, under Photography, Travel

View from the Hill
Very close to Bangalore and still one of Bangalore’s fave weekend getaways is Nandi Hills. There are various ways to get there but I prefer taking the government buses that go all the way to the top.

One step from the drop

Looking down

Pathway in the fort
You can catch a bus to the top of Nandi Hills from the KSRTC bus stand which is right opposite the BMTC bus stand. Go o platform number 10 and ask there.
Tickets are about 40 – 50 Rupees depending on which route the bus takes. Tickets to the fort cost 5 Rupees and you can stock up on food here or go all the way to the top and get your snacks and lunch there.










