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The

MagazINe of The NaTure group of The rps

IrIs

Issue No. 117

Winter 2013-2014

ISSN 1757-2991

Scarce Green Silverlines by Gianpiero Ferrari FRPS

Join us next September for two weeks in the splendour of

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

For more information email David at: poppyland3@btinternet.com or go to

www.davidosbornphotography.co.uk to view images from this and other tours.

David Osborn Phototours

Yellowstone & The Tetons

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The Iris - Winter 2013

Contents

2 Editorial

3 From the Chair

4 Speyside, one of Scotland’s great Wildlife havensby�Richard�Revels�FRPS

8 Insects of Europe, an FRPS Panelby�Gianpiero�Ferrari�FRPS

12 Kingfishers of Omanby�Andrew�Adams�ARPS

16 Field Meeting Report - Havergate Islandby�David�O’Neill�LRPS

17 Field Meeting Report - Millers Daleby�Robert�Hawkesworth�FRPS

18 Hobby at Wicken FenRichard�Nicoll�ARPS

20 Return of the Yellowhammerby�Joe�Curtis�ARPS

22 Field Meeting Report - Windover Hillby�Graham�Saxby

23 Obituary - Martin Withers FRPSby�John�Tinning

28 Obituary - Gordon Dixon ARPSby�Heather�Angel�FRPS

29 From the Archivesby�Tony�Bond�FRPS

31 Field Meetings

32 Obituary - Phil Newmanby�Mike�Lane�FRPS�and�Gordon�Holm

ibc A Wildlife Journeyby�Colin�Smale�ARPS

Publication information

‘The�Iris’�is�published�by�the�Nature�Group�ofthe�RPS�three�times�a�year.�Copy�andpublication�dates�are�as�follows:Spring� Copy�deadline�20th�December

Published�early�March.Summer Copy�deadline�30th�April

Published�early�July.Winter� Copy�deadline�31st�August

Published�early�November.All�contributions�should�be�submitted�to�theEditor.�Items�covering�any�aspect�of�naturephotography�and/or�natural�history�arewelcomed,�including�reviews�on�equipment�andrelevant�books.��The�Editor�can�be�contactedat:��iris_editor@btinternet.comCopy�should�be�sent�as�.txt�or�.doc�files�byemail�or�on�CD.��Please�do�not�send�handwritten�copy.�Digitally�captured�photographic�images�arepreferred�but�scanned�transparencies�are�alsoacceptable.�Images�should�be�supplied�on�CDas�sRGB�Tiff�files,�6”�x�4”�at�300�ppi�(1800�x1200�pixels,�file�size�approx�6.17MB). Originaltransparencies�may�be�submitted,�however,�theEditor�cannot�specify�how�long�they�may�beaway�from�the�author.�No�payment�will�be�made�for�material�usedand�whilst�every�care�will�be�taken,�neither�theEditor,�the�Nature�Group�or�the�Printers�canaccept�liability�for�any�damage�that�may occurto�photographic�material�submitted.The�views�expressed�within�The�Iris�are�solelythose�of�the�contributor�and�do�not�necessarilyreflect�the�views�of�the�Nature�GroupCommittee�or�the�Editor.

Distribution: ‘The�Iris’�is�forwarded�to�members�usingaddress�labels�produced�by�the�RPSMembership�Dept�in�Bath.�Any�member�notreceiving�their�copy�should�contact�thatdepartment�so�that�their�name�appears�on�alabel�in�the�future.�However�the�Secretary�willbe�pleased�to�post�single�copies�to�memberswho�have�failed�to�receive�them.

Copyright:©�All�rights�reserved.�No�part�of�this

publication�may�be�reproduced,�stored�in�aretrieval�system,�or�transmitted�in�any�formor�by�any�means�without�prior�permission�ofthe�copyright�holder.

©�Photographs�and�articles�-�individualcontributors.�All�other�material�the�NatureGroup�of�the�Royal�Photographic�Society.

Printed by Stanley�L�Hunt�(Printers)�LimitedMidland�Road,�Rushden.

Design & layout by�Dawn�Osborn�FRPS

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CommitteeOfficersChairman: Tony Bond FRPSLeigh,�Lancs�WN7�3LJTel:�01942�674773�Email:�anthony.bond39@btinternet.comSecretary: Margaret Johnson LRPS53�Mapperley�Orchard,�Arnold,�Nottingham,�NG5�8AHTel:�01159�265893��E-mail:�m.jos@btinternet.comTreasurer: Margery Maskell ARPS Bishop's�Stortford,�Hertfordshire�CM23�5DWEmail:�rpsngtreasurer@virginmedia.comVice Chairman: Richard Revels FRPSBiggleswade,�Beds.�SG18�8EETel.�01767�313065��E-mail:��richard.revels@talktalk.netImmediate Past Chairman: John Bebbington FRPSLangport,�Somerset,�TA10�9SETel:�01458�253027��Email:�john.bebbingtonfrps@ukonline.co.uk

Committee MembersEditor of The Iris: Dawn Osborn FRPS Dereham,�Norfolk,�NR20�5LH�E-mail:�iris_editor@btinternet.comExhibition Secretary: Kevin Maskell FRPS Bishop's�Stortford,�Hertfordshire�CM23�5DWEmail:�rpsngexh1@virginmedia.comNG Rep to Advisory Panel: David O’Neill LRPSReading,�Berkshire,�RG1�6DG�Email:�david.oneill@wildhorizons.uk.comProgramme Co-ordinator: Richard Revels FRPSBiggleswade,�Beds.�SG18�8EETel.�01767�313065��E-mail:��richard.revels@talktalk.netKevin Elsby FRPSAylsham,�Norfolk,�NR���Tel:�01263-732839��Email:�wildlife@greenbee.netJohn Jones ARPS Kegworth,�Derby,�DE74�2FWTel:�01509�672125Peter Jones ARPS Bilsthorpe,�Notts,�NG22�8TB��E-mail:�pwjonesarps@btinternet.comBarbara Lawton FRPS Wolverhampton,�West�Midlands,�WV9�5QG��E-mail:�barbara.lawton@talktalk.net

Sue McGarrigle LRPS Charlecote,�Warwickshire��E-mail:�sue@suemcgarrigle.co.uk

Geoff Trinder ARPS Belton,�Doncaster,�DN9�1PGTel:�01427�872051

Ex officio Committee membersPresident�of�the�Society;�Vice-President�of�the�Society;�Director�General�of�the�Society;�Hon.�Treasurer�of�the�Society;�Chairman�of�the�Nature�A�&�F�Distinctions�Panel�

Nature Group ExhibitionsCDs/DVDs�of�Nature�Group�Exhibitions�are�available�for�purchaseby�camera�clubs/photographic�societies�for�use�in�their�programme.Please�contact�the�Exhibition�Secretary,�details�above.

The Iris - Winter 2013

EditorialThis�issue,�the�117th,�is�a�special�issue�for�me.��Not�onlyis�it�the�30th�issue�I�have�been�responsible�for�but�it�alsomarks�10�years�as�Editor�of�The�Iris.��It�has�been�anenjoyable�experience�that�has�enabled�me�to�communicatewith�many�members.�I�would�like�to�take�this�opportunityto�thank�all�those�of�you�who�have�supported�me�in�myrole�as�Editor�by�supplying�me�with�articles�and�images�forThe�Iris.��Recently�I�was�awarded�the�RPS�Fenton�Medal�inrecognition�of�the�work�I�have�done�on�behalf�of�theNature�Group�-�it�was�indeed�an�honour�to�be�nominatedfor�this�award�and�it�was�a�very�pleasant�surprise�when�Iwas�notified�that�I�was�to�receive�it.��Thank�you�to�all�ofyou�who�have�emailed�and�telephoned�to�offer�yourcongratulations.

In�this�issue�you�will�find�the�excellent�“Insects�ofEurope”�panel�by�Gianpiero�Ferrari�which�recently�earnedhim�his�Fellowship.�Congratulations�to�Gianpiero�for�a�jobwell�done!��Richard�Revels�FRPS�shares�his�experiences�ofphotographing�wildlife�in�Speyside,�while�Andrew�AdamsARPS�tells�his�story�of�photographing�a�Kingfisher�inOman.��There�are�two�short�articles�by�Richard�NichollARPS�and�Joe�Curtiss�ARPS�and�reports�from�three�fieldmeetings�by�David�O’Neill�LRPS,�Robert�Hawkesworth�FRPSand�Graham�Saxby.��We�also�pay�tribute�to�Martin�WithersFRPS,�Gordon�Dixon�ARPS�and�Phil�Newman.

This�issue�also�contains�your�copy�of�the�Entry�Formfor�the�2014�Nature�Group�Annual�Exhibition.��It�forms�thecentre�four�pages�and�can�be�removed�without�‘spoiling’your�copy�of�The�Iris.��The�closing�date�for�entries�is�25thJanuary.��Your�committee�are�hoping�for�a�good�entry,�soplease�don’t�disappoint�them�-�make�a�note�in�your�diariesand�remember�to�enter.

Summer�is�now�well�and�truly�over;�autumn�colour�isbeginning�to�show�and�the�Red�Deer�rut�is�underway�butthe�fungus�don’t�seem�to�be�overly�enthusiastic�yet.�Fingerscrossed�for�a�good�season.�It�seemed�a�strange�summer�inmany�ways,�but�I�managed�to�do�quite�a�lot�of�photographyon�my�local�patch,�mostly�flora�and�butterflies.��I�just�needto�find�the�time�to�process�them�now!

Last�but�not�least,�I�need�articles�for�the�next�issue.If�you�have�ever�thought�you�would�like�to�see�your�work�inprint,�this�is�your�opportunity.�Short�stories�are�just�asacceptable�as�longer�ones.�Anywhere�between�500�and2,000�words�plus�a�selection�of�supporting�images.��So,why�not�relive�a�recent�trip�and�write�an�account�of�it�forThe�Iris,�or�if�you�recently�achieved�a�Distinction�pleaseshare�your�success�with�fellow�members.�Please�contactme�by�email�if�you�have�an�idea�for�an�article.�I�would�loveto�hear�from�you.�

2

I�am�sure�that�you�are�as�delighted�as�I�am�to�learn�thatDawn�has�received�the�Fenton�medal�in�the�Society’s�awardsfor�2013.�This�is�richly�deserved�for�almost�20�years�serviceto�the�Group.�In�this�time�Dawn�has�had�a�variety�of�rolessuch�as�committee�member,�chair,�webmaster�and�editor�ofThe�Iris.�Of�these�I�regard�the�last�as�perhaps�the�mostimportant.�The�latest�membership�list�shows�that�our�numberhas�increased�to�703.�This�membership�is�widely�scatteredover�both�the�UK�and�abroad�and�The�Iris�has�a�vital�part�toplay�in�communications.�I�have�heard�many�people�say�thatThe�Iris�is�the�best�Group�publication�and�this�is�down�toDawn’s�professionalism.�The�Fenton�medal�is�one�of�theSociety’s�major�awards�and�is�due�recognition�for�all�thatDawn�has�done�for�the�Nature�Group�and�the�Society.

By�contrast�I�am�sad�to�have�to�report�the�death�ofGordon�Dickson,�a�founder�member�of�the�Group.�He�servedas�chairman,�committee�member�and�for�three�years�theeditor�of�The�Newsletter,�the�precursor�of�The�Iris.�He�wasalso�a�highly�respected�mycologist�as�I�observed�in�a�recentbook�review.�I�was�contacted�by�his�son,�Richard,�in�July�whosaid�that�his�father�was�now�93�years�old�and�very�frail.�Heasked�if�I�wanted�some�very�early�publications�by�the�Group.A�neat�binder�arrived�containing�mainly�The�Newsletterstarting�with�No.1�from�1976.�This�was�followed�by�a�secondand�included�a�brief�note�saying�that�Gordon�passed�awayon�the�1st�of�August�and�that�the�Nature�Group�was�animportant�part�of�his�story.�The�two�binders�cover�the�first�tenyears�of�the�Group�and�now�reside�in�our�archives.�I�foundtheir�contents�so�interesting�that�I�have�written�an�articlewhich�you�will�find�on�page�29.�There�are�now�few�of�us�whowere�around�at�the�start�of�the�Group.�I�was�very�pleasedwhen�Heather�Angel�agreed�to�interrupt�her�busy�scheduleand�write�the�obituary�which�is�also�in�this�edition.

I�have�myself�attended�two�field�meetings.�The�first�wasTrevor�Davenport’s�to�Ainsdale�Local�Nature�Reserve.�Unlikelast�year’s�meeting�this�was�blessed�with�excellent�weather.The�cold�Spring�resulted�in�subject�matter�different�to�thatwhich�Trevor�had�intended�when�he�fixed�the�date�but�therewas�plenty�to�keep�everyone�busy.�I�should�have�gone�to�theMillers�Dale�field�meeting�but�Robert�Hawkesworth�rang�mea�week�before�to�say�that�the�cold�weather�meant�that�therewas�nothing�to�photograph.�However�seven�members�turnedup�on�the�day�and�a�few�days�of�warmer�weather�resulted�insome�interesting�subject�matter.�I�did�go�to�the�meeting�atthe�home�of�Geoff�and�Christine�Trinder�for�a�day�of�photo-graphing�controlled�subjects.�I�know�that�there�are�mixedfeelings�on�this�type�of�work�but�provided�the�subjects�arenot�put�under�stress�and�there�is�no�attempt�to�pass�thepictures�off�as�wild�and�free�I�can�see�no�objections.��Eventhe�programmes�presented�by�David�Attenborough�contain�aproportion�of�controlled�filming.�Paul�Hobson�providedharvest�mice�and�a�common�toad.�A�falconer�friend�brought

a�number�of�birds�of�prey�and�Paul�and�Geoff�dotted�somemoths�around�the�garden.��If�you�consider�controlled�subjectsto�be�easy�you�should�try�harvest�mice!�The�real�heroine�ofthe�day�was�Christine�for�her�long�hours�in�the�kitchen�whichkept�us�well�fed�and�watered.�The�social�aspect�of�fieldmeetings�is�as�important�as�the�photographic�and�thepresence�of�members�I�had�never�seem�before�shows�thatthere�is�a�demand�for�this�kind�of�event.�I�would�like�to�seean�account�of�every�field�meeting�in�The�Iris�just�as�they�didin�1976�–�1986!�

Our�joint�exhibition�secretaries,�Margery�and�KevinMaskell,�have�been�attempting�to�simplify�the�rules�of�theannual�exhibition.�Please�read�the�entry�form�very�carefullyas�mistakes�cost�them�time�and�effort.�The�biggest�changeis�that�you�will�be�able�to�enter�up�to�8�prints�or�DPI�ineach�section�with�4�As�and�4�Bs.�As�has�been�noted�in�TheIris�before,�cute�titles�are�spreading�like�a�disease�in�bothnational�and�international�exhibitions.�This�has�never�beena�problem�for�us�and�the�committee�wishes�to�keep�it�thatway.�So�any�entry�with�a�cute�title�will�be�disqualified.�Also,no�one�likes�to�find�that�their�prints�have�been�damagedby�others,�so�any�prints�which�are�considered�a�danger�toothers�will�also�be�disqualified.�There�are�also�requirementsregarding�mounting�in�order�that�the�prints�can�be�displayedat�the�Old�Schoolhouse�which�require�careful�reading.

I�hope�that�many�of�you�have�bought�the�exhibition�CD.The�Maskells�and�Dr.�Kevin�Elsby�have�done�an�excellent�jobin�producing�it.�The�decision�to�produce�it�in-house�has�beenvindicated�and�a�large�loss�has�been�transformed�into�aprofit.�The�800�or�so�clubs�in�the�PAGB�are�a�potentialmarket�which�we�have�barely�tapped.�So�if�you�are�a�clubmember�why�not�persuade�them�to�buy�the�CD?��The�cost�isless�than�the�expenses�of�a�typical�visiting�lecturer.�Or�theCD�can�be�held�in�reserve�for�the�inevitable�occasion�in�midwinter�when�a�lecturer�pulls�out�at�short�notice.

By�the�time�you�read�this�the�fungus�folk�will�know�whetherthis�has�been�a�good�Autumn�after�the�disasters�of�2011�and2012.�I�was�surprised�to�be�invited�by�Natural�England�to�repeatthe�waxcap�survey�of�2012�which�I�wrote�up�in�the�Springedition.�Such�surveys�do�cost�money�so�only�the�best�sites�fromlast�year�will�be�surveyed�this.�Someone�at�Natural�Englandmust�be�very�keen�to�see�the�first�SSSI�designated�on�thestrength�of�its�fungi.�There�are�strict�conditions�for�this�and�if�theyare�met�you�will�be�among�the�first�to�know.�

There�is�the�possibility�of�a�joint�meeting�with�the�SouthEast�region�at�the�WWT�reserve�at�Arundel�in�April�2014.�Thedetails�may�not�be�finalised�before�this�edition�of�The�Irisgoes�to�press�so�keep�your�eyes�on�Membership�Matters�andthe�Society’s�website�nearer�the�time.

From the chair

The Iris - Winter 20133

For�me�there�are�few�places�in�the�British�Islesthat�can�match�Speyside,�in�central�Scotland,�for

a�spell�of�winter�or�early�spring�wildlife�photography.The�Scottish�islands�may�have�far�more�birds�inseason,�and�the�western�highlands�have�morerugged�and�dramatic�scenery,�that�also�containsplenty�of�wildlife.�However�the�area�of�Scotlandcentred�around�Aviemore�and�the�old�CaledonianPine�Forest�in�Speyside,�has�some�wonderful�wildlifethat�is�very�hard�to�beat�in�Britain.�

Travelling�to�the�Hebrides�or�Shetlands�Islandsinvolves�planning�and�booking�a�ferry�or�flight�inadvance,�whereas�travelling�to�Speyside�onlyinvolves�jumping�in�a�car�and�heading�north.�For�meit’s�500�miles�that�takes�the�best�part�of�a�day�toget�there,�but�such�a�trip�can�be�either�planned�inadvance,�or�be�done�at�the�last�minute,�as�andwhen�a�window�of�opportunity�arises.�Another�thingin�it’s�favour�is�that�the�weather�also�tends�to�bemore�settled�around�Speyside�compared�to�thewestern�and�northern�Islands�and�highlands.

So�what�has�Speyside�to�offer�the�visiting�wildlifephotographer�in�late�winter�and�early�spring?�Wellthere’s�Capercaillie,�Ptarmigan,�Black�and�RedGrouse,�Crested�Tits,�Red�Squirrel,�Roe�and�RedDeer�for�starters.�Where�else�in�Britain�can�you�seeall�those�in�a�few�days?

I�tend�to�go�there�mostly�during�late�winter�or�earlyspring,�as�this�avoids�the�midges�and�the�wildlife�isoften�coming�regularly�to�feeding�stations,�and�thebirds�are�likely�to�be�at�their�most�attractive,�cominginto�their�breeding�plumage.�Early�in�the�year�willcertainly�give�you�a�great�opportunity�of�getting�goodRed�Squirrel�pictures�with�them�in�their�nice�redwinter�coat�and�attractive�ear�tuffs.�During�winter�tolate�February�or�early�March,�Crested�Tit�will�still�becoming�regularly�to�feeders,�and�will�be�fairly�easyto�photograph.�During�the�breeding�season�a�licenceis�required�to�photograph�Crested�Tits�at�or�neartheir�nesting�site,�but�there�are�no�such�problems�inthe�winter�before�breeding�starts.�

Both�these�species�will�in�time�find�the�nuts�andfeeders�you�put�out�to�attract�them,�but�if�you�don’thave�a�week�or�more�to�wait,�an�alternative�is�to�payto�go�to�one�of�several�feeding�stations�set�up�bythe�resident�wildlife�photographers.�You�may�ofcourse�be�fortunate�in�getting�accommodation�wherefeeders�are�in�the�garden�and�there�are�no�problemswith�guests�taking�pictures�of�the�wildlife�that�visits.However�the�backdrops�and�settings�of�the�feedersmay�not�be�ideal�for�photography.

One�option�is�to�contact�one�of�the�area’s�residentwildlife�photographers�and�visit�their�feedingstations.��Money�will�of�course�have�to�changehands�to�use�these�set�ups,�but�you�are�virtuallyguaranteed�that�the�desired�wildlife�will�be�comingregularly�for�their�free�feast,�and�in�a�good�wildlooking�setting�ideal�for�photography.

Ptarmigan�are�birds�of�the�highest�hills,�and�willrequire�a�considerable�amount�of�rough�walking�toreach�them�high�up�in�their�Grampian�Mountainshabitat.�Carrying�my�heavy�camera�equipment�up�amountainside�for�several�hours�to�get�to�them�isprobably�beyond�my�capabilities�now�that�I�am�inmy�70’s.�However�I�did�manage�it�some�twelve�yearsago�with�good�results.�

During�the�winter�Ptarmigan�have�white�feathers�toblend�with�the�snow�of�their�upland�habitat.�Duringlate�March�or�early�April�when�most�of�the�snow�hasgone�they�moult�their�white�feathers�and�becomemottled,�which�blends�perfectly�with�the�lichencovered�rocky�habitat.�My�visit�was�in�late�April�andthe�birds�were�very�difficult�to�locate,�but�finding�ascattering�of�old�white�feathers�meant�that�we�werein�the�right�area.�After�about�two�hours�of�searchinga�courting�pair�was�found,�and�some�nice�picturestaken�of�these�quite�trusting�birds.��This�wasparticularly�pleasing�as�when�back�at�the�car�park�acouple�of�birders�enquired�if�we�had�seen�anyPtarmigan.�They�apparently�had�been�searching�forthem�for�two�days�in�that�same�general�area�withoutseeing�any�at�all.�That�was�back�in�the�days�when

The Iris - Winter 2013

Speyside, one of Scotland’s greatWildlife Havens.by Richard Revels FRPS

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film�was�king,�so�I�was�unable�to�show�them�on�thecamera�screen�what�they�had�missed!

Both�Black�Grouse�and�Capercaillie�are�normallyquite�shy�birds�and�are�protected�at�their�lekkingsites�during�the�spring�to�avoid�disturbance�byvisitors.�The�very�shy�Black�Grouse�may�however�bephotographed�from�certain�permanent�hides�set�upby�resident�wildlife�photographers.�Again�money�willhave�to�change�hands�to�use�these�hides,�and�youwill�be�taken�there�in�the�dark,�well�before�the�birdsarrive�at�dawn,�and�you�will�have�to�stay�in�the�hideuntil�the�birds�leave�the�lek�several�hours�later.�Tosee�Black�Cocks�displaying�in�early�morning�light�was�one�of�the�most�magical�moments�of�my�wildlifephotography�and�one�I�will�remember�forever.

Occasionally�a�rogue�cock�Capercaillie�will�set�up�aterritory�away�from�the�normal�lek,�and�will�attackanyone�or�anything�that�comes�close.�These�roguebirds�will�even�chase�off�females�of�their�species.�I�was�fortunate�in�going�to�Forest�Lodge�area�when‘Mad�Henry’�was�there�during�the�mid�1990’s.�Seeingsomeone�being�chased�by�rogue�Capper�cock�wasquite�amusing,�and�while�he�was�displaying�beforelaunching�an�attack�can�give�you�some�good�photoopportunities.�However�when�this�turkey-sized�birdturned�its�attentions�to�me,�it�was�not�so�amusing!��I�had�to�try�to�fend�him�off�with�my�tripod�legs,�not�soeasy�when�you�have�a�heavy�500�mm�lens�attached!A�colleague�came�to�my�rescue�using�a�long�forkedstick�to�keep�the�bird�at�bay�while�we�retreated.�I�didget�some�very�nice�pictures,�so�it�was�all�very�worthwhile�and�certainly�a�very�memorable�encounter.�

Red�Grouse�are�much�easier,�inhabiting�the�lowerheather�moorlands�in�Speyside�and�quite�widelyacross�Britain.�They�are�often�quite�bold�during�latewinter�and�early�spring�when�the�cocks�are�displayingand�competing�with�each�other�to�impress�the�hens.

Driving�around�the�remote�roads�early�in�the�morningcan�result�in�finding�some�good�wildlife�close�to�theroad�and�within�camera�range;�so�it�pays�to�keepyour�long�lens�handy.�The�shy�Roe�Deer�can�presentpicture�opportunities�from�the�car,�but�your�chance�of�getting�a�shot�of�them�often�disappears�in�aninstant�when�you�pull�up�and�switch�the�car�engineoff.�I�find�it�better�to�keep�the�car�ticking�over�and�let�the�image�stabiliser�and�a�fast�shutter�speedcope�with�any�vibration�problems.�Usually�they�lookup�but�don’t�bolt�if�the�engine�is�left�running,�soenabling�a�shot�or�two�to�be�taken. Ptarmigan habitat

Roe Deer

Snipe

Cairngorms, January 2009.

Some�birds�also�present�photo�opportunities�fromthe�car�window,�particularly�in�places�like�theScottish�Wildlife�Park�near�Kingussie.�These�are�wildbirds�that�live�in�or�fly�into�the�park�to�feed�orbreed,�they�are�very�accustomed�to�cars�stoppingand�people�taking�pictures�and�are�completely�atease�when�long�lenses�appear�out�of�the�windows.

Last�March�I�visited�Speyside�for�a�week�with�NGmembers�Stan�Saunders�ARPS�and�Roger�HanceFRPS.�Beside�getting�many�good�pictures�around�thegeneral�Speyside�area,�we�also�visited�the�ScottishWildlife�park,�not�to�photograph�the�caged�animalsand�birds,�but�to�drive�around�the�one�and�a�halfmile�track�where�wild�birds�come�to�feed,�and�laterin�the�spring�to�breed.��While�there�we�took�somegood�pictures�of�Lapwing,�Oystercatcher�and�Crowsas�they�prodded�the�snow�covered�hillside�for�food,and�I�managed�some�nice�Snipe�pictures�from�thecar�window.�

My�pictures�here�of�Black�Grouse,�Crested�Tits,Ptarmigan�and�Deer�were�taken�on�earlier�visits�tothe�area.�Each�visit�I�make�to�Speyside�provides�mewith�a�range�of�different�wildlife�pictures,�withusually�a�different�species�or�two�to�add�to�mylibrary.

Help�from�resident�wildlife�photographers�like�NeilMcIntyre�and�Pete�Cairns�will�greatly�increase�yourchances�of�success.�They�will�of�course�charge�fortheir�services�should�you�want�to�go�out�with�them,or�use�their�established�feeding�stations�and�hides.Given�time�you�can�get�most�of�these�creatureswithout�their�help,�but�when�time�in�Speyside�isrestricted�it�may�be�better�to�part�with�some�cashand�get�results�straight�away�-�the�choice�is�yours.

There�are�many�B�&�B’s�in�the�area.��We�stayed�atSpeybank�Guesthouse�and�found�it�to�be�excellentand�ideal�for�our�needs.�The�owner�offered�us�theoption�of�a�flexible�breakfast�time,�to�fit�in�with�ourschedule,�if�we�required�it.��

All pictures © Richard Revels FRPSwww.richardrevelsphotography.com

Black Cock Grouse

Cock Capercaillie

Cock Ptarmigan

Red Grouse

Useful contacts.

Neil�McIntyre.��Tel.�01479�810545.Email:�neil@neilmcintyre.sol.co.ukwww.neilmcintyre.com

Pete�Cairnes.���Tel.01540�651352.Email:�info@northshots.comwww.northshots.com

Speybank�Guesthouse,Mrs�Christine�Orr.�Tel.�01479�810055Email:�christine@speybank.com

Black Cock Grouse.I�arrived�at�the�hide�well�before�dawn.��It�was�sometime�before�the�first�cock�arrived,�soon�followed�bytwo�others�that�displayed�for�about�2�hours.��Frombeing�almost�too�dark�to�see�the�birds,�the�lightimproved�to�give�lovely�lighting�when�the�sun�cameup.�An�unforgettable�event�for�me.�Mid�April�2003.

Cock Capercaillie.This�rogue�Capercaillie�displaying�in�Forest�Lodge�inthe�old�Caledonian�Pine�Forest.�It�attacked�anyoneand�anything�that�came�into�his�territory,�sendingseveral�people�to�hospital�with�injuries.�Great�funbut�dangerous!�Late�May�in�the�mid�1990’s.

Cock PtarmiganIt’s�a�long�hard�walk�up�to�Ptarmigan�habitat,�in�thehigh�peaks�of�the�Cairngorms.��Ptarmigan�canalmost�disappear�when�they�crouch�down�amongthe�lichen�covered�rocks.��Mid�April�2003.

Red Grouse.The�Red�Grouse�is�by�far�the�easiest�of�the�Grouseto�photograph.�It�inhabits�Heather�Moorlands�acrossBritain�and�is�common�around�Speyside.�They�willsometimes�come�quite�close.�Late�March�2013.

Crested Tit.Several�of�these�birds�came�regularly�to�a�feederhung�in�a�small�Pine�tree.�Using�my�500�mm�f4L�ISlens�and�a�1.4�extender�I�was�able�to�get�nice�shotsas�they�came�for�their�free�meal.�Late�January�2010.

Red SquirrelsI�got�some�lovely�shots�of�these�native�Red�Squirrelsat�Neil�McIntyre’s�feeding�station,�but�money�willhave�to�change�hands�if�you�want�to�go�there.�Late�March�2013.

Crested Tit

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

7The Iris - Winter 2013

My�interest�with�insects�goes�back�a�long�time.�It�began�during�a�holiday�back�to�my�native

village�in�the�mountains�of�Northern�Italy,�on�afamily�day�out,�high�up�in�the�mountain�meadows.While�my�family�and�I�were�having�a�picnic�amongstthe�glorious�Alpine�flora�that�surrounded�us,�I�beganto�notice�that�the�land�was�alive�with�hundreds�ofbutterflies.��At�that�moment�a�Parnassius�Apollosettled�on�a�flower�next�to�me�and�I�couldn’t�resisttaking�a�closer�look�at�this�stunning�insect�busilyfeeding�on�a�flower�head.��Why�it�landed�there,�soclose�to�me,�on�such�an�uninteresting�flower,�I�willnever�know,�but�from�the�moment�it�glided�awaycontinuing�its�journey�I�was�hooked.��Anyone�whoknows�the�Apollo�can�appreciate�my�wonder�at�howstunning�it�looks.��To�me�it�is�still�the�most�beautifulbutterfly�in�the�world.��

My�old�Canon�FTB�now�had�a�new�role.��Instead�offamily�pictures�it�now�had�to�capture�butterflies,later�followed�by�Moths,�then�flowers�and�otherinsects.��Slowly�over�the�coming�years�I�updated�myequipment�and�took�many�pictures�of�insects�andflowers�but�mostly�they�were�for�records.��I�nevertook�photography�very�seriously.��It�was�just�a�veryentertaining�hobby.

Insects of Europe -an FRPS Panelby Gianpiero Ferrari

May Chafer taking off

Leptura rubra

Stag Beetles confrontation

In�the�early�ninety’s�I�went�to�see�one�of�MartinWithers�FRPS�presentations�on�African�wildlife.��Allthose�spectacular,�clean�and�crisp�images�of�life�onthe�Savannah�had�a�big�impact�on�my�photography.Martin�had�an�almost�superhuman�eye�forcomposition.��In�those�photos�he�presented�he�wasable�to�capture�the�essence�of�the�creatures�in�theirhabitat.��He�was�a�true�artist�with�a�camera.��I�wasthen,�and�always�will�be,�in�awe�of�his�work,�howeverat�the�time�all�I�could�think�was�“I�have�to�startimproving�my�photography”.

Martin�lived�only�3�miles�away�from�my�home,�soafter�meeting�we�soon�became�very�good�friends.Initially�Martin�was�more�a�mentor�from�whom�Ilearned�a�lot.��With�Martin�as�my�teacher,�mysubjects�extended�to�include�birds,�mammals�andfungi,�amongst�other�things,�but�more�importantly�Ilearned�to�pay�more�attention�to�details�likecomposition,�background�and�light�conditions.��AsMartin�was�fond�of�saying�‘quality�is�more�importantthan�quantity’.��During�this�time,�my�photographymust�have�had�improved,�because�Martin�suggestedI�join�the�RPS.��Two�years�later�I�successfully�appliedfor�my�ARPS�with�a�mixed�panel�of�Birds,�Butterflies,Moths,�Fungi�and�Orchids.��At�this�point�I�hadintended�to�stop.�My�ambitions�had�been�achievedeven�more�than�I�had�originally�expected�myself.

Following�my�retirement,�and�with�more�time�on�myhands,�photography�was�becoming�more�and�moreimportant�to�me.��Until�this�time�most�of�myholidays�had�been�taken�in�Europe�but�now�Istarted�travelling�further�afield�with�my�closestfriends�Martin�Withers�and�John�Tinning,�visitingAfrica,�USA�and�Australia.��It�was�during�this�last�tripto�Australia�that�Martin�began�to�suffer�from�illhealth.��On�his�return�he�was�subsequentlydiagnosed�with�Motor-Neurone�disease.�Hedeteriorated�very�quickly,�becoming�very�frail�andhouse�bound.��Thankfully�his�friendship�and�advicenever�stopped.

One�of�his�last�requests�of�me�was�to�apply�for�myFellowship.��Not�really�considering�my�work�to�beanywhere�near�the�standard�of�someone�like�him,my�reply�was,�as�you�can�imagine,�“You�must�bejoking.”�(with�a�few�expletives).��However�he�insisted,telling�me�that�I�had�a�special�feeling�with�insectsand�numerous�good�pictures�and�I�should�applywith�an�insect�panel.�Still�unsure�whether�I�was�upto�it,�he�gave�me�the�condition�that�I�either�do�itnow�while�he�still�had�energy�and�time�to�help,�or�I

Small Skipper - mating pair

Map Butterfly feeding on Forget-me-not

Darwin’s Heath on Bladder Campion

Camberwell Beauty feeding on ripened figs

do�it�by�myself�later.��It�was�an�opportunity�toogood�to�refuse�and�with�that�final�push�and�furtherencouragement�from�John�I�began�digging�throughmy�archives�of�pictures.

From�the�many�photos�in�my�records��(it�was�here�Iwas�reminded�of�Martin’s�words�about�quality�notquantity),�I�selected�one�hundred�of�my�favouritepictures.��A�mix�of�butterflies,�moths,�beetles,spiders,�grasshoppers,�dragonflies,�wasps.�Martinstraight�away�reduced�them�to�fifty.��The�next�stepwas�to�further�reduce�the�selection.��But�how?��Theywere�all�my�favourite�pictures�and�I�could�notdecide�between�one�or�another.�So�I�enlisted�thehelp�of�John,�who�also�helped�me�to�compose�mystatement�of�intent�for�the�panel.��From�the�fifty,John,�Martin�and�myself�selected�our�best�twenty,and�compared�which�were�the�most�popularamongst�us.��To�do�this�we�had�to�really�analyse�thephoto�in�its�minute�details:�sharpness,�realisticcolour�and�composition.��After�this�process,�I�endedup�with�the�magic�number�of�35�pictures.��Notmuch�progress�after�all.

Next�I�researched�previous�submissions,�to�see�whatcould�be�learned.��The�results�were�discouraging.There�were�only�a�handful�of�successful�insectpanels�in�the�ARPS,�but�nothing�recent�for�aFellowship.��It�seems�most�FRPS�successes�comingfrom�birds,�mammals�or�mixed�panels.

Still�not�convinced�an�insect�panel�will�be�strongenough�for�a�Fellowship,�I�decided�to�send�myselections�to�Richard�Revel�to�see�if�my�pictureswere�up�to�the�FRPS�standard.��Richard�gave�mesound�advice�saying�my�work�was�good�enough�andincluded�very�interesting�subject�matter.��This�wasas�much�as�he�could�advise�without�prejudicing�hisposition.��The�rest�was�up�to�me,�which�pictures�Iwould�choose�and�how�I�compose�the�panel.

Finally�I�decided�on�30�pictures�and�printed�them.Using�these,�I�started�to�put�together�the�bestcombination�for�a�successful�panel�moving�thepictures�around�like�a�jigsaw�puzzle,�aiming�to�followthe�statement�of�intent,�discarding�the�ones�that�didnot�fit�and�again�enlisting�advice�from�the�DynamicDuo�of�Martin�and�John.�Reluctantly�I�even�had�todiscard�the�photo�of�the�love�of�my�life,�the�Apollo.

My�final�panel�was�put�together�with�a�variety�ofinsects�showing�behaviour,�colours,�matings�and

10The Iris - Winter 2013

Feathered Thorn Moth

Spanish Moon Moth

Eurranthis plummistaria

camouflage�in�their�habitat.���With�my�final�20pictures�chosen,�framed�and�completed,�it�was�onlynow�that�I�felt�proud�with�the�results�of�my�workwhether�it�got�me�the�Fellowship�or�not.

Unfortunately�I�could�not�attend�the�assessmentday�due�to�family�commitments.��However�on�thefollowing�day�I�received�a�phone�call�from�Martin.The�words�he�used�were�“Congratulation�you�arenow�a�photographer�with�a�capital�F.”

All�I�can�suggest�to�any�photographer�who�wouldlike�to�try�for�a�Fellowship�distinction,�is�do�not�beafraid�to�ask�for�advice.��The�pictures�for�the�panelare�yours�but�advice�is�priceless.�It’s�the�best�thingyou�will�ever�get�for�free.

My�success�is,�in�part,�thanks�to�the�help�and�advicefrom�my�good�friends.��But�without�Martin’s�motivation,encouragement�and�request,�it�would�never�havehappened.��I�dedicate�my�Fellowship�to�his�memory.�

More�of�Gianpiero’s�images�can�be�seen�on�theback�cover�of�this�issue.

Statement of Intent

The images in my panel are intended to illustrate

the exquisite beauty of the European insect fauna

and some aspects of its fascinating behaviour.

Even within this comparatively small selection of

twenty species, insects display a huge variety of

different forms, colours and life cycles. Insects

have evolved many complex adaptations to their

habitat: they make use of their form and colour to

attract and win mates, camouflage themselves,

utilise warning colouration to frighten away

enemies and deflect potential attacks away from

vulnerable areas of their bodies. Many species

have become very specialized, relying on particular

plants for their food or reproductive cycle. I have

tried to include within my submission examples of

some of the most aesthetically pleasing insects,

actively engaged in interesting natural behaviour,

where they would normally occur.

11The Iris - Winter 2013

The�Common�Kingfisher�(Alcedo atthis) is�a�commonwinter�migrant�to�the�mangrove�creeks�and�rocky

coastline�of�Northern�Oman.�Whilst�some�earlyindividuals�arrive�by�the�end�of�August�it�is�not�untilthe�end�of�October�that�peak�numbers�are�presentwith�regular�sightings�in�Qurm�Natural�Park�and�therocky�outcrops�and�manmade�coastal�defencescircling�the�ancient�harbor�of�Muttrah�lying�behind�thehistoric�old�city�of�Muscat�-�the�home�of�the�ancienttales�of�Sindbad.�Muttrah�Harbor,�a�port�of�call�for�allof�the�cruise�ships�that�sail�the�Arabian�Gulf,�andhome�to�one�of�the�largest�and�arguably�oldest�souksin�the�region.�For�those�not�interested�in�thecommercialised�facets�of�this�ancient�port�I�canrecommend�beating�a�path�away�from�the�commercialcenter,�souk�and�coffee�shops�of�the�harbor.�Escapethe�bustling�harbor�center�and�it�is�here,�as�you�walkthe�marble�and�granite�pathways�that�lead�youaround�the�promenade�where,�especially�at�low�tide,views�of�Whimbrel�ferreting�out�small�crabs�andstrange�looking�fish�from�the�small�pools�left�at�lowtide�,�various�tern�and�gull�species�hawking�over�theshallows,�tiny�Striated�Herons,�almost�invisible�againstthe�rocks�exposed�at�low�tide�and�Kingfishers,�wheretheir�perceived�colourations�vary�from�sapphire�blueto�emerald�green�depending�on�the�light�can�be�seen.

In�summer�2007�Oman�was�hit�by�thedevastating�cyclone�Gonu�with�the�costal�areas�inand�around�Muscat�the�worst�effected�with�manyoffices,�shops�and�houses�destroyed.�The�reason�forthe�severity�of�the�damage�was�twofold.�One,�highwinds�causing�a�tidal�surge�and�secondly,�the�sheervolume�of�water�that�ran�from�the�Western�Al�Hajarmountains�which�dominate�the�sky�line�to�the�Southwest�of�Muscat.�Mountains�which�reach�over�10,000feet�at�their�highest�peaks�and�are�regularly�coveredwith�snow�during�the�winter�months�when�thetemperatures�at�sea�level�are�still�in�the�high�20s.

Anybody�familiar�with�desert�terrain�geographywill�know�that�wadi’s�are,�for�the�most,�part�barrendry�river�beds�which�criss-cross�the�arid�rockydesert�landscape�with�some�100�meters�wide.Muscat�has�several�of�these�wadis�and�it�wasthese,�coupled�with�the�early�urban�developmentplanning�which�led�to�the�dramatic�floodsexperienced�in�the�Muscat�Municipality�in�June2007.�The�expressways�and�coastal�road�networkshaving�undergone�dramatic�construction�over�thepreceding�30�years�had�inadvertently�created�aseries�of�manmade�dams�preventing�the�naturalflow�of�water�through�the�wadi’s�and�out�to�theopen�sea.�

The Iris - Winter 2013

Kingfishers of Omanby Andrew Adams ARPS

12

During�typical�rainy�weather�the�water�volumesare�relatively�benign�and�the�wadi’s�cope�with�theusual�seasonal�rainfall�volumes.�However,�Gonuunleashed�such�high�volumes�of�water�during�a�36hour�period�that�the�wadi’s�were�unable�to�keep�upwith�the�run-off�from�the�mountains.�The�wadi’sbacked�up�and�many�parts�of�Muscat�were�submergedunder�mud�and�water.�Thankfully�adequate�warningswere�given�and�the�human�toll�was�relatively�minorwith�much�of�the�population�being�able�to�seekrefuge�on�higher�ground�or�with�friends�and�familyinland.�Satellite�imagery�of�the�cyclonic�weatherfront�captured�at�its�peak�can�be�seen�via�a�Googlesearch�of�‘Gonu�Muscat’.�

What�is�the�relevance�of�a�cyclone�that�occurredin�2007�to�the�ornithologist�or�photographer�wishingto�see�Kingfishers�in�Muscat?�The�redevelopmentthat�followed�Gonu�has�been�driven�by�the�need�toensure�any�repeat�cyclone�will�not�lead�to�the�samelevel�of�damage�caused�in�2007.�To�this�effect�roadshave�been�lifted,�wadi�beds�enlarged�and�stormsurge�channels�created�to�ensure�flood�surges�canescape�to�the�sea.�

One�such�project�is�near�the�busy�bustling�townof�Ruwi.�The�project�has�had�a�pleasantly�surprisingeffect�on�the�normally�dry�wadi�flowing�through�thecommercial�centre�of�Qurm�and�out�through�themangrove�swamps�of�Qurm�Natural�park�to�theArabian�Gulf.��Water�which�previously�flowed�under-ground�is�now�routed�via�the�surface�of�the�wadi.�Ashort�underground�section�allows�passage�under�anexisting�small�road�and�exits�100�meters�upstreamand�into�a�further�surface�channel.��The�redirectionof�water�via�the�surface�has�caused�the�regenerationof�wetland�and�reed�beds�further�into�the�tidal�rangeof�the�largely�inaccessible�mangrove�swamp�areasand�has�created�a�habitat�where�the�kingfishers�canbe�observed.�Previously�views�were�restricted�to�theall�too�familiar�sight�of�the�sapphire�blue�bulletwhistling�by.�Whilst�the�original�channel�is�still�mostlytidal,�the�new�manmade�channel�is�now�continuouslyfed�by�water�from�the�original�underground�sourceand�remains�crystal�clear�and�full�of�fish�whateverthe�state�of�the�tide.�Here,�and�along�the�rejuvenatedreed�beds�down-stream�some�of�the�best�views�ofthe�kingfishers�are�to�be�had.

One�of�the�peculiarities�of�certain�species�of�themigrant�birds�which�visit�Oman�during�the�coolerwinter�months�is�that�they�are�almost�entirely�femalebirds�-�Marsh�Harrier�and�Kingfisher�are�typical�ofthis�trait.�The�Kingfisher�is�also�extremely�territorial,fiercely�driving�off�any�other�Kingfisher�who�happensto�enter�its�territory.

Qurm�Natural�Park,�with�its�mix�of�dry�barrendesert�scrub,�flat�tidal�mangrove�swamp,�manicuredlawns�and�flowerbeds�is�a�favourite�spot�of�mine�forphotography�and�bird�watching.�Strangely,�for�a�park,it�is�largely�deserted�during�the�day�with�the�Omanispreferring�to�visit�late�in�the�afternoon�and�evening,thus�leaving�the�photographer�largely�undisturbed�towait�quietly,�observe�and�photograph.

It�was�during�one�such�visit�in�February�of�thisyear�(2013)�that�I�first�saw�the�female�Kingfisherperched�in�the�reed�beds�just�downstream�from�thechannel�that�had�been�excavated�towards�the�endof�2012.�A�channel�that�was�criss�crossed�withcables�and�pipes�previously�buried�undergroundand�that,�whilst�I�would�find�out�made�ideal�perchesfor�the�kingfisher,�were�hardly�the�natural�perches�aphotographer�would�prefer�for�his�or�her�subjects.�

Seeing�a�Kingfisher�in�Qurm�park�wasn’t�a�newexperience�for�me.�I’d�seen�many�over�the�past�6years�here�in�Oman.�But,�like�most�people’s�sightingof�this�gloriously�charismatic�bird,�they�were�typicalof�the�blue�streak�flying�low�and�fast�over�the�waterssurface�with�the�characteristic�whistle�first�alertingthe�observer�to�its�fast�disappearing�presence.�

With�March�rapidly�approaching�I�knew�that�Ihad�a�limited�time�to�photograph�the�Kingfisher.Work�commitments�restricted�my�time�to�weekendsonly�and�by�mid�to�late�April�she�would�most�likelyhave�begun�her�migration�to�cooler�climes,�not�toreturn�again�until�the�following�October.�For�the�nextsix�weeks�I�would�spend�every�weekend�morning�inQurm�Park�in�my�attempts�to�photograph�her.Arriving�just�before�first�light,�around�6am,�andgenerally�leaving�by�10am�as�a�combination�of�everincreasing�harsh�light�and�rising�temperatures�madeit�neither�practicable�or�enjoyable�for�photography.�

My�initial�attempts�at�capturing�suitable�imagesof�her�were�at�best�clumsy�and�in�the�short�timeavailable�to�photograph�her�I�rapidly�learned�a�lotabout�fieldcraft�and,�more�importantly,�the�patiencerequired�to�photograph�Kingfishers.�

The�reed�beds�that�cover�the�far�side�of�thechannel�are�dense�in�places�and�the�opportunitiesfor�uncluttered�photographs�very�limited.�I�found�theprecision�spot�AF�mode�of�the�Canon�7D�invaluablein�attempting�to�lock�focus�on�the�Kingfisher�inthese�reed�beds�although�I�preferred�the�generallysmoother�files�of�the�Canon�1D�Mark�IV�at�some�ofthe�high�ISO’s�I�found�necessary.�This�was�especiallytrue�during�those�times�when,�even�in�Oman�wherelight�isn’t�generally�an�issue,�the�Kingfisher�had�ahabit�of�hiding�away�under�darker�overhangs�of�thechannel�bank.

Without�the�benefit�of�a�hide,�strategically�placedperches�or�weeks�of�baiting�with�captive�fish�in�a�tankbelow�the�perch�(each�to�their�own�but�not�somethingI�agree�with)�my�initial�attempts�at�photographing�theKingfisher�were,�to�say�the�least,�fraught.�Here�was�abird,�smaller�than�a�Starling,�capable�of�sensing�allaround�and�able,�it�would�seem,�to�play�games�withme�if�I�got�too�close.�The�familiar�whistle�and�streak�ofblue�as�she�flew�off�when�I�attempted�to�creep�closerseemed�like�she�was�mocking�me�and�my�efforts�tophotograph�her.�I�quickly�realised�that�any�successfulattempts�to�photograph�her�would�have�to�be�on�herterms.�After�all,�this�was�her�territory,�and�I�was�theguest.�I�had�no�choice�but�to�pick�a�position�and�waitin�the�hope�she�would�come�to�me�rather�than�metrying�to�get�near�to�her.

There�were�two�areas�of�accessible�channel�thatgave�the�best�opportunities�for�more�‘intimate’�shots.The�excavated�channel,�complete�with�its�exposedcables�and�pipes,�and�a�point�approximately�100meters�downstream�with�extensive�but�relativelyopen�reed�bed�on�the�opposite�bank.�Between�thesetwo�points�was�another�area�of�reed�bed�but�soovergrown�on�both�sides�that�any�realistic�chance�ofphotographic�opportunities�was�all�but�impossible.The�direction�of�the�rising�sun�limited�the�amount�ofshooting�positions�available�and�I�while�I�was�in�nodoubt�that�any�shots�taken�from�the�excavatedchannel,�would�offer�the�best�views�of�her,�I�wasacutely�aware�that�they�would�be�likely�to�includethings�like�pipes�and�cables.�It�was�almost�a�certaintyshe�would�use�these�as�suitable�perches�and�therewas�little�I�could�do�to�improve�this�photographicallyimperfect�environment.�The�pipes�and�cables�werefixed�and�I�wasn’t�willing�to�find�out�if�any�still�had240�volts�running�through�them�in�my�attempt�toget�cleaner�pictures.�Whilst�these�were�not�the�mostenvironmentally�aesthetic�of�perches�or�backgroundclutter�for�pictures�I�felt�they�clearly�showed�a�birdadapting�to�exploit�the�opportunities�presented.Personally�I�make�no�apologies�here.�The�picturesshown�are�as�they�were�captured,�warts�and�all.�This�is�a�wild�bird�shown�in�its�adopted�and�clutteredmanmade environment.�I�have�made�no�attempt�tocrop�or�clone�out�elements�that�would�improve�thegeneral�ambiance�and�desirability�of�the�Kingfisherimages.�The�images�presented�are�of�a�bird�makingthe�most�of�the�resources�and�opportunitiespresented�in�its�quest�for�survival.

My�time�spent�with�this�gorgeous�bird�was�verylimited.�Some�days�I�would�visit�just�to�watch�herfrustratingly�out�of�range.�On�other�days�my�patience

Continued on page 32

The Iris - Winter 201316

We�were�unfortunate�with�the�weather�on�this�year’sfield�trips�to�Havergate�Island�-�the�second�trip�wascancelled�by�the�RSPB�because�high�winds�anddrifting�snow�on�the�island�made�it�too�dangerous�to

land�the�boat�safely.�I�believe�most�of�us�were�quiterelieved�under�the�circumstances.�However,�the�firsttrip�did�go�ahead�and�twelve�of�us�set�forth�in�thepouring�rain�to�try�and�photograph�soggy�andbedraggled�hares�on�the�island.��

Our�experience�on�the�field�trips�of�the�last�twoyears�has�taught�us�that�the�most�likely�place�to�seethe�hares�is�around�the�gorse�bushes�near�thevolunteer�huts�and�we�ventured�there�to�each�pickour�spot�and�wait�for�the�hares�to�make�anappearance.��There�were�more�bin�liners�presentthan�hares,�as�these�were�needed�to�protect�our�kitfrom�the�weather�but�our�patience�was�rewardedwith�several�hares�that�made�appearances�duringthe�day�including�a�male�and�female�on�the�pathwhere�the�male�was�attempting�mate�guarding.��This�is�when�a�male�settles�near�a�female�to�wait�forher�to�become�receptive�to�his�advances.�

Havergate�Island�is�managed�as�a�haven�forcoastal�birds�and�has�breeding�populations�ofOystercatcher,�Redshank,�Common�and�SandwichTern.�Havergate�also�has�a�healthy�population�ofHares�that�are�encouraged�to�thrive�as�part�of�thenatural�diversity�of�the�nature�reserve�and�they�havebecome�relatively�confiding�for�such�a�timid�species.��Although�still�a�wild�population,�the�island�locationkeeps�the�hares�free�from�many�of�the�dangers�theywould�face�in�open�countryside�and�the�presence�ofthe�RSPB�volunteers�has�ensured�that�they�havebecome�accustomed�to�the�presence�of�people.��

This�event�is�likely�to�be�an�annual�fixture�forthe�Nature�Group�calendar�and�details�of�the�firstdate�planned�for�2014�are�below,�with�an�option�onother�dates�if�we�have�the�demand.��Proposed�Date: Saturday�8th�March�2014Meeting�place:� Orford�Quay��

(Pay�&�Display�car�park�-estimated�cost�£4.50)

Boat�departs� 10:00�hrsBoat�Returns: 15:00�hrsAvailability The�boat�takes�12,�although�a

second�boat�is�feasible.Cost:� £17�Required Stout�Shoes,�Waterproofs,

Packed�LunchLeader: David�O’Neill�Tel: 01189�585430

Field Meeting Report

Havergate Island RSPB Reserve

The Iris - Winter 201317

Wednesday�19th�of�June�and�a�fine�dry�daywelcomed�nine�intrepid�Nature�Group�members�tothis�delightful�area�of�the�Peak�District.�

The�old�Railway�Station�of�Millers’�Dale�is�now�acentre�for�the�National�Park�and�one�of�the�long�andwide�platforms�has�been�converted�into�a�botanicalarea�celebrating�many�of�the�flowers�of�the�‘WhitePeak’,�that�is�the�limestone�area.��Jacob’s�Ladder(Polemonium caeruleum)�was�flowering�well�in�itslovely�blue�spires�in�drifts�amongst�the�grasses,�itoccurs�in�its�white�form�as�well.��It�can�still�be�foundin�one�or�two�of�the�Dales,�but�the�sites�are�nowprotected�in�enclosures.��We�searched�unsuccessfullyfor�Dyer’s�Greenweed�(Genista tinctoria)�but�this�lateseason�must�have�delayed�its�appearance.��In�facton�our�recce�of�the�area�a�week�previously�therewas�no�sign�of�the�Jacob’s�Ladder�either.��

A�slow�meander�along�the�bed�of�the�old�railwayline�revealed�lots�of�early�spring�flowers.��On�thepath�to�the�Station�Quarry�we�discovered�a�muchabraded�Green�Arches�moth,�one�wing�badlydamaged�but�the�other�still�with�a�considerablegreen�colouring.��This�gave�us�scope�for�morephotography,�as�did�the�many�infant�White-lippedSnails�(Cepaea hortensis).��

The�main�floor�of�the�quarry�was�disappointingfrom�a�botanical�point�of�view�simply�due�to�thelateness�of�the�season,�a�few�Common�SpottedOrchids�(Dactylorhiza fuchsia)�were�noted�but�nosigns�at�all�of�the�Fragrant�Orchids�(Gymnadenia

conopsea).��A�point�worth�noting�was�the�extremedryness�of�the�area,�many�of�the�limestone�bouldersare�normally�rich�with�the�growth�of�mosses,�butsuch�growths�were�completely�dry�in�fact�droppingoff�the�rocks.��I�have�to�say,�having�visited�the�quarryand�the�area�many�times�over�the�years,�I�have�neverseen�it�looking�like�it�before.��

It�was�getting�close�to�lunch-time,�so�a�slowmeander�back�to�the�railway�station�and�the�picnictables�was�called�for.

After�lunch�we�divided�into�two�parties,�one�leftwith�my�good�friend�John�Jones�ARPS,�to�‘trek’�up�toMillers’�Dale�Top�Quarry,�up�past�the�old�Lime�Kilnsand�then�up�the�steep�path�to�bring�you�out�on�thefloor�of�the�quarry�beneath�the�old�face.��It�is�a�goodhunting�ground�for�orchids�especially�‘Bees’,�oftenwith�somewhat�aberrant�lip�markings,�probably�due�tominerals�in�the�ground.��Once�more�there�were�no

signs�of�any,�lateness�no�doubt.��There�were�howevermany�Common�Spotted�and�a�profitable�time�wasspent�photographing�them,�with�John�able�to�givesome�valuable�and�practical�advice;�reflectors,��whitebalance,�angle�of�approach,�exposure�compensation,and�so�on,�which�was�gratefully�appreciated.��

I�took�the�‘easy�option’�and�led�the�other�partyalong�the�railway�track�south�eastwards�in�thegeneral�direction�of�Monsal�Dale.��Here�we�found�anaberrant�Common�Spotted�Orchid�the�flowercompletely�white�and�the�leaves�with�no�red�spots,obviously�no�anthocyanin�pigment�present.�We�foundquite�a�few�with�no�spotting�on�the�leaves,�but�onlyone�with�white�flowers�and�no�spotting.��It�has�to�besaid�that�it�was�a�rather�frail�looking�plant!

Back�at�base,�over�ice-cream�cornets,�those�newto�the�area�expressed�their�great�delight�with�it�and�I�would�like�to�add�my�thanks�to�those�memberswho�supported�the�meeting�and�especially�to�JohnJones�ARPS�who�always�gives�me�greatencouragement�and�support.

Millers’ Dale Field Meeting Reportby Robert Hawkesworth FRPS

Jacob’s Ladder

The Iris - Winter 201318

The Iris - Winter 2013

The�Hobby�Falco subuteo,(http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob3100.htm)is�a�spectacular�aerial�predator�hunting�both�insectsand�other�birds�such�as�swallows�and�swifts.�Theymigrate�from�their�African�wintering�grounds�arrivingback�in�the�UK�around�or�shortly�after�the�Cuckoosand�Warblers.��Snatching�insects�out�of�mid-air�withtheir�talons�and�eating�them�on�the�wing.�I�firstencountered�them�in�the�spring/autumn�of�2011�atthe�RSPB’s�Lakenheath�Fen�Reserve�in�Suffolk�-�over60�in�the�air�at�once�have�been�reported�thereduring�May..�However,�the�Hobbies�always�seemed�tobe�too�far�away�or�too�high�up�in�the�sky�to�get�anyreasonable�images�and�my�attempts�at�photographingthem�resulted�in�very�poor�images.

The�cool�and�wet�spring�conditions�of�2012produced�far�better�opportunities�for�getting�close�tothe�subjects.�The�low�temperatures�meant�that�whenthere�was�an�eruption�of�Mayflies�they�would�be�verysluggish�(sometimes�not�even�taking�off)�andremaining�close�to�the�ground.�This,�combined�withthe�particular�geography�of�the�National�Trust'sWicken�Fen�around�Wicken�Lode�(in�effect�a�narrowman�made�water�course�running�between�two�rowsof�not�very�tall�trees)�allowed�a�much�closer�view�oftheir�hunting�behaviour.

At�least�12�Hobbies�were�seen�at�any�one�timehunting�up�and�down�the�lode�-�the�most�anyonehad�seen�at�the�one�time�at�Wicken�Fen�accordingto�Prof.�Nick�Davies�who�has�been�visiting�Wicken�tostudy�Cuckoos�for�the�last�30�years.�The�Hobbieswould�swoop�from�side�to�side�landing�in�the�treeswhen�they�wanted�a�rest.�Black-headed�Gulls�werecompeting�with�the�Hobbies�to�snatch�the�insectsout�of�the�air�in�their�beaks.�I�had�in�my�mind�someof�the�images�that�I�would�like�to�capture�but�could�Iget�any�that�do�justice�to�this�natural�spectacle?

I�waited�in�a�suitable�spot�on�most�afternoons�for�afew�weeks�(the�Hobbies�seemed�to�be�more�activethen�as�more�insects�were�flying�in�the�warmer�air)Using�my�bag�hide�as�camouflage,�often�theHobbies�would�fly�past�so�close�that�I�could�havetouched�them.�There�were�quite�a�few�other�folkaround�but�maybe�due�to�needing�to�fuel�up�after

their�long�migration�they�seemed�to�be�less�wary�ofhumans�than�I�would�have�expected.�

Trying�to�capture�such�fast�moving�subjects�flying�soclose�was�not�easy�and�it�took�many�attempts�to�getsomething�worthy�of�the�subject.�Could�I�get�anydecent�images�of�these�incredibly�acrobatichunters?��I�will�let�others�decide�on�that.

Hobby at Wicken Fenby Richard Nicoll ARPS

19

Our�home�is�in�the�area�of�North�County�Dublinknown�as�Fingal.��The�region�derives�its�namefrom�the�Gaelic�words�‘Fine�Gall’�meaning

‘land�of�the�fair�haired�stranger’�in�reference�to�theVikings�who�settled�in�the�area�from�the�8th�centuryonwards.

Mixed�farming�was�the�order�of�the�day�in�ourregion;�somewhat�surprising�for�an�area�only�14miles�from�Dublin�Airport.��My�wife�and�I�have�livedall�our�lives�here.��As�children�the�Corncrake�andCuckoo�were�birds�we�heard�all�the�Spring�and�intoearly�Summer.��A�sight�and�sound�of�a�bygone�time,I’m�afraid.

In�the�1980’s�it�was�common�to�see�a�flock�of�up�toforty�Yellowhammers�in�our�area;�however,�graduallyduring�the�period�between�1990�and�2005�the�flocksbecame�greatly�diminished�until�even�seeing�singlebirds�was�becoming�a�rare�event.�House�and�TreeSparrows,�once�so�abundant,�became�less�and�lessnumerous.��I�cannot�give�a�definite�reason�for�the�lossof�these�once�common�birds,�however�many�believedit�to�be�related�to�changing�agricultural�practice.��

In�the�mid�2000’s�there�was�a�subtlechange�in�farming�practice�and�asignificant�swing�to�the�growing�ofcereals�took�place.�Large�areas�arenow�exclusively�used�for�Wheat�andBarley.��Tree�plantations�are�alsonoticeably�more�plentiful.��Thischange�to�the�local�growing�traditionwas�to�bring�about�a�dramatic�impact�on�our�local�birdpopulation,�at�least�as�I�see�it.

Some�species�became�less�visible�but�the�numbers�of�Yellowhammer�,Chaffinch,�House�Sparrow�and�TreeSparrow�again�began�to�increase,�andquite�dramatically.��When�they�becameonce�more�established�as�gardenvisitors,�particularly�during�the�Winterand�early�Spring,�they�offeredmarvellous�photographic�opportunities

and�I�tried�to�make�full�use�of�the�possibilitiesoffered.��A�somewhat�ramshackle�hide�was�erected�inour�garden�and�many�days�were�spent�thererecording�the�beauty�of�our�avian�visitors.

We�should�not�have�favourite�birds�I�suppose,�but�itwas�hard�not�to�single�out�the�stunningly�colouredYellowhammer�from�its�more�drab�relations.��Thevivid�colours�of�the�male�Chaffinch�comes�just�ashort�step�behind�in�the�beauty�stakes.

Using�the�hide�and�a�series�of�props,�well�sprinkledwith�various�seeds,�allows�photography�be�carriedout�without�disturbing�the�birds.��I�feel�it�is�crucial�toremember�these�feeding�stations�are�life�and�deathplaces�for�the�birds�but�just�places�where�we�enjoyour�hobby.

One�of�the�downsides�to�a�garden�feeding�station�isthe�fact�the�birds�of�prey�soon�learn�that�a�free�mealfor�them�might�also�be�on�offer.��It�goes�with�theterritory,�I’m�afraid.

A�few�of�my�‘garden�shots’�accompany�this�article�-�I�hope�you�enjoy�them.

The Iris - Winter 2013

Return of the Yellowhammer.by Joe Curtis ARPS

20

Sparrowhawk with Blue Tit

The Iris - Winter 201321

Yellowhammer

Yellowhammer

Cock House SparrowTree Sparrow

Chaffinch

The Iris - Winter 201322

The�South�Downs�is�a�lovely�area.�I�had�visited�partsand�walked�some�of�the�South�Downs�Way�previouslybut�I�had�never�visited�to�photograph�nature.

Doug�Neve�organised�the�Field�Day�on�WindoverHill,�with�Grayling�butterflies�as�the�main�interest.There�were�about�eight�of�us,�a�good�mix�of�RPS�andEastbourne�Camera�Club�members.

As�it�was�my�first�butterfly�Field�Day�I�was�unsurewhat�equipment�I�would�need�and�I�usually�end�upcarrying�far�too�much.�The�weather�forecast�was�for�ahot,�sunny�day�and�so�I�followed�the�KISS�principle�asthere�was�a�long�steady�climb�up�the�hill.�I�carried�anSLR,�macro�lens,�an�extension�tube�and�a�polarisingfilter.�Doug�provided�excellent,�detailed�instructions�tofind�the�car�park�on�the�South�Downs�way,�from�whichthere�was�a�forty�minute�walk�up�the�hill�to�the�site.��

The�walk�took�slightly�longer�than�anticipated�dueto�the�proliferation�of�insects�on�the�edges�of�the�SouthDowns�Way.�An�abundance�of�Chalkhill�Blues�gaveexcellent�opportunities�to�photograph�both�males�andfemales�as�well�as�mating�pairs. Red-tailed�and�White-tailed�or�Buff-tailed�bumblebees�were�also�observedmaking�full�use�of�the�wild�flowers.�

On�reaching�the�summit�we�found�large�numbersof�Six�Spot�Burnet�Moth,�many�wildflowers,�tiny�dayflying�moths,�spiders�and�grasshoppers�which�offeredplenty�of�scope�for�developing�my�macro�skills.�

Grayling�are�incredibly�well�camouflaged,�hiding�inhollows�covered�with�small�pieces�of�white�chalk�andbrown�vegetation.�They�are�easiest�to�find�by�walkingcarefully,�following�them�when�they�take�flight�and�thenphotographing�them�as�they�land�in�the�chalk�hollows.They�tend�to�keep�low�to�the�ground�and�often�glidedownhill�to�their�next�refuge.�The�trick�is�being�quickenough�to�capture�the�double�spots�on�their�wings,without�putting�them�to�flight.�These�extra�markings�areonly�visible�for�a�second�or�two�after�landing.�I�onlymanaged�the�single�spots.�These�also�disappear�asthe�Grayling�fold�their�wings�and�take�position�facingthe�sun.�Next�time,�for�Grayling,�I�would�carry�a�beanbag.�A�tripod�(or�monopod)�would�have�been�usefulfor�other�insects�and�wild�flowers.�

It�was�great�day�and�thanks�to�Doug�for�organisingit.�I�gained�knowledge�of�a�new�site�with�a�range�ofspecies�and�had�enjoyed�the�company�and�advice�of�anumber�of�like-minded�photographers.�I�look�forward�tomy�next�Field�Day�and�will�certainly�be�offering�to�runone�myself�in�the�future.�

Windover Hill Field Meeting Reportby Graham Saxby

Grayling mating

Six-spot Burnet Moths feeding

Chalkhill Blue on Scabious

The Iris - Winter 201323

Martin Withers FRPS1946-2013

The�world�of�natural�history�photography�lost�one�ofits�best-known�and�most�eminent�members�whenMartin�Withers�passed�away�peacefully�with�his�wifeSally�and�daughter�Amy�by�his�side�on�June�15th,2013.�With�typical�stoicism�and�bravery,�he�fought�acourageous�battle�against�Parkinson’s�and�MotorNeurone�Disease�to�the�very�end.

Martin�was�born�in�the�Anstey�Lane�area�of�Leicesteron�March�13th,�1946,�the�younger�son�of�Ben�andMargaret�Withers.�Martin�and�his�older�brother,�Barry,enjoyed�a�happy�childhood,�roaming�the�fields�andpaths�around�their�home,�and�it�was�here�thatMartin’s�life-long�love�of�nature�and�the�outdoorsfirst�began.�He�was�educated�at�Alderman�RichardHallam�Primary�School�and�later�Beaumont�LeysSecondary�Modern�School.�Sport�and�otherschoolboy�pursuits�were�much�higher�priorities�thanacademic�work�and�he�would�later�joke�that�he�hadnever�passed�an�examination�in�his�life.�Aged�15,�heleft�school�at�Easter,�1961,�and�was�apprenticed�asa�printer�with�the�local�firm�of�Oldham�and�Mantonin�the�Woodgate�area�of�the�city.�

At�the�conclusion�of�his�6�year�apprenticeship�in1967,�Martin�went�abroad�for�the�first�time�to�spend6�months�rock-climbing�and�mountaineering�in�the

Alps�and�Dolomites.�The�mountains�held�an�allure,which�Martin�found�hard�to�resist�and�he�wouldreturn�at�frequent�intervals�to�fulfil�this�new�andexciting�passion.�On�September�8th,�1968,�one�ofthe�most�formative�experiences�of�Martin’s�life�tookplace.�His�climbing�partner�plunged�over�200�feetfrom�the�face�that�they�were�attempting�to�scale,somersaulted�twice�and�belly-flopped�onto�aprecarious�ledge�above�a�400�feet�sheer�drop.Martin�managed�to�climb�down�to�his�injured�friendand,�having�splinted�his�injured�leg,�he�lowered�himdown�the�sheer�face�by�rope.�Once�safely�at�thebottom�of�the�cliff,�Martin�then�half-carried�and�half-dragged�the�injured�man�for�4�hours�to�their�parkedvehicle,�a�Bedford�Dormobile,�which�had�beencustom�built�for�the�Duke�of�Bedford.�They�were�veryshort�of�ready�cash�and�stored�their�‘scrumped’�foodin�the�bath�that�was�located�under�the�front�seat.�Inthe�village�at�the�head�of�the�valley,�they�were�ableto�obtain�directions�to�the�nearest�hospital�and�theinjured�man�was�able�to�receive�expert�medicalattention.�Without�Martin’s�courageous�perseveranceand�bravery�the�accident�might�well�have�had�amuch�more�tragic�outcome.�Luckily�Martin’s�friendhad�escaped�serious�injury�and,�although�his�kneewas�placed�in�plaster,�the�pair�were�able�to�continue

Obituary

Brown Hare running

The Iris - Winter 201324

their�adventures.�They�had�little�or�no�money,�butfinally�made�it�to�Geneva,�where�Martin�obtainedemployment�proof-reading�documents�for�the�UnitedNations.�His�friend�made�a�full�recovery�and�hisplaster�was�eventually�removed�by�Martin,�using�apair�of�pliers!�The�pair�finally�arrived�home�inLeicester�on�Christmas�Eve,�1968.�Martin�was�laterto�refer�to�this�as�an�essential�part�of�his�educationat�“the�university�of�life”.

Martin�went�back�to�work�as�a�printer�for�6months,�but�in�mid-1969�he�was�drawn�back�tothe�Swiss�mountains�and�he�returned�alone�toGeneva�for�the�climbing�season,�coming�home�toLeicester�to�work�again�during�the�winter.�In�1970,now�accompanied�by�Sally,�Martin�made�a�grandtour�of�Switzerland�and�Italy,�visiting�Geneva,�theCote�D’Azur,�the�Riviera,�Pisa,�Rome,�Naples,Venice�and�the�Dolomites,�returning�home�throughthe�Black�Forest�and�Calais.�That�autumn,�Martinfound�employment�as�a�printer�with�the�companyof�Taylor�and�Bloxham�and�it�was�there�that�hemet�his�close�friend�and�business�partner�to�be,Barry�Hanslip.��Together�they�set�up�an�in-housephoto-lithography�unit,�which�quickly�becameextremely�successful�and�highly�profitable.�Theyimmediately�recognised�the�huge�potential�of�thisdevelopment,�served�out�their�notice�with�their

employers�and�set�up�in�partnership�together.�Theyhad�not�chosen�their�moment�carefully.�The�youngcompany�of�Hanslip�and�Withers�was�launchedduring�the�Miners’�Strike�in�1973:�times�couldhardly�have�been�more�challenging;�however,building�much�of�their�own�equipment�and�makinguse�of�all�Martin’s�contacts�in�the�sporting�world,the�partnership�moved�into�premises�of�its�own�inWordsworth�Street�and�slowly�began�to�makeheadway.�The�solicitors�used�to�draw�up�thedocumentation�were�Hickling�and�Frith.�RonHickling�was�already�a�distinguished�ornithologist,later�to�become�President�of�the�BTO,�and�he�andMartin�quickly�established�a�lifelong�friendship.Martin�was�to�assist�Ron�with�the�transcription�ofthe�diaries�of�the�early�Leicestershire�naturalist,James�Harley,�and�the�maps�and�illustrations�in‘The�Birds�of�Leicestershire’.�Hanslip�and�Witherswas�a�happy�and�successful�partnership,�whichlasted�until�Barry’s�sudden�and�completelyunexpected�death�in�October�1979.�After�that,Martin�was�to�run�the�business�by�himself.�Hisskill�as�an�entrepreneur�enabled�him�to�secure�acontract�to�produce�and�print�the�brochures�forNational�Holidays�and�this�was�the�mainstay�ofthe�company’s�business�until�Martin�began�toretire�and�pursue�his�photographic�and�artisticinterests�even�more�avidly�in�the�1990’s.�

Barn Owl with prey

On�May�11th,�1974,�Martin�and�Sally�were�married.For�the�next�40�years,�the�Martin�and�Sally�Witherspartnership,�for�that�it�surely�was,�remained�at�thevery�heart�of�natural�history�photography�in�thiscountry.�Their�homes�in�Birstall,�and�later�Mountsorrel,were�always�hospitable�and�welcoming�places,�wherenaturalists�and�natural�history�photographers�weremade�to�feel�at�home.�With�the�support�of�Sally�andhis�daughter�Amy,�to�whom�he�was�equally�devoted,Martin�always�somehow�found�the�time�to�work�ateverything�much�longer�and�harder�than�most.Together�they�were�a�formidable�partnership,�happyand�deeply�committed�to�each�other�forever.�Sallywas�the�keystone�of�his�life�and�he�loved�her�dearly.Theirs�was�a�deeply�happy�marriage.

In�1977,�Martin�and�Sally�fulfilled�a�long-cherishedambition�to�visit�the�African�continent�and�see�itswonderful�wildlife.�Their�three�week�photographicsafari�to�Kenya�was�led�by�the�doyen�of�Britishnatural�history�photographers,�Eric�Hosking,�whowas�accompanied�by�his�wife,�Dorothy.�The�twocouples�quickly�became�firm�friends,�later�visitedeach�other�frequently�after�their�return�and�sobegan�an�association�between�the�two�families�thatstill�exists�to�this�day.�Martin�was�inspired�by�whathe�had�seen�in�Africa�and�returned�full�of�a�burningdesire�to�pursue�natural�history�photography�to�thevery�best�of�his�ability.�With�his�close�friend,�ChrisMeasures,�he�had�already�begun�to�experiment�withtaking�pictures�of�the�birds�to�be�found�around�thegravel�pits�near�his�home�in�Birstall.�They�had�foundthe�nests�of�many�species,�erected�hides�and�slowlyacquired�the�basic�knowledge,�techniques�and�skillsdemanded�by�this�new�pursuit.�Now,�with�theinspiration�of�his�African�experience�behind�him,Martin�began�to�hone�his�skills�and�produce�highquality�photographic�work,�with�the�determinationand�passion�that�he�brought�to�everything�he�tackled.

In�1979,�Martin�saw�an�article�about�the�ZoologicalPhotographic�Club,�the�world’s�oldest�natural�historyphotographic�society�established�in�June,�1899,and�he�wrote�to�the�then�Secretary,�Donald�Platt,�forfurther�details.�The�result�was�a�reply�from�his�oldfriend�and�mentor,�Eric�Hosking,�inviting�him�andSally�to�attend�the�ZPC�Convention�at�Leeds�laterthat�same�year.�Eric�asked�Martin�to�bring�along�aselection�of�his�recent�work.�So,�in�September1979,�Martin�was�elected�to�membership�of�theZPC�and�he�was�to�remain�a�member�until�his�death34�years�later.�The�ZPC�was�always�very�central�toMartin’s�life.�When�Donald�Platt�stepped�down�as

Barn Owl

White-throated Bee-eater display

Grey Partridge

Fox cubs

The Iris - Winter 201326

Secretary�in�1982,�Martin�was�asked�to�assume�hisresponsibilities�and�he�remained�as�Secretary�for�anunprecedented�period�of�almost�30�years,�until�hestepped�down�in�2011.�He�was�proud�to�serve�asPresident�of�the�Club�in�1998-99.�Throughout�thelong�period�of�his�membership,�he�submitted�printsof�a�superb�and�unrivalled�standard�into�themonthly�portfolios.�He�became�a�master�photo-grapher�and�a�print-maker�of�the�very�highest�quality.

The�other�major�strand�in�his�photographicdevelopment�was�the�Royal�Photographic�Society.Martin�joined�“The�Royal”�in�the�late�1980’s�andachieved�the�much�coveted�distinction�of�hisFellowship�in�nature�photography�in�1990.�Thefollowing�year�he�was�elected�to�the�RPS�NatureGroup�Distinctions�panel,�on�which�he�was�to�servefor�a�period�of�10�years,�for�6�of�which�he�wasChairman.�His�service�to�his�fellow�photographerswas�to�extend�further:�he�was�to�serve�terms�asVice-Chairman�and�Chairman�of�the�RPS�NatureGroup.�Whilst�carrying�the�heavy�burdens�that�hisroles�in�the�RPS�and�the�ZPC�entailed,�Martin�alsofound�time�to�organise�the�Joint�Conventions�forNature�Photographers�at�Brooksby�College�in

Leicestershire.�These�biennial�conventions�broughttogether�members�from�across�the�entire�spectrumof�natural�history�photographic�societies�and�helpedto�forge�the�excellent�relationships�which�existbetween�them�today.�Despite�these�heavy�loads,which�would�have�broken�many�lesser�mortals,Martin�continued�to�produce�work�of�the�veryhighest�standard.�His�talent�and�dedication�wererichly�rewarded.�He�was�to�go�on�to�become�thewinner�of�four�RPS�Nature�Group�Gold�Medals�forthe�excellence�of�his�natural�history�prints;�only�oneother�person�had�ever�won�more.�His�massivecontribution�to�photography�was�formally�recognisedby�the�RPS�Nature�Group�when,�in�1990�he�becamethe�first�recipient�of�their�special�Silver�Medal.�Hewas�to�remain�a�well�respected�judge�and�selectoruntil�the�onset�of�his�final�illness.

Photography�became�ever-more�important�to�Martinand�during�the�1990’s�his�business�activities�were�toassume�a�less�significant�role�in�his�life.�In�1990,David�Hosking�asked�Martin�to�lead�a�photo-tour�toTanzania�for�Hosking�Tours.�The�two�men�were�alreadyclose�friends�through�the�family�association�andMartin�was�invited�to�join�the�company�as�a�co-

Ring-tailed Lemurs

director.�For�the�next�20�years,�Martin�and�Davidwere�to�enjoy�a�close,�happy,�working�relationshipand�Martin�was�to�lead�more�than�100�tours,�takingclients�to�every�continent�with�the�exception�ofAntarctica.�Africa�was�always�a�special�place�forMartin�and�he�was�to�return�there�over�and�overagain�on�more�than�fifty�occasions,�adding�11countries�to�his�visited�list.�His�portfolio�of�Africanimages�was�quite�outstanding.�The�high�quality�ofthe�service�offered�by�the�company�was�rewardedwith�customer�loyalty�and�many�clients�returnedagain�and�again,�many�becoming�close�friends.�As�aresult�of�their�considerable�experience�andexpertise,�David�and�Martin�were�soon�to�be�askedto�write�and�illustrate�several�guides�to�Africanwildlife.�This�series�of�books�was�extremelysuccessful�and�still�is�in�print�to�the�present�day.

For�all�his�prodigious�gifts�and�talents,�Martin�wasthe�most�grounded�and�down-to�earth�man.�He�knewwhere�he�came�from�and�he�never�forgot�his�origins.Leicestershire�was�his�home.�He�loved�his�wife,�hisdaughter,�his�family,�his�native�county�and�LeicesterCity�with�a�burning�passion.�Few�photographers�havecovered�vice-county�55�(Leicestershire�and�Rutland)so�assiduously�over�the�last�40�years�in�the�pursuitof�subjects�on�which�to�focus�their�lenses.�With�hisclose�group�of�friends�alongside,�he�was�always�justas�happy�photographing�barn�owls�and�greypartridge�in�his�home�county�as�he�was�in�Africa.Martin�was�also�a�talented�artist�and�he�very�muchenjoyed�sketching,�painting�water-colours�and,�toan�increasing�extent�in�more�recent�times,�paintingin�oils.�His�home�was�the�quiet�centre�of�his�life�towhich�he�turned�for�refreshment�away�from�theturmoil�of�the�busy�world.�

One�day�not�long�ago,�he�quietly�said�to�me�that,looking�back�on�his�life,�he�wouldn’t�change�much.And�then,�as�a�pensive�after-thought,�he�said,�“Youknow,�perhaps�it�would�have�been�nice�to�haveseen�the�Grizzlies�catching�salmon�at�Knights�Inlet.”He�was�deeply�satisfied�and�happy�with�his�lot:�aproud�Man�of�Leicester�and�a�citizen�of�the�world.

John�Tinning

Rabbit

Common Cockchafer in flight

Verreaux’s Sifaka dancing

Gordon�lived�life�to�the�full.��He�trained�as�a�dentist,wrote�‘Orthodontics�in�General�Practice’�and�co-

authored�‘An�Atlas�of�Removable�Appliances’,�becomingPresident�of�the�(then)�British�Society�of�Orthodonticsin�the�mid�1970’s.�He�took�up�photography�at�an�earlyage�and�developed�his�own�prints.�He�made�his�ownenlarger�and�an�early�portable�electronic�flash�poweredby�large�capacitors�and�a�lead�acid�accumulator.�Heenjoyed�wood�carving,�developed�a�great�passion�forgardening,�and�an�interest�in�fly-fishing;�true�to�form,Gordon�made�his�own�split-cane�rods.

From�his�childhood,�Gordon�appreciated�thenatural�world.��Shortly�after�the�Nature�Group�wasformed,�he�became�a�member�and�was�an�enthusiasticparticipant�on�field�trips,�during�which�he�combined�hispassion�for�photography�and�his�love�for�wildlife.�Thiswas�how�I�met�Gordon.��We�enjoyed�many�field�trips�tothe�New�Forest�–�especially�searching�for�fungi.��In�lateryears,�Gordon�became�very�knowledgeable�and�co-wrote�Fungi�of�the�New�Forest�as�well�as�serving�on�theCouncil�of�the�British�Mycological�Society.�

In�September�1977,�Gordon,�his�wife�Joy,�Martinand�I,�together�with�our�five-month�old�son�Giles,�spenta�splendid�week�in�the�Dordogne.��Typical�of�Gordon,he�built�a�car�cot�that�fitted�perfectly�between�Martinand�me�in�the�back�seat�of�his�Volvo.�We�stayed�in�anold�farmhouse,�which�was�a�haven�for�the�Tube-web

Spider�Segestria florentina.�The�spiders�emerged�atnight�from�holes�in�old�beams�at�the�entrance�of�theirtube�with�impressive�radiating�trip�lines�–�much�toGordon’s�delight�(who�by�then�had�developed�aninterest�in�spiders).�Each�night�we�dined�at�a�differentrestaurant,�where�Gordon�could�indulge�his�love�forgood�food�and�wines.�On�one�unforgettable�night�wewere�treated�to�an�eight-course�meal�at�a�chateau�–with�a�different�wine�for�each�course�–�where�theowner�loved�to�dine�well,�but�could�afford�to�do�thisonly�if�his�guests�contributed�to�the�meal!�

After�the�Nature�Group�had�held�several�day�fieldtrips,�Gordon�volunteered�to�organise�our�first�fieldweek,�knowing�that�Foxlease�(the�activity�centre�ofGirlguiding�UK)�near�Lyndhurst�would�provide�easyaccess�to�the�New�Forest.�Early�May�is�an�ideal�timeto�visit�the�Forest�because�the�old�beech�trees�areleafing�out�and�from�12-18�May�1978,�a�total�of�24NG�members�–�including�one�lady�all�the�way�fromCalifornia�–�gathered�here�in�Hampshire.��As�can�beseen�from�the�photo�opposite,�virtually�everyoneturned�up�with�a�Benbo�tripod�–�without�which�inthose�days�no�self-respecting�nature�photographerwould�dream�of�venturing�out�into�the�field.�

Later,�Gordon�became�even�more�involved�withthe�running�of�the�NG,�taking�on�board�the�Editorshipof�the�Newsletter�from�issue�20�(autumn�1982)�toissue�28�(spring�1984),�becoming�Vice-Chairman�in1985�and�Chairman�in�1988/9.�He�proposed�theintroduction�of�an�award�in�recognition�of�exceptionalservice�to�the�Nature�Group�to�be�known�as�theNature�Group�Silver�Medal. 

Gordon�was�one�of�those�rare�people�who�notonly�excelled�in�his�profession,�but�also�somehowmanaged�to�make�time�to�develop�and�pursue�hismultifarious�interests�to�a�remarkable�degree.�Hehankered�to�have�a�go�at�gliding�and�at�the�age�of86�he�jumped�off�a�mountain�in�the�Dolomites�witha�para-glider.��His�daughter�tells�me�that�digitalphotography�never�captivated�Gordon�in�the�sameway�as�film�and�he�used�his�digital�camera�mainlyfor�holiday�snaps.�He�was�still�photographing�on�hislast�fungus�foray�the�year�before�he�died.

Heather�Angel�FRPS

The Iris - Winter 2013

ObituaryGordon Dickson, BChD, FDS, DOrth, RCS, ARPS15 April 1920 – 1 August 2013

28

The Iris - Winter 2013

Gordon�Dickson�was�a�founder�member�of�theGroup�in�1976�and�played�a�large�part�in

establishing�what�we�have�now.�In�July,�2013,�I�wasapproached�by�his�son,�Richard,�who�asked�if�Iwould�like�some�early�publications�for�our�archivewhich�is�maintained�by�our�secretary,�MargaretJohnson,�as�his�father�was�now�very�frail.�I�did�notknow�what�to�expect�but�as�such�items�are�easilylost�I�readily�agreed.�What�arrived�was�a�neat�binderwith�items�in�chronological�order.�They�were�mainlythe�Newsletter,�the�forerunner�of�The�Iris�and�alsoprogrammes�for�field�weeks.�Attached�was�a�notesaying�that�the�group�was�an�important�part�of�his‘story’.�This�was�soon�followed�by�a�second�binderwith�a�note�giving�the�sad�news�that�Gordon�hadpassed�away�on�the�1st�of�August�at�the�age�of�93.Together�they�give�a�fascinating�history�of�the�Groupfrom�1976�to�1986.

The�very�first�Newsletter�consisted�of�four�pages�of�A4�edited�by�Howard�Ginn�and�dated�March,1976.�It�records�that�34�people�met�at�theSociety’s�house,�presumably�South�Audley�Street,on�the�29th.�of�January,�1976,�following�a�requestfor�expressions�of�interest�in�the�Journal�fromHeather�Angel.�The�meeting�was�chaired�byKenneth�Warr,�then�secretary�of�the�Society.�Acommittee�was�elected�and�they�soon�arranged�a

programme�of�seven�field�meetings�and�two�indoormeetings.The�first�field�meeting�was�at�MonksWood�in�May,�1976.�There�was�a�list�of�43members,�their�addresses�and�interests.

The�next�Newsletter�in�the�binder�is�No.10�of�1978.Heather�Angel�was�now�the�editor�and�the�formatwas�A3.�This�records�that�the�Group’s�exhibition�washeld�at�the�Society’s�house�in�June,�1978.�Of�109prints�submitted,�probably�mainly�monochrome,�44were�accepted.�203�slides�were�submitted�of�which86�were�accepted.��All�6�stereoscopic�slides�fromone�member�were�accepted.�And�no,�this�was�notPat�Whitehouse�as�she�was�one�of�the�selectors.�Inlater�years�there�were�concerns�about�low�numbersof�print�entries�and�the�1982�exhibition�was�forslides�only.�However,�prints�returned�in�1983.�A�correspondent�of�the�time�complained�of�the�lackof�variety,�with�subject�matter�being�mainly�botanicalplus�some�fungi,�birds�at�the�nest�and�copulatinginsects.

A�comprehensive�programme�of�events�was�quicklyestablished.�Field�meetings�averaged�18�per�yearwith�a�field�week�and�residential�weekends.�Therewere�also�lectures�which�were�held�mainly�in�Londonbut�they�did�not�survive�the�Society’s�move�to�Bath.Events�were�normally�followed�by�an�account�in�the

From the Archives-the First Ten Years.by Tony Bond FRPS

29

Page�26:�Gordon�Dickson�ARPS�©�Diana�Miller

Right:�Gordon�Dicksonphotographing�in�Denny�Wood�onthe�1978�NG�field�course,�withAndrew�Henley,�Barry�Candy�andDianne�(?).©�Tony�Heath�ARPS

Newsletter�-�something�I�would�like�to�see�revived.The�write-ups�sometimes�revealed�that�all�did�notalways�go�to�plan.�In�1979�our�chairman,�AndyCallow,�led�a�field�meeting�attended�by�only�onemember�and�his�wife.�Perhaps�the�pouring�rain�wasresponsible�This�caused�the�meeting�to�beabandoned�at�2.30p.m.�without�an�exposure�beingmade.�One�week�later�Andy�suffered�badly�stungknees�from�waist-high�nettles�no�doubt�in�pursuit�ofinsects.�In�July�he�attended�a�field�meeting�in�WyreForest�led�by�Tony�Wharton�and�made�40�exposuresbefore�realising�that�his�film�was�not�beingtransported.�Well,�all�us�old�‘uns�have�all�been�there!

The�Newsletter�continued�to�develop�under�Heather’seditorship.�The�annual�number�of�issues�was�reducedto�three�starting�with�issue�No.18�to�reduce�postagecosts�(sounds�familiar)�but��editions�became�larger.The�familiar�NG�logo�designed�by�James�Fentonappeared�and�still�looks�good�today.�Edition�No.19�ofSpring,�1981�was�the�last�edited�by�Heather�andGordon�Dickson�took�over.�Some�things�neverchange.�In�edition�No.20�Gordon�complained�aboutthe�difficulty�in�obtaining�an�up�to�date�membershiplist�from�Bath.�Some�members�were�failing�to�receivethe�Newsletter�as�a�result.�By�1981�membershipstood�at�around�500.�The�number�had�increased�to969�by�1984�with�members�in�36�countries�plus�twowith�BFPO�addresses.

Two�regular�items�in�the�Newsletters�of�that�timewere�‘Where�to�Stay�on�Location’�and�‘InventorsCorner’.�The�first�arose�from�an�account�of�a�fieldweekend�on�the�Farne�Islands�and�Bass�rock.�Forthe�latter�we�stayed�in�North�Berwick�with�thedelightful�Mrs.Jean�Anderson.�You�must�rememberthat�this�was�before�the�days�of�Travelodge.�You�notonly�got�superb�accommodation�for�£4�per�nightbut�also�a�hot�line�to�Fred�Marr�the�boatman�as�hisson�was�married�to�Mrs.�Anderson’s�daughter.�Thissoon�became�a�home-from-home�for�members�ofthe�Group�visiting�Bass�Rock.�

‘Inventors’�Corner’�described�the�various�weird�andwonderful�devices�made�by�members�in�the�daysbefore�you�could�buy�all�sorts�of�junk�on�theinternet.�Most�of�these�were�brackets�for�hanging�twoor�three�flashguns�from�a�camera�for�insectphotography�in�the�days�of�Kodachrome�25.�AndyCallow�described�a�pot�diffuser�which�was�like�atranslucent�lens�hood�with�a�cut-out�at�the�bottomfor�getting�really�close.�Other�popular�devices�werefor�separating,�pulling�apart�or�stabilising�plants�and

most�involved�clothes�pegs�which�was�good�news�forthose�who�made�them�due�to�the�number�lostaround�the�countryside.�A�novel�plant�clamp�wasbased�on�a�Y�section�fishing�rod�rest.�It�was�veryversatile�as�it�could�also�be�used�as�a�flash�gunsupport,�a�Lastolite�reflector�support�or�windbreak.E.K.Thompson�took�this�D.I.Y.�activity�to�its�logicalconclusion�by�making�his�own�camera.�This�had�a8.5�inch�Perfac�lens�with�a�silent�Luc�shutter�and�Ican�vouch�for�the�fact�that�the�monochrome�printstaken�with�it�were�superb.

The�name�Benbo�started�to�appear�in�the�early�80s.However,�a�friend�of�Heather�Angel�warned�that�evena�Benbo�cannot�survive�being�sat�upon�by�a�hippo.The�very�bent�Benbo�was�given�a�decent�burial�inZambia.�Heather�advocated�sleeping�with�yourBenbo�to�prevent�this�happening�but�this�sounds�abit�drastic�to�me.�An�alternative�support,�the�Combi-Stat,�made�the�Benbo�look�simple�and�cost�£100.

Heather�left�the�Group�committee�in�1983�andbecame�president�of�the�Society�the�following�year.The�Group�was�well�represented�in�Council�at�thattime�because�Gordon�Dickson�was�also�a�member.Edwin�Egelstaff�became�editor�of�the�Newsletterwith�edition�No.29�of�Summer,1984.He�noted�thatit�was�taking�longer�than�planned�to�computerisethe�membership�records�at�Bath.

There�was�some�dissatisfaction�with�the�quality�ofthe�printing�and�this�resulted�in�a�change�of�printer.This�was�taken�a�stage�further�with�edition�No.34�ofSpring,�1986.�Edwin�Egelstaff�handed�the�editedcopy�to�Martin�Withers�who�had�his�own�printingbusiness�at�that�time.�Martin�did�the�rest�includingdistribution.�The�changes�resulted�in�muchfavourable�comment.��This�was�taken�a�stage�furtherin�edition�No.36�with�a�redesigned�front�cover�andthe�introduction�of�colour.�The�very�first�colourillustrations�with�page�number�as�the�criterion�wereof�badger�cubs�by�Martin.�I�suppose�that�havingdone�so�much�Martin�deserved�the�honour.�TheNewsletter�had�started�to�look�much�more�like�theIris�although�the�change�of�name�was�yet�to�come.

And�the�rest,�as�they�say,�is�history.���

The Iris - Winter 201330

31

RPS Nature Group - Field Meeting 2014 Please return this form before 31st January 2013

The Nature Group needs members to host Field Meetings

Location

Meeting Place

Grid Reference

Leader

Day & date

Cost (eg car parking)

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Items to bring:

(tick as applicable and add any other necessary items below).

� Stout�Shoes � Wellingtons� Waterproofs � Packed�Lunch

Additional information

Name

Address

Tel:

E mail:

I�should�like�to�say�a�big�‘Thank�You’�to�all�the2013�Nature�Group�Field�Meetings�leaders.2013�was�a�difficult�year�with�the�weather�playinghavoc�with�some�of�the�field�meetings.��Thevagaries�of�the�British�weather�is�something�weall�have�to�cope�with�from�time�to�time�andhopefully�the�weather�will�be�kinder�to�us�in2014

I�would�also�like�to�thank�all�those�memberswho�attended�a�field�meeting�and�ask�that�moremembers�try�to�attend,�especially�if�there�is�onebeing�held�in�your�region.��If�there�have�been�nofield�meetings�in�your�area�you�can�rectify�thissituation�by�offering�to�lead�one.

Please�consider�hosting�a�field�meeting�in�yourregion�of�the�country.��No�special�knowledge�isnecessary,�just�a�familiarity�of�the�area�and�thesubjects�of�interest�to�be�found�there.��Leadersare�not�expected�to�instruct�in�photography,�beexperts�at�identification�or�be�experiencednaturalists.��A�genuine�interest�in�nature�and�adesire�to�meet�and�share�ideas�with�like�mindedindividuals�are�the�main�criteria.�

If�you�are�familiar�with�a�suitable�location�withinteresting�wildlife,�a�nature�reserve,�wetland�orwoodland�near�to�you,�please�volunteer�to�host�aField�Meeting.�Field�Meetings�can�be�held�on�anydate�to�suit�you�-�they�do�not�need�to�be�held�at�aweekend�and�weekday�meetings�are�very�popularwith�retired�Nature�Group�members.��

Besides�being�an�opportunity�to�photograph�goodwildlife,�meetings�are�great�for�meeting�othermembers�and�making�new�friends.

Please�complete�the�form�below�and�forward�it�tome,�Richard�Revels�FRPS,�or�email�the�details.�If�youare�unsure�about�the�suitability�of�your�venue,please�contact�me,�I�will�be�pleased�to�discuss�youridea�for�a�Field�Meeting�with�you.

Richard Revels FRPS 73 London Road Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8EE

Tel: 01767 313065E-mail: richard.revels@talktalk.net

The Iris - Winter 2013

Obituary Philip Newman 1954 - 2013

The Iris - Winter 201332

would�be�rewarded�with�her�landing�literally�just�afew�meters�away,�albeit�for�just�a�few�seconds.�In�thisshort�period�of�time�I�learned�a�lot,�not�least�of�whichwas�that�the�photography�was�on�her�terms.��

At�the�time�of�writing�it�is�now�the�end�of�the�firstweek�in�September�2013.�I�visited�the�park�yesterdaybut�as�yet�there�is�no�sign�of�the�kingfisher’s�returnbut�I�did�see�three�Golden�Oriole.�A�bird�that�visitsOman�for�just�two�to�three�weeks�in�September�on�itsmigration�South�and�a�sure�sign�the�Kingfishers�will

be�coming�back�soon.�Much�as�many�people�heraldthe�arrival�of�spring�in�the�UK�with�the�arrival�of�theSwallows,�here,�in�Oman,�I�listen�out�for�theunmistakeable�whistle�telling�me�that�the�sapphirebullet�is�about�to�hurtle�past.

This�winter�I�hope�to�have�the�opportunity�tospend�time�with�her�and�that�she�will�once�again�allowme�to�learn�and�photograph�more�about�her�life�in�theshort�time�she�spends�on�this�very�small�stretch�ofwater�here�in�Muscat.�

Continued from page 15

Born�in�1954�in�South�Wales,�Philip�Newman�wasone�of�twin�brothers�raised�in�the�village�ofCaerphilly�just�north�of�Cardiff.��His�interest�in�birdsbegan�at�an�early�age�on�the�moors�and�fields�nearhis�home�but�Phil�was�22�years�of�age�before�hestarted�to�take�a�keen�interest�in�photography.

He�graduated�in�Geology�from�Bristol�Universityand�began�a�career�in�the�oil�industry.�In�the�early80’s�he�moved�to�Kilmalcolm,�Scotland�and�joinedthe�famous�Paisley�Colour�Slide�Club�where�helearned�about�composition,�lighting�and�theimportance�of�paying�attention�to�detail.��The�qualityof�his�photographic�work�was�quickly�recognised.��

Phil�moved�to�Halliburton�and�then�Banchory,Aberdeenshire�and�his�bird�photography�continued�todevelop�with�many�trips�to�local�sites�aroundAberdeen,�the�Ythan�Estuary�being�a�firm�favourite.He�met�a�number�of�other�serious�bird�photographersat�this�time�and�in�1989�he�joined�the�ZoologicalPhotographic�Club�(ZPC).�This�society�was�founded�inearly�1899,�its�members�all�enthusiastic�wildlifephotographers.��Phil�was�a�very�active�member�andwas�the�current�President�when�he�died.�He�was�alsoa�member�of�the�Nature�Photographers’�Portfolio(NPP)�a�group�with�an�almost�equally�longestablished�history.�These�two�societies�allowed�Philto�share�his�interests�with�like�minded�photographersacross�the�U.K.�He�joined�the�Royal�PhotographicSociety�and�earned�his�Fellowship�with�a�panel�ofpictures�of�birds�in�action.�

In�1999�he�made�his�first�trip�abroad�to�takebird�photographs�with�a�visit�to�Florida.��It�made�abig�impact�on�him.��For�the�first�time�he�had�day

after�day�of�perfect�photographic�weather,�a�bigchange�from�Scotland,�and�an�endless�supply�ofapproachable�birds�that�did�not�need�use�of�a�hideto�be�photographed.��Now�hooked�on�foreign�travelhe�quickly�organised�a�second�trip�to�Florida�followedby�others�to�Bosque�del�Apache,�Lesvos,�Bharatpur�inIndia,�Namibia,�Oman,�Gambia�and�Alaska.�

Phil�was�an�easy�man�to�be�with,�never�too�cold,too�hot,�too�hungry�or�too�tired�to�do�anything�otherthan�seek�the�next�picture�and�always�enthusiastic.He�was�an�excellent�photographer�who�knew�hissubject�well.��He�had�that�special�talent�that�can’tbe�taught�or�given;�an�instinct�to�be�in�the�rightplace�at�the�right�time.�He�was�particularly�keen�onphotographing�birds�in�action,�especially�flight�andno�one�did�it�better.��Although�he�did�not�try�tomake�a�living�from�his�photography,�his�work�wasrepresented�by�several�photographic�agencies�andappeared�frequently�in�books�and�magazines.

A�great�follower�of�Glamorgan�County�CricketClub�and�almost�as�keen�a�supporter�of�the�Englandteam�but�when�it�came�to�Rugby�Phil�would�onlysupport�Wales.�

Although�he�had�been�ill�for�almost�a�year�hehad�thought�his�problems�were�behind�him�and�waslooking�forward�to�more�trips�abroad�and�getting�outin�the�field.��His�death�was�sudden�and�unexpectedand�a�great�shock�to�all�who�knew�him.��Wildlifephotography�has�lost�one�of�the�best.�

He�leaves�his�wife�Debbie,�children�Claire,Richard�and�Sarah�and�five�grandchildren.

Mike�Lane�and�Gordon�Holm

The Iris - Winter 2013

“There was enough there for a book”. �That�was�thecomment�that�sparked�these�4�volumes�called�‘AWildlife�Journey’.

I�had�just�finished�a�talk�on�wildlifephotography�at�a�local�photographic�society�and�abudding�enthusiast�fired�off�the�usual�questions�tome�and�his�comment�sparked�off�a�task�that�tookme�two�years�to�complete.

I�have�been�giving�talks�on�wildlife�photographysince�1972�and�over�those�years�have�been�askedbroadly�the�same�questions.

“How do I find the wildlife”?

“How do I get close”?

“What gear do I need?”

Pretty�standard�questions�really�and�of�course�theseare�only�some�of�many.�I�often�wondered�to�myself“no one ever asks…such and such a thing”.�The�reasonsome�questions�are�never�asked�is�because�thenovice�doesn’t�know�what�he/she�doesn’t�knowtherefore�the�question�cannot�be�asked.

Over�the�next�few�weeks�I�jotted�down�lots�ofsubjects,�chapter�ideas�etc. �While�I�was�out�andabout,�either�using�a�hide�or�in�some�other�waytaking�wildlife�images,�I�became�aware�of�so�manymore�items�that�were�‘book�worthy’�and�so,�over�thefollowing�two�years�I�carried�a�separate�note-bookwith�me�and�jotted�down�lots�more�hints,�tips,�do’sand�don’ts�that�I�could�not�possibly�have�collatedby�simply�sitting�down�and�trying�to�remember.

My�own�wildlife�journey�began�when�I�was�aboutfive�years�of�age.�My�father�and�I�were�on�some�kindof�a�country�walk�and�I�suddenly�found�myself�beingwhisked�up�into�the�air�and�suspended�over�a�lowhawthorn�bush.�“Look down son” he�said.�I�lookeddown�and�there,�right�beneath�me�was�the�nest�of�aSong�Thrush�containing�four�sky-blue�spotted�eggs.�It�seems�to�me�that�my�wildlife�journey�began�rightthere�and�then.

What�has�sparked�your�passion�for�wildlifephotography?�What�has�your�own�journey�been�likeup�to�now?

Wildlife�photography�takes�us�to�fantastic�placesand�shows�us�so�many�beautiful�things,�things�weotherwise�may�never�have�seen.�The�journey�hasmany�twists�and�turns,�paths�and�pitfalls.�I�hope�thatsomewhere�within�these�volumes�I�have�flagged�upthe�pitfalls�for�you�because�they�are�surely�there,somewhere. �Pin�sharp�images,�lens�micro-adjustment,�hides,�ghillie�suits,�camo�nets,�finetuning�your�camera�as�if�it�were�an�F1�racing�car�forflight�photography,�light,�exposure�etc�etc�etc.

My�first�encounter�abroad�was�a�visit�to Spainin�1972.�One�early�dawn�on�the�lightening�CostaBrava�sand�dunes�of�the�Med�with�my�camerafound�me�with�a�revolver�in�my�face�held�by�a�veryconfused�Guardia�Civil�-�after�surviving�that�thingswere�bound�to�get�better!�Hopefully�your�wildlifejourney�will�not�have�had�such�a�frightful�beginning!

A Wildlife Journey.by Colin Smale ARPS

Editor’s Note:

Previews of Colin’s four volumes

can be seen at:

www.fotolincs.com

and purchased at only £1.99 per

volume.

Images from Gianpiero Ferrari’s Fellowship Panel

Top: Red Assassin Bug

Above: Queen of Spain Fritillary

Below: Pale Prominent Moth camouflage

Top right: Narrow-bordered 5 Spot Burnet

Bottom right: Small White mating pair