Monday morning, 20th June, saw us all up very early - 4.30am - for a 5.00am start. replica hublot Tony, my colleague for the week, and I were off to the Red-footed falcon hide for the morning. I had already been there during my first trip to the area 4 years ago so I knew what to expect.

Climbing the stair case to enter it with full gear is an achievement in itself. The stairs are steep and the hide is about 20 feet up, and once there we realised we were in for a hot time, even at that time in the morning.

The hide is dual aspect with curtains on either window so we positioned ourselves for the Red-footed Falcons. First to show was a Jackdaw that was occupying a nest box.

and then the Red-foots.

Then, a Roller appeared. Now this was one of my main targets as I had never seen one so I was ecstatic - even twitching with pleasure. A pair were nesting in a box facing the hide.

and occasionally arriving with food.

A male Red-footed Falcon perched for some time preening and wing-stretching

and ended with a deathly stare.

A Roller also preened and ended with a similar stare - was it something we did?

And to break it up, a male Kestrel decided to make an appearance. A pair were also nesting in a nestbox on the hide.

and even a Wheatear put in a brief appearance.

After returning to the Lodge for lunch, the afternoon saw us in the Roller hide. rolex replica This is also a permanent hide with an upturned hollowed-out tree trunk in front that has been used by a pair of Rollers for the past 3 or 4 years. This should give much better opportunities for flight shots.

and some interesting action too.

and I even managed a full flight shot - pity I clipped one wing so I have cropped to even it out.

We had a fly-by male Golden Oriol but too quick to photograph.

One thing surprised me. Tony was using a Canon 1DX MK2 with a Canon 200-400 lens. The speed and accuracy of focus just blew me away and the sharpness and contrast of the camera lens combination was amazing. My 7D MK2 was not in the same class and, while the 5D MK3 was as good with picture quality, the 6 frames per second was a major disadvantage.

Is it worth the 5 grand odd for the camera? For this type of close photography, undoubtedly, but I think that the 7D MK2 is a more appropriate camera for normal use in the UK where reach is important.

I have a trip to Iceland planned for 2017. I will really have to think hard about what gear I will need.