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Posted on Sep 8, 2013 in Blog, Places | 0 comments

Asturian Landscapes in Slow motion

Asturian Landscapes in Slow motion

Sunset – Shooting towards the Asturian coastline in the area of Colunga. The beaches of Espasa and La Isla in the foreground.   El Mirador del Fito – is an excellent viewpoint for the coastline of Ribadesella & Colunga, as well as the landscapes of Picos de Europa. It’s the starting point for many walks over the El Sueve mountain range or a good place to simply stand and stare. We visit quite often and have experienced some marvelous sunrises and sunsets. Previous post here – Early Morning Light in Asturias – Part I Early Morning Light in Asturias – Part II Over the past week we have been “experimenting” with some new techniques to capture these views – more abstract, combining longer shutter speeds with intentional camera movement (in the photos below, panning from left to right). As a result I’ve learnt about the workings of the camera as well the creative process.   Sunset – This time slightly inland encompassing the low slopes of El Sueve mountain range....

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Posted on Jun 4, 2013 in Blog, Wildlife | 1 comment

The Cantabrian brown bear in the forests of Asturias

The Cantabrian brown bear in the forests of Asturias

There are wild, free living bears in Asturias.   To glimpse a bear or even to walk through the same valleys, forests, mountains is something special.  May and June are the optimal months for watching them as they feed amongst the fresh green pastures.  With the recent bad weather, we were running late and it was time for action.  We set off to western Asturias for a long and busy weekend, leaving our lodgings early each morning and not returning until late. Incredibly, we were rewarded on our first evening after walking along a well defined track and waiting patiently with views of the forest covered slopes.  However, the changeable weather continued to haunt us, drizzle, mist and still chilly.  At one point the entire valley was enveloped in mist and our chances, already so slim, now looked more gloomy than the weather. Fortunately, we waited a little longer and got a lucky break – the fog cleared enough to see a large dark mammal – our first brown bear...

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Posted on May 22, 2013 in Birds, Blog | 5 comments

The Hobby

The Hobby

We took a short weekend away to explore several rivers. Río Nansa (Cantabria), Río Deva & Rio Cares. The weather wasn’t kind to us. The route was muddy but we still managed a 15 km walk and only saw rain for an hour. However, the river was high and murky, not the best for photography or wildlife watching. A pair of Hobbies saved the day and entertained us the next morning as well.  They performed well and were not put off as I slipped off a large rock and fell down the riverbank.  I saved the camera but got a sprained wrist and bruises.  Less painful than a new lens. A Hobby (Falco subbuteo) hunting for large insects including dragonflies.  When successful it transfers the prey from talons to beak whilst still in flight. During the 2 hours we watched it returned to the same perch after each flight. A powerful and acrobatic flight, gliding low over the water and then turning upwards to loop back for another pass. The Hobby passing...

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Posted on Apr 28, 2013 in Blog, Places | 0 comments

Hidden Gems of Asturias III – Playa de Gueirúa

Hidden Gems of Asturias III – Playa de Gueirúa

Our last post from a long weekend visiting the coastline in western Asturias. We chose 5 sites and in the end managed to have good sessions at 3. All were special but I think the Playa de Gueirúa came out on top, if only for the variety of photographic opportunities. Dramatic rocks formations, high cliffs, strong seas and fascinating rock pools. Beyond Gueirúa is the Playa de Silencio, another superb beach and definitely worthy of a trip. We were a little unlucky with a virtually cloudless sky at sunset and being first time visitors we didn’t know quite what to expect. It’s certainly a race against time with the fading light and as always, you need to prioritise. I’m looking forward to a return trip. We decided to check out the area in the morning rather than arrive unprepared. Looked exciting. Beautiful beach with a waterfall, what more could you ask for? I was glad to have opted to wear walking boots. Balancing on wet rocks can be tricky....

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Posted on Apr 27, 2013 in Blog, Places | 1 comment

Hidden Gems of Asturias II – Playa de Campiecho

Hidden Gems of Asturias II – Playa de Campiecho

We were racing against the tide whilst visiting this fantastic rock formation on the Playa de Campiecho that accessible from the village of Cadavedo.  The challenge of a rising tide against the best evening light proved a little too much.  A good excuse to return for a future sunrise or sunset. Only the back of the rock is visible from the main beach.  If looking north, head west down the beach and climb over the rocks for another inlet to appear. An cave provides interesting composition when using a wide angle lens, in this case a Tokina 12-24mm One last shot before we were forced to retreat and head back to the car All Rights Reserved – © John Shackleton Share...

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