The Magpie's Hoard

Shooting frogs in Rivelin

This common frog (Rana temporaria) was photographed in the Rivelin Valley, Sheffield.

I wasn't 100% happy with the frog shot that I uploaded to Flickr yesterday: the angle of view was a little steep and depth of focus was way too shallow. This morning I went back to the pond and had another go.

I used a 50-200mm zoom lens fitted with an extension tube, which allowed me to get a bit closer to the subject. The main problem with using an extension tube is that the depth of focus becomes extremely shallow, so you have to use a very small aperture (high f number) to get decent results.

After taking numerous experimental shots, I eventually focussed on a frog that was hanging motionless in the water. The only sign of life was the occasional twitch of its nostrils.

Thankfully the frog stayed still long enough for me to take this shot. The camera was mounted on a low tripod, enabling me to get away with an exposure of 1/3 second.

The other essential equipment for taking this shot was a waterproof jacket and trousers - I ended up lying down in the mud at the edge of the pond!

Froggie Went A-Courtin'

Common Frog, originally uploaded by Roger B..

Yesterday I spotted the first frogspawn of the year in the Loxley Valley. This morning the frogs were out en masse down in Rivelin.

They've emerged a few days later than they did in 2007 - hardly surprising, as all the ponds were frozen solid this time last week!

A good stretch of the legs

Today Liz and I simply had to get out and take advantage of the glorious weather: bright sunshine, cloudless skies and unseasonably warm temperatures.

Cowell House, originally uploaded by Roger B..

We knew the more popular parts of the Peak District (e.g. Stanage Edge) would be very crowded, so instead we caught a bus out to High Bradfield. From there we walked to Stocksbridge via Rocher Edge, White Lee Moor, Wigtwizzle, Ewden Bridge, Salter Hills, Whitwell Moor and Underbank Reservoir. Despite the fabulous weather, we didn't see any other walkers until we reached Whitwell Moor.

Underbank Reservoir, originally uploaded by Roger B..