Photo of the day (Swallowtail)

I wasn’t the only one exploring the ruins of Cyprus today.

Every year, I make an annual pilgrimage to Kourion to explore the ancient Roman ruins. If you’ve not been, it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in pottering around ancient temples, a theatre (fully restored and still used for open-air musical and theatrical performances), Roman baths and many other architectural wonders.

The butterflies were also exploring the ruins with me. I managed to capture this Swallowtail, which are quite common throughout the island.

Swallowtail

Photo of the day (Cats of Cyprus)

Cats of Cyprus (Aperture: 9.0, Shutter Speed: 1/400, ISO: 1250)

I love cats. They’re so whimsical. I caught these two while out taking an evening stroll along the coastline of Kissonerga.

The original plan was to take some shots of birds, because I’d taken my telephoto lens with me, but serendipitous moments often arise when you’re out with the camera. You just have to seize the opportunities as they happen.

I thought it’d make a great shot if I captured the two cats play-fighting with the sunset as a backdrop. As you can see from the photograph, though, they were far too intrigued by what I was doing with the camera to play ball and give me a good shot.

Cats – a law unto themselves …

Photo of the day (Goldfinch)

It pays to be observant and patient when trying to photograph birds.

Every now and then, I noticed that birds kept coming to a large puddle in the path for a drink. So I waited patiently, camera at the ready.

Nothing happened. No birds came.

So I waited some more. Still nothing.

Even more waiting.

Then a Goldfinch appeared!

Goldfinch

Photo of the day (Nuthatch)

Taking photographs of wild birds can be incredibly frustrating. No sooner have you raised your camera and the moment is lost.

Not so today, though. This little Nuthatch was joyfully pecking away at the dead branch in shot and was more than happy to be photographed.

Nuthatch. (Aperture 5.6, Shutter speed 1/80, ISO 100).

If only every day out with the camera was like this one!