Duddingston Loch

This is the loch near my flat - went there on a cloudy day and got this shot of the water's reflection.

As summer progresses, one notices the wild flowers taking turns to bloom every month. Here's one for the month of July.

And then there is the fireweed or rosebay willowherb - they grow in such quantities that the fields are awash with this soft purple flower.

Of course, this is Scotland and the sight of her national flower, the thistle, is a reminder of the wild beauty and prickly nature of the land.

Trying out my new lens

Bought a new lens for my camera a few days ago - a 75 - 300 mm/f4.5-5.6 and so I had to try out the combination of both lenses on yesterday's trip to Falkland Palace and St Andrews.

Below are selections of the photos I took.


Because the day was rainy and the sky was overcast, I tried playing with B&W shots. Got this picture of one of the seabirds gliding on the winds of St Andrews.

Not sure what flower this is but I found its purple and yellow alluring.

This flower is not quite in focus - again, I don't know its name but I found it in the greenhouse of Falkland Palace.

The Falkland village is quite picturesque with flowers everywhere. Here's a clump outside the kirk.

Again, in Falkland Palace gardens, the raindrops were caught on the soft petals.

This seagull was flying overhead in St Andrews Castle.

This bird's beak is quite unique - it was hovering at eye level. I wished the rain marks on the lens didn't mar the photo.

Caught this one as it soared above the sea of St Andrews. A bit blurry but I like the feel of motion.

Falkland Palace as seen from the rose garden.

Ah, the rose...the sparkling red roses.

A rare warm summer day in Scotland

While summer is here, most of the time, there will be intermitten showers. This day, in late June, was one of those rare summer days where the sun was out throughout the day. Being on campus that day, I decided to enjoy the sun with Alexia (top picture) and Nicole (bottom picture).