These pictures of birds are taken around the Caithness area. They represent the first of my natural history galleries. I am only just getting to grips with my 300mm lens so for me these pictures represent a stepping stone into nature photography. There are many who would argue that 300mm is not long enough, however I aim to teach myself good technique and patience before stepping up to longer lenses.

	Fulmar in Flight	© Niall Riddell
	Seabird colony
	Wigeon in flight
	Hooded Crow
	Mallard on nest
	Lapwing chicks
	Crows nest
	Fulmars courting