Image of the Month 2012

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December 2012 - "Frosty Reedmace" by John Bebbington FRPS

Internationally famous as a haven for birdwatchers in particular, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s main site on the Peat Moors covers more than 100 hectares. Restored peat diggings, three miles north-west of Glastonbury have been transformed into a network of open water, reed bed and the largest surviving fragment of lowland acid mire in the South-West.

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November 2012 - "Miners Beach" by Ricardo Da Cunha

Captured after waiting patiently for a break in between showers on this rugged mid-north coast beach in Port Macquarie in NSW. Miners Beach is just one of a handful of beaches that circles the town. Well worth a visit.

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October 2012 - "Peace in Lesvos" by Carol Wiles ARPS

The beach resort of 'Skala' Kalloni is 3km South of the town of Kalloni and offers a great deal to visitors. Sardines caught here are said top be some of the best in Greece and the daily catch is bought into the quaint but busy village harbour. This is also the islands bird watching centre and host to numerous species of migrant birds in early spring. The Wetland of Kallonis Gulf is one of the most significant parts of the ecologic assets of Lesvos. The coastal areas that stretch perimetrically to Kallonis Gulf consist a unified ecologic system, as this area is consisted of a mosaic of salt-pits, small rivers and torrents estuaries, reedy-areas, pine-trees woods and olive groves.

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September 2012 - "Conwy Sunset" by Ron Sutton

The River Conwy is in north Wales. From its source to its discharge in Conwy Bay it is a little over 27 miles (43 km) long. "Conwy" is sometimes Anglicized as "Conway". "This photo just goes to show it pays to have a camera with you. We had been visiting friends in Conwy and as we crossed the bridge over the river I saw the start of this sunset. So I parked the car, walked a few yards to the river bank and waited for a few minutes for the sun to dip behind the hill as it was too bright to shoot into the sunset. By moving a few yards left to position the boat in the reflection, this was the result. Back in the car and on the way home five minutes later!"

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August 2012 - "City Rainbow" by Matt Curgenven

The combination of the sun, low in the western sky and a cloudburst over the city revealed this rare dramatic scene as Dragon Boats passed under Blackfriars Bridge.

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July 2012 - "Grey Heron" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

Grey herons are unmistakeable: tall, with long legs, a long beak and grey, black and white feathering. They can stand with their neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunched down with their neck bent over their chest.

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June 2012 - "Pied Kingfisher" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a water kingfisher and is found widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Their black and white plumage, crest and the habit of hovering over clear lakes and rivers before diving for fish makes it distinctive. Males have a double band across the breast while females have a single gorget that is often broken in the middle. They are usually found in pairs or small family parties. When perched, they often bob their head and flick up their tail.

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May 2012 - "Whale Ahoy" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route.

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April 2012 - "Tagged" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

The siskin is a small, lively finch, which is smaller than a greenfinch. It has a distinctly forked tail and a long narrow bill. The male has a streaky yellow-green body and a black crown and bib. There are yellow patches in the wings and tail. It is mainly a resident breeder from southern England to northern Scotland, but is most numerous in Scotland and Wales. Many breeding birds are residents; in winter birds arrive here also from Europe.

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March 2012 - "Evening on the River" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

Taken from the road bridge towards the estuary of the Mengkabong River, Sabah in Borneo. Although many people are now living in urban and suburban areas, they maintain close ties with their relatives in the villages (kampung). Often, during public holidays and festivals, you can see the long exodus of people going back to their village. In Malay, it is called Balik Kampung. It is a sentiment shared by the Kadazans and local tribes, and the Chinese people. Life in the rural village brings back many fond memories for a lot of my friends. Especially the kampung way of life, without the stress of city life, where you can hear birds singing, enjoy the sunset, where time is measured differently.

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February 2012 - "Watching You Watching Me" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

Taken in the Rasa Ria Reserve, Sabah, Borneo. The centre was set up 1996 in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department, it takes in injured or orphaned Orang-Utans, as well as those that have been confiscated from the illegal pet trade. When the rescued Orang-Utans first arrive at the centre, they are often quite sick and in need of medical treatment. They are nursed back to health and taught how to forage for food, climb trees and generally fend for themselves. They are then released into the surrounding forest reserve.

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January 2012 - "Village Church" by John Curgenven LRPS FRSA

Photographs of snow scenes are always pleasing and there is some advice on how to avoid the common pitfalls in the Top Tips section. There is an excellent book about the digital painting techniques used to create this month's image in the Good Books library.

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