Diving

I went for a walk around Priory but I felt rather intimidated today. When I arrived at the main lake, there were 2 lads on bikes who looked at me and my camera and laughed but they started riding across in front of me and I felt scared so I changed direction and followed a couple who were walking the other way. I managed to catch them up and told them that I was following them as I was worried that they might be after my camera. Anyway, I walked ahead of them as they stopped to rest on a seat and I went to the hide where I took a few shots. The hide is not very suitable though as the seat is too far from the viewing window and it's fixed to the floor and the viewing area is too narrow. They have just redone it but they don't seem to have any idea what bird watchers would need and especially photographers.

Anyway, I left the hide and stood on the bank taking photos until another couple came along and I then followed them and told them why I was following so they were very kind and asked me when we got to the end of the lake if I was OK or needed them to accompany me any further. However, the lads had gone thankfully so I made my way over the lock to the business park car park where my car was. Steve has warned me that I am at risk taking my camera there but I've never really felt at risk before other than one time when I visited the sanctuary but I don't go there any more. It's a shame that we have to feel like this but I didn't have my panic alarm but perhaps I should have taken it.

Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful comments and favs on my pics over the past few days. It is especially appreciated as it has bucked me up again because I was feeling a bit fed up

[Tom]

Great action capture

[Graham Thresher]

Great shot. Fav. It's a shame about your experience.

[carol white]

Super capture:-)FAV!!It's a pity we feel intimidated at times.I often feel a bit concerned if I go out very early in the morning with my camera:-)

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Great shot!

[Sally Ings]

Super action capture! One cannot be too careful.

[Sarah Munnings]

Rosie, I'm so sorry you were scared, it's my biggest frustration with photography that you usually have to have someone with you for safety. How about coming over to MK on a weekend, we could do Willen Lake or Woburn as the deer will be rutting soon x

[Lisa]

Great shot.

[Judith Johnson]

Oh poor you. A terrific shot but such a shame you feel afraid to go there with your camera.

[sally agnew]

Lovely shot and fav. It's a sad old world we live in when we cannot feel safe heading out in the morning to shoot a few pics. :)

[gloria jones]

Great capture, focus, detail. Fav

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Excellent capture of the bird in motion.

[Shirley Banford]

Well shot.

[Denise Wood]

That is sad you don't feel safe in your own community. Hope you're ok. I luckily live in a great community where people will stop and strike up pleasant conversations when they see my camera. I've met some interesting people on my walks :)

[Faye Turner]

Great action shot! Well done!

[Joyce]

Lovely action shot. Great capture Rosie

[Hazel]

That's an unpleasant encounter you had, Rosie but a great catch of a shot.

[Rosie Kind]

@tosee @thresheg @carolmw @elisasaeter @salza @ziggybo @busylady @hermann @seattlite @mittens @sabanford @fayefaye @thistle @quietpurplehaze Thank you

[Rosie Kind]

@pixiemac Yes we must get together soon

[Rosie Kind]

@gilbertwood It is unusual as usually I do feel safe but I have been speaking to our local PCSO today and he's very good at looking out for dodgy characters but Bedford is not his area as he works in the villages. I'm sure he will mention it though to his colleagues in Bedford. That's one thing I do feel safe in the village where I live and in the places I visit off the beaten track here thank goodness!