Wildlife Photography
Focusing on the beautiful wildlife found on the trails
The landscapes of the natural world are incredible but something more wonderful is the wildlife that inhabits it. Having been connected to the outdoors for a long time now, I am now really appreciating a new passion for wildlife photography. This new section focuses on the wildlife I am encountering during my national and worldwide hiking as well as wildlife closer to home in the south of England. It is still early days for my wildlife photography skills but over time I hope my improvement will achieve some very special wildlife shots in some special locations. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I have done in taking them.
Red Foxes
Famed for their cunning and stealth, My favourite mammals with their bushy tails can be seen in towns and the countryside. They come out mostly at night but can also be seen during the day if you’re lucky!
Arctic Foxes
The cousin of the Red Fox, the smaller but beautuful white Arctic Fox lives in the Northern hemisphere throughout the Arctic Tundra. What a stunning animal!
Hares
Spring is the best time to see the wonderful Hare! Maybe witness a boxing match if you are lucky! Hidden to most eyes but become quite obvious if you are quiet and careful walking the fields in the countryside!
Puffins
A funny little fellow in his glossy black dinner jacket and crisp white bib. Its a real treat to see these birds. Watching them is immensely entertaining!
Gannets
The majestic looking Gannet that can dive into the sea at 60mph while hunting for fish. These large sea birds can be found nesting along UK coastlines. You will certainly hear and see them bickering with each other!
Red Squirrels
The UK's native species of Squirrel. Unfortunately they are on the decline due to their bigger grey cousin who are better adapted to the loss of habitat. Save our Red Squirrels!
Owls
These beautiful nocturnal birds are adapted for silent flight for hunting. Some like the Barn Owl will sometimes hunt during daytime hours so keep your eyes peeled walking through grasslands.
Deer
Deer are an iconic image of our countryside. We have a wonderfully diverse wild population of deer in every part of the UK. If you see, be still and quiet and watch.
Badgers
The unmistakable Badger with its black and white striped face! The UK's largest land predator that spends its time socialising in its family groups and foraging for food. To see one in the daylight is a rare treat indeed! Majestic Mammals.
Birds of Prey - Kestrels
The small hovering hunter! Commonly spotted around the English countryside hovering fixated on unsuspecting prey in the grasses. Beware rodents!
Marmots
The Chonky Marmot! A large rodent found in mountainous areas around the world. You will know they are there as they scurry around in the mountain meadows and squeak warnings to each other.
Kingfishers
Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher! Its definitely a challenging bird to photograph! It darts along the riverbank ready to perch somewhere and dive into the water to catch its meal.
Birds of Prey
‘Birds of prey’ are large, predatory bird species that have hooked bills, sharp talons, strong feet, and keen eyesight and hearing. Always a special sight seeing any soaring through the sky!
Polar Bears
The King of the Arctic, Ursus Maritimus the Polar Bear, or "Sea Bear". A vunerable species relying on decreasing Sea Ice to hunt its main prey, seals. One of the most majestic and nomadic predators in the world which needs all our efforts to keep surviving in a rapidly changing world.
Rock Ptarmigans
Northern hemisphere Ptarmigans found in areas of rocky tundra. In winter this chunky grouse has a near white wintery coat to hide from predators. Look out for their big fluffy feet and red eyebrows (males) with a distinct vocal call that is hard to miss!
Herons
This elegant family of stealthy birds hunt around lakes and coastal regions. Their patience is fascinating. My favourite coastal birds which are now thriving in southern England.
Highland Cows
The Highland is a Scottish breed of hardy rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides . Its hard not to love their long shaggy coat and long horns!
Wader Birds
Waders or shorebirds are birds are commonly found along shorelines and mudflats. They 'wade' in order to forage for food in the mud or sand.
Otters
THE SEMI AQUATIC OTTER, PART OF THE WEASEL/MUSTELIDAE FAMILY. VERY CHARISMATIC. YOU WILL BE IN LUCK SPOTTING ONE OF THESE CUTE MAMMALS GOING ABOUT THEIR FISHING IN THE SEA OR RIVERS
Ducks
Ducks are birds that are also called “waterfowls” because they are normally found in places with water like marshes, oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Black Birds
One of the most striking of all garden birds is the Black Bird! Seen bouncing around in gardens across the UK chasing insects and worms these birds are a real joy to sit and watch. They have a great voice too!
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers can be heard ‘drumming’ and excavating holes in trees for nests and food. An elusive sight in the forests so if you happen to spot one its a treat!
Oyster Catchers
The loud 'peep-ing' call of an Oystercatcher is a recognisable and familiar sound of the seashore. Look out for it hunting on rocky and muddy shores for shellfish to eat. And generally looking mischievous!
British Resident Birds
These birds dominate the sounds of our countryside with their sunrise chorus and daily chattering to one another. Active all year round these birds give the most joy visiting peoples gardens.
Geese & Swans
Geese & Swans are graceful long-necked, heavy-bodied, big-footed birds. They glide majestically when swimming and fly with slow wingbeats and with necks outstretched.
Farm Animals
Farm animals can be found all over our countryside. Without them the green landscapes would look so empty. From cows, sheep and horses which provides our most accessible wildlife.
Rodents
The most widespread of mammals, mostly small, fast with long tails known to scurry around in the dark.
Pheasants & Peafowl
Handsome coloured Pheasant gamebirds that litter our countryside and the unmistakable extravagant plumage of Peacocks and Peafowl.
Sea Birds
Seabirds are birds that are adapted to life within the marine environment. All coastal areas will have an abundance of species whether its rural, cliffs or towns. Watch out for your chips!
Seals
The acrobats of the sea! Always exciting seeing the bobbing head of a seal in the water. Or glimpsing them lying on a secluded beach sleeping during the day.
Stoats & Weasels
These long bodied small mustelids may look cute but they are fast, lethal killing machines. If you spot any on your walks you are very lucky indeed. be quick they are fast!
Insects
Insects are the most diverse group of animals; they include more than a million described species and represent more than half of all known living organisms.
Parrots
There is great diversity amongst Parrots. Mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions with many species. They are more clever than you think!
Monkeys
Well known to swing around trees and have high intelligence. Not all Monkeys are tree dwellers however. This complex group of mammals have been around for a very long time! Don't get too close!
Corvids
Commonly known as the Crow family, these birds have been associated with war and death due to their mainly carrion diet. However these birds display remarkable intelligence for their size.