Local Wildlife

I often find myself travelling to up and down the country to photograph various species, many of which cannot be found here in Bedfordshire. However sometimes it is nice to focus on the amazing wildlife that can be found locally which we sometimes take for granted. All of these images were taken over the past couple of days in our local area. My main aim when i went out was to find Otters, I was successful on both days but I also managed a few others whilst I was at it.

Day one I had a couple of brief glimpses of Otters and day two was all about the Otters.

An Evening with Ospreys

I recently spent an evening at the River Gwash Trout Farm photographing Ospreys. It was my second session this year, in the newly lowered and bigger hide. The first visit had been not my best on the photography front, the wind had been against us and the ospreys dived and flew away from us giving us lots of pictures of them from behind which is not ideal. So another session was booked and fingers were very firmly crossed for a better session. We was not disappointed, the weather was fantastic, the light was perfect and we had lots of dives. 

Number 30 was first to perch up. After surveying the pond he began to dive and for whatever reason changed his mind and flew in a big circle back to the willow tree. A short while later he dived again and this time crashed into the water and caught his tea, flying off with his back to us. 

Next up was number 11. We knew he was in the area but he took us all by suprise by not perching up. He cirled a few times then came crashing down from behind the hide.  He missed his fish but was soon back to try again, and again until he finally succeeded.

Next up was our favourite number 28. He is probably the most reliable of all the ospreys to arrive and put on a show. He does tend to see the trout farm as his own and often chases off other birds that try to fish there.

I have had a few sessions at River Gwash over the last three years but this was my most successful yet. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every one of them and will never tire of seeing these amazing birds.  I can highly reccommend the new hide for anyone who has not been. Hope you enjoyed the photos.