My wildlife photography - Spring update 2022

This is my first full spring as a wildlife photographer and it’s been chocked full of experiences. There were certain things I’d planned for the season and I had left the rest unplanned.

My thought was to see spring unfold and what surprises each day would bring.

The biggest surprise was to see that the male Kingfisher had found a mate and had a brood. I’ve been watching them daily and never spotted a female. There was one day when I saw two Kingfishers chasing each other but it was fleeting and over in a matter of minutes.

We are heading into summer now and my focus is on photographing a Long and Short Eared Owl. They are the remaining two from me to see out of the UK 5.

Greenfinch, Cattle Egret and Redstart are also on the list now so watch this space.

Kingfisher

It only took a year for it to land on the perch I made for it…

Just over a year ago, I placed a perch for my resident Kingfisher. Each visit I sat hiding in hope that it would love its new hunting spot but it was always greatly overlooked.

**Young Kingfisher arrived out of the blue**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

Little Ringed Plover

I saw something very small scuttling along the marsh…

To my amazement and 20 minutes of giddiness, I was watching my first ever Little Ringed Plover. They are much smaller than its cousin, the Ringed Plover. You can tell them apart by the difference in size but more strikingly, their bright ring around the eye.

**A slightly damp Tawny Owl**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

Canada Geese

Goslings have finally arrived…

I’ve had limited access to my local lodge this spring to some territorially aggressive Canada Geese. It’s been great to observe them from afar during their incubation period though.

When the Goslings were small but able to swim, the adults didn’t seem as defensive. They would keep themselves to themselves.

The goslings are larger now and you can start seeing their colours coming through. I’ve also noticed that the adults have become defensive again and it seems like they are showing their young how to defend themselves.

**Canada Goose Gosling sharing seeds with mother**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

Peregrine

Worlds fastest animal in training…

Dropped by to visit our local family of Peregrine Falcons. The young are now in training and you can see them do mid-air food swaps.

**Young Peregrine Falcon wondering what I’d taste like**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

**A 10-hour wait for the amazing Little Owl. Worth every minute!**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

**The beautifully striking male Wheatear**
Nikon Z50 – Sigma 150-600 C

Carrion Crow

Tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.

I’ve never felt scared of wildlife before. Yes, I’ve been chased by Geese a couple of times but nothing compares to being stalked by a Crow.

At my local spot, we had a murder of Crows arrive and they would watch me top up the feeding stations. One particular would drop down to lower branches and carr at me.

They would drum their beaks against the branches and come across as quite aggressive. They never swooped or attacked me though.

One began to regularly follow me home and would wait about my front door. I left food out as a peace offering and I think it took it.

I then found out that if you feed or have ever led a Crow to food, they might befriend you. It’s also been known that they’ll bring you shiny presents.

It’s also been documented that they’ll bring their fledglings to you so you can be amazed by them.