In the UK, it is said that when you see a Robin (Erithacus Rubecula), it is a passed relative of yours coming to visit you. Also associated with Christmas, they are regularly referred to as the national bird of the UK
Wonderfully brash, bold, and vocal, Robins make for one of my favourite birds to shoot. They are never afraid of the camera, and if anything it can often feel like they are posing for you! This one in particular was clearly quite annoyed with how long I was taking to get the shot, and gave me quite the lecture!
From my favourite bird to shoot to perhaps the one I've had the most trouble shooting! The maginifcent Goldcrest (Regulus Regulus) is the UK's smallest bird, coming it at only about 9cm in length! Couple this with the birds being incredibly active as they hop between branches searching for insects to eat, and it makes for an incredibly challenging subject!
This Goldcrest, shot at Forest Farm Nature Reserve in Cardiff, sat still for just long enough for me to get this shot. It must have sat there for about 5 seconds before instantly taking off for more grubs!
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis) makes for one of the prettiest sights in the UK. With bright blue plumage, there is no feeling quite like seeing a flash of blue dash past you!
Again shot in Cardiff, this Kingfisher put on a show as it hunted up and down the river. Dipping in and out as it went after small fish, it's one of the most enjoyable sights in the UK countryside!
Taken in April 2023, this picture marks one of my favourite moments in terms of nature photography. Ever since seeing one in West Wales, it has been a mission of mine to get a photograph of an owl in the wild - and in 2023 it finally (sort of) happened!
A nest had been spotted in Cardiff, and with many other photographers around we watched these young Tawny Owls (Strix Aluco) emerge from the nest for the first time. This shot is one of my favourites, as you can sense the anxiety but amazement as the owlet observes the outside world for the first time!
The Grey Heron (Ardea Cinerea) is often overlooked due to its relatively mute colours and its frequency of being spotted in relatively busy areas. Despite this I think they make for really enjoyable subjects, given how dark and mysterious they can appear - almost like an evil villain!
This particular Heron was pruning itself in the canal only a few metres away from the footpath. Whilst unbothered by those walking past, the look in its eye suggests it wasn't the biggest fan of photographs!
