BIG 30

The end of May marks the end of my Big 30 project, a rather ambitious undertaking designed to help me get out and do as much photography as possible. 30 varied, unusual, or amazing wildlife photos in a year – 30 photos for my 30th year. The project had its ups and downs, but has re-ignited my enthusiasm for my photography, and has shown me that you don’t need to travel far to see great wildlife and to make the most of every opportunity. It’s led me to some amazing wildlife encounters, like watching a Short Eared Owl hunting, and photographing that perfect jewel of a bird, the Kingfisher. Wonderful experiences with nature that I’ll never forget.

On the last day of my project – my birthday – I headed over to the fen at sunrise as normal. Suddenly the reserve is full of flowers, brilliant yellow flag iris amongst the sedges, pale pink Ragged Robin along the dyke edges and much more.

The birds are still quite quiet, concentrating on nesting and raising their young. The Cuckoos are still very busy, but elude my camera this morning. This male Reed Bunting pauses in the reeds as I go past.

Further along there’s a lovely Linnet singing away and I slowly approach to try and get a photo. They are such pretty birds, normally found around the gorse bushes, they seem to do very well here.

I watch as a Buzzard flies over, an increasingly familiar sight these days. The final thing to catch my eye is the Cow Parsley. I love this time of year, when great frothy clouds of this dainty flower fill the verges.

You can view a slideshow of the results of my project by clicking here: BIG 30

 

As one project finishes, another starts. June is the Wildlife Trusts #30DaysWild challenge, and I am taking part, but more on that later….

 

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