tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48909621518210321942024-03-13T13:20:43.308-07:00martinimagesnick martin wildlife photographyNick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-33894574831539900612023-11-12T14:52:00.000-08:002023-11-12T14:52:09.966-08:002023 Highlights<p>For various reasons it's been a busy year that has distracted me from photography. There have been still a few highlights including a second visit to the brilliant Knepp Estate and a chance to see the white storks nesting there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV6yvLzN3C3ahyphenhyphenGh1IBdS42t2WrjwwrGEKZ-l6hA7w-s4bH5nphMj6aciRmHkIImOLmWhdPTIsrbXki-JsCFbUU6gbC5oMQoSV1GwTQ8oSETvylofHaQc8NBcNugTs_ZmIvs5QVAw2_jNBV9EW2vqF1_Mf8WuWwmIqvHUeg56efZ9a2kC4RYWAPAuiJ4/s4168/stork%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3126" data-original-width="4168" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV6yvLzN3C3ahyphenhyphenGh1IBdS42t2WrjwwrGEKZ-l6hA7w-s4bH5nphMj6aciRmHkIImOLmWhdPTIsrbXki-JsCFbUU6gbC5oMQoSV1GwTQ8oSETvylofHaQc8NBcNugTs_ZmIvs5QVAw2_jNBV9EW2vqF1_Mf8WuWwmIqvHUeg56efZ9a2kC4RYWAPAuiJ4/w640-h480/stork%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ujHynQzF5-k-cO-9y7EhssCGSsqrKMmvJJdqCD7SsY8og57FzRF3kwUcg9CHmIYpZFMXRXeEGKxDdECiH1jsrFvMJE6OoaBekDs9d4To0C1y-Ylx_L1fLo4_7Mf7Jxig9DFVQ9S3g-T0IhpofcK50_lKSUrEZLbaZWkla77BJ8pLOD5oDT8DalLcI4Y/s5184/buzzard%202%20talk%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ujHynQzF5-k-cO-9y7EhssCGSsqrKMmvJJdqCD7SsY8og57FzRF3kwUcg9CHmIYpZFMXRXeEGKxDdECiH1jsrFvMJE6OoaBekDs9d4To0C1y-Ylx_L1fLo4_7Mf7Jxig9DFVQ9S3g-T0IhpofcK50_lKSUrEZLbaZWkla77BJ8pLOD5oDT8DalLcI4Y/w640-h480/buzzard%202%20talk%20image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was also a day in a raptor hide in Wiltshire where I got amazing views of buzzard, raven and red kites.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7P0HPSmcLqq5V1tcma_1I9EFIYISd3B6OBhh_wZLHddM4YBxWO8MBkZA6aopBf7tEgGzr8QqB2PvpG6kDzRJzCtJF8xRO_U3CPoz693y3neoo3oCRgjhCAUce09zhbI_CeuuIwbiBd4myEBnaPObd0HdgXYumsbsVX_sNQwajYPNWhx4GyNAAbvg_3Y/s4841/raven%20talk%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3631" data-original-width="4841" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7P0HPSmcLqq5V1tcma_1I9EFIYISd3B6OBhh_wZLHddM4YBxWO8MBkZA6aopBf7tEgGzr8QqB2PvpG6kDzRJzCtJF8xRO_U3CPoz693y3neoo3oCRgjhCAUce09zhbI_CeuuIwbiBd4myEBnaPObd0HdgXYumsbsVX_sNQwajYPNWhx4GyNAAbvg_3Y/w640-h480/raven%20talk%20image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9OF4E4YoQPyN7hpE77pVImIq3QS6a_yq_tvOYZa9DUL-M7FixMnZm8l-ALJGYu8CQ71qSwaKFeJL_b8enipmeDWhj7YErembUFH3ThXDOr9Ua4kyzw5_UApWGRIuwEATRGxrdfGOIly2_pN5Wm3cV9sE_AiwwukfWcZUhvKTwlE6Pytwac11ELCOb14/s5184/red%20kite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9OF4E4YoQPyN7hpE77pVImIq3QS6a_yq_tvOYZa9DUL-M7FixMnZm8l-ALJGYu8CQ71qSwaKFeJL_b8enipmeDWhj7YErembUFH3ThXDOr9Ua4kyzw5_UApWGRIuwEATRGxrdfGOIly2_pN5Wm3cV9sE_AiwwukfWcZUhvKTwlE6Pytwac11ELCOb14/w640-h480/red%20kite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-30301875772904454742022-09-11T14:34:00.003-07:002022-09-11T14:46:54.237-07:00200 birds in 2022?<p>This year I decided to set myself the challenge of seeing 200 of our British Birds. Twitching rarities wasn't the aim of the game but more getting to some of the best bits of the British Isles to track down the species that live there. From the Ptarmigan high up on Cairngorm Slopes to Puffins on the Isle of Skomer I have had a lot of fun so far! Not reached the magic number yet though so a little bit of luck may be required!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5C05DTbYFd0XpGr0F2CXZQd08GAA2_Od-1APxsVyPqfwq4md7mJFProiQqLZODJnUv0gEVXbwcXcOVvHhU2_tIrl7Qbf3_071wdQs8DYnDhEWzpRim72E9xVJkJB5sEy_kJYGTM8zwJq-qJ5RFYfoj9FkLMuZzJ9JJGZq3o4aXLebirgNaOddOEM/s2048/puffin%20in%20burrow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5C05DTbYFd0XpGr0F2CXZQd08GAA2_Od-1APxsVyPqfwq4md7mJFProiQqLZODJnUv0gEVXbwcXcOVvHhU2_tIrl7Qbf3_071wdQs8DYnDhEWzpRim72E9xVJkJB5sEy_kJYGTM8zwJq-qJ5RFYfoj9FkLMuZzJ9JJGZq3o4aXLebirgNaOddOEM/w640-h480/puffin%20in%20burrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A puffin looks out of its Skomer island nest</div><p>As always I have been attempting to photograph many of the species I have seen aiming to stitch the diary into a new and hopefully entertaining talk.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-2H2JLXRYgG16-wxbnnHOIPk6jZgKwJhR2DICpuDk9fnQbqKvDawrKKf7-V-9cCt12bUoT8Pl9tOQ9C8Izu2kjRaIX2YuGATdQHDu86-y4UoAxTAOpQCVc2OL8TFFQG_YoV095ORjkxMJ_hbRH1KDdbrCayvkyn6Rgvbii4kgdIXZjYfGy08Oo96/s2048/goldie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-2H2JLXRYgG16-wxbnnHOIPk6jZgKwJhR2DICpuDk9fnQbqKvDawrKKf7-V-9cCt12bUoT8Pl9tOQ9C8Izu2kjRaIX2YuGATdQHDu86-y4UoAxTAOpQCVc2OL8TFFQG_YoV095ORjkxMJ_hbRH1KDdbrCayvkyn6Rgvbii4kgdIXZjYfGy08Oo96/w640-h480/goldie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the best birds for sure so far, this golden eagle displaying on the Outer Hebrides.</div><br /><p></p>Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-138119610583654822022-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:002022-01-28T14:59:34.001-08:00Plans for the new year<p>Each year starts with some exciting plans for wildlife trips and this year is no different. After two years of cancellations hopefully 2022 will see three trips to Scotland to enjoy the Cairngorm winter, Orkney in the spring and Perthshire in the Autumn. More trips into Wales are in the diary too to add to the new talk and April includes a date in Wiltshire to photograph the worlds largest flying bird!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisvJwiTVWfywUnrVqSyO44VgupW_btDtQlXlznf4riNaH-JDd2d1K559w2H2mkh_34ZliL7FdfQcSwlZeKDnZVtsX7Uqtjv9OoMeEviYFFSnDixurec1DvgKQeI42HE3sFvk14-EzuNB2yV_O-Z7D1z9oosZy84sKfw101uFHYKH1mNfF_eWXVkGGI=s4409" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3307" data-original-width="4409" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisvJwiTVWfywUnrVqSyO44VgupW_btDtQlXlznf4riNaH-JDd2d1K559w2H2mkh_34ZliL7FdfQcSwlZeKDnZVtsX7Uqtjv9OoMeEviYFFSnDixurec1DvgKQeI42HE3sFvk14-EzuNB2yV_O-Z7D1z9oosZy84sKfw101uFHYKH1mNfF_eWXVkGGI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A wood warbler from one of last years mid Wales trips.</div><p>Watch this space to see how it all pans out!</p>Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-60605848553617279612020-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:002020-08-11T09:30:33.440-07:00All about butterflies!<p> I have spent the last few months like most folk staying local to home and exploring parks and woodlands near me. During this time I have done a bit of photography (but not as much as I would like of course!) and have particularly enjoyed working with butterflies. I have always had a passing interest in butterflies and have photographed them many times of course but until this spring not gone out of my way to find them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRf3DxZibvk/XzLFKNnjTtI/AAAAAAAAUh4/0fnWRYSMv7Y4qG-5lpd8IWmqhzaMiaSsgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/painted%2Blady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRf3DxZibvk/XzLFKNnjTtI/AAAAAAAAUh4/0fnWRYSMv7Y4qG-5lpd8IWmqhzaMiaSsgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/painted%2Blady.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">migrant painted lady</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G2_x-MJA00/XzLFOubCFXI/AAAAAAAAUh8/Stl3LytgprA2EYB5Qz1Qv21-UT2_aVYbgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/peacock%2Bin%2Bbluebells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G2_x-MJA00/XzLFOubCFXI/AAAAAAAAUh8/Stl3LytgprA2EYB5Qz1Qv21-UT2_aVYbgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/peacock%2Bin%2Bbluebells.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">peacock in the bluebells</div><p></p><p>I missed out on the biggest UK species despite two days looking for <i>purple emperor</i> in the woodlands of Warwickshire but did find the most diminutive in <i>small blue</i> on the chalk hills of Hampshire.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXNXTE6exCg/XzLEwr7IX_I/AAAAAAAAUf4/jXyrWCf8v0g-TvcOsYUcp8tBxHMOG-MaACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/small%2Bblue%2Bbutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXNXTE6exCg/XzLEwr7IX_I/AAAAAAAAUf4/jXyrWCf8v0g-TvcOsYUcp8tBxHMOG-MaACPcBGAYYCw/s640/small%2Bblue%2Bbutterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">small blue at roost</div><p>Along the way though I had a lot of fun with many other ore common species and saw some interesting behaviour, whilst honing my technique in photographing these delicate little beauties!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTsTmTm_JOg/XzLFIby3DVI/AAAAAAAAUh8/QOUq3jJi368GovTH7jSLo9Xp22vTBttJQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/green%2Bveined%2Bwhite%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTsTmTm_JOg/XzLFIby3DVI/AAAAAAAAUh8/QOUq3jJi368GovTH7jSLo9Xp22vTBttJQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/green%2Bveined%2Bwhite%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green veined white taking minerals from a fire site</div><p>I have missed a few species though so have ordered a new diary to make sure that 2021 sees me be in the right place at the right time!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKUuaMkRIoI/XzLFHq-RKtI/AAAAAAAAUho/fhFcsb_KVbozhLjhjdsLWWGyHJ9sf6avgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/chalkhill%2Bblue%2Bon%2Bmarjoram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKUuaMkRIoI/XzLFHq-RKtI/AAAAAAAAUho/fhFcsb_KVbozhLjhjdsLWWGyHJ9sf6avgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/chalkhill%2Bblue%2Bon%2Bmarjoram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">chalkhill bee feeding on wild marjoram</div><p><br /></p>Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-64499135550670582002020-01-22T11:45:00.002-08:002020-03-10T04:33:53.783-07:00all things Wildlife<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r8yn7GX0qY/XiiijoF-erI/AAAAAAAAPOs/v1PsrsK_8Isq5abn99c-k_f1Ib-HT7WcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ATW%2B-%2BMaster%2BLogo%2B-%2BVertical%2BJPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="716" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r8yn7GX0qY/XiiijoF-erI/AAAAAAAAPOs/v1PsrsK_8Isq5abn99c-k_f1Ib-HT7WcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/ATW%2B-%2BMaster%2BLogo%2B-%2BVertical%2BJPG.jpg" width="200" /></a>I have been very quiet on this blog recently as I work on a brand new website <a href="https://allthingswildlife.co.uk/" target="_blank">allthingswildlife</a> which unsurprisingly has been taking up most of my desk time.<br />
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Launching soon it will be an ever growing collection of articles, reviews, guides and images all inspired by wildlife and the countryside.<br />
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I have though managed a couple of outings with my camera including to Donna Nook in Lincs for the grey seal breeding season.<br />
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It's a real wildlife spectacle and well worth a visit between October and December.<br />
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I also spent a day at Aberystwyth on the Welsh coast and was rewarded with some great bird life including a very obliging kingfisher,<br />
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a surprise dipper<br />
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and a pretty decent starling murmuration.<br />
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-11540674803757280262019-05-22T14:02:00.000-07:002019-05-22T14:18:15.249-07:00Illustrated TalksI am currently enjoying lots of interest in my illustrated talks and it looks like I am going to be very busy visiting lots of friendly groups all over the Midlands and beyond. As a boost I have invested in new <a href="https://amzn.to/2HxLI6T" target="_blank">equipment</a> and so my wild boar, puffins or headless eagles (if you have seen my 'secrets of a wildlife photographer' you'll have enjoyed that one!) will be projected razor sharp and in beautiful colour.<br />
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I also have new talks in the pipeline including the wonderful wildlife of Sydney and the Blue Mountains, watch this space for more details.<br />
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If you want to find out more please click on the illustrated talks link to the right for all the information. I hope to see you soon.Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-61554212008557598542019-03-29T04:29:00.001-07:002019-03-29T04:44:38.055-07:00Getting to know the Forest of Dean part oneMy 'Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean' talk has been really popular with groups ranging from wildlife groups, photography clubs and social clubs. People are always amazed with the diversity of wildlife there and I often get lots of questions about where to go to get the best wildlife experiences.<br />
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This is a very brief guide which includes the sites that I talk about in my talk and some of the species. I often visit the forest in a day as I live within a couple of hours but to do it justice it is lovely to stay in one of the many B&Bs and Hotels locally. Click <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/speechhouse.en.html?aid=1735094&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1" target="_blank">forest of dean accomodation</a> to find a list that includes The Speech House and many others that have character and are ideally placed to explore the forest.<br />
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During the talk we visit the feeders at Cyril Hart arboretum which is on the B4226 just East of the Speech House hotel. Here you can see many woodland birds including nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and marsh tit. There is also a log where people feed the birds in the alternative car park at the other end of the arboretum on the B4234 and sometimes brambling can be seen in the winter.<br />
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New Fancy is at the other end of the B road running south from Speech House. the large free car park is on the left before the junction and is well signed. The viewpoint is found to the south of the car park and it accessed by a sweeping path, to the left of the path adders sometimes bask but they can be found in any sunny spots around the area. There are other woodland trails leading from here too and crossbills can be seen in the trees and sometimes coming down to puddles to drink. in the spring there is often a tree pipit on territory by the car park and also garden warbler in the scrub by the viewpoint. Many people go to New Fancy to see Goshawk and certainly the elevated views across the forest maximise chances of seeing them from February when they do their display flights over the canopy. On a warm clear day chances are good but they can be distant.<br />
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Hawfinches can be seen in various places around the forest where seed is available, they favour hornbeam so look out for the beech like leaves that are extra serrated around the edge. A reliable place is on the approach to Parkend Church. The church is on the Yorkley Road out of the village. Crossbills also sometimes come to drink from puddles in the church car park.<br />
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Cannop Pond is always worth a visit and can be found by parking opposite the pool on the B4234 or by accessing the main car park from the B4226. The main pool harbours the largest collection of the splendid Mandarin duck; plus kingfisher, raven and many other species can be seen here too. There is a bird table on the road to the free main car park at Cannop Ponds and many regular woodland birds can be seen here. Walking south along the Cannop brook can often be rewarded with views of dipper and grey wagtail.<br />
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Dipper are also found on the brook running north from the Wenchford car park at Organs Green. This path leads to one of the best areas of beech in the forest and hence a wonderful display of bluebells in the spring. This is a lovely walk and the car park has picnic areas and loos that open during the summer months. Parking is chargeable but I think I'm right in saying that the ticket can be reused in other FC car parks on the same day.<br />
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Many of the key woodland birds including migrants pied flycatcher, wood warbler and redstart are found at RSPB Nagshead and a walk around the trails in the spring will usually be productive. The benefit of this site is that there are many eyes out looking so don’t be shy and others will always be happy to share location info.<br />
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One of the most popular places for tourists and regulars alike is Symonds Yat Rock. The viewpoint here is spectacular with views across seven counties and the river Wye circling around below. This has been the home of nesting peregrine falcons for over 30 years and a great place to see these dashing birds of prey. The views mean that other wildlife can be seen too including marsh tit by the viewpoint, kingfisher along the river and raven which nest nearby. Symonds Yat is always worth a visit for the views alone and the peregrines are usually nearby but best chances to see them is when they are nesting between April and July.<br />
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Part two will follow soon with details of other forest specialities including the great grey shrike and of course the elusive wild boar.<br />
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-58698194748715656482018-06-13T12:27:00.000-07:002018-06-13T12:27:10.459-07:00New projectThis blog is currently suspended as I work on an exciting new project. If you are looking for a talk though please do check the link to the right where you will find all of the details.<br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-87987054634918811382018-06-13T12:17:00.000-07:002018-06-13T12:17:29.792-07:00catching upwell behind in keeping this up to date so a few images here from the last few months.<br />
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a pair of adders in the Forest of Dean</div>
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Back in Scotland and caught up with this lovely otter on Loch Sunart</div>
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A local water vole, must make some more time for these!</div>
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One of my best ever encounters with wild boar in the Forest of Dean resulted in some cool new shots!</div>
Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-66010119894697376752018-06-13T12:15:00.001-07:002018-06-13T12:15:27.553-07:00Staying local<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Robins have once again nested in the garden allowing me some opportunities to take some simple portraits.<br />
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At RSPB Middleton Lakes a long staying great white egret was enough of a temptation for me to take my camera to work.<br />
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I rarely get out with my camera at work but its always rewarding when I do. This cormorant make for a simple image in the morning light.<br />
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and further down the part this grasshopper warbler was reeling in the willow and I just managed a view through with the camera.<br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-15383578072901774332017-02-24T13:57:00.001-08:002017-02-24T13:57:54.974-08:00Britain's Best Wildlife...new talk ready to go!Just launched my 'Britain's Best Wildlife' talk and must admit I have had a lot of fun with this portfolio of images and going back through the archives from the last ten years!<br /><div>
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-37519683009854665012017-02-24T13:21:00.003-08:002017-02-24T13:21:18.792-08:00Glorious Gannets!Third time lucky and we finally had the weather for our boat trip off the Yorkshire Coast. With the sun shining we were excited to see what the seas near Bempton Cliffs had in store for us..<br />
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The gannets certainly played their part and within a few minutes of arriving off the cliffs they were circling the boat.</div>
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Once the fish started being thrown the action really kicked off and for half an hour or so it was fast and furious with birds flashing past us at all angles. Of course the key shot was to try and nail the charismatic dive and this was the closest I got.</div>
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There were a great number of opportunities for a wider portfolio though and the camera didn't stop as I tried for many different images. Brilliant fun but I'm already looking forward to the next time!</div>
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-47411660107125319282016-07-01T14:11:00.000-07:002016-07-01T14:11:14.941-07:00Western Isles revisited<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have not been to the Hebrides for almost ten years having travelled there extensively in the past. Needing images of hen harriers for my new bird of prey talk was my excuse to take a short trip to Skye and then on to the Uists. Only two days though meant that I was under pressure to cram in as much as possible and I was pleased to add lots of images to the portfolio. Including some okish images of my main target species.</div>
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These black throated divers were a nice surprise on Loch Druidibeg.</div>
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A couple of landscape shots including this one of the black Cullin mountains on Skye<br />
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Short eared owls are thriving on the hebrides and can be found hunting in any suitable moorland or grassland habitat.Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-91446809964366059862016-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:002016-06-05T12:51:56.327-07:00Terrific tufty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few days at Centerparcs in the Lake District was great for the family and we had brilliant weather whilst the rest of the country suffered. Best bit though was the pair of red squirrels behind our cabin.<br />
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I had of course taken a big tub of peanuts so the little fellows soon got used to my daily offerings and I had several chances to photograph them in the morning and evenings.<br />
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Not all good news there though as squirrel pox has hit the colony hard with maybe 60% having succumbed. Certainly we didn't see squirrels anywhere else on the 400 acre site and the rangers were very concerned.<br />
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I have photographed red squirrels in Scotland and Lancashire before but was pleased to get a wider portfolio of shots with these ones. A lovely subject that I could photograph again and again though.<br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-67316623043442643612016-05-18T15:01:00.001-07:002016-05-18T15:27:04.297-07:00Back to the ForestLured back to the Forest of Dean in the hope of Goshawk images I enjoyed a lovely sunny day. Unfortunately though my main subjects of Goshawk and boar eluded me and even the adders, dipper and pied flycatchers would not pose nicely. There was plenty of wildlife around though so I didn't come back completely empty handed.<br />
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Searching for boar turned up this fine roe buck in the bluebells. And whilst watching the peregrines at Symond's Yat Rock I was distracted by this wood mouse (or might it be a yellow necked mouse?) dashing and grabbing seed from near the viewpoint wall.</div>
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Finally instead of the little owls I was hoping for this red legged partridge posed for my camera. Some days you just have to take what you can get!</div>
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-44878881122425139362016-05-15T14:09:00.002-07:002016-05-15T14:09:42.311-07:00Another Highland winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been wanting to get back to the highlands in the snowy winter months for a few years and this February managed to get a few days there.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">In the Findhorn Valley the mountain hares were numerous and some quite confiding.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This particular hare was so un-fussed by our presence that I was able to use the full range of lenses. This image is with a 16mm wide angle and it was great to show the vast mountain habitat.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> Some coveys of red grouse were in the snow as well and made for some interesting compositional opportunities.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">A couple of hours at Loch Garten were also rewarded with some great views of crested tits. Nice light made it a very productive photography session too</span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9lPOXJdFUU/VzjhP_lIbAI/AAAAAAAAAiU/mMVStX8CrGoMaJx2Sy48IVYm67i7ltNqACLcB/s1600/crested%2Btit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9lPOXJdFUU/VzjhP_lIbAI/AAAAAAAAAiU/mMVStX8CrGoMaJx2Sy48IVYm67i7ltNqACLcB/s640/crested%2Btit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-43829507156625866452015-10-09T13:06:00.000-07:002015-10-09T13:06:00.253-07:00Badgers in the garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the last six months a family of badgers have been visiting our garden nightly. This is the old boar of a pair and they have two cubs. Photographing them directly and with flash mounted on the camera or even close by resulted in red eye. For this shot I left the camera in the garden to shoot remotely and then mounted the flash at almost 90 degrees to create interesting side light. I also positioned the flash behind a bush so that the background would not be illuminated and leave a deep black to offset the badger. Finally I have processed the image in black and white to remove the distracting green of the grass and also add some atmosphere.Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-2138765933343841132015-08-28T14:08:00.000-07:002015-08-28T14:09:34.786-07:00Finally...the elusive Pine Marten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around five or six years ago I started out on my mission to photograph pine martens. I visited the speyside wildlife hide near Aviemore on three occasions and all three awarded great views of martens however it was always after dark. In June one year myself and a friend also booked the same hide exclusively all night to maximise the chance of a daylight showing. Despite the long vigil once again we only got night time views. Three years ago I became aware of a site in Southern Ireland where martens were coming to a hide in daylight. A flight, hire car and 28 hours in a small one man hide later and I was heading home not having even seen one!<br />
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So this was the latest attempt and at last success. Three days at a site on Scotland's Ardnamurchan peninsular being eaten by midges was richly rewarded by great views and photo opportunities of these very elusive but charismatic mammals. Mission accomplished?..well there are other shots I would like to have achieved!</div>
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Either side of the pine marten sessions I decided to explore Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor. Areas that I have often passed through but never stopped to admire. I wanted to dedicate some time to landscapes which I have never given enough time to. This image of the River Etiv took me quite a while to nail but the long exposure meant that I got something akin to a good shot...for me at least. It has also whetted my appetite for more landscape opportunities.</div>
<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-64262730494950173812015-08-28T13:47:00.002-07:002015-08-28T13:47:55.022-07:00Yorkshire magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
June saw me head to the Yorkshire coast with a group of friends, the aim to photograph diving gannets from a boat off shore. Unfortunately the winds meant that the trip was cancelled so will have to wait until next year now. However all was not lost as the lovely RSPB Bempton Cliffs was full of photographic opportunities. Careful positioning of the tripod meant that I could frame this courting pair of gannets through the abundant red campion flowers.</div>
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From the exact same position I then had a prolonged view of this peregrine hunting for rock doves above the cliffs. This was a great spectacle but also the best chance I have ever had for photographing a species that I have always had a soft spot for. I even managed to capture the stoop but this was my favourite shot of the series.</div>
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-80580952736257139842015-05-22T05:43:00.000-07:002015-05-22T05:43:35.409-07:00New talk underway<span id="goog_1163452377"></span><span id="goog_1163452378"></span><br />
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With the Forest of Dean talk now well polished and most of the key species 'in the bag' I have started to think about my next subject. I have entitled the newest talk in the portfolio 'Britain;s Best Wildlife' and am aiming to deliver a stunning series of images as I describe our most loved species.</div>
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Lots of work to do and especially on the top 5 which I want to really show to a very high standard. Watch this space as I keep busy on those over the next few months.</div>
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-82910871733217955952015-04-28T14:45:00.002-07:002015-04-28T14:58:05.884-07:00More from the forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another day in the Forest of Dean was tougher for images but there is a wonderful green vibrance as the leaves unfurl with fresh colour. The adders too are around but can be hard to find tucked in the vegetation.<br />
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With the breeding season underway the mandarin drakes too are keen to show off their exotic plumage to its full extent and raise their crests for passing females.</div>
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-2248846410360682792015-04-24T05:51:00.001-07:002015-04-24T05:58:19.079-07:00Spring in the ForestIt's spring and my favourite time of year. The time always flies by though so this year I have booked a few days to spend in the Forest of Dean determined to get more images for the new talk.<br />
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I have been trying really hard to get close to hawfinch as this is certainly one of the key species of the forest. Up to yesterday though I have had no joy but finally with some friendly advice I have been able to get my lens on these cracking birds.</div>
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As ever I am always in the Forest before first light (no mean feat when you live 80 miles away) just so I can catch the shy boar before they retire for the day. As the mornings are drawing out now I have managed to find some in daylight too so images are improving all the time.</div>
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This female has approached me twice now on separate visits, I stay still and quiet and she loses interest and trots back to her family. It is such a thrill to have an encounter with such a charismatic creature.</div>
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-39800887834663469642015-03-20T14:46:00.000-07:002015-03-20T15:13:00.218-07:00Hogs and Hawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been getting back into the Forest of Dean again this winter but it is only just becoming light early enough to find the wild boar before all the cyclists, dog walkers and traffic send them into cover. I saw this mature female with her family from the road and then predicted where she was heading for. Thirty minutes brisk walking later they appeared just where I had hoped and even stopped to pose for me.</div>
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This week I also re-homed some orphaned juvenile hedgehogs. Rescued last autumn and fed up over the winter by Joan at West Midland Hedgehog Rescue these youngsters would have had no chance of survival without her help.<br />
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I have photographed many species of raptor but have not until now really got to grips with Goshawk. This year I intend to change that and with Paul Melton Hawks I managed to get some lovely images of this charismatic bird.<br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-36560635019707243872015-02-08T13:35:00.000-08:002015-02-11T14:45:52.529-08:00Past present and future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been very behind with this site of late and this is well overdue. I have been busy with my camera though at least and finished 2014 with a few small projects and trips. One trip was to Wales for a day. It was a dawn to dusk photo fest but in the sunshine I came back with some images I was delighted with including this chough and peregrine from South Stack.<br />
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2015 has seen me start a local hide project. I have tried to maximise the site near home by placing the hide in such a way that I can have a chance of woodland species, buzzard and also river species. So far I have had some lovely woodland birds visiting the feeders, the nuthatches perhaps being the most photogenic so far.<br />
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The buzzards are feeding on the roadkill I leave for them but so far not when I am in attendance. This weekend though at least my river watching was finally rewarded with this cracking kingfisher.<br />
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I still have a bit to do on my Forest of Dean portfolio and have a feeding site down there now too (fingers crossed) and this year I am also booked on trips for diving gannets and daytime pine marten so exciting times ahead.<br />
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Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890962151821032194.post-60994168803942427542014-07-05T13:40:00.000-07:002014-07-05T13:40:33.375-07:00All new talks and other stuffPhew, a long time since my last post. I have been struggling for a couple of years with an ailing computer and out of date software so although still snapping away I have done very little with the images.<br />
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All change now though with my new state of the art Macbook Pro complete with the most recent lightroom software. Both apple and LR are new to me so a steep learning curve awaits. So far though I am delighted with the image handling and other features.<br />
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I have done a fair bit of photography this year with material for talks on the Forest of Dean and Birds of Prey being my main target. I have also though been enjoying a sabbatical from work creating a collection of images of garden wildlife for the RSPB. The challenge of this and the variety has been very stimulating and I am pleased with the different techniques and styles that I have managed to use.<br />
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<br />Nick Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08384249476188879233noreply@blogger.com0