Carol's Nature Photography Blog

The pages on this site document my walks in the East of England and on vacation in other areas of the country. I always have my camera with me, and like to capture images of the wildlife and nature that I see.

As each page is added to the site it will be listed on this page making it easy for you to see the new additions. When I make repeat visits to a destination I will often add further information to an existing page, so you may see pages popup again. They are worth checking out even if you have read them before.

Apr 27, 2026

RSPB Fowlmere: Hares, Grebes & What to Expect on Your Visit

What's RSPB Fowlmere really like? Teal, brown hares, grebes with chicks and sedge warblers in the reeds. A quiet Cambridgeshire reserve worth slowing down for

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Apr 26, 2026

Butterfly Photography Tips: How to Photograph Butterflies Up Close

Learn how to photograph butterflies with simple camera settings, lens tips and fieldcraft advice for sharp close-ups on UK nature walks and in the garden.

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Apr 25, 2026

English Bluebells: Photography Tips at Brampton Wood

A practical tutorial on photographing English bluebells — when to go, camera settings, composition tips and how to use bluebell woodland light.

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Apr 25, 2026

Grafham Water Nature Reserve: 8 Hides & a 9-Mile Walk

8 bird hides, goldeneye, bitterns and avocets around an 80-hectare Cambridgeshire reservoir. A 9-mile circular walk with cafe, hides and seasonal highlights

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Apr 25, 2026

Welches Dam: Birdwatching on the Ouse Washes in Winter

A winter birdwatching walk at Welches Dam. Whooper swans, marsh harriers, peregrines and pintails from sheltered hides on the flooded Ouse Washes.

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Apr 25, 2026

Winter Sunrise: Short-Eared Owls at RSPB Nene Washes

Relive a frosty winter sunrise at Nene Washes, with Short-eared Owls, Whooper Swans, deer and gentle photo tips to help you plan your own magical morning

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Apr 19, 2026

The Best Wildlife Walks in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire's best wildlife walks — ancient woodlands, fen reserves and hidden wildlife spots, from someone who's been exploring them for 40 years.

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Apr 19, 2026

Mute Swan Attack: Why Swans Fight and Try to Drown Rivals

A 30-minute mute swan fight witnessed from a bird hide: first strikes, attempted drowning, and terns dive-bombing overhead. Why do mute swans fight this hard?

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Apr 14, 2026

Why Won't My Camera Focus? Simple Fixes From a Wildlife Photographer

The camera would not focus on the damselfly!

Frustrated by blurry photos? A simple checklist of focus fixes that work in the field and beyond — from common rookie mistakes to settings you may have missed.

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Apr 14, 2026

Puffins at Bempton Cliffs: Best Time to Visit & Season Guide

See puffins at Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast. Visit mid-April to July — June is peak season. Plus gannets, razorbills and guillemots

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Apr 13, 2026

Best Walks in Northamptonshire: Lakes, Rivers & Woodland Trails

12 walks across Northamptonshire — circular routes past lakes, along rivers and through woodland. Wildlife tips, parking info and route details for each.

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Apr 12, 2026

Nature for Beginners: How to Start Exploring Wildlife

Feeling lost in the outdoors? Learn how to plan a great wildlife day out, identify your first birds, and take photos you're proud of. Your starting point.

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Apr 12, 2026

Common Chiffchaff: The Bird That Sings Its Name

Meet the Common Chiffchaff — a small warbler that sings its own name. Identify it by song and sight, plus where to find it and when to listen for it in the UK.

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Apr 12, 2026

Nature Walk Checklist: Gear, Safety & What to Pack

Planning a nature walk? Essential checklist covers gear, clothing, safety items, and preparation tips for hikers, photographers, and beginners.

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Apr 12, 2026

How to Connect With Nature | Find Wonder on Your Doorstep

Feeling disconnected? Learn how to connect with nature by avoiding the "epic day out" mistake. Find wonder and belonging with simple, local walks

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Apr 08, 2026

Shutter Priority Mode: The Secret to Sharp Wildlife Photos

Tired of blurry bird photos? Learn how Shutter Priority mode gives you control over motion in wildlife photography. Step-by-step guide included.

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Apr 03, 2026

Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO Explained (With Wildlife Examples)

What does aperture actually change? Why does shutter speed matter? See how each setting transforms your photos, with real wildlife examples from the field.

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Mar 28, 2026

Best Beginner Camera for Wildlife Photography: A UK Guide

Not sure whether to start with a bridge camera, DSLR or mirrorless? A nature photographer's guide to choosing your first camera, not comparing spec sheets.

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Mar 09, 2026

Ducks in the UK: How to Spot and Identify Wild Duck Species

UK ducks are more varied than you think. Dabbling, diving and winter visitors — how to tell them apart, where to find them, and what to watch for near water.

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Mar 09, 2026

How to Use a Bean Bag in a Hide | Steady Long Lens Shots

correct way to support long lens on bean bag

How to set up a bean bag in a bird hide for sharper long lens photos. Covers placement, body position, and the mistakes most people make at first.

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Mar 03, 2026

Getting Into Wildlife Photography: A Beginner's Guide

A Jackdaw on the ground in bright sunlight, leaning forward on short grass with a curved grass stem arched above its back.

Camera settings, golden hour lighting, fieldcraft and composition for beginners. A nature photographer's guide with real examples from the field.

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Mar 03, 2026

Flamborough Head: Seabirds & Cliffs on Yorkshire's Coast

Gannets, puffins, guillemots and razorbills on the dramatic cliffs of Flamborough Head. What to see, when to visit, plus the Yorkshire Belle boat trip.

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Mar 02, 2026

Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK

Where and when to find rare swallowtail butterflies in the Norfolk Broads — plus tips for photographing Britain's largest and most elusive butterfly.

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Mar 02, 2026

East Yorkshire Cliffs & Wildlife: Flamborough, Bempton, Spurn

Explore East Yorkshire’s best coast spots—Spurn Point, Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs. Accessible viewpoints, tide/erosion tips, seabirds.

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Mar 02, 2026

Best Wind Direction for Head-On Bird Flight Photos on Cliffs

Wind at your back, sun behind you, and a quartering angle of 30–45° gives the best keeper rate. On cliffs, find the lift band where birds pass at eye level.

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About the Author

I've spent over 30 years walking and photographing UK wildlife, with work featured in Canon EOS Magazine and a Wildlife Trusts calendar. I still learn something new on most outings. This site is my field notebook: photo tips, help identifying what you see, and where to walk.

Step Behind the Wild Lens

Seasonal field notes from my wildlife walks: recent encounters, the story behind favourite photos, and simple, practical tips you can use on your next outing.