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.

Dec 05, 2025

Beak Speak: A Guide to Bird Beak Types and Uses

The spatula shaped beak of a shoveler duck

This guide turns you into a nature detective, showing you how to read the story of a bird's life just by looking at its beak type. and uses.

Continue reading "Beak Speak: A Guide to Bird Beak Types and Uses"

Dec 05, 2025

Wildlife in the UK | Wildlife & Nature Photography Field Guides

bird beaks

Species ID and photography guides for UK wildlife — birds, butterflies and small creatures with practical tips for improving your photos

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Dec 02, 2025

How to Identify Wild Birds: A Beginner’s Guide to Birdwatching

robin

Stop memorising lists. Start making friends. A simple, personal method for how to identify wild birds. Turn a confusing blur into characters you know by name.

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Dec 02, 2025

How to Start Wildlife & Nature Photography | Beginner Field Shoot (UK)

A group of House Sparrows gathered around a birdbath in a garden, perched on the rim with greenery in the background.

Step-by-step beginner guide to wildlife and nature photography — plan your first field shoot, camera checklist and local reserve tips from Carol Leather.

Continue reading "How to Start Wildlife & Nature Photography | Beginner Field Shoot (UK)"

Dec 01, 2025

Types of Bird Feather Patterns and Why They are Important

When flying against the sky the bittern is clearly visible. But against reeds?

Discover bird feather patterns, from types and colours to the role of plumage in camouflage, breeding, and flight. A guide for beginner birdwatchers.

Continue reading "Types of Bird Feather Patterns and Why They are Important"

Nov 30, 2025

Ducks in the UK - A Guide to Spotting and Identifying Wild Ducks

A pair of mallard bottoms, peeking out of the water

Ducks in the UK are more varied than you might think. Discover where to find them, how to tell them apart, and what to notice on your next walk near water.

Continue reading "Ducks in the UK - A Guide to Spotting and Identifying Wild Ducks"

Nov 29, 2025

Beginner Wildlife Camera Guide for UK Photographers

may fly

Looking for a beginner camera for wildlife photography? Explore DSLR, mirrorless and bridge options and learn which features matter more than megapixels.

Continue reading "Beginner Wildlife Camera Guide for UK Photographers"

Nov 23, 2025

Mute Swan Attack: A Brutal Fight on a Calm UK Lake

Curious how fierce a mute swan attack can be? Join a photographer at Paxton Pits as a territorial fight erupts, cygnets hide and terns dive-bomb the chaos.

Continue reading "Mute Swan Attack: A Brutal Fight on a Calm UK Lake"

Nov 23, 2025

Camera Settings for Wildlife & Nature Photography in the UK

robin with blurred background

Simple camera settings for wildlife and nature photography — aperture, shutter and ISO cheat-sheet to help UK beginners capture sharper, better-exposed shots

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Nov 23, 2025

Spotting the Common Crane at Nene Washes, UK

common crane

Follow my journey to find the Common Crane in the UK, from dawn on the fens to that first wild call, with heartfelt tips to help you witness these giants too.

Continue reading "Spotting the Common Crane at Nene Washes, UK"

Nov 23, 2025

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

Continue reading "Winter Sunrise: Short-Eared Owls at RSPB Nene Washes"

Nov 23, 2025

Welches Dam: Winter Swans on the Ouse Washes

Plan a winter day at Welches Dam, with long views across the flooded Ouse Washes, easy paths, friendly birders and hides that shelter you for photography

Continue reading "Welches Dam: Winter Swans on the Ouse Washes"

Nov 23, 2025

Mute Swans: A UK Nature Lover’s Guide to These Splendid Birds

Learn the truth about mute swans in the UK, from their family life and fiery tempers to where to see them and how to photograph them kindly and respectfully.

Continue reading "Mute Swans: A UK Nature Lover’s Guide to These Splendid Birds"

Nov 23, 2025

What Bird Is This? Identify UK Garden Birds Fast

Goldfinch

Not sure what bird you’ve just seen? Explore this UK beginner’s guide to common garden birds, with filters by colour, size, habitat and song, plus photos

Continue reading "What Bird Is This? Identify UK Garden Birds Fast"

Nov 21, 2025

How to Edit a Wildlife Photo for Natural-Looking Results

robin before being cropped

Learn how to edit a wildlife photo step by step, from cropping and exposure to colour, sharpening and noise. Friendly photo editing tips for beginners.

Continue reading "How to Edit a Wildlife Photo for Natural-Looking Results"

Oct 18, 2025

Autumn Woodland Photography: Beginner Tips for UK Walks

autumnal wood

Follow a story-led walk with Carol and her grandson to pick up simple autumn woodland photography tips, from camera settings to phone shots, for UK beginners

Continue reading "Autumn Woodland Photography: Beginner Tips for UK Walks"

Oct 17, 2025

Getting into Wildlife Photography | Beginner Camera & Field Tips

running hare backlit by morning light

Beginner-friendly wildlife and nature photography tips from Carol Leather — camera basics, fieldcraft and easy techniques to improve your shots.

Continue reading "Getting into Wildlife Photography | Beginner Camera & Field Tips"

Aug 30, 2025

Butterfly photography - a beginner's guide to macro and closeups

small copper butterfly on leaf

Butterfly photography - find out what equipment you need and how to use it to take beautiful butterfly photos

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Aug 23, 2025

Monks Wood Nature Reserve: A Beginner's Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by nature? Discover Monks Wood, Cambridgeshire's quietest ancient woodland. Get simple tips to find peace and make your first discovery.

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Aug 23, 2025

Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK

Swallowtail butterflies in the Norfolk Broads attracted us back for a second year. This time I was lucky enough to photograph them!

Continue reading "Finding and photographing rare swallowtail butterflies in the UK"

Aug 23, 2025

Shutter Priority Mode: The Secret to Sharp Wildlife Photos

young-swallow-asking-for-food

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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Aug 13, 2025

How I Stopped Taking Boring Photos: My Guide to Low-Angle Photography

Feeling disappointed with your wildlife photos? This is the story of how I learned to use low-angle photography to go from boring shots to real connection.

Continue reading "How I Stopped Taking Boring Photos: My Guide to Low-Angle Photography"

Aug 04, 2025

Prime Lens vs Zoom Lens: A Guide to Choosing Your Approach

redwings and fieldfares love the autumal berries

Feeling frustrated by your camera? Learn the real difference between a prime lens vs zoom lens. It isn't about specs, it's about your creative approach.

Continue reading "Prime Lens vs Zoom Lens: A Guide to Choosing Your Approach"

Aug 04, 2025

Your Window on the Wild: Choosing a Lens for Nature Photography

Roe pair at Nene Washes

Think you need a bag full of expensive kit? Not at all. Let's have a simple, down-to-earth chat about which lens for nature photography will serve you well.

Continue reading "Your Window on the Wild: Choosing a Lens for Nature Photography"

Jul 22, 2025

Explore Spurn Point on a Windy Coastal Nature Walk

One of the Discover Spurn signs

Walk with us through spurn point on a peaceful coastal adventure filled with autumn wildlife, brisk breezes and memorable moments for UK nature and bird lovers.

Continue reading "Explore Spurn Point on a Windy Coastal Nature Walk"

Photo of Carol

About the Author

For me, it’s never been just about bird names or camera settings, but the thrill of seeing a distant speck turn into a hunting kestrel.

After years of learning how to notice and photograph those moments, my camera has become the tool - and this site the field notebook - where I share what I’ve discovered.

If you’re ready to look a little closer, you’ll find the trips, lessons, and small wins that can help you see and photograph the wildlife right on your doorstep.

Read more about me

Step Behind the Wild Lens

If you've enjoyed your time here, the journey doesn't have to end.

I send out the Wild Lens newsletter on an occasional basis. It's where I share my latest field notes, the stories behind my favourite photos, and practical tips that don't always make it onto the site. It's your dose of quiet magic, delivered right to your inbox.

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