Your Guide to Wildlife in the UK

As I wander the paths and nature reserves of the East of England (and sometimes beyond), I love discovering the UK's fascinating wildlife.

I've created this page as a central hub to share my encounters, identification guides, and photography experiences with you.

Whether you're keen on birds, bugs, or you just enjoy nature stories, explore the links below to discover more about the wildlife in the UK.

Bird Identification & Guides

Need help putting a name to a bird you've seen, or want to learn about specific species? These guides are a great place to start, just click on the images or titles below.

What Bird Is This?

Identify common British garden birds by sight and sound.

How to Identify Wild Birds

Bird identification techniques help you add new species to your list.

Guide to Ducks in the UK

Learn about common duck species found across the UK throughout the seasons.

Understanding Bird Feather Patterns

Learn about the different types of feathers, their patterns and colours.

Bird Species Spotlights

From common calls to rare sights, discover more about some of the incredible birds I've seen and photographed:

Common Chiffchaff

Listen for the distinctive 'chiff-chaff' song and learn key ID features to spot this common warbler

Common Crane

The inspiring story of their return to the Cambridgeshire Fens, after 400 years.

Great Crested Grebe

Follow their fascinating breeding season in this photo diary from Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

Mute Swan

Learn all about this beautiful bird and how to photograph it. But beware, it may not be as serene as you think.

Osprey

Rutland Water's successful reintroduction of this fish eating bird of prey is told while cruising the reservoir.

Butterflies, Dragonflies & Photo Guides

Explore the smaller winged wonders, plus tips for capturing them on camera:

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Seeking this elusive woodland species at Fermyn Woods.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Adventures searching for this rare beauty in the Norfolk Broads.

Dragonfly & Damselfly Photos

A gallery and tips for photographing these aerial acrobats.

Butterfly Photography Guide

Techniques and advice for capturing stunning butterfly images.

The UK's wildlife offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature. I hope exploring these guides and reading about my encounters inspires your own adventures outdoors.

Click on any image or title above to learn more!

About the Author

For me, it’s never been just about bird names or camera settings. It’s about the quiet thrill of understanding the story unfolding in front of you. The moment a "weed" becomes a butterfly nursery, or a distant speck resolves into a hunting kestrel.

My camera is the tool I use to capture that magic, but my real passion is sharing it. This site is my digital field notebook, my collection of trips, and my invitation to you to stop, look a little closer, and find your own connection to the incredible nature on our doorstep.

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.

Join our community of curious explorers.

Explore More Nature Walks, Wildlife and Photo Tips

Mute Swan Attack Photo Sequence at Paxton Pits
A mute swan attack can be ferocious as we discovered when two male mute swans began fighting in front of us!
Common Chiffchaff: The Bird That Sings Its Name
Struggling to identify birdsong? Learn the Common Chiffchaff's simple song with this guide and turn frustration into the joy of knowing what you're hearing.
Ducks in the UK - A Guide to Spotting and Enjoying Wild Ducks
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.
Great Crested Grebe | Courtship, Nesting & Chicks in Photos
Follow the great crested grebe through a full breeding season—courtship displays, floating nests, fuzzy chicks, and stunning wildlife photography.
How to Identify Wild Birds: A Beginner’s Guide to Birdwatching
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.
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!
Mute Swans - should I be afraid of them? Learn more about them
Learn many surprising mute swan facts about their lives and discover how to take great photos with plenty of detail in those beautiful white feathers
Return of the Giants: My Search for the Unforgettable Common Crane
A call echoes across the fens. See the giant Common Crane for yourself. This is my story & the tips you need to find this truly unforgettable UK bird.