Went to visit one of my favourite local nature reserves today, Attenborough Nature Reserve
The light was brilliant for a change and started off near the visitor's centre, where the birds are more tame, and getting low for a better perspective.
With the ice being all over the ground and water, lots of birds have been pushed closer to the edge of the lakes so by waiting at the side patiently I got shots of the tufted ducks.
It's a shame I don't shoot more environment shots but the frost on the vegatation was standing out to me.
Though quite far, this Goosander was on the top of my hitlist to photograph. I think a hide would be better for these as it proved very skittish.
Hint -
- Visiting a reserve in a differnet season will reveal differnet highlights with winter comes frost, snow and colder weather which makes nice images and brings migrating birds.
- i got down low which is a standard practice now getting more on there level and a more engaging image.
So i haven'nt really done a blog on my project yet but i though i'd put in detail what i'm planning to do and how people can get involved and help.
This project aims to look at Britains smaller freshwater fish and look into the the decline of them and to find out why this is happening. Rasing awareness for the species is key using a mixture of science and underwater photography to create a unique and special project. This project is funded by National Geographic and realies heavily from the public filling in surveys, voulnteering and general support which is needed.
Species like 10 spined stickleback are increasingly rare (or miss identified as 3 spined stickleback) and Spined loach are only found in five British rivers, becasue of there tiny size they often get over looked but without these smaller fish starting the food chain off the kingfishers and otters everyone likes to see simply would'nt be present!
The main way people can help is to fill in my survey or pass it on to other people weither there a angler or have some kind of background that would put them into contact with smaller fish.
Heres a interview i had with BBC Radio Nottingham about the project
The project runs from April - September 2013 and with the scientific help from Dr. Nicholas Ray of Nottingham Trent University the project aims to be a mix of science and media.
Part 2 of my interview with BBC Radio Nottingham
Rough timeline of project (subject to change)
April - VOULNTEERS NEEDED! - Surveys around a number of rivers in the East Midlands including the Trent, Leen, Derwent, Erewash, Soar and Witham if you think you can help get in contact via the Facebook Page - Facebook Page or email jackperks07@hotmail.co.uk
20th April - Species Fishing Match - a charity event to raise money and awareness for the project on Nottingham/Beeston canal aiming to catch as many species as possible. cash prizes to be won!
I've had a week of birds going for a range of species.
i started in Carlise for the Starling murmuration a truly breath taking experience with thousands flying above my head and sparrowhawks and buzzards darting in picking of the weaker ones.
Later in the week i herd of reports of Waxwings in Nottingham a species i have never seen. going along with fellow Nottingham bird photographer Rob Hoare we came across a flock of over 100!
filming and seeing these birds was a great experience especially so close to my home.
So thought I'd do a little time line of talks, trips and publications for the next few months
November - Licolnshire Wildlife Trust - Spined Loach Image
- University of Cumbria Talk - Rockpools & Rivers
December - Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Kids Magazine - Stickleback image
- Derby Telegraph - Interview about my work
- BBC Winterwatch - will be filming and appearing on the show
January - Cairngorms, Scotland - Photography trip
- Countryman Magazine - River article
- University College Falmouth Talk - Whats next?
- University of Nottingham Talk - Coastal Wildlife
February - Guided Photo walk in Nottinghamshire
March - Brook Lamprey shoots
April - National Geographic Project Starts Homepage
September - Beeston Wildlife Group - Talk on Cornish Wildlife Photography
Thinking i wouldn't see any more herptiles this late in the year, i went to kent mainly for birds but was pleaslenty surprised by the amount of common lizards basking and newts in the wet grass.
i also happened upon my first ever great crested newt, underneath a carpet. Not as large as i thought it would of been but fantastic to see one.
as the days a getting colder the common lizards are making full use of any warm surface like these black tyres.
the great crested newts smaller cousin, the smooth newt was also present in the moss.
i didn't completely forget about the birds though as i shot this (very shaky sorry!) footage of a great white egret at RSPB Dungeness
- its illegal to handle great crested newts without a licence so i couldn't get any other angles when i found this one poking its head out. a fine of £5000 can be issued you are caught disturbing them!
- october despite the cold weather closing in is a great month to photograph herps as they take longer to bask and are more sluggish allowing you to get closer for a shot!
- Be prepared! i didn't have a tripod with me when i saw the great white egret so my footage is shocking! but it shows a unusual species in the UK.
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