Eurasian Otter on a Scottish Sea Loch

Eurasian otter hunting along the shores of a sea loch on the Isle of Mull

Eurasian Otter

Eurasian Otter on the Isle of Mull

Ringed Plover on a Scottish shore

Inquisitive ringed plover

Ringed Plover

Ringed plover portrait

Bearded Reedling ‘Highly Commended’ British Wildlife Photography Awards

‘Highly Commended’  Animal Portraits BWPA 2013

A male Bearded Reedling also known as a Bearded Tit feeding on a frosty phragmites seed head in early February.  This image was taken at first light on a windless day with temperatures around -5C

Bearded Reedlings tend to feed mainly on protein rich insects for much of the year and these are generally found lower down in the reed bed.  This makes observation particularly difficult and often their presence is only confirmed by listening out for their characteristic ‘pinging’ call.  One of the best times to observe and photograph these beautiful birds can be during the Winter months when insects are scarce  and they are forced to feed on the lofty seed heads of phragmites reeds.  However a windy day will soon force these little birds back down out of sight.

Brunnich’s Guillemot

Brunnich’s guillemot at Alkefjellet

Mountain Hare on the Isle of Mull

Scottish mountain hare feeding along the shoreline on the Isle of Mull

Red Kite

Red Kite over Mid-Wales

Ringed Plover

Inquisitive ringed plover among shoreline debris

Bearded Reedling

Bearded Reedling portrait