Birds – Ryan Garden Photography

Nesting Ducks

Tue 8th Feb '22

My first photo post of 2022, although I have to admit this one from my archives taken during last Summer. I’ve not had the opportunity to venture out with my camera yet this year, and the cold Winter weather is doing nothing to encourage me.

With Spring just around the corner, I’m hopeful this will bring me lots of photographic inspiration, like these nesting Mallards that I was lucky enough to photograph during last Summer. As I have mentioned before I’m not a fan of Winter or the colder weather that it inevitably brings. So I’m looking forward to getting back to exploring some of my favourite woods, parks, and nature reserves as well as possibly some new locations as the weather hopefully warms up.

In the coming weeks hopefully I will be inspired and have some new nature and wildlife photography to share with you…watch this space.

Bush Hen

Mon 22nd Nov '21

I spotted this little fellow (which I believe is a Bush Hen) wading through some Lilly pads. He seemed to be a little lost as he was constantly calling out to I assume his mother and other siblings who were further out on the pond. It Looked as though he went adventuring on his own (little rascal) then lost sight of his family group. Thankfully while I watched and photographed him he finally found his way back to the others.

Ponds and lakes seem to be my go to for nature & wildlife photography this year. Probably because I don’t have to venture too far to find these types of habitats. I’m quite lucky that live near a few nature reserves, forests, and parks. So I’m surrounded by many different habits to inspire my photography, I just need to find the motivation to venture out more with my camera when I have free time.

White Perkin

Sat 20th Nov '21

Since the weather has turned colder I have been less motivated to venture out with my camera of late. So I have dug in to my archives for this collection that was taken earlier this year while visiting one our favourite nature reserves. Just as well when I do venture out with my camera I tend to take way too many photos, so always have plenty to fill my photo collections.

I believe this white duck to be a White Perkin, which is a breed of domestic duck. If they are domesticated then no one told this duck, as he may be a long way from home. He seemed to be the only duck of his breed on the lake, surround by mostly Mallards, Swans, and Geese. His white plumage definitely made him stand out against the Mallards, but was almost like he was trying to blend in with the resident swans.

When I photograph wildlife I rarely go out looking for a particular subject (story of most of my photography to be honest), I let the subject find me. Although I had ventured to the nature reserve and I figured that I would probably spend some time around the lakes, I usually let what is around me inspire me.

Blackbird on the Wall

Thu 9th Apr '20

One of the benefits of the current UK Lockdown / social distancing and being at home more than usual is having the time to notice all the wildlife that visits our garden. Most of our garden visitors are birds, including; Sparrows, Blackbirds, Pigeons, Crows, Tits, and various other birds.

This little fellow settled down to enjoy some of the nibbles that we left out for our garden visitors.

Swan Song

Sat 27th Apr '19

Robin of Sherwood

Sat 30th Mar '19

[Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire]

Robin’s may be fondly known as being the first sign of winter, but clearly no one told this little fellow that it is Spring. He was too busy enjoying the feast that Sherwood Forest had to offer.