Birds and Wild Animals (well, almost wild) of Cheshire…………….

Since moving to Cheshire just over three years ago from West Yorkshire, I have been exploring the countryside and taking in visits to such places as Arley Hall, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park and Ness Gardens.

In addition to these I am fortunate to be just a couple of miles from the River Weaver and the Trent Mersey Canal which provide excellent walks and the possibility of seeing a wide range of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see Herons and Cormorants alongside the river and the reeds bordering both the river and the canal are full of birdlife.

Just recently, a visit to Dunham Park was rewarded by the sight of a Kingfisher flying very low and at speed across the large lake at the back of the house. My seven year old grandson was elated at having “spotted” the Kingfisher as he was desperate to see one, particularly as he has just joined the RSPB.

Since I retired about three years ago I have indulged my interest in bird / wildlife with my other great love in life , photography. I have several cameras including a Nikon D5200, Pentax K50, Canon EOS200D and my most recent acquisition, a Pentax K70. I have to confess my “go to” camera of choice is the Pentax K70 which, in my opinion outperforms all the others.

Some of my best photographs have been taken of the Deer at Dunham Park which roam freely and are a delight to photograph. On occasions I have managed to get within about six feet of an animal and it has remained calm and carried on eating. I have also witnessed some of the very aggressive (and bloody) battles between young stags during the rutting season.

Below are some photographs I have taken in the last few years.