u/EaglesandOtters

While we have these majestic birds here in Scotland getting close up is difficult as their territories and are widespread in high remote places that are not easily accessible

So every winter we go to Northern Sweden to an area where a territory pair has been resident for over 18 years and monitored by a raptor specialist. But like all wildlife you never know if they will show. But when they do it is a wonderful privilege. You certainly learn to shot it low light or bright light or a snow storm and watch battles for territory when younger females come after your man!

Here’s a selection

Living on the North- East Coast of Scotland has advantages when you want to photograph puffins as they arrive here in large numbers and access to them is relatively easy.

The only disadvantage, and to be far it's applicable to many species, is their season is short April to end of July.

I take advantage as much as possible to go and spend time with them and living in Fife is an advantage - a short boat crossing to one of the biggest colonies, the Isle of May. It's given me plenty of practice with flight shots - they fly very fast!

So, here's a small collection of my favourites. The first image was shortlisted in the Portrait category for Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2024.

All shot on Nikon either Z6ii or Z8 mostly with Nikon 300mm f4, some with 500mm pf.

Here in Scotland we are very lucky that this majestic bird - the UKs largest bird of prey (wingspan up to 2.5 m) has successfully returned after its extinction in the 1900s. Following reintroduction in 1975 there are now over 150 breeding pairs which are largely concentrated on the beautiful West Coast.

Here are a few of my favourite shots taken last year

Just a small selection of my Eurasian Otter images - one of my favourite mustelids