Animal magic

You don’t need to travel to Africa to witness wildlife: head into your garden or to your local nature reserve

Whether it’s the frantic activity of garden birds getting ready for nesting or the sudden appearance of young rabbits on the most urban-looking roadside verges, you don’t have to look far for animal action. Local nature reserves often have hides where you can sit in wait with your telephoto lens for interesting subjects to capture. If you’re of a more active persuasion, the comings and going of wildfowl on a nearby lake can provide numerous photo opportunities.

Animals are relatively predictable in their habits. Where there is food, that’s where you’ll find them most often. Setting up close to a feeding station is usually the best way to bring them close enough for photos.