February 2016 has been an interesting month for my photography and I hit two of my personal goals.

Firstly I was contacted by Bird Watching Magazine who were interested in using one of my images for their latest front cover. This is my first national magazine front cover so am really pleased. They’ve done a stirling job with the image of a Little Egret walking towards the viewer with all it’s plumes on display (if that’s the right way to describe it!). I took this image at Minsmere and believe it may have been displaying to another bird that was hidden behind vegetation just in front of me. This lasted for all of around 5 seconds as it took a few steps towards me then the moment was gone as the bird disappeared out of sight. Shows you really need to pay attention at all times or you could miss it!

my first national front cover

The second goal was reached when the shortlisted images were announced for the Bird Photographer of the Year, a new international competition. I only managed to squeak through one shortlisted image but am really pleased. When you check the names of the shortlisted photographers you can see how tough the competition is. The shortlisted images can be found HERE