CONKER NATURE MAGAZINE | WINTER | FEBRUARY 2023 | VOL XIX | ISSUE I

WINTER SEASON| FEBRUARY 2023

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH WILDLIFE IN WINTER

An Interview with Brand Ambassador Tom Atkin

walk this way across the cley marshes with charlie bingham

LET'S VISIT

THE FROZEN CONTINENT:

ANTARCTICA WITH PHOTOGRAPHER VINCENT BELIN

THE SNOWY RED FOX WITH BRAND AMBASSADOR DAN KNIGHT

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WILDLIFE

MAGAZINE

Inside Cover: 'Wild West' Photographer: Maggie Clark Instagram: @magclarkphoto

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lucy Morris Instagram @lucymorriswild Email: lucyjane@conkernature.com

Sally Marie Angela Mitchell Zoe Richards Heather Wilkins Darren Wynne Jaquelyn Rodgers Eric Jones Anna Clarke Laszlo Balogh Amelia Bazzone Jade Cornish

Executive Editor Editor Junior Editor Advertising Director Photography Director Deputy Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor Proofreader Contributor Logo Illustrator Digital Editor Digital Editor

EDITORIAL OFFICE Wildlife photography, art, and written articles are welcomed, once images are submitted they become the property of Conker Nature Magazine; which will be used to promote the magazine if needed, not for any other purpose.

Please send images to submissions@conkernature.com Conker Nature Magazine is published

by Morris Media Publishing Group.

Follow us on Social media @conkernature

www.conkernature.com Email: info@conkernature.com Front Cover: 'Snowy Red Fox' Photographer: Dan Knight Instagram: @danknightphotos Facebook: Dan Knight Photography Website: www.danknightphotos.co.uk WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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07 LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LUCY MORRIS, WELCOMES READERS INTO 2023, DISCUSSES THE CELEBRATORY MONTH FOR CONKER NATURE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY.

08 - 11 BEHIND-THE-COVER: THE SNOWY RED FOX THIS MONTH WE CHAT WITH THE FRONT COVER'S FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER, DAN KNIGHT, ON HIS SNAP OF THE SNOWY RED FOX.

12 - 16 WILD WEST DISCOVER WATFORD CITY OF NORTH DAKOTA, USA IN THE WINTER SEASON. SNAPPED BY PHOTOGRAPHER MAGGIE CLARK.

18 - 19 WALK THIS WAY - NORTH NORFOLK: CLEY MARSHES WE ARE ONCE AGAIN JOINED THIS MONTH BY CONTRIBUTOR WRITER ON THE WALK THIS WAY SERIES, CHARLIE BINGHAM. PULL ON YOUR BOOTS AND EXPLORE THE CLEY MARSHES OF NORTH NORFOLK WITH CHARLIE.

20 - 22 THE UK'S WINTER WONDERLAND

24 - 27 WILDLIFE BRINGING COLOUR TO WINTER WE ARE JOINED BY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR 2022, SCOTT DUFFIELD WITH HIS WILDLIFE IN WINTER SHOTS.

28 - 31 WINTER HAS COME

PHOTOGRAPHER: VIKTOR EVSTRATOV / IG: @EVIK1962

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, TOM ATKIN SHARES HIS SNAPS OF BRITAIN'S WINTER WILDLIFE FROM ACROSS THE UK.

DISCOVER WINTER ABROAD FROM PHOTOGRAPHER AND GEOLOGIST, NEZHDANNA KAZACHENKO.

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32 - 33 WINTER WOODLAND WALKS PHOTOGRAPHER GABY ZAK RETURNS WITH WOODLAND SHOTS IN WINTER ACROSS BRITAIN.

34 - 35 HELLO WINTER PHOTOGRAPHER VIKTORIYA ILINA CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF A WINTER WONDERLAND LANDSCAPE.

36 - 40 STONE CITY DISCOVER THE STONE CITY IN A SNOWY AND ICY LANDSCAPE BY PHOTOGRAPHER VIKTORIYA ILINA.

42 - 45 DECEMBER SKETCHES PHOTOGRAPHER INESSA HROMOVA SNAPS THE BLANKET OF SNOW IN A WOODLAND LANDSCAPE.

FROSTY MORNING DELVE INTO A FROSTY AND FOGGY MORNING WITH WARSZAWA PHOTOGRAPHER ANETA MIKULSKA

48 - 51 FOGGY WOODLAND WALKS PHOTOGRAPHER GABY ZAK CAPTURES THE WOODLAND HABITATS OF THE UK IN FOGGY WEATHER

52 - 55 WINTER FAIRY TALE PHOTOGRAPHER IRINA LUCHINSKAYA CAPTURES THE DREAMY WINTER FAIRY TALE OF NATURE.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: GORDAN ROACH / IG: @GORDONROACHPHOTOGRAPHY

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88 - 91 WINTER WILDLIFE MAGIC

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BRAND AMBASSADOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER, EMILY TAYLOR, SNAPS THE WILDLIFE IN THE WINTER SEASON IN BRITAIN.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: TOM ATKIN THIS MONTH WE ARE JOINED WITH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, TOM ATKIN AS WE DISCOVER HIS PASSIONS FOR THE NATURAL WORLD.

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93 - 94 COMPETITION FOR FOOD WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, PARHAM POURAHMAD, BASED IN THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY SHARES HIS SNAPS OF SOME OF THE NATURAL WORLD'S PREDATORS.

WILDLIFE WINTER WARMERS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, SCOTT DUFFIELD, RETURNS WITH HIS WINTER SEASON SNAPS OF WILDLIFE.

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WINTER MOMENTS OF BELARUS PHOTOGRAPHER OLYA BONDARETS, SNAPS WINTER THE WINTER SEASON WHILST LIVING IN BELARUS.

ROBINS AND WRENS: OUR WINTER ICONS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, SCOTT DUFFIELD, SHARES HIS SNAPS OF BRITISH WINTER ICONS - THE ROBINS AND WRENS OF THE UK.

71 - 74 FROSTY MORNINGS GET INTO THE FEBRUARY FROSTY MORNING MOOD WITH SNAPS FROM PHOTOGRAPHER SCOTT DUFFIELD.

WAXWING - THE SCANDINAVIAN INVASION BRAND AMABASSADOR AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, SCOTT DUFFIELD, DOCUMENTS THE MIGRATION OF THE WINTER VISITORS - THE WAXWINGS

78 - 80 WHITE-TAILED JACKRABBITS IN WINTER PHOTOGRAPHER MARIA TOLKACHEVA BASED IN NORTH DAKOTA, USA SNAPS THE WHITE-TAILED JACKRABBITS IN THE WINTER SEASON.

82 - 86 SHADES OF NATURE AS A FEAUTRE IN OUR TRAVEL SECTION, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER HARMANPREET SINGH DOCUMENTS HIS EXPERIENCE AT SUKHNA LAKE AND SANCTUARY.

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TRAVEL AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER, VINCENT BELIN, DOCUMENTS AND WRITES HIS EXPERIENCE OF VISITING AND PHOTOGRAPHING IN ANTARCTICA.

102 - 107 WINTER LANDSCAPES PHOTOGRAPHER: MILAN GONDA / IG: @MILANGONDAPHOTOGRAPHY

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98 - 101 ANTARCTICA - FROZEN CONTINENT

LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER MILAN GONDA SNAPS THE WINTER LANDSCAPES OF LAKE MICHIGAN AND THE REGION OF TURIEC, SLOVAKIA.

108 - 109 YOUR LETTERS SEND US YOUR LETTERS TO US. WHETHER ITS POETRY, YOUR OPINION ON A WRITTEN ARTICLE OR YOUR REACTION TO THE LATEST WILDLIFE NEWS.

111 - 112 BEHIND-THE-BACK-COVER STORY DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND THE BACK COVER OF THE MAJESTIC RED DEER IN THE SNOW WITH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, JACK DODSON.

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PHOTOGRAPHER:DAN KINIGHT / @DANKNIGHTPHOTOS

Lucy Morris Conker Nature Editor-in-chief

LJM Happy New Year to you all!

We have returned from break back to our usual schedule, but things are looking a little different in 2023.

Last month we released our 2023 editorial calendar. This outlines all of the themes that we are covering right up to the end of the year. To discover our themes, release dates, and how to submit head over to our website at www.conkernature.com for more.

It also brings me great pleasure to say that last month was our second birthday! We launched the website late in 2021 and launched our new sets of magazines last January 2022 with absolutely fantastic feedback and support throughout the year. We look forward to bringing you more content in our second year run!

I also have a few tips for wildlife photographers that are planning on going out for the last of the winter season. Firstly, and this might be obvious for some but be prepared for the cold, but also from the warmth you can feel personally. When I'm out in winter I always opt for some type of thermal underlayers that have the duo ability to keep you warm when its freezing and cooler when you are hot and is definitely a recommendation.

Secondly, think about how the cold affects your kit. Freezing temperatures will zap your battery life quickly, so make sure your batteries are fully charged before you head out, and always carry a spare (or two!). For me, I'll carry them in the inside pockets of my jacket - but make sure it is zipped up, it's always easy to get distracted and accidently have it go missing on you. Finally, always keep low. If you always use a tripod fully extended you’re showing people a view they could easily see themselves. Placing your camera very low to the ground gives you a different perspective. This will often hold the viewers’ interest for longer.

Next month we look forward to delivering a first ever for Conker Nature, a special garden issue just in time for the spring season to arrive. From spring behaviours, to plants and wildlife to photograph in your back gardens - we look forward to seeing you at the start of the bloom!

Until next month!

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BEHIND-THE-COVER Snowy Red Fox

By Dan Knight

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Knight

Dan Knight is a wildlife photographer, brand ambassador and frequent contributor for Conker Nature. Dan based in Yorkshire, UK. You can read Dan's interview and past work to us on our website.

Follow Dan Knight here Instagram: @danknightphotos Facebook: Dan Knight Photography Website: www.danknightphotos.co.uk

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Hi Dan, congratulations on making the front cover of this month’s UK edition and thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions to you.

Please tell our readers a little about you and your photography.

I’m Dan and I have been a wildlife photographer based in Yorkshire for around 6-7 years now.

I first started my photography journey taking images of landscapes however that quickly transitioned into wildlife. I have always had a great passion for wildlife which I thank my grandparents for.

What is featured on the front cover?

So this happens to be one of my favourite species native the the UK, the wonderful, often sly Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). A subject that despite having around 7 years experience under my belt hasn’t been photographed that often by me.

What is the story behind the front cover?

Foxes have always been one of my favourite animals and they were always on my target list when I first started out wildlife photography.

Unfortunately, where I live in Yorkshire they are seldom seen, in fact I was saying only a few weeks ago that I haven’t seen on in my local area for 15+ years.

I’d been told of a location for foxes quite a while ago, so with the forecast for the south of England cold and snowy I set off from my home at 3:30am and took the 4 hour drive to go see them. As I got further away from home the conditions changed, as every mile passed more and more snow formed. Until the trees were laden with clumps of it, glistening in the morning light.

I arrived at my location and had a brief walk around before finally I saw one, I grabbed the camera and that was that! 1000 photographs later, a lot of coffee and one big smile on my face.

What is the story behind the front cover?

I used my Canon 5D Mk iv and the Canon 500mm f4 Mk i

What is your favourite feature of this front cover image?

It has to be a fox in the snow surely! Its an image I’ve dreamt about for so long, I’ve photographed them in the middle of the summer but to get them in the snow in their winter coats is a dream come true.

What is next in photography in 2023 for Dan Knight?

That's a good question and something I’ve been asked a lot recently.

I want to continue developing my skills and padding out the existing portfolio, and hopefully add some new subjects to it.

I have my annual Cairngorm trip coming up and one exciting trip abroad booked.... but I’m keeping that one a secret for the time being. I also want to be less self critical this year, I have often found in previous years that I can be too particular and that can take the fun out of it sometimes.

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WILD WEST Watford City, North Dakota, USA Photographer: Maggie Clark Instagram: @magclarkphoto

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W W W . C O N K E R N A T U R E . C O M

WALK THIS WAY

PHOTOGRAPHER: MIKE LANE / GETTY IMAGES

North Norfolk: Cley Marshes

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When I think of a winter walk, my mind rushes to thoughts of challenging hikes, crampons strapped to my heavy walking boots and scaling the slippery mountains of Eryri. But there is another everchanging landscape, one that is bursting with biodiversity throughout the year but seems to come even more alive during the winter months. I am, of course, talking about the North Norfolk coast. So come with me to Cley Marshes as we walk this way…

Crossing back through the car park and across the road, I joined the footpath, which is part of the Norfolk Coastal Path, and turned immediately right.

Walking along the flat track, which is flanked with reeds that towered above me, I heard the chaotic call of the Cetti’s warbler, a small brown bird which hides in the bushes, a lucky few catching a glimpse. A mallard flapped his wings in the channel below the path, spraying water over his companion who shook her head in annoyance.

Cley Marshes is a hub for nature explorers on the North Norfolk coast. People travel long distances for a weekend of bird watching and it’s not hard to see why. Cley Marshes is the oldest reserve run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and will soon be celebrating it’s 100-year anniversary! Everyone’s first trip there should start at the NWT visitor centre which boasts a large car park and that’s exactly where my walk began.

I reached some stairs which led up to the East Bank, a public path and popular with bird watchers and dog walkers alike. I was taken aback once again by the view as I stood above the marshes. A lone mute swan slept on a frozen pond; head tucked under her wing. I stopped to take a photo, but my hands quickly started to hurt from the icy wind that whipped around me. I put my gloves back on and continued. Hundreds of lapwing rested in the long, frosty grass, three cormorants stood drying their wings on a distant island in the middle of a wader scrape. They reminded me of the Liver birds that I see on top of the famous building in Liverpool whenever I visit home.

It was a particularly cold December day when I visited so I headed into the centre to show my membership card and grab a drink to warm up before going out onto the reserve. After picking up a latte from the friendly café staff, I took a seat in front of the large window which offers a panoramic view of the marshes.

But I didn’t have long before I had to be back at work, so I retraced my steps along the bank and to the car park feeling as calm and still as the frozen marshes.

When I tell people I have moved from the mountainous landscape of North Wales to the remarkably flatter Norfolk coast, they are quick to jump to conclusions about the level of adventure available in the area. I do miss my hikes, but in truth, I have had more incredible experiences in nature since moving here than ever before.

From my first otter to the countless migrant bird species that come to Norfolk during the summer and winter, it is a place which continues to astound me. Whether you’re a keen birder or someone who just enjoys beautiful walks in nature, North Norfolk is somewhere to consider for your next trip. There may not be any mountains, but there certainly is plenty of beauty to behold if only you look for it.

Read more from Charlie Bingham's contributor pieces of Walk This Way on our website www.conkernature.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlie Bingham

Charlie Bingham is a Norfolk-based conservationist and science engager. Charlie is the host of the Mountain Conversations podcast, the show that celebrates the beautiful planet that we call home. Charlie is one of our most frequent contributors, heading up the Walk This Way walking series.

Follow Charlie Bingham here -

I had two options, carry on along the beach and finish off the circular route, breathing in the fresh sea air and following the seals as they retreat to their pups.

Instagram: @mountainconversations Twitter: @_charliebingham Web: www.mountainconversations.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHER: UMI DASH / GETTY IMAGES

I gasped as I gazed out. It’s a familiar sight, I visit regularly but Cley is the kind of place that looks different every time you go. Looking out of the window, I saw a work of art. The artist? Nature.

The sky was a block of bright blue, with only a few whisps of clouds scattered across it. Above the distant, was a border of pale pink which ran along the coastline. The sand-coloured reeds which cover the marsh were coated in a sprinkling of frost, like a lightly dusted rustic wedding cake. I could see the wader scrape, often brimming with black headed gulls, but today it stood still, perfectly reflecting the pastel sky above. I’ve never visited, but I’ve been told that the colour of the Taj Mahal cannot be captured on photographs, and I feel much the same about the view today. I tore myself away and, after a quick look at the selection of books in the wellstocked shop, I decided it was time for a walk.

I arrived at the hide which sits at the halfway point on the East Bank. Out of the corner of my eye, a quick flash grabbed my attention. A blue bomb zoomed across the channel and settled on an overhanging reed. A male kingfisher, resting after a hunting session. I reached the end of the bank where it joins the shingle ridge which leads to the sea. I decided to have a quick look on the beach, I’ve been looking for snow bunting for a while and have been unsuccessful so far. A head appeared in the sea, a familiar doglike silhouette. The seal spotted me and after watching me for a few seconds, dived back into the waves. A minute later, the seal reappeared and floated on the surface for a while before disappearing again, presumably to join their family at nearby Blakeney Point.

Walk This Way: North Norfolk with Charlie Bingham

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THE UK'S WINTER WONDERLAND Photographer: Thomas Atkin Instagram: @tjatkin Facebook: Tom Atkin Photography

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@conkernaturemagazine

DISCOVER OUR ALL BRAND NEW WEBSITE FROM MORE ARTICLES TO HOW WE WORK THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

VISIT US AT www.conkernature.com

Photographer: Scott Duffield Instagram: @scott.duffield.photography Facebook: Scott Duffield Website: www.scott-duffield.picfair.com

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Winter

HAS COME Photographer: Nezhdanna Kazachenko Instagram: @dannadark

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G A B Y

Z A K ' S

WINTER WOODLAND WALKS Photographer: Gaby Zak Instagram: @gzphoto_

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Hello Winter Photographer: Viktoriya Ilina Instagram: @filvikapal

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VIKTORIYA ILINA'S

Stone City Photographer: Viktoriya Ilina Instagram: @filvikapal

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DISCOVER OUR INTERVIEWS ON OUR WEBSITE VISIT WWW.CONKERNATURE.COM

Now including

Inspiring young naturalists around the world.

December sketches Photographer: Inessa Hromova Instagram: @inessa_hromova

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Frosty Morning Photographer: Aneta Mikulska Instagram: @patrze_kadrami

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Foggy Woodland Walks Photographer: Gaby Zak Instagram: @gzphoto_

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tom atkin WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

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When, and what inspired you to get into photography, and do you have any favourite photographers you admire?

Tom Atkin Follow Tom here Instagram: @tjatkin Facebook: Tom Atkin Photography

Hi Tom, congratulations on your brandnew ambassadorship, and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed by Conker Nature Magazine!

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself & what it is you do.

Hi everyone, my name is Tom I’m 29 years old I work for Morrison's as a Maintenance Advisor.

Outside of work I really enjoy spending time out in the wild away from the hustle and bustle of a city taking my camera and just having some me time to relax, a little bit like a micro-holiday as such.

I often go up on the local moorlands or up to the Lake District where I can relax and have some time to myself.

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Interview with Tom Atkin

So many moons ago I was dating a photographer and she had given me her dad's camera so that I could join in taking photos with her on days out.

the ride and letting mother nature do her thing and I think that’s the beauty of it – we have very little control over the way the day plays out so when the day goes in my favour the images mean so much more to me.

After 6 months of this, she decided to buy me my first camera which was a Nikon B700. Fast forward 12 months and I decided to buy myself a Nikon D5300 which was my first DSLR.

What is your process when photographing, do you have a particular area or species you’re most drawn to?

A few weeks into owning this camera I joined Bingley Camera Club where I met some fantastic wildlife photographers, and that same week I decided to buy a Tamron 150-600 and the rest is history!

Photographers who I admire vary greatly but in the world of wildlife, you cannot be asked this question without mentioning two incredible talents – Morten Hilmer and Konsta Punka.

I have watched Mortens Youtube videos for many years now and got hooked straight away due to a mutual love of coffee!

As for Konsta, I watched an interview of him on Youtube also but his images are very intimate and stand out from others as he often uses wideangle lenses to photograph wild Deer up close.

What does your photography mean to you – in what way would it get you up in the morning?

My favourite animal to visit has got to be Foxes, I love how each one has a totally different character from the next.

When taking pictures of the Foxes it is always key to get down on their level which somehow always leaves me caked in mud or drenched after laying in wet grass. Making sure the eyes are in focus and capturing them with a nice clean background is also something I look for when composing an image.

What is your favourite species, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

My favourite species has got to be foxes I love how they are so cheeky and show so much character.

However, the best wildlife encounter I have ever had would be when I was photographing the Red Squirrels and one decided to come and sit on my lens! I was absolutely astonished at what had happened, fortunately I was with another photographer who managed to take a picture of the encounter for me.

To me photography isn’t an action such as just pressing the shutter it’s a feeling and an emotion, I can really tell I have a special image when I get a buzz from the encounter with the subject I’m photographing.

What is your favourite species, and what has been your best wildlife encounter to date?

The way I look at photography, especially with wildlife is that as photographers we can go places and see animals hoping and praying for that one shot but we are just coming along for

When hunting a fox will use the earth's magnetic field to catch its prey! I found this really fascinating as I didn’t even think it was possible for animals to do this.

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Presently, what is your biggest aspiration in your photography?

Currently, I am aspiring to gain further qualifications in photography such as a degree and I am also hoping to obtain awards in photography competitions at both regional and national levels.

Is there a specific species or place you’ve always wanted to experience?

The species I have always wanted to take photos of would have to be the Bison in snowy conditions.

I just love how fluffy they are and how powerful they are. A Bison in my eyes is a true force of nature so to experience that would be a lifetime ambition. It's also great to hear about a reintroduction programme for the Bison in the UK and I hope that goes according to plan.

Was there a major turning point in your photography career, and how did it change your career from previous years?

One major turning point for me with my wildlife images was meeting fellow ambassador Dan Knight.

I owe a lot of credit to Dan over the years as he has given me tips and advice to improve my images constantly. Prior to meeting Dan I was shooting images where I was looking down on a subject, compositionally my images were not the best so yes I would say Dan has been the turning point taking me from a hobbyist photographer up to a more serious level of images where I am now competing in regional and national competitions.

What is your favourite location or season to photograph wildlife, and why?

Photographing wildlife in the snow is one of my favourites because of how clean the background turns out and it really draws your eye into the subject.

I also find that when wildlife is out in the snow they can show playful behaviours which is always nice to capture.

What is your favourite piece of wildlife media, and why is it your favourite?

I have a huge admiration for Sir David Attenborough, throughout my childhood watching Planet Earth on repeat was one of my favourite things to do learning about the incredible ways of nature on all of our continents, I think the way in which Attenborough narrates his documentaries puts real emphasis on how lucky we are to have such a varied animal kingdom.

Do you have a preferred camera you use, and a favourite lens?

I only have the Nikon D5300 with a Tamron 150-600mm for wildlife so I use that. I have used a Canon R6 with a 70-200mm F2.8 and absolutely blew me away so I am hoping to go mirrorless in the near future - fingers crossed!

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Above - Mandarin Duck: One of Tom's first images as a wildlife photographer Below - Red Fox: One of Tom's most recent images in the snowy background

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What is one of the first photos you’ve taken (Mandarin Duck, left upper image), and how does this image compare to your photography now?

My first images were very much point and shoot not really taking into consideration any factors to make my images stand out in any way I just wanted the image as fast as possible and then I would move onto the next subject.

Oh how things have changed! I can now sit for hours on end waiting for the one image and have often come away with nothing as the wildlife can be very unpredictable.

Moving to your present photography and most recent image (red fox, right side) – what made you drawn to this subject, and what was the process behind getting this particular shot?

So my most recent image is of a fox and is one I am particularly proud of. The fox itself had a fantastic background but the stand out feature were the eyes, they seemed to be on fire when I took the image. I had to steady my hand as I was very excited after realising the opportunity I had been presented with could only last a few seconds at best.

Finally, what advice would you give to the past you and what advice would you give people with similar interests and dreams in wildlife photography?

As I started out with photography I had a mindset where it was all about pleasing others and if my Instagram didn’t get a certain amount of likes I would delete the posts so If I could speak to my younger self I would definitely advise to breathe, stay relaxed and not worry about impressing other people, to shoot my photography for me and not to make other people happy which is the way I work now. If I like the image its good enough for me.

Brilliant! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Tom. I’m sure the readers of Conker Nature Magazine will enjoy learning more about you and your photography experience and appreciate your tips and advice!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Atkin Tom Atkin is a wildlife photographer + brand ambassador for Conker Nature. Tom is based in Yorkshire, UK and travels extensively across the UK for wildlife content to share to his audiences.

Follow Tom Atkin here Instagram: @tjatkin Facebook: Tom Atkin Photography

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Wildlife winter warmers

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ROBINS AND WRENS: OUR WINTER ICONS

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Frosty Mornings

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Waxwings The Scandinavian invasion

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WHITE-TAILED JACKRABBITS IN WINTER

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CALL FOR WORK LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE

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Shades of Nature Chandigarh City, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and Sukhna Lake, India Photography: Harmanpreet Singh Instagram: @harmanpreetclicks

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Inspiring young naturalists around the world.

WINTER WILDLIFE MAGIC Photography: Emly Taylor Website: capture_nature_emily_taylor

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Competition For Food Photography: Parham Pourahmad Website: www.parhampourahmad.weebly.com

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WINTER MOMENTS OF BELARUS Photography: Olya Bondarets Instagram: @olyabondarets

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W W W . C O N K E R N A T U R E . C O M

Antarctica - frozen continent

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Hi Vincent, thank you for joining us on your experience in Antarctica.

What was the experience of visiting Antarctica like for you?

A trip to Antarctica is really the trip of one life.

It is like going on another planet with landscapes that you cannot see and experience elsewhere on earth.

This trip is really a kind of adventure going at the very far of our planet. It is so wild over there from the climate, almost no life and the endless white territories.

What equipment did you shoot with whilst on your experience in Antarctica.

I used a Canon EOS 700D and two lenses : 18-135 mm f/3.5 and 70-300 mm f/4

What was your favorite moment of your experience in Antarctica?

The most exciting moment was when I put my first foot on the ice of this farthest

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continent; so emotional.

The image with the guy in yellow was taken from the land where we accosted and were allowed to hike a bit on very limited time and perimeter.

It was such a long trip to get there from Europe a plane to Buenos Aires then another plane to Ushuaia then a two-day long boat through the Drake passage with strong sea and high waves and then suddenly you discover a quite peaceful place with many icebergs floating around and hundred of high peaks and glaciers ending directly into the sea.

My piece of advice for anyone planning to go is definitely go there if you can go there!

When you eventually can accost and go on the land for the first time it is really a great wild experience. Endless white spaces and hundreds of penguins around. It is amazing!

If you are a photographer, take the appropriate camera such as a DSLR - capture in RAW to be able to post-treat your pictures and definitely different types of lenses such as wide to zoom.

What was the process of getting these images was it a planned shot you chose?

Given the type of weather - here you can experience all seasons in a few hours. Keep in mind too the low sunlight here is really the perfect place to take outstanding pictures of the wonderful landscape.

Firstly, one should know that in Antarctica, to protect the wilderness and environment there are only very limited and regulated spots where you can accost as a tourist and so you cannot go where you want to take your pictures.

All the pictures (except the one featuring the guy in the yellow) were taken from a travel boat during the cruising so there was no specific area chosen by my travel organisation but rather well representatives of the gorgeous views and ambiences over there.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking of planning a trip or going on a trip soon to Antarctica?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vincent Belin

Vincent Belin is a photographer in Fine Art, Landscape and Nature.

Vincent is based in Paris, France and has taken images across towns and cities in France such as Strasbourg, Lyon, Toulouse and Nancy.

Follow Vincent Belin here Instagram: @artphoto_vincent Website: artphotovincent.wordpress.com

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MILAN GONDA'S

Winter Landscapes LAKE MICHIGAN, ONE OF THE FIVE GREAT LAKES OF NORTH AMERICA, USA Photographer: Milan Gonda Instagram: @milangondaphotography

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MILAN GONDA'S

Winter Landscapes THE REGION OF TURIEC, SLOVAKIA Photographer: Milan Gonda Instagram: @milangondaphotography

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YOUR LETTERS

I finally saw my first waxwing after waiting nearly 5 years to see one I actually saw 35, in one day! Read more on

Best birding day

Nature's Calendar

Hi, my name is Harriet Day and my best birding day ever was this November 29th 2022 when I finally saw my first waxwing after waiting nearly 5 years to see one I actually saw 35, in one day!

What comes to mind when you think of Winter? Despite the cold weather, Winter is a cheery but chilly season!

I remember 2016 having an invasion in Sheffield on Manchester road, unfortunately, work commitments came first, so the Saturday morning in 2016 I headed out to Manchester road to see nothing but stripped berry trees. My disappointment made me revert to a twitch to Leeds in 2018 that was also unsuccessfully, then thanks to Covid that became the end of that. I remember thinking all I want to see is a waxwing.

That bird was still unticked on my list for 5 years. So after reading about the lack of food in Scandinavia and the prediction of us having a waxwing winter.

It finally happened, when a friend of mine told me he had seen them in Durham at Boldon colliery!

Well, that was it, the flask was full and so was my fuel tank, I was off a 2-hour journey later and brought me to a care home with a lot of birdwatchers. Well, instantly I knew I must be in the right place! I parked up and crossed the road, only to be greeted by chirping calls that I didn't recognise. “ Oh my word Waxwings, finally” I couldn't put my bins to my eyes quickly enough. The beauty of these berry-binging birds. Standing patiently they decided to fly to the rowan tree, in front of me giving excellent views. Their cresty appearance gives them character and their mischief developed when it comes to all 35 wanting the same berry. My 250-mile trip was well worth it finished off with a McDonald’s latte, what more could I possibly want?

Our wildlife finds it hard to survive the harsh temperatures, but each species has a unique way of getting through to the spring.

The colder months are brilliant for observing this and the other smaller things that you might not usually notice in summer when there's so much going on.

One of my favourite things to do in winter is to just go for a walk; immersing yourself in nature doesn't only show you the wonderful wildlife around you but it also helps your well-being.

You might not see some of the most spectacular winter spectacles but something just as simple as a robin's elegant and joyful tune can put a smile on your face.

But if you don't have a forest or nature reserve that you can explore nearby, there are lots of things you can do in your own garden.

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Like birdwatching - another way to help your well-being and learn about the birds that come to your garden. Rewilding your garden - e.g putting a pond in, planting a tree, sowing some wildflowers, letting your garden just grow.

Written by Freya Salter / IG: @wildlife_drummer_girl

Written by Harriet Day / IG: @harriet_day_wildpics12

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Garden Issue On Sale 6th February Gardens will soon be a-buzzing with wildlife, but there is much work to be done. Start building your bug-hotels and placing cameras in those nestboxes because wildlife is soon to arrive.

BEHIND-THECOVER The snowy majestic red deer My name is Jack, and I'm a 24-year-old wildlife photographer based in London.

For the past six years, my focus has been on Britain's largest land mammal: the majestic red deer. These incredible creatures have captivated me with their grace, strength, and beauty, and I have spent countless hours observing, learning about, and photographing them.

Whether I am out in the field or looking at my images at home, the red deer continue to inspire me with their unique qualities and behaviours. I am always eager to share my passion for these animals with others, and I hope that through my photos, I can help others appreciate them just as much as I do.

When snowfall was forecasted for London, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity to capture some unique photos.

As a wildlife photographer, I knew the local park with its abundant population of red deer would be the perfect location for snowy scenes.

I braved the cold and made my way to the park, where I found a group of majestic stags near a small wooded area.

Some were feeding, while others were resting, but one seemed particularly curious about me and my camera.

I focused all of my attention on this curious stag and snapped away with my Canon 1DX ii and Canon 300mm F2.8 ii lens. It was a magical moment, and the resulting photos are some of my favourites."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jack Dodson

Jack Dodson is a 24-year-old wildlife photographer based in London, UK. Jack hopes to fulfil his dream as a professional photographer and travel the world capturing all kinds of wildlife.

Follow Jack Dodson here Instagram: @settysphotography Website: www.settysphotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHER - JACK DODSON / @SETTYSPHOTOGRAPHY

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