Your Guide to Wildlife in the UK

As I wander the paths and nature reserves of the East of England (and sometimes beyond), I love discovering the UK's fascinating wildlife.

I've created this page as a central hub to share my encounters, identification guides, and photography experiences with you.

Whether you're keen on birds, bugs, or you just enjoy nature stories, explore the links below to discover more about the wildlife in the UK.

Bird Identification & Guides

Need help putting a name to a bird you've seen, or want to learn about specific species? These guides are a great place to start, just click on the images or titles below.

Bird and question mark icon - link to 'What Bird Is This?' guide.

What Bird Is This?

Identify common British garden birds by sight and sound.

Birdwatching binoculars and field guide icon - link to How to Identify Wild Birds.

How to Identify Wild Birds

Bird identification techniques help you add new species to your list.

Mallard duck illustration - link to Guide to Ducks in the UK.

Guide to Ducks in the UK

Learn about common duck species found across the UK throughout the seasons.

Patterned bird feather icon - link to guide on Understanding Bird Feather Patterns.

Understanding Bird Feather Patterns

Learn about the different types of feathers, their patterns and colours.

Bird Species Spotlights

From common calls to rare sights, discover more about some of the incredible birds I've seen and photographed:

Common Chiffchaff perched on a lichen-covered branch - link to species guide.

Common Chiffchaff

Listen for the distinctive 'chiff-chaff' song and learn key ID features to spot this common warbler

Common Cranes displaying in a wetland habitat at Nene Washes - link to comeback story.

Common Crane

The inspiring story of their return to the Cambridgeshire Fens, after 400 years.

Great Crested Grebe swimming with a chick riding on its back - link to breeding diary.

Great Crested Grebe

Follow their fascinating breeding season in this photo diary from Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

Mute Swan gliding on water with reflection - link to species page.

Mute Swan

Learn all about this beautiful bird and how to photograph it. But beware, it may not be as serene as you think.

Osprey in flight against a blue sky - link to Rutland Water page.

Osprey

Rutland Water's successful reintroduction of this fish eating bird of prey is told while cruising the reservoir.

Butterflies, Dragonflies & Photo Guides

Explore the smaller winged wonders, plus tips for capturing them on camera:

Purple Emperor butterfly resting on the ground with wings open - link to Fermyn Woods page.

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Seeking this elusive woodland species at Fermyn Woods.

Swallowtail butterfly feeding on a white flower - link to species page.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Adventures searching for this rare beauty in the Norfolk Broads.

Close-up of a Ruddy Darter dragonfly perched on vegetation - link to Dragonfly & Damselfly Photos page.

Dragonfly & Damselfly Photos

A gallery and tips for photographing these aerial acrobats.

Close-up photo of a Brown Argus butterfly with wings open - link to Butterfly Photography Guide.

Butterfly Photography Guide

Techniques and advice for capturing stunning butterfly images.

The UK's wildlife offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature. I hope exploring these guides and reading about my encounters inspires your own adventures outdoors.

Click on any image or title above to learn more!

Photo of Carol

About the Author

Carol is a wildlife photographer and nature writer based in the East of England, with a passion for peaceful walks, patient observation, and capturing life’s quiet wonders.

Through her lens and words, she shares the stories of the natural world — from bluebells and butterflies to birds like the great crested grebe.

Read more about Carol

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