BRET CHARMAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Autumn in Richmond Park

31/10/2020

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Richmond Park is one of the jewels in the Royal Parks' crown, a wildlife haven in the heart of one of Europe's largest conurbations. Red deer, little owls, badgers and even ring-necked parakeets. I spent numerous weekends journeying up the A3 early to photograph the red deer rut, meeting friends and enjoying the cool autumnal air - the photographic opportunities were excellent. 
Red deer stag with bracken in his antlers, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
Jackdaw perched on branch, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
Ring-necked parakeet hanging out of tree hollow, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
As you can see, the photographic highlights are not only limited to the red deer that call the park home. Above you can see an image of a jackdaw, arguably one of the UK's most beautiful corvids and a ring-necked parakeet (an introduced species from the Indian subcontinent). 
A red deer picks up a little too much bracken with its antlers, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
A red deer stag stands proudly with an impressive head dress, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
The deer stags are well known for thrashing their antlers in the bracken, and other undergrowth, when they are pumped full of testosterone. In this case, he took it all a little far and then struggled to see where he was going. This individual stag was not one of the dominant males, and he will probably have to wait another year or two to reach his absolute prime. 
Red deer stag at sunrise, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
Red deer steaming at sun rise, Richmond parknd
A red deer stag breathes out in the cool morning air at sunrise, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
As you can see from the images above, the red deer often stand proudly as the sun rises over the horizon, seemingly basking in the soft morning light. 
Dominant red deer stag calling to assert dominance, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
Red deer stag bellowing in the bracken, Richmond Park (Bret Charman)
It was a great few weeks enjoying the wilder side of London and as long as you avoid the crowds, you can expect to see some spectacular behaviour. Next year, if I get to lead my planned tours (if Covid allows), then I won't be able to photograph this annual spectacle. 
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Red Squirrels of the Cairngorms

27/9/2020

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After lockdown eased here in the UK, I went for a little adventure to the Scottish highlands. This stunning mountainous realm is home to a range of wildlife I don't find in Hampshire, including the red squirrel, crested tit and capercaillae. I spent a day in a hide on the Rothiemurchus Estate, built by Neil McIntyre, photographing the gorgeous red squirrels in the stunning heather-filled Caledonian forest. 
Red squirrel feeding with heather in foreground, Cairngorms (Bret Charman)
Red squirrel portrait on tree stump with heather, Cairngorms (Bret Charman)
Jumping red squirrel, Cairngorms National Park (Bret Charman)
Although I only spent the one day with the squirrels, I was easily able to capture a wide range of imagery, of which these are just a few.
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Roe Deer 2020

3/9/2020

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Well who expected 2020 to be like it has? It has been a year of change, uncertainty and anxiety for many, but the natural world goes on and I have tried to spend as much time as possible out photographing the roe deer once again. 

I may have not been able to lead my overseas photography tours for Wildlife Worldwide, but I just love being in the field with wildlife and capturing images. I hope you enjoy looking through this year's imagery of my beloved roe deer.
Roe deer female in spring grasses, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
Roe deer in sunlit grasses, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
This year I struggled to find any males to start with, instead focusing on a number of different females who had hidden their young around the estate I photograph on. 
Female roe deer in field of barley, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
Roe deer portrait in field of barley, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
Young roe deer in field of wheat, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
As summer intensified and the crops turned to the golden browns, the roe deer rut was in full swing and allowed me the opportunity to photograph roe bucks in their prime. 
Roe deer buck in golden barley, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck in a field of barley, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck in arable field margin, Hampshire (Bret Charman)
I am looking forward to 2021 to hopefully spend some time with the roe deer once again. They have become a big part of my life and probably what I am best known for within the UK.
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Rural Fox Cubs

21/7/2020

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For many years I have struggled to find a family of rural foxes which I was able to photograph. Most rural foxes, and rightly so, are very wary of people and I usually don't want to disturb them. This year though, I stuck gold when out cycling, I cam across a family of foxes sunbathing on a rural lane, so I decided to head back to photograph them. 

Upon arriving at the site I couldn't see anything, but I decided to stick it out and I was richly rewarded ... 
Fox cubs, Hampshire by Bret Charman
Fox cub portrait by Bret Charman
Fox cubs enjoying the evening sun by Bret Charman
Fox cub sleeping in the road
Fox cubs watching the photographer in road by Bret Charman
Fox cub in the rural road by Bret Charman
Fox cub resting in road in front of car by Bret Charman
As you can see, even a rural road gets traffic. Each time a car appeared, all of the cubs jumped into the hedgerow, taking cover in their earth and keeping out of trouble. Sadly, only a few days after I took the photo above, I found the body of this cub hidden in the hedge. It had been hit by a car and purposefully placed out of sight, it was a devastating blow and I was unable to photograph the family again - rightly so, the remaining cubs were very wary. It just goes to show the fragility of the natural world and the massive negative impact humanity has on the natural world. 
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Japan's Winter Wildlife

22/6/2020

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I remember seeing the first images of Japan in winter around 10 years ago, but I had no knowledge of the country and very little idea about the wildlife. However, at the start of 2019 I was asked whether I would like to lead Wildlife
Worldwide’s inaugural photography tour
to the country, during the snowy winter months, focusing on red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles and of course the much-loved Japanese macaques (or snow monkeys).

Firstly, if you decide to visit Japan, I can’t recommend Japan Airlines enough - they were truly exceptional. The majority of Japan’s wildlife is concentrated along the main island’s central spine or on some of the smaller, wilder islands such as Hokkaido. This is where my group spent the majority of their time, on the beautiful snowy island of Hokkaido.

We had wonderful sightings of whooper swan and red-crowned cranes during the first couple of days on the island. We had the chance to see a pair of Ural owls in the nearby forests and numerous woodland birds (many of which are recognisable to those from Europe). For me though, the species I was most looking forwards to seeing was the impressive Steller’s sea eagle. Let’s just say I wasn’t going to be disappointed …
Red-crowned cranes, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Leaping red-crowned crane, Hokkaido by Bret Charman, Japan
Calling red-crowned cranes, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Ural owl, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
We didn't have the best light for our time in Japan, particularly with the cranes - it was either too gloomy or too bright. Fussy photographers are a pain, but it does make such a big difference. It was really gloomy for my time with the swans, so I didn't really get anything worthwhile, but it was lovely just to watch them. 

After our time in the island's volcanic interior, it was time to head to the coast in search of Steller's and white-tailed eagle. 
White-tailed eagle in flight, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
White-tailed eagle taking off from the sea ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
White-tailed eagle portrait on sea ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
White-tailed eagle portrait, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle resting on sea ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle landing on ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Fighting Steller's sea eagles, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle in flight, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle portrait, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle pair on ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Steller's sea eagle portrait on ice, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
After heading out in to the see ice to photograph the eagles, we headed south towards a frozen lake for more eagle photography. There was also an opportunity to enjoy the glorious birdlife around a traditional onsen. The highlights here were the Japanese pygmy woodpecker, the Japanese sable (a member of the marten family) and the Blakiston's fish owl (the largest owl in the world). 
Picture
Japanese sable, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Blakiston's fish owl, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Black eared kites and eagles, Lake Furen, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Black-eared kit, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
White-tailed eagles squabbling, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
Mid-aire duel between white-tailed eagles, Hokkaido, Japan by Bret Charman
After an amazing week on the island of Hokkaido, enjoying the snowy conditions and stunning wildlife, it was time to head back to Tokyo. We spent a night in Tokyo before heading into the main island's centre to the city of Nagano. To be more precise we headed to the town of Yamanouchi, the perfect place to base ourselves for photographing the famed 'snow monkeys' or as they should be known, Japanese macaques. Sadly, there was a bit of a heat wave in the mountains and snow was rather lacking for the most part. 
Japanese macaque juvenile, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
Japanese macaque portrait, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
Japanese macaque on rocks, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
Japanese macaque portrait on rock, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
Japanese macaque juveniles play fighting, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
Japanese macaque in snow, Honshu, Japan by Bret Charman
So what can I say about Japan. Well, quite simply, it is fantastic. Don't expect to be on your own, there will nearly always be other people about, but it is still somewhere I recommend highly. For the opportunities to see Steller's sea eagles alone it is worth it. Be sure to join on Wildlife Worldwide's Japan's Winter Wildlife photography tour. 
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Zambia's Wildlife Photography Extravaganza – Week 4

2/5/2020

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It was my final week in Zambia, with my third group from Wildlife Worldwide arriving. It was another fantastic week and we were treated to some remarkable sightings. It was a week of lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and new-born impala.

We were blown away by some incredible game drives, with mating lions, a complete leopard hunt and lions gorging on numerous buffalo carcasses. Once again, I am going to leave you with the images to do the talking. Enjoy!
Young leopard in a tree, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Young leopard cub in a tree, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
African lion male, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Lioness, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Lioness portrait, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Lioness, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
The first days were all about the big cats, but there was so much more on offer throughout the week ...
Newborn impala, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Drinking lioness, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
African fish eagle, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Hyena with hippo skin, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Bushbuck, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Crowned hornbill, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Maribou stork, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
As the week progressed it seemed that we had a bit of a leopard fiesta, the sightings increased in the last couple of days and provided some excellent photography opportunities.
African leopard, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Leopard with baby impala kill, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Leopard walking, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Leopard walking along tree branch, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Leopard walking along branch, South Luangwa National Park, Africa by Bret Charman
Leopard resting on a branch of a tree, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
If you would like to join me in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, there are still a few places left in 2021. You can find out more and book your place on the Wildlife Worldwide website, alternatively please contact me for more information. 
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Zambia's Wildlife Photography Extravaganza – Week 3

24/4/2020

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It was my third week in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park and I was well and truly in the groove. Being in the African bush is where I feel most at home, it has a hold over me like nowhere else. It was now I really felt in tune with my surroundings and really in sync with the wildlife of this remarkable national park.

It was my second tour of the season leading for Wildlife Worldwide and it was another delightful group of people. Our local guide was Bwalya, who's love of photography and wildlife was immediately apparent. 

This week turned out to be the week of leopards and lions. We were blessed with numerous encounters and sightings and rewarded with some fantastic photography opportunities. Once again, rather than going in to too much detail, I will simply let the pictures do the talking.
Young leopard walking, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Crawshay's zebra, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Vervet monkey and baby, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
African leopard, panthera pardus, South Luangwa by Bret Charman
African leopard drinking, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Leopard with an impala kill, South Luangwa, Zambia by Bret Charman
Baby elephant, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Southern carmine bee-eater, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia by Bret Charman
Elephant shrew, South Luangwa by Bret Charman
Young male lion, South Luangwa National Park by Bret Charman
Lioness feeding on a buffalo carcass, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia by Bret Charman
As you can see from all of the images, my group and I were blessed with some amazing sightings. In fact, for me South Luangwa offers such incredible variety and world-class photography opportunities. These are only a taster of what we were able to enjoy, but I hope it inspires you to join me in 2021 (there are still a few places remaining). You can book your place here. 
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Zambia's Wildlife Photography Extravaganza – Week 2

15/2/2020

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My second week in Zambia was the first with my Wildlife Worldwide guests and our expert local guide was Jonathan (one of the excellent guiding team at Flatdogs Camp). We had an unbelievable week with numerous leopard sightings, but it was the lions who really stole the show. I had a fantastic group and we were lucky enough to enjoy an all-day game drive with over 30 lions seen, a leopard, countless elephant and some fantastic birds too.
​
Rather than waffle on, I will just share some of the highlights. Enjoy!
Carmine bee-eaters at sunset by Bret Charman
Red-billed quelea fly across the setting sun in South Luangwa National Park (Bret Charman)
Young African leopard in South Luangwa National Park (Bret Charman)
African lions watch a herd of elephants on the banks of the Luangwa River, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Lion cub resting on a termite mound, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
African leopard asleep on a tree, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Puku on the banks of the Luangwa River, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Southern carmine bee-eater resting on the bank of the Luangwa River, Zambia (Bret Charman)
African elephant mother with calf, Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (Bret Charman)
There are still a few places available in 2021 if you would like to join me in South Luangwa, you can find out more here. 
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Zambia’s Wildlife Photography Extravaganza– Week 1

4/1/2020

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Back in November 2020 I was privileged enough to lead three back-to-back photographic safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. I used to work in the Luangwa Valley, back before I worked in the UK in the wildlife travel business, so I am very familiar with the wildlife and it is like home from home for me. The week before my first guests arrived, I went to a national park I hadn’t previously heard of – Luambe National Park. In fact, a friend of mine (and my old boss) now runs the only accommodation in the park and offered to show me around.

So here is a little taster of my first week back in the Zambian bush, the place where I probably feel most at home. As well as Luambe, I went for a few game drives in the Mfuwe sector of South Luangwa National Park – so believe me when I tell you that the wildlife sightings were world class.
​
I hope you enjoy an image-based round up of week one … 
Leopard, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Nile crocodile, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Male lion,  South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
Lion cub, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
African wild dogs or painted wolves, Luambe National Park, Zambia (Bret Charman)
The African wild dogs (or painted wolves) were taken in Luambe National Park whilst staying at the truly stunning Luambe Camp. I can't recommend this remote and beautiful camp highly enough, so please do visit the website to find out more. 

P.S. The next few posts show even more variety and a whole host of cats ... 
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Romania's Danube Delta

9/12/2019

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​Back in September I went on a trip for Wildlife Worldwide to Romania’s Danube Delta (for the first time). I had heard great things about Europe’s largest river delta and knew whatever happened, I would experience somewhere completely different to anywhere I had been before. 
 
I stayed at the purpose-built property known as Ultimate Frontiera. Specially designed for wildlife photographers , the purpose-built hides are spread across the estate and provide the opportunities to photography a myriad of different species. On my first morning in the hides I was hoping to photograph the pygmy cormorant, an elusive and rarely seen species. I did get a couple of shots of pygmy cormorant, but it was a common kingfisher that proved to be a real delight, posing perfectly in front of the hide only a few metres away. I have tried photographing kingfishers in the UK and never had any luck, whether it be from purpose-built hides or sitting patiently on a river bank. So, finally, to be rewarded with shots like this was a real treat.
 
It wasn’t just kingfishers that proved to be particularly cooperative, we were treated to some great views of little owl, a wide variety of small woodland passerines, squacco heron and great white pelicans. We were even luckier in the fact we got to see a solitary Dalmatian pelican, of which there are fewer than 2,000 left in the world.
Common kingfisher, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Common kingfisher on branch, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Common kingfisher with blue background, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Little owl in window, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Little owl on abandoned building roof, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Squacco heron, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
It also proved to be a particularly reliable place to photography golden jackal, which are moving further west into Europe each year. 
 
It was a great place for anyone with a passion for bird photography, and I can only imagine that during the spring it is full of life. I highly recommend you join Wildlife Worldwide in May to get your very own Romanian bird photography fix.
 
I hope you like the pictures – and don’t forget to head off to Romania and see it for yourself!
Golden jackal, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
Great white pelicans, Danube Delta, Romania, Bret Charman
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Finland's Finest Wildlife

5/9/2019

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I have been extremely fortunate, leading photography trips to Finland’s remote Boreal forests for a few years now. However, the first night of the trip I led for Wildlife Worldwide earlier this year, was without doubt one of the finest wildlife watching/photography experiences of my life.

It all started as we settled into our hides for the first night. Our cameras were still being set up, we hadn’t even sat down when a young wolf appeared on the edge of the treeline. By the time we had all of our gear ready, the wolf had disappeared, but it didn’t take long for our first photographic opportunity. To start with, it was bears galore. Coming to feed on the scraps and carcass that had been left out (this is all done under license and is strictly regulated).
 
As the evening flew by the wolves were joined by a pair of wolves, the alpha male and the new alpha female. I know the male well, having photographed him many times before and I did see the female last year. Below you can see a number of images from across our 4 nights in the hides and the video of what proved to be a moment of a lifetime.
Brown bear in Finland by Bret Charman
Wolf in Finland by Bret Charman
Wolf and bear in Finland by Bret Charman
Wolf in Finland by Bret Charman
​As the light started to fade, a lone wolf was wandering across the marshy ground in front of the hides. It was then that another wolf begin to howl in the trees to our left. Incredibly the whole packed joined in, pups and all, and finally the lone wolf joined in too. As I write this I have goosebumps thinking back to it, a tingling sensation down my spine, for it was the most astonishing noise I have ever heard. To be so close to such an incredible evocative noise was a moment I will long cherish and to get it on camera is even more special. 
Bear in Finland by Bret Charman
Wolverine in Finland by Bret Charman
Wolverine in Finland by Bret Charman
Be sure to join me as I lead another Finland’s Boreal Predators photography tour for Wildlife Worldwide in 2020. 
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Summer Roe Deer

27/7/2019

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As those of you that follow my work regularly will know I spend my summers photographing a number of different species, but one I always return to is the roe deer. This species of deer (native to the UK) are particularly elusive, but are surely the most beautiful of species found here in the UK. I have spent many years perfecting my stalking and am very proud of the images I have been able to capture in the past.

This year I really feel that my work with the deer as at another level and I am really pleased with the results. The only downside is that after an incident I have been unable to run any workshops – my sincerest apologies to those that wanted to join me this year.

​Anyway, I will now just let the images do the talking – I hope you enjoy them … 
Roe deer buck, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck in field of oats, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck in field of oats, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck in barley, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer in field of oats, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck on edge of oil seed rape, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck backlit at sunset, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
Roe deer buck backlit at sunset, Hampshire, South Downs National Park (Bret Charman)
I hope you enjoyed looking through the above, I just wish I hadn't been driven away from the site for a period of time. Hopefully in 2020 I can offer the opportunity to come out with me once again.
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Puffins All Around Me

1/7/2019

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2019 marks the third year in a row that I have led dedicated photography tours to Skomer Island in Wales for Wildlife Worldwide, focusing on the charismatic Atlantic puffin. This rocky outcrop in the Irish Sea is home to nearly 30,000 puffins and a staggering 750,000 Manx shearwaters.
 
The weather on my two visits so far this year was pretty varied with sunshine, heavy rain and very strong winds all playing a roll. Sadly, during the evenings (when the puffins are most active) the weather was usually pretty dire – lots of rain, strong winds and sea spray.

Of course, I still managed to capture a few other shots which are worthy of a little attention. So sit back, relax and get your annual puffin-fix below … 
Puffin portrait in sea campion, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Atlantic puffins in flight, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Puffin with sand eels in bracken, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Puffin in bracken, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Puffin flying in the rain, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
I did have the privilege to enjoy one spectacular sunrise though and managed to capture some stunning shots of the birds as they returned to their nests. I also managed to get a few shots of razorbills, oystercatcers and guillemots. 
Razorbill perched on a cliff ledge, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Oystercatcher in bracken, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Guillemot flying at sunrise, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Atlantic puffin flying at sunrise, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Puffin portrait in the morning sun, Skomer Island, Wales (Bret Charman)
Be sure to join Wildlife Worldwide for Skomer's Perfect Puffins in 2020 - dates will be released in October so keep your eyes peeled. Depending on the dates I may well be back yet again.
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Back to Bears – Slovenia

22/6/2019

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This year marks the third year in a row I have been to Slovenia to photograph brown bears in the Dinaric Alps. As I am sure you all know, I am extremely lucky to travel far and wide for my work, but Slovenia has a certain something about it. Of all the trips I lead for Wildlife Worldwide, Slovenia is one of my absolute favourites.
 
Slovenia has moved into the 21st century without losing its charm, it still has character and its own identity. Idyllic mountain villages, breathtakingly placed churches, vast caves and exquisite wildlife all add to this charm offensive – I don’t know anywhere in the world that does it so well.
 
Of course the primary reason for visiting the Notranjska region of Slovenia is for its thriving population of bears. This year we were once again treated to some wonderful sightings of bears, all from the purpose-built hides. The first couple of days were a little slow, but I think the heavy rain and cold conditions were definitely a factor. After that though, we had good sightings of bear each evening, providing some fabulous photography opportunities. 
Brown bear, Slovenia (Bret Charman)
Standing brown bear, Slovenia (Bret Charman)
Slovenia's Dinaric Alps in the mist (Bret Charman)
White stork on nest with chicks, Slovenia (Bret Charman)
Brown bear in the forest, Slovenia (Bret Charman)
What I really love about photographing bears in Slovenia, compared to other places in Europe in particular, are the stunning forest settings in which the bears can be seen. You can build up a stunning portfolio in just a few days, and this year my group did just that.
 
I will be heading back to Slovenia in August for my own photography and I look forward to seeing the landscape at the end of summer. Sadly, in 2020, I will not be leading the Slovenia tour organised by Wildlife Worldwide as I will be leading in Svalbard instead – hopefully photographing some white bears instead. Rest assured though, the trip will be led by another talented photographer in Tom Mason, and the trip promises to be another roaring success. 
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Red Fox Cubs

1/6/2019

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I explore an area of the South Downs National Park which is rich in wildlife, with a wide variety of species. However, red fox are a species which are particularly hard to photograph in rural areas and here it is no different. I have been trying to find a fox den for years, but without any luck.
 
At the start of May I was walking down a track which is rarely used. The grass was already high and bending over the tyre marks, but there some fifty yards away was a fox cub. At first I thought the poor thing must have passed away, but as I crept up to where it was, I noticed it was breathing. I sat back and watched it shuffle a couple of times, trying to get comfortable and so I slowly made my approach.
 
To my astonishment, the fox cub stayed fast asleep, the ears didn’t even twitch as I crept ever closer. Eventually I was probably ten yards away and I just sat there watching. What an incredible privilege, what joy I had over the next fifteen moments or so. 
o edit.
Red fox cub sleeping, South Downs National Park, Hampshire, UK
Sleepy red fox cub, Hampshire, UK
​Eventually the cub woke up, realised I was a potential threat and trotted off into the woods. I knew at this age the cub couldn’t be far from the den so I headed up into the woods and within minutes I had found the earth. I sat and waited by a nearby tree and was then treated to the following close encounter. I will never fully be able to comprehend the close approach of one of four fox cubs that evening, but it was an encounter that will stick with me for a long time. 
Red fox cub by earth, Hampshire, UK
Red fox cub portrait, South Downs National Park, UK
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Nagarhole – India’s Hidden Gem

4/5/2019

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I have been to India numerous times before and it goes without saying that the main draw is the largest of the world’s cats, the tiger. However, there is so much more on offer in this remarkable country and earlier this year I visited a state I had not previously been to, Karnataka.
 
I led a non-photographic trip, acting as a naturalist guide, in Nagarhole National Park. This is without a doubt, one of the finest reserves I have been to on the Indian subcontinent, a forest reserve that plays host to a staggering array of species. There are tiger here, needless to say, but it is the chance of seeing a black leopard that draws many to these foothills to the Western Ghats. When you throw in traditional leopards, Asian wild dog, wild Asian elephant, sloth bear and countless bird species, it really is a wildlife-lover’s paradise.
 
As it wasn’t a photographic trip, I only managed to get some quick snaps, but hopefully these following images give you a real taste of what is on offer here … 
Leopard in a tree, Nagarhole National Park, India
A sleeping leopard in Nagarhole National Park, India
Male tiger in Nagarhole National Park
Asian wild dogs, Nagarhole National Park
Asian wild dog, Nagarhole National Park, India
Sloth bear and wild elephant, Nagarhole National Park, India
What a place Nagarhole is. All I can really say is that you need to book on to a Wildlife Worldwide’s Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards trip for 2020. 
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Red Squirrels in the Cairngorms

27/3/2019

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Earlier this year I was asked to help out on Wildlife Worldwide’s photography trip to the Cairngorms, which was focused on the region’s population of red squirrel. These charming little mammals, the only native squirrel species within the UK, are an absolute delight and within a few days the whole group had built up a stunning array of images.
 
As I was only really there to assist James Shooter, I didn’t take all that many images, but at least it gives you an idea of the wonderful opportunities on offer and James is a great host/leader.
 
I hope you enjoy the following images and be sure to join the 2020 departure with James. 
Red squirrel, Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (Bret Charman)
Red squirrel, Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (Bret Charman)
Red squirrel, Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (Bret Charman)
Red squirrel, Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (Bret Charman)
Red squirrel, Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (Bret Charman)
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Zimbabwe's Mana Pools: The Dynasties Sequel - Part 4

7/2/2019

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At the end of the dry season, the heat in Mana Pools National Park just seems to build up and up. A natural crescendo, until eventually the rains come and bring a little relief. In early November though, the rains had still not arrived and day time temperatures were regularly hitting 44 degrees Celsius.

​Driving through the park on this particular morning, it felt like you were in the firing line of an industrial hairdryer, a stifling, warm breeze filling the air and making it feel a little uncomfortable. We were back in search of the wild dogs once more. Having spent the previous afternoon on the river, it seemed like we had to catch up with the dogs and find out what they were up to.

​However, no matter how hard we tried, we were unable to find the dogs on this particular morning. Instead we found a very sociable, and approachable, flock of long-tailed starlings. When a group of wildlife photographers are together,  any slightly different  subject just means you have something new to focus on. Later on we managed to find the small pride of lions, two adult females and a young male and spent a bit of time watching and photographing them before heading back to camp for lunch.
Long-tailed (Meves') starling (Bret Charman)
Young male lion, Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
Immature male lion, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Bret Charman)
​The majority of the group decided to go out on the river once more this afternoon, all but one, who wanted to head out after the dogs once more. In order to keep the group size manageable for the canoe safari, I headed out with the one client and our guide Daryl. Well there is no other way to describe the afternoon with the dogs, other than that it was pretty magical. It was only going to be a shorter game drive/walk as we had arranged a BBQ on the banks of the Zambezi up stream of our camp.

​We found the dogs resting in the same drying river gulley we had left them a few days earlier. As there was only three of us, we slowly made our way towards the pack, taking our time and keeping the noise to a minimum. The whole pack were so incredibly relaxed and we were able to get extremely close. This encounter was right up there with my very best anywhere in the world, probably only coming second to coming face-to-face with the gorillas.
Sleeping African wild dog, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
Painted wolf fast asleep, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
​I am not really going to say much more, other than that it was a real privilege. The following pictures and footage can do all the talking for me. 
Playing painted wolf puppies, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
African wild dog puppies greet each other in shallow pool, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Bret Charman)
African wild dog pup greets and adult, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Bret Charman)
Painted wolf pups bonding, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
Sleepy wild dog pups, Zimbabwe (Bret Charman)
Yawning African wild dog, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
Painted wolf portrait, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
If you would like to join me in October 2019, we still have a few spaces remaining. You can find out more and book your place by visiting the Wildlife Worldwide website. 
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Zimbabwe's Mana Pools: The Dynasties Sequel - Part 3

5/2/2019

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t was the half-way point on Wildlife Worldwide’s inaugural Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography tour, but today would prove to be a little different. As with any day in Mana Pools National Park, we arose bright and early, ready to search for the painted wolves once more.
 
This morning it took as a while to find the dogs, they had moved deep into the scrub, away from the alluvial plains of the Zambezi and we found them resting near a dry pan. The habitat here reminded me of some the southern areas of South Luangwa, it was very different from the open forest of the valley floor. The pack were busy doing what they do best after a night’s rest, playing. The young adults and the pups were running around at full pelt, leaping over fallen trees, just enjoying themselves. It is always an honour when wild animals allow you to approach to on foot and we were spoiled on this particular morning.
 
About an hour after we had climbed out of the vehicles, the alpha pair decided it was time to move on in a determined manner. This usually only means one thing, they are looking for breakfast. The speed at which the dogs can move is incredible. African wild dogs are athletes of the highest pedigree and in order to keep up with them, we had to jump in the vehicles once more. 
Painted wolves play in Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
African wild dog, Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
​They were heading back down onto the flood plain and when we caught up with them they were half heartedly chasing a warthog. Then, in a bizarre moment, a small herd of impala approached the dogs and a more determined hunt began. This time, when we had caught up with the pack, they had brought down a pregnant impala. The following images highlight what happened next … 
African wild dogs with impala kill (Bret Charman)
Painted wolf puppies play with the carcass of an unborn impala fawn (Bret Charman)
Blacktip and her pack feed on an impala carcass in Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
The pack seemingly target pregnant female impala at the end of the dry season and on this particular morning they pulled down an individual with an unborn youngster. Of course, sights like this are hard to see, but it is nature and to witness this behaviour is actually an honour. You can see two of the pups above playing with the foetus. 

Once the dogs had finished with the kill, the hyenas quickly moved in ... 
Young spotted hyena waits to feed on a wild dog kill (Bret Charman)
Two hyenas fight over an impala carcass in Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
After watching the hyenas fight over the impala remains, we followed the wild dogs down to long pool. We left them to it and decided to spend a little time photographing a pod of hippos. 
Picture
The afternoon was a different proposition altogether. My group had gone out looking for the painted wolves on every single drive, so we decided that this afternoon we would head out on a canoe safari down the mighty Zambezi. 

If you haven't ever been on a canoe safari ... well you must! Here is a little taster for you. The proximity you can have with the elephants when on a canoe is truly remarkable. The video footage below was taken on my phone ... 
Picture
Elephant in the waters of the Zambezi River (Bret Charman)
Canoe safari on the Zambezi with elephants (Bret Charman)
Elephants cross the Zambezi River on the edge of Mana Pools National Park (Bret Charman)
Be sure to join me later this year in Mana Pools for incredible encounters with African wild dogs and elephants. Please visit the Wildlife Worldwide website for more information. 
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Zimbabwe's Mana Pools: The Dynasties Sequel – Part 2

4/1/2019

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​With the start of our trip to Mana Pools being so successful, particularly with the African wild dogs, the pressure was off and the whole group could just enjoy themselves. There is nothing better for me as a leader than knowing your group are happy after their first couple of days on safari.
 
When I asked everyone what they wanted to focus on for the next few days, half the group said they would like to try their luck with the southern carmine bee-eater colony, while the other half wanted to keep following the dogs. I kept with the wild dog group to keep numbers nicely balanced and we had a brilliant time with the dogs.
 
It took a little time to find the dogs this morning as they had moved some distance overnight. Nick Murray (our guide and the BBC’s Dynasties series guide) and I used our combined tracking skills to eventually find the dogs much further to the east. The pack had come across a small herd of zebra and decided that this was a good lesson for the pups. Zebra are not typical prey for these painted wolves, they focus their efforts on impala, but that is all part of the learning curve for young dogs.
 
We watched them play with the zebra for 10 minutes or so before they went off at high speed after a herd of impala. Even in the vehicle we couldn’t keep up, such was their speed. When we eventually caught up with them, they had found a warthog and were desperately trying to catch it. However, every time they got close the warthog, which was a very healthy large male, he backed himself into a drainage culvert. 
Wild dog sunrise, Mana Pools NP, Zimbabwe
Picture
Zebra chasing off a curious painted wolf, Mana Pools NP, Zimbabwe
African wild dogs at sunrise in Mana Pools NP
​Eventually the pack gave up and just went about the daily routine of getting ready for their siesta. This is a great time to photograph the dogs as the sun is often still low in the sky, meaning you get some lovely rich light. At the same time, a large bull elephant appeared and started to browse the high branches of a fruiting sausage tree. We were truly blessed with some excellent photography. We also came across a small pride of lion just a hundred yards or so from where we had a breakfast stop on the banks of the Zambezi. 
Bull elephant feeding on sausage tree, Mana Pools NP
Wild dog portrait, Mana Pools NP
Painted wolves of Mana Pools NP, Zimbabwe
Wild dogs in the shade of a tree, Mana Pools NP
African wild dogs on open flood plain of Mana Pools NP
Lioness in Mana Pools NP
​After a little while, all the dogs eventually crossed a drying pool and ended up resting in a shady dry gully, where the sandy soil was still moist with small pools of water. We found the dogs in the same spot in the afternoon before they suddenly got up, crossed one of the small pools and sprinted across the open plain towards the higher ground of the park.
Wild dog running through water in Mana Pools NP, Zimbabwe
Above the floodplain the vegetation is radically different and we lost the dogs in the thick undergrowth. It was only the noise of the dogs on a kill that meant we were able to locate them in a dense thicket. The photography opportunities here were limited, but the proximity to the pack and their kill was incredible.
 
It all got rather exciting as the light started to fade. As we were watching the pack finish off the last scraps of the impala carcass, a small herd of elephants arrived on the scene. Within moments the elephants had the scent of the wild dogs and charged – the only issue was that we were between the two and we had to make a very speedy retreat and move back towards the vehicles. Our guides were absolutely excellent, keeping the group out of harms way without any hesitation or panic. Clear, calm and incisive commands kept us all safe with some heightened adrenaline levels. 
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