June 2026

June began with me still on Mull, having extended my stay to cover off a few additional and most welcome workshops. They were, however, somewhat hindered by the weather, which was very unlike what June is normally.

Golden eagles were the subject for two of them, and we only managed sightings on one of the days, as the other was a total washout, with low cloud making it appear to be foggy, with almost zero visibility.

So my image for the month of June comes from a last-minute trip down to the south east of England, a vacation which followed on from celebrating my oldest brother's 60th birthday in the Midlands. It was hot, and photography was very much limited to the early mornings and late afternoons. 

Despite this, one evening stood out, as it was a lovely reminder of my time when I used to run a little owl workshop near my old home in the Midlands. This time, we were hoping to see a barn owl at a nature reserve in Essex, when we heard the call of a little owl chick.

I instantly recognised it, as it was something I yearned to hear each summer, as it signalled a busy season for clients, most of whom wanted photographs of these fluffy characters.

On this occasion though, we returned the following day and listened for the call, to try to work out where in the old oak trees they were hiding. After a few fleeting glimpses, we managed to get a decent view of one of the owlets as it made its way through the branches, and grabbed a few shots.

Nothing technically or artistically special, but another moment to be treasured, and in great company.