Of course gardens aren't only
about flowers, plants, water, structures and features, it is also home to an
abundance of different types of wildlife. There are many from the small micro
world through birds to visiting larger mammals. There are also different types
of wildlife depending on whether you are in a town or country garden. So what is
the potential for wildlife in the garden:
Small Wildlife will
include bees, butterflies, moths, flies, water features may attract dragonflies,
frogs, toads and midges. Some of these may even get in the way when trying to do
a portrait of your favourite plant. Other times with the right equipment you
will be able to get a portrait of the creature, but be quick many of these move fast
especially when you get too close.
For taking good photos of things close up,
implement some of the techniques explained in
Macro or micro photography,
which also outlines the advantages and
effect, as well as the differences in terminology between manufacturers.
Birds - there are many
UK garden birds from the traditional Robin to blackbird, and larger species such
as pigeon, magpie or crow and also the colourful Goldfinch. If you live in the
countryside or near to a wood then you may also get a visit from a
Great Spotted Woodpecker
on your bird feeder or a
Green
Woodpecker
on your lawn. Birdfeeders and bird
baths will help to attract them more frequently so that you can build up a
picture of their habits.
Mammals - some
visitors to the garden may include, rats, badgers, foxes, and at night bats.
Countryside Gardens
you will see many of those listed above, but you may also find
Pheasants
and
partridges, like the
Red-Legged Partridge
or
Grey
Partridge,
will visit from nearby fields, field mice and maybe the occasional
visit from a Sparrowhawk or other bird of prey.
Town Gardens on the
other
hand will be more likely to see pigeons,
Grey Squirrels,
and cats! along with the
smaller wildlife around.
Public Parks, often in
towns will contain lakes and streams and often these will have
Swans,
a variety
of ducks, moorhens, coots and a wide variety of bugs of every type.
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A Grasshopper
A Toad
Ornamental Ducks
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