WINTER is a time of great beauty in Scotland. The frosty white landscapes and dramatic snowcapped mountains are particularly appealing to those with an interest in outdoor photography, and especially those keen in snapping wildlife.
Home to vast expanses of protected ground and two spectacular national parks, this country is regarded as one of the world’s key wildlife-watching destinations.
But like a lot of things, sometimes we don’t take advantage of what’s on our doorstep.
But that will change if Chris Packham gets his way. He’s keen to see more people spend their weekends getting closer to nature.
A wildlife enthusiast and expert, Chris has previously worked on the BBC’s Really Wild Show and Nature’s Calendar, but he’s also a renowned wildlife photographer.
Earlier this month, he was in Perthshire enjoying an Alpine Safari, courtesy of Aberfeldy’s Highland Safaris, and looking for elusive winter white creatures to photograph in their natural habitat.
“It’s a good time to be out in the environment, particularly for photographers, as the snow simplifies the landscape and cuts a lot of the detail out,” said Chris.
“The animals stand out from their environment so you can have quite a nice plain background with them to the fore.
“It helps, of course, when you have someone with great local knowledge at your side: our guide, Donald, was excellent and, thanks to him, we saw buzzards and red deer and we spotted otter tracks in the snow down by the riverside.
“There is a fantastic network of resources which is affordable and accessible to all available, so make use of them.”
Creatures to look out for at this time of year include the mountain hare, snow bunting, ptarmigan (if you can reach them safely), long-tail ducks and eider, deer and pine marten.
To get started, Chris has the following tips:
STEP 1
If you have received a new camera as a Christmas present, get used to it. Spend a lot of time learning what it can do, and learn how to work it properly.
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours quietly stalking an animal such as a deer, only for you to mess things up at the last minute because you can’t work the camera properly.
STEP 2
Practise close to home at first. At this time of year, you will have more birds than usual in the garden because they’re desperate for food and perhaps not so flighty as they would be normally.
That means you can get closer to them, so practise taking pictures of the wildlife in your garden or local park.
It’s good to practise with tame animals and birds first, so you learn your limits and learn not to freak the animals out.
STEP 3
Think about what sort of wildlife you want to take photographs of and do research to find about its habits and habitat.
Use the internet to find as many pictures of, for example, a deer as you can. Use these to learn what it is about certain pictures that you like, such as the position of the deer, the angle the pic has been taken from and so on.
Figure out what everyone else has done and try to come up with something new yourself. Learning from others saves a lot of time.
STEP 4
Find out which area you are most likely to see the animal or bird you wish to photograph. This is where expert local knowledge comes in.
Consider going out with a guide, even if it’s just a one-off, as they have good local knowledge and expertise.
STEP 5
Always respect the wildlife. Taking photographs is in itself an exploitative process as you are taking something from it. You are interacting with the animal’s environment, which means there’s always the potential to disturb it.
Never disturb nests and take care not to frighten the animals, as their welfare is vitally important.
STEP 6
Use your car as a hide. In the winter months, many animals, such as deer, come down from the hills to the roadside. Put black bags on to your window and use your car as a temporary hide from which to take pictures.
“I’ve been lucky enough to take photographs of some wonderful creatures in Scotland, but I’ve yet to snap a wildcat – it’s one of my ambitions to take a picture of one,” said Chris.
“My favourite animal is the pine marten.
“They are exquisitely beautiful, an extraordinary predator and cute. I don’t normally do cute – I’m keen on predators – but the pine marten is the perfect combination.
“Good locations to see pine martens include Loch Morlich, Speyside and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.”
What may start out as a pleasant walk where you try something a little different may well turn into a fascinating hobby.
So why not wrap up warmly and get closer to Scotland’s stunning winter wildlife this weekend.
For more information about Chris see: www.chrispackham.co.uk.
For ideas of places to visit and wildlife to look out for, click on to www.visit scotland.com/whiteinvite or call 0845 22 55 121.
1. White-tailed eagles in the west of Scotland
2. Friendly reindeer with their distinctive white tails
3. The white wolves and polar bear at the Highland Wildlife Park
4. Feathered whites at the Scottish Seabird Centre
5. White winter mountain hares
6. Snowdrops
7. Beautiful little snow buntings
8. The spectacular plumage of the ptarmigan
9. A gaggle of wintering geese
10. The white stag – capture this and consider yourself very lucky indeed.