About Me

[Photo of Simon] Most of my early years were spent outside walking around Start Point with an old 35mm "Zenith E" camera trying to take pictures of sea birds without much success. When I used to get the films back, 35 out of 36 pictures were a blur and I would get one good one, which really was the story for me before digital. One good thing pre-digital did was taught me how to sneak up on birds and animals and it made me study my prey more and this has stood me in good stead since.

This website was started in 2006 after I gave myself a challenge of taking a picture of every species of bird in the UK, a very rash challenge which I thought would take me years. But also I was getting annoyed with other websites that I used to send sightings and photos in to them, but I was ignored. There is unfortunately a little "snobbery" about so I thought sod you and do it myself.

The blog was started in October 2008 and has gone from strength to strength and it's good to get the positive feedback, especially out in the field.

Whilst out taking pictures of our feathered friends, I've been taking pictures of other wildlife I have seen. Including birds, I have 20 galleries ranging from dolphins to dragonflies, wildflowers to butterflies. Up until July 2019 all the pictures were taken in the UK, but have started to put pictures from abroad such as my trip to Svalbard, so please do take a browse.

The Out and About section has grown to cover places of interest such as reserves in 19 counties and islands of England. Due to the many places I have visited in Scotland I have had to split this into three, the Scottish Borders, Scottish Islands and the Scottish Mainland with other references to Wales. I am also trying to compact some of the entries and add more internet links to keep up to date.

I am hopeful that I will be able to continue to improve the website, especially with the educational side of the picture gallery.

After 33 years of working in Special Education I have sort of semi-retired as the job was making me ill - being out with the camera in wild places has been an absolute joy and the best medicine you can have. Work-wise I have no idea what the future brings, and to be honest I don't care, but exploring the UK and further afield is a must, so keep watching the blog!

I have been very privileged to have met wildlife experts who have shared their expertise with me, like the Barn Owl Trust and the wardens and volunteers at Dawlish Warren. Birders, photographers, farmers and game keepers have pointed me in the right direction and I thank them for trusting me on their land. Lastly I want thank family and friends for their support, and the lady that likes tulips ;o) for their constant encouragement and pushing me to do something with the little bit of talent I have.

I hope you enjoy looking at the website.

Simon :o)

© Simon Thurgood 2024
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