Earlier this month, I announced my commitment to a “big year”—an ambitious challenge to spot as many bird species as possible throughout 2026. If you’re curious about the journey, stick around for monthly updates where I’ll share highlights, surprises, lessons from the field, and of course, a selection of photos from my sightings.

Being present can mean a hundred different things depending on who you ask. For me, it’s the ability to set aside whatever is happening in life and focus fully on the moment in front of you. And when it comes to wildlife, that skill becomes essential.

As I’ve said before, wildlife is unpredictable. One second something is there, the next it’s gone. That’s part of the magic. For me, spending time with British wildlife is an escape from the noise of day‑to‑day life — a chance to slow down, breathe, and simply observe. Whether you’re sitting in one spot for hours or you’ve only just arrived somewhere, being present is everything.

After a tough day in 2021, I took a walk to clear my head—and found myself face-to-face with a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting at Tewkesbury Abbey. That unexpected encounter with wild beauty sparked something in me. With just one photo and a head full of awe, I began a journey that would change my life. This post is the story of how one moment with nature turned into a passion for wildlife photography—and why I believe looking up can sometimes be the best way to move forward.