SOMERSET LEVELS - RSPB Ham Wall

Join me on an exhilarating journey to the breathtaking landscapes of RSPB Ham Wall, nestled in the heart of the enchanting Somerset Levels. In this captivating KZbin video, I immerse myself in the rich biodiversity and natural wonders of this stunning nature reserve, embarking on what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable photography experiences of my life.
As I step into this sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, the serene ambiance instantly envelops me, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure. With my camera in hand and a heart brimming with anticipation, I traverse the winding trails that lead me deeper into the heart of Ham Wall.
With each step, I am greeted by a symphony of birdsong and the rustling of reeds, a testament to the vibrant ecosystem that thrives within these wetlands. From elusive waterfowl to majestic raptors, every corner of Ham Wall presents a new photographic opportunity, each more mesmerising than the last.
Capturing the essence of this pristine wilderness becomes my mission as I lose myself in the beauty of the surroundings. Whether it's the graceful flight of a Bittern or the playful antics of wildfowl frolicking in the water, every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be immortalised through my lens.
As the day unfolds, I find myself utterly entranced by the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that paint the landscape. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a magical glow over the marshes, adding an ethereal quality to my photographs and etching this experience into my memory forever.
But perhaps the true magic of RSPB Ham Wall lies not just in its picturesque vistas, but in the sense of connection it fosters with the natural world. In a fast-paced world where moments of tranquility are rare, this sanctuary offers a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary souls alike.
So come along on this visual feast as I share the highlights of my unforgettable day at RSPB Ham Wall. From the thrill of the chase to the quiet moments of reflection, this video is a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us and a reminder of the importance of preserving it for generations to come.
"Come and see what I see"
If you enjoyed this video and would like to show your support then please visit my buy me a coffee website linked below:
buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy

[@gdreading9088]

Hi Dan, good vlog. We love RSPB Ham Wall it's a magical place at any time of the year. Thanks for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I’ll definitely be returning to the reserve in the not too distant future as I’m sure there’s lots more to discover 👍🏻

[@docbphotography28]

Looks like a great place. Great vid / excellent images. Love that Bittern - perfect.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Debra, really appreciate the comment and support 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Brilliant shots of the Bittern Dan, and a very entertaining video as always.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@littlesue2633]

Great video! And so glad Pops is doing well. 🤗

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Sue, appreciate it 😊

[@garywebster8355]

Fantastic bitten shots.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Gary, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Fantastic Dan, been to Ham Wall a few times, truly fantastic place. Not been as lucky with the bitterns though, those images you took of it are just stunning! Ian 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it. Lucky day for the Bittern to fly so close 👍🏻

[@FrankH-sz1ln]

Another superb video Dan. That first Bittern shot is top drawer. I remember the first time I heard a Bittern at Leighton Moss, sounded like someone circling the top of a wine glass, although I had no clue until I saw some info there and it mentioned the Bittern call. Appreciate your time and tips.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Frank I really appreciate it. I enjoyed reading your experience of Bitterns at Leighton Moss, they really are the most unusual sound to hear 👍🏻

[@kevinwheeler4756]

Somerset levels are a great place It takes week to explore them to the full So many places to visit down there

[@jon_green_photography]

Totally agree. I often struggle to decide which place to visit...westhay, shapwick, grey lake all excellent!

[@kevinwheeler4756]

@@jon_green_photography you are scratching the surface with those three Everybody goes to ham wall because it is RSPB but there is so much more in the area if you are prepared to explore

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Kevin I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@michelbialek7567]

Très belle vidéo et superbes photos, chez moi le busard des marais et des roseaux a disparu . Salutations et bon rétablissement à votre Papa Amicalement Michel

[@danwillis_photography]

Merci beaucoup, j'apprécie vraiment. Je suis attristé d'apprendre que les marais et les busards des marais ont disparu dans votre région. Prenez soin de vous et bonne chance 👍🏻

[@jon_green_photography]

Awesome video Dan. A place also local to me so I enjoyed this one ☺️. So much so you inspired me to spend the morning there yesterday with my family. Probably the best day I've had there in fact. First time I've seen the glossy Ibis and loads of marsh harriers about flying quite close! Alas no bittern this time. Your picture was incredible. I photographed one there last year but the heat haze ruined the shot🤦🏼‍♂️

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks so much Jon and I am really pleased that you had a fantastic time there with your family and the video inspired you to visit. I have had heat haze destroy images in the past, it really is a nightmare. All the very best 👍🏻

[@jeanlouis83]

hello Dan, how's Pops? a very good videos with a head the bittern, Bravo

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you very much Jean Louis, Pops is doing great. His surgery was a success and he is well on the way to a full recovery ❤️‍🩹

[@garystone6583]

Hi Dan, new to your channel. Have enjoyed this video, as my in-laws lived in Somerton not far away. Have visited Ham Wall in the past. Will hopefully go back again after watching you there

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Gary and welcome to the channel, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@richardcotton4267]

Great video Dan once again. So pleased you got your lens back. Much better than a mobile. How do I get you a coffee😁

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard I really appreciate it. Thanks for considering a coffee, please click on the link below: buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy Thanks and all the very best 👍🏻

[@Bird_in_camera]

What was happening around 3 minutes?, i kept going into my kitchen to see what my dogs were doing - but they were asleep, came back to the TV and - again, what's going off. Great video again, nice to see your Nature reserve videos as it gives good ideas for trips. I like Magnums too - one day last year, visited RSPB coombes valley on a really hot day and i had THREE........................definately a Chris Packham thigh rubbing moments

[@danwillis_photography]

I think you are referring to the dog making noises in the background at 3 minutes 😂 Thanks very much mate, it certainly was a Chris Packham thigh rubbing experience! 3 magnums in one sitting 😱😱😱 that’s quite the feat 👍🏻

[@Bird_in_camera]

@@danwillis_photography no, 3 throughout the day.

[@doubles6508]

Saw marsh harriers at Martin mere last week, stunning birds. Sadly didn't see the bitterns.

[@danwillis_photography]

I do like Martin Mere, a fabulous reserve

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks Dan, great video. I had not heard of this reserve before. With a really early start this is in range for me so going on my "To Do" list.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian I really appreciate it. Well worth the early get up, it's a fantastic reserve 👍🏻

[@SwanSycorax]

@@danwillis_photography I plan to try to get there in early June. Can't get there any earlier as about to head off to Budapest and a cruise on the Danube for two weeks taking in the Danube Delta. Hoping for many photo opportunities!!!

[@danwillis_photography]

@@SwanSycorax sounds absolutely amazing, have a wonderful trip mate 👍🏻

[@andywhiteside16]

Fantastic shots Dan. hope pops is doing well

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it. Pops is doing great, thanks for asking 👍🏻

[@rikarthur8969]

Dan, how is it possible to be sitting in the Extremadura surrounded by nightingales and bee-eaters, vultures and eagles only to be anticipating the first opportunity to get back and down to Ham Wall? Lovely video, great shots of the bittern and especially that post-dive grebe. Keep’ em coming…

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much mate, that’s probably one of the best compliments I’ve ever had. Really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@phillipalmond4357]

Absolutely a brilliant place, just wish I had more time there to photograph the wildlife there. 🙂👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Phillipa, you and me both 👍🏻

[@user-rl5uk4cr2c]

Brilliant video and photos of the bittern see brilliant starling sittings few years back 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Dave I really appreciate it. I have heard that the starling murmurations are very good at this reserve 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

What spectacular image of the bittern dan. Glad that pops is doing well can’t wait to see pops back on your channel

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers John, always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. All the very best 👍🏻

[@adelacour]

Ham Wall, is definitely on my Itinerary for my next UK trip. Thanks Dan great video and some lovely shots, especially the Bittern.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it and can thoroughly recommend RSPB Ham Wall 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Well that certainly gave us a terrific selection of birdlife Dan , I do love reedbed habitat, great Bittern capture, hard enough to get a glimpse let alone a photograph, I dipped out on a Red spotted blue throat this morning up the Northumberland coast, can't win them all , lovely video as usual, cheers Derek 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, I really appreciate it. Shame you didn't get the shot you were looking for but I guess if it was easy it wouldn't be as much fun (at least that's what I tell myself on days like that 😂). All the best 👍🏻

[@Terrytheartist]

Wow a great video again Dan, some great photos of some of our countries finest birds! I totally agree about knowing your camera, I’ve stressed this to many people, almost every button and dial on my camera is customised to do a certain job and if it means practicing on the local pigeons or Sparrows then that’s what I do to make sure the muscle memory doesn’t let me down on those special never to be missed shots 👍📷🦅 cheers Terry

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Terry. I’m glad you agree with the importance of practicing and understanding your camera, it really does make such a difference. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

That's a wonderful looking place for photography. Thanks so much for bringing us along! Thanks for the update on Pops. You guys are great! Say hello to your "camera Lady" for me. It must be great to have such a relationship!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. My wife says hi 👍🏻

[@johnhughes7062]

Cracking images of the bittern Dan, pleased to heart your dads doing well

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@markprice470]

Loving the videos Dan - great photos and love all the info 🙂 great inspiration!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mark I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@nigelfairclough4598]

Great to hear that Pops is doing well. How is your Z9 doing?? Any news on when its coming back?? Or have you got it back already??

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nigel. I got my Z9 back as soon as I returned from my trip to Bristol. The guys at A J Johnstone in Glasgow have done a first class job for me 👍🏻

[@debbiesmith2332]

Great video, Dan and brilliant photos - especially loved the bittern in flight. Hope I take some bittern shots as good as yours one day. Glad to hear Pops is doing well. Look forward to seeing him with you in a video very soon.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Debbie I really appreciate it. I am certain you will get the shots you are looking for if you keep visiting the right locations. It has taken me a long time to see Bitterns, let alone photograph them 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

Another great spot and stunning photographs of a Bittern. I've never heard the call of a Bittern which was really unusual.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John I really appreciate it. It really is a very unique call isn't it 👍🏻

[@user-cy4oe5ef9s]

Great video again Dan. My favourite reserve to visit. Glad you got some superb shots of the Bittern and it was nice to meet you. Rob Arundell.

[@danwillis_photography]

The pleasure was all mine Rob, thank you for taking the time to stop and chat to me I really appreciated it 👍🏻

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

I've spent many days at Ham Wall myself. A great spot. Those photos you took of the Bittern were awesome. Nice work 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

[@simonpendleton6005]

What a great trip you've had down there, stunning pictures again

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Simon I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@stephencooper8565]

Outstanding bittern photos , cracking video 👏👏

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@geraldgill2416]

Excellent video Dan, R.S.P.B. Ham Wall is my second home it's a wonderful place, had you walked a little further I'm sure you would have seen the *Cranes* Meg and her partner she is a very beautiful 6ft tall lady.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Gerald, we would have definitely ventured further however we had our little French bulldog with us that day and so were limited where we could visit. Would love a reserve like this to be my second home, all the best 👍🏻

[@jennysimpson9422]

Nice to see you in my part of the world. Ham Wall is just one of many excellent areas on the Somerset Levels for wild life photography I regularly see Barn Owls and cranes. I have seen as many as 70!during the winter months fly into another one of our RSPB reserves. Great vidoe

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jenny I really appreciate it. You are very lucky to have such wonderful reserves on your doorstep 👍🏻

[@philparker97]

Of course the Bittern was excellent, but there was something about the Rook and the Lapwing that made it stand out from others! Great video as usual.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Phil, I have to say I enjoyed the Rook and Lapwing shot so thanks for saying that 👍🏻

[@CamillaI]

What a Bittern fly by that was amazing. Just the sort of luck you need . I would have gone home then but it is a great Reserve . Amazing great video 🙂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, it was an incredible experience to see it fly so close let alone photograph it. All the best 👍🏻

[@oneoldgit]

Got grass snake photos under the first bridge you crossed

[@danwillis_photography]

We had been told about the possibilities of grass snakes and they had been seen earlier that day but not when we were there unfortunately.

[@andywilson3381]

Lovely Dan, cracking bittern shot 👍 one of my favourite reserves to go to!

[@danwillis_photography]

I can fully understand why, a fantastic reserve. Cheers Andy and all the best 👍🏻

[@smiffy5467]

My favourite reserve, seen so much there from grass snake, otter all the birds and the dragonfly roosts are fantastic…. You need a bug detergent though… Nice one Dan… 👍🇬🇧

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Smiffy I really appreciate it. It certainly is a place I will be returning to 👍🏻

[@DavidPoole-go5fo]

Bittern, fabulous images Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much David I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Dan, What a great place, super images.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@marvinetchiadventure_vlog2409]

Bravo 🎈🎊🍾🎉 c’est vraiment magnifique 🤩

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Marvinetchi I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@fraud1able]

Another awesome video mate.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jason I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@jglover4444]

Come on Dan...get a grip man ..West Ham...West Ham !! What’s happening?...anyway I’m off to visit Leighton Orient at the weekend....God it’s catching, I mean Moss!!

[@danwillis_photography]

😂😂😂 your comment had me in stitches mate, thanks very much John really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@photographic_nomad]

Another great watch mate 💯

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much mate I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@philipwatson2443]

my local patch, I was wondering when you would make it down to my neck of the woods, surprised no footage from the tower hide or the hides down the track opposite the first viewing platform. Glad to hear Pops is on the mend

[@danwillis_photography]

What a wonderful part of the country you live in Phillip, stunning. We would have definitely ventured further into the reserve but we had our little French bulldog with us which limited which parts of the reserve we could access. Definitely a reason to return. All the best 👍🏻

[@andrewmilne3031]

Cracking foties of the Bitterne Dan. I think you should have bigged up the one of the great white egret too❤

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very Andrew, I appreciate you saying that. The Great White Egret is a stunning bird to photograph so glad you appreciated it 👍🏻

[@michaelphibes8386]

Outstanding Bittern photos Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mike I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@robchace7445]

Welcome to the levels Dan....

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Rob and what a wonderful place it is 😁

[@derekflynnsnr]

Great video Dan, love the bloopers 😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, glad you enjoyed them 👍🏻

[@user-stupotts]

Great day Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stuart I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwarren7815]

Awesome DAN

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@blisteringbooks2428]

I thought the sun needed to be out for a golden hour, it isn't golden if you cannot see it!

[@danwillis_photography]

Fair point, I thought that I did say we were approaching golden hour and not actually in it.

[@andyc7664]

Morning dan it’s andy after your help and advice we settled in Nikon d5300 with a 500 shutter count and a sigma 170 500 app manual lens I was wondering if you would share your manual setting for puffins at bempton clifs iso frame rate shutter etc etc Kind regards Andy

[@danwillis_photography]

Evening Andy. I’m more than happy to give you some settings but they will be based settings and I suggest that you experiment around the base settings to give you the style of shot you are looking for. I shoot in manual with auto ISO, this allows me to concentrate on two sides of the exposure triangle and the camera takes care of the third. For perched shots of the puffin I would have a shutter speed of around 1/800 of a second, this can go slower if the lights not good and faster if it’s bright sunshine. I would have the aperture set to its widest aperture (on my lens that would be f2.8). For flight shots the shutter speed needs to be above 1/2000 of a second and I would have again wide aperture. The final piece of the puzzle is exposure compensation which I think is essential for photographing black and white animals. If the whites of the puffin are being blown due to bright sunlight then under expose the image and recover the blacks in post processing. Hope that helps mate 👍🏻

[@johannmorrison1952]

Great video Dan, it's given me two things: a hunger for Ham Wall and a hunger for a classic magnum. Thanks for the follow on Insta, by the way.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Johann, you can't beat a classic magnum 😂 My pleasure for the follow on insta mate 👍🏻