Winter Wildlife Photography - Black Fallow Deer and Winter Thrushes

[@keithgrafton5006]

If that's where I think it is, 3 weeks ago had a walk around the estate in shirt sleeves and saw the herd swim across the river - they didnt seem to mind us being there as its a well known dog walking route.

[@simoneardley]

No shirt sleeves that day Keith, it was baltic!! They werent so keen on letting me near em!!🤣👀📷

[@barriewatts127]

You will notice a large difference in the bokeh between your 500 f4 and the new zoom. Nothing beats an f4 wide open.

[@simoneardley]

Youre right Barrie, just a lighter option for wandering about. I wont be getting rid of the big prime !!👍

[@barriewatts127]

@@simoneardley The new 600 f6.3 is very light, but again the bokeh is not as good as the 500 or 600 f4 lenses. However as we get older weight gets more important doesn’t it? 🤨

[@helendavies2742]

Simon You’ve found my happy place!

[@simoneardley]

I'll keep it under my hat Helen !!👍🏼😃📷

[@ツメZlimy]

I love the cold, and the thrushes. I hope we get them this Winter along with Waxwings!

[@simoneardley]

Me too 👌🏼

[@neilcole3406]

Crikey those antlers, looked more like a Moose!!

[@neilcole3406]

You can’t beat a good mooch about!

[@simoneardley]

Not wrong there Neil!!

[@mongoose9594]

Another great video Si, the one where the buck is opening his mouth to pluck the berries is absolutely stunning! As are the various shots of the palmated antlers (they always look somewhat odd, why on earth do they grow like that???). And top job getting the terminology correct for stags, bucks, hinds and does. Looking forward to the next one and all best wishes for the festive season and the house move. Have a great time 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mongoose, yes a lot of people get Red deer,Fallow and Roe terminology incorrect!! Thanks for supporting the channel and all the best for the New Year👊🏼🎄

[@Rob.1340]

Cheers Simon, cracking film. Good images, well deserved. The wildlife on my patch is as skittish, hard work but well worth it . Thanks again. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rob, its a good test mate when youve gotta graft for em!! Makes it all the more worthwhile 👊📷

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

Great to see the dark fallow I think they are of Danish decent there are some in Derbyshire aswell.

[@simoneardley]

Theyre a lovely variation on the normal Fallow colouration. Quite a striking beast!! A sod to get near though!!🤣📷 Thanks for watching👍🏼

[@steviebye1]

What you talking about, superb pictures mate. The shot where he's eating the berries is wonderful. I love those sort of days, for me I don't really care if I get the shots I want, just being out is so good for the soul. Keep it up Simon. 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Stevie, it was a cracking day. I love being out in the frost, it really brings another dynamic to the day. ATB, Si 👊🏼

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Fantastic film Si. Loved the footage throughout 👍. You really are great at what you do. Great film. Enjoyed the Mistletoe too. Great isn't it, the diversity and different plants trees, nature etc just a few hours down the road. Great stuff. Cheers Si Atb Rick n Billydog

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Rick, hopefully getting better with the films the more we do eh!! Gonna start adding a bit more info into the films, all interesting stuff. Catch ya soon, Si 👊

[@leemanton3169]

Another great video, Simon. I hope your house move is going well.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Lee, looks like its gonna be the new year now!!🙄👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Nice one mate, great to see you back at it proper 'Eardley style' Missed seeing these ones Si now that I'm away from the UK! Some fantastic images there and I love the Antler on it's own with the blurred effect, would look awesome in B&W too! I must admit I do love the colours and detail the Z9 produces. Top stuff mate. Cheers Rich 🙂 ( Will catchup on the Camera Trap Setup soon)

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rich, its my first real "wander about" session for a good while. I love these days out, same as what youve been up to. Its difficult in any new location but great once youve found a few spots to work on your images!! Youve a bit more space to go at than me!!🤣👊🏼 Catch ya soon, Si 👍🏼📷

[@williamkelly7507]

excellent work Simon great to have you back in the wild again,keep it up

[@simoneardley]

Its the only place to be William, thanks for watching pal👀👊

[@steve_colwill]

Great stuff, mate! The pic where the buck is eating the berries is brilliant. You must walk miles, what with coming back to pick up the cameras you use for the B roll 🥵👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, i like that one myself. Might make a good Christmas card next year!! And yes trudging back for the camera is a pain in the ass but I love it!!😂👊

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

One of your absolute best, Simon. The B-roll was really remarkable and the whole thing must have been a tremendous amount of work. But it was worth it to me. I'll never again see pictures of a black fallow deer with that level of high quality and artistic presentation. Thank for you a job well done.

[@simoneardley]

Aah, very kind Clifton. It was a cracking session and some pleasing images 👍🏼🦌

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Excellent video Simon love the Camouflage 👌great photos of the deer admire your pensiverenc credit to you 👏👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul, love testing my fieldcraft against difficult subjects

[@karenhubbard1644]

NZ watching you. That was a lovely fallow.cheers

[@simoneardley]

Hi to you Karen over in New Zealand👍🏼. Thanks for watching, what deer species do you have over there?

[@tinaboswell2867]

Excellent Simon really enjoyed it. When you see your images at the end and you know the back story you appreciate the images so much more. Beautiful images that you really worked for. Loved it !

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Tina, theres many a day I come back with nowt!!😂 Today was a good one!!👍📷

[@MarkWills1969]

Fantastic video, stumbled across your videos by accident but they are addictive to watch, keep up the fantastic work👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching the channel 👍🏼🎥

[@andywhiteside16]

enjoyed this Simon, you managed some cracking shots there brilliant

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy, glad you liked it !!😃

[@jonward1987]

Great video agaiin Simon, just shows how much work we have to put in to get our images. I don't think a lot of non photographers realise. Keep em coming mate through the harder winter months 👌🔥

[@simoneardley]

Will do Jon my favourite time of the year. Love photographing in the harsh elements.🙂

[@DavidJohnBlackwell]

Another cracking tell it like it is video Simon. Lancashires loss is mid-Wales gain.

[@simoneardley]

Its the only way David, tell it like it is mate!! Thanks for watching 👊👀😄

[@michaelwallwork7482]

Great vlog again! You've dun us proud mate, televising that Lancashire accent to the world. Top bloke 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Michael, cant change who you are mate!!😄👊

[@Philsphotos988]

Amazing images Simon and it's got to be satisfying when you worked so hard to get them.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Phil, like you say it makes it all the sweeter when you've grubbed and grafted for your shots. Its the best part of the whole process for me 📷👍

[@AWilderLife]

Wow Simon what a setting, looks like it was a beautiful (but cold!) day 😀 lovely footage of the fallow deer!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, it was a great session. Love cold, crisp days like this.👍🏼📷

[@derricksalisbury7631]

Cracking video hard work payed off 👏 👌

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Derrick, thanks 📷👍

[@raytaylor3090]

Hide making, an education on mistletoe and fieldcraft all made a great video Simon. great shots but the 4th from the end shot of the deer is my favourite

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ray, i love these kind of days out. Roll on more dry, cold weather !!🤞🏼📷

[@karenhubbard1644]

Hi again ..Nz we were in UK a few months ago. Roadkill s we saw . DEER and Badger we couldn't believe how big the badger was also how condition of the deer also. Very plentiful food source obviously.

[@simoneardley]

Hi Karen, hope you had a great trip and the weather wasn't too bad for you. Its been a wet one lately. The badger is the UK's largest carnivore.🦡🦡

[@adrian-l1r5e]

great video and nice shots

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@simonbriggsQCB]

Hi Simon, fantastic to see you filming in my stomping ground. I've been to that exact same place several times and agree they are very skittish. I in total have spent many hours up there and managed to pinpoint a few good spots to observe from and the deer regularly come close. Even got a few nice shots of them when the velvet was shedding off the antlers.. I'm only just 6 minutes into the video and excited to see what you captured in such a beautiful place

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Simon, it is a cracking spot. I'll certainly be returning at some point. I found quite a few Goldcrests that I was keen to photograph but lost the light!! Unfinished business 👍🏼📷🤞🏼 Thanks for watching

[@philipwatson2443]

welcome back Simon

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Philip 👍🏼

[@alancampbell22003]

great video as always mate

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed Alan 👊🏼

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Thanks for taking me along, nice images

[@simoneardley]

No worries James. Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼🎥

[@sonnydugganphotography]

Proper Wildlife Photography Simon Great Video

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Sonny, cant beat a bit of grubbing about in the undergrowth. We love it!! 😀📷

[@satcat]

Nice one Simon, some thing a bit different..keep up the good work, an have a good xmas.cheers Den

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Den and all the the best to you too!!👊🏼🎄

[@tedshillitto6886]

Great to see you out n about again Simon. Loved the video. There's now doubt it would be easier carrying and using the 180 -600mm lens. There's also no doubt that the 500 prime gives a more pleasing bokeh but... this is one of the great compromises we're faced with as the years roll by !! I've been using the 180 - 600 since late September and will never go back to a large prime except for fixed hide work. The ability to " tweak " the backgrounds in the latest software may not totally replace the bokeh of a 2.8/F4 prime a blind man would like to see it. Take care Si. Ted.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ted, that's my thought process using the 500 for hide stuff. I love the flexibility of a zoom and I really like the feel of the 180-600 after trying it at the birdfair.👍🏼📸

[@steverobinson939]

Great video Simon! What is the fleece/hoodie you have been using? I have been looking for something with a high neck like that.

[@simoneardley]

www.military1st.co.uk/jhoodflev-jack-pyke-fieldman-fleece-hoodie-english-oak-evolution.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvdCrBhBREiwAX6-6Uk2vc73tUsjLTGJE3lEJmwzwU-lX-9-TF_ITAt61xaTeqfFIOzTTCBoCFA0QAvD_BwE Heres the link, its a Jack Pyke fleece hoodie from Military 1st. They are sized small. I'm usually a large but i got an XL.

[@steverobinson939]

@@simoneardley Thanks Simon.

[@stephencooper8565]

Super video , amazing perseverance and effort to make it . Glad you are back out and about.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Stephen 👍🏼

[@jvas5871]

Fantastic video, and brilliant photos, I really love your videos Simon just brilliant.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you like them and thanks for watching 👍

[@richard25894]

Ey up mucker. Rewarded for your effort I'd say Si. Someone put the style in Stile didn't they!? Appreciate your dedication, made my old bones shiver just watching that. Took me back to frosty vigils sat in hedgerow hides waiting to cart over wood pigeons with my trusty 12 gauge ha! No Bullfinches and waxwings up your way? Here it comes...What calendar will Santa put in my stocking this year? I bet it's either abandoned bloody shopping trolleys or dogs shitting. I mean if they get money for that shite then your missing out son! Get on it! Stay safe mate.

[@simoneardley]

Ey up Richard, bet you cant wait for Santas delivery!!🤣🤣 Hopefully we can address that problem next year and yeh great to get out in the elements again. Makes you feel alive being out there. All the best, Si 👍🏼👊🏼

[@janetturner7489]

My Simon you've got patience, fabulous location and great shots! Thanks for sharing. Love the Northern accent. Don't hear much of that with living in London. 😅

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jane, thats what its all about. Great to just get out there 📷😃

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

I loved this Simon! It looked a tough session but you must be chuffed with those images! You've inspired me to visit Dunham deer park in Manchester! Thanks for the content 👌

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that, yeh happy with those like you say. Good luck at Dunham!!📷👍🏼🦌

[@MartinJSmithPhotographyUK]

I felt quite chill watching that, lovely video Simon. We've had a few Wax Wing in Hertfordshire, not seen them myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome Martin, not seen any myself yet but I believe theres a lot around at the moment 👀👍🏼

[@rogersteele9890]

Great video and images Simon, it still amazes me how many footpaths there seems to be all throughout the UK that cross over and edge a lot of farmland, you are very lucky, here in Alberta we would likely get shot, mostly we have to stick to crown land or gain permissions. Keep up the good work.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Roger, yes we have a great network of public footpaths and bridleways. Even better in Scotland with the 'right to roam'!!

[@christopherhinton6456]

come to swindon .

[@jasonbradbury6812]

Really enjoying your videos and images, keep up the good work👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jason, cheers for watching 👀 👍🏼

[@deetee-uk]

Excellent video as always Simon. Would love you to do a vlog on your qinter clothing gear though. I'm trying to get setup to do some photography this winter, but not sure what to get.

[@simoneardley]

Great idea Dave but sadly most of my gear is packed in storage for the house move. Maybe in the new year !!🤞🏼👍🏼 ATB, Si

[@markfuller4506]

Brill, enjoyed that. Which leaf camo hood was that Simon? It looked the business. Thanks

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mark, it's made by a company called Deerhunter.

[@markk1873]

Great stuff,180-600 is ok, nowhere near as sharp as the 500f4. Do ever us the Z9 crop mode? Use it on mine instead of the TC with good results.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, I appreciate that. You cant match a big prime but its gonna be great for those long backpacking trips where I need a lighter outfit!! I use the crop mode all the time, its a great feature!!👍

[@warthogwarthog]

What stateley home are you visiting simon

[@JohnTomasella]

Did you find you got sharper photos once you got the Z9? I almost have enough saved for one. Though I only have an older f4 500mm with no vr

[@simoneardley]

Definitely John. Probably due to the fact that I'm on a full sensor now and can get higher shutter speeds, lower iso etc. Especially noticeable in low light and the fact that youre at 45mp!!

[@peterobinson5465]

Simon stunning video as usual .I was out walking in the week and I saw a bird no bigger than a wren and almost looked the same as a wren but it had a very yellow cap on the top of its head .Have you any idea what it was please .

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Peter, i would hazard a guess at it being a Goldcrest. 👀

[@peterobinson5465]

Thank you @@simoneardley

[@skaterJelly]

Did you not hear the Buzzard calling you?

[@simoneardley]

I didn't im afraid, my lugholes don't work as good as they used to !!🤣

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Very nice details in those close up images. Do you know the scientific (latin) name of those deer with the shovel shaped antlers? The closest here is 'Dama dama'. Wouldn't it be nice with an isolating 'bean bag' under a certain lower body part at this time of the year? I mean - the coffee can't make it all the way ;O)

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Eigil, a couple were a bit abstract but a little different for a change. The latin name is Cervus Dama apparently. Thanks for watching 👀👍🏼

[@TimsWildlife]

Nice work Simon. How do you keep those pesky ticks at bay? Been bitten 21 times this year and contracted Lyme disease. Now starting with permethrin clothing. Stay safe.

[@simoneardley]

Nightmare Tim. I always wear two pair of socks and tuck my pants into them. Its not a perfect solution but it helps 👍🏼 Hope youre over it now🤞🏼

[@TimsWildlife]

@simoneardley thank you Simon. After months of illness and a stiff antibiotics treatment, I'm on the mend. Stay healthy!

[@AndrewStewart-j8k]

Hi Simon some nice images,what camo gear do you use,love the tip on use of bracken to break up outline,no fig biscuits?

[@simoneardley]

Cheers, I use a combo of old military dpm gear, deerhunter camo and Tragopan gear. Also natural materials add the finishing touches. 👍🏼

[@AndrewStewart-j8k]

Thanks Simon

[@IanElson28]

Have you ever been to Cannock chase?

[@simoneardley]

I havent !!

[@neilcole3406]

So where do you live now Simon?

[@simoneardley]

Were living near Shrewsbury at the moment Neil.

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Simon how are you finding the Nikon z9 thinking of changing from d4 to z9

[@simoneardley]

You wont look back, its a fantastic camera. The firmware updates just keep making it better and better!! Combining it with Nikons vast array of new lenses, you cant go wrong in my humble opinion. Its not a small camera so maybe get one in your hands before you decide.👍📷

[@christopherhinton6456]

sure they are not feildfairs.

[@simoneardley]

Fieldfares and Redwings Christopher👍🏼