Wildlife Wanderings

David Bailey shares some of his favourite Dorset images and stories taken from his new book

- David Bailey

David Bailey is a self-taught national and international award-winning photographer. He splits his time between Dorset and Wales but confesses to having an irresistible love for the southern county. With a deep understanding for nature, he regularly shares stories of his wildlife photography adventures in newspapers and magazines, and often works behind the scenes on wildlife television and radio series, making the occasional appearance. Wildlife Wanderings, is his second book, and features a whole range of birds, mammals and reptiles from across the UK. Here are some of David’s Dorset subjects, with a little bit about how the images were captured.

BAD HARE DAY

On a glorious June morning just after sunrise, with barn owls the subject of my early morning quest, the long downland grass of the Cranborne Chase was soaking wet with overnight dew. Suddenly this leveret hopped out onto the rough track before running towards me, as I was trudging along under the weight of photographic gear. Throwing the gear off my back and sinking to my knees, my camera was raised at the ready.

SNOOZING WINTER FOX

I captured this image on a clear sunny January day outside my partner Yvonne’s house. Bathed in early afternoon sun, the fox had established its sunbed under a fir tree, barely raising an eyebrow to watch passers-by and oh, so photogenic.

AVIAN CONCORDE