Robin

This image was shot through glass, so it's no keeper. I've posted it because I like the colours, especially the addition of the blue, caused by crates stacked up outside the farm shop next door.

Male Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

A simple but effective image made by the uncluttered composition and subtle lighting.

Canon 1Ds MkIII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM L-series lens, 1/160th sec, f/5.6, 400mm at ISO 400

Female Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

I'm thrilled with this shot because the overall feel of the image was not an accident. On a relatively bright day, I noticed one branch shrouded in shadows where the occasional avian visitor caught just a sliver of sunlight. I had to wait, but the end result has, I think, a painterly feel and a wonderful vibe.

Canon 1Ds MkIII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM L-series lens, 1/320th sec, f/5.6, 400mm at ISO 400

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

One of my favourite subjects – I love the tapestry of colours not always obvious in the bird's livery – and I'm particularly pleased with the opening shot.

Canon 1Ds MkIII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM L lens, 1/250th sec, f/5.6, 400mm at ISO 400

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

A trio of shots taken for my next column in The English Home magazine (January issue), where the focus will be on how these enchanting – but much-maligned – creatures are now seen much more frequently in towns and cities. This one (photographed in a Norfolk garden) is in fine fettle: alert, well fed and boasting a fabulous coat. Sadly, however, in many cases the fox seen in more urban areas is a shadow of its more rural counterparts, its diet of scavenged leftovers frequently leading to a distressingly scrawny, mangey appearance.