THE BEST OF 2023- A YEAR OF WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY- BEST IMAGES
Whilst the family were snoozing in their chairs on Boxing Day, I snuck out for a couple of hours of therapy in my trusty little Tragopan Lagopus. I knocked up a simple small bird setup and chilled till I lost the light. No great pictures were captured but it did lead to a belter the next day!!
I also thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight some of my favourite images from the 2023 season. Its been a somewhat disrupted year but I'm happy with the images I've chosen to show you. So grab a brew, put your feet up and join me for my final film of the year. This also gives me the chance to thank each and every one of you wonderful people who have watched and supported the channel over the last 12 months.
All the best folks and I look forward to seeing you in 2024 for more wildlife photography adventures. Dont forget, get out there and 'Make It Happen!!'
Check out my channel here:
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That second long eared owl photo is phenominal, the way you can see the aerofoil of the wing is just incredible. The badger aswell, it almost looks like one of your paintings before you've done it ;) I don't think I can pick a favourite. Dan
Your comments about memories and knowing exactly where you took each picture resonated with me so much. I cant remember what I had for dinner yesterday but I too can remember where every pic was taken. Lovely location for your new home.
My point exactly, its amazing what memories an image or a smell can pull from the back of your head!!🤣 Cheers Keith
Excellent photo gallery.
Thanks Rob 📷👍🏼
Tough to choose.. all excellent captures 👌
Thanks Stephen
Beautiful photos. Simon. You’re an inspiration!
Glad you like them Geoff, kind words. 👍🏼📷
great work, great channel and a fantastic seamstress
Haha, cheers Philip. Its not a bad extra string to have to your bow!! Thanks for supporting the channel.
Congratulations on the new home! Enjoy and keep up the content when you can. I really enjoy it all.
Cheers Eric 📷👍🏼
Great photos Simon 🦅🦅🦅
Thanks Alan 📷👊🏼
Simon please don't say that it was luck you put so much time and effort in some absolute gems mate
Thanks Mark, kind words pal 👊🏼📷
Well done Simon! I particularly liked the badger shot!!
Thanks John, its not bad is it!! 👊😅
Fantastic mate all the best in 2024 I’ll be sticking around. Love the long eared owl in the in the tree 🌳 love all the images all best in you new home 🏠
Thanks Eddie , ATB. Si 👊🏼📷
I will make it my resolution for 2024, "get out there and make it happen ". Happy New Year and all the best for 2024.
Thats what its all about Steve, have a great 2024 😃👊🏼📷
Fantastic Images and similar when I seen them I said I remember that video ! wow on the Badger shot !! I wish you the missus and the family the very best of luck for 2024 and the move ! looking forward to following your journey !!
Thanks for the kind wishes Pat, looking forward to bringing you along for the ride 👊🏼🎥 All the best for the New Year.
Definitely The Badger 🦡 For Me
Cheers Sonny 👍🏼
Great Images Simon Happy New Year and all the best in 2024 Very Best Of Luck With The Move in to your New Home
Thanks David, all the best to you and yours. See you in 2024 👊🏼👀📷
Wow, what an amazing selection of photos! I think my favourite is the perched Long Eared Owl, the colour and light is stunning! Love the channel, keep up the good work!
Thanks mate, the LEO's are a special bird for sure. Thanks for watching.
Thank you Simon. Fantastic images. All the very best to you and yours. Happy new year. Cheers 🍻. 👍📷😎🏴
Same to you Rob, thanks for supporting the channel 👊🏼📷
Briliant Simon as alway loved al the photos top noch mate well done 👌👏👏👏👏
Thanks Fletch and cheers for watching. ATB, Si 👊🏼
If you’re still in Shropshire in the new year, take a look at Cannock chase for the deer. Really lovely images. Your hard work and passion really does payoff. Look forward to next year!
Thanks Rossi, I'll bear that in mind. Love a bit of Deer photography. See you in 2024 👊🏼📷
Ey up Mucker. Lovely jubbly! You mentioned doing shots for a calendar so I won't this time. Wonderful pictures mate. I've a soft spot for raptors, that Sparrowhawk shots a Christmas cracker! The Hobby's my favorite. Stay safe mate.
Now then fettler, youre first on the list!!🤣 Raptors are awesome arent they. All the best Richard👍🏼👊🏼
Brilliant 12 pictures have you not had a chance at the waxwings happy new year good luck with the move and look forward to more films
Thanks for watching!!. Usually the flocks of Waxwings are followed by flocks of photographers and thats not really my thing to be honest. If I come across any though when im out and about that'd be great. See you in 2024 📷👍🏼
That’s a great year most of us could only dream of, wishing you all the best for 2024…. PS my bean bag is still going strong 13 months use 😂👍
Happy new year to you too Smiffy, only the best eh!!😉🤪👍🏼
Happy new year Simon and may your 2024 photographs all be keepers!
Thanks Neil, all the best to you too 👊🏼📷
Morning Simon mate brilliant video as all ways mate, hope you had a brilliant Christmas, looking forward to seeing you're videos in 2024
Cheers John, see you in 2024 👊🏼📷
Beautiful shots! I always look forward to seeing your great videos. I hope you and your family had a great holiday and I hope you will get all moved in your new house soon. ATB Rob
Cheers Rob, thanks for watching the channel mate 📷👊🏼
👍Great photography Simon, with some hard work thrown in to get them,. I'd pick the Badger photo but think there all winner's,. Take care have a good un,.👍
Thankyou Sean, have a great New Year 👍🏼📷
Good job 👏👍 brother keep it up 👍❤lots of love from Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, I will
All the best for 24 mate 👌
Cheers Sean, all he best to you too for the New Year.
All the best to the family . Love the channel and the passion. Are you still knocking them sticks together!! Regards Tim
Cheers Tim, I will be back on it when I get the new workshop set up. All the best, Si 👍🏼📷👊🏼
Fantastic set of images Simon. You said you were lucky capturing the first deer shot, certainly not the case in my opinion. As they say you made your own luck. My favourite 3 images are the Red Squirrel, the Badger and the Fallow Deer - awesome shots. I’m on a catch up so behind with your videos, all the best and keep the brilliant content coming.
Thanks Gazza for the comments and cheers for supporting the channel 👊🏼👌🏼
Great look back fella, your channel has made me a better with my camera i dont take pictures i capture memories Looking forward to next years challenges out in the field happy new to you and all those that follow you
Cheers Keith, thats what its all about mate. All the best for the New Year and i'll see you in 2024 👍🏼📷
Great videos throughout the year Simon the owl and pine Martin did it for me but all were great hope you get sorted with the new place it will take time good luck and a happy new year Laurence .
Thanks Laurence, can wait to get cracking with the new gaff. See you in 2024 📷👊🏼 All the best, SI
Happy New Year to you and yours, exciting times ahead for you, I’m looking forward to the next instalment 👍
Looking forward to bringing it to you Sue 🎥📷👍🏼
Really liked the Dipper shot but more importantly liked how you said whilst they aren't award winning shots they are special to you and the memories they hold for you. All the very best for the New Year and the new house/projects. One piece of advice, NO going up a ladder at the new place unless it's properly secured. Lol. Again all the best.
Cheers Michael, that's what it's about, making memories. The pics are a bi product. All the best, Si 👊🏼👍🏼📸
Thanks for all your videos it has got me inspired again.
Glad to hear it Gwyn. That's shat it's all about 👊🏼📸
@@simoneardley if you get down to Wales try Margam Park for deer in the rut . I didn't get it but one of the guys got a Fallow buck sorting out two red deer stags in rut. Hope he puts it up.
I was just browsing through KZhead and passed by your thumbnail on my way to something else. Then i noticed Simon Eardley on it and I came right back to it. I never pass up on of your videos, Simon. I think you and I have many similar attitudes about birds and photography Congratulations on fine year of work, especially the sparrow hawk and the story that went with it. I really enjoyed that one. My year was somewhat abbreviated by a stroke and attendant health problems but I have still done as much as I could every chance that I had, but not as much as I wanted to. I hope we both have a good year ahead of us. Have a Happy New Year!
Kind words Clifton and I appreciate you following and supporting the channel. I hope 2024 brings you good fortune and your health issues are addressed. Keep on getting out there, sometimes its the best therapy!! All the best, Si 👍🏼📷
Brilliant images Simon all the best for the new year and hope the move goes smoothly and your back out filming soon
Thanks Andy, all the best for the New Year, Si. 👍🏼📸
All 12 images are inspirational but if I had to pick one it would be the mountain Hare, not just for the quality of the image but the story you told at the time. I think I commented then that I could almost smell the Hare it was all so real. I really wish you luck with your move and all the exciting projects you have plannen, cant wait!
Thanks Andrew, that was a memorable trip and a great encounter. Always nice to come back with a few keepers to go with the memories. All the best, Si👊🏼📷
Wow……..some lovely images there Simon👌 personally i’m torn between the Red Squirrel & the Long Eared Owl sitting in the tree. Both wondefully sharp and great compositions. Looking forward to seeing what treats you bring us from your new home. Happy New Year, all the best for ‘24👍🤛
Cheers Roy, I know what you mean., Its hard to pick a favourite. All the best, Si👍🏼📷
Many thanks for 2023 , keep up the good work for 2024 and hope you get moved in OK.
Cheers Edward, me too mate. All the best for 2024 👍🏼📷
Great video again Simon, great set of images, best of luck with the new pad and all the best for the new year 👍
Thanks Daviid , you too!👍🏼
I have been a subscriber since you started and I must say I am always impressed with your films
Kind words Bob, thanks for supporting the channel. Have a great New Year 👍🏼📷
Nice one Simon and all the best to you and yours mate and who knows I may see you out there sometime 👍
Thanks Paul, all the best mate. I'll keep an eye out for ya!!👀📷👊🏼
Some cracking images there Simon, hard to pic a favourite. Good to see the camera trap is already producing some nice results. Hope you have some better luck in 2024 with the house move. All the best for the New year mate. Regards John. 😊👍
Thanks John, lots more to come from the trapping!! All the best pal and thanks for supporting the channel 👊🏼📷
Beautiful Pictures Simon.
Thankyou Mary, very kind 👍🏼😃
Fantastic work this past year, and your move didn't diminish your passion to get out and take wonderful images when you could. All the best in 2024!!!
Cheers Tom all the best to you too 👍🏼📷
Fantastic simon. All my photos have a story behind them. And good luck with the move.
Thanks Gary, all the best mate 👍🏼📸
Simon, I love your images and tips but sometimes I don’t understand a single word you say. what can say is keep it up, I see a great 2024 for you and your family. From a yankee fan in Arizona
Hi James, you can take the boy out of Lancashire but you cant take Lancashire out of the boy!!🤣 Hope things are fine over in the States. All the best and see you in the New Year 👍🏼📷
Nice way to close out the year and a proper send off w/ that final shot. New sub, and photographer… I’ve learned a lot from observing your approach. You’ve inspired me to give the KZhead thing a go in 2024. Keep up the fine work.
Good on you Mikey, its a bit of a faff but very addictive once you get into it!! Best of luck 📷🎥👍🏼
Happy New Year Simon! I have followed your channel throughout the year and managed to say “hello” at the BridFair in the summer. Excellent “best of 2023”! You asked us to choose our number 1. This is not easy but if you insist, for me it is the Long-eared Owl (perched) closely followed by the Badger. The Long-eared Owl is such a difficult bird to locate let alone see well and photograph. Looking forward to seeing what you produce in 2024. All the best. Richard
Cheers Richard, I dont think its stopped raining since the Birdfair!!🤣 Thanks for supporting the channel and all the best for 2024📷👊🏼
All fab, My fav is the stag & berrys, wow the sharpness of the hairs, the DOF, & the little water droplet on the thin branch, TY All the best for 2024
Got to admit I was super chuffed with that one. Thanks for following the channel mate 📷👊🏼
Hoping 24 brings you happiness in your new home and you manage time for yourself also. Take care and look after yourself Simon… wishing you the best… Paul
Thanks Paul, have a great New Year 👍🏼📷
Another good Vid Simon. .Been to Keith,s as well ,super set up.. Happy new year to you and all your Family..cheers Den.
Nice one Den, its a grand place up there!!🏴 All the best, Si
Any one of those twelve images would be the shot of the year for me Simon, my personal favourite is the Roe Deer must admit if I'd have had the good fortune to have taken that image would be going into the "shot of a lifetime" bracket. Embarrassingly after so many years of trying still after a decent shot of Roe Deer. Greatly enjoyed your content over the last year and look forward to 2024. Wishing you and your family all the best for the new year. 👍
Kind words Glenn, it will happen mate. Its just a case of getting out there and putting the hours in!! I find youve a better chance of really close encounters in the woodlands where the Roe shelter, therefore youve a better chance of not being spotted. Good luck and all the best to you and yours 👊🏼👍🏼📷
We capture moments in time - and light. Whenever I look back over my shots, I remember the moment and the feeling.
Very true words Brian, its amazing how an image can rekindle such strong and vivid memories. ATB, Si
Great video again and great images Simon thanks for all your hard and great work for the past year 👏👏👏👏 and all the best for the new year 👍
Cheers Paul, all the best to you too mate. 👊🏼📷
Lovely video, thank you for sharing your best images of 2023 and the stories behind the shots. Good luck with the house move and all the best for 2024.👍
Cheers Barry, see you in 2024
Hope you and the family have a good mate, and your move goes smoothly. Best Wishes for you both in your move and the next chapter. Looking forward to all your new projects. 👊👍😁
Cheers Keith, yeh fingers crossed mate. Cant wait to get stuck in. All the best to you both for the Hogmanay celebrations !!👍🏼😃🏴
Hi Simon . Just looked at your 2023 wildlife photographs yet again and they are all so beautiful its hard to pick a favourite well done . Have a great 2024 !
Thankyou Mary, glad you liked the images. ATB, Si 👍🏼📷
Some cracking captures, looking forward to next year's antics.
Nice one Dean, all the best and see you next year 📷👍🏼
Thanks for sharing that film Simon, fantastic set of images. Good luck in the new house ho and the Bushcraft Box Pouch arrived safely the quality of your work is the best I've seen in a long time.
Cheers Martin and thankyou for your custom 👊🏼📷
Beautiful choice of images. I look forward to seeing you next year
Thanks for taking the time to watch. ATB, Si 👍🏼
Well done Simon. My memories of getting the photo are often better than the photos themselves. Look forward to more videos I 2024!
Thats what its all about Mike, making memories!!👊🏼📷
Fantastic images Simon. Always look forward to your episodes. Top show!
Cheers Paul and thanks for following the channel 👍🏼
Beautiful work. I make a calendar for my family every year and out of the twelve shots I finally decide on, I really can never pick a favorite because, like you, each one evokes a special memory. That, to me, is what wildlife photography is all about. I look forward to watching you in the coming year!
Well said Elaine, its a special hobby for sure. Looking forward to 2024 📷👍🏼
Hi Simon, I loved all 12 of the images, and I know what you mean about knowing where you were when the image was taken 👍🏽 them experiences stay with you as you say, definitely special moments. All the best for 2024 📸
Thanks Lee, thats what its all about mate. Making memories 🎥👊🏼 . ATB, Si
Ive been following your work for a while now. Im very happy to hear that you will be creating more great content for 2024. Your 12 shots from 2023 are fantastic. Cheers from America.
Cheers Robert, always nice to hear from followers over the pond🇺🇸. Thanks for following the channel and I'll see you in 2024 👍🏼📷
Beautiful photographs as usual Simon. Although I was disappointed when you gave up on the Olympus gear, you're forgiven when you can produce images like these. All the best in the new year and enjoy your new abode. Can't wait to see what photos you get in 2024. 👍👍
Thanks Woody, it was a costly decision for sure but happy that I did in the end. You need to be happy with your gear. Thanks for supporting the channel and see you in 2024 👀📷👊🏼
Outstanding images Simon ! what a fantastic year you have had. Here's to 2024 .. All the Best !
Cheers Chris, all the best to you too 👊🏼📷 Have a great 2024
Hi Simon, love your videos! Do you think your flying owl might be short eared? Yellow eye, white trailing edge to the wing
Love your presentations. All the best for 2024 📷
Thank you! You too Iain. ATB, Si 👍🏼
A great year. Super photography.
Many thanks Nigel, ATB. Si 👍🏼👊🏼
A cracking year all round. keep it up buddy looking forward to see what 2024 brings along.
Cheers Pete, have a great New Year 👊🏼👍🏼
Great to see your favourite images of 23, you re an inspiration to my photography in Manny ways, keep up the good work. Have a happy New Year and good luck with your house move.
Kind words Tom always nice to hear of people being encouraged by my exploits. Thanks for watching the channel and all the best for the New Year👊🏼📷
Hi Simon. Loving the content. I've recently taking up wildlife photography the last couple of month and your channel has helped loads! Just wondering when will your bean bags be back on etsy? Cheers
Cheers Lee, glad youre enjoying the channel. Were in the process of moving at the mo so they should be available in a couple of weeks. 👍🏼👊🏼
Fantastic shots Simon, love the deer shots, the one on the berries is something special.
Cheers James, it was a very close encounter that one!!📸🦌👌🏼
😅Pine Martin is my favourite.
Thanks Ian 👊🏼📷
Cracking stuff mate, it’s been a great year for you with some superb images to show for it. Here’s wishes you the best for 2024 and to your new adventures in wales. All the best Rich 👍
Cheers Rich, yeh pleased with those considering its been a bit disruptive. Looking forward to 2024. Have a great New Year mate and looking forward to your Wintery adventures over there!!📷🎥👊🏼
Beautiful work Simon.Really enjoyed looking back with you.Heres to another great year of images.
Thanks Colin, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
Awesome shots there Simon, you can't beat garden shots especially when in lockdown . Can't wait for the new house/projects. Happy new year
Cheers Ray, looking forward to bringing the films to you. All the best for 2024 👍🏼📷
Images are outstanding Simon, look forward to more shots and your setup stories in 2024. Happy New Year.
Thankyou. Happy new year to you too. All the best, Si 👍🏼
Truly beautiful Simon. I love the owl - I was hoping that one of those pictures you took in that episode would make it. My wife said the squirrel was her favorite. thanks for sharing - may the New Year bring much success and blessings with it to you and yours.
Cheers Ken and thanks for taking the time to watch the film. Glad you like the images, all the best for the New Year. Si 📷👍🏼
Thanks for the great vlogs in 2023. I've thoroughly enjoyed following the channel and look forward to what you bring in 2024. Happy New Year to you and your family. My fav 3 images of the 12 are the long-eared owl in the tree, the badger, and the pine marten. All the best Lee
Your welcome Lee, thanks for the support over the year. All the best for the New Year , Si 👍🏼👊🏼
Brilliant pics again Simon. Absolutely love the fact you can bring the images alive by the back story! It’s a version of photo journalism, don’t you think? Keep them coming Simon and all the bast for this New Year! Looking forward to seeing some from the new place…..👍
Thanks Mongoose, looking forward to the move and getting settled. Thanks for watching. ATB, Si 📷👍🏼
Some great images Simon, like so many who comment I have really enjoyed following your year and your videos inspire me to get out there and "give it a do". I love the mountain hare and your tips on how to do a sneaky crawl through the snow to get there. Look forward to all that you're getting up to in 2024, have a very happy new year and hope all goes well with the move.
Cheers Phil, the Mountain Hares proved a real challenge but we got them in the end. Ive just about thawed out!!🤣🥶 Would love to get back up there again this year🤞🏼 Have a great 2024
Best wishes for the season Simon and I really hope. The New Year brings only good things. All your shots were excellent but if I was to pick one, putting myself in your shoes, it would be the mountain hare. How much satisfaction would that have given you ? Brilliant. Ribble valley is missing you Simon and if you are ever up this way let me know you are coming. See you (videos) in the new year .
Thanks David, that was a great trip for sure. I'd love to get back up there soon. Theres a fair old dumping of snow i believe at the moment. Hopefully it'll stick around for a bit.🤞🏼 Thanks for the support, ATB. Si 📷👊🏼👍🏼
Happy new year Simon, stunning images as per usual. Personal favourite is the mountain hare and the effort you had to put into getting the shot, shortly followed by the owl in the tree . Looking forward to what delights you bring us in the future . Good luck with the move
Thanks Stephen, that was a great trip. Love getting into the remote spots, the wilder the better! Have a great New Year 👍🏼📸👊🏼
Happy new year.. your pics (and videos) are superb, you very kindly give your time to us and show us how you take these shots. I’m not a brilliant photographer but I use my camera to help me with my mental health and I’m really happy how you say your pics are based on the memory of when you took the shot or how you felt. That’s exactly how I feel about mine. Take care and all the best
Thanks Mark, theres no better way of healing the mind in my opinion, being out in nature... Its not about being the best photographer, just get out there, enjoy the moment and make it happen. ATB, Si 📷👊🏼
Merry christmas and happy new year and thank you for all your hard work and amazing images
Cheers Tony, all the best to you too 👍🏼👊🏼
Amazing images Simon! Will these be available to buy as a calendar? Really enjoy the channel and appreciate the work you put into it. Hope the house move goes well and you and the family enjoy the festive period and new year!
Cheers Dom. it'll be next year before we get a calendar out and I'm sure a few of these images will make it in there!! Thanks for following the channel. All the best , Si.
Great stuff simon. I am Looking one of your beanbags, Could you tell me where to buy one Cheers .Jonny.
Cheers Jonny, theyre available on Etsy but the shop is closed at the moment due to the house move. Reopen soon 👍🏼
Yeah I totally understand about Moving. Nightmare. I shall get one off you when the shop opens back up. Cheers simon.@@simoneardley
Beautiful photos, Simon. Impressive work. I can see from your videos that you often use the Lagopus chair hide. I consider buying one myself. Which cover would you recommend to get for the hide? The tent made for the Lagopus, the ghillie blanket or the 3D blanket? Thanks!
Thanks for that, I'll be honest I use them all. Every location is different so I use a camo material to suit the terrain. Often I use it without the cover when i'm doing a reccee.