The Curlew Numenius arquata is the largest European wading bird. Curlew nest on the ground in a range of habitats such as rough grasses, moors and bog. Populations have seriously declined throughout the UK since the 1970s due to habitat loss, partly due to farming intensification, drainage of upland meadows and afforestation. With a long incubation period and slow growth to fledging, many eggs and chicks are lost to predators such as foxes and crows. Major collaborative conservation initiatives are now working to try to reverse this decline.
Ron took up wildlife photography when he retired from Scottish Natural Heritage in 2015. He uses his knowledge and fieldcraft to photograph birds at close quarters. His favourite group of birds to photograph are waders, mostly on the Ythan estuary where he lives.
Join our mail list to stay in touch with announcements, special discounts and news from the natural world.
