“Capturing Moments: Pete Walkden Photography in January 2025”

January tends to be a slow month for me, possibly due to the holiday expenses and shorter days. It’s unfortunate because the workshops I did host experienced some of the best weather this winter, with few people around to interrupt us. We observed mountain hares in snow that was up to my waist, large snowflakes falling in the woodlands where crested tits dwell, and long-tailed ducks along with eiders in the higher tides, along with “purps” resting in the harbors.

If you’re thinking about signing up for a workshop next winter, consider December or January. I’m also contemplating lowering workshop fees during these months since the days are noticeably shorter…

During my free time, I explored nearby areas to see what wildlife I could find. One spot, just a couple of miles away, had a ringtail hen harrier hunting above it—a bird I truly admire, so I couldn’t resist checking it out, especially with the snow covering the fields…

For a change, luck was on my side, and I spotted it right after I arrived. It soared gracefully across one of the fields. While it wasn’t as close as I hoped, the snow reflecting the gentle winter light created a stunning view.

The R5 mk2, like its predecessor, works perfectly with the older EF lenses, and I managed to lock onto the harrier, resulting in a wealth of photos.

This one might just be my favorite.