Do you follow my nature photography account @naturewithdave yet? You may be wondering where to spot the birds, fauna and landscapes I’ve found on my travels…

You can find out where to find the animals I’ve shot on my journeys below. Considering I am a videographer and photographer in Twickenham, most of my shots will be of photography in west London – but this guide should help you out with finding locations and time of year that you’re most likely to spot them. I have also made a handy guide to nature photography equipment recommendations.


Where to find the nature featured in my photos

Presidential squirrel

Location: Fountain Gardens, Twickenham
Time of year: Year-round
Notes: These squirrels are gregarious and will come up asking for food.

Smiling female mallard

Location: Heron Pond, Bushy Park
Time of year: Year-round
Notes: They’re generally chill and won’t mind you being close (around 2m).

Mallard duckling

Location: Heron Pond, Bushy Park
Time of year: April-May
Notes: Stand still and let them come to you instead of approaching young birds.

Grey squirrel at Isabella Plantation, Richmond

Grey squirrel – peekaboo

Location: Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
Time of year: Year-round

Grey Heron

Grey heron on log

Location: Heron Pond, Bushy Park
Time of year: April
Time of day: Golden hour
Notes: They’ll often perch on the submerged logs and preen.

Egyptian gosling

Location: Heron Pond, Bushy Park
Time of year: April
Time of day: Golden hour
Notes: Let them walk past you, don’t block their path.

Pied wagtail

Location: Kingston Riverside near Lower Ham Road
Time of year: January
Time of day: Golden hour (3:30-4pm)
Notes: They’re skittish but sometimes curious. React quickly before they scatter.

Domestic rabbit

Location: Bushy Park, Woodland Gardens
Time of year: June
Time of day: Golden hour, before sunset
Notes: You can get around 5m away without bothering rabbits, so long as you move slow and don’t appear threatening