Egyptian Geese of Gunnersbury

These colourful and vibrant birds with their distinctive marking are the descendants of ornamental birds brought over from Africa to display in stately homes across the UK sometime in the 17th century. Many escaped and have made homes in rivers, lakes and ponds, mostly in the South of England where they proliferate. In Ancient Egypt they were considered sacred and appear in much of their artwork.

Gunnersbury pond has been privileged to house a breeding pair for a number of years now. Though with varying success, this year all 9 gosling have almost made it to adulthood, much to the delight of the local neighbourhood. We will soon be waving them off to find their own mates and new nesting grounds.
Collaboration between Laurent Widloecher (Photographer) and Ana Soto (Nature enthusiast).

  • Aperture: ƒ/1.5
  • Camera: iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • Taken: 3 June, 2023
  • Flash fired: no
  • Focal length: 5.7mm
  • ISO: 50
  • Shutter speed: 1/5319s

Location: Gunnersbury Park

Date Taken: 2023-06-03

Professional Photographer? yes

Swan in the setting sun

The beauty of a swan passing through the sunlight caught my eye.

  • Aperture: ƒ/9
  • Camera: NIKON Z 7_2
  • Taken: 8 June, 2023
  • Focal length: 370mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/2500s

Location: Chiswick Pier

Date Taken: 2023-06-08

Camera: Nikon Z7

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Heron adds to the architecture of Chiswick Park!

I love watching the herons in Chiswick Park as there is something quite majestic but also quite prehistoric about them. They often pose for great photos this was the first time I’ve ever seen one of them posing in this spot!

Location: Chiswick Park

Date Taken: 2023-06-30

Camera: iPhone

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Little singer

This cute little blue tit sang for me in the most beautiful way.  Credit –  Zita Demeter-Vidak.

  • Aperture: ƒ/4.9
  • Camera: SM-S908B
  • Taken: 30 March, 2023
  • Focal length: 27.2mm
  • ISO: 50
  • Shutter speed: 1/100s

Location: Duke's Meadows

Camera: Samsung S22 Ultra

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Crow on a misty River

Hello there,
I was having a very soggy jog towards my favourite part of The Thames (Chiswick Mall), when I noticed this crow. I stopped to observe him in the rain and he was so calm, I thought I’d take the opportunity to get a quick photograph of him but he didn’t flinch. I took a few shots and spent the next 5 minutes resting next to him. Very special moment.
Olivia

Location: River walk, Hammersmith

Camera: iPhone 11

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Neoclassical Herons

This photo was taken during a peaceful morning stroll. I was hit by the way nature and architecture collided to create a beautiful scene.

Location: Chiswick House and Garden

Camera: iPhone 11

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Signets & water droplets

I frequently take my greyhound down to the river for a run and upon doing so, found this gorgeous signet looking up at me. I love to take photos of Chiswick and Barnes. I love where I live and all the wildlife.  Credit – Jayden Higgins.

Location: Duke meadows

Camera: iPhone 13 max pro

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Mother Love

I took this picture while out walking in Chiswick House one morning. Spring is one of my favourite times to visit as there is always the anticipation of seeing a newly hatched gosling, duckling or cygnet. I was fortunate to come across this lovely scene of a goose and gosling sharing a cosy moment.  (Maura Maxwell)

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.4
  • Camera: SM-G781B
  • Taken: 15 May, 2023
  • Focal length: 7.12mm
  • ISO: 25
  • Shutter speed: 1/156s

Location: Chiswick House

Camera: Samsung S20 Galaxy phone.

Age Group: over_16

Professional Photographer? no

Robin

My allotment neighbour has had several robin nests in the last few years and this year Scruff appeared. Named by my allotment neighbours he has become a wonderful friend to us all joining us on our allotments and when we have our tea breaks together!

Location: Burial grounds allotments Staveley Road Chiswick

Camera: iphone

Professional Photographer? no

Heron

I snapped this while walking in the grounds of Chiswick House – I especially loved the reflection on the water.

Location: Chiswicl House garden

Camera: Samsung Mobile

Professional Photographer? no