Conker Nature Magazine - November 2024: The Wildlife Edition

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NOVEMBER 2024 ISSUE 01

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CAT IS? AN INTERVIEW WITH LINDA DALTON WALKER

AUTUMNS ELITE PREDATOR NATURAL WORLD TV SHOW

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ASIA

BIRDS BY PHOTOGRAPHER ALEKSEY GORIN

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INSIDE COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: SERGIO KUDRYASHOV IG:@SERGART1970

WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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Editor-in-chief Lucy Morris Sally Marie Rosie Jones Tobias James Kararaina Bishara Darren Wynne Heather Wilkins Laura Woolley Isabelle Price Laszlo Balogh

Executive Editor Wildlife Editor Digital Editor Features Editor Photo/Sub Editor Photo Assistant Travel Editor Advertisement Director Logo Illustrator

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Conker Nature Magazine takes pride in ethical wildlife photography that prioritises the safety and welfare of wildlife and their environment. Conker Nature Magazine is committed to the correct representation of the natural world, away from the manipulation of media, and total honesty in our captioning. Photographers, please support us in providing all relevant information around the circumstance of the image and giving total clarity of where the image was taken (to include, but not just restricted to, use of bait, captivity or habituated animals). Conker Nature Magazine will provide trusted, independent travel, wildlife, and gardening advice and information. Our aim is to allow access to (including, but not limited to, clothing, travel, accessories, tools and books) for a range of backgrounds and budgets. Within our travel sector, we are clear with the positives and negatives of a location we visit or recommend. The views that are expressed within Conker Nature Magazine are entirely the views of the authors, and not necessarily the views of the magazine, editorial team, or publisher. The editor-in-chief, the publisher, the contributors or the editorial team accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors, mistakes, omissions, or issues in any such advertisement feature. Conker Nature Magazine should not, under any circumstance, be reproduced either partially or wholly in any form or means without prior consent with the publication. It should not be hired, resold, or otherwise disposed to in any means of trade more than the recommended retail price set. PUBLISHED BY SWANKY MEDIA GROUP LTD, © Conker Nature Magazine 2024

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2024

08 BIRDS PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEKSEY GORIN IG:@AL.GORITM

12 OKTOBER PHOTOGRAPHER: NATALLIYA ZHUKOUSKAYA IG:@NATALLII_ZHUKOVSKAYA

16 THROUGH PATAGONIA, CHILE PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA ZVADA IG:@ZVADA.PHOTO

20 DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CAT IS? AN INTERVIEW WITH LINDA DALTON WALKER WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA DALTON WALKER IG: @LINDADALTONWALKERART

30 AUTUMN IN THE FOREST PHOTOGRAPHER: IRINA GRITSENKO IG:@LADY_IRINA80

40 THE BARN OWL PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT DUFFIELD IG:@SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY HTTPS://SCOTTDUFFIELDPHOTOGRAPHY.PIXIESET.COM

52 THE FUNGI PHOTOGRAPHER: KARLEE JO HECK IG:@KARLEEJ_PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KARLEEJPHOTOGRAPHY WB: HTTPS://KARLEEJPHOTOGRAPHY.SMUGMUG.COM

WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2024

56 BLUE ISLAND IN OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHER: ROBIN KER IG:@ROBBINGCARS91 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ROBBY KER WB: HTTPS://MEDMISHAPS.WORDPRESS.COM/BLOG TW: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/K91ROBBY WWW.TIKTOK.COM/@ROBBYRAMI

62 HARMONY OF AROMAS PHOTOGRAPHER: OLGA SALTYKOVA IG:@OLGAVALERIL

66 SUN OF ALTAI PHOTOGRAPHER: OLGA SHIBYAEVA IG:@OLGASH2703 WB: HTTP://OLGASH-PHOTO.TILDA.WS

72 THE WHITE VULTURE PHOTOGRAPHER: SERGIO KUDRYASHOV IG:@SERGART1970

PICK NATURAL WORLD 76 EDITORS TV SHOW

78 BRITAIN’S AUTUMNAL HERO’S PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT DUFFIELD IG:@SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY HTTPS://SCOTTDUFFIELDPHOTOGRAPHY.PIXIESET.COM

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Editor’s Letter

November 2024

Lucy Morris Editor-in-chief Welcome to the Conker Nature November Issue - it’s great for you to join us as we transition into the quieter phase of autumn, and into the winter season! As we move into November, the landscape transforms further, with nature preparing for the coming winter. The British countryside takes on a more subdued palette, but still offers a wealth of wildlife experiences and natural beauty. In our woodlands, the deer rut is winding down, but you may still hear the occasional call of stags. The trees have largely shed their leaves, creating a carpet of russet and gold on the forest floor. This leaf litter becomes a vital habitat for a multitude of insects and small mammals. November sees the arrival of more winter visitors. Watch for large flocks of starlings performing their mesmerizing murmurations at dusk. In coastal areas, you might spot impressive gatherings of waders such as knot and dunlin. Our wetlands fill with overwintering ducks like wigeon and teal, newly arrived from their northern breeding grounds. As temperatures continue to drop, many animals enter full hibernation mode. Hedgehogs, if they haven’t already, will be seeking out cosy spots to sleep away the winter. Bats too will be settling into their winter roosts. In gardens and parks, you’ll see increased activity at bird feeders as resident birds like blue tits and great tits rely more heavily on these food sources. The insect world is much quieter now, but on milder days, you might still see the occasional red admiral butterfly or even a late bumblebee. This is an excellent time to look for fungi, with many species of mushrooms and toadstools fruiting in the damp autumn conditions. November offers a different kind of wildlife experience - one of subtle changes and preparations. Whether it’s watching winter migrants arrive, observing the last active mammals before hibernation, or simply appreciating the stark beauty of bare trees against crisp skies, there’s still much to discover. Don’t let the colder weather deter you wrap up warm and enjoy the unique charm of late autumn! Next month, we invite you to join us as we fully embrace the winter season. As December approaches, we’ll explore how nature adapts to the coldest months and the surprising amount of wildlife activity that continues even in the depths of winter. See you then!

WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT DUFFIELD IG:@SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SCOTT.DUFFIELD. PHOTOGRAPHY WB: SCOTTDUFFIELDPHOTOGRAPHY.PIXIESET.COM

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BIRDS PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEKSEY GORIN IG:@AL.GORITM


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Oktober PHOTOGRAPHER: NATALLIYA ZHUKOUSKAYA IG:@NATALLII_ZHUKOVSKAYA

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THROUGH PATAGONIA, CHILE PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA ZVADA IG:@ZVADA.PHOTO

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DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CAT IS? An Interview with Linda Dalton Walker WE CHAT WITH LINDA FOLLOWING HER HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD IN THE BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION. OUR CONVERSATION COVERS HER AWARD-WINNING SHOT AND HER IMPRESSIVE PORTFOLIO AS A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA DALTON WALKER IG: @LINDADALTONWALKERART

CAT STALKING MALLARD MOTHER AND DUCKLINGS. ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY (ABC), DOMESTIC CATS ARE THE GREATEST HUMAN-MADE THREAT TO WILD BIRDS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA, SURPASSING CAR ACCIDENTS AND HUNTING. THEY KILL 2.4 BILLION BIRDS EVERY YEAR, AND HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE EXTINCTION OF AT LEAST 63 SPECIES.

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The Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is a large turkeylike bird that is a rare a localised bird, found in southwestern Colorado. Is a conservation concern being endangered with the population decreasing.


Welcome, Linda, and congratulations on your recent Highly Commended Award in the Bird Photography of the Year 2024. Welcome to Conker Nature Magazine’s A Year in the Natural World Issue. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. CN: Can you share a particularly vivid or impactful experience from your childhood camping trips that ignited your passion for wildlife photography? How did this specific moment shape your future career path? LDW: As a young person in a family of seven children, most of our vacations were camping trips. Many of these trips were to Yellowstone National Park, USA, but most of the camping areas were down dirt roads my dad would find. Once my parents decided upon a space, they would sleep in the back of our station wagon with the youngest of the siblings, and the rest of us were instructed to find a spot to sleep under the stars. It was moments like this and growing up on a small family farm that instilled my wonder of the natural world and my desire to capture those magical moments surrounding us. I always joke that my first experience with a camera was in the womb, so I often had a camera with me on those camping trips, but many of those images are long gone. CN: In what ways has your extensive background as a competitive marathon runner influenced your approach to wildlife photography? How do the mental and physical disciplines from running translate into your current work? LDW: I have always been a competitive person, so as a marathon runner of 40-plus years, I had a strict training regimen, and this longevity of running has shaped my endurance still today. Running long distance and wildlife photography both require stamina, balance,

“Growing up on a small family farm that instilled my wonder of the natural world and my desire to capture those magical moments surrounding us.”

patience, listening to the body, and strength training. Before an upcoming photography trip,

specific instances and the strategies you’ve developed to overcome these obstacles? LDW: I know there are more men in the field of wildlife photography compared to women, but this is slowly changing

as women are becoming more aware of the rewards in this field and how their photography can be further enriched with conservation

I start a training program similar to what I would have

and storytelling efforts. Yet, as I look into competitions or guide services, I still

done to train for a marathon. With a good solid physical

notice a disparity among the genders of the guides and judges. There seems to be

base already established, I start to add onto this base. I

a prevalence of Caucasian males filling these roles. This is not saying that the male

throw on my 25+ pound backpack with the cameras and

voice shouldn’t be heard; what I’m saying is that there needs to be more of an equal

lenses that I will be using, then I add my 10-pound tripod

voice. I have been talked down to by a few male counterparts who feel as if they

and gradually start to increase the distance I can walk with

are more knowledgeable than I am in this field and want to insert their unwanted

this weight. I do not want any physical limitation to slow

opinions. Yet, I have worked with some who do not say anything and will stand and

me down when I am out in the field.

photograph next to me as an equal.

CN: As a woman in the male-dominated field of wildlife

There was one particular wildlife photography guide group that I was interested in

photography, what are some of the most significant

booking a trip with that I found on Instagram.

challenges you’ve encountered? Could you elaborate on

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However, I noticed that out of their ten guides,

group, is to trust my gut feelings. If I am in a

only one was a woman, and she had a minor role.

location that doesn’t feel safe, no matter how bad

I sent them a direct message and asked if they

I want a shot, I leave. I was hiking in the Tushar

had other female guides. I received a message

Mountain Range in central Utah, USA, to find

back stating that currently they only have one

and photograph the mountain goats from the

female guide. Hence, I seek out guide groups

region. The hike was up a very steep, narrow trail

that offer a better balance. At the beginning of

leading up to a 10,000-foot peak. With just about

my membership in a local photography club, our

a mile left, the trail became very rocky, which

competition judges were only male. I brought

made carrying my pack even more difficult, and

this to the attention of the person in charge of

there was a threat of an approaching storm. Bolts

the competitions, and now we have one female

of lightning were streaking out of the distant

and two male judges for each competition. So,

sky, and my gut feeling was to turn around, but

in addition to speaking up about this issue or

my photographer side said… forge on. However,

calling people out on their assumptions, I look

I turned around and quickened my pace down

end up at the bottom of a steep canyon fall, and I

at the competitions and guides and evaluate my

the trail. There had just been a few people on the

really didn’t want to use my inReach, so I slowed

entries based on who they are using.

trail, so I was basically alone in this vast expanse.

my pace and just hoped my instincts were right

To my left was a sharp drop-off on the trail, and

in thinking that I would beat the approaching

CNM: During your solo photography

as I quickened my pace, I ever so slightly lost my

storm. The storm hit with a vengeance moments

expeditions, have you ever found yourself in a

footing. This made me stop and catch my breath,

after I safely made it off the hill and into my

particularly precarious or dangerous situation?

thankful I work on my balance. I carry a satellite

truck. I will continue to listen to that other voice

Can you walk us through this experience and

Garmin inReach to inform family members of my

that tells me when it is not safe.

explain how it has informed your approach to

safety or to press SOS if needed. I didn’t want to

safety in subsequent trips? LDW: The number one thing I try to remember when I am out on solo trips, or even with a

“The number one thing I try to remember when I am out on solo trips, or even with a group, is to trust my gut feelings. If I am in a location that doesn’t feel safe, no matter how bad I want a shot, I leave.”


CNM: Could you detail your

around as she is trying desperately to

preparation process for photography

keep them safe. Too many times I have

trips, both in terms of physical

found neighboring domestic cats with a

conditioning and equipment selection?

tiny duckling in their mouths or a dead

How do you ensure you’re ready for

duck or bird lying on the ground.

the demands of wildlife photography in various environments?

On this particular day, I wanted to capture a different perspective of

LWD: Wildlife photography is strenuous,

the mallards in the pond—one that

and I work very hard to stay in shape.

would tug on people’s emotional

Often, when I am photographing, I am

heartstrings. I was lying prone

walking for miles, lying or sitting on the

with my long lens (200–500mm)

ground, or staying in a squat position

supported by a tripod with its legs

in order to capture the shot I envision.

splayed so I could get up close and

To stay in shape, I typically walk around

personal with the ducklings, yet not

four miles daily to keep my cardio

interfere with their safety. Shortly after

strong, and if I am not walking, I am

I began photographing the adorable

cycling with my husband. I go to a local

little ones, the mother mallard quickly

gym and lift weights about three times

escorted her young ones away from the

a week, and I do daily balance exercises

opposite edge towards me. Trying to

as well as squat holds.

figure out what was going on, I looked

All About Birds states that domestic cats are not native to North

through my viewfinder again and was

America, and they exist in much higher densities than native

CNM: You have recently been awarded

shocked to see one of our neighbors’

predators such as hawks, owls, foxes, etc. Hence, they do not

Highly Commended in the 2024 Bird

cats lurking in the upper frame of the

really belong outside. According to the pet food trade association,

Photography Of The Year, a worldwide

image. I continued to press my shutter

there are an estimated 80 million pet cats in the United States

bird photography competition held in

but was ready at any moment to jump

alone, and of those, only 35% are kept exclusively indoors, leaving

London. What drew you to take the

into action to stop the cat. Domestic

the majority of cats free to kill birds and other wildlife. In addition,

image, was there a feeling or story

cats have a natural instinct to hunt that

there are millions of stray and feral cats that roam our cities,

behind the shot (pictured on page 20)?

is independent of the urge to eat, which

suburbs, farmlands, and natural areas.

is one of the reasons I will find birds LWD: First off, I am thrilled and honored

lying on the ground, left to die.

Other facts to keep in mind: cats with bells on their collars still kill birds. Birds do not necessarily associate the sound of a bell with

to have received the recognition of Highly Commended with the Urban

According to the American Bird

danger, and cats know how to silently stalk their prey. Wildlife

Bird Photographer of the Year Award

Conservancy (ABC), domestic cats are

rehab centers report that most birds that seem to escape cats

for my image “Do You Know Where

the greatest human-made threat to wild

do not survive. Cats carry bacteria and viruses in their mouths,

Your Cat Is?” I travel all over the States

birds in the U.S. and Canada, surpassing

and those are passed onto the birds, or they die from internal

and abroad to photograph wildlife and

car accidents and hunting. These cats

hemorrhaging or injury to vital organs. But we must remember,

nature, yet I still love our backyard

kill 2.4 billion birds every year and have

cats are not responsible... people are. Keep domestic cats indoors,

birds—the little sparrows who drink

contributed to the extinction of at least

and do what you can to trap and sterilize feral cats.

and bathe from our birdbath to the

63 species of small animals.

mallards who frequent our community backyard ponds. The baby mallards are so adorable as they follow their mother

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CNM: Among the many features of your truck ‘Beauty,’ which one stands out as your favourite, and why? How has this specific feature enhanced or transformed your wildlife photography adventures? LWD: Black Beauty is my Toyota Tacoma, and she helps me get safely to the various locations where I am driving. In addition to the high clearance and four-wheel drive that is necessary for dirt backroads, I added a shell to the cargo bed, giving me a location to sleep when I am camping. The inside of the shell is outfitted with the Decked System, which includes a platform and two drawers. The platform has a 4″ cushion for sleeping, and I added a quilt that my mother made for me years ago before she died of breast cancer. This sleeping area fills me with comfort, and after long days in the field of either success or failure, I am soothed by the comfort of my mother’s memory. I know she would be nervous about some of the places I venture, but I know she would have wanted to hear all of the details and would be very proud of me. CNM: Is there a particular image in your portfolio that holds special significance for you? Can you describe the circumstances surrounding this photograph and explain why it resonates with you on a personal level? LWD: In my portfolio, there is an image from 2019 (pictured left) that I took at a local wetland. I titled this image “The Society of Birds” because there are so many birds in this one shot. In this one image, there are American Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Kestrels, seagulls, and American White Pelicans. It is the one image that made me start thinking more about being a conservation photographer because this scene hasn’t been repeated since. I go to this wetland frequently, and I grew up near Great Salt Lake, a saline, terminal lake that is fed by three rivers and precipitation. Near this wetland is a newly constructed freeway and large housing developments, which are creating excess noise and light pollution as well as contributing to the drying of our lake. As a conservation photographer, I have been focusing on Great Salt Lake and the birds that rely upon this vital body of water for their survival. When I visit this particular wetland today, I might find a few ducks, but not the society I photographed five years ago. CNM: Wildlife photographers often face the dilemma of capturing the perfect shot while ensuring the wellbeing of their subjects. How do you navigate this balance, and what ethical guidelines do you follow in your work? LWD: First and foremost, when I am photographing wildlife, I think of the animals’ safety and well-being. I am not naive enough to think that my presence is not disturbing the animals I want to photograph, so I do everything I can to minimize this disruption. My telephoto long lens (Nikkor 200–500mm) can pull in subjects that are a fair distance away. In various situations, I might use a blind/ hide that I set up predawn in efforts not to disturb them, or I use a camo covering placed over me when I am lying or sitting on the ground.


I will also shoot from my truck window if I can get close enough and still have a good angle. In addition, I move slowly and sit or lie still for hours in one location so my movement won’t distract the wildlife. In most cases, this helps the animals relax and go on about their normal activities. Bait, lights, and sound attractions are not part of my routine because I do not want to interfere with their vital survival instincts. CNM: For aspiring wildlife photographers, especially women or individuals in their later years who might feel hesitant about entering the field, what words of encouragement and practical advice would you offer? How can they overcome potential barriers and pursue their passion? LWD: I have never believed that age should be a deterrent to any passion one might want to pursue. Sure, I am not able to do what I used to be able to do when I was younger, but because I have stayed in shape throughout my life, I am able to do quite a bit more than many people younger than me. My advice to anyone who wants to pursue wildlife photography is to start small and practice, practice, practice. Join a photography club, listen to videos, follow IG photographers, but most importantly—just start. Camera gear doesn’t have to be the most expensive if someone is just beginning, because if a person doesn’t have the necessary skills, the camera won’t do it for them anyway. Knowledge is key. Book and travel with guided groups, but research them, read the reviews, and make sure the trip will be on your level of expertise and comfort. If a person wants to start camping to develop their photography in a different light, it’s best to find one or two people to go with them where they can learn from each other. It is also very important to learn how to edit images because taking the photograph is just one of the steps. Set the goals—and start small so success follows.


CNM: Reflecting on your extensive career as a wildlife photographer, what aspects of your work have you found to be the most fulfilling or rewarding? How has this profession enriched your life beyond your initial expectations? LWD: In my career as a wildlife photographer, I have found that the conservation aspect of my work has been the most fulfilling and rewarding. It is a field of photography that I was unaware of, and I really had no idea of the impact photographers could have in bringing more attention to wildlife issues. As photographers, we can start by throwing that one small pebble into the lake, which will be followed by other photographers throwing pebbles in the same direction, and soon those ripples start to make waves — waves of change. And this, to me, has been the most rewarding part of my experience in the field. CNM: Thank you immensely, Linda, for providing us with these invaluable insights into your creative process and your works. We’re thrilled about the potential impact and reception your stories will have when it graces newsstands

FOLLOW LINDA DALTON WALKER Linda is a remarkable woman wildlife photographer in her 70s with a fascinating background and adventurous spirit.

Follow her on:

Linda’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep connection to nature, showcasing how she has turned her love for wildlife and photography into a lifelong adventure.

Facebook: @lindadaltonwalkerart

Instagram: @lindadaltonwalkerart

Website: www.lindadaltonwalker.com

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Autumn In The Forest PHOTOGRAPHER: IRINA GRITSENKO IG:@LADY_IRINA80

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AUTUMNS ELITE PREDATOR

The Barn Owl PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT DUFFIELD IG:@SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SCOTT.DUFFIELD.PHOTOGRAPHY WB: HTTPS://SCOTTDUFFIELDPHOTOGRAPHY.PIXIESET.COM


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THE FUNGI PHOTOGRAPHER: KARLEE JO HECK IG:@KARLEEJ_PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KARLEEJPHOTOGRAPHY WB: HTTPS://KARLEEJPHOTOGRAPHY.SMUGMUG.COM

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BLUE ISLAND IN OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHER: ROBIN KER IG:@ROBBINGCARS91 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ROBBY KER WB: HTTPS://MEDMISHAPS.WORDPRESS.COM/BLOG TW: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/K91ROBBY WWW.TIKTOK.COM/@ROBBYRAMI

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HARMONY OF AROMAS PHOTOGRAPHER: OLGA SALTYKOVA IG:@OLGAVALERIL

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SUN OF ALTAI THE PRISTINE AND UNIQUE BEAUTY OF ALTAI. IT AMAZES AT FIRST SIGHT AND LEAVES NO ONE INDIFFERENT. THE BRIGHT COLOURS OF SUMMER LANDSCAPES WARM UP GLOOMY AUTUMN AND WINTER EVENINGS PHOTOGRAPHER: OLGA SHIBYAEVA IG:@OLGASH2703 WB: HTTP://OLGASH-PHOTO.TILDA.WS

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The White vulture PHOTOGRAPHER: SERGIO KUDRYASHOV IG:@SERGART1970


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Entertainment Feature: This Month’s Wild Wonders

EDITORS PICK NATURAL WORLD TV SHOW SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ASIA Produced & Broadcasted on BBC | Roger Webb | Released Sunday 03rd November 2024

S

ir David Attenborough presents Asia, a seven-part series exploring the amazing wildlife and natural wonders of our planet’s largest continent.

Across seven episodes exploring each corner of this remarkable part of our planet, audiences will journey through Asia’s most stunning landscapes, witness a wealth of wildlife, and uncover stories of extraordinary unseen animal behaviour. Filmed over the course of nearly four years, this is the first time that Asia - home to the highest mountain range, the deepest ocean, the tallest jungles, and the biggest cave - has been the focus of a landmark BBC wildlife series. In Nepal, we’ll follow rhinos playing ‘kiss chase’ in a bizarre courtship ritual. In the foothills of the Himalaya, amidst forests of bamboo, we’ll meet Asia’s shyest and possibly cutest mammal: the red panda. Five thousand metres up on the Tibetan Plateau, we’ll witness a lone wolf relentlessly hunting a herd of antelope for hours on end.

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In Sri Lanka, we’ll join elephants that have learnt to become highway thieves – holding up buses to get food from the passengers. And in the rich waters of the Western Pacific, we’ll swim with sea snakes that have learnt to team up with fish to hunt.

Episode 3 – The Frozen North

Asia will also explore the conservation challenges facing the continent, and shine a light on the potential solutions being championed by the region’s conservation heroes. From the vast Gobi Desert, to the jungles of Borneo, and from the polar wilderness of Siberia to the coral seas of the Indian Ocean, this series will showcase the breath-taking diversity of Asia’s wildest places.

Asia’s jungles are exceptionally diverse, but whilst they provide shelter, food, and opportunity, they are also full of dangers and hidden threats.

Episode 1 – Beneath The Waves This ground-breaking film features the charismatic creatures of Asia’s oceans, never- seen-before spectacles and brand-new animal behaviour. From giants in the deep ocean, to tiny fish that climb trees, squid that glow in the dark, and grey reef sharks that hunt in their hundreds. Asia’s waters are as spectacular as they are diverse. Episode 2 – Above The Clouds Asia is the most mountainous continent on earth. From the forested slopes of the tropics to the hostile heights of the Himalaya, Asia’s mountains are home to an astonishing abundance of specialised plants and wildlife.

In northern Asia, life defies hostile extremes. Episode 4 – Tangled Worlds

Episode 5 – Crowded Continent In Asia, the most densely populated continent, animals have developed extraordinary ways to seize the opportunities of the human world. From tigers entering a city to hunt easy prey, to elephants stopping traffic to demand food from motorists. Episode 6 – The Arid Heart In the heart of Asia lie vast arid lands. These deserts and dry grasslands are so hostile, they push life to the limit. Episode 7 – Saving Asia Remarkable people are dedicating their lives to saving Asia’s extraordinary wildlife, using ingenious solutions.


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