Simon Wantling Wildlife Photographer

Owl monitoring.

Simon Wantling is a new trainee with Northants Ringing Group (NRG), who has a passion for Owls and wildlife photography.

Prior to contacting Northants Ringing Group Simon had been erecting Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, and Kestrel nest boxes in Bedfordshire, working with local farmers who use regenerative farming practices, and all the boxes are fitted with remote cameras, so that he can gain evidence as to whether the farming practices are working, and to gain a greater insight into their lives. To date Simon has twenty boxes that he monitors, with a further ten planned for this year, ready for next year’s breeding season.

Kestrel, Tawny Owl and Barn Owl boxes

Simon Wantling installing a Tawny Owl Box

Using the Reolink network Simon can monitor these boxes remotely and has obtained some remarkable footage, like a young Tawny Owl fledging from the box, and Barn Owls at their favoured nest box.

Since retirement Simon is now able to devote his time to wildlife photography as Simon Wantling Wildlife Photographer, and his owl studies as SW Wildlife Monitoring.

Retirement has also allowed Simon to commence his ringing training, and he is currently being trained by Group Chair Chris Payne, who is himself monitoring a number of owl boxes on estates in Northamptonshire and Norfolk.

To see some of the fantastic images that Simon has captured visit www.simonwantling.co.uk