Wildlife, Winchester and Wandering - January 2026

Kenny Baxter
6 days ago
3 min read

**Hockley Railway Viaduct in Winchester**

I'm writing my January blog on the last day of the month. When I started this blog last year, I published my previous month's write-up at the start of the following month. I aim to keep things flexible, but for 2026 I thought it would make more sense to publish my write-up on the last day of the month - or at least close to it.

This month, most of my photography outings have been local to home - a reflection on the fairly wet and cold month that always presents a challenging for keeping the camera kit dry and taking photos in challenging light.

Wildlife

The month started with hearing a tip off about some otters living in a nearby stream and lake. I was incredibly fortunate to get my timing right on a sunny Saturday lunchtime to catch one of the otter family enjoying a relaxing swim. Wildlife photography isn't an area I get much to practice - trying to capture photos of wildlife while walking a dog doesn't particularly go hand in hand. However, the stars were definitely aligned at the start of January for these photos and I enjoyed watching the otters go about their business - seemingly without a care in the world!

Winchester

One of my slightly further afield outings this month was to the city of Winchester. I've driven past the city many times on my travels up and down the A34/ M3 for work - but I've never taken the opportunity to take some time to explore the city. I parked up on the outskirts of the city at the South Park and Ride near the Hockley Railway Viaduct just as the sun was rising on the horizon. The light and weather as perfect for a day of exploring with a camera, even if it was cold!

I enjoyed a walk into the city across the viaduct and along the River Itchen, climbing St. Catherine's Hill to enjoy the incredible panoramic views over the city itself half way along. The city itself is filled with old buildings and the surrounding countryside - even in the winter was beauty to behold. I took over 300 photos and walked over 10 miles just exploring and looking for different photography opportunities.

I set myself some photography 'challenges' on this trip; making myself slow down to notice the things you wouldn't normally. I found symmetry in buildings, some fantastic clocks as well as snippets into the history of the city. Setting myself some mini-assignments was a great way to experiment and take different photos - it added something to the day and it's something I'll definitely be repeating.

Wandering

As usual, many of my photography outings this month complemented a dog walk. I try and take my camera with my on as many walks as possible; although it's true to say the best camera is the one you have with you and if I don't have the camera; I won't miss an opportunity if I spot one and will happily use the great camera on my phone.

One of the highlights of my wandering this month include a fantastic walk to start the year at Swinley Forest in Bracknell - a nice early morning start provided opportunities to take photos of the 'Wolf Moon' setting as well as a perfect sunrise on the opposite horizon; there was even a light dusting of snow on the ground - a perfect winter setting.

I also revisited an old favourite, The Old Town Gardens in Swindon - although the looming clouds and a downpour curtailed the opportunity somewhat. I still managed to get some photos of the bandstand and some of the early blooms on my wanderings.

My final photography outing of the month was to capture the stunning display of snowdrops which have emerged in the woods just a short walk from my house. This is one of my favourite parts of the dog walk around the village and I try and include it at least once a week; the last two weeks have been particularly fantastic with this early spring display of white covering the ground.