March Wildlife Photography Yorkshire

March Wildlife Photography in North Yorkshire: Signs of Spring

As winter loosens, March brings fresh wildlife and nature photography opportunities across North Yorkshire. With longer days, milder temperatures, and an explosion of life emerging, this is a fantastic month to capture the changing season.

Birdlife Awakens

March marks the return of migrating birds and the start of the breeding season for many resident species. Look out for curlews, oystercatchers, and lapwings on the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales as they prepare to nest. Woodland areas are alive with the calls of great tits, robins, and chaffinches, making for excellent bird photography.

Frogs and Toads on the Move

Ponds and wetlands become bustling hubs of activity in March as frogs and toads begin their migration to breeding sites. Look for clusters of frogspawn in shallow water, and if you’re patient, you may capture the mesmerizing moment when amphibians surface for air.

Spring Flowers and Landscapes

North Yorkshire’s landscapes begin their transformation with the arrival of early spring flowers. Woodlands are sprinkled with delicate wood anemones and primroses. While hedgerows burst into life with blackthorn blossom. In places like Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks, you can combine stunning floral details with dramatic backdrops for striking compositions.

Hares in the Fields

March is the prime time to photograph brown hares in open countryside, especially in the Yorkshire Wolds and Vale of York. This is their breeding season, and you might witness their famous ‘boxing’ matches – a truly special moment for wildlife photographers.

Tips for March Photography

• Golden Hour Magic: The softer light of early mornings and late afternoons adds warmth and depth to your images.
• Patience Pays Off: Wildlife can be more active but also elusive, so take your time and observe before shooting.
• Dress for the Season: March weather can be unpredictable, so layer up and wear waterproof footwear for muddy terrain.
• Use a Telephoto Lens: A longer focal length (300mm or more) helps capture birds and mammals from a distance without disturbing them.

Conclusion

March is a rewarding time for wildlife and nature photography in North Yorkshire. As the landscape wakes up, so too do the creatures that call it home. Whether you’re capturing birds in song, hares in motion, or the first blooms of spring, this month offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. Grab your camera, head outdoors, and embrace the changing season

Updates with our North Yorkshire Wildlife Photography

If you’re as passionate about wildlife and nature as we are, I’d love to hear from you! Follow J P Watson Photography on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr or Website for regular updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories. Together, let’s celebrate the wild beauty of North Yorkshire and beyond.

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J P Watson Photography