Local photographer captures the beauty of The Byes with his wildlife shots

Sidmouth-based photographer Paul Clayden (Image: Paul Clayden)

Paul is a professional photographer and also bar manager at The Radway Inn, spending more time behind his camera than behind the bar at the moment!
He has spent fifteen years photographing in and around Sidmouth and his recent project focusing on The Byes is the subject of these glorious photos.
A chance encounter with an otter (Image: Paul Clayden)

Egret hunting for fish (Image: Paul Clayden)
The breadth of birdlife is very apparent, concentrating on the River Sid generates a quite different range of birds from those recently recorded in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

Goldcrest about to take flight (Image: Paul Clayden)

Paul said: "Since the latest lock down I have plenty of spare time on my hands. I decided to restart my photography, and after investing in new equipment made the best of my daily exercise in The Byes, which is 100 metres from my house. We are so lucky to have this place in the town and I have shot over 25 different species of birds and wildfire, all found right under our noses."

Ducks ready to take a swim (Image: Paul Clayden)
Paul posts daily on many Sidmouth social media sites as well as his Facebook page: Paul Clayden Photography.
All the photos here and many more can be found on his website www.paulclayden.co.uk

Chaffinch having a drink (Image: Paul Clayden)

A robin sings in the morning (Image: Paul Clayden)

A vocal wren (Image: Paul Clayden)

Bumblebee and blossom (Image: Paul Clayden)

Grey wagtail (Image: Paul Clayden)

A dipper grabs a bite to eat (Image: Paul Clayden)