Photographer Alex Walton shares his wildlife photos captured during walks along the River Otter

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

It’s been a year of ‘firsts’ for me as a photographer, not just because of the new challenges the pandemic has brought, but also the vast array of wildlife I’ve managed to capture on my daily walks along the River Otter.

I have caught on camera for the first time: a goosander and her chicks, otters, a great spotted woodpecker and more.

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

But the ultimate trophy in my photo album has got to be a beaver with its kit, which I spotted feeding in the shallows.

The hardest part of these wild walks has been putting the alarm clock on for 4am in order to head out for sunrise.

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

The benefit of early starts is that is when animals tend to wake and you are most likely to spot these wonders of nature.

I have been lucky enough to observe and photograph a variety of animals for the first time while out walking the banks of the Otter, between my hometown of Ottery St Mary and Otterton.

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Having lived in Ottery for nearly 30 years, I have never properly explored its river course until now.

I wonder what new discoveries I will make on my next riverside ramble.

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Share your own lockdown shots via our photo website: www.iwitness24.co.uk

Check out more of Alex’s photography on his Facebook page and website

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Sidmouth Herald: River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton PhotographyRiver Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)