Meeting nature at dawn

As someone who takes a lot of sunrise pictures and videos, meeting nature in the early hours is a common experience.

In the height of summer, this can be a little after 4 am as I trudge up a hillside in Dover or in the week walk down to the Thames and walk along the river bank. My most common encounters as I walk with a backpack and camera bag to find my spot to watch the sun, are foxes, rats, cats, voles, and the occasional badger. 

If it is a walk further out of town and down to Shoremead lighthouse then I will sometimes come across the odd group of horses with their matted unkempt coats and over-curious nature. The youngest in the groups will often want to come closer, especially as I set up my camera equipment. If more than one horse then a game of dare seems to break out with every step closer being watched by the other and then if felt too bold, reversed at speed and a stare to see if its contender has also been a little too brave.

Further afield and in more woodland settings then I do come across deer, Muntjac. Some seem to have become more human friendly while others still keep a good distance and any sudden movement on my part will result in a sudden bounding away.