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With many of us getting ready to let out our best 'oohs' and 'ahhs' at a firework's display tonight, let's not forget that nature can put on a pretty spectacular display, too: Now I've never seen the Northern Lights, but by all accounts it's a mesmerizing experience...

When you think of birds that migrate, the swallow is often one that springs to mind first. But as the last of our summer visitors head for southern Europe or Africa for a warmer winter, there are new arrivals incoming. Birds like this redwing are flooding into the UK from Scandinavia and further east...

I don't know about you, but I've noticed a lot more of these little fellows about recently. Including one that seems to think it's great idea to spin its web across the entrance to my garden! There's nothing to be scared of however, let's just look at the beauty of this great snap...

Continuing a past trend of championing those bits of nature that don't move around much, this shot persuaded me to pick rocks. The visual effect of this weird geology is truly striking, and unlike organic landscape features, they stay that way all year. This rare limestone pavement in...

As leaves start their annual colour change, and the morning air fills my lungs with its chilly edge, there is no denying that autumn is on its way. Not that I mind. In fact, I really look forward to the changing seasons and the promise of wildlife spectacles to come. And this great image of starlings...

Are you mesmerised by the beauty of this exotic-looking bird? Head to your local park or woodland at the moment and you stand a good chance of seeing one! This is a jay , a member of the crow family, and this is a busy time of year for them as they search for acorns to stash away for winter . One...

As I saw a vortex of blue descend over Scotland on the weather forecast yesterday, my mind wandered to the animals that are stuck outside there come rain or shine. The efforts of this red deer to get dry seem futile as the rain keeps streaking down. The sheer volume of water flying of this youngster’s...

For today's magic moment I thought long and hard. I looked at some charismatic creatures, some bright ones and some rare ones. But they didn't do it for me today. So I decided to sing the praises of something we see regularly. Something that I know I, and maybe you too, take for granted: the...

I don't know how it's been for you, but summer has simply flown by for me this year. And even though I'm well past school age, the fact that kids are now back at school marks, for me at least, the start of the journey into autumn. However, I'm not quite ready to give up on summer,...

Who says that we don't have bright, colourful wildlife in the UK? You won't get much brighter than this male ruddy darter dragonfly , photographed by Steve Knell. Head over to RSPB Images to view other photos and buy beautiful prints.

I stumbled across some fascinating fungi this weekend so I chose these quintessential toadstools to advocate this often overlooked kingdom. Also known as ‘fly agaric’ these mushrooms are fruiting bodies for a species of fungi that lives in partnership with tree’s roots. In return...

In celebration of the beautiful weekend weather, here's a little sunshine to start Monday morning with: There are plenty more photo's celebrating the sun on RSPB Images .

Ooh, that feels better. Preening is an important part of every bird's routine - to keep warm, airworthy, waterproof and looking smart - but it's much easier to reach some parts if you have a friend to help. This photo of spoonbills was taken by Chris Knights and is part of the RSPB Images...

This picture epitomises what I love about nature, it was taken just a stones throw from where I’m sitting at the RSPB’s HQ. Amazing scenes in nature are nearby wherever you are. This oak woodland has been captured with morning light getting caught in the haze of moisture rising under the...

As I cycled into work this morning, with the blazing sun warming my back, the countryside somehow seemed more alive. The dog walkers, normally bleary-eyed and seemingly unimpressed that their pampered pooch has got them out of bed, were chirpier and only too happy to say 'morning'. Seems like...

It's another gloomy day here at RSPB HQ, but if you get a 15-minute break from the bad weather, did you know you can take part in the Big Butterfly Count ? It's organised by our friends at Butterfly Conservation and runs between 14 July and 5 August, so there's plenty of time yet! This...

I wouldn't say I love spiders, but they do fascinate me. And I find jumping spiders particularly fascinating. Not only can they jump more than 50 times their own body length, but jumping spiders have the best eyesight of any spider. They need great vision to help them find their prey and to...

Red, yellow and blue. At primary school they’re the paints from which we make all other colours. In this photo, the red are poppies, the yellow are corn marigolds and the blue are cornflowers. In the background you can still glimpse a canvas of white daisies. When cycling around East-Anglia...

This week sees the start of National Insect Week . So, to celebrate, I've picked this simply stunning image of two hoverflies alighting on a coneflower. Hoverflies are some of my favourite insects , with their intricate patterns and habit of micmicking bees and wasps. These two are marmalade hoverflies...

Did you know that there are six species of reptile native to the UK? (you might already know if you saw Countryfile last night !). This beauty is a sand lizard, very rare in the UK and only found in a few places - one of which is our nature reserve at Arne in Dorset. You can see the other five species...

Here at RSPB HQ it's less of a magic Monday and more of a miserable Monday, weather-wise. This splendid white-tailed eagle certainly it looks as it knows that feeling... Fingers crossed for better weather soon! You can brighten your afternoon by taking a browse through RSPB Images , our very own...

The next in our series of Monday's Magic Moments from the BBC Springwatch presenters gives Michaela Strachan the chance to wax lyrical about her favourite bird: Personally I like a bird with a bit of colour. A bird known for it’s character and flair. Don’t get me wrong, I love all...

For the next three weeks, Monday Moments will be brought to you from the BBC Springwatch presenters. To kick things off, here are some words from Chris Packham about one of his favourite birds, the woodcock. It's all about the anticipation. Is it dusk enough? Are you in exactly the right place...

I'm not sure if this red grouse is hiding or just being cautious in coming forward, but either way I really like this image by Tom Marshall . It certainly puts a smile on my face this Monday morning! You can also check out other wildlife in hiding on RSPB Images .

Well after two glorious days the rain has returned with a vengeance to my part of the world. So for this week's Monday Moment, I thought I'd share what happens when rain and sun mix. Mike Lane took this great image of a rainbow, I just love the colours brightening up an otherwise grey day...