Captive Light by Melanie Hayward Photography

Captive Light by Melanie Hayward Photography UK based photographer specialising in Land/Seascapes - natural photography not AI generated :-) Hi - I'm Melanie.

I first picked up a camera as a hobby about thirteen years ago - a hobby that soon became a passion and now a business that enables me to share my work with you all! How different the world looks through the eye of a lens! I have a keen interest in wildlife and the beautiful landscapes of the UK. I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I have enjoyed capturing them :-). All are available as di

gital prints - and/or physical prints in various sizes that can also be ordered to be set on canvas or acrylic. If you have enjoyed any of my photographs either on-line or because you have purchased a product - I would be really grateful if you would leave me a review - many thanks :-)

Very grateful to our bountiful garden ❤️Edit: Apologies, this was meant for my personal page! 😅
23/07/2026

Very grateful to our bountiful garden ❤️
Edit: Apologies, this was meant for my personal page! 😅

Loved the wing detail shown as they flew past - absolutely gorgeous White Tailed Sea Eagle
16/07/2026

Loved the wing detail shown as they flew past - absolutely gorgeous White Tailed Sea Eagle

When you are hunting for otters - but have not one but two fly passes from another favourite instead!!
16/07/2026

When you are hunting for otters - but have not one but two fly passes from another favourite instead!!

This mum certainly has her ducks in a row 😆🥰
14/07/2026

This mum certainly has her ducks in a row 😆🥰

Had an incredible time photographing these beautiful white tailed sea Eagles today - such incredible birds of prey!
14/07/2026

Had an incredible time photographing these beautiful white tailed sea Eagles today - such incredible birds of prey!

Falling in love with Scotland one day at a time ......
13/07/2026

Falling in love with Scotland one day at a time ......

Spent some more time with these absolute beauties today - and also did some research to learn more about them - so here ...
10/07/2026

Spent some more time with these absolute beauties today - and also did some research to learn more about them - so here are 10 cool facts (however the poor fish is looking less than impressed as you can see in the photo if you look carefully!)

Massive Nests: Ospreys reuse nests annually. They add new material each spring, creating structures up to 10 feet deep.

Mumbrella Shield: Mothers spread their wings over the nest. This creates a "mumbrella" shielding chicks from rain and sun.

Fast Growth: Hatchlings weigh just 50 grams. Their fish-only diet triples their weight in eight days.

Parental Roles: Males do all the hunting. Females tear the fresh fish into small pieces for the chicks.

Staggered Hatching: Eggs hatch days apart in order. This creates a distinct age and size hierarchy among siblings.

Survival Hierarchy: During food shortages, older chicks take all food. This ensures at least one strong chick survives.

Instant Camouflage: Chicks flatten into the nest when threatened. Their mottled down feathers blend perfectly with sticks.

Knuckle-Walking: Adults walk carefully on their knuckles. This protects the fragile chicks from sharp talons.

Shifting Eye Color: Chicks hatch with black eyes. They turn blue, amber-brown, and finally bright adult yellow.

Forced Independence: Chicks fledge around seven weeks. Parents then leave so chicks learn to hunt alone.

Osprey mum and two chicks 💝
09/07/2026

Osprey mum and two chicks 💝

(Best viewed in full) .... fans When you know there is a nest in the area, but you just can't find it with the naked e...
09/07/2026

(Best viewed in full) .... fans

When you know there is a nest in the area, but you just can't find it with the naked eye. Imagine if you just follow a bit of movement that you've caught out of the corner of your eye and just happen to capture a male osprey coming back to the nest with supper!

Now imagine if only I'd had my tripod with me and therefore wasn't having to cope with handheld at 800mm 🤦‍♀️These may be far from perfect, but they made my day!

The nest is on an Island approximately 600 feet from where I was across the water on the mainland (therefore no disturbance to these beautiful birds at all, in case anyone was worried)

Sometimes it's just the little things in life .....
08/07/2026

Sometimes it's just the little things in life .....

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