"Return of the Nightingale" by Mat Larkin
WINNER 2015
Ever since his first chance encounter with this elusive bird, Mat admits that he has been "pretty obsessed with nightingales", mainly due to its renowned and beautiful song. "It simply cuts through the spring air, sounding like a laser show at times, and temporarily eclipsing the likes of song thrushes, blackbirds, robins and even the gallant little wren. And those are birds that can really sing!"
Mat concentrated his efforts at the local wildlife reserve at Fingringhoe Wick (owned by Essex Wildlife Trust), which he states "is one of the best places in the UK to hear nightingales". Although he realised pretty quickly that he had taken on a very tough assignment.
