Colchester and north Essex animals shown off in pictures

Talented photographers from Colchester and across north Essex have been out and about enjoying the wonders of nature this summer.

This week’s spread shows wildlife of all shapes and sizes living it up on our doorstep, including some cows taking a moment to enjoy drinking from the River Stour.

For more great pictures and to get involved, visit Gazette Camera Club on Facebook.

Ruffled feathers - Claire Day had a wildlife-filled day at the Walton Backwaters (Image: Claire Day)

Buzzing - Shiela Winwright spotted this fly in High Woods Country Park (Image: Shiela Winwright)

Beautiful - Alan Gould captured this butterfly on camera (Image: Alan Gould)

Cowabunga - Jonathan Stow got up close with a cow between Flatford and Dedham (Image: Jonathan Stow)

Thirsty work - Jonathan Stow spotted cattle drinking from the River Stour between Flatford and Dedham (Image: Jonathan Stow)

Serene - a duck seen on a misty morning by Claire Day at the Walton Backwaters (Image: Claire Day)

Look to the skies - this buzzard was snapped by Wayne Burton at work (Image: Wayne Burton)

Bee-asy does it - Maureen Jackson caught this bee reversing out of a sweet pea flower in her Colchester garden (Image: Maureen Jackson)

Shadow - Michaela Mason captured this little fella on camera (Image: Michaela Mason)