A bird silhoutted against lights at Heathrow Airport is the subject of the winning wildlife photo in a national competition – and the photographer is from Hitchin.

The Comet: Hitchin photographer Daniel Trim out in the wild. Picture: Daniel TrimHitchin photographer Daniel Trim out in the wild. Picture: Daniel Trim (Image: Archant)

Daniel Trim’s photograph of a pied wagtail is the overall winner in the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which is showing entrants’ work in London ahead of a further exhibition in Luton.

The photo, Heathrow Roostings, shows a single bird silhouetted against the lights of Terminal 5 – near to which hundreds of the birds congregate during the winter season.

Daniel, who grew up in Arlesey and studied at Shefford’s Samuel Whitbread Academy, also won the urban wildlife category of the awards for the wagtail photograph – and he is over the moon with his achievement.

He said: “Living near London, I’m always amazed by how nature can benefit from urban areas.

“There are many urban pied wagtail roosts across the UK during winter.

“I waited for a cold night when their numbers swell. After about 30 minutes I hadn’t seen a single wagtail – however, it wasn’t long until hundreds were dropping into the trees next to the terminal building, all calling away.

“It’s an impressive sight to see, and once the initial excitement was over I spent time looking for birds I could isolate against interesting background lighting.

“The birds soon tuck their heads under their wing to sleep, which doesn’t make the silhouette as pleasing. You have to get lucky with one waking up briefly to have a look around.”

Those praising Daniel’s photo included The Wildlife Trusts’ Lucy McRobert, who said: “This stunning photograph perfectly captures how magical wild experiences can be, even when they’re right on your doorstep. It’s a great reminder that wildlife can be found in the most ordinary places, every single day.”

Daniel was also highly commended in the Botanical Britain category for his photo of three wood anemones, taken near Stansted Airport.

The exhibition of more than 100 photographs showcasing wildlife in Britain is at the Horniman Museum in south London, and is open until Sunday, January 14. The photographs will then be at the Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton from January 20. Admission to both venues is free.

You can find out more about Daniel and his work at danieltrimphotography.co.uk.