While the coronavirus lock-down may be taking its toll on a number of human residents in Blaenau Gwent, the wildlife in the area appears to be returning to local beauty spots in full force this spring.
And wildlife photographers, Jason and Katherine Morgan, are having a field day capturing some of these beautiful images while sitting in their garden or going out on daily walks.
The pair live in Cwm near Ebbw Vale, and have travelled all over the world capturing images of wildlife, though say some of their favourite places to shoot are much closer to home.
Jason said: "This is really a beautiful area with some amazing wildlife and scenery, so we hope people realise what they have, literally on their doorsteps.
"It's particularly nice at the moment as weather is breaking and the sun is starting to come out.
"The council has also dedicated a number of areas across the borough as nature reserves this year, so we feel that could have a very positive impact on the local wildlife we see, which is good news for us."
Katherine added: "We can't go far at the moment, but much of what we've seen has been in our back garden or close to home.
"I don't know if the lock-down has had much of an effect on wildlife yet, but either way we have a wide variety of birds and animals which are all great to see.
"From Heron and Finches, to dippers and Buzzards, there's just too many to name.
"You might notice some of the birds start to quieten down for a little bit now as mating season begins, but there's still plenty of other things to be seen around the borough if you just take the time to look."
The pair are also eager to share their striking images, and hope to entertain people during lock-down by hosting a series of online painting and photography lessons, using many of the images captured from their home town.
"Hopefully learning to paint and photograph nature can bring some happiness during this time, and help break up the boredom people may be experiencing while they are self-isolating," Jason said.
"It's something anyone can have a go at no matter what your level of skill is, so it's inclusive to everyone.
"I've always loved nature, starting this as a hobby over twenty years ago and going until the point where it's now my full-time job.
"Hopefully these classes will inspire others to feel the same way, as well as give them something to do."
The husband and wife duo say that even though it has been tough few weeks adjusting to life in self-isolation, they are hoping there can be some positives to this period.
Katherine said: "With everything that's happened over the past few months people are definitely taking more notice of what's around them, and appreciating what we have in here Blaenau Gwent.
"Hopefully we can raise a bit of awareness about the animals in the area, and give people some pleasure from that as well. It's a win-win situation in that sense.
"We love living in the area and want it to be a place where you can come to experience nature, so hopefully this new appreciation people seem to have keeps on going long into the future."
For more information on local wildlife photography and painting, contact Jason Morgan via his website at ww.Patreon.com/wildlifeart
