Swans snapped in Sandwell beauty spot
A family of swans have been pictured enjoying a relaxing swim along the waters of a beauty spot.
The adults and cygnets were snapped at Priory Woods nature reserve in Sandwell Valley by grandfather Steve Higgins, aged 61 from Sutton Coldfield.
Steve took up photography after retiring four years ago and says the arrival of his grandchildren spurred him on to develop his skills.
"I got this camera as a retirement present so I thought I better plan to use it to take photographs of my grandchildren," he said.
He used a Canon digital camera to take the shot with a 70-300mm lens.
Steve's photograph shows seven cygnets swimming in-between two adults along the calm waters as the sun beats down.
He likes to focus on wildlife and the natural environment.
Steve combines his passion for photography with exercise, where he will ride to places on his bike to take shots.
It took him around an hour to travel to Sandwell from his home before he took this photograph on June 4.
"I take the camera with me when I go out. It inspires me and helps me to keep fit," said Steve.
"To get to Sandwell Valley, I cycle up to Spaghetti Junction and cycle down the canal path to Sandwell Valley which takes me around an hour.
"I put my camera in a bag pack and see where I end up."
