Interview with Gillian Burke on AutumWatch which returns today (October 24)

Animal behaviours are often unpredictable – are there any which have stood out for you whilst filming your special?

We often think about what to look out for when it comes to wildlife, but listening out for wildlife can be really, if not more, special. On this shoot we were in the plantation woodland of Kielder Forest where the tree density meant a limited line of sight, and much of the wildlife high above our heads in the treetops. As we waited for nightfall and the owls to come alive, a flock of crossbills passing overhead was a fantastic, ethereal sound.

How do you compare capturing nocturnal animals to daytime?

Filming nocturnal animals is like a visit to the ‘opposite world’ where nocturnal animals move about at ease while we, on the other hand, are completely out of our element without the help of thermal imaging and infrared cameras.

Approaching tawny owl territory had to be done on their terms – quietly and, once in position, standing stock-still in the dark to let the forest settle and get used to our presence. We were blessed with a clear night where, in the Dark Sky Reserve of Kielder Forest, thousands of pin-pricks of star light glinting through the treetops was the only light we could see. Hearing the hoot and shriek of the owls cutting through the forest air took the experience to the next level.