Flachsee Nature Photography, Switzerland

One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.
Leo Tolstoy

Photography at the Flachsee is all about birds and water. This shallow artificial lake on the Reuss in Aargau is one of Switzerland’s most important wetland reserves, and through the seasons it draws an extraordinary cast: bitterns and little bitterns in the reeds, great and little egrets, grey and night herons, kingfishers, osprey, cormorants and lapwings. Grazing water buffalo help keep the marsh open. Early mornings are the magic hour, when fog hangs over the Stille Reuss and the low sun lights herons at the water’s edge. Every image here was made at the reserve, a short drive from home. As a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, it proves that it is imperative that we take care of our beautiful environment.