Ian Barlow, a retired wildlife enthusiast, blends his passion for photographing local wildlife with modern technology to monitor and document animals in domestic settings. Based in the UK, Ian captures the beauty of creatures in gardens and workplaces, believing that wildlife close to home is just as captivating as that found in remote areas. Using remote cameras, he observes animals without disturbing them, adapting to seasonal changes in behavior. His work aims to raise awareness of local ecosystems and inspire a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that shares our everyday spaces.

1. Meet Ian Barlow: The “Wildlife Whisperer”

My name is Ian Barlow, and I’m a wildlife enthusiast. I’ve traveled extensively, exploring incredible places and witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. My deep interest in observing wildlife in domestic settings has always been a passion of mine. Capturing these moments on camera for myself, my friends, and fellow wildlife enthusiasts has been one of my greatest hobbies. Over time, I’ve come to realize that there’s just as much to appreciate right in my own backyard. While my photos may not compete with those taken in iconic locations like the Serengeti or Sahara, I’ve found that the wildlife right on your doorstep can be just as fascinating—and often more so than people realize.

2. How It All Began: My Experiences in Wildlife Photography

My typical routine starts with hearing from someone who has spotted something unusual in their garden or workplace. The first question is usually, "What is it?" While the imagination might wander to mythical creatures like werewolves or yetis, the easiest and most reliable way to find out is by using modern technology. With the help of remote cameras and other monitoring tools, I can observe animals without disturbing them, allowing for a more natural recording of their behavior.

I monitor wildlife throughout all seasons, as animals exhibit different behaviors depending on the time of year. Some species go into hibernation, while others become more active at night. Most animals tend to be shy, but they are often curious, and with patience and a bit of luck, the results are usually quite rewarding.

I don’t typically need to stay overnight, as the cameras do the work for me. The beauty of using remote cameras is that I can leave them running for days at a time without having to be present. Most of my work comes from word of mouth, where friends or acquaintances inform me of interesting sightings. This keeps the cycle of observation and documentation ongoing.

3. Discovering the Wild Right on the Doorstep

A typical day for me starts with visiting a site to assess the layout before setting up my equipment. It’s a simple process that doesn’t require complicated setups. I use inexpensive, expendable equipment that I can leave in place for several days. Once everything’s set up, I rely on internet notifications to keep track of the activity.

What surprises most people is how amazed they are by the wildlife in their own locality. They often share their discoveries with friends, making it a talking point in their social circles. This leads to them contacting me, and the cycle of observation continues.

My long-term goal is to raise awareness of the fascinating wildlife that often goes unnoticed in our everyday surroundings. By capturing and sharing these moments, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the animals living right on our doorstep.

4. Powering My Passion: How Jackery Transformed My Work

Before I discovered Jackery, I used a 12v lead-acid battery for my fieldwork, which was far from ideal due to its weight, potential acid spills, and charging limitations. Jackery has completely transformed my setup. It’s like upgrading from a dinosaur to a racehorse! The Jackery units are much lighter—less than a quarter of the weight of my old battery—and I can carry them in my car without worrying about spills. The ability to charge via solar panels is a huge benefit, and the best part is that I can monitor the power usage through the Jackery app. I can see power drainage and input from the solar panel in real time. I also bought the Jackery car charger cable for quick top-ups when needed. With built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Jackery has made my work safer, easier, and much more efficient, without the hassle of lugging around heavy, wet-cell batteries.

5. My Must-Have Gear and Why Jackery Rocks

For my animal photography and monitoring, I use a TP-Link M7650 MiFi device with an 80GB SIM card, which costs me about £4 a month. This connects directly to my Jackery via USB. I mainly use Blink cameras—either fixed models or Mini Pan-Tilt versions. These are indoor cameras, but I’ve built a small shelter to protect them from the elements, and so far, they’ve worked well, even though they've been closely investigated by wildlife and occasionally relocated! I also use Noorio security cameras, which are standalone units with their own Wi-Fi, up to 2 months of battery life, light control, and a siren. Everything connects via Wi-Fi to the TP-Link, powered by the Jackery, which is charged by a solar panel. The simplicity of this setup, along with monitoring everything through the Jackery app, makes it incredibly efficient. Without the solar panel, the Jackery typically lasts about 7 days, making it ideal for my fieldwork.

6. Staying Cozy with Jackery

As I get older, I find myself feeling the cold more. Thanks to the Jackery Explorer 240v2 Portable Power Station socket on my Jackery, I can plug in a heated throw (about 25W), which is perfect for keeping warm when I’m waiting or observing for extended periods. This small feature has significantly improved my comfort and made fieldwork more enjoyable, even in colder conditions.

7. What I’d Love to See Next from Jackery

While I think the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities of Jackery products are fantastic, I do have one suggestion for future versions. The solar panel cable currently connects on the front of the unit, which makes it somewhat vulnerable to damage. I would suggest relocating the cable connection to a more secure spot, helping to enhance the durability and longevity of the device in rugged outdoor environments.

8.Nature’s Wonders Are Closer Than You Think

Nature is all around us, and sometimes we just need to look a little closer to home to find it. Jackery gives us the opportunity not just to think about nature, but to actively observe, record, and protect it. I’ll continue using my current setup for the foreseeable future and may consider investing in a larger or similar unit based on the demand for my work.