Two of Michael’s pictures have been shortlisted in the worldwide Bird Photographer of the Year competition.
Bu the 60-year-old has been a keen amateur photographer for almost 40 years, and there is a lot more to his work than shots of our feathered friends.
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1. Gotcha
Michael caught this amazing image at Knight Inlet Lodge in British Columbia, a specialist grizzly bear centre in one of the most isolated of areas of Canada.
"Like all wildlife photography, the secret is anticipation of the scene so you can guess what the bear is about to do and so not miss the action," he said.
"The grizzlies tend to plod about , assessing the scene before making their move. You need to be ready for the action as that is where your best photographs will arrive." Photo: Michael Oliver
2. Hold it right there
This moment was caught from a tripod opposite Durham Cathedral on the footpath by the River Wear at the boathouse.
"The secret to the shot was the exposure compensation setting which may have been as low as two or even three minus stops," said Michael.
"Herons stand very still so at that shutter speed movement of the bird wasn't a worry." Photo: Michael Oliver
3. Swooping down
This white tailed eagle was caught at Lofoten in Norway Photo: Michael Oliver
4. Peekaboo
This picture of a puffin in its burrow was one of the four Michael submitted to the Bird Photographer of the Year judges Photo: Michael