Mike Dilger
Naturalist, presenter and writer
Mike Dilger has been an obsessive naturalist since childhood, equally at home either on his hands and knees identifying wild flowers in the British countryside, or surveying the Amazon for hummingbirds. With degrees in Botany and Ecology, Mike’s obsession with the tropics began when studying moths in the South American Andes. This then led to over five years carrying out research work in the tropical forests of Ecuador, Vietnam, Tanzania and Peru. Finally emerging out of the bush and returning back to Britain to find a job in television, Mike is probably best known for over 450 appearances as the ‘wild man’ on BBC’s The One Show, which sees him regularly pontificating on everything from bumblebees to basking sharks. Since the start of 2018, he has been writing a regular feature in BBC Wildlife magazine on where and how to watch wildlife in the UK.
Recent articles by Mike Dilger
300,000 raptors take to the skies in “superhighways” where Europe meets Africa. Here’s what’s going on
Raptors and storks are prize species to spot as thousands of birds take to the skies above the Strait of Gibraltar
Up to 100 million crabs swarm and begin marching on a remote Australian island every year – and nothing will stop them from finding a mate
When conditions are just right, millions of crustaceans make their annual dash for the coast
There’s a huge and ancient lake in Sri Lanka built by a king, where hundreds of giant beasts gather every year
Hundreds of huge pachyderms gather to feed, drink and socialise during Sri Lanka’s dry season – here's how to see them
It is as long as a cricket pitch, weighs a mighty 30 tonnes (that's three-times the weight of a T-rex) and can live for a century
The whale shark is the world's largest shark and fish species, with a maximum age estimated to be 100 years and it's thought they can reach up to 20 metres in length.
This brutal “feeding frenzy” is more than 7km long and only lasts 20 minutes – and scientists aren’t sure why it happens
Each year, a vast shoal of sardines travels up South Africa’s Cape coast, creating a giant feeding frenzy
It's the fastest animal in the world and its deadly claws can catch prey mid-air: Meet one of the world's most incredible birds of prey
Peregrines are the ultimate urban predator. Learn all about them, including how to spot them ‘stooping’ to catch prey
Built for a life above the waves, this legendary long-distance glider has the world's biggest wingspan and can soar for thousands of kilometres without stopping
Spending most of their lives at sea and covering vast distances, little was known about these elusive seabirds until relatively recently. Find out more about albatrosses in this expert guide.
There’s a lake in the Pacific Ocean that’s home to millions of ‘sunbathing’ creatures – and you can snorkel in it
On a tiny Pacific island, millions of creatures follow a strict schedule for their daily sun worship
“It’s surreal coming face-to-feathers with a bizarre bird you've waited half a lifetime to see”: An epic quest for the world’s most elusive birds
An adventure in Papua New Guinea to seek some of the world’s most incredible birds of paradise was the culmination of a 40-year dream for naturalist and TV presenter Mike Dilger.
This flamboyant bird is known for its colourful 'eyes' and elaborate courtship – but it’s not actually a peacock…
When is peacock not a peacock? Errr, most of the time ,says Mike Dilger.
World's biggest animal migration is an aerial spectacle worthy of a place on Africa's Big 6, says Mike Dilger
Every year, hundreds of thousands of bats flock to Zambia to feast on a bounty of fruit
This odd mammal was close to becoming extinct, but is now reclaiming its ancient grasslands across Yellowstone National Park
These iconic American mammals once faced extinction but are slowly reclaiming their grassland home.
This giant bird was once extinct in the UK but is wading through its wetlands again
As winter rolls into spring, the common crane sings and dances through Britain's wetlands once again, says Mike Dilger.
"At their destructive best" – astonishing footage shows orcas snatching sea lion puppy from the shoreline
These impressive apex predators launch
themselves from the surf in a spectacular hunting strategy known as 'intentional stranding'
Is this nature's most violent mating behaviour? Meet the blubbery beast that hurls itself at other males
The elephant seal may look silly, but the battle to find a mate is no joke, says Mike Dilger
How a barren desert transforms into a vibrant blooming wonderland. Discover the stunning colours of South Africa's Namaqualand
When the rains fall, the arid lands of South Africa are set ablaze with breathtaking botanical colour
Discover the spectacular birds of paradise with their remarkable plumage and bizarre courtship behaviour
Observing the ornate feathers and strange displays of these elusive, tropical birds is a rare delight, says Mike Dilger
Fireflies guide: Discover the secrets behind their dazzling light show - and where to see one of the world's best wildlife spectacles
On balmy evenings, amorous fireflies put on a spellbinding show in North American forests says Mike Dilger
Meet the mighty Andean condor, one of the world's most impressive birds and the heaviest bird of prey
The mighty Andean condor – the heaviest bird of prey in the world and the raptor with the longest wingspan – needs little introduction, says Mike Dilger. Learn all about them in his expert guide - including where to see them
King penguin guide: species facts and where they live
Learn about the spectacular aquatic flightless bird known as the kind penguin in our expert guide, including essential species facts, diet and habitat. Plus, the mystery of the shrinking colony.
Hammerheads come equipped with underwater metal detectors, and hold their breath to dive to the deep
Scalloped hammerheads captivate the imagination of scientists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Here’s why
Monarch butterfly migration: its remarkable 3,000 mile journey explored
Mike Unwin explores just how far this remarkable butterfly species travels when migrating
How and where to watch whales and dolphins in the UK
Catch all the action as spectacular cetaceans swim by UK shores
Where and when to see courting and mating adders
Adder courtship was one of the star turns of Sir David Attenborough's Wild Isles, but there's more to this ritual than you may realise