A Morning with the Common Tern at Warnham Nature Reserve

On the morning of May 10th, 2025, I had the pleasure of spending a few peaceful hours at one of my favourite places — Warnham Nature Reserve. The light was soft, the air was still, and wildlife activity was already stirring across the water.

As I was scanning the lake, I spotted a Common Tern soaring above. These birds are always a joy to watch — slender, agile, and incredibly graceful in flight. Suddenly, it plunged with astonishing speed and pinpoint accuracy, disappearing into the water for just a moment before re-emerging triumphantly — a small fish firmly gripped by the dorsal fin in its sharp beak.

Moments like these remind me just how powerful nature photography can be. Freezing that split-second of action — the splash, the catch, the flight — is never guaranteed, which makes capturing it feel all the more special.

This particular frame is one I’m proud of, not just for the timing, but because it captures the sheer elegance and hunting skill of the Common Tern. If you’ve ever tried photographing diving birds, you’ll know how tricky it is to anticipate the exact moment of impact and re-emergence. Luckily, patience and a bit of luck were on my side this time.

Feel free to let me know what you think of the shot — I always appreciate hearing from fellow wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more moments from behind the lens.

#CommonTern #WarnhamNatureReserve #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfUK #NatureCapture #UKWildlife