A Rare Glimpse of the Little Grebe at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

On 19th July 2025, I enjoyed a truly special encounter at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. The star of the day was the Little Grebe — one of those birds that never fails to capture my attention.

Usually, these compact and energetic birds are seen darting quickly across the surface of the water or disappearing beneath it in search of food. Their swift movements and tendency to dive make them a challenge to photograph, often giving only brief glimpses before vanishing again into the ripples.

However, during this visit, I was fortunate enough to witness something quite different. The Little Grebe paused for a moment of calm, floating effortlessly on the still water — and then, in a rare display, it took to the air, skimming just above the surface. Capturing both of these moments — the serenity and the energy — was a real highlight of the day.

The Little Grebe may be small, but it’s full of character. Every encounter offers a new perspective on its personality — from the quiet focus as it hunts to the surprising power in its brief flight.

Warnham continues to be a favourite place of mine for these spontaneous moments in nature, where patience and timing often reward you with something truly memorable.

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