A Spring Morning at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

There’s something special about early spring mornings, and my recent visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve on the 22nd March was no exception. With the chill of winter finally easing, the reserve was alive with the subtle signs of the new season and plenty of wildlife activity to enjoy.

As I wandered through the paths, one of the first sightings was a Blue Tit darting energetically between the branches — always a challenge to capture, but so rewarding. A curious Brown Rat made an unexpected appearance, pausing just long enough for me to grab a few shots before disappearing into the undergrowth.

The Bull Rushes caught my eye next, swaying gently in the breeze and catching the morning light just right. A Chaffinch flitted by briefly, while an Egyptian Goose gave me a brilliant mid-flight moment — one of those lucky, split-second captures that every wildlife photographer hopes for.

The Goat Willow was just starting to bloom, its catkins hinting at the coming warmth. A splash of colour came from a Goldfinch perched in the hedgerow, a welcome sight against the soft green backdrop. Overhead, a Grey Heron soared gracefully by — a majestic presence that never fails to impress.

I also spotted a Long-Tailed Tit feeding upside down, delicately picking at the branches with its usual acrobatic finesse. But perhaps the highlight of the morning was a close-up of a male Pheasant. His iridescent feathers were lit beautifully, revealing stunning detail and colour — definitely one of my favourites from the day.

And of course, no morning at Warnham feels quite complete without a Robin. This one appeared right on cue, posing briefly and rounding off the visit perfectly.

Warnham always offers a sense of calm, and if you take the time to slow down, it rewards you with these small, memorable moments. If you've had a favourite wildlife encounter recently — or if one of these shots stands out to you — I'd love to hear about it!