A Stunning Male Brambling at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

On the 22nd of March, I had the pleasure of spotting a truly striking winter visitor — a male Brambling — at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. As someone who spends a lot of time photographing local wildlife, it’s always exciting to encounter one of these beautiful birds, especially as they begin transitioning into their vibrant summer plumage.

Bramblings are often overlooked in favour of more common garden birds, but their bold markings and seasonal colour changes make them a real delight to photograph. The male I saw had begun to develop that rich black head and warm orange chest that defines their breeding look — a clear sign that spring is just around the corner.

Warnham continues to be a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, offering not only peaceful surroundings but also the chance to see more elusive species like this. I’ve shared a few of my favourite shots from the day — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Have you seen any Bramblings this season? Let me know in the comments — and if you haven’t visited Warnham yet, I highly recommend it!