Capturing Everyday Wildlife at Ifield Millpond

I had a fantastic time recently at Ifield Millpond, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and capturing some of our often-overlooked local wildlife in action. It’s always rewarding to spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of birds we see almost daily—but don’t always take the time to truly see.

One of the highlights was managing to photograph a magpie in flight—not always the easiest subject to catch mid-air! I also got a series of calming shots of mallards gliding gracefully across the water, and just as I was about to leave, I caught a wood pigeon launching into the air. Moments like these are what make wildlife photography so special.

There’s something remarkable about viewing these common birds up close, noticing the intricate feather details, the subtle light reflections, and the character in their movement. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find compelling subjects—sometimes, they’re right in your local park or pond.

Feel free to check out the shots and let me know which one is your favourite—I always enjoy hearing what catches people’s eye!