Capturing the Wildlife at Ifield Mill Pond

On a peaceful spring afternoon, I made a visit to Ifield Mill Pond, a hidden gem that never fails to deliver something special for the wildlife enthusiast. Armed with my camera and some patience, I spent a few quiet hours observing the activity on the water—and was rewarded with some wonderful moments.

One of the highlights was catching a coot mid-flap as it dashed across the surface of the pond. These birds can be deceptively fast when they're on the move, and freezing that motion in a single frame is always satisfying. Their bold, energetic behavior contrasts nicely with the serenity of the setting.

Another standout was a series of close-up shots of a cormorant. These sleek, prehistoric-looking birds make excellent subjects, especially when you can capture the detail in their eyes and the texture of their feathers. I was lucky to get a few sharp headshots as one perched nearby, drying off between dives.

But perhaps the most exciting moment of the day was seeing a great crested grebe in flight—a rare sight for me, as they spend so much time gliding on the water. I managed to snap a few frames as it took off, wings spread, carving through the air with unexpected grace.

The light was kind, the surroundings tranquil, and the action on the pond made it a memorable outing. I’ll be sharing more photos from this visit soon, so stay tuned!