Coots in Flight – A Rare Sight at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

During a recent visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve, I was lucky enough to witness something you don’t see every day — coots in full flight. These birds are usually more comfortable skimming across the water or hiding among reeds, so catching them airborne was a real treat.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I keep coming back to the same spots with my camera. Nature doesn’t always follow a script — and if you’re patient, it often rewards you with something unexpected.

Photographing birds in flight is always a challenge, especially with subjects as fast and unpredictable as coots. Their takeoff is sudden and powerful, and capturing that motion mid-air really tests your timing and focus. But when everything comes together — light, behaviour, background — the results are incredibly rewarding.

I’ve shared a few of the shots from that day — feel free to let me know which one is your favourite!

Tags: #Coots #BirdInFlight #WarnhamLocalNatureReserve #UKWildlife #NaturePhotography #WildlifeMoments