House Martins at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

On the afternoon of 7th June, I spent some time at Warnham Local Nature Reserve, and the visit turned out to be one of those unforgettable wildlife photography sessions. The star of the day? House Martins.

These small, swift birds were everywhere — darting across the sky, circling above the water, and putting on a fantastic display of speed and agility. I was lucky enough to capture them not only in flight but also as they skimmed the surface for a quick bath. Even when the rain came down, they continued to dart through the drops, seemingly unfazed by the changing weather.

Photographing House Martins is always a challenge. Their unpredictable flight patterns test both patience and camera skills, but the reward is worth every effort. Seeing the sharp detail of wings mid-beat or droplets scattering as they brushed the water felt like freezing a moment of their tireless energy in time.

It’s encounters like this that remind me why I keep returning to Warnham. The reserve never fails to offer something special, whether it’s familiar species behaving in new ways or the chance to witness fleeting moments of wildlife at its best.

If you’ve ever tried photographing House Martins, you’ll know how fast and erratic they can be. But that’s part of the thrill. Each frame feels like an achievement.

I’d love to know which of these shots you enjoy most — feel free to share your favourite in the comments below!