Tufted Duck in Winter Light – Warnham Local Nature Reserve

On the morning of 20th December 2025, I spent some peaceful time at Warnham Local Nature Reserve focusing on one particularly characterful subject — a male tufted duck.

Winter mornings at Warnham have a special quality about them. The light sits low across the water, creating soft highlights and gentle shadows that add depth and mood to every scene. On this occasion, the conditions were just right, and the lake provided the perfect stage.

Watching the Male Tufted Duck in Action

The male tufted duck was full of energy, constantly moving between bursts of splashing and moments of careful preening. These small behavioural details are what make wildlife photography so rewarding — the unscripted, fleeting seconds that reveal personality.

When he splashed, the water erupted into ripples that caught the winter light beautifully. Each droplet seemed suspended for a split second before falling back into the surface. Moments later, he would settle, turning his head to preen, revealing the elegant contrast between his glossy black plumage, crisp white flanks, and that distinctive tuft trailing from the back of his head.

The Beauty of Subtle Winter Conditions

What made the session particularly enjoyable was the combination of movement and calm. The water acted like a textured mirror, reflecting the soft seasonal tones while amplifying every ripple he created. Even simple behaviours — a shake of the head or a quick wing stretch — became visually striking in that light.

Winter often feels quieter at the reserve, but that quiet brings opportunities. With fewer distractions, it becomes easier to slow down and concentrate on a single subject, observing patterns of behaviour and waiting for the right moment.

Why Warnham Always Delivers

Warnham Local Nature Reserve continues to prove itself as a fantastic location for observing and photographing waterfowl. Whether it’s dramatic flight, subtle reflections, or small bursts of character like this male tufted duck provided, there’s always something worth watching.

Nature never ceases to amaze — sometimes it’s not about rare encounters or dramatic events, but about appreciating the detail in everyday behaviour. A duck splashing in winter light can be just as captivating as any headline moment.

Another rewarding morning at Warnham, and certainly one to remember.