Winter Flight and Action at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

I spent a fantastic day at Warnham Local Nature Reserve on 28 December 2025, making the most of some beautiful winter light and a surprising amount of activity over the water.

Winter can sometimes feel still, but this visit proved quite the opposite. There was constant movement across the lake, offering a mix of speed, power, and colour throughout the session.

Aylesbury Duck in Flight

One of the standout moments came when an Aylesbury Duck lifted into the air. Its bright white plumage stood out dramatically against the darker winter backdrop, creating a strong contrast that worked beautifully in flight.

White birds can be challenging to photograph in bright conditions, but the softer December light helped preserve detail while maintaining that crisp, clean look. Seeing such a bold silhouette cross the lake was a real highlight.

Speed and Agility – Common Teal

A female Common Teal then swept past at speed, low over the water. Small and incredibly agile, teal are always impressive in flight. Their quick wingbeats and sudden changes of direction make them a rewarding but demanding subject to capture.

Moments like that happen in seconds — one brief pass and they’re gone — but when everything aligns, the result feels well earned.

Power on the Wing – Cormorant

Not long after, a Cormorant powered across the lake with strong, purposeful wingbeats. There’s a very different energy to a cormorant in flight — heavier, more deliberate, yet still surprisingly agile.

The contrast between the teal’s speed and the cormorant’s strength really highlighted the variety of movement on display throughout the day.

A Flash of Colour – Mallard

A male Mallard added a burst of colour as he flew through the frame. That emerald-green head catching the winter light always provides a striking focal point, especially against the cooler blues and greys of the water.

Even familiar species can deliver standout moments when the light and timing come together.

An Unexpected Highlight – Pheasant Over the Lake

Perhaps the most unexpected moment of the session was watching a male Pheasant fly low across the lake. It’s not something you see every day, and certainly not something I’d planned for.

Seeing that rich plumage moving across open water was a fantastic sight, and being able to capture it made the moment even more memorable. It’s a reminder that wildlife photography often rewards simply being present and ready.

A Day Full of Variety

What stood out most from this visit was the sheer variety — from bright white plumage to subtle teal tones, from powerful wingbeats to rapid, agile passes. In a single session, the lake offered a complete mix of character and movement.

Days like this reinforce why Warnham continues to be such a rewarding place to photograph. Every visit is different, and even in the depth of winter, there’s always something happening if you’re willing to watch and wait.

A brilliant day on the water, and one I’m very pleased with.