Cuckoo in Flight at Pagham Harbour

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Every visit to Pagham Harbour offers the chance of an unexpected wildlife encounter, and on 20th June 2026 I was fortunate enough to experience one of the highlights of the day. Against the backdrop of this beautiful coastal reserve, I had the opportunity to photograph one of Britain's most iconic summer visitors in flight.

One of the standout moments of my visit was watching a Cuckoo appear overhead before flying across the reserve. Cuckoos are often heard long before they are seen, with their unmistakable call echoing across the countryside during late spring and early summer. Catching sight of one is always a special moment, but having the chance to photograph it in flight made the encounter even more memorable.

Photographing a Cuckoo in flight is far from straightforward. Their fast, direct flight and unpredictable changes in direction leave very little time to react, making every successful image feel well earned. Encounters like this are a reminder that wildlife photography is often about patience, persistence, and being ready when an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

Pagham Harbour continues to be one of my favourite places to photograph wildlife, with its diverse habitats attracting an incredible variety of birds throughout the year. Experiences like this are what keep me returning, never quite knowing what the next visit will bring.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife photography adventures from Pagham Harbour and beyond. Every outing has its own story, and I look forward to sharing many more memorable moments from the field soon.