Great Crested Grebes at Ifield Mill Pond – Breeding Season Highlights

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Ifield Mill Pond is a fantastic location for observing breeding birds, and my visit on 17th July 2026 provided another opportunity to spend time with one of my favourite waterbirds — the Great Crested Grebe. With the adults still caring for their young, there were plenty of interesting behaviours and photographic opportunities to capture.

One of the highlights of the visit was watching an adult Great Crested Grebe performing its characteristic shaking behaviour after emerging from the water. As it shook its head and body, droplets of water were sent flying in every direction, creating a brilliant display of movement and energy. These brief moments happen so quickly, making them a rewarding challenge to photograph and often resulting in some of the most dynamic images.

The juvenile Great Crested Grebes were also still present, staying close to the adults as they continued to grow and develop. It’s always fascinating to watch young birds progress through the breeding season, from their early days of relying on their parents to becoming more independent. Following their journey over several visits makes each encounter even more special.

Ifield Mill Pond continues to be a wonderful place for wildlife photography, offering the chance to observe the behaviour and development of these elegant birds throughout the year. Every visit brings something new, whether it’s a memorable interaction, a special moment of behaviour, or simply the enjoyment of being out in nature with a camera.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from Ifield Mill Pond, Farlington Marshes, and other locations across the UK. Every visit brings new stories from the field, and I look forward to sharing more moments soon.