Kingfisher Skimming Low Over the Water at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! On 22nd August 2026, I spent some time at Warnham Local Nature Reserve photographing one of my favourite subjects, the Kingfisher. The session gave me the chance to capture some interesting behaviour as this particular bird came in low over the water.

Rather than diving straight into the water, this Kingfisher was skimming just above the surface, disturbing and scattering the fish as it sped across the water. It was fascinating to watch the reaction of the fish as they suddenly scattered with the Kingfisher approaching. The whole sequence happened incredibly quickly, with the bird disappearing out of the frame almost as soon as it had appeared.

Photographing these low passes is a real challenge. There is very little time to react, and keeping the Kingfisher in the frame while following its flight path takes plenty of concentration and timing. Unlike a bird sitting patiently on a perch, there is no opportunity to prepare for exactly where the action will happen.

But that unpredictability is also what makes photographing Kingfishers so enjoyable. When the timing, focus and composition all come together, those fleeting moments can produce some really interesting photographs that capture something different from the usual perched or diving images.

Another great session with the Kingfishers at Warnham Local Nature Reserve, and another reminder that spending time watching their behaviour can reveal some fascinating photographic opportunities.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from Warnham Local Nature Reserve and beyond. Every visit brings something new, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field soon.