Wildlife Highlights at RSPB Pulborough Brooks – Wigeon, Swan, Avocet and Red Kite

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! RSPB Pulborough Brooks is always a rewarding place to spend time, with its mix of wetlands, grasslands, and open skies attracting a fantastic variety of birdlife. My visit on 22nd March 2026 was full of activity, with interesting behaviour taking place across the reserve from morning through to the end of the session.

One of the highlights was capturing a Eurasian Wigeon in flight, a lovely sight as it moved purposefully across the reserve. Watching birds in motion always adds another dimension to photography, revealing the power and elegance behind even familiar species.

A particularly memorable moment came when a Mute Swan came in to land directly in front of me. With its wings fully spread and legs extended as it prepared to touch down, it created one of those opportunities where being ready with the camera really pays off. These brief moments of natural behaviour are what make wildlife photography so rewarding.

There was plenty of activity elsewhere too, including a busy Jackdaw collecting nesting material. Constantly flying back and forth, it showed plenty of character as it worked on preparing for the breeding season. Out on the water and surrounding muddy areas, a Northern Lapwing and a Pied Avocet added their own elegance to the scene, each bringing something special to the variety of wildlife on display.

To finish the visit, a Red Kite appeared drifting across the distant sky. It wasn’t close enough for detailed photographs, but seeing this magnificent bird soaring above the landscape was still a fantastic way to end the session.

Days like this are a great reminder that wildlife photography is not always about a single standout image. It’s about taking the time to observe, appreciate different behaviours, and enjoy the variety of species that can appear when you simply slow down and watch.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from RSPB Pulborough Brooks and beyond. Every visit brings new opportunities, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field soon.