Paul Cross Photography

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I recently spent a fantastic day at Ifield Mill Pond, and I’m thrilled to share some of the beautiful moments I was able to capture during my visit. The pond was alive with activity, and I managed to photograph some truly striking scenes. One of my favorite shots was of a coot running energetically across the water — a rare and captivating sight! I also caught a greylag goose in graceful flight, showcasing the effortless beauty of these magnificent birds in motion. The mallards didn’t disappoint either. I was lucky enough to capture one perfectly still on the water, with stunning reflections creating a mirror-like effect that really highlighted the calmness of the pond. And just as I was about to wrap up, I spotted a moorhen mid-flight, wings spread wide — a fleeting moment that perfectly encapsulated the energy and spirit of the place. Being so close to these birds and witnessing their natural behaviors never fails to inspire me....

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a fantastic visit to Ifield Mill Pond on the 30th of March, 2025, and it proved to be a treasure trove for wildlife photography. The pond never fails to surprise me with its vibrant activity and diverse birdlife, and this visit was no exception. During my time there, I was lucky enough to capture some truly remarkable moments. One highlight was spotting four Canada Geese lined up perfectly in the water, creating a stunning natural formation. It’s always impressive to see these elegant birds moving so gracefully together. The skies were equally captivating. I caught a Carrion Crow in mid-flight, its powerful wings cutting through the air. Not far behind, a Feral Pigeon soared overhead with effortless ease, while a Yellow-legged Gull displayed its aerial skills, gliding smoothly against the backdrop of the pond. On the water itself, the Mallard Ducks put on a lively show, taking off in unison, their wings beating a rhythmic pa...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of March, I had the pleasure of spending a tranquil day at Ifield Mill Pond, a beautiful local spot that never fails to offer fantastic opportunities for nature and wildlife photography. The calm surroundings and diverse wildlife made for a truly rewarding visit. Throughout the day, I was lucky to capture some memorable moments that really highlight the charm of this peaceful pond: A Canada Goose soaring gracefully across the sky, its wings outstretched against the backdrop of a clear blue afternoon. There’s something awe-inspiring about seeing such a large bird in flight, powerful yet elegant. A Coot causing quite a splash as it darted energetically through the water. These little waterbirds are full of character, and their sudden movements always add a sense of liveliness to any scene. A Feral Pigeon in flight, beautifully lit by the soft afternoon sunlight. The way the light caught the pigeon’s feathers gave the sho...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something truly special about mornings spent by the water, and my visit to Ifield Mill Pond on the 29th of March, 2025, was no exception. The air was fresh, the light just right, and the scene was alive with the vibrant activity of mallard ducks. Watching the mallards was a fascinating experience. The males were energetically chasing the females in fast, swooping flights, their movements full of urgency and purpose. Meanwhile, others were calmly gliding across the smooth surface of the pond, creating beautiful reflections that made for some stunning photographs. Capturing this contrast—the lively energy of the chase alongside the serene grace of the gliding ducks—reminded me why I love wildlife photography so much. Moments like these offer a perfect blend of action and tranquility, a glimpse into the rhythms of nature that can be both exhilarating and soothing. Every time I’m out with my camera, I’m reminded of how endless...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the morning of 29th March, I spent some peaceful time at Ifield Mill Pond, and it turned out to be a truly rewarding experience. The calm waters and tranquil surroundings set the perfect stage for wildlife photography. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to capture a stunning Great Crested Grebe gliding gracefully across the pond. Watching this elegant bird in motion is always a special moment — their sleek movements combined with their striking plumage create a captivating sight. I’m excited to share these shots with you and would love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever witnessed a Great Crested Grebe in its natural habitat? Let me know what you think of the images!

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something truly magical about those quiet moments in nature when time seems to slow down. On a recent visit to Ifield Mill Pond, I was fortunate enough to capture such a peaceful scene — delicate feathers resting gently on the calm water, their shapes mirrored perfectly in the still reflections below. It’s in these subtle details that nature shows its quiet beauty, inviting us to pause and appreciate the small wonders often overlooked in our busy lives. The softness of the feathers, the gentle ripples on the pond, and the serene atmosphere all combined to create a moment of tranquility that felt almost meditative. Photography is not just about capturing grand landscapes or dramatic wildlife action; sometimes, it’s about noticing these simple, quiet scenes that tell a story of calm and presence. This image is a reminder that even the smallest elements — like feathers floating on water — can inspire us to slow down, look clo...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of March, I spent some time at Ifield Mill Pond, and I was lucky to capture a couple of striking shots of Herring Gulls in action. One image features a Herring Gull gracefully in flight, while another captures the moment just as the bird takes off from the water’s surface. There’s something truly captivating about photographing birds in motion—especially those crisp, detailed wings and the dynamic energy of take-off. Herring Gulls often get overlooked or underrated in the world of wildlife photography, but when the light is just right, their beauty really shines through. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love spending time outdoors with my camera—finding the extraordinary in the everyday and appreciating the subtle elegance of nature’s creatures. If you haven’t spent much time watching gulls, I encourage you to give it a try. With patience and the right conditions, you might just discover a new favorite subj...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of March, I was lucky enough to witness an incredible wildlife spectacle at Ifield Mill Pond — a Great Crested Grebe successfully catching and devouring a fish right before my eyes. Moments like these never fail to remind me why I love spending time in nature and patiently observing its wonders. Watching the grebe’s precision and skill as it plunged underwater and emerged with its catch was truly mesmerizing. It’s one thing to see birds in flight or at rest, but witnessing their hunting behavior up close is an experience that always feels special and rewarding. These intimate glimpses into the natural world make every hour spent waiting worthwhile. Patience really does pay off when photographing wildlife, and nature consistently surprises me with such dynamic, raw moments. I’d love to hear from you — which shot from this series is your favourite? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of March, I took a peaceful trip to Ifield Mill Pond, a wonderful spot for nature and wildlife photography. While wandering around, I was fortunate enough to capture several shots of Wood Pigeons in flight. Wood Pigeons often don’t get the attention they deserve. They’re frequently overlooked or seen as just common birds, but watching them take to the air reveals a surprising elegance and grace. Their steady wingbeats and smooth gliding motion have a quiet beauty that’s truly captivating when you pause to watch. During the shoot, I focused on catching their flight patterns and the way the light played on their feathers. It was a rewarding session that reminded me how much there is to appreciate in even the most familiar wildlife. I’ve put together a selection of my favorite shots from that day. Feel free to browse through and let me know which image catches your eye the most!

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On my recent visit to Ifield Mill Pond, I was treated to a wonderful mix of wildlife moments that perfectly capture the essence of early spring. The natural world here never fails to impress, offering something new and captivating with every visit. One of the standout sights was the Goat Willow beginning to bloom, its soft green shoots a clear sign that nature is waking up from winter’s rest. These delicate buds add a fresh, vibrant touch to the landscape and provide important food sources for early pollinators. In the air, I was lucky enough to capture a stunning Jay mid-flight. Jays are always a joy to see — their striking plumage and agile movements make them a fascinating subject for any wildlife photographer. Alongside this, both Mallard Ducks and Wood Pigeons were caught soaring above the pond, showcasing the lively activity around this serene spot. On the water, a Muscovy Duck was proudly displaying its unique markings, add...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the morning of 22nd March 2025, I visited Ifield Mill Pond, hoping for some calm weather and maybe a good sighting or two. What I didn’t expect was such a memorable encounter with one of our most striking water birds — the Great Crested Grebe. The setting couldn’t have been more serene. The pond was still, the air crisp, and the only sounds were birdsong and the occasional rustle of reeds. Then, gliding silently across the water, came the star of the morning. With its distinctive black double crest, elegant white face, and chestnut frill, the grebe was truly a sight to behold. I spent a good while observing it as it moved effortlessly through the water, diving beneath the surface with smooth precision. It's moments like these — quiet, uninterrupted, and rich with detail — that remind me why I love wildlife photography. Every frame felt like a small victory. This particular grebe was especially photogenic, and I was fortunate to...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 22nd March 2025, I witnessed and captured something truly wild at Ifield Mill Pond—an all-out brawl between some of the pond’s most surprisingly aggressive residents: the coots. At first glance, coots might come across as fairly unassuming waterbirds. With their dark plumage and distinctive white foreheads, they often fade into the background of a bustling wetland. But don’t be fooled—when it comes to defending territory, these birds transform into fierce little warriors. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to photograph a series of intense skirmishes. Wings were flapping, water was flying, and the tension was palpable. These weren’t just brief spats—this was full-blown coot combat, and the drama played out right in front of my lens. This shoot was a great reminder of how nature constantly surprises us. Even in a peaceful setting like Ifield Mill Pond, there’s always a chance to witness moments of raw,...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 22nd of March, I had the pleasure of spotting a truly striking winter visitor — a male Brambling — at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. As someone who spends a lot of time photographing local wildlife, it’s always exciting to encounter one of these beautiful birds, especially as they begin transitioning into their vibrant summer plumage. Bramblings are often overlooked in favour of more common garden birds, but their bold markings and seasonal colour changes make them a real delight to photograph. The male I saw had begun to develop that rich black head and warm orange chest that defines their breeding look — a clear sign that spring is just around the corner. Warnham continues to be a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, offering not only peaceful surroundings but also the chance to see more elusive species like this. I’ve shared a few of my favourite shots from the day — I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you seen any B...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something special about early spring mornings, and my recent visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve on the 22nd March was no exception. With the chill of winter finally easing, the reserve was alive with the subtle signs of the new season and plenty of wildlife activity to enjoy. As I wandered through the paths, one of the first sightings was a Blue Tit darting energetically between the branches — always a challenge to capture, but so rewarding. A curious Brown Rat made an unexpected appearance, pausing just long enough for me to grab a few shots before disappearing into the undergrowth. The Bull Rushes caught my eye next, swaying gently in the breeze and catching the morning light just right. A Chaffinch flitted by briefly, while an Egyptian Goose gave me a brilliant mid-flight moment — one of those lucky, split-second captures that every wildlife photographer hopes for. The Goat Willow was just starting to bloom, its catk...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 20th of March 2025, I experienced one of those unforgettable wildlife moments that remind me why I love photography so much. While out at the water's edge, camera in hand, I had the privilege of witnessing a pair of Great Crested Grebes engage in their elegant and intricate mating dance. If you've never seen this ritual before, it's truly something special. The grebes mirrored each other’s movements with perfect synchrony—dipping, gliding, and then dramatically rising out of the water in unison. It's a performance that's both graceful and deeply symbolic, and being able to capture it through my lens felt like a rare gift. Nature never ceases to amaze me with its quiet spectacles and displays of connection. These moments, fleeting yet powerful, are what inspire me to keep exploring and sharing the wild beauty that surrounds us. I’ve shared a few of my favourite images from the encounter below—I'd love to hear what ...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something magical about being outdoors as the day winds down—the golden light, the hush settling over the landscape, and the anticipation of what might appear next. On the evening of March 18th, 2025, I had one such moment at Ifield Mill Pond. Just as the sun was beginning to slip below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the water, a sharp squawk pierced the calm. At first, I assumed it was one of the regular residents—perhaps a gull or a crow—but when I looked up, I was caught off guard by a sudden flash of vibrant green cutting through the sky. Ring-necked parakeets! Definitely not the bird I was expecting. These exotic visitors are more commonly associated with urban parks and southern suburbs, not a quiet West Sussex nature spot like Ifield. Yet there they were—silhouetted against the fiery sky, their unmistakable shapes darting and calling as they passed overhead. I was lucky enough to capture the moment with my ...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the morning of March 18th, 2025, I took a trip to Ifield Mill Pond for a photography session—and it didn’t disappoint! The area was alive with bird activity, and I was fortunate to capture a lovely variety of local wildlife. Among the highlights were a Carrion Crow perched confidently in the trees, a sleek Cormorant drying its wings by the water, and a pair of Egyptian Geese wandering near the reeds. Mallard Ducks glided across the pond as always, but the real surprise of the morning was spotting a beautiful White Dove—a rare and elegant sight that stood out beautifully against the natural backdrop. It’s always a pleasure to photograph such diversity in a single outing, especially in such a peaceful and accessible location. Ifield Mill Pond continues to be a great spot for wildlife observation and photography alike. Which bird is your favourite from this list? Let me know in the comments—I always enjoy hearing what catches peop...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a fantastic visit to the British Wildlife Centre on the 15th of March, and what a rewarding day it turned out to be! Armed with my camera and a bit of patience, I was lucky enough to photograph some of the UK's most iconic native species—each with its own charm, personality, and beauty. One of the highlights of the day was encountering a Red Squirrel. Full of energy and constantly on the move, it darted through branches with incredible agility. These small mammals are such a joy to watch, and it’s always special to see them up close given how rare they are in the wild across much of the UK. Next, I spent time with a Tawny Owl. Perched calmly and exuding an air of quiet wisdom, this owl had the classic deep gaze that seems to look right through you. I took my time capturing the details in its plumage and the intensity in its eyes—moments like that remind me why I love wildlife photography so much. And then there was the Wildc...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a fantastic time recently at Ifield Millpond, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and capturing some of our often-overlooked local wildlife in action. It’s always rewarding to spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of birds we see almost daily—but don’t always take the time to truly see. One of the highlights was managing to photograph a magpie in flight—not always the easiest subject to catch mid-air! I also got a series of calming shots of mallards gliding gracefully across the water, and just as I was about to leave, I caught a wood pigeon launching into the air. Moments like these are what make wildlife photography so special. There’s something remarkable about viewing these common birds up close, noticing the intricate feather details, the subtle light reflections, and the character in their movement. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find compelling subjects—sometimes, they’re right in your lo...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something incredibly rewarding about spending time outdoors with a camera in hand, and my recent visit to Ifield Millpond was no exception. On the afternoon of March 9th, I had the chance to witness and capture a brilliant mix of wildlife behaviour — the kind of natural moments that make this hobby so addictive. The skies offered a dramatic start, with a Carrion Crow soaring above — a silhouette of strength and grace against the soft spring clouds. Not long after, the stillness of the water was broken by a burst of commotion: Coots in full chase, splashing madly across the surface in a territorial skirmish. These little powerhouses never disappoint when it comes to action shots! High above the pond, a Cormorant glided with remarkable ease, wings outstretched as it cut across the open air — a real example of aerial elegance. Down on the water, I was treated to one of the day’s most captivating scenes: a pair of Great Creste...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On March 8th, I had the pleasure of spending the day at the British Wildlife Centre—a favourite spot of mine for observing and photographing some of the UK’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. The weather played along, and the animals didn’t disappoint. From energetic red squirrels to the silent gaze of a tawny owl, the visit was packed with moments that remind me why I love wildlife photography. Here are just a few highlights from the day: European Pine Marten It’s always a treat to spot a pine marten, and this visit didn’t disappoint. These agile and often secretive creatures are a joy to watch and even better to photograph when the moment comes together. Grey Heron I was lucky enough to capture the heron both perched on its nest and in flight, carrying nesting material. Seeing this behaviour up close is always fascinating—it's a real insight into the rhythms of the natural world. Hazelnut Tree Catkins While not wildlife in motio...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a fantastic photography session at Ifield Mill Pond on the 8th of March, 2025. The conditions were ideal—soft light, calm water, and a peaceful atmosphere that made it a pleasure to be out with the camera. One of the highlights of the day was spotting a juvenile Herring Gull gliding low over the pond. I was lucky enough to catch it mid-flight, just as it skimmed the surface of the water. The reflections were crystal-clear, adding a dramatic and almost painterly quality to the shots. Moments like these are a reminder of why I love wildlife photography—the spontaneity, the beauty of nature, and the joy of capturing something fleeting and unique. Take a look at the photo below and let me know your thoughts in the comments! As always, thanks for following along.

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There are few sights in the natural world as enchanting as the courtship display of Great Crested Grebes, and this morning at Ifield Mill Pond did not disappoint. Arriving just after sunrise, the pond was still and quiet, cloaked in soft morning light. Almost immediately, I spotted a pair of Great Crested Grebes beginning their mating ritual—a mesmerizing performance of synchronized movements and mutual offering of weed strands. This intimate dance is a classic sign of the breeding season, and witnessing it unfold in real time was nothing short of magical. As the morning progressed, I was able to capture several images of these elegant birds in action. One of the highlights was photographing individual grebes gliding across the water's surface. Their reflections shimmered beneath them, creating striking compositions that I couldn't resist capturing. There's something effortlessly graceful about this species—every movement seems de...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I spent a fantastic day at Ifield Mill Pond on the 8th of March, 2025, soaking in the fresh air and immersing myself in the peaceful rhythms of nature. The pond was alive with activity, offering a brilliant display of birdlife that made for both an enjoyable experience and a rewarding photography session. As I walked along the water’s edge, I was greeted by the sight of birds gliding effortlessly across the surface, diving in search of food, and occasionally taking flight — creating moments of beauty that are a joy to witness through the lens. One of the highlights of the day was capturing a Canada Goose paddling gracefully through the calm water. Nearby, a lively Coot zipped through the reeds with purpose, while a Cormorant soared high above, silhouetted against the sky in full flight. The ever-energetic Mallard Ducks kept things lively, while the Moorhens and elegant Mute Swans added a quieter, graceful presence to the pond. A s...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 2nd March 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield—and what a day it turned out to be! As a wildlife photographer, there's nothing quite like getting up close with some of the UK’s most iconic animals in such a well-maintained, accessible setting. Armed with my camera, I managed to capture some memorable moments throughout the day. Here are a few highlights: 📸 Carrion Crow – This one caught the light beautifully, its glossy black feathers shimmering in the sun. It’s easy to overlook these birds, but up close, their detail is stunning. 📸 European Otter – Energetic and playful, this otter didn’t stay still for long. Luckily, I managed to freeze a moment of its lively antics. 📸 Magpie on a Deer – One of the most unexpected sights of the day! A cheeky Magpie decided to hitch a ride on the back of a relaxed deer—a perfect mix of behaviour and humour. 📸 Red Squirrel – Often tricky to spot, thi...