A Day Immersed in Nature at Warnham Local Nature Reserve

   

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On the 26th of May 2025, I had the privilege of photographing a Common Tern in flight at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. These elegant birds are always a delight to watch, but catching one so close, gliding effortlessly over the water, made the experience even more memorable.

Common Terns are known for their graceful flight and sharp hunting skills. With their slender wings and forked tails, they seem to hover above the surface of the water before diving with precision to catch fish. At Warnham, the conditions were perfect for observing this behaviour — the tern skimmed across the water, scanning below with intense focus.

From a photography perspective, capturing birds in flight is always a challenge. The speed and unpredictability of their movements mean you have to anticipate the moment, track smoothly, and ensure your focus locks at just the right time. Watching the tern glide with such ease reminded me why I love bird photography: it’s about freezing those fleeting moments of natural beauty that are often gone in an instant.

Warnham Local Nature Reserve continues to be one of my favourite places to photograph wildlife. Each visit brings new surprises, and sightings like this tern make every trip worthwhile.

If you’ve ever had the chance to watch Common Terns, you’ll know just how captivating they are in flight. Their agility and elegance truly set them apart.

What are your own experiences with terns or other birds in flight? I’d love to hear in the comments below!