Paul Cross Photography

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a brilliant morning exploring Warnham Local Nature Reserve on 29th June 2025, and as always, the reserve did not disappoint! 🌿📸 The day was full of memorable wildlife encounters: Great Crested Grebe: I caught an amazing moment of a grebe catching fish, sporting a crown of weed on its head – a truly comical and charming sight! Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker: A young woodpecker explored the trees, full of curiosity and energy. Marbled White Butterfly: One of these stunning butterflies rested delicately on a flower, offering a perfect photo opportunity. Young Moorhen: A curious juvenile moorhen ventured out, adding a touch of charm to the morning. Stock Dove: Graceful in flight, this dove added a sense of serenity to the reserve’s vibrant life. Warnham always surprises with its variety of wildlife, and mornings like this remind me why I love spending time here. Each creature, whether common or rare, brings its own little m...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something truly special about early mornings by the water, and my visit to Ifield Mill Pond on 29th June 2025 was no exception. The warm, golden light of dawn created the perfect backdrop, casting a serene glow across the pond and highlighting its resident wildlife. During my morning there, a few familiar faces made an appearance: Coot – gliding gracefully across the water. Mallard Duck – a classic presence, always photogenic. Mandarin Duck (female) – striking in her subtle elegance. Swift – darting through the sky with effortless speed. Wood Pigeon – calmly observing from nearby perches. It’s moments like these that make time by the water so rewarding, especially when the birds are feeling cooperative. Each shot captures a little piece of the peaceful rhythm of pond life, reminding me why I love wildlife photography so much. I’d love to hear which image from this morning’s set is your favourite – feel free to share in the...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 29th June 2025, I was fortunate enough to spot a stunning male Little Grebe at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. Watching him dive gracefully beneath the water and resurface in the quiet corners of the reserve was an absolute delight. These small, energetic birds are fascinating to observe, especially as they go about their daily routines, often hidden away from view. Capturing these fleeting moments on camera is always rewarding, and I’m thrilled to share a few shots from this encounter. For birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, seeing a Little Grebe up close is truly a treat. The calm atmosphere of Warnham Local Nature Reserve makes it the perfect spot to enjoy such natural wonders. I hope these images give you a sense of the charm and subtle beauty of this remarkable little bird. #LittleGrebe #WarnhamLocalNatureReserve #BirdPhotography #UKWildlife #NaturePhotography #WildlifeMoments

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the morning of 29th June 2025, I was fortunate to witness one of nature’s most enchanting displays at Ifield Mill Pond. The sight of a Great Crested Grebe family going about their daily routine was truly unforgettable. The adult grebe moved with graceful precision, diving into the water to catch fish, while the chicks clung to its back, riding along safely. Watching this intimate moment of parenting and survival in the wild was a reminder of just how extraordinary wildlife behavior can be. I managed to capture some charming moments of the chicks peeking out from the adult’s back, as well as the precise instant when the grebe caught its prize for the day. Each scene felt like a small miracle, a fleeting glimpse into the natural world that often goes unnoticed. Nature has a way of continually inspiring awe and wonder, and mornings like this at Ifield Mill Pond make me grateful for every moment spent behind the lens. Highlights fr...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of June 2025, I spent a peaceful day at Warnham Nature Reserve, camera in hand and eyes tuned to the movement of the water’s edge. It wasn’t long before I noticed a graceful Little Egret wading through the shallows. These elegant white birds, with their long black legs and striking yellow feet, are always a joy to observe, especially when they’re on the hunt. I watched quietly as the egret moved with patience and precision, every step deliberate, every pause filled with anticipation. Its sharp eyes scanned the water, waiting for just the right moment. Then, with lightning speed, it struck — and emerged with a fish clasped firmly in its beak. Moments like this are what make wildlife photography so rewarding. The combination of patience, timing, and luck came together to capture a fleeting but unforgettable scene of nature in action. Warnham Nature Reserve continues to be a wonderful place for encounters like this. Wheth...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 29th of June 2025, I had the chance to photograph one of my favourite summer dragonflies – the Brown Hawker – while visiting Warnham Nature Reserve. These dragonflies are instantly recognisable with their rich brown colouring and striking amber wings. What makes them even more fascinating is their flying ability. The Brown Hawker is fast, agile, and rarely seems to pause for long, which makes photographing them mid-air a real challenge. After plenty of patience and a fair bit of trial and error, I managed to capture one in flight. Watching these incredible insects dart and weave through the air is always a thrill, especially at this time of year when they’re most active around ponds and lakes. Moments like this are why I love wildlife photography. They remind me how rewarding it is to slow down, observe, and connect with nature. Have you seen Brown Hawkers in flight this summer?

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something magical about starting the day with a macro lens in hand. On the 22nd of June, I spent the morning exploring Warnham Nature Reserve, and the insect life was absolutely buzzing — quite literally. What always strikes me about macro photography is how much variety you can find in such a small space. Even within just a short walk, I came across an incredible mix of insects and other tiny creatures, each one with its own fascinating details to capture. Among the highlights were: Buff-tip eggs carefully laid on leaves, hinting at the next generation to come. A delicate Common Blue Damselfly, its iridescent body catching the morning light. Both Common Green Shieldbugs and Red-legged Shieldbugs, showcasing their vibrant armour-like patterns. The striking red tones of a Common Red Soldier Beetle. A Dock Bug crawling across Goosegrass, blending beautifully with its surroundings. A Garden Spider waiting patiently in its web...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On my latest visit to Warnham Nature Reserve, I was treated to one of those perfect summer days where wildlife activity seems to be everywhere you look. The reserve was alive with movement, colour, and sound – a reminder of why this location remains one of my favourite places to explore with my camera. Among the first highlights was the delicate beauty of a Common Blue butterfly, fluttering through the grasses, followed closely by the buzz of an Early Bumblebee moving tirelessly from flower to flower. In the shimmering air above the water, a magnificent Emperor Dragonfly made its presence known, its striking colours catching the sunlight as it patrolled its territory. At the water’s edge, I paused to watch a Marsh Frog basking in the warmth, perfectly still yet full of character. The real moment of excitement came when I managed to capture a Moorhen sprinting across the surface of the water – a fleeting but unforgettable scene tha...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 22nd of June, I was lucky enough to spend some time at Warnham Nature Reserve, where I spotted one of my favourite visitors—the elegant Little Egret. These striking birds are always a delight to watch, with their slender white plumage, long black legs, and contrasting yellow feet. What fascinates me most about Little Egrets is their hunting style. They move slowly and deliberately through the shallows, pausing with such patience before making a precise strike at fish or invertebrates. Watching them in action feels like witnessing a perfectly choreographed performance—every step measured, every movement graceful. Photographing this egret was a real pleasure. The light on the water highlighted its feathers beautifully, and the reflections added extra character to the shots. I captured a series of images that really showcase the bird’s elegance and its natural behaviour. I’d love to hear your thoughts—which image speaks to you...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 22nd of June, I enjoyed a truly unforgettable morning at Warnham Nature Reserve. As I watched the water, I was treated to the spectacular sight of a Common Tern swooping gracefully across the lake, clutching a huge fish in its beak. The precision and speed of these birds never fail to impress me — moments like this are what make wildlife photography so rewarding. Even more special was the activity happening nearby. The young terns had just fledged, and it was fascinating to watch them as they explored their surroundings. They were testing their wings, calling to the adults, and beginning to show those first signs of independence. Having followed their progress over the past few weeks, it was a privilege to see this next stage in their journey. Capturing these moments through the lens is always a joy, but it also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and how lucky we are to witness it. Days like this highlig...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 22nd of June 2025, I was treated to a special wildlife moment at Warnham Nature Reserve—a sighting of the stunning Clouded Yellow butterfly. 🌼🦋 The Clouded Yellow is considered an uncommon visitor here in the UK, making each encounter feel like a real privilege. They’re often migrants, appearing in varying numbers depending on the year, so spotting one is never guaranteed. That’s what made this moment so exciting—this beautiful butterfly made a brief stop, just long enough for me to capture a few photographs before it moved on. Moments like these are exactly why I love spending time at Warnham. You never quite know what you’ll come across, and every visit offers the chance of something unexpected. Have you seen a Clouded Yellow this year? I’d love to hear about your sightings and experiences in the comments below. 📸 You can see some of my photographs from the day in the gallery section.

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something truly magical about early mornings at Warnham Nature Reserve. On the 21st of June, I set out with my camera, not knowing what the day would bring — and nature certainly didn’t disappoint. The calm stillness of the water was suddenly broken by the powerful wingbeats of a Mute Swan taking to the skies. Watching it rise and glide so effortlessly reminded me of the quiet elegance these birds bring to the reserve. Not long after, I spotted a Common Tern darting across the water’s surface, skimming gracefully in search of food. Its agility and speed were a joy to capture through the lens. Moments like these are why I return to Warnham time and again. Every visit offers something new — a fleeting encounter, a striking composition, or simply the peaceful reminder of how much beauty surrounds us in the natural world. If you haven’t visited Warnham yet, I’d highly recommend it. Whether you’re a photographer, a birdwatcher,...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 21st of June 2025, I spent a wonderful day exploring Warnham Nature Reserve. The summer warmth brought the ponds to life, with dragonflies and damselflies darting and hovering across the water’s surface. Their shimmering wings caught the light beautifully, creating the perfect opportunity for photography. During the visit, I was fortunate enough to capture several species on camera. Among them were the delicate Azure Damselfly and the striking Blue-Tailed Damselfly, both of which could be seen resting on reeds near the water’s edge. The ponds also hosted the Broad-Bodied Chaser, with its bold, stocky appearance making it a favourite to photograph, and the impressive Emperor Dragonfly, patrolling the water with its powerful flight. To round off the day, I also managed a close-up of a Red-eyed Damselfly, its distinctive eyes glowing brightly in the summer sun. Each of these insects is a reminder of just how much variety and b...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images This past weekend I spent a fantastic morning at Warnham Nature Reserve, focusing on one of my favourite areas of photography—macro work. The warm weather brought the insects out in force, making it the perfect opportunity to capture the hidden details of the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed. Armed with my macro setup, I was able to get up close and appreciate the colours, textures, and incredible variety of species buzzing, hopping, and crawling through the reserve. Each subject presented its own unique challenge—some staying still long enough to allow for a clean shot, while others kept me on my toes with their quick movements. Here are some of the species I managed to capture during the session: Chequered Hoverfly Common Froghopper Common Green Capsid Common Wasp Dock Bug Epagoge Grotiana (a beautiful little moth) Harlequin Ladybird Non-Biting Midge Pammena Regiana (a tortrix moth) Pellucid Fly Phalacrotophora beroline...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 15th June, I had the pleasure of witnessing a truly brilliant moment at Pagham Harbour – a Sandwich Tern returning with a fresh catch! 🐟✨ Watching these agile seabirds in action never fails to impress. Their dives are precise, their glides effortless, and their energy is captivating to observe. On this occasion, I was lucky enough to capture a few shots just as the tern came in with its fish – one of those perfect timing moments that make wildlife photography so rewarding. Moments like these remind me why I love spending time by the water, observing the natural world and the incredible behaviors of its feathered inhabitants. Pagham Harbour continues to be a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography, offering opportunities to witness such fascinating scenes up close.

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 15th June 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting Pagham Harbour, and it turned out to be a truly memorable day for wildlife photography. I was lucky enough to witness the remarkable Little Terns in action — agile, energetic seabirds that never fail to impress. During my visit, I watched these little predators busy fishing along the shoreline. Capturing them with sand eels in their beaks was an incredible experience — a fleeting moment of precision and skill that makes birdwatching so rewarding. Observing their hunting behaviour up close is always a treat, and photographing these moments adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. I’d love to hear which of my shots you enjoy the most! Feel free to share your favourites in the comments below. #LittleTern #PaghamHarbour #BirdPhotography #NatureMoments #WildlifeUK

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I spent a fantastic day at Hayling Island Nature Reserve on 14th June 2025, and it didn’t disappoint! The reserve was alive with activity, especially around the water, offering plenty of opportunities to observe birds in action. Some of the highlights from the visit included: Black-headed gulls gliding and calling along the shoreline. Common terns, including a dramatic moment where one was chased by a black-headed gull – an unforgettable display of coastal bird behaviour. A cormorant proudly carrying a fish, a testament to the daily struggle of survival in the wild. A little egret moving gracefully through the shallows, stalking its next meal with patience and precision. Oystercatchers patrolling the shore, their striking plumage standing out against the sandy backdrop. It’s incredible how much activity you can witness in just one visit – there’s always something happening if you’re patient and observant. Every visit offers new su...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I spent a wonderful day exploring Warnham Local Nature Reserve on the 8th of June, 2025, and was treated to a vibrant display of wildlife activity. From the reflection pool to the meadows, the reserve was alive with insects and birds, offering countless photography opportunities and moments to simply enjoy nature. 📸 Highlights from the day included: Abia nitens – This striking insect showed off its shiny green coat, glinting beautifully in the sunlight. Common Blue butterfly – A fresh specimen basked in the warmth, wings open, perfect for a close-up capture. Dark Bush-Cricket – Nestled in the undergrowth, this elusive cricket made for an intriguing find. Great Tit (Parus major) – Spotted taking a refreshing dip at the reflection pool, a charming moment of avian behavior. Green Nettle Weevil – Tiny yet jewel-like, its vivid green hues were mesmerizing against the foliage. Marmalade Hoverfly – As always, this little marvel hovered ...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I spent a fantastic day at Warnham Local Nature Reserve on 8th June 2025, and it was buzzing with insect activity! The warm weather and abundant flowers created the perfect conditions to observe and photograph some incredible pollinators in action. Highlights from the day included: Common Carder Bumblebee in flight – so graceful as it moved from flower to flower. Honey Bee in flight – busy collecting nectar and pollen, a true marvel of nature. Red-Tailed Bumblebee in flight – vibrant and striking against the greenery. Rhagio tringarius – a striking snipe fly that caught my attention with its intricate patterns. White-Tailed Bumblebee in flight – small but energetic, flitting around tirelessly. Watching these insects up close is a reminder of the vital role each of them plays in our ecosystem. Every bee, fly, and pollinator contributes to the delicate balance of nature. Spending time at Warnham Local Nature Reserve never fails to i...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images This morning at Warnham Local Nature Reserve started off quieter than usual — not a single bird in sight at the reflection pool. At first, it was a bit disappointing, but it also gave me the chance to slow down and focus on the smaller details that often go unnoticed. As I explored the pool, I spotted some balloon flies skimming across the water’s surface, their delicate movements perfectly mirrored by the beautifully coloured reflections beneath them. It was a gentle reminder that sometimes the smallest, most overlooked moments can create the most interesting and captivating photographs. Capturing these little creatures in such a serene setting turned out to be a delightful challenge. The patterns, colours, and fleeting nature of their movements made every shot unique. I always enjoy finding these unexpected scenes — they’re the little surprises that keep wildlife photography exciting. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these imag...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images I had a fantastic visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve on 7th June 2025, and what a day it was! The reserve was alive with action and incredible variety, making it a perfect outing for anyone who loves nature and wildlife photography. During my visit, I was lucky to capture: Gadwalls in flight – graceful and elegant as they moved across the water. A young Great Spotted Woodpecker exploring its surroundings, full of curiosity and energy. A Great Tit perched in the soft, glowing light, offering a picture-perfect moment. A male Little Grebe on the move, showing off its agile swimming skills. A Swift slicing through the sky with remarkable speed and precision. A White-tailed Bumblebee caught mid-flight, highlighting the tiny wonders often missed by the naked eye. It’s incredible how much variety you can witness in just a single visit. From birds to insects, every moment was a reminder of the richness of the natural world. Nature trul...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 7th June 2025, I had the pleasure of witnessing a couple of truly captivating moments at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. A Common Tern was caught in mid-flight, displaying the grace and precision these birds are known for. In another striking scene, one of the terns returned with a freshly caught fish, showcasing its remarkable hunting skills. Observing these birds up close is always a reminder of the elegance and precision of nature. Their movements are fluid, purposeful, and endlessly fascinating — a true delight for any wildlife enthusiast or photographer. Warnham Local Nature Reserve continues to be a wonderful spot for wildlife photography, offering countless opportunities to capture such fleeting, magical moments. #CommonTern #WarnhamLocalNatureReserve #BirdPhotography #NatureCapture #UKWildlife #WildlifePhotography

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the afternoon of 7th June, I spent some time at Warnham Local Nature Reserve, and the visit turned out to be one of those unforgettable wildlife photography sessions. The star of the day? House Martins. These small, swift birds were everywhere — darting across the sky, circling above the water, and putting on a fantastic display of speed and agility. I was lucky enough to capture them not only in flight but also as they skimmed the surface for a quick bath. Even when the rain came down, they continued to dart through the drops, seemingly unfazed by the changing weather. Photographing House Martins is always a challenge. Their unpredictable flight patterns test both patience and camera skills, but the reward is worth every effort. Seeing the sharp detail of wings mid-beat or droplets scattering as they brushed the water felt like freezing a moment of their tireless energy in time. It’s encounters like this that remind me why I k...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 1st of June, I spent a beautiful day at Warnham Local Nature Reserve, and as always, the wildlife made every moment worthwhile. With summer in full swing, the reserve was alive with activity, offering a wonderful variety of species to photograph. 📸 Highlights from the Day: Broad-bodied Chaser – One of the first sightings of the day was a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly, basking in the warm sun. Its iridescent colours stood out perfectly against the greenery, a true sign that summer has arrived. Egyptian Goose & Grey Heron in Flight – Timing was everything as I managed to capture both an Egyptian Goose and a Grey Heron mid-flight. Each bird showed off its power and grace in the air, making for striking action shots. Greylag Goose – In contrast to the high-energy flight moments, a Greylag Goose glided serenely across the water. The calm ripples behind it made for a wonderfully peaceful scene. Marsh Frog on a Lily Pad – Per...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 1st June 2025, I had the pleasure of spotting a Common Tern in flight at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. It was one of those moments that reminds me why I always carry my camera — nature has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. The Common Tern is such a graceful bird to watch, with its sharp, streamlined wings and effortless flight. It darted across the water with incredible agility, occasionally skimming the surface in search of food. Watching it move so fluidly — fast yet elegant — was captivating. What made the encounter even more special was that it happened so close to home. Warnham continues to be a fantastic place for observing wildlife, and moments like this are a reminder of just how rich our local habitats are. For me, it’s always a privilege to witness these fleeting glimpses of nature. The Common Tern may be a summer visitor, but its presence adds something truly magical to the reserve.