Paul Cross Photography

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On a peaceful spring afternoon, I made a visit to Ifield Mill Pond, a hidden gem that never fails to deliver something special for the wildlife enthusiast. Armed with my camera and some patience, I spent a few quiet hours observing the activity on the water—and was rewarded with some wonderful moments. One of the highlights was catching a coot mid-flap as it dashed across the surface of the pond. These birds can be deceptively fast when they're on the move, and freezing that motion in a single frame is always satisfying. Their bold, energetic behavior contrasts nicely with the serenity of the setting. Another standout was a series of close-up shots of a cormorant. These sleek, prehistoric-looking birds make excellent subjects, especially when you can capture the detail in their eyes and the texture of their feathers. I was lucky to get a few sharp headshots as one perched nearby, drying off between dives. But perhaps the most exci...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images Spring has well and truly arrived, and few places showcase its vibrant return quite like Warnham Nature Reserve. I spent several hours there on the 5th of April 2025, and it proved to be a rewarding visit in every sense. From the moment I arrived, there was an unmistakable sense of renewal in the air—birdsong echoing through the trees, blossoms beginning to open, and wildlife stirring after the quiet of winter. As always, taking the time to slow down and observe the world around me paid off in abundance. Among the highlights of the day was capturing a variety of species, each adding its own charm to the experience. I was particularly pleased to photograph a Bee-fly—such a curious and often-overlooked insect with its distinctive hovering flight and long proboscis. The Blackthorn was in full bloom too, its white blossoms catching the light beautifully and providing the perfect backdrop for many of the shots. Bird activity was high, ...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something special about early mornings at Warnham Nature Reserve. The light is soft, the air is crisp, and the sounds of nature slowly come to life. On the 5th of April, I spent a peaceful morning there, and as always, the reserve didn’t disappoint. One of the highlights of the visit was a delightful encounter with a Wren – one of the UK's smallest birds, but without doubt, one of the most vocal. Perched confidently on a tree trunk and darting between the branches, this tiny bird filled the woodland air with its powerful, trilling song. It’s always astonishing how such a small creature can produce such an impressive volume. Watching the Wren was a joy – full of character and energy, it seemed completely at home as it flitted about, occasionally pausing to sing its heart out. These moments remind me why I love wildlife photography so much: it's not just about capturing a sharp image, but about preserving these fleeting glim...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 5th of April 2025, I spent a brilliant spring day exploring one of my favourite local spots — Warnham Nature Reserve. As the days grow warmer, the reserve is beginning to come alive with activity, from the return of bird song to the subtle buzz of early pollinators. Among them, I was lucky enough to photograph one of nature’s most convincing mimics: the Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax). These little hoverflies are always a joy to spot. At first glance, many people mistake them for honeybees due to their strikingly similar appearance. This clever mimicry offers them some protection from predators, who tend to avoid bees thanks to their sting. But the Drone Fly is harmless, content to flit from flower to flower, soaking in the spring sunshine — and making for a very cooperative photo subject! Armed with my macro setup, I managed to capture several shots of this fascinating insect as it paused briefly on leaves and blossoms....

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There's something truly special about spring mornings at Warnham Nature Reserve. On my visit on the 5th of April, I was reminded once again why I keep returning to this beautiful haven for wildlife. As I made my way along one of the quieter paths, a sudden flicker of movement among the yew trees caught my eye. It was a Goldcrest – the UK’s smallest bird – flitting busily through the branches, barely staying still for more than a second. Despite its size, this tiny bird had a remarkable presence. It was perfectly framed by shafts of sunlight piercing through the canopy, which lit up its feathers in a dazzling array of golden and olive tones. Moments like this are why I always keep my camera ready. Capturing a Goldcrest on camera is never easy – they’re constantly on the move, and their small size makes them easy to miss. But patience paid off. I managed to get a few shots that I’m truly proud of, showing not just the bird's vibrant...

     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...