Paul Cross Photography

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something truly special about spending time at Ifield Mill Pond. On my recent visit, the pond was full of life—both on the water and in the skies above. As I arrived, a Coot drifted by effortlessly, its calm movement setting a peaceful tone for the morning. Nearby, a Great Crested Grebe stole the show, displaying its elegant plumage as it moved gracefully across the water. It’s always a treat to see these birds up close—so striking and full of character. Above, a Greylag Goose soared overhead with purpose, while a group of Mallards burst into coordinated flight, weaving through the air in tight formation. And just as I was packing up, a Wood Pigeon passed directly above me—caught mid-flight in a perfectly timed shot. Moments like these are why I keep coming back. The tranquility of the setting, paired with the constant motion of birdlife, makes Ifield Mill Pond a favourite local spot for wildlife photography. Until next ti...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something special about arriving at Warnham Local Nature Reserve early in the morning. The air is still, the light is soft, and the wildlife is just beginning to stir. On the 29th of April, I was treated to one of those quietly magical starts to the day. Above me, a Buzzard circled effortlessly against a clear blue sky—a powerful yet graceful silhouette gliding on the morning thermals. Down at ground level, a Roe Deer moved gently through the tall grasses, barely making a sound. These moments, though fleeting, are always humbling to witness. As the sun climbed higher, its light began to backlight the smaller subjects. I managed to capture a Daddy Longlegs delicately lit by the low sun, its fine legs glowing in the golden hour glow—a reminder that beauty often lies in the smallest details. To round off the visit, an Egyptian Goose made a brief appearance—always a welcome sight and a nice bonus to an already rewarding mornin...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There's something truly special about early spring mornings, and my recent visit to Ifield Mill Pond on the 29th of April was no exception. The sunrise bathed the water in deep orange and golden hues, creating a magical atmosphere that made every moment feel like a painting in motion. As the light danced across the pond, a variety of bird species made their appearances—some quietly gliding across the surface, others cutting sharply through the air. The reflections were so vibrant that they added an almost surreal quality to the scene. It’s in moments like these that nature reminds us just how effortlessly beautiful it can be. Highlights from the Morning: Canada Goose – calm and elegant as always, drifting through golden ripples. Coot – bustling with energy, its white bill catching the morning light. Cormorant in flight – wings outstretched, slicing through the sky above the pond. Great Crested Grebe group – a rare treat to watch t...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images There’s something special about spending a quiet morning immersed in nature, and on the 26th of April, I found exactly that at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. The air was crisp, the light soft, and the reserve was just beginning to stir with the sounds of spring. As I wandered along one of the quieter trails, I was fortunate enough to encounter one of Britain’s smallest – yet most spirited – birds: the wren. Perched boldly on a branch, it was singing its heart out. For such a tiny creature, its song is incredibly powerful, filling the surrounding woodland with vibrant energy. Capturing this moment through my lens was a real highlight. These fleeting encounters are what make wildlife photography so rewarding – being able to witness and share the natural beauty that often goes unnoticed. Warnham continues to be one of my favourite places to observe local wildlife, and mornings like this remind me why. The calm, the birdsong, and those...

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On a visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve on the 26th of April, I was lucky enough to witness one of those gentle, heartwarming moments that make spring so special. A group of Greylag Goose goslings were out exploring the grassy edges of the reserve, huddled close to the watchful adults as they took tentative steps into the big wide world. There’s something incredibly charming about seeing these fluffy young birds wobble through their surroundings—curious yet cautious, often glancing upward as if trying to make sense of the world. Their innocence and the protective presence of their parents made the scene feel timeless, a perfect slice of spring in motion. It’s encounters like these that make this season such a joy for wildlife lovers and photographers alike. From new life emerging to nature bursting into colour, spring truly offers moments that stay with you.

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On the 26th of April, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful male Blackcap at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. These charming little birds are always a delight to spot, especially with their distinctive black cap and soft, melodic song echoing through the woodland. The male Blackcap is particularly striking — his glossy black crown contrasts beautifully with his pale grey plumage. While they can be a bit shy, this one gave me a few wonderful photo opportunities as he flitted between branches and sang his heart out. Moments like this are a big part of why I love wildlife photography: you never quite know what you’ll come across, but there’s always something magical waiting if you’re patient. If you’ve seen a Blackcap recently, I’d love to hear about it — feel free to share your own encounters in the comments. Happy birding!

     Link - Website Blog With More Images On 21st April, during a peaceful visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve, I had the pleasure of spotting one of the reserve’s more elusive residents – the Treecreeper. These small, wonderfully camouflaged birds are a real joy to observe. With their mottled brown plumage, they blend almost seamlessly into the bark of the trees they climb. What makes them particularly fascinating is their behaviour – they spiral upwards around tree trunks in search of insects, using their stiff tail feathers for support. It’s always rewarding to catch a glimpse of one, let alone manage to photograph it. Treecreepers can be tricky to spot if you're not actively looking for them. They move quickly, and their colouring makes them easy to miss. But once you see one, you realise just how uniquely adapted they are to their woodland environment. Have you seen a Treecreeper recently? I’d love to hear about your own encounters—drop a comment or share your stor...