Wildlife - A photography walk at Lymington Key Haven Nature Reserve

On Sunday, I had the privilege of joining local wildlife photographer Steve Laycock and a group of enthusiastic photographers for a photography walk around the Lymington Key Haven Nature Reserve. This walk was part of the Bird Aware Solent Art Festival.

Despite the chilly morning and strong easterly winds that pushed most of the birds to one side of the reserve, the experience was unforgettable. Steve was an incredible guide, offering valuable insights not just on camera settings and angles but also on the local wildlife. He shared stories about his favorite photography spots, including a particular perch where he had often captured images of a kingfisher, and explained his approach of letting the birds come to him. This strategy paid off for me moments later when I found myself precariously perched on a bank, and a Little Egret calmly walked by, only a few feet away. Despite the large group of photographers, the bird seemed unfazed by our presence.

We played a game of "spot the snipe," a bird I’ve always found elusive due to its incredible camouflage and wary nature. We caught sight of a Dartford Warbler, though it quickly darted into the gorse before anyone could snap a shot. Interestingly, I learned that the Stonechat I had photographed just moments before is often a companion to the Dartford Warbler, making frequent appearances in the same area.

Throughout the walk, we encountered numerous species, including Black-backed Gulls, Spoonbills, Slavonian Grebes, a Goldeneye, Greenshank, Redshank, and Spotted Redshank. To top it all off, the kingfisher made a brief appearance, scattering birds before it and then disappearing completely.

Overall, I was deeply impressed by the warmth and knowledge of the group, particularly Steve. It was my first group photography experience, but it certainly won’t be my last.