I didn’t set out with cormorant photography in mind when I headed for an evening walk along the Warta River. Most of my walks follow the same familiar paths, but this time I crossed to the opposite bank, where fewer people venture. The difference was immediate. The riverside felt quieter, wilder, and full of possibilities.

It didn’t take long to notice more bird activity than usual. Then, a cormorant appeared, flying low above the treetops. I only had a few seconds to react before it passed by. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about wildlife photography — you never know what might appear, even in places you know well.

Photographing birds in flight is always a challenge, especially with my old Nikon. It’s not the fastest camera for tracking moving subjects, so I’m always pleased when everything comes together. This image may not be technically perfect, but it captures what I remember most from that evening — the quiet atmosphere, the warm light, and the cormorant gliding over the river.

Cormorants may not have the colourful plumage of kingfishers or bee-eaters, but they have a beauty of their own. Their streamlined bodies, long necks and steady wingbeats make them look perfectly adapted to life around water. Seeing one glide silently along the Warta was easily the highlight of my walk.

That brief encounter was enough to change the whole character of the walk. I set out expecting nothing more than a quiet evening by the river and came home with a photograph and a story I hadn’t expected to find.

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Do you ever take a different route just to see what you might find? I’d love to hear about your favourite wildlife encounters close to home. And if you enjoy birds in flight, you might also like Cranes over the River.