My Story: Bearded Tits
The mist hung thick in the early morning air, draping over the reed beds like a soft blanket. I arrived at the nature reserve just after dawn, the cold biting through my layers as I trudged quietly along the damp path. My breath hung in the air, each exhale mixing with the mist as I made my way towards a hidden spot I'd scoped out the day before. The reserve was silent, save for the occasional rustle of reeds in the breeze and the distant call of a heron.
I found a small wooden platform, tucked away along the edge of the reed bed. It was perfect—elevated just enough to give me a clear view without disturbing the delicate balance of the wetland. I set up my gear slowly, careful not to make a sound. My fingers felt clumsy in the cold as I attached my telephoto lens, hoping today would be the day I’d finally capture the elusive bearded tits.
The light was still low, and the landscape around me was a muted palette of greys and browns, softened further by the mist. I wrapped my hands around my thermos, savoring the warmth as I waited. Patience was key—these birds wouldn’t show themselves if I was restless or fidgeting. The cold seeped in, but I stayed still, listening intently for that distinctive ‘ping’ call.
Then, there it was—just the faintest sound, barely audible through the quiet. A high-pitched ping ping, followed by the rustle of the reeds. My heart quickened. I scanned the reed beds carefully, eyes narrowing against the mist. For a moment, I saw nothing, but then I spotted a flash of movement—a tiny bird darting low through the reeds, almost invisible against the backdrop.
A male bearded tit. His striking orange-brown plumage stood out against the grey of the morning, and the black ‘moustache’ markings on his face were unmistakable. He flitted from one reed stem to another, effortlessly balancing on the thin stalks. I raised my camera slowly, tracking his movements, my finger hovering lightly over the shutter release. The soft morning light gave the scene an ethereal quality, the mist wrapping everything in a dreamlike haze.
Male Bearded Tit
Taken: Nikon Z9 - 400mm f/2.8:TC
As I started shooting, he was joined by a female—subtler in her appearance but no less graceful. Together, they picked at the reed seeds, seemingly unaware of my presence. The rhythmic clicking of my camera shutter blended with the soft sounds of the reserve. I couldn’t help but smile beneath my scarf, knowing how rare it was to witness these birds up close, especially in such perfect conditions.
The mist began to lift, just slightly, allowing more light to filter through. The golden glow of the rising sun illuminated the scene, casting a warm hue over the reeds and birds. It was moments like these that made the early mornings and biting cold worth it—the kind of moment you only get once in a while, where everything lines up just right.
The pair of bearded tits hopped along the reeds, and I managed to capture them in various poses—balancing delicately, feeding, and at one point, preening their feathers. Every now and then, they would vanish into the thicket of reeds, only to reappear moments later, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek.
Male Bearded Tit
Taken: Nikon Z9 - 400mm f/2.8:TC
As the sun climbed higher, the mist began to recede, and the cold air started to warm slightly. I watched as the birds eventually flew deeper into the reed bed, disappearing from sight, leaving only the gentle sway of the reeds behind them. I stood there for a while longer, soaking in the serenity of the morning, knowing I had witnessed something special.
I packed up my gear, my fingers now stiff but my heart full. As I made my way back along the path, the reserve was starting to come alive with the sounds of other birds and distant voices of early morning walkers. I couldn’t help but replay the moment in my mind—the soft light, the crisp air, and the beauty of those delicate birds against the misty backdrop.
This was why I did it. Why I got up at ridiculous hours, braving the cold and the elements. For moments like this—where nature, patience, and luck all came together. Today, I had the bearded tits in my frame, and that was enough to make me forget about the cold entirely.