A rather dull but warm day at Pulborough Brooks today with the occasional light rain shower, but the birds didn’t seem to mind. Near west mead a very purposeful hobby flew low overhead straight down the valley and as we approached adder alley a mixed flock consisting of mainly whitethroats and chiffchaff entertained us for a while. At the hanger the ditch clearing mechanical digger was in full swing but the four green and one common sandpiper didn’t seem to mind and a flock of 50 plus lapwing were only disturbed when a juvenile marsh harrier put in an appearance. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sight of a brown juvenile cuckoo that made its way from post to post across the north brooks.
Green sandpiper
In front of the hanger a beautiful bright male bullfinch sat in full view to the delight of some visitors, and overhead another mixed flock of chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, whitethroat, goldcrest, tree creeper, nuthatch, long-tailed, blue and great tits hung around for some time gleaning insects.
Even though it was dull, butterflies were still quite numerous with gatekeeper and common blues the most common.
Common blue
Thanks to volunteer Gary for the update.