A slightly delayed posting of Gary's wildlife update from last week...
In front of Nettleys, six snipe were doing their best to look like dried reeds and for the most part succeeding. See if you can spot them in the photograph.
About 80 black-tailed godwits were squabbling as usual and three were sporting colour rings; the details have been sent off and we should hear of their history soon.
Thanks to volunteer Anne for this great photo of 2 of the black-tailed godwits.
While I was checking out the godwits, a visitor drew my attention to a water rail that was in full view and much closer. This normally shy bird paraded in front of the hide giving great views to all those present.
Around the trail, bullfinch, goldcrest, treecreeper and assorted common residents were braving the rain, but redwing and fieldfare were in lower numbers than last week. Winpenny had a brown juvenile peregrine sitting on the ground for what seemed like hours, maybe it was digesting a heavy meal. A red kite flew lazily past on its way to the downs and a pair of kestrels hovered in the drizzle.
As we walked back to the visitor centre, the whole of the south brooks came to life with thousands of canada, greylag (and various intergrades), appearing from further down the valley – an amazing sight and sound; I don't think I have ever seen so many at Pulborough Brooks.