Thanks to Gary and Andy for leading our event on Tuesday and for their report.
What a nice group of people joined the Birding for Beginners morning at Pulborough Brooks today. Luckily the first birds to show themselves were a huge twittering mass of perhaps 200 goldfinches at the bottom of the zigzag, but as the focus for the day was migrants, a spotted flycatcher behind West Mead was an appropriate find.
Spotted flycatcher by David Andrews
In the hide, stonechats, buzzards and a marsh harrier were added to the list. At Redstart Corner two redstarts gave reasonable views but chiffchaffs and blackcaps were more elusive being heard only. On the way we found a small toad and several clouded yellow butterflies.
Clouded yellow butterfly on fleabane by Terry Hollands
From the Hanger a rather bored buzzard just sat and watched the marsh harrier put on a good show and three whinchats could be made out in the ditch line below. Apart from lapwing there did not appear to be any other waders present and the usual ducks and geese were pointed out. A rather hot group then made its way back to the Centre stopping briefly to watch the hornets.
In the afternoon a water rail, 1 green sandpiper, 5 whinchats and a distant group of perhaps 50 yellow wagtails were all seen from Nettleys.
Two further waders were very briefly seen but not positively identified. Thanks to everybody who contributed to the day. Gary and Andy.
Our next 'Birding for Beginners' event is scheduled for Friday 18 November.