How nice not to wear a top coat at Pulborough Brooks today. At the top of the zigzag linnets were still in evidence and at the bottom a single willow warbler was my first for the year – how nice to have them back again. Chiffchaff seemed to be everywhere and they were joined by at least two singing blackcaps. At West Mead, snipe gave their typical sneaky views but luckily two little ringed plover gave excellent views just in front of the hide and several small groups of swallows just had a sip of water and moved on. The South Brooks had skylarks singing constantly in the background. The North Brooks Hanger Viewpoint also had four little ringed plover, distant at first but then closer giving good views of their yellow eye rings. Also on show around the reserve were stonechat, buzzards, kestrel, green and great spotted woodpecker, bullfinch and other common residents.
Non avian sightings today comprised of two adders, numerous brimstone, peacock and small tortoiseshell , a single female orange tip butterfly, and a probable Scarce (Yellow Legged) Tortoiseshell butterfly; yet to be confirmed this was a wonderful find by a visitor.
Sounds like a great day - thank you to volunteer Gary for the update and photos
We've also received a photo of the Scarce Tortoiseshell from Dave Foker (Thank you)
For commentary on the sighting and background information on this butterfly, follow the links below to the Butterfly Conservation website:
http://butterfly-conservation.org/281/sussex-branch.html
http://butterfly-conservation.org/48-8327/continental-crusader-conquers-british-winter-.html