Our blogs of late have been rather full of sightings of the bigger birds; the speedy peregrines pursuing prey, the graceful short-eared owls quartering over the river bank and even the noisy Canada geese flying in skeins across the sky. But a couple of photos sent in by volunteer Anne prompted me to think about some of our smaller birds...
This handsome fellow is the goldfinch, sometimes known as the ‘seven-coloured linnet’ or ‘King Harry redcap’ and flocks of them can often be seen descending on the teasels, thistles and other seed-bearing plants on Upperton’s field just out from the visitor centre. These great little birds have a great collective name – a ‘charm of goldfinches’. This seems entirely appropriate based on their colourful appearance but is actually a reference to the lovely tinkling noise of their calls – it is thought to derive from c’irm an Old English word. To me it sounds as though they are gossiping with each bird interrupting and talking over one another in a state of excitement and enthusiasm!
For the last couple of years we've been planting sections of Upperton's field with a wild bird arable seed mix and a nectar rich mix for bees and butterflies, protecting the plants from the ever-hungry deer by the 7-foot high fence. The additional cover and source of food has meant that birding from the visitor centre window, or indeed from the tea terrace has been rather splendid of late - not just the attractive flocks of goldfinches but linnet, lesser redpoll, stonechat and the Dartford warbler too.
The second bird I’m going to celebrate is the pied wagtail, ‘polly dishwasher’ or ‘peggy dishwater’.
Often seen by the water, the pied wagtail is always on the move, running around on the pool edges in pursuit of its insect food, moving from place to place by short undulating flights and continually twitching its long tail. Pied wagtails seem to have adapted to life alongside humans, mastering automatic doors to access supermarkets and nesting in cars, green houses and in the gaps left by missing bricks. Here at Pulborough Brooks one even nested in the engine of our tractor which was out of commission this spring!
Whilst the skies today are clear and bright, there has been plenty to see even on the windier, duller days so take a break from the hustle and bustle in the approach to Christmas and take a walk around the reserve to appreciate and celebrate some of the small but fine things in life.
If you’re new to wildlife watching or feel like you need a helping hand with bird identification then our ‘Birding for beginners’ events could be ideal. We are running these walks regularly throughout the year and you can come along to one as an introduction to Pulborough Brooks’ birds or join in throughout the year as different birds arrive. There are still spaces on our event this Saturday (12 December) – please get in touch if you are interested.
P.S. If you do feel the need to do some Christmas shopping, the team in our shop will be more than happy to point you in the direction of great gifts for you, for your loved ones and perhaps for your garden wildlife. On Saturday afternoon they will even help you to wrap your presents!