In contrast to last Christmas, the brooks are not currently under a full flood which means that we're playing host largely to the dabbling ducks at the moment. All 4 of the hides on the wetland trail are open and you are likely to find a range of wintery waterbirds from each one - a few gadwall are interspersed with the more numerous wigeon, teal, shoveler and pintail.
The large 'pantheon' of black-tailed godwits is very much in evidence - they are normally to be found on the North Brooks but I think some of them had a bit of a tiff yesterday (they often seem to be squabbling and bickering) and a break-away group had taken over West Mead pool. Lapwings are here in good numbers, as are snipe, although the latter tend to become more visible when flushed by the peregrine or marsh harrier (both of whom have been seen regularly in the last week). Keep an eye out amongst these more numerous waders for ruff and golden plover. If you are very lucky, you could just see a flash of turquoise and orange as a kingfisher streaks past - we've had several sightings of this magnificent bird in the last week.
If you are watching from Hanger View, glance skywards occasionally as a beautiful kestrel can often be seen hovering over the bank searching for mice and voles.
Photo by Chris Prince
In the hedgerows and woodland look for redwings and fieldfare, bullfinch, treecreepers, long-tailed tits and goldcrests. Out on the heathland trail we've found lesser redpoll and woodcock.
Whilst 'my' very friendly water rail has not returned to his spot up near the visitor centre this winter, you do have a chance of seeing one out on the wetland trail. Winpenny and Nettley's hides are the most likely spots.
Whilst a few diversions are in place, you can complete a full circuit of the wetland trail and all of the hides are open. We are not flooded at the moment so wellies are not currently essentially footwear, but we'd suggest stout shoes or walking boots. The trail will remain open every day other than Christmas day, when the car park, visitor centre and nature trail will be shut. The car park and trails will re-open on Boxing Day, however the visitor centre will be shut.
If we don't see you beforehand, the team at Pulborough Brooks wish you a very merry Christmas!