Monday morning's Wetland Bird Survey was notable for the number of lapwing on site, creating the wonderful spectacle of clouds of lapwings taking to the sky as the peregrine or marsh harrier flew nearby.
Volunteer Phil sent in this photo of one of those moments - your challenge is to find and identify the other species of birds within the lapwing flock. I've spotted two so far!
Across the site nearly four and a half thousand lapwings were counted representing the vast majority of the current lapwing population in the Arun Valley. This is more than twice the peak number recorded at Pulborough Brooks last winter. With yesterday's rain, some of this huge lapwing flock have dispersed across the Valley where there is now a greater choice of soggy areas for them to feed. But there is still plenty to see on the reserve with additional sightings over the past 2 days including merlin, ruff, golden plover, bullfinch, firecrest and of course plenty of lovely ducks.
A walk and some wildlife watching around the trail is a great way of justifying an extra roast potato, slice of cake or festive tipple! If you're planning to visit over the Christmas period, please note our opening hours:
24 Dec - Christmas Eve The Visitor Centre will shut at 12 noon. The nature reserve and car park will remain open until 6 pm when the front access gate will be locked. Please ensure that both you and your vehicle are off site before 6 pm.
25 Dec - Christmas Day The Visitor Centre, nature reserve and car park will be closed
26 Dec - Boxing Day The car park will be re-opened by 9 am and the nature trails will be open. The Visitor Centre will be closed. There is a composting toilet on the nature trail on the route towards Nettley's hide.
27 Dec onwards (including New Year's eve and New Year's day) Visitor Centre and nature reserve open as normal 9.30 am - 5 pm (Cafe closes at 4.30 pm)
Finally, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for your support and interest this year.
Anna