Thanks to volunteer Graham for his report and photos:
It was warm with sunny spells at Pulborough Brooks on Sunday.
I started with a quick visit to Upperton’s Pond, where I found some Common Centaury.
Along the zigzag path the Fleabane was in full bloom, the occasional flowerhead serving as a platform for an insect, such as this Ichneumon.
In contrast to to the bright yellow of the Fleabane some more subtle colour was provided by Willowherb.
A bit further on a Nurseryweb Spider with one leg missing was resting on a leaf .
When I arrived at West Mead Hide there was very little bird action, and I soon moved on in the company of two first time visitors (John & Jane). As we approached the gate just before Redstart Corner I spotted something moving on the gate post. This soon showed itself to be a Fencepost Jumping Spider .
Fellow Hides and Trails volunteer Martin had informed me that he was at Nettley’s Hide, where he had close views of Spotted flycatcher as well as a range of wader species, so we made our way in that direction. On the way we stopped briefly at Hanger View for some scoped views of various wader species, including Avocet, Greenshank and Ruff. Joining Martin in Nettley’s Hide I was pleased to see that a Spotted Flycatcher was still showing well, often perching on a nearby Alder when not catching insects or bathing in the ditch.
A number of visitors enjoyed views of the flycatcher as well as a good range of waders, including Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Snipe.
After leaving Nettley’s Hide I returned via the Ditch Dipping Ponds to Redstart Corner Pond where the Gypsywort offered a pleasing display.
It also provided a convenient perch for a Small Heath butterfly nicely backlit by the afternoon sun.