A slightly belated blog from volunteer Gary and some lovely photos from volunteer Graham.
A rather dull and unpromising start to the day at Pulborough Brooks, but at least there were Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing all over the place and at the bottom of the zigzag a Willow Warbler was singing its lovely liquid song (but not quite, because this may be the same bird as last year as it sometimes starts off its song with a few dodgy Chiffchaff notes). A rumour of a Garganey on the North Brooks had me walking to Jupps View and after a quick scan I found it (and its mate) in the furthest pool to the right - what a cracking little duck with broad white line above its eye and feathers that seem to cascade down its back. A few Sand Martins flew past but quickly passed on, but a surprise early Garden Warbler mumbled away for ages next to the viewpoint.
At the Hanger a Little-ringed Plover, Red Kite, Buzzard and another C30 Sand Martins were added to the tally. Even though it was overcast it was still warm on Adder Alley and as a consequence a magnificent Grass Snake was stretched out in full view. It was admired by some quiet visitors, but was very aware of heavy footfall. I passed the work party near West Mead and was shown the perfect little nest of a Harvest Mouse that they had found – stunning. Four Redshank at West Mead were good value calling and chasing one another around (if you know what I mean). Unfortunately my first four Swallows of the summer didn’t hang around long having a few sips of water from the pond the continuing their journey north. Not such a dull day after all.
As an update, over the weekend both common and lesser whitethroat have been heard and the pair of garganey were on the North Brooks for this morning's Wetland Bird Survey (10 April)
These lovely photos of a beautiful male blackcap, cheeky wren and nesting treecreeper were taken yesterday by volunteer Graham.