Two reports in one from volunteer Gary.
On an early dark Monday morning I joined the wardens and volunteers for the monthly Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). Allocated Amberley Wildbrooks (West) with Laurie we began by having a quick look near Amberley Castle for bewick swans; no luck there, but great views of a barn owl drifting silently by the castle wall. A bat seemed to mob it but it was probably just a coincidence that they were in the same place at the same time. We then began the defined route picking up plenty of mallard, wigeon and teal plus lapwing and the occasional snipe. At the river a kingfisher flew upstream but unfortunately didn't linger. As we reached the furthest point, we saw a group of stonechat and as we were watching them a dartford warbler came into view and proceeded to follow the stonechats – brilliant. Although the walk back was muddy and slippery it didn't seem to matter.
Once back at the Visitor Centre I was persuaded to look for the great grey shrike that had been seen earlier at Hails View. No shrike unfortunately but compensation was provided by a peregrine, short-eared owl and curlew.
On Tuesday the day started with a brief view of the dartford warbler that has been frequenting the field below the visitor centre......and then surprise, surprise it started raining. West Mead beckoned, and provided good views of about 200 black-tailed godwits and ten ruff that were mingling with the wigeon. Good close views of shoveler and pintail were also had. Later in the day on a re-visit, a little grebe was added to the list.
Thanks to volunteer Anne for this fabulous photo - I can pick out wigeon, teal and black-tailed godwit.
Winpenny was initially quite quiet, but the lapwing and wildfowl were very jittery. At first we thought it was a buzzard, but in quick succession a marsh harrier and peregrine appeared and we were treated to multiple but unsuccessful hunting attempts by both of them. A golden plover was spotted in the clouds of lapwing as were several snipe. A pair of egyptian geese and a pair of stonechat added to the variety.
On our way to the Hanger Viewpoint two raven flew over calling, and once at the Hanger five bullfinch including three bright pink males were nibbling buds just below us, and then two short-eared owls began quartering the river bank giving prolonged views. While we were watching the owls, a young peregrine had silently slipped into the large willow and was giving fantastic views; shame the light was so poor. All in all a much better day than expected – apart from the rain!