Thanks to volunteer Graham for his report and photos.
A heavy frost gave the whole of Pulborough Brooks a silver makeover on Sunday.
The view from Upperton’s Pond.
Cold weather gear was the order of the day, as modelled by Neil, and the teasel heads also looked striking in their winter coats.
At Fattengates Courtyard seed sprinkled onto the logs attracted a good selection of birds, including this smart pied wagtail.
At West Mead Neil had located the two regular white-tailed eagles, but they were fairly distant. Nearer the hide some wigeon and teal were taking advantage of a small patch of unfrozen water,
and the frozen ditches had forced several snipe into the open.
A female kestrel found a high perch near the path to Redstart Corner.
I proceeded to Winpenny Hide where Neil had confirmed that the eagles could be seen at closer range, views of which were also enjoyed by several visitors.
On the way to the North Brooks I took the opportunity to get a few more frosty images.
Most of the water on the North Brooks was frozen, and bird numbers were much lower than before the freeze. When it started sleeting Neil and I moved on to Nettley’s Hide where a juvenile grey heron approached the hide via the frozen ditch.
We did not stay there very long. Neil returned to base while I went back to Winpenny Hide, where I was able to share views of the white-tailed eagles with a few more visitors.
A cup of hot chocolate was gratefully received when I got back to the Visitor Centre!