Trip reports
MINIBUS TRIP TO PULBOROUGH BROOKS - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25TH 2007
Sunday, 25 November 2007
We set off on a very gentle walk round at 9.50. Disappointingly, there were no Buntings/finches on the field in front of the Centre which had previously been sown with a winter seed crop. However, single Lesser Redpoll and Bullfinch were enjoyed at the bottom of the downhill track, as was the first of many Redwings. This species was certainly dominant during the day - mostly seen in flight, but several observed eating berries.
Arriving at the Nettley Hide, we settled in to watch the assembled wildfowl and search for any waders. The excellent light illuminated many pairs of Pintail, for which Pulborough is an important winter destination. There were also plenty of Wigeon and Teal, plus smaller numbers of Mallard and Shoveler. Over 1000 Lapwing regularly took to the air and eventually revealed the presence of 4 Black tailed Godwits, a Ruff, and up to a dozen Dunlin. After a 90 minute stint we decamped the short distance to Jupp's View Blind, where the Godwits could be seen more easily. Here, a single distant Golden Plover was discovered amongst the Lapwing, and several Snipe were also found. Onward to Hangar View, where Kestrel, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were added, with much better views of the now active Ruff. A late lunch was taken in Little Hangar Hide, before moving on to Winpenny. The SE Herts RSPB Group were in occupation here, so it was rather crowded. However, the Peregrine, which they had seen earlier in the day, was found again, roosting in a dead oak. A solitary Fieldfare was feeding on berries just to the south of the hide. We then returned to the Centre where some members observed the feeders, where Coal and Marsh Tits and a Nuthatch were regular visitors, whilst others repaired to the excellent Tearoom.
Altogether 54 species were seen on a most enjoyable and relaxing day.
Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Snipe, Ruff, Dunlin, Black tailed Godwit, Golden Plover, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Herring Gull, Common Gull, LBB Gull, BH Gull, Moorhen, Kestrel, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Rook, Crow, Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, LT Tit, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Redpoll, Cormorant, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark.
Reported by Steve Oakes