Page 9 - Out Birding Autumn 2023

breed on this sec􏰀on of the river), Mandarin Duck, and a solitary Li􏰁le Egret. Red Kite were in abundance, as an original release site (Harewood estate) is close. A Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk provided other raptor interest. Numerous Blackcap, Willow War- bler and Chiffchaff provided the sound track, plus several Song Thrush, a Goldcrest and a quick whistle from a flying Kingfisher. Possibly the best sight of the day was the 40 or so Sand Mar􏰀n flying swi􏰂ly over the weir and into the sand bank where we sat for our picnic lunch.
We strolled back again through a different path in the middle of the wood, past the sign explaining the history of the ‘Rougement Castle’, li􏰁le of which remains given that it was abandoned in 1366. It is now a protected English Heritage site, a wonderful tangle of undergrowth and an interes􏰀ng collec􏰀on of trees, under which the blue- bells flourish. We had the place to ourselves, which is why this trip was not put on at a weekend. We took a slightly longer route back, hoping that Yellowhammers, usually showing well, were there for Paul to photograph – but they weren’t.
Some of the other birds I’d seen earlier in the morning had also made themselves scarce – the Lesser Whitethroat, and Linnet for example, but we bumped into the farmer who lets me walk over his fields to do the BBS, and it was gra􏰀fying to chat to a suppor􏰀ve farmer about what birds are on his land.
We made it to the local farm shop café before it shut for well deserved cakes. Rachael
RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Accompanied by a beau􏰀ful soundtrack of birdsong, nine of us enjoyed a day out at Pulborough Brooks reserve. The warm May weather helped us to hear and see over 50 species of bird. A tuneful Garden Warbler welcomed us early on and soon we were listening to Nigh􏰀ngales singing on both sides of the track. We scooped up Helen who was out birding in her "backyard" and was a welcome addi􏰀on to the group.
The sunny spells developed strong thermals and soon we were watching a White- tailed Eagle and Buzzard with Swi􏰂s and Swallows also in our binocular view. It turned out to be a good day for raptors with several sigh􏰀ngs of Buzzard, a Red Kite and a group of Hobby hun􏰀ng over the Brooks (Malcolm counted seven). Down on the Brooks, we watched ducks, waders, Heron, geese, Swan, Cormorant, Coot, gulls and terns, most busy building nests or brooding eggs. Young Lapwing and Greylag Gosling were hatched already and busy exploring their new world.
The woods fringing the Brooks were full of warblers and songbirds. We enjoyed good views of Treecreeper, Great Tit, Wren, Blackbird and Robin. Some members of the group saw an adder and some saw roe deer. Bu􏰁erflies were on the wing with views of Peacock, Orange Tip, Red Admiral and Small White.
My thanks to Malcolm, Sue, Eva, Lesley, Mary H, John F, Gavin and Helen for their
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