Pulborough Brooks is a 171-hectare nature reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), located in the Arun Valley near the South Downs in West Sussex. The site includes a range of habitats such as wet grassland, reedbeds, deciduous woodland, and heath, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life...
🔍 Overview A striking winter visitor and scarce migrant to Sussex, favouring open habitats with scattered trees. 🪶 Key Identification Features Pale grey above, white below Bold black face mask and strong hooked bill Black wings and white outer tail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular sightings in winter in areas like Ashdown Forest, Ambersham Common,...
🔍 Overview Rare vagrant. An elegant and elusive relative of the White Stork, Black Storks are rare spring and summer vagrants in Sussex, typically seen during continental drift migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (95–100 cm tall) Plumage: Glossy black with a green-purple sheen; white belly Bill & Legs: Red Flight: Soars with neck...
🔍 Overview Once a major rarity, now an increasingly regular visitor to Sussex, with occasional overwintering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark, iridescent plumage with green and bronze sheen Long, down-curved bill Long legs and neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Pagham Harbour. Most likely...
🔍 Overview A scarce but increasing visitor and occasional breeder in Sussex, especially in coastal wetlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large white bird with spoon-shaped bill Black legs, yellowish breast patch in breeding season Often rests with neck tucked back 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular at Rye Harbour, Pagham Harbour, and Pulborough Brooks, mainly from...
🔍 Overview A scarce spring and autumn migrant, typically in small numbers in suitable wader habitat. 🪶 Key Identification Features Tiny, plain greyish-brown wader Yellowish legs, fine bill Creeping, mouse-like foraging behaviour 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best found at Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, or Sidlesham Ferry Pool during May and August–September. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour...
🔍 Overview The most widespread and abundant pigeon in Sussex and across the UK. Common in gardens, farmland, parks, and woodlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large pigeon (38–44 cm) Plumage: Grey overall with pinkish breast, distinctive white neck patch and white wing bars visible in flight Other: Broad wings and long tail 🗺️ Habitat...
Very common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
Common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
🔍 Overview Most Barnacle Geese seen in Sussex are feral, but small numbers of wild birds may arrive in winter, particularly in hard weather. 🪶 Key Identification Features Striking black-and-white plumage White face with black breast and neck Compact, goose-shaped body 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Feral birds occur year-round at sites like Arundel WWT or...
