Dave Philips led a group of 23 SDOS members on an excellent morning outing to Pulborough Brooks on Wednesday, with the added bonus of beautiful sunshine. This helped to bring the birds out and it was great to hear so many birds singing – from the wheezing call of the Greenfinch to the unmistakable explosive song of the Cetti’s Warbler.

On the zigzags we were thrilled to find a Woodcock which one of the volunteers had picked up with a thermal imager, resting very close to the path. It was incredibly well camouflaged, but in the end we all managed excellent views of this beautiful but rarely seen bird.

Looking over the brooks, there was still plenty of water, although levels have dropped in recent weeks. Here we found a good assortment of wildfowl, including Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, and Shoveler. Reflecting the deeper than usual water levels, both Pochard and Tufted Duck were also present. We spent some time admiring these lovely ducks through the scopes. Suddenly everything took off. Like all good birders we scanned the skies to see what might have caused the panic, and were delighted to see a stunning White-tailed Eagle passing over the wetland.

We continued on round the reserve, enjoying the spring spectacle of dancing Brimstones and basking Adders making the most of the warm weather. As we walked along Adder Alley, many had another brilliant sighting of the White-tailed Eagle together with a Raven that passed across the treetops.

At Winpenny Hide we found many Lapwings wheeling and calling evocatively and a tight flock of Black-tailed Godwits huddled on an island. In the distance a Great Egret and a number of Grey Heron skulked in the reeds, whilst overhead a number of Red Kites soared. A Shelduck was added to our tally at Westmead, but there was little else here of note. As we left the hide a Stonechat perched up on the brambles. At Fattengates a Nuthatch showed well alongside regular tits, and as we retraced our steps towards the visitor centre there was another chance to enjoy the Woodcock which was still present.

We finished the day with a tally of fifty species, and lingered on the terrace at the end of the morning enjoying the warm sunshine. Huge thanks to Dave for leading us around the reserve and to everyone who came along. It was a sociable and rewarding morning.

Thanks to Mike, Tony L and Ron for their photos from the day.