Tuesday 24th September 2024: Roosting Nightjar at Pulborough

 We popped across to Pulborough this afternoon with reports of a Nightjar perched in a tree in broad daylight, a photographic opportunity not to be missed for Tim!

The bird was easily spotted, perched on a low branch near Fattengates courtyard, and much closer than I had expected. Through the scope, I was able to see it ‘yawn’ revealing a bright red mouth, and its mottled colouration showed really well. Several times we observed it wriggle a bit, swaying from side to side on the branch, and occasionally preening. It opened its eyes to observe a bumble bee that wandered close, but was unfazed and quickly closed them again. It was a cracking bird!

Nightjar

We continued around the reserve, and at Westmead Hide we observed a White-tailed Eagle fly over and land it one of its favourite trees across the river. Amongst the cattle, a couple of Cattle Egrets were evident and in the scrub we found Stonechat, Goldfinch, Wren, Chiffchaff  and Blue Tit.

On north brooks, good numbers of Lapwing loafed along the water’s edge. 

Overall, it was a worthwhile afternoon’s birding!


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