Wednesday 12th February 2025: Sherwood Rough and Arundel

 The weather was rather dull this morning as we set off for Sherwood Rough, but at least it was an improvement on our last visit, when thick fog had severely restricted our viewing. As we began to climb the slope from the car park, we immediately, encountered a flock of finches, but only managed to get onto two Greenfinches which settled in the treetop. Climbing the hill, we heard Goldcrests and saw them flitting busily in the foliage as we passed. 

Traversing the path on the ridge, was pretty disappointing, with limited bird song or activity, save an elusive Song Thrush. Suddenly a flock of finches appeared over the woodland and settled in a distant tree. Through the scopes we could see Greenfinches, but the light was atrocious and apart from the yellow wing flash it was hard to make out any features. We thought we had Hawfinches too, but struggled to get a decent view. We continued on, moving closer towards the birds, and eventually managed to get confirmatory views, when one sat with his head turned to the side revealing its huge bill. We could just make out some buff colouration, but it was somewhat underwhelming compared to views we have had in the past of this impressive finch. 

We continued round the ridge, battling muddy paths, lack of bird activity and dismal light, and beginning to feel quite grumpy. Eventually, the light brightened a little, and immediately the bird activity improved. Tim heard a Marsh Tit singing, and we soon had good views. Then I located a Firecrest in a holly bush next to the path, and we heard a Nuthatch calling nearby.

Returning to the car, we drove to Arundel for an early lunch, before setting out for a walk round Swanbourne Lake. On the grassy field by the river, around 23 Cattle Egret were intermingled with the gulls. In the overhead trees we found a Mistle Thrush, in exactly the same tree we found one last year, guarding its own clump of mistletoe. 

The Lake contained the usual mix of freshwater ducks - Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a single pair of Pochard skulking beneath the vegetation. A few Shoveler swam here too, and we managed to spot a few partially obscured Mandarin Duck, roosting in the overhanging branches. Before long two stunning drakes and a more subtle, but still striking, female swam out into the open water giving superb views.

Mandarin Duck

A rustling movement in the ivy next to us revealed a diminutive moss green Firecrest, with bold white and orange head markings, so close we didn’t even need binoculars to view! A flock of Long-tailed Tits meandered through the trees and a Red Kite drifted overhead, whilst a Song Thrush serenaded us from a triangular holly tree. At last it felt like proper birding!

A stroll around the brooks by the bridge offered no new birds, but gave us great views of the Cattle Egrets as they flew round and settled in the bushes. With three new species ticks for the year list, the day had ended on a more positive note than it started!

Cattle Egrets