12th March 2025: SDOS on tour at Warnham

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We led a minibus tour to Warnham today for Shoreham District Ornithological Society, a repeat of last year's successful outing to this excellent local reserve. 

Starting at the lake, there were plenty of Tufted Duck and a few Teal seen from the hides, whilst Grey Herons gathering nesting material and Little Egret were found around the Heronry, together with a group of Cormorant. A pair of Great-crested Grebe looked stunning through the scope in their fresh breeding plumage, and snatches of courtship dance were seen by some lucky group members. Although increasingly common, a pair of Egyptian Geese close to the Discovery Hide showed off their bold and colourful markings, and it was difficult not to admire them. A few were lucky enough to spot a Grey Wagtail at the water edges.

Around the feeders and hides, a good variety of birds were active, although the first hide was bereft of birds other than Blue and Great Tits, following a sweep through from a Sparrowhawk just before we arrived. 

Woodpecker Hide is a favoured spot with photographers, and the star bird here was Brambling, with several female or first winter type males seen. Both male and female Reed Buntings were a joy to watch at such close quarters, and colourful Goldfinch and Greenfinch, together with a more subdued but subtly beautiful Dunnock foraging on the ground, all added to the spectacle.

Brambling

Reed Bunting

Most people either saw or heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, and the group were thrilled to watch a pair of Treecreepers clambering up the trunks and flitting between trees for several minutes before disappearing from view. This is the third time we have seen them in roughly the same location, so a possible breeding location. I chatted with one of the wardens afterwards and she indicated she would monitor this area.

Treecreeper (Amanda Glinsman)

It was slightly disappointing not to see some of the birds we had found on our recent visit,  but nevertheless it was a brilliant day with great company. I find it immensely rewarding sharing my love of birding with others, and although by no stretch of the imagination could I be deemed expert, I do have some knowledge and experience which is clearly helpful for novice birders. 

We finished the visit with tea and cake at the reserve cafe.

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