Wednesday 25th February 2026: Pulborough Brooks

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 Today was again beautifully sunny as we joined an Sdos event to Pulborough Brooks. We had a fantastic morning with over fifty species seen. 

On the zigzags an RSPB volunteer had used a thermal imager to locate a Woodcock skulking in the undergrowth beside the path, enabling us all to get excellent views of this tricky bird. 

Woodcock

From the viewpoint overlooking the brooks we enjoyed the usual variety of ducks, and were able to share these in the scopes. Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck were all visible. Suddenly everything took to the skies in panic. Looking up we soon found the cause of this disarray - a fantastic White-tailed Egret passing overhead. Everyone was delighted to get such great views of this magnificent bird.

White-tailed Eagle (Ron Bewley

We continued round the hides, finding wheeling Lapwings calling evocatively and a tight flock of Black-tailed Godwits huddled together on an island. In Adder Alley, we again had cracking views of the White-tailed Egret at it soared over the treetops, a large, bulky bird, and immensely powerful in flight.

Outside Winpenny, an adder basked in the sunshine, and dancing Brimstones and a Comma added to the sense that spring is on its way. In the distance, a Great Egret lurked in the reeds, together with half a dozen Grey Heron.

Adder

As we retraced our steps, the Woodcock was still on view at the exact same spot. We finished the morning with a leisurely and sociable lunch on the sunlit terrace. It was great!

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