Wednesday 18th March 2026: Pulborough Brooks

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 Sue and I set out for Pulborough Brooks with high hopes of some new Spring arrivals, such as Little Ringed Plover or Sand Martin etc. We found no new birds, but nevertheless had an enjoyable day with around 55 species seen.

Descending towards Fattengates, we had plenty of tits, Blackbird, Robin and Greenfinches. Beneath the shrubs I spotted a single Redwing, rather a surprise as I thought they had all scarpered with the coming of Spring. At the courtyard a Song Thrush delighted us with its melodic song, although it took us some time to pin the bird down visually. 

At Westmead hide, it was great to see wheeling Lapwings, and a few spangly Ruff and Redshanks feeding amongst the damp grasses too.  There were still plenty of wildfowl about, with all the regular ducks on view, and a Marsh Harrier and Red Kite hunted across the tree tops at the back of the reserve.

In the trees and scrub near the Hangar viewpoint we found a couple of Jays, a Treecreeper and Stock Dove perched in a tall oak. On the brooks, a small group of Black-tailed Godwits fed at the water’s edge.

Finally, we walked down past the Heath and Black Pond to the viewpoint overlooking the south brooks, where we added a Peregrine and watched several Avocets swishing their bills through the water as they searched for food.


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