Tuesday 7th April 2026: Warnham Nature Reserve

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 We took the grandchildren to Warnham nature reserve, a great location to get up close and personal to wildlife. From the visitor centre overlooking the pond we saw Egyptian Geese, Great crested Grebes and a rather lovely Kingfisher perched on a swaying reed.

Kingfisher

On the distant bank I could just about make out a pair of Little Ringed Plover. Unfortunately they didn’t venture any nearer and it took Emilie ages to get onto them, but it was a new year tick for us, so we were very pleased anyway.

Moving on to Bullfinch and Woodpecker hides, we enjoyed watching a variety of tits and finches at close range. There was nothing unusual here but it was lovely to see the delightful and acrobatic Long-tailed Tits and a Great Spotted Woodpecker making the most of the feeders. On the ground a lovely Stock Dove hoovered up the scattered seed and I was able to point out to Emile the features that distinguished this from the more common Wood Pigeon,

Stock Dove

As we followed the path round through the woodland trail we were pleased to spot a Treecreeper furtively moving along  the branches, but it was very mobile and difficult to relocate as it flew from one tree to another. A Green Woodpecker was also a good find, seen briefly as it flew away showing its yellow rump,as it yaffled noisily off.

Back at the pond a Little Egret and Grey Heron skulked in the reeds, and a gorgeous Great-crested Grebe in showy breeding plumage swam gracefully on the water. 

We ended the day with a respectable tally of 36 species, so a very worthwhile outing for us all.

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