Window to Wildlife

 A brilliant find from Richard Phillips today led to a quick trip out to the field near the Steyning footbridge, where he had somehow spotted a Stone Curlew. When we arrived it was skulking under a thistle, gaining some shelter from the scorching heat. It occasionally moved out into the field a short distance, but was largely staying close to this favoured bush. We had reasonable scope views, although there was some heat haze making it difficult to get a really clear view. But a cracking local bird, and as Minsmere has been damaged by wildfires, making it unlikely we can visit that reserve to target them, this was a satisfying sighting, equalling my best ever annual tally.  Stone Curlew