The autumn theme of weather-affected walks continued with a vengeance for the ten members who assembled at East Head. The threatened showers largely failed to materialised and the morning was bright but gales were howling in from the south-west. The initial route took advantage of the shelter afforded by the dunes. On the salt marsh small groups of Brent Geese were assembled with Lapwings dotted among them. Among them were also the odd Curlew and Redshank. Small birds were few and far between but eventually a small flock of Meadow Pipits was seen foraging among the grass, a Reed Bunting perched and a pair of Stonechats landed ahead on the path. At the inner harbour birds appeared in much greater numbers, the most obvious species being Oystercatchers scattered on every part of the shore. A flock of Dunlin flew to new feeding grounds and a Little Egret followed them. A few more Grey Plovers appeared and among them a single Golden Plover was identified. Out on the water a Great Crested Grebe and a Cormorant were diving while on the shore two Sanderlings shone beautifully in the sun. A distant Sandwich Tern was also spotted patrolling distantly. To avoid walking head on into the wind along the beach the decision was taken to retrace steps to the car park; for the most part the shelter of the dunes held up but at points unpleasant sandblasting could not be avoided. After lunch the walk continued along the path on the east side of the marsh towards the wetlands. Early sightings included two Ravens, some Rooks, two Shelducks, a Little Grebe and, as the channels filled on the rising tide, some Black-tailed Godwits and a Turnstone. A large flock of over one hundred Golden Plovers settled on the sand for a while before departing. The more distant ponds held a substantial number of Wigeon accompanied by several dozen Teal and a few Mallards plus some Common Gulls and one Mediterranean Gull but the star attractions were twenty Avocets sweeping the water. On a testing day species seen totalled a satisfactory 38.
Category: Walks
Horsell Common 9 November 2023
After recent turbulent weather and an overnight downpour a bright morning and surprisingly good underfoot conditions greeted the five members who gathered at Heather Farm. The first stop overlooking the pig farm produced a Grey Heron and six Egyptian Geese. On the fence were both a Grey and a Pied Wagtail while Carrion Crows, Magpies and Woodpigeons flew around the treetops. From there birds were initially few with just the calls of Robins, glimpses of Goldfinches, a nicely perched Wren and a flypast of several Canada Geese providing interest. Towards the bridge to the Island activity increased. Three Song Thrushes showed devotion to one bush as they devoured sloes. Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits were gleaning in the trees while a couple of Chaffinches muttered out of sight and a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched atop a tree. Just over the bridge was a big flock of Black-headed Gulls, perhaps 150, with a few Common Gulls among them. Twenty five Lapwings were also present. The next port of call was the western end of the heath but the visit yielded just a few calls from an invisible Dartford Warbler and a passing Green Woodpecker. McLarens meadow was more productive. There six Redwings and a single Skylark settled into the grass where they were soon joined by two Meadow Pipits. A Stock Dove also flew around. Then it was back to the heath where the main point of interest was a pair of Roe Deer. Near the members’ car park the absence of raptors was rectified by a gliding Common Buzzard and two dashing falcons, a Peregrine and a Kestrel. The woodlands delivered some final treats, the buzzing call of a Treecreeper, a bouncy Goldcrest and the repeated call of a nearby Tawny Owl. Back at Heather Farm the final additions to the morning’s tally were a Nuthatch, a Coot and Cormorant. An enjoyable walk in unexpectedly fine weather concluded with a sightings list of 43.
Sheepleas 19 October 2023
The annual fungi walk initially looked as though it would be continuing the autumn trend of rain-reduced events. However on a very gloomy morning a two hour reprieve from the precipitation unexpectedly greeted the nine members who ventured into the woodlands. There no less than 35 species of fungus were waiting to be found though as a result of the prolonged period of wet weather their colouration was not as bright as might be expected. Old favourites such as fly algaric, turkey tail, saffrondrop bonnet and magpie inkcap were present though perhaps in reduced numbers. Other species caught the imagination for their appealing names, blushing bracket, velvet shield, burgundydrop, jelly ear, bleeding broadleaf, wrinkled crust, deceiving bolete and fiery milkcap being excellent examples. Others gave a clue to their edibility with appellations such as poison pie and funeral bell. The resumption of the rain coincided with the return to the car park where all agreed that the two-hour circular walk had been time very well spent.
Titchfield Haven 29 October 2023
Twelve soon to be bedraggled souls met in the Yacht Club car park defying the dire forecast. Despite the optimism engendered by a few all too brief dry periods the theme of the day was heavy downpour alleviated from time to time by steady rain. The plan for the day was mainly shelter in the hides starting on the west side of the river. En route the viewpoint over the head of the river revealed only a few birds the most notable being a single Common Gull among the Cormorants and Coots. Further along the road a few waders were spotted sheltering behind groynes on the shingle, three each of Redshank, Turnstone and Sanderling but the sea was empty of bird life. From the Meon Shore hide an excellent array of waterfowl and waders were in view. Sixteen Snipe were the highlight showing their elegant plumage to advantage in the gloomy light and later their skills in flight. Oystercatchers were roosting in abundance in the company of a fair few Lapwings and a handful of Redshanks. Teal too were numerous with a scattering of Mallards, Shovelers, Moorhens and just one Shelduck. The next port of call was the Spurgin hide, taking advantage of a pause in the precipitation – as did a number of songbirds including Robins, a Blue Tit and a Chiffchaff. From the hide two Cetti’s Warblers made their presence felt while a large flock of Starlings could be seen perched atop a large tree. A female-type Marsh Harrier soon appeared flushing ducks and waders over a large area on its patrol. A Grey Heron and some Canada Geese were spotted distantly but the pools in front of the hide remained deserted. The return to the car park was marked by the discovery of a young and rather cold slow worm on the path and happily coincided with the driest part of the day. Back at the beach a patch of snow marked a tightly packed flock of over forty Sanderlings. Immediately after the local Merlin streaked from the visitors’ centre across the river and perched for distant viewing. Meanwhile a male Marsh Harrier decided to put on a show, roaming over the reeds and displaying its handsome plumage with a rainbow as the backdrop. Reality soon reasserted itself as the group was then imprisoned in their cars by drenching rain with just lunch for comfort. After that the Knights Bank hide became the destination. From there there was much to see on an area much more heavily flooded than usual. Large numbers of Gadwall, Mallards and Teal circulated with a few Wigeon. The Canada Geese flocked increased while a few Egyptian Geese were also seen. The gull flock included both Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls. The most striking sight came from perhaps a hundred Black-tailed Godwits feeding on the banks in the company of a good number of Lapwings. Both Marsh Harriers reappeared, one feeding on the meadow while the other discouraged a Common Buzzard from approaching. Sadly the three Glossy Ibis reported earlier in the day did not appear but despite the group’s travails it was accounted a successful walk with a list of 47 species.
Moor Green Lakes 14 October 2023
Thirteen of us met in the car park on what turned out to be the first chilly morning of the autumn. The bird feeders had been removed from the car park and so it was very quiet waiting to start the walk. The paddock was similarly empty of any birdlife. As soon as we were underway however, we began to see mixed flocks of Blue Tit, great Tit and Long Tailed Tit busily feeding in the trees. Approaching the lakes there was a mixture of Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Teal, numerous Coot and a single Moorhen out on the water and the islands. Two Mute swans with six fully grown cygnets could be seen.
Turning onto the path beside the Blackwater river to the new workings the recently constructed pathways could be observed, which will eventually be a real addition to the reserve. The various pools along this path contained a Common Sandpiper and a mixture of Black headed Gulls, Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese and Lapwing. There were four Little Grebe here all diving continuously. Eventually we managed to pick out a Snipe and a group of Pochard as well.
More small birds were observed moving through the trees by the path and amongst the Blue Tits were a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest. A Nuthatch could be heard but frustrated us by keeping out of view. Moving further along to Finch Pond and Finch Field the group of Barnacle Geese were grazing in the grass. A single Stonechat was observed and there was a Kestrel perched in a dead tree. As we were watching it a Red Kite appeared and landed in the same tree affording splendid views and creating some panic amongst the nearby Woodpigeons. 
Retracing our steps the Kestrel could be seen being mobbed by some Carrion Crows. A group of Skylark could be heard and were seen flying over. A grey Wagtail was then spotted showing off it’s yellow colouration in a puddle by the path. After a quick coffee break the walk towards Grove Lake was very quiet and did not add any new bird species to our list. Having found the right tree that the Tawny Owls have been seen roosting in, we quickly established that they were not at home on this occasion. By the time we returned to the car park the sunshine was providing welcome warmth. We were very content with a total of 40 species seen and 3 heard for the morning.
Church Norton 7 October 2023
Sunny weather with a slight breeze greeted the eleven members assembled in the car park at the visitors centre of RSBP Pagham Harbour. The feeders there were well populated with their usual customers, Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinches, a Greenfinch and numerous House Sparrows. A flock of some thirty Goldfinches also flew by. The path to the Ferry Pool was populated by Chiffchaffs and Robins though they were more heard than seen while the sight of a Sparrowhawk passing overhead was a treat. The Pool itself held good numbers of Teal, Shovelers, Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits but no surprises. Scanning of the fields beyond disclosed a handful of Rooks and a perched Buzzard. The muddy banks at the head of the Long Pool produced an early highlight; on the left bank a Whimbrel was wandering out of the water while perched on the right was a Kingfisher that dived into the stream several times. The walk down the Long Pool was quiet. Two pairs of Stonechats were encountered, a small small flock of Linnets appeared over the ploughed meadow while a couple of Yellowhammers came up the channel and perched for viewing. A group of Red-legged Partridges caused some initial excitement until later sight of the large number of birds around a release pen made clear that their presence was not natural. At the end of the Long Pool the sole Wigeon of the day flew inland while a few new waders could be viewed, some distantly. They included Oystercatchers, Grey Plovers, Curlews and the first of many Redshanks to be seen. Around the bend a noisy Raven appeared while three more Buzzards circled and a Kestrel was glimpsed. Toward Church Norton further scanning disclosed a Shelduck and three Pintails while in close attendance were some Dunlin, a flock of over 150 Golden Plovers and seven Curlew Sandpipers identified after considerable thought and debate. The meadow behind the Church Norton hide produced a few warblers, Chiffchaffs and a beautifully yellow Willow Warbler that considerately perched on the fence wire. A few Long-tailed Tits also passed by. The harbour mud at low tide hosted a smallish number but a broad variety of waders. Besides species already seen there were a couple of Ringed Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank. Distantly seen were also a Great-crested Grebe and a Great Black-backed Gull. Following unproductive visits to the sea and the churchyard the return journey was consistently quiet with new sightings limited to a Little Grebe and two Grey Herons in flight. An excellent day’s birding concluded with a sightings list of an impressive 67.
Puttenham Common 28 September 2023
Fourteen members assembled in the Middle car park on a dull but mild day that was perfect for walking. As usual Cutt Mill was the initial target but abundant foliage severely restricted views of the pond. Four Mandarins could nevertheless be seen on the far edge while around two dozen Shovelers were scattered around. A few Mallards and two Tufted Ducks completed the count of waterfowl. A noisy Heron flew by a couple of times while five Cormorants engaged in some synchronised diving as they sought their breakfasts. Songbirds apart from tuneful Robins had been lacking to this point but en route to the first Tarn a Goldcrest was heard, the first of several encountered that all seemed determined to stay out of sight, while a Buzzard was glimpsed ahead of the group. The only new bird on the Tarn itself was a Great Crested Grebe but from the dam at the end Coots, Moorhens and an overflying Black-headed Gull boosted the list. As the group began to move on a Kingfisher was spotted but seen only by the fortunate laggards. The woods were initially quiet but judicious use of the Merlin app picked out Blue, Great and Coal Tits as well as a Wren, more Goldcrests and a Treecreeper. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also glimpsed among the trees. After the exercise of a climb to the upper heath a pleasant surprise was the delightful song of a Woodlark that continued for some minutes but frustratingly only from a hidden perch. A Red Kite soared overhead while two Green Woodpeckers then flew across the path and a further Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard pipping. In quick succession two pairs of Stonechats were sighted among the bracken and then briefly a Dartford Warbler. That proved to be very much the cherry on the cake of an enjoyable and productive walk with 37 species identified.
Farlington Marshes 10 September 2023
Just five members attended the walk at Farlington Marches, a reflection on the bad weather forecast, that proved accurate in cutting progress short after an hour, not far beyond the lake. Redshanks were the most numerous waders with a few Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, a dozen elegant Greenshanks and, in the channel, Curlews and twenty Grey Plovers, some still in summer plumage. An Avocet and two Ruffs were also noted. Ducks seen were Teal, Gadwall, Pintail and Mallard. Among the Canada Geese was the resident Barnacle Goose and its white domestic friend. Little Egrets and Grey Herons were also present. In the bushes were two Chiffchaffs, a Robin, Stonechats and Linnets while a Cettis’ Warbler was heard. The only raptor seen was a Kestrel hunting from the fence. Given the time available a total 33 species was a creditable result.
Pulborough Brooks 7 September 2023
On the hottest day of the year so far fifteen members enjoyed a bird-filled walk at Pulborough Brooks. While late season warblers were thin on the ground we had some fine raptor displays and good wader sightings.
We started with a Willow Warbler at the Visitor Centre viewing platform followed by a Wren and a Stonechat with White Stork, Little Egret and Mute Swan visible on the mid-brooks. From West Mead we had close up views of a Wood Sandpiper and Lapwing while a Hobby entertained us with its aerial prowess. Buzzard and Marsh Harrier were also present. Greylag and Canada Geese were added to the list together with Grey Heron. At Winpenny Hide we saw a very distant Kestrel and had flight views of the White Stork and closer views of a juvenile/female Marsh Harrier. A Red Kite was also spotted. We moved on to the Hangar View and from there to the shade of Nettly’s where we added Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Moorhen and Black-tailed Godwit to the list. Two Ruffs were also present as were Starlings. In the course of the morning a Chiffchaff was heard but not seen while Robins put in an appearance. Additionally Dunnocks, Jackdaws, Magpies, Wood Pigeons were seen while a Blackbird and Stock Dove became the final sightings.
Ranmore Common 13 July 2023
The weather could have been a bit kinder but at least it wasn’t raining when twelve of us met at Ranmore Common. The windy conditions weren’t ideal for butterflies but even so we managed to see eleven species including some exquisite, newly emerged, Chalkhill Blues. As usual there was a wealth of flowers ranging from Pyramidal orchids and Clustered Bellflower to Rock Rose, Rest-harrow and, rather surprisingly, a lot of Squinancywort. Last year we saw only a couple of plants of this quaintly named flower so maybe this year’s weather suits it better. The name comes from its former use as a herb for curing quinsy (a bacterial throat infection). There weren’t many birds around but we had good views of Yellowhammer and Buzzard and some caught sight of a Raven.