Following on from Gary's report yesterday, today was characterised by miserable early weather with rain and mist, plus a long slow journey via Pulborough, where the 'conjoined' mini roundabouts in Pulborough at the junction of the A243/A29 were pretty gridlocked; anyone coming from the west in days ahead would be well advised to avoid this.
So, on arrival and with raised blood pressure and harder rain, the birds were put on the back-burner in favour of sausage bap and coffee!!
Later, from Westmead eventually a single Peregrine, presumed resident 84, and as the rain eased, a cream crowned Marsh Harrier flushed 8-10 Snipe.
Eventually the five Tundra Bean Geese popped out on their own rather than being buried in a swarm of Canadas.
From Winpenny, black 84 was joined by a smart male Peregrine tandem hunting Lapwing, unsuccessfully and then, when they'd run out out steam, headed off for a perch to recuperate. A single Golden Plover went over twice calling.
Yesterday's winter thrushes were still in the core of the reserve and half a dozen Bullfinch.
Little of note on the north brooks other than 20-25 Black-tailed Godwits.
From Hail's view a perched up a Sparrowhawk was quietly drying out when joined by black 84 higher up in the same dead tree.
A few Siskin heard.
In the few minutes it took to drive around to Coldwaltham the weather was deteriorating rapidly but, despite not being too close, the Great Grey Shrike was visible from the car! Result!
Returning south via the A29, by Bury it was back to front and rear foglights.
So - birds; weather; traffic reporting; food. What more could you want;)
Well, for the less squeamish Carey's Peregrine/Pintail action from two weeks ago -
https://youtu.be/7S9gSXqjlpk
