At home the 'womping' sound of an overflying Chinnook flushed all the local 'trash birds' but also put up a good flock of Goldfinches (35-40); fifty years ago even a single Goldfinch would have been a good garden bird.
Later an ill-though-out trip to Arundel was effectively birdless with most areas disturbed by strimming, leaving just two Snipe, heard Kingfisher and a few Chiffchaff. A handful of Buzzards and two kites were out towards Norfolk Clump. The tape lure is still being used but to no effect today. Precious few insects even on Ivy with just four or five hover spp, Noon Fly and Red Admiral and this Peacock on buddleia.
Caught up with Geoff and Terry, chatted to Sam about Scaly-sided Mergansers and then returned via the boardwalk which produced the highlight of the visit in the shape of a Stoat bounding from one side of to the other before running up and across some of the lower moss-covered boughs. Maybe one reason for the lack of Water Voles.
