Today's ringtail Hen Harrier at Pulborough was nice to see and easily the highlight, it being the first I've seen here in nearly six years and the first ringtail in over three years when singles were at The Burgh and Farlington. A Peregrine was on the ground at Westmead and later the sounds of unseen bird/s indicated the presence of a second, confirmed by others. Marsh Harrier was seen three times and the usual four other BoP species were present. Westmead is still bone dry and the whole reserve seemed birdless regarding passerines other than M'ipits, a 40+ pack of Linnets and a few Skylarks and Stonechats. No winter finches nor thrushes. Insectwise, still warm enough for plenty of Common Darters and Hornets but just a handful of Red Admirals on the butterfly front.
Hopefully the potential for a small 'invasion' of Rough-legs, hinted at by recent records in the south of England may lead to the odd bird lingering within a twitchable drive. Its nearly four years to the day since the close, well-performing bird at Jevington - one of yesterday's DC group was living in the area at the time and we both shared memories of that bird.
Good to catch up with NP and to round off the day the pumpkin soup with pumpkin bread was delicious!!
After blazing away yesterday (over 900 photos!!) today the camera didn't make it out of the bag so no pictures here.
