Change of plan...

After today's extended bank session an intended visit to Pulborough was scuppered by a lorry spillage and closure of the Whiteways/Bury Hill area, so WWT it was instead. Over a late soup lunch several Snipe were visible from the restaurant as was a persistent Kingfisher and good old 6MZ preening away on the shingle island again. Curiously, no Wigeon today, just three Buzzards and two very high and distant kites.

Elsewhere a typically confiding Water Rail, two Firecrests, three each of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest, five Mandarins and another 30 or so Snipe.

Gleaned some advice from another Panasonic shooter and had a brief chat with Lizzie.

After closing-time a stint at the Black Rabbit carpark in company of MD produced at least eight Marsh Harriers in to the roost; unfortunately I missed the Hen Harrier which either chose to roost elsewhere or slipped in low and unseeen; six Herons went northwards presumably to some roost tree further up the valley. Despite staying until almost dark, Tawny Owl remains missing from the yearlist.

The almost spring-like conditions today were enhanced by masses of Song Thrush song both on site, along Offham Hanger and from the pub carpark, with a good amount of Skylark song beyond the river during the sunnier part of the afternoon.

Hopefully, some Adders soon with decent weather forecast for the next couple of weeks and highs of 12-13 degrees and sun.

6MZ

Robin on tractor