Field Reports

Twenty two members gathered at North Mundham village hall car park for our Field Outing round Chichester Lakes.  The weather was dry with high light grey clouds and very little wind as we set off up the lane towards the lakes.

Jim stopped us so we could all look up at the trees and surrounding area to report what birds we could see.  There was some discussion as to whether it was a goldcrest that was spotted but agreement was finally reached that it was.  Long tailed tits were flying into the trees together with goldfinches and two stock doves flew past.  We continued on whilst looking up and around as keen bird watchers should do.  However, a certain amount of chatting also took place.

We soon came to the lake looked after by the Sussex Ornithological Society.  There was a shoveller on the water, grey heron and numerous cormorants with the trees, on the far side of the lake, in which they roost and nest.

On the various lakes we saw mallard, coot, tufted duck, Canada geese, two grey lag geese, great crested grebe and pochard but no huge flocks of birds.  A black headed gull was seen and starling, blackbird, chaffinch, great spotted woodpecker were added to our list.  In all 28 species were seen.

Bladder campion, Oxford ragwort, yarrow and oxeye daisy were also recorded by our keen botanist Helen.

Jim stopped every now and then to chat about the species we were looking at and also, as ever, to entertain us with his humorous remarks. This is one of the many delights of being a Chichester Natural History Society member.

A lovely morning with friends.

Daphne Flach