Pulborough Broooks, 29 September 2023. Leader Jim Bagley

Thirteen members gathered at Pulborough Brooks Visitor Centre on a sunny day with some clouds and a cool breeze.  We were lucky that the early rain had moved on.  Views down onto the Nature Reserve were clear, a robin was calling and the leaves on the trees were moving in the breeze all making a beautiful day to walk around the Nature Reserve.  A Spindle tree with its pink berries caught our attention and the hawthorn red berries shone in the sunlight.  We discussed what new trees had been planted to the right of the path as we walked down the slope and according to a mobile phone App, they were Field Elms.

Turning right along to the Courtyard area with pond and bug house there was a Red Admiral on ivy in the sun.  Clouds disappeared and in sheltered spots it was warmer.  As we walked on the old oak trees towering above us looked lovely silhouetted against the blue sky.
We passed Jupp’s View and on to Nettley’s Hide with the lovely view across to Pulborough.  Hereford cows were grazing on the flood plain.  Then we backtracked up the hill and down to Little Hanger Hide.  Amongst various birds there were Canada Geese, Teal and Lapwing.  More walking in the sunshine revealed dragonflies darting around to Winpenny Hide where the sight of the day was a brilliant blue Kingfisher.  It stayed for a while in full view on the top of a reed and its colour in the sunshine was dazzling.

Carrying on with our walk, the Musk Mallow in flower caught our eye and the yellow of Birdsfoot Trefoil enjoyed.  There was very little water in front of West Mead Hide but Red Kites and Kestrels gave us something to watch and chat about.

A big thank you to Jim Bagley for leading us on a sunny morning in a beautiful spot.
Christian Hance has put a list of birds on our Chinats iRecord site.

Daphne Flach

iRecord Species List: Ruddy Darter, Red Kite, Guelder-rose, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Buzzard, Blackcap, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Kingfisher, Spindle, Robin, Speckled Wood, Marjoram, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Sparrowhawk, Emperor Dragonfly, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Teal, Mallard, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Small Leaved Elm.