Pulborough, 19th-20th January

A distinctly soggy and rather uneventful few hours on Saturday morning, though it was good to add a few species to the patch year list, the first of which was at least three Yellowhammers along the Arun as I walked down to the Brooks from home. A showy Kingfisher at Winpenny was another first for the year as was a Grey Wagtail which flew over the North Brooks as I was heading for home early afternoon.

Kingfisher

Other bits of note were singles of Dunlin and Little Egret on the North Brooks and a very confiding Firecrest near the picnic area, though always that bit too quick for my camera, sadly. As I was walking back towards the village an adult Great Black-backed Gull drifted northwest overhead.

A blurry Firecrest

Much more clement weather today and a better selection of birds to boot. Two Firecrests were closely associating in brambles near the visitor centre first thing. A single Golden Plover flew over Winpenny, calling - volunteers Graham and Neil reported at least four with the Lapwings later on - while five Ruff joined the Dunlin on the North Brooks though didn't return after one too many flushes, presumably from a Peregrine which I didn't see. Black-tailed Godwit numbers have really tailed off with a couple at West Mead yesterday and just 23 on the North Brooks, and three at West Mead and 25 or so from The Hanger today.

Black-tailed Godwits at West Mead

Best of all though was the now regular as clockwork Woodlark flock - 18 today - which flew up from Uppertons Field and away to the northeast at 16:15. My 79th species at Pulborough this year, and thanks must go to Alan Baker for the tips on the best place to stand!

Woodlarks

Meadow Pipit - nice view of the hindclaw!

Jay

Kestrel