2020 Pulborough patch review

It's been almost four years now since I started regularly patch-watching Pulborough Brooks, and it's fair to say each year has been memorable for different reasons. 2020 though, will arguably be the most memorable year many of us will have experienced for a long time, albeit not for the best of reasons. Yes, it's been a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic and, as such, birding - local birding especially - became an even greater source of escape and even therapy for many of us. At Pulborough, the first lockdown meant the reserve was basically closed altogether for much of the spring migration period, and then only reopened in a limited way throughout the summer before tighter restrictions sadly meant the hides had to close again in the autumn and second winter period. I was very pleased that the public footpaths that criss-cross the reserve remained open, allowing me to take my daily excercise either on foot or by bike to check the patch, whatever Covid restrictions were in place.

Since my first full year of patching here (2018) I have been hoping to try and reach 150 species in twelve months, with 149 that year my best attempt to date as we headed in to 2020. Once the first lockdown period was enforced at the end of March, with its caveat of only leaving the house for just a couple of hours a day for essential exercise and the reserve shut aside from the aforementioned public footpaths, I knew it was highly unlikely this would be the year I would achieve my target and allowed myself to simply enjoy birding for its own sake. Once the restrictions were eased a little in the summer, I did my best to make up for lost time, and thanks to a good run in June, July and August I found myself sailing into the 140s with relative ease - so it looked like 150 might be achievable after all.

Unfortunately, the birding gods had other ideas and a few crucial misses and a relatively quiet autumn scuppered my attempt again. Still, out of 158 species recorded within my patch boundary in 2020 (including my own nocmig records), I again managed to see or hear 149 of them. Most of the species I missed were flyovers or short stayers, which is some consolation. One achievement I was pleased with, however, was recording an impressive 83 species in a single morning, all on foot from home using the public footpaths while taking part in the Covid-adapted Mole Valley Bird Race on 23rd May.

For this year's annual round-up I've produced a relatively simple taxonomic list, with some further information on breeding or dates/counts of notable or rare species. As I've said in previous years, this is far from exhaustive and not intended to be a comprehensive report, but rather an overview of the species recorded this year. There will inevitably be records I've missed so please don't be shy in dropping me a message to let me know of any errors or omissions. I should also stress that this not an official RSPB report, simply a compendium of my own and others' observations from reports and lists I've gleaned from various sources including the SOS recent sightings page, eBird and Twitter - although I must thank Joe Bassett, the warden for his help with providing the WeBS totals and various breeding records.

Also, do check out volunteer Phil Thornton's round-up of the year on the RSPB Pulborough official blog.

Monthly summaries

January - A generally wet and mild start to the year with very little in the way of proper cold aside from frosts on 18th-21st. Highlights inlcluded a Brent Goose on the 1st, three Bewick's Swans on the 5th, a redhead Smew on the 21st, 25th, 26th and 27th, 27 Woodlark on the 28th, two White-fronted Geese and a lingering ringtail Hen Harrier.

February - A fairly settled start to the month was rudely interruped by the arrival of Storm Ciara on the 9th, followed by Storm Dennis which brought enough rain to cause both rivers to overtop again on the 16th leading to another 'bank to bank flood' by the morning of the 17th. Highlights included a Dutch-ringed Spoonbill on the 9th-10th, four Bewick's Swans on the 21st, three White-fronted Geese on the 23rd, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose from the 25th, a drake Garganey from the 26th, a Great Crested Grebe on the 26th, the first Redshank of the year on the 29th and the lingering Hen Harrier.

March - A generally unsettled first half of the month gave way to a largely fine and settled second half - just as the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions interrupted proceedings! Highlights included the lingering Pale-bellied Brent Goose (until the 2nd) followed by a Dark-bellied on the 13th, 17th and 22nd, 2-3 White-fronted Geese and the ringtail Hen Harrier again early in the month, the lingering drake Garganey early in the month followed by another on the 28th, Curlews on the 1st and 13th, a pair of Goosanders on the 7th, a flurry of Great Crested Grebe sightings,  the first Sand Martins (2) on the 15th, two Avocets on the 17th, four Little Gulls on the 19th, the first Little Ringed Plovers (3) and a White Stork on the 20th, the first Willow Warbler on the 22nd and the first Swallow on the 28th.

April - As seems to be becoming the norm in recent years, the month quickly turned warm, with the UK high temperature of 24c recorded at Wiggonholt on the 9th. A return to northeasterly winds brought colder weather from the 13th before another spell of warmer weather gave way to cooler, showery conditions to finish. Lockdown continued with all hides and trail gates locked throughout the month. Highlights included Great Egrets on the 1st and 5th, a huge overnight passage of Common Scoter on 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th, a Spotted Crake on the 6th, a drake Goosander on the 5th, Little Gulls on the 6th and 20th, the first Nightingale on the 9th, Red-legged Partridges on the 10th and 21st, the first Cuckoo on the 12th, a Curlew on the 13th, two White Storks on the 13th and 19th, the first House Martins (2) on the 14th, single drake Garganeys on the 12th and 24th and two on the 30th, a Turtle Dove and the first Swift on the 21st, a Wood Warbler on the 24th, a nocmig Whimbrel on the 26th and a Spoonbill on the 30th 

May - Largely warm and dry, although with a string of overnight frosts during the week beginning 11th, then largely fine, dry and warm or very warm for the rest of the month, although windy at times - east/northeasterlies dominating in the last week. Highlights included the first successful breeding pair of Avocets on the reserve, the first Spotted Flycatcher on the 3rd, the first Nightjar on the 15th, two Spoonbills from the 22nd-28th and a drake Garganey from the 23rd-30th. 

June - A changeable month after a hot, dry spring. The first proper rain for weeks fell in the first ten days, when it was also often quite windy. Warmer and more settled weather prevailed towards the end of the month. Highlights included a Wood Sandpiper, an unseasonal drake Pochard and 25 Crossbills on the 9th, a juvenile Water Rail on the 15th, Whimbrels on the 14th and 21st, a Common Tern on the 28th and a Temminck's Stint and a Cattle Egret on the 29th.  

July - The month continued in much the same vein as June, with settled warm spells interspersed with periods of wet and windy weather. Highlights included multiple Crossbill sightings, the Temminck's Stint again on the 1st, 1-2 Redstarts from the 1st until the end of the month, a Spoonbill from 2nd-6th, 14 Little Ringed Plovers on the 2nd, three Great Egrets on the 19th (and one on the 24th), single Wood Sandpipers on the 23rd, 24th and 30th, a White Stork on the 26th, five Cattle Egrets on the 30th and a Spotted Redshank on the 31st.

August - A more settled month in general. Very hot mid-month with daily maximum temperatures in the mid-30s celsius every day from the 7th to the 12th. Atlantic weather systems dominated towards the end of the month, delivering a typically cooler and more unsettled bank holiday weekend. Highlights included a Grasshopper Warbler on the 4th, 6th and 7th, single Curlews on the 6th and 10th, a Spotted Redshank on the 12th, twelve Green Sandpipers on the 17th, a Turnstone on the 26th and 27th, 11 Spotted Flycatchers, four Redstarts and an Osprey on the 28th, 13 Yellow Wagtails on the 29th and multiple Pied Flycatchers, Tree Pipits and Crossbills.

September - A largely dry and fine month with a spell of very warm peaking on the 15th when the mercury again climbed to 30 celsius and the overnight temperature barely dropped below 20. Highlights included a Honey-buzzard on the 2nd, nine Yellow Wagtails on the 6th and a Short-eared Owl on the 26th.

October - A largely wet and unsettled month kicking off with heavy rain from Storm Alex on the 2nd, followed on the 3rd by the wettest UK day since modern weather records began. Indeed, the southeast of England had reached 110% of the average monthly rainfall total by the 13th! The River Stor overtopped for the first time since last winter on the 3rd but luckily the main reserve was not badly flooded. Highlights included single Great Egrets on the 2nd, 3rd and 18th, a Wood Sandpiper on the 4th, a White Wagtail on the 7th, two White-fronted Geese on the 15th, 18th and 26th, a Grey Phalarope, a Brent Goose and a male Hen Harrier on the 31st, up to 60 Lesser Redpolls and 70 Siskins and multiple records of Cetti's Warbler, Brambling and Crossbill. 

November - A wet, windy and mild start before the first proper frosts of the season on the 4th/5th/6th, then some fairly settled weather for a time before more Atlantic squalls on the 14th and 15th heralded the onset of another ten days of unsettled and mild conditions. The last few days were rather drier but colder and dominated by fog! Highlights included the male Hen Harrier again on the 1st, single Great Egrets on the 6th, 18th and 21st, a Short-eared Owl on the 6th, a late Swallow on the 19th, a redhead Goosander on the 22nd, eight White-fronted Geese on the 30th and multiple Brambling sightings.

December - The first half of the month was mostly mild and wet aside from a few frosty nights. Storm Bella brought high winds and torrential rain on the night of 26th/27th before colder air took hold for the last few days. Highlights included a Tundra Bean Goose on the 11th, redhead Goosanders on the 15th, 16th and 28th, three Great Black-backed Gulls on the 16th, five Bewick's Swans on the 25th, two Jack Snipe and five Woodcock on the 27th, c.1100 Black-tailed Godwits on the 28th and multiple White-fronted Goose and Brambling records.

Taxonomic list (BOU 2020)

Red-legged Partridge - Never particularly common locally. One was heard from the garden amid the dawn chorus on 10th April. Two were seen on the reserve on 21st April (Martin Van Tol). One was heard calling in fields west of the Arun at dawn on 12th December. 

Pheasant - Common all year. My highest count of the year was twelve on 12th/13th September.

Brent Goose - A bumper year for this species at Pulborough. One was on the Mid Brooks on 1st January. One at West Mead on the afternoon of 16th February. A Pale-bellied bird was present from at least 25th Feb-2nd March. One on 13th March (dark-bellied) and again on 17th, and again at West Mead on 22nd March. One on the North Brooks on 31st October.

Dark-bellied Brent at West Mead, 22nd March

Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Photo: Gary Trew

Canada Goose - Always the most frequently seen goose species on the reserve and present all year round. Three broods of young were seen on the North Brooks in early May. The usual large flocks began assembling from late summer, with 300+ on 30th August, increasing to at least 700 by the autumn.

Barnacle Goose - One or two feral birds were seen on various dates throughout the year, particularly in the second winter period.

Greylag Goose - A common sight (and sound!) at most times of year. My own highest count was 750 on 8th September.

Greylags coming in to the North Brooks

Tundra Bean Goose - One was on the North Brooks with Canada Geese on 11th December. A great find by Chris & Juliet Moore, Warren B and Alan B. Presuably the same bird was seen at Amberley on the 14th (Gary Trew).

Tundra Bean Goose, 11th December. Photo: Warren Buckthorpe

Russian White-fronted Goose - Two adults were on the Mid-South Brooks on 4th January, and thereafter seen regularly in late January/early February. Three were on the North Brooks on 23rd February. Two were on the river bank seen from West Mead on 1st March, and there were three at West Mead on 2nd-6th March, and two there on 7th and 8th March. In the autumn, two adults were on the Mid Brooks on 15th October, then again near Little Hanger on 18th October, then on the South Brooks on the 26th. A widespread influx of this species in late November and early December saw eight being recorded on the reserve on 30th November (A Burns), followed by six at Swan Corner, slightly outside the reserve boundary, on 2nd December (A Rodgers). 15 were on Widney Brooks across the Arun from the South Brooks on 4th December (C & J Moore et al) and again early on the 5th (P Davy), while a lone adult was on the North Brooks on 9th December. Two adults were feeding with Canada Geese on the field between the village hall and the North Brooks on the afternoon of 13th December, presumably the same two were recorded on the reserve during the WeBS count on the following day. One was on the South Brooks on 18th December and two flew onto the North Brooks onto 27th December.

White-fronted Geese. Photo: Graham Osborne

Mute Swan - Present in small numbers throughout the year, numbers typically increased in spring with a year high count of 29 on 20th May.

Bewick's Swan - As the regular Arun Valley wintering herd continues to dwindle, there were just three records of the species at Pulborough in 2020. Three adults were on the North Brooks at dawn on 5th January before flying off southwest, while four adults flew in to near West Mead on 21st February. Five adults were on the Mid Brooks early on 25th December before flying off towards Amberley (P Davy).

Bewick's Swan, 21st February. Photo: Chris & Juliet Moore

Egyptian Goose - A pair bred near the Arun near home, with six chicks seen towards the end of April, and another pair were seen with five young on the North Brooks in early May. High count of 30 on 22nd May.

Shelduck - A fairly common sight on the Brooks at most times of year, although rarely in massive numbers. My highest count was 16 on 28th November.

Mandarin Duck - Six flew over Fattengates on 21st February. A drake was seen regularly from home in early April and on the North Brooks in mid May. A female with five young was seen on the North Brooks on 18th May. Towards the end of May up to a dozen young were seen on the North Brooks with two females and, at times, two drakes. The highest count was 15 on 1st June.

Garganey - An early drake was found by Chris and Juliet Moore at West Mead on 26th February, where it lingered until the 28th, then was seen again on the North Brooks on the 1st and 6th-9th March. Drakes were then seen on the North Brooks on 28th March and again on 12th April and 24th April. Two drakes were on the North Brooks on the evening of 30th April. A drake was on the North Brooks from 23rd May-30th May.

Garganey at West Mead, 26th February. Photo: Chris & Juliet Moore

Shoveler - Another common dabbler at Pulborough, though never quite so numerous as Wigeon and Teal in the winter months. The highest count was 150 on 13th January.

Gadwall -  The least frequently seen of the common dabbling species at the Brooks. The highest count of the year was 23 on the North Brooks on 16th May

Wigeon - A count of 2300 on 3rd February was the highest of the year (S Gale). Two pairs lingered throughout May and June, while none were seen in July. Three were back on the North Brooks on 29th August with numbers building from thereon, back up to four figures by mid-December.

Mallard - Common all year but numbers typically swelled in late summer, with a high count of 250 recorded on 14th August.

Pintail - Some large counts included 330+ on 6th January (M Walker), 250+ on 18th January, 580 on 3rd February (S Gale) and 500 on 23rd December (A Kitson). The first returning bird was noted back on the North Brooks on 3rd September, increasing to 50+ by 4th October and 130 on 31st October.

Teal - Recorded in every month of the year, although numbers dropped down to single figures in late April/early May. A pair were seen from time to time on the North Brooks in late May, with the drake lingering in to June, but breeding was not confirmed. The highest count of the year was 3000 on 3rd February (S Gale). Numbers began to gradually build again from late June, reaching 1000+ by the end of October.

Pochard - Never a common sight on the Brooks, there were typically just a handful of records in 2020, mostly when the reserve flooded in late winter. Two rather unusual records were a single drake on the North Brooks on 9th June, followed by two drakes and a female early morning on 4th July before flying off east. The last record of the year was a female on the North Brooks on 18th December.

Tufted Duck - Another uncommon diving duck at Pulborough, there were a few records scattered throughout the year, particularly when the reserve flooded in the first winter period. The highest count was 16 on 19th March (M Van Tol)

Common Scoter - Early April produced some spectacular overland nocturnal movements of this species across the south-east, and I recorded over a hundred calls from two flocks over my garden on 2nd April (see the recording below), followed by another 24+ calls on the 3rd/4th. Four calls were also recorded overnight on 26th-27th April. At least one was recorded in the early hours of 27th October.

Smew - A redhead was on the North Brooks on 21st January (C & J Moore, G Trew et al), then at West Mead briefly early morning on 25th, then the North Brooks again on 26th and 27th (A Kitson). These records presumably all relate to the same individual seen in late 2019, which was the first record for the reserve since 1999, and only the fourth since 1960, with other records occuring in 1996 and 1997.

Goosander - A drake and redhead were together on the Mid Brooks on 7th March. A drake flew south past the garden on 5th April. A redhead flew over me near home early on 22nd November, briefly landed on the flood near the village, then flew west. Another or likely the same bird was seen from the garden later the same day, seemingly flushed from the river by passing dog walkers. A redhead was on the North Brooks on 15th, 16th and 28th December.

Goosander, 22nd November

Nightjar - The first of the year was heard on the heath on 15th May. By the 20th there were at least five present. Breeding success unknown but the species seems to be going from strength to strength on the reserve thanks to the recent heathland management work.

Swift - My first of the year was one east over the garden early on 21st April. On the same day Mark McManus had six over the North Brooks. Six were over the North Brooks again the following day. Larger arrivals follow a week or so later, with 50+ over the reserve on the morning of 2nd May then 80+ on 23rd May. There were still 20 or so over the garden on evening of 8th August. One was seen over the North Brooks on 26th August, followed by two on the 30th. The last report was of one on 4th September.

Cuckoo - I heard my first of the year on 12th April. Two singing males were present through the spring and early summer, with the last one heard on 25th June. Unlike last year no juveniles were reported so breeding success was sadly not known.

Blink and you'll miss it... Cuckoo flying right over my house on 17th May!

Feral Pigeon - Common all year - except during my Bird Race day in May when it was (inevitably) the very last species seen!

Stock Dove - Common all year, presumably bred.

Woodpigeon - Very common all year, many pairs bred. The highest noted count was 2150 south in the first 45 minutes of light on 4th November.

Turtle Dove - One flew over the North Brooks towards the sewage works on the morning of 21st April (G Trew)

Collared Dove - Not overly common on the reserve but usually a couple on the eastern edge of the North Brooks or up the village end.

Water Rail - More often heard than seen but a fairly constant presence, particularly on the North Brooks. A juvenile was seen on the North Brooks on 15th June (see Chris and Juliet Moore's video below) One flew past the garden on 28th August and was often heard thereafter in the nearby ditch. One was often heard calling in the vicinity of Nettley's hide.

Water Rail near Nettley's Hide. Photo: Phil Thornton

Spotted Crake - One was singing on or near the North Brooks on the evening of 6th April, heard and recorded from my attic as I was setting up my nocmig equipment. Definitely best bird of the first lockdown for me!

Moorhen - Common and certainly bred. The highest count was 19 on 7th August. 

Coot - Several pairs bred. The highest count was 20 on 25th May.

Little Grebe - There were quite a few records of this species in 2020, thanks no doubt to the second 'bank to bank' flood in February. Two were seen near West Mead on 21st February, followed by two near Banks Cottage on 6th-7th March. 1-2 were seen on the North Brooks towards the end of May

Great Crested Grebe - Even more scarce at Pulborough than Little, one was on the North Brooks on 26th February (C & J Moore). One was on the Mid/South Brooks on 7th March (M Booker), followed by another on the far North Brooks near the village on 8th March. Two were on the North Brooks on 15th March, one on 17th March and 21st March. One was on the North Brooks on the evening of 2nd May.

Oystercatcher - 14 calls from at least two individuals were recorded over the garden on the night of 2nd-3rd April.

Avocet - Two were on the North Brooks on 17th March. Three were on the North Brooks on 9th-18th April, then four on 19th April. By early May one of the presumably two pairs was sitting on a suspected nest on the North Brooks, which went on to rear four young - the first breeding record of this species on the reserve. One of the adults was ringed with single red rings above each knee, but we've been unable to track where this has come from, so presumably has lost some rings. From 9th June there were four adults again, perhaps the other earlier pair returning, this increasing to nine on the 19th (5 adults) and eleven on 3rd July. Sadly one of the juveniles looked to be unwell on 31st July and despite the efforts of reserve staff to catch it and take it into care it was dispatched by a Lesser Black-backed Gull on 1st August. Three were on the North Brooks from 31st August-14th September, followed by singles on 26th-27th September and 11th October.

Lapwing - The highest count of the first winter period was 1400 on 3rd February (S Gale). The first chicks (5) were seen at West Mead on 16th May. Breeding productivity was 0.8 chicks per pair, with 15 pairs breeding. High counts in the second winter period were 1311 during the November WeBS count and 1500+ on 5th December.

Golden Plover - 18 over/12 on the deck on 7th January (G Trew, C & J Moore) proved to be the biggest counts of the year. One was on the North Brooks on 4th October. At least one was heard over the North Brooks on 8th November. One was flying around calling over Winpenny on 21st November. Six were with the Lapwings on the North Brooks on 28th November, and at least three on the 29th. Further heard only records came on the 24th, 28th and 31st December.

Ringed Plover - Three were on the North Brooks on 12th April. Three flew northwest from the North Brooks over the garden on 17th May

Little Ringed Plover - Three at West Mead on 20th March were the first of the year, there again on 21st and one on the 22nd. Four were on the North Brooks on 5th April. Three were on the North Brooks on 15th May, and two were seen most days from 18th May into June. The highest count of the year was 14 on 2nd July, which included some juveniles (A Kitson/W Buckthorpe)

Whimbrel - One was sound recorded over the garden on 26th April. Another was heard over the North Brooks on 18th May. One was heard from the garden on 14th June, and another or the same bird was on the North Brooks on 21st June (M Palmer)

Curlew - The first of the year was one at West Mead early on 1st March. One flew over the North Brooks on 13th March, and another flew northwest on 13th April. One flew south down the river early on 6th August. One flew west/northwest over the garden on the evening of 10th August having earlier been seen on the North Brooks by former warden Pete Hughes.

Black-tailed Godwit - Numbers typically increased in the latter part of the first winter period, with counts of 362 on 4th January, 450+ on 5th January, 600+ on 7th January (G Trew) and 700 on 3rd February (S Gale) before dropping off into March and April. Numbers of returning adults began building again from late June, with counts of 39 on 3rd July and 86 on 9th July. High counts in the second winter period included 788 on 21st November, 970 on Christmas Eve and c.1100 on 28th December.

c.970 Black-tailed Godwits on Christmas Eve

Turnstone - One was on the North Brooks on 26th-27th August, a patch tick for me and other regulars.

Ruff - Up to six were seen during the first winter period. An adult male was present on the North Brooks for much of August, joined by a juvenile female on the 30th. Up to six were regularly with the Lapwings from October onwards, including a strikingly pale individual which incredibly hasn't been predated yet!

Temminck's Stint - One was found on the North Brooks on the afternoon of 29th June by Jon Winder, then seen again on 1st July (Matt Palmer)

Dunlin - Some years have produced good numbers of this species on the reserve on passage (a dozen on a couple of dates in May 2019, for example). Numbers were a little lower this year with just ones and twos seen at various times, as follows. Two on 26th January. Four were on the North Brooks on 13th April. Odd singles on North Brooks in early July. Two juveniles on the North Brooks in early August. Two on Mid Brooks on 21st November. Odd nocmig records including eleven calls from what sounded like a small flock on 30th November.

Woodcock - Two flew over Black Pond at dusk on 28th January and again on 29th. One was roding over the heath on 15th May, and again on 20th and 23rd May. One flew past the Hanger mid-morning on 13th December. The highest count of the year was six which flew off the heath at dusk on 31st December.

Jack Snipe - Seen on the heath by the reserve wardens. Two flew north off the heath towards the main reserve at dusk on 27th December. 

Snipe - Common outside the breeding season. One was on the North Brooks on 1st June, increasing to nine there by 8th August. High counts included 40 on 30th September and 4th October.

Snipe. Photo: Dave Potter

Grey Phalarope - A first winter bird was briefly on the North Brooks in appalling conditions on the morning of 31st October, the same day the one at Henfield Levels was predated - so perhaps this individual suffered the same fate as it was not seen again.

Common Sandpiper - The first of the year was recorded on nocmig on 27th April. One was seen along the river on 9th and 15th May, while one was on the North Brooks on 18th and 20th May. One was on the South Brooks on 29th June followed by one on the North Brooks on 2nd July, and further singles on 17th and 27th July, and 17th August.

Green Sandpiper - Two were on the North Brooks on 9th April - the only spring record. 'Autumn' passage began with singles on the North Brooks on 1st and 15th June, then 2-3 on 20th-21st June. Numbers increased into July with nine on the 2nd, 17 on the 31st. Four flew south over the garden on the evening of 8th August. Twelve were on the North Brooks on 17th August. Two flew over near Banks Cottage on 31st October, where one was also seen in flight on 29th November, and seen and heard on several dates in December - so presumably at least one is wintering at the sewage works.

Redshank - The first of the year was one at West Mead on 29th February, followed by two on 6th March and at least eight by the 7th. Twelve pairs bred this year, mostly on the Mid Brooks, although three chicks were on the North Brooks from 27th June. The last of the year was heard in the fog early on 8th November.

Wood Sandpiper - With no spring records the first of the year was one on the North Brooks early on 9th June followed by another on 23rd-24th July and another on the 30th. A prevalence of easterlies in August produced four together on the North Brooks on 12th-14th, then three from 15th-18th. One on the North Brooks on 4th October proved to be the last of the year.

Spotted Redshank - A near summer plumage adult was on the North Brooks first thing on 31st July. Another flew east over the North Brooks on 12th August.

Spotted Redshank, 31st July

Greenshank - The first report of the year was one on the South Brooks on 8th April (Paul Davy). One was on the North Brooks on 19th April. One flew over the garden on 26th April. One was heard from home on the evening of 27th May. Three were on the North Brooks on 9th and 10th July. One was heard on 12th July. Other single records on the North Brooks came on 31st July, 22nd August and 4th October.

Black-headed Gull - Common throughout the year. A pair looked to be holding territory on the North Brooks but didn't appear to breed. The highest count of the year was 310 on 3rd October.

Little Gull - I found first one then two from Winpenny hide early on 19th March, by lunchtime there were four reported onsite. Second winter on the North Brooks early on 6th April and again on evening of 8th. A first winter was feeding over the North Brooks on the evening of 20th April. Slow-mo video of one of the 19th March birds below by Paul Davey.

Mediterranean Gull - The first of the year was one on 7th February, followed by 2-3 on 22nd/23rd February. Two flew over on 7th March. There were a few records of 1-2s on the fields south of the village in March. At least six were on the wet meadow between home and Swan Bridge on 13th April. Two adults flew east on 18th May. Three were on the North Brooks on 30th July. At least five flew past Hail's View with Black-headeds on 3rd October. The last of the year was a first winter individual briefly on the North Brooks on 30th December.

Mediterranean Gull on flooded field south of the village

Common Gull - Reasonably common outside the breeding season. The highest count was 120 on 26th January. 

Great Black-backed Gull - Four flew north on 26th January. One on 4th April. Six flew north on 5th April. One northeast on 13th April. Three adults were on the North Brooks on 16th December, seemingly eyeing up the Black-tailed Godwits for dinner!

Great Black-backed Gulls, 16th December. Photo: Chris & Juliet Moore

Herring Gull - Common all year. My highest count was 120 on 12th September.

Lesser Black-backed Gull - Relatively common although never particularly numerous. My highest count of the year was eight on 2nd August.

Common Tern - One adult briefly lingered on the North Brooks at 07:40 on 28th June before flying off south.

Cormorant - A common sight all year. The highest count of the year was 23 on 7th October (T Gibson).

Spoonbill - In what proved to be a good year for this species, I found the first one from the bedroom window hunkered down on the North Brooks during Storm Ciara on 9th February. The same bird was still present the following morning, when Alan Kitson noted it was bearing a yellow flag on its left leg, which indicates it being of Dutch origin. Another or the same bird was on the North Brooks again on 30th April. An adult in breeding plumage and an immature were on the North Brooks from 22nd to 28th May when they flew high west at around 06:50hrs. An adult was on the North Brooks from 2nd-6th July (P Hughes and A Parfitt)

Spoonbill over the North Brooks, 3rd July

Cattle Egret - An adult in breeding plumage flew southwest over the North Brooks on the morning of 29th June and seemed to drop down towards Coldwaltham. Five were with the cattle on the North Brooks on 30th July (P Thornton et al).

Cattle Egrets, 30th July. Photo: Phil Thornton

Grey Heron - A common sight all year round. I observed one from home during the first lockdown, struggling to swallow an eel (video below). The highest count was 21 on 8th February (K Britten)

Great Egret - This increasingly common species was recorded on ten dates in 2020, involving at least eight birds. The first of the year was one on the North Brooks on 1st April. Other records of single birds followed on 5th April, 24th July, 2nd-3rd October, 18th October, 6th November, 18th November and 21st November. The only occurrence of more than one bird together was three on the North Brooks on 19th July (M Bloss).

Great Egrets, 19th July. Photo: Mark Bloss

Little Egret - The highest count of the year was at least a dozen on 28th May.

Osprey - One flew south over the reserve on the afternoon of 28th August (C & J Moore et al)

Honey-buzzard - One drifted over the North Brooks with Common Buzzards on the morning of 2nd September before flying south (C & J Moore et al).

Sparrowhawk - Relatively common all year, presumably bred locally.

Marsh Harrier - An increasingly regular sight now as the species begins to colonise Sussex. At least three individuals were around in late October, including a strikingly dark young male, wing-tagged (orange 'NA') as a nestling at Thorpe Marshes in Norfolk on 19th June.

Wing-tagged juvenile Marsh Harrier, 'NA'

Hen Harrier - A ringtail was hunting over the Mid Brooks on 5th January and again on 16th January and then regularly from 21st January into February and early March. An adult male was seen over the South Brooks on the afternoon of 31st October and again on 1st November, showing well from Hail's View before flying off to Amberley (M Booker et al). What was presumably the same male was seen again over the South Brooks on the afternoon of 11th November (C & J Moore).

Hen Harrier, 2nd February. Photo: Mike Jerome

Red Kite - An increasingly common sight over the Brooks. My highest count was three on 24th October but I'm sure there will have been larger counts.

Red Kite over the Hanger on Christmas Eve.

Buzzard - Common all year and presumably bred locally. My highest count was seven on 13th June.

Buzzard on the visitor centre, 9th May

Barn Owl - Up to three were seen hunting around the reserve in the first winter period and two pairs successfully bred; encouraging news after all the flooding.

Tawny Owl - Common (but elusive!) and certainly bred. A particularly showy individual was discovered in the trees near the picnic area on 8th November.

Tawny Owl, 8th November. Photo: Mike Jerome

Little Owl - An increasingly tricky species to catch up with on or near the reserve. One was recorded on nocmig from home on the night of 6th/7th April. One or more were heard from the garden on 19th April, 18th May and 1st September.

Short-eared Owl - One was flushed from the South Brooks by a Marsh Harrier on the afternoon of 26th September (P Davy). Another was seen on the North Brooks on the morning of 6th November (J Russell).

Short-eared Owl, 26th September. Photo: Paul Davy

Kingfisher - One flew across the North Brooks towards the Arun on 29th May (C & J Moore). One was heard along the Arun on 11th July. Seen and heard regularly along the river from September onwards, and occasionally on the North Brooks.

Great Spotted Woodpecker - Common all year and bred. Males were heard drumming again before Christmas.

Photo: Mike Jerome

Green Woodpecker - Common all year and bred.

Photo: Mike Jerome

Kestrel - Common all year and bred. My highest count was six on 1st August.

Photo: Paul Davy

Merlin - Single males and females were seen on the Mid/South Brooks on various dates in October, the female seen hunting a Skylark over the Mid Brooks on 17th October. A female was seen on the Mid & South Brooks a few times in November and December.

Merlin, 28th October. Photo: Gary Trew

Hobby - An unusually early record of this species was reported on 15th March. One was over the garden on 24th and 25th April. Three were seen together on 18th May and 6th September. Two juveniles were still present on 3rd October.

Peregrine - Another increasingly common raptor that can be seen all year round on the reserve. An adult pair and a juvenile became a regular sight during autumn and the second winter period.

Peregrine, 28th November. Photo: Mike Jerome

Jay - Common all year.

Magpie - Common all year.

Jackdaw - Common all year, bred in the large Willow near the Hanger again. The highest count was 350 on 16th November.

Rook - Common all year, bred in woods just beyond the Arun as usual. My highest count was 60 on 31st December.

Carrion Crow - Common all year.

Raven - This once scarce species continues to become a more regular sight locally, with up to eleven seen on the reserve in autumn this year.

Coal Tit - Relatively common in wooded areas and presumably bred on the heath.

Marsh Tit - Generally tricky to catch up with on the reserve, it proved to be a good end to the year for this species; hopefully indicative of local breeding success, as they're notoriously sedentary. Regular sightings started in September and continued until the end of the year, with at least three of four birds favouring different areas. Reliable spots were Fattengates Courtyard, Black Wood, Hanger Wood and the feeders behind the yurt.

Marsh Tit, 22nd November

                     

Photo: Chris & Juliet Moore

Blue Tit - Always common, many pairs bred.

Great Tit - Very common all year, many pairs bred.

Woodlark - The now regular winter flock in Uppertons Field nicely bookended the year, with a high count of 27 recorded on 28th January and up to eight seen in the area again in the autumn and second winter period, including on 23rd November when they were watched feeding in the open before being spooked by a Sparrowhawk (D Campbell). The first singing bird of the year to be reported was heard near the visitor centre on 3rd February (S Gale). 1-2 were often seen flying up from or into Uppertons Field in May and June, singing at times. At least two were present through September and into October, occasionally singing over the visitor centre. 

Woodlark in Uppertons Field. Photo: David Campbell

Skylark - Common all year and bred in relatively good numbers, including on the fields just south of the village.

Sand Martin - The first of the year were two over the North Brooks on 15th March, followed by one on 18th March. Seven flew over the garden on 4th April. 40-50+ were over the North Brooks on the evening of 13th April and 100+ on 20th April. My last of the year was one on 27th September.

Swallow - One was over the North Brooks on 28th March. Several arrived over the weekend of 4th/5th April. My highest count was 60+ on 20th September and 4th October. Nine flew over the visitor centre at dusk on 22nd October. One east over Mid Brooks on 31st October. One on 2nd November (A Kitson). One over North Brooks on 19th November was the last of the year. (J Russell).

House Martin - Two were over the sewage works on 14th April, at least two over North Brooks on 19th Apri. 200+ on 30th August. High counts included 200 on 30th August, 345 west on 26th September and 150+ on 4th October. My last of the year was one on 11th October.

Cetti's Warbler - One was in the reeds along the Arun on 10th October, followed byy one in the same area again plus another on the east side of the North Brooks on the 18th. One was in front of Nettley's Hide early on 27th October, singing occasionally, then heard again in the same area on 29th and 31st, and 7th November. Two were heard calling on the east side of the North Brooks on 21st November, and at least one lingered there until the end of the year.

Long-tailed Tit - Common all year and many pairs bred. High count of 51 on 6th February (Peter Walton).

Long-tailed Tit. Photo: Mike Jerome

Wood Warbler - One was in Black Wood on 24th April (P Davy).

Willow Warbler - My first of the year was one near Banks Cottage on 22nd March. Two were singing in Little Hanger/Adder Alley area on 5th April. One was near Fattengates on 13th April. The first dispersing/returning juvenile was seen near Wiggonholt Church on 17th July. The last to be reported was one on 9th October.

Willow Warbler. Photo: Jamie Court

Chiffchaff - My first of the year was one singing near the sewage works on 6th February, followed by one at Redstart Corner on 1st March. One at Fattengates on 6th March, and again on 7th March when also one near West Mead. Double figure counts of singing males around reserve by third week of March. Still at least two around on 31st October. Unusually, as the species doesn't tend to overwinter here, there were still four around on 21st November - one at Fattengates and three near the sewage works.

Sedge Warbler - My first of the year was one singing near the garden on 5th April. Another was by Banks Cottage on 12th April and another along the public footpath near the Wetland Discovery Trail on the 13th. By early May there were a minimum of six singing males on the North Brooks, this likely a large undercount as so much suitable habitat is not accessible. Juvenile birds were seen in the summer and the last report was of one on 6th September.

Reed Warbler - My first of the year was one singing in brambles near the garden on 8th April. At least four pairs bred along the Arun between the reserve and the village. The last of the year was one on 20th September.

Grasshopper Warbler - One was heard sub-singing on the east side of the North Brooks on 4th, 6th and 7th August.

Blackcap - My first of the year was singing in a garden near home on 23rd February. Another was in brambles by the garden on 6th March. Lots were around the reserve by early April and many pairs bred. One on 11th October was my last of the year. 

Garden Warbler - One was singing near the garden on 23rd April. Up to five singing males were present by early May, with at least one pair thought to have bred. The last report of the year was one on 9th August.

Lesser Whitethroat - One was singing in the hedge between Redstart Corner and Little Hanger on 18th April. One was briefly near the garden on 23rd April early morning then flew off over the house! My last of the year was one on 31st August.

Whitethroat - A singing male along the Arun on 9th April was the first to be reported this year. Many pairs bred. The last to be reported was one on 9th October.

Firecrest - A really good year for this species with most records in the first half of the year coming from the Black Wood/heathland edge, including juveniles seen in August. There were various records from other parts of the reserve in the autumn and second winter period including two in the hedge just north of Wiggonholt Church early on 29th October and one near Redstart Corner/West Mead on 19th and 21st November. Singles were also seen at Jupp's View and the Hanger on 26th and 27th December, respectively. An entertaining record told to me by volunteer Neil Buckthorpe was of one in the Christmas tree near the visitor centre a few weeks before Christmas!

Goldcrest - Common all year. Juveniles were seen around the heath and Black Wood in the summer months.

Wren - Very common all year. Many pairs bred.

Nuthatch - Relatively common in the wooded areas, presumably bred.

Nuthatch. Photo: Paul Evans

Treecreeper - Common in the wooded areas of the reserve, certainly bred.

Starling - Common throughout the year but especially numerous in the winter. Sizeable groups were seen flying northeast across the reserve early morning in November and December, presumably from the roost at Waltham Brooks. My highest count was 600 on 29th November.

Blackbird - Common throughout the year, and many pairs bred. Numbers noticeably increased in late autumn with at least 40 seen around the nature trail on 29th November, many feeding on sloes.

Fieldfare - Common in winter. My highest count was 60 on 16th November.

Fieldfare. Photo: Mike Jerome

Redwing - A common sight in the winter months. At least 140 came out of roost near the Hanger early on 12th December.

Redwing. Photo: Mike Jerome

Song Thrush - Common all year, certainly bred. My highest count was 15 around the Nature Trail on 29th November.

Mistle Thrush - Never particularly numerous on the reserve, the best bet for seeing one is usually near Wiggonholt Church - at least seven were around this area on 25th October.

Spotted Flycatcher - One on the edge of the heath on 3rd May was my first of the year. Another was up by the play area on 23rd May. Four pairs bred this year. Alan Kitson had a pair feeding a juvenile in Black Wood on 19th July. At least four were around on 9th August. A juvenile was seen near the church on 10th August. There were 6-7 in Black Wood on 18th August and a similar number again on the southern edge of the heath on 23rd August. At least eleven were on site on 28th August.

Robin - Very common, many pairs bred.

Nightingale - The first singing male of the year was back at Fattengates on 9th April (Joe Bassett). One was singing near the garden at dawn on 10th, another singing near the sewage works from 11th-13th at least. At least four singing males by 18th April. Six pairs bred in total. A family group was very vocal along the footpath near Banks Cottage on 9th June. One calling along footpath between car park and church on 26th August was the last to be reported.

     

Pied Flycatcher - What turned out to be an exceptional passage of this species began with one in the oaks near the church on morning of 7th August (A Baker et al). One was in the same area again on 22nd August, plus two on southern edge of heath (A Rodgers, M Parker). One was still on the edge of the heath the following day. One was at Fattengates (J Russell) and possibly a different bird by the tractor sheds (C & J Moore et al) on 26th August. One was in the horse paddocks just past the church on 28th August (C & J Moore et al).

Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, 26th August. Photo: Chris and Juliet Moore

Pied Flycatcher, 23rd August

Redstart - As far as I'm aware there were no spring records this year, so the first of the year was recorded on 1st July (M Palmer) at Redstart Corner, with two there on 3rd July (L & M Hunt). One remained there throughout July and into August. Four were seen around the horse paddocks on 28th August.

Whinchat - One was on the South Brooks on 7th July (M McManus) followed by one on the North Brooks on 16th and 17th July, then three on 22nd and 30th July. August records included one on 7th, three on the 10th, five on the 17th and  at least eight on the 28th. The highest count was eleven on the South Brooks on 6th September, while the last to be reported was one on the South Brooks on 7th October.

Stonechat - Relatively common all year. At least one pair bred, with a family group seen near the sewage works on several occasions in the summer. At least five birds remained into the winter months.

Wheatear - The first lockdown meant spring records of this species were decidedly thin on the ground, with one seen on the North Brooks from home on 18th April proving to be my only patch record in the first half of the year. Autumn records included singles on 28th August, 5th September and 7th October.

House Sparrow - The small population continues to do well at the visitor centre, although perhaps missed the visitors and their crumbs this year!

Dunnock - Common all year. Certainly bred.

Yellow Wagtail - At least one heard calling near/over the garden on 19th April was my first local record of the year and my only one of the spring. Autumn movement began with one on the North Brooks on 16th August followed by one over on 24th August, at least two over the North Brooks on 26th August and ten on 28th August. A single flock of 13 south over the North Brooks on 29th August was the highest count of the year followed by at least nine south on 6th September.

Grey Wagtail - Relatively common all year. The highest count was three over the North Brooks on 17th August.

Pied Wagtail - The most commonly encountered Wagtail on the reserve, juveniles were seen in the breeding season so presumably bred locally. An individual of the nominate alba race (White Wagtail) was seen from Hail's View on 7th October (A Baker, C & J Moore).

Meadow Pipit - Breeds in small numbers. Numbers typically increased in the autumn and winter months.

Tree Pipit - It was a good autumn for this species, starting with one flying south over the horse paddocks early on 7th August. Two flew up from brambles near Banks Cottage - presumably from roost - early on 17th August. Five flew over on 22nd August (3 Fattengates/2 Wiggonholt church), and two flew over the heath on 23rd August. Four were in the hedgerow by the horse paddocks early on 28th August before flying east and two flew over on 6th September.

Tree Pipit, 28th August

Chaffinch - Common all year, several pairs bred. My highest count was 30 on 17th October.

Brambling - One south over the Hanger on 26th January was my only record of the species at Pulborough last winter. Thankfully the autumn and second winter period proved much more productive. One was heard near Little Hanger on 10th October. One flew over Hail's View on 16th October, others were heard over the Hanger and Black Wood on 17th October. At least one was heard from the Hanger on 7th November. Three (a male and two females) were in bushes below the Hanger with Chaffinches on 25th November (C & J Moore). At least one was heard near Little Hanger on 29th November, followed by at least 2-3 here on 12th December, plus various other mostly heard only records over the Christmas and New Year period.

Brambling. Photo: Graham Osborne

Bullfinch - Common around the reserve, particularly the ZigZag and near the picnic area. Breeding was confirmed with fledged young seen in July. My highest count was 15 on 7th November.

Greenfinch - Reasonably common around the reserve all year, but particularly between the ZigZag and the Hanger.

Linnet - A common sight all year. My highest count of the year was 120 on 10th October.

Lesser Redpoll - One of several finch species that was largely absent in winter 2019/20 but returned in very good numbers in the second winter period. A flock 50-60+ were around the visitor centre/ZigZag on 3rd-4th October, with 40+ still around on 18th October. Numbers dropped off a little into the winter, but singles or small groups remained a regular feature of most visits until the end of the year.

Crossbill - After a 'chup'-less first half of the year, a very vocal flock of 25 flew northeast high over the garden on the evening of 9th June followed by 8-9 over the reserve the following day (J Evans). At least two flew south over Banks Cottage on 28th June - heard only. What sounded like a small flock flew over the visitor centre early on 13th July and one flew south over the North Brooks on 14th July. Five flew south on 17th July, four flew over on 20th July, two flew north on 21st July, heard on 2nd and 3rd August, six flew west over the church on 4th August, two flew north on 8th August. Two flew over the Hanger and five over the church on 16th August. 10 flew north over the North Brooks early on 19th August. Thereafter, records became rather more intermittent: three on 17th October, six west on 18th October (also 30 on heath the same day). 14 flew south on 31st October and 15 were in the dead tree near Black Pond on 25th October (C & J Moore).

Goldfinch - Common all year and certainly bred. My highest count was 70 on 19th September.

Siskin - Following on from the promising numbers of Crossbills in June, two Siskins over the visitor centre on the evening of 1st July heralded the start of a much better second half of the year for this fellow forest finch. At least another two flew over on 3rd July. Several were heard flying over on 13th July. At least five were in the trees on the southern edge of the heath on 23rd and 29th August. Numbers increased even more in the autumn proper with at least ten seen on 6th September, 70 on 26th September and at least 40 on 17th October.

Yellowhammer - Most reliably found along the Arun, although there were occasional flyover records on the main reserve. Heard singing from home in the summer months. Never numerous, my highest count was four on various dates.

Reed Bunting - Reasonably common, especially along the edges of the North Brooks or Adder Alley. Several pairs likely bred. My highest count was fifteen along the Arun on 12th December, although clearly there must be many more in inaccessible areas.

Escapes

Black Swan - Two were on the North Brooks early on 5th January before flying off south-west with the Bewick's Swans present at the same time.

Ruddy Shelduck - One was in the far corner of the North Brooks near the village on the morning of 13th April, then flew around in the evening towards farmland beyond the Arun.

Australian x Ruddy Shelduck - One was on the North Brooks on 7th and 25th January.

White Stork - One apparently unringed bird flew over the North Brooks on 20th March and landed in the field near the village. Two (one with metal ring on right leg, other apparently unringed) commuted around the North Brooks and other areas near the Arun on 13th April. Another two or the same pair were on the North Brooks again on 19th April. One was on the North Brooks on 26th July.

White Stork. Photo: Gary Trew

White Storks on North Brooks. Photo: Gary Trew

Harris's Hawk - There were a number of records in February and March involving a bird escaped from a local falconer.

Red-tailed Hawk - What was presumably the same bird that's been frequenting the Arun Valley for many years was seen on the reserve on a number of occasions in October and November.

Red-tailed Hawk, 13th November. Photo: Warren Buckthorpe

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