Snow on the last day of Winter

Well, not really, but tomorrow is the first day of meteorological Spring and this morning did deliver two white gifts from the heavens in the form of an Avocet and a Mediterranean Gull, both on the North Brooks and both year ticks (102).

The Avocet spent much of the morning feeding in the larger back pool before wandering over to the shallow edge to roost. When it did so I caught sight of a red ring on one tibia. Despite watching it for quite some time I didn't see the other tibia to confirm that one had a matching ring but it seems very likely this is last year's breeding male returning, as that bird had red rings on both tibias. It will be great to have them back again this spring, if so.

Avocet

The Med Gull was an adult moulting in to breeding plumage. It dropped out of the sky with a bunch of Black-headed Gulls and Common Gulls, then hung around for a while before flying off south.

Mediterranean Gull

Other highlights from this morning's 77 species total included five Tufted Ducks (three drakes), four Ruff (including one with a smart white collar), five Dunlin, a single Golden Plover, four Black-tailed Godwits, two Red Kites, two Peregrines and at least ten singing Chiffchaffs. Full checklist here.

Spring?

Despite the cold and frosty start, today turned into a beautifully sunny and quite warm day. It was still icy as I headed out down the river from home at first light though, but as I approached the tree line from the Pig Run, the sound of a Chiffchaff singing came drifting through the crisp air. There had clearly been quite an arrival overnight as it turned out to be one of at least seven around the nature trail, plus another on the edge of Black Wood.

The North Brooks was fairly quiet, with a noticeable reduction in ducks, particularly Pintail. Two Black-tailed Godwits were the only waders of note here. I headed round to check the Mid Brooks which produced five Dunlin and singles of Ruff and Golden Plover among the hundred or so Lapwings. There was a clear distinction between the wintering flock and those preparing to breed onsite, with much displaying going on among the latter. 

Down at Hail's I sadly wasn't able to find the Red-legged Partridge that Paul Davy had yesterday afternoon, but it was nice to see the lingering male Hen Harrier again, quartering briefly before heading off to Greatham, flushing dozens of Snipe in the process.

Mid-morning I met up with Anna, Rob and Paula from the RSPB to help with a Woodlark survey. We each took up a post at likely spots between the visitor centre and the Triangle for an hour and confirmed the presence of two pairs. Rob also imparted news of a pair of Crossbills on the heath - a year tick for me - so I pretty hastily headed that way after saying my goodbyes and connected with three munching on pine cones near the new access gates. The male was even singing occasionally in the now very pleasant sunshine. A very nice way to reach 100 on the patch year list - the first time I've reached that milestone before March.

Woodlark

Crossbill

Full eBird checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S82437322

On my way home I also saw my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year near Wiggonholt Church.

Small Tortoiseshell

Light at the end of the tunnel

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling like this winter has been very long, and I know I’m not alone in considering my birding very important for my mental well-being. 

This seemingly never-ending lockdown and what seems like weeks on end of grey and rain, the recent cold snap aside, have really made the second half of winter drag. A big morale boost for me towards the end of winter in recent years has always been the day when my work hours change to summer timings (08:30-17:00) meaning there’s enough light and time for an hour or so's birding before work.

Today was that day! I jumped out of bed in total darkness and it was only just beginning to get light as I arrived on the patch. I wasn't expecting much from the first such pre-work visit of the year, but as I passed the pipe pond at Fattengates a clatter of wings followed by a series of yapping calls alerted me to three Mandarin Ducks flying up from the water. Just silhouettes of course, half an hour before sunrise, but still a very welcome year tick after a fortnight's drought. My local year list is now teetering on 99, with the Pulborough site total for the year on 103 - I've missed Great Egret, Redshank, Curlew and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so far, in case you were wondering.

Year ticks aside, it was just such a great feeling to be out early again, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of what felt like a remarkably spring-like dawn, despite it still being February. Indeed, this past weekend's weather could scarcely have been more different from the previous one's sub-zero temperatures and biting winds. Birdsong has really ramped up a gear in the past few days, with Cetti's Warbler, Firecrest, Chiffchaffs and Woodlarks all in fine voice on Sunday.

Other bird highlights from this morning's 47 species tally included a single adult White-fronted Goose on the South Brooks, a Tufted Duck pair on the pool at West Mead, a Barn Owl near Fattengates, a Woodcock over the ZigZag path and the aforementioned singing Woodlarks. Bring on spring!

Firecrest yesterday