arunwild

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the pair of Black-winged Stilts that spent most of May 21 on the north brooks at Pulborough Brooks. Another passage wader of note was a summer-plumaged Ruff by the River Arun to the south of Arundel on May 19. Otherwise wader numbers were thin, not surprisingly given that spring passage is coming to an end. But there were still up to four Common Sandpipers by the River Arun to the south of Arundel on most visits. Pulborough hosted a single Pink-footed Goose for several days. Most other wintering wildfowl have moved on, while a scattering of male Shovelers and Gadwalls probably indicates birds from pairs that are attempting to breed. Breeding among small birds – both resident and migrant -- is well under way, with the young of many woodland, riverine and open country species now being fed or fledged. But the sound of Cuckoos still plying their trade indicates that the breeding season still has a long way to go. May 24 (07.50 to 09.20) Ar

The week started auspiciously with a walk to Rewell and other woodland areas west of Arundel. Not many bird species, but a singing Tree Pipit was my first for the area. Coal Tits were active, busily feeding young. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs remained in full song, while there were two Yellowhammer pairs. Six Buzzards patrolled the skies. The week saw two other visits to the woods around Arundel. Highlights were a Hobby pair near the same site they occupied last year, and a Firecrest hopping along a path – strange behaviour. Again, Coal Tits were very active. The pool in the Water Woods had a Grey Wagtail and seven drake Mandarins, the females presumably all sitting on nests in the nearby woods. The week included three walks along the Arun to the south of Arundel. A Kingfisher was seen on each visit after several weeks when they have been very elusive – they must now have young that need feeding. Two to three Common Sandpipers were present on all occasions, as were up to three L