On Wednesday we took a drive southwards into Sussex and spent a couple of hours gently strolling around the Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve. Plenty of human activity with small parties of school children enjoying the fresh air but the birds weren't initially interested in showing themselves although the songs of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and Whitethroat were ever present around the reserve.
View across the brooks towards Pulborough.
With the assistance of another visitor and only by using the scope I was able to locate a hazy view of a white shape about half a mile away; very long neck and legs preening while partly hidden in a ditch; that eventually lead me to ID a Great White Egret. Closer but still out of camera range was a Greenshank, the only wader apart from a few Lapwing. In addition to the usual Mute Swans, Canada Geeese, Grey Heron, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Coot, Moorhen and Shelduck we also spied a resting male Nothern Pintail.
Peacock butterfly.
At two different locations we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful song of three Nightingales and snatched a brief glimpse of one individual as it moved from one hidden song post to another. A single Swallow passed through and three House Martins were a new sighting for this year. The predominant butterfly was Orange Tip but as usual they were constantly on the wing and never perched for a closer inspection.
Jackdaw who didn't want his face in print!
Singing male Chaffinch.
A pleasant trip out ended with views of Fallow Deer grazing on the damp meadow with the sounds of Skylark singing high overhead. Wishing everyone a good wildlife weekend. FAB.
Good morning,
ReplyDeleteThank you for more lovely photos. I especially like the butterfly. We don't see chaffinch here; or, perhaps it is just I who don't see them here. :) The deer appear to be very relaxed and unafraid; much more beautiful than the way we often see them in the headlights here.
Best,
Lois
It is so interesting to me to see the lay of the land in other countries...the first photo I like!! The birds are so different so I have saved in my favorites the RSPB right along with bird sites for here!!! The peacock butterfly is very colorful...I haven't seen any butterflies except for this tiny white one the bluebird in my backyard seem to favor!! Have a nice weekend. :>
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this series FAB! That butterfly is breathtaking. Nice shot of the deer grazing too.
ReplyDeleteIsn't spring grand? I've just got caught up on your posts from the last couple of days. I suppose that these birds are worth getting up early for!
ReplyDeleteA great day out Frank; especially a Great White Egret. Not seen one of those.
ReplyDeleteFrank, once again your images are delightful and it looks like a wonderful day was had. It is such a fun thing to visit these places through your lovely images. That Peacock Butterfly is really a splendid one~
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying your posts. It looks like spring too on your side of the great pond with many new spring arrivals. It's fun to listen to their courtship songs.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you were not able to capture any close-up shots but even without you certainly had a great day outdoors and anyway that is what it is all about!
ReplyDeleteI, too, love seeing birds you post that I have not seen before..so neat to be able to watch your migration along with our own. Wonderful post of a neat day out!
ReplyDeleteLois. Chaffinch only on this side of the Atlantic but you do have very similar species. Appearances can be deceptive as deer are very timid but this one knew I was no threat.
ReplyDeletegrammie g. Glad to learn that you found the RSPB link useful.
Mona. Thank you. The Peacock is one of the most colourful here.
Steve B. Of course..all sorts of 'birds' are worth an early start!
Keith. More frequent sightings in the south in recent years so who knows when one will drop in near you.
Mary HC. As a regular visitor your comments are very much appreciated.
Hilke Breder. Best time of the year for listening to the daily chorus.
Coy. Watching and listening for me is far more important than getting photos.
Tina. Thanks. I also enjoy what's happening on your side of the water.