Warnham NR near Horsham, Sussex with Sara and Patrick

Warnham LNR – Winter Visit Report

Wednesday 7 January 2026

Sara, Patrick and Bob

Our mid‑winter visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve once again demonstrated why this site remains a firm favourite among local birders. With temperatures low and natural food in short supply, the reserve’s feeders were busy throughout our half‑day session, offering excellent opportunities to observe a range of species at close quarters.

Although our main targets were Redpoll, Siskin, Brambling and Reed Bunting, only two of the four made an appearance. Even so, the visit produced several memorable highlights.

• A particularly obliging Goldcrest greeted us on the walk to the Woodpecker Hide, darting across the path and lingering in nearby vegetation long enough for good views. 
• On arrival at the hide, we were met by a lively gathering of Greenfinches, soon joined by a Treecreeper working its way up a nearby trunk. 

Greenfinch - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Treecreeper - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• Our first Redpoll of the afternoon appeared shortly afterwards.

Redpoll - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• Reed Buntings were present in small numbers alongside Chaffinches, Nuthatch, Coal Tit and a Great Spotted Woospecker.

Reed Bunting - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Nuthatch - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Great Spotted Woodpecker - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The standout moment came when a Water Rail ventured repeatedly into the open just a few metres from the hide—an unusually bold display from a species more often heard than seen. Over the course of our stay it emerged around ten times, providing the closest and most prolonged views many of us have ever enjoyed.

Water Rail - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Despite reports earlier in the day, no Siskins visited the feeders during our watch, and no Bramblings were recorded by any observers on site.

• At the suggestion of Patrick, we concluded our visit at the @@@ Hide, where a Kingfisher had been seen earlier. Although it did not reappear, we were rewarded with excellent views of a striking drake Mandarin, bringing the afternoon to a colourful close.

Mandarin Duck - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

We left just before dusk, satisfied with a varied and enjoyable winter session, enriched by two unexpected highlights and the always‑reliable charm of Warnham’s winter birdlife.