13/05/2015 Pulborough Brooks for Nightingales, Hobbies and a Cuckoo

Wednesday 13th May 2015
Pulborough Brooks RSPB
Brighton RSPB Local Group Outing

The Brighton RSPB groups' annual visit to Pulborough Brooks to see the Nightingales was very welcome after a somewhat quiet time since I came back from Wales. 

• The Nightingales were in fine voice, as you would expect, but seeing them was more difficult and it was not until later on in the outing that we got our desired view.

There were several other interesting events:

• We were fortunate to see a Cuckoo as it had just arrived on the reserve.  We were having difficulty finding it in the trees when it decided to fly past us, saving our blushes.  This was my second of the day, having seen another on the Knepp Estate very early this morning  (7.00 am !!!!)  

• Hobbies were around in good numbers, though distant.  I saw at least 3 against the backdrop of the South Downs.

• 3 Little Ringed Plovers were seen from Netley's Hide, my first of the year.  Also seen were Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Common Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat was heard.

Additions to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Garden Warbler   (217)
Little Ringed Plover   (218)