Raptor Watch at Arundel WWT with the Ashdown Bird Group

 Six members of us from the Ashdown Bird Group visited Arundel WWT on Friday 23 January 2026 for an afternoon focused on winter wildlife and a Hen Harrier watch. After exploring the reserve’s hides, highlights included Firecrest, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, numerous Snipe, and a good range of wetland species such as Gadwall, Shoveler, Lapwing, and Wigeon.

Although the hoped‑for male Hen Harrier didn’t appear, two ringtails were eventually seen coming in to roost—both settling just outside the reserve. 

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

A Peregrine provided a memorable close fly‑over and perched in view before heading to its usual roost, and additional raptors included Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, and Sparrowhawk.

The group enjoyed a rewarding afternoon with 42 species recorded in total, reinforcing Arundel WWT’s growing reputation as a reliable winter raptor hotspot.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

101 Firecrest

102 Bullfinch