Pulborough Brooks RSPB

Another fabulous reserve and an overdue visit to Pulborough brooks.  It felt slightly fresher today but the sun was still strong.

The clear skies provided wonderful views from the visitor centre cafe garden across the reserve.

The reserve was alive with birdsong.  This Willow Warbler melodically announcing spring from the treetops.

The avian highlight was a male Nightingale in full song.  It was seen by the 'T' within a dense area of scrub and immature woodland.  Partially obscured, but seen well, breaking into that synonymous crescendo of whistles, chacks and warbles.  A truly extraordinary sound.  Another was heard on the further round the trail.

There were plenty of common warblers seen around the reserve, three Common Whitethroat, three Lesser Whitethroat, and good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaff in song.

Two Avocet and six Black-tailed Godwit were feeding out on the flooded meadow.

The highlight of the day was the Adder.  Seen along 'Adder Alley', a forlorn wait for any sign of movement almost resulted in an early departure to continue along the trail.  Deciding to wander along the wooden fenceline one more time, this incredible creature appeared, lazily slinking its way through the low bracken.

Having walked the trail, and back to the visitor centre, we had a little wander around the area of heathland and down past Black Wood.