PULBOROUGH BROOKS RSPB RESERVE

ACCESS: Upperton's Barn, headquarters of the RSPB Reserve, (telephone: 01798 875851; e-mail address: pulborough.brooks@rspb.org.uk), can be reached from the A283 between Pulborough and Storington. There is plenty of space for car-parking (usual security measures appropriate - i.e., remove valuables and lock securely). Upperton's Barn has a shop (books, optical gear, bird seed etc), toilets, and a very pleasant restaurant. Other than for members of the RSPB, an entrance charge applies. Open daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day when closed: Visitor Centre from 10am until 5 pm; restaurant 10 am until 4.45 pm (until 4 pm from Monday until Friday in the winter).

Please do not leave official foot-paths and public rights of way. All habitats can be enjoyed without doing so.

BIRDLIFE: Any time of the year is a good time to visit this outstanding reserve. There is always something to see and hear, especially during the winter, November - early March, when there are usually large numbers of wildfowl in residence. Spring sees the arrival of the summer migrants and breeders, a very stimulating and uplifting time to wander along the trails.

MAMMALS: Dark phase Fallow Deer are numerous and frequently seen. Grey Squirrels are noted sometimes. Badgers are visitors. Otherwise, mammals are not a feature of this area. We have seen Roe Deer around the Reserve.

PLANTS: This area provides a mosaic of habitats. Open meadows, coniferous and deciduous woodland, majestic Oaks, flooded grassland, hedgerows along old drove roads, and so on.

INSECTS: Depending upon the season and, of course, the weather, butterflies can be interesting. We have noted: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Small Skipper.

Of recent summers, the Hornet has become quite a feature. Best spots are just before you drop down to Nettley's Hide, the open area by the picnic tables and especially the Oaks nearby, and along by the Hanger. It is an impressive insect! Look at the Diary' entries for more details.

Odonata can be excellent, too. Our list is not exhaustive, I'm sure, but we have noted: Large Red Damselfly, Migrant Hawker, Hairy Dragonfly, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, and Emperor. In earlier Diaries, I have recorded Blue-tailed, Common Blue and Azure Damselflies, also one of the Calopteryx' species.Follow the foot-paths out to the wall of the River Arun and inspect the ditch systems. It is out here that you will find Hairy Dragonflies, for instance, also Emperors and Migrant Hawkers.

REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS: We have not noted any reptiles as yet, but Grass Snakes should be a possibility some time! Great Crested Newts have been discovered and reported in recent times, and new ponds are being dug to increase the population.

Perhaps the best impression of this wonderful area is best conveyed by reading through our Diary' notes. We visit year round.

2002 - 16 January:
A pleasant start to the day, although with a bright orange sky as the sun rose. A hard overnight frost. Temperature at 8 o'clock, 33 Fahrenheit, also the lowest overnight. A north-west wind this morning, less than Force 1.

Away to Upperton's Barn and the RSPB Reserve near Pulborough, arriving late morning. The usual walk, down the hill, through to Nettley's Hide, onward to the Hanger, and so to Winpenny and West Mead Hides.

Starting our walk, we dropped down the hill, taking precautions as we did so. The recent rains have made conditions extremely muddy. By the first pond, we stopped and scoped a FIELDFARE, our first for the day. It was perched high up in a distant tree. Two YELLOWHAMMERS went over calling and there were a number of GOLDFINCHES around. Pushing on along the old drove road, we heard firstly REDWINGS calling, then FIELDFARES. Of the former, there must have been at least a dozen birds, flying out of the BLACKTHORN bushes and calling, using both the check note and sibilant whistles. Of the FIELDFARES, there were three which they flew away strongly across the fields. They were also calling. Several SONG THRUSHES were noted, too.

Nettley's Hide produced WIGEON, TEAL and SHOVELER, mostly, also a few PINTAIL. Numbers were less than during our last visit, although that was probably due to the greater choice (and hence a thinner spread) which wildfowl have now that there has been substantial rainfall. LAPWING' numbers were down, but that again was no doubt due to a wider distribution along the valley.

Scoping carefully, I was delighted to note a party of WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, far away towards the other side of the Valley. Although on the move, grazing, I was able to count 13 birds, at least. All appeared to be adults. Beyond them were a few GREYLAGS, and to the left an amazing number of CANADA GEESE.

From The Hanger, we had even better views of the WHITE-FRONTS. A female KESTREL was sitting in a tree to our left. While we looked out over the Brooks, three dark FALLOW DEER came out of hiding and walked out on to the flooded grassland below. They looked distinctly nervous.

Beyond Winpenny, we found a few more FIELDFARES and REDWINGS, and noted, too, ROBIN, WREN and DUNNOCK. West Mead was the next hide where we found large numbers of WIGEON and TEAL, also at least 10 RUFFS which were feeding along the edge of the marsh within a few yards. Scoping them was a joy as they were so close and very often individuals very nearly filled the field of view. Of the 10, there were at least three REEVES.

All in all it had been a good day. Rain coming along the Valley drove Ann and me off the trails by mid-afternoon when visibility was much reduced and it was becoming uncomfortable. So, into the restaurant to dry out and have the usual pleasant albeit late lunch.

Looking at the notice board, at the entrance to the Barn, on departure, we noted that other birds seen during the last week or so included: Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Brambling, Little Owl etc.

The highest temperature today at home had been 47 Fahrenheit. At dusk it was 45 degrees.

2001 - 12 October:
A beautiful morning. Temperature first thing 53 Fahrenheit, having been down to 50 degrees overnight.

A good drive to Upperton's Barn this morning. Arrived that at 10.20. Coffee first, then our usual walk down to Nettley's Hide and so back to the Barn via Winpenny and the Westmead Hides. Lovely warm sunshine, even rather hot at times! Quite amazing.

The main field by the side of the track, leading down the hill, had had lots of SUNFLOWERS in bloom earlier on. These were now seeding and attracting parties of GREENFINCHES and GOLDFINCHES. As we dropped down the hill, we saw our first HORNET of the day, as usual an impressive insect! This one was followed quickly by another one. A GREEN WOODPECKER called, also a NUTHATCH. A JAY went over as we walked down the path to Nettley's Hide. A TREECREEPER called, too, although we could not see it.

Nettley's Hide produced the usual selection of wildfowl - lots of SHOVELERS, some PINTAIL and WIGEON, TEAL, MUTE SWANS and a great many CANADA GEESE. There were a few GREYLAGS visible, too. A MIGRANT HAWKER dragonfly appeared briefly. The only waders on view were substantial numbers of LAPWINGS. On our arrival at the Hide, we heard a GREY WAGTAIL somewhere. We also heard a BULLFINCH calling.

Coming out into the sunshine by the picnic tables a SMALL COPPER appeared. It was enjoying the sunshine as much as we were. The butterfly of the day had to be the RED ADMIRAL, however. They were simply everywhere.

Scanning out from the Hanger, we found the usual wildfowl, including a group of 11 GREYLAGS. A very dark FALLOW DEER appeared just below us, almost at once disappearing into the scrub. We saw no others. A distant KESTREL was being pursued by a LAPWING.

Walking along from the Hanger, we became aware of masses of HORNETS. Indeed, they were hardly ever out of our sight! It was quite an experience. Lots of JAYS were around, calling frequently and flying across. Clearly, there has been quite a movement into West Sussex, and no doubt elsewhere, too.

Lots of LAPWINGS and gulls were in the air ahead of us as we walked along to Winpenny. Scanning the sky revealed a nice dark BUZZARD which was circling and then moving right, heading across towards Pulborough. To our left, a thrush flying fairly high might just have been a REDWING, but I could not be sure. From Winpenny, Ann spotted a distant cock STONECHAT. Otherwise, it was quiet. There were lots of COMMON DARTERS in the air, however, some flying in tandem and egg-laying in the pools.

Coming back up the hill towards the Barn, we were delighted to see a male BRIMSTONE butterfly. It absolutely shone in the direct sunshine.

We had lunch out in the open air. NUTHATCHES were calling close by.

Thence home by way of Pulborough and Petworth.

Temperature during the day rose to 69 Fahrenheit and it was still standing at 66 degrees at tea-time. Temperature at dusk 60 Fahrenheit. No wind at all. Amazing for mid-October.

2001 - 25 July:
Putting the rubbish out at 9 o'clock, I was amazed to hear a NUTHATCH calling, high up in one of the OAKS by the entrance to our drive-in. It called repeatedly twet-twet-twet, twet-twet, twet-twet-twet, and so on. The first NUTHATCH here ever.

Away to Pulborough RSPB a little later than planned, but we caught up with time and arrived there at 10.15. It was quite a good journey. After checking in and then having coffee, we did the usual walk. It was very warm and with remarkable clouds.

Birds were quiet, apart from gatherings of GREYLAG GEESE which gave us good and noisy views from Nettley's Hide. There were lots of CANADA GEESE and LAPWINGS, too. At least four YELLOWHAMMERS were heard singing during our walk and we saw a couple of GREEN WOODPECKERS. Otherwise, there was little to note as far as the birdlife was concerned - but then it is July! A GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was heard.

The butterflies were good, however, and we saw, apart from GATEKEEPERS and MEADOW BROWNS, a PEACOCK or two, at least four SMALL TORTOISESHELLS, some CABBAGE WHITES (including at least one GREEN-VEINED WHITE), a SPECKLED WOOD, a RED ADMIRAL and one PAINTED LADY. SMALL SKIPPERS were flying in one or two places.

At the first dipping pond, we found at least two AZURE DAMSELFLIES. BLUE-TAILED DAMSELS were there, too. In front of Nettley's we had a male EMPEROR Dragonfly. Another EMPEROR, a female this time, was along one of the winding ditches as we walked out to the river wall. Along the same channel, I found a male RUDDY DARTER. Coming back towards Upperton's Barn, up in a corner by the West Mead Hide, a large BROWN HAWKER was hunting. Another, or maybe the same individual, was hunting farther along the bushes and trees.

The large field as one walks down the hill has been sown with SUNFLOWERS and other seed-bearing plants. No doubt it will be a magnet for seed-eaters when the plants begin to seed. FLEABANE was in full flower along by the paths, as was KNAPWEED and RAGWORT. CINNABAR caterpillars were on RAGWORT.

In addition to the usual circuit, we added a walk out to the banks of the River Arun. Here we saw FLOWERING RUSH, several plants. ARROWHEAD was in flower, also PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE. We heard a REED WARBLER in song.

The cloudscapes were quite remarkable today. High wind-blown cirrus and scattered, almost tropical, clouds. Wind zero.

A nice lunch, as usual. Good food at reasonable prices. No wonder local people other than RSPB' Members use it as a restaurant!

Coming back home, we stopped to look at a bees' nest, one that was active last year. It was quite quiet, however, and there was no activity. A CHIFFCHAFF was singing close by, and GREY HERONS were calling in the heronry. A TREECREEPER was trilling.

This morning's temperature was 60 Fahrenheit, down to 56 degrees overnight. Evening temperature 64 degrees. Maximum temperature today 72 degrees.

2001 - 10 May:
Temperature at 6.30 am, 52 Fahrenheit (50 degrees overnight lowest). As I checked the thermometers, a GOLDCREST singing in theYEW tree. Some of the garden was quite damp this morning, but luckily the rain had not lasted long. A blue but misty sky this morning. Wind out of the north, Force 0 -1. Two SWIFTS passed north as Ann was looking out of the upstairs windows. At 8.30 am, the temperature had risen to 58 degrees.

Left for Arundel just before 10 o'clock. Driving along Aldwick Road, we noticed quite a concentration of SWIFTS overhead. It seems that the main nucleus may have arrived.

Leaving the Ford level crossing behind, we saw a superb male ORANGE-TIP which was flying along the side of the road. Its wing tips shone in the sunshine. On arrival in Arundel (a great many more SWIFTS overhead), we managed to park right outside the hall. That was luck! The exhibition proved to be of interest, although the natural history content was slight. After a break of around 30 minutes, looking at the pictures, we left for Pulborough RSPB. Long Houghton produced some SWALLOWS and the first HOUSE MARTIN for the year.

Another male ORANGE-TIP was seen just past the entrance to Parham House. With the roof open, we could hear much birdsong as we drove along: WILLOW WARBLERS, many CHIFFCHAFFS, BLACKCAPS, COMMON WHITETHROATS, CHAFFINCHES, and so on.

From the Restaurant at Upperton's Barn we had a LARGE RED DAMSELFLY, our first for the year. On the other side of the fence, by the trees and scrub, a lovely FOX came along. From the restaurant we saw also a BRIMSTONE which flew across. It was a female. There was also a PEACOCK butterfly which was attracted to a pallet which had been dropped near the windows. A pair of MISTLE THRUSHES, feeding out on the grass, were good to see. Very handsome birds.

Starting our walk, we followed the usual trail down the hill. The amount of birdsong was deafening. There were at least three NIGHTINGALES in full flow, several COMMON WHITETHROATS, BLACKCAPS, CHIFFCHAFFS, a LESSER WHITETHROAT, BLACKBIRDS and so on. The volume of sound was amazing. On the track we found a large number of VIOLET GROUND BEETLES and a SHIELD BUG of some sort. A GREEN WOODPECKER called close by. As we crossed the public right of way, to walk through to Nettleys Hide, a GARDEN WARBLER was singing full strength. Lovely. By the time we had reached the Hide, we had heard two more GARDEN WARBLERS.

From the Hide we saw a SHOVELER with eight young, two GREENSHANKS, a GREYLAG goose, several CANADAS and a couple of SWALLOWS which came through, dipping for a drink, before moving on. Several LAPWINGS were display-flighting. From our left, a party of FALLOW DEER appeared. Eventually, they came through a fence and walked out right across in front of us. The lighting was not too good, but I took some pictures just the same. There were 14 of them. A SEDGE WARBLER was rattling away along the ditch. Scanning across the terrain again, I found a drake SHOVELER, perhaps the father of the youngsters.

From Nettleys Hide we walked along to the Hanger. Two GARDEN WARBLERS were squabbling in the bottom of a bush. Quite amazing. Again, the volume of birdsong was incredible. From the hanger, we saw two more GREENSHANKS, but otherwise little else. A REDSHANK was yodeling somewhere.

Going on to the next Hide, I heard a TREECREEPER which was singing vigorously. At length, we were able to see him as he fed in an OAK tree, moving from branch to branch. In fact, we had splendid views, perhaps my best for a long time. His singing was persistent.

At that point, at the Little Hanger Hide, we had to turn back. The stretch along past the sheep in a field by the path is still closed (Foot & Mouth restrictions). We stood for a while, listening to another SEDGE WARBLER which was singing from a bank of BRAMBLES. A teneral LARGE RED DAMSELFLY dropped on to the herbage in front of us. At this point, we back-tracked, but not before listening to yet another LESSER WHITETHROAT which was singing from the high hedge.

Wandering along, looking at the trees, the old country rhyme came into my mind: 'the Oak before the Ash, there's sure to be a splash'. And indeed, the OAKS are well ahead of the Ashes this year. So, perhaps we shall have but showers from now onwards, rather than any prolonged wet spells. We shall see!

Walking round, along the way we had come, and then side-tracking to the Westmead Hide, we saw another PEACOCK butterfly. A NIGHTINGALE was singing by the larger of the two dipping ponds. There was a NUTHATCH there, too, although it was quite silent: we had heard none at all today, unlike normal.

Coming back up the hill, we heard a distant SKYLARK. All the other birds, those which we had listened to on our way down, were still singing volumes. Indeed, one of the LESSER WHITETHROATS actually came up into the dead twigs of an ELM and sang in full view. A male BRIMSTONE butterfly flew by.

By the restaurant, a NUTHATCH was calling - twet-twet-twet, the usual contact note.

And so home, after a cracking good day in the field.

Back at home, the thermometer had been up to 72 Fahrenheit. A grey evening, but hardly any wind and extremely humid. Temperature at dusk 61 degrees.

2001 - 27 April:
I checked the thermometer first thing this morning as usual. It was showing 49 Fahrenheit. Wind from the south-east, and quite light, so just the day for a trip out. It turned into a very nice day, in fact. On the way to Pulborough RSPB, we had at least four SWALLOWS at Long Houghton, sitting up on the wires.

On our arrival, a NUTHATCH was making his presence known with the long springtime calls. Due to Foot & Mouth restrictions, the only part of the Reserve open was the trail leading to Westmead Hide. Despite this restriction, we had a good morning. Three NIGHTINGALES were singing from the cover as we dropped down the hill. SKYLARKS were always within earshot and we heard at least two CHIFFCHAFFS and a COMMON WHITETHROAT. CHAFFINCHES and ROBINS were very noisy, too! We heard a GREEN WOODPECKER calling and located a pair of LONG-TAILED TITS which were going to a nest which was in a small but dense HAWTHORN bush. The bush was so small, in fact, that I was surprised that I could not see the nest. A BLACKCAP in song was one of at least two or three which we heard in various places.

From the Westmead Hide we saw little, other than three FALLOW DEER, all dark-looking animals. Leaving the Hide, we heard a CUCKOO calling in the distance.

We had a nice lunch, then drove homewards very slowly along the roads around Rackham. Stopping to listen to a WILLOW WARBLER (there were at least three singing), I saw a raptor which was soaring high over the trees to our left. I pulled the car off on to the verge, and ran along the road, to clear the trees so that I could see it better. It was a female GOSHAWK which was shortly joined by a second, also a female. They tangled briefly and then went off and so out of sight. Marvelous!

A stop at Boxgrove Priory seemed a good idea, which indeed it was. We had a pleasant look around the Priory and while looking at the ruins Ann noticed a SWIFT high overhead, our first for the year. It went off, travelling northwards. A BLACKCAP was singing vigorously nearby, also a YELLOWHAMMER.

2001 - 12 January:
Very cold overnight again, with temperatures dropping to the mid-30s Fahrenheit. A nice bright and sunny morning, however, so away to Pulborough where we arrived at 11.30. We had our lunch first, and then set off along the usual routing. Walking down the hill, we saw a pair of STONECHATS, which gave us good views, although they did tend to be a bit flighty.

Nettley's Hide provided very high water and lots of PINTAIL, WIGEON and SHOVELER, and at least 120 POCHARD, almost all of them drakes. There were a few TEAL visible, also a nice pair of GADWALL. Scanning from the Hanger Hide produced much the same species. As we approached Winpenny, a juvenile male SPARROWHAWK zipped by, hunting along and behind the hedgerow. We did not bother with Winpenny, as the sun was rather low by this time and shining directly on to the front of the Hide.

Coming back to Upperton's Barn and passing West Meads Hide, seven FIELDFARES flew over, calling, and later on, near the Barn, we had a small party of REDWINGS. On our route, we had seen at least four KESTRELS. At least a dozen GOLDFINCHES flew up from the path near the West Meads Hide.

Apart from at the feeders at the Barn which were being heavily patronised by GREAT and BLUE TITS, there were few passerines to be seen today, other than several wintering SONG THRUSHES which we noted along the hedgerows and as we dropped down the path near Nettley's Hide.

On our way to Upperton's Barn this morning, we stopped at an overlook as we drove out of Amberley village. To our delight, we had at least 20 SHELDUCKS on the floodwaters, plus 20 BEWICK'S SWANS. Amongst these were only five juveniles.

It was anything but warm today. A piercing easterly was blowing around Force 6 to begin with, but by early afternoon it had begun to drop a little. The sunshine had been constant and where there was shelter, one could feel that warmth of the sun beautifully. Tomorrow's forecast is for even less wind, although still from the east, and plenty of sunshine.

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