Latest sightings

Day of the Grebes

Day of the Grebes

A pair of Great crested grebes this morning from the Ramsar hide were a welcome return with many sightings of individuals over the last few days. A Little grebe was also on wetlands discovery, calling in the hope of attracting a mate. The Oystercatchers n

26 May 2014

Baby boom

Baby boom

The Mallard ducklings from first broods are now well grown. Smaller second broods are now appearing but the other species of duck are now starting to hatch their first broods. Gadwall are the most numerous with four females from the sctrape hide with a to

21 May 2014

Cuckoo returns

Cuckoo returns

After a brief calling male Cuckoo last week, the last few days have seen a male calling above the reed bed and various other places around the perimeter of the reserve. Highlights of the week although brief were a Grasshopper warbler (heard only) and Lit

27 April 2014

Warblers arrive

Warblers arrive

Things are really hotting up and not just the weather. Sedge warblers and Reed warblers are now increasing especially in the reedbed. Whitethroats are more evident around the reserves hedgerows and Cettis warblers are blasting there song from most suitabl

21 April 2014

4th April Reserve sightings

4th April Reserve sightings

RESERVE; Pheasant, Wood pigeon, Coot & chicks, Moorhen & chicks, Great/ Blue/ Long tailed tits, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Dunnock, Chiff chaff, Reed bunting, Wren, Cetti's warbler, Jackdaw, Rook, Water voles, Herring gulls, Robin, Blackbird, Mute swans

4 April 2014

Mediterranean presence

Mediterranean presence

During the last couple of weeks the increasing presence of the Black headed gull colony has also attracted up to 18 different Mediterranean gulls in various stages of plumage and age. This morning there were 9 individuals with one pair displaying and ano

24 March 2014

Spring underway

Spring underway

What wonderful warm sunny weather to lift the spirits after a couple of months of non stop rain and flooding. The wildlife has also responded to the warmer, longer daylight. Common Toads are spawning, butterflies such as Brimstone, Small tortoiseshell and

10 March 2014

The sun is shining and the birds are....

The sun is shining and the birds are....

What a glorious day, sun is shining and warm enough to feel like spring. The birds on the reserve have also taken this as a sign. Water levels now falling exposing ground and islands that have been covered for two months have signalled the displaying of

21 February 2014

Oyster catcher

Oyster catcher

Good afternoon! As you can see, we have had our first Oyster catcher back this morning, busily feeding in front of the Ramsar & Sand martin hides. Also seen: 4 Cormorant, 34 Gadwall, 7 Lapwing, 2 Shoveler, 22 Tufted duck, 12 Pochard, 42 Teal, 16 Canad

10 February 2014

Wonderful wigeon

Wonderful wigeon

Good afternoon all! It is getting a little blustery and wet out there this afternoon but we have are usual favourites and a couple of little gems today. RAMSAR & SANDMARTIN HIDES 6 Wigeon, 11 Lapwing, 28 Common shelduck, 2 Mute swans, 4 Cormorants, 2

31 January 2014

Flood levels abate

Flood levels abate

After what seems an age, but only a month, water levels are beginning to get down near to normal. However as I write the rain has returned! The reserve does have its usual residents and visitors with Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Shelduck, Lapwing, Snipe, Tuft

26 January 2014

Boxing day sightings

Boxing day sightings

Rising water levels didn't dampen the wildfowl out on the scrape areas with plenty of displaying Teal, 28 Shoveler, 40 Snipe, 10 Shelduck, 3 Pochard, 19 Tufted duck, 10 Lapwing, 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey heron, 16 Gadwall, 2 Little grebes and a Kingfisher! Ano

26 December 2013

Sightings at Arundel

Sightings at Arundel

Good morning All! With the sun finally putting in an appearance it's another beautiful day out on the reserve. From the RAMSAR & SAND MARTIN hides this morning I saw; 5 Grey herons, 6 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 2 Mute swans, 9 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 4 Shelduck

22 December 2013

Late or early butterfly?

Late or early butterfly?

The most unusual sighting of the day was a male Brimstone butterfly. The sun was shining and after a cool start he must have thought spring had come early. Kingfishers showing really well around the reserve today, looking particularly stunning in the brig

20 December 2013

Goshawk over Arundel WWT

Goshawk over Arundel WWT

Best sighting of the week so far was a Goshawk being mobbed by a crow as it flew over the reserve on Tuesday morning. A first for the Arun riverlife project area was a male Shoveler which spent most of the day feeding in the shallower areas. A Little Greb

19 December 2013