Latest sightings
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
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
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
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
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....
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Wildlife sightings
The weekend provided us with 20 Wigeon from the Ramsar hide and a hunting Sparrowhawk took advantage of the 400 Starlings coming into roost in the main reedbed, along with the Pied Wagtails and Reed Buntings. Snipe have been more evident with around a doz
16 December 2013
Wildlife sightings
The cool dry weather has brought in good numbers of wildfowl with a high of 25 Shoveler ( the most recorded here since 2003), 10 Wigeon as well as 14 Bewicks Swan (roosting overnight). A single Dark bellied Brent put in an appearance yesterday and today
12 December 2013