With the M27 closed for the weekend to the west of Southampton Ian and I decided on another trip over the border to the east, into West Sussex. This time we met at the RSPB reserve at Pulborough, a site that always seems to offer much but somehow seems to fail to fully deliver. In the past week there had been some notable sightings reported, with White-fronted Goose and Hen Harrier on our list as hopefuls.
As we talked in the car park at around dawn it was overcast and dreary. Friday had been a wash out and I had decided to drive the last few miles to the reserve around Coldwaltham in the hope there might be an owl hunting, conditions were poor all day yesterday and into the night with the rain probably easing just before dawn, the hope was that this would mean the owls were hungry and prepared to hunt in the morning daylight. It wasn't to be though.
We walked around the visitor centre and stood at the viewpoint looking out across the stubble field and a way down over the South Brooks. A pale Buzzard could be seen over the field and a Raven "cronked" away in the distance. We were joined by a very tame Robin that sat on the post alongside my. It clearly gets fed here and showed no fear of me looking me in the eye and even managing a few notes of song as if to try and make me feed it.
In the gloom a Kestrel flew low over the stubble field and landed on the fence close to us. It sat watching, again quite oblivious to our presence.
It then dropped from the fence on to the grass below us. Here it sat until it seemed to realise we were there and flew off again across the field and into the distant trees.
With little else moving we set off along the trail and down the zig-zag path to the "T" junction at the bottom of the hill. Here we debated which way to go, set off for the viewpoint over the north brooks or maybe start in the West Mead or Winpenny hides where at this time of day they would not be busy. It is on such decisions that events are laid out. Walking around the path past the newly planted trees a buzzard flew through, then something a lot lighter in appearance. We stopped looked and realised it was a hunting Barn Owl. It was in the deer proofed compound gliding over the tall tussocky grass.
It followed the line of hawthorn and blackthorn bushes, twisting and turning, looking compact in flight like a giant cream moth quartering the flailed grass and scrub.
We were a long way off and the conditions were still very gloomy which meant from our position the photographs were always going to be very grainy. As the bird flew around the field it then disappeared behind the bushes and headed away towards the Winpenny hide. We moved quickly and ran towards the compound. Opening the gate we saw the owl again but then it went, probably hunting the rough ground that stretches toward the hide. We ran through the compound, which in hindsight was a mistake, but in the heat of the moment all you want to do is to get as close as you can such is the appeal of a hunting Barn Owl.
What we should have done is just stand still and wait. This was rubbed home as the owl appeared again and headed over the compound and followed the edge of the field towards the newly planted trees, Ian and I turned and followed it again though at distance as it continued on its relentless patrol of the grass and field.
It crossed the path where we had first seen it, again if we had stood still it would have given crippling views, and then headed across the trees and into the fields on the other side. We watched and waited and it came through the trees weaving as it did so to avoid the branches.
The light wasn't much better but it continued to fly towards us coming closer and closer.
It crossed the field moving back and forth almost in an erratic way but with a determined process, the head turned as it focused the heart shaped disc like face to pick up any sound of movement in the grass.
The compactness of the bird comes from the bluntness of the face, ts broad wings and short tail. Owls appeal to all probably due to the fact that it has a face like us with the eyes set into its face rather than on the side of the head like in most birds. This same feature also addresses the reference to wisdom as in the wise owl.
The cleanliness of the plumage, lacking streaks indicates that this is probably a male bird. On several occasions it would stop it flight and circle around head pointing down as if in reaction to a sound below. Having assured itself that there was no opportunity it would continue its definite course. They usually eat four small mammals in a night, however during breeding they have to catch many more to satisfy the young owlets.
The Barn Owl crossed the field once again, through the compound and around Redstart corner and out of sight. We waited but it didn't return so we set off through the compound. As we came out and passed the pond we came across it again, this time hunting the rough round leading to the Winpenny hide. As it flew up to turn and negotiate the fences it showed against the dark background of the bushes showing the Tawny gold flushes of the wings.
Here to the ghost like appearance that attributes the more colloquial names such as "demon owl", "death owl", "ghost owl" or "lich owl" (from lich, an old term for a corpse) that the Barn Owl is known as in rural areas. Their their white face and underbelly feathers, visible as they fly overhead, make them look "ghostly".
Our bird headed across the field and appeared along Adder Alley. Here it finally settled on one of the posts, flying must be tiring, especially with the twists and turns it puts in. But it didn't stay too log and launched itself into the air, raising the wings and falling into the wind for lift in what must have been a silent operation. It headed back across the field following the line of the hedgerow before settling once again on a post.
Even wile on the fence it continued to scan the ground below. Its stay was brief once again and we were not able to get any closer before it was up again.
It flew over the willow fence and again into what seemed to be the trees.
Then it turned, head pointing down and dropped rapidly out of sight. The action looked like one of a determined hunt as it happened so quickly. We waited but it didn't reappear. Then a Kestrel flew into view heading to where we had last seen the owl drop. We moved closer and saw the Barn Owl fly up to avoid the Kestrel. It appeared to be carrying something which could account for the interest from the Kestrel. The Barn Owl flew off around the hedges and out of sight.
We walked along the footpath and at convenient points was able to scan the marshes beyond but there was no sign of it at all. It turned out that was the last we saw of the owl, but as ever the case it is always so wonderful to have such a close encounter with an actively hunting Barn
Owl and this is birding at its most rewarding. There is the sheer satisfaction of seeing
a creature of great beauty and natural grace going about its normal
existence. It has been over a year since I last seen one flying such as this, but then I didn't have a camera, before that it was March 2018 at Alresford Pond. They are special moments and ones that make everything else seem insignificant.
But we were determined to try and find something else, so decided to spend some time in the hides. As we walked to the Winpenny Hide a Robin was singing from a branch of tree producing the perfect silhouette.
From the hide there were plenty of Lapwing and groups of dabbling duck such as Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler and Teal. Of course all of these were well away from the hide. We found two Peregrine sitting on the ground. The Lapwing were very flighty and would swarm in the air above the brooks. It was during one of these swarms that the Peregrines disappeared, and a short while later complete panic ensued amongst the ducks as a Peregrine swooped in at considerable speed. Teal dived into the water and Wigeon could be hard whistling all around us but the Peregrine missed, and a little later both re-appeared on the fence posts where they sat for most of the time we were in the hide.
We scanned the geese for the White-fronted Geese concentrating on the Greylags, but also checking the many Canada Geese. There was no sign of them though. Red Kite were seen high above the brooks to the south, probably two. There were also two Buzzards about mostly in amongst the gathering of Rooks.
We eventually left the hide and walked around the the Little Hanger Hide, again everything was distant, the hoped for Smew was not about, it hasn't been seen for a few days. From the hide we walked to Netley's hide which involves walking down the hanger past bushes full of Redwing and Song Thrush. A small group of Bullfinch were also disturbed as we walked the path.
The old Oak trees on the hanger are a good place to find Treecreeper and Nuthatch, and just to confirm it there was a Nuthatch and Treecreeper in the same tree. The Nuthatch was not that confiding, but the Treecreeper did show very well.
Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler, for once were close to the hide on a small pool. The drake Wigeon always looking splendid.
And the drake Shoveler should not be overlooked.
On the bank a Grey Heron sat motionless like a stately gentleman waiting for the bus.
We had seen the Black-tailed Godwits out on the islands in front of the hide, the Lapwing here were also very flighty, and after several flights by them all the Godwits went up. We never found what might have spooked them, but they put on an incredible show, with alternating views of the white underneath and the black and white above.
This wildlife spectacle playing out against a background of housing.
Difficult to know the numbers, but there are various estimates ranging from between 400 to 60 birds.
Finally they seemed to relax and slowly began to settle back down on one of the strips of land amongst the flooded brooks.
We walked back the way we had walked earlier, stopping for a male Stonechat in the compound we had seen the Barn Owl hunting earlier. The sun was out now, and a completely different day from first thing this morning.
With all the excitement around the Barn Owl we never actually went into the West Mead hide, so we decided to pop in just to see what was about. The hide was busy, but once we sat down the hide began to empty! Close to the hide there were plenty of Wigeon all roosting in the shallow water.
Checking my email I noticed that there was a report of the White-fronted Geese on the South Brooks, so we began a check of the grey geese we could see. A wait for a pair to raise the heads revealed a pair of Greylag, but as I got on another pair of smaller looking geese the RSPB volunteer in the hide announced they were there. Just to be sure w waited for them to lift their heads which they duly did showing the white patch at the front of the bill, tick!
Here a very distant record photograph.
One of the visitors in the hide asked the volunteer about the possibility of seeing the Hen Harrier, to which he was told it is seen on both the north and south brooks. Just after this the duck were suddenly awake and flying off in a panic. To our left a Hen Harrier was flying low along side the edge of the pool, the teal scattering above it.
It flew around the pool and then away from us, the photographs not being much at all. We watched as it flew to a small copse and dropped down out of view. Attention then turned to the Snipe close to the hide that interestingly had not decided to fly off with the duck when the Harrier first appeared.
Here there are at least five in amongst the bullrushes, its possible there were more.
Then the Harrier appeared again at the back of the pool, not sure why we had missed it get there, but this time it was flying towards and I was able to get some more acceptable shots.
Known as a Ringtail due to the bands on the tail, these are either female birds or an immature bird, the males being the lovely grey. This bird looks like it was an adult female, lacking the heavy streaking that is found on the immatures.
Here you can see the facial disc that performs a similar function to that of the face of the Barn Owl. It flew across the field at the back of the hide and perched for a while then returned coming low again alongside the edge of the pool.
Like the Barn Owl, the sight of a Hen Harrier flying low over the ground gliding with raised wings and in between the glides easy, deep wingbeats.
A raptor of wild places its as much about the scene as watching the birds.
We watched as she drifted away with that easy flight, scouring the ground as she went with a rocking motion as the head turns to check for prey.
Time was moving on and we decided to have some lunch before moving on. For once Pulborough had delivered, a great morning for the birds and also some photography.
Our next stop was Amberley Wildbrooks, we had visited here just before Christmas when the floods on the River Arun were at their highest, it would be interesting today to see if the waters had fallen, and whether the number of raptors we had seen then were still present. Walking down the path and out onto the brooks it was clear that the water had dropped and the area was more grass than water. The path though was much wetter than before which was quite strange.
Once again it was the Red Kite that were present in numbers with at least six around the old barn.
All you had to do was stand on the edge of the field and eventually the kites will come overhead.
In this one the kite is really checking us out.
Before Christmas the path was completely flooded, today though we could walk it, but it was muddy and flooded in places. The sun was throwing some lovely light across the grass contrasting with the darkness of the trees.
Ian was determined we were going to find a Short-eared Owl and we walked on with the mud making it tough going. In places there were boards which provided some respite from the sticky sapping mud, thank goodness for the wellies.
All this was forgotten as we came around a corner, Ian was in front and called me. A Hen Harrier was flying towards us.
This one is an immature / juvenile with the rusty underneath having heavy streaking. It was though definitely a different bird from that which we had seen at Pulborough.
It was hunting scanning the grass below and twisting the body as it glided past us.
It continued on moving away from us.
Its flight took it into the winter sunshine which helped to create a unique wilderness view, capturing the wild nature of the bird and the habitat it is found in.
We made our way back, realising that we would not be finding the elusive Short-eared Owl, our search will continue. The walk back did not seem to be as difficult as it was going. We stopped to view the brooks, a much different landscape to that we had looked at in December.
On the downs the late evening sun sent a long shadow from one of the lone trees.
Out on the brooks six Red Kite were sat in the group of three trees, we watched as another arrived making it seven.
As we made our way to the end of the path and back to the cars a group of at least 58 Red Deer watched our progress. These appear to be all hinds and young animals.
Here more grouped together, still watching us.
So another great day out came to an end. We are still searching for the elusive Short-eared Owl. Our hope will be that some turn up as they make their journey back north as the winter transfers to spring.
But we were determined to try and find something else, so decided to spend some time in the hides. As we walked to the Winpenny Hide a Robin was singing from a branch of tree producing the perfect silhouette.
From the hide there were plenty of Lapwing and groups of dabbling duck such as Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler and Teal. Of course all of these were well away from the hide. We found two Peregrine sitting on the ground. The Lapwing were very flighty and would swarm in the air above the brooks. It was during one of these swarms that the Peregrines disappeared, and a short while later complete panic ensued amongst the ducks as a Peregrine swooped in at considerable speed. Teal dived into the water and Wigeon could be hard whistling all around us but the Peregrine missed, and a little later both re-appeared on the fence posts where they sat for most of the time we were in the hide.
We scanned the geese for the White-fronted Geese concentrating on the Greylags, but also checking the many Canada Geese. There was no sign of them though. Red Kite were seen high above the brooks to the south, probably two. There were also two Buzzards about mostly in amongst the gathering of Rooks.
We eventually left the hide and walked around the the Little Hanger Hide, again everything was distant, the hoped for Smew was not about, it hasn't been seen for a few days. From the hide we walked to Netley's hide which involves walking down the hanger past bushes full of Redwing and Song Thrush. A small group of Bullfinch were also disturbed as we walked the path.
The old Oak trees on the hanger are a good place to find Treecreeper and Nuthatch, and just to confirm it there was a Nuthatch and Treecreeper in the same tree. The Nuthatch was not that confiding, but the Treecreeper did show very well.
Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler, for once were close to the hide on a small pool. The drake Wigeon always looking splendid.
And the drake Shoveler should not be overlooked.
On the bank a Grey Heron sat motionless like a stately gentleman waiting for the bus.
We had seen the Black-tailed Godwits out on the islands in front of the hide, the Lapwing here were also very flighty, and after several flights by them all the Godwits went up. We never found what might have spooked them, but they put on an incredible show, with alternating views of the white underneath and the black and white above.
This wildlife spectacle playing out against a background of housing.
Difficult to know the numbers, but there are various estimates ranging from between 400 to 60 birds.
Finally they seemed to relax and slowly began to settle back down on one of the strips of land amongst the flooded brooks.
We walked back the way we had walked earlier, stopping for a male Stonechat in the compound we had seen the Barn Owl hunting earlier. The sun was out now, and a completely different day from first thing this morning.
With all the excitement around the Barn Owl we never actually went into the West Mead hide, so we decided to pop in just to see what was about. The hide was busy, but once we sat down the hide began to empty! Close to the hide there were plenty of Wigeon all roosting in the shallow water.
Checking my email I noticed that there was a report of the White-fronted Geese on the South Brooks, so we began a check of the grey geese we could see. A wait for a pair to raise the heads revealed a pair of Greylag, but as I got on another pair of smaller looking geese the RSPB volunteer in the hide announced they were there. Just to be sure w waited for them to lift their heads which they duly did showing the white patch at the front of the bill, tick!
Here a very distant record photograph.
One of the visitors in the hide asked the volunteer about the possibility of seeing the Hen Harrier, to which he was told it is seen on both the north and south brooks. Just after this the duck were suddenly awake and flying off in a panic. To our left a Hen Harrier was flying low along side the edge of the pool, the teal scattering above it.
It flew around the pool and then away from us, the photographs not being much at all. We watched as it flew to a small copse and dropped down out of view. Attention then turned to the Snipe close to the hide that interestingly had not decided to fly off with the duck when the Harrier first appeared.
Here there are at least five in amongst the bullrushes, its possible there were more.
Then the Harrier appeared again at the back of the pool, not sure why we had missed it get there, but this time it was flying towards and I was able to get some more acceptable shots.
Known as a Ringtail due to the bands on the tail, these are either female birds or an immature bird, the males being the lovely grey. This bird looks like it was an adult female, lacking the heavy streaking that is found on the immatures.
Here you can see the facial disc that performs a similar function to that of the face of the Barn Owl. It flew across the field at the back of the hide and perched for a while then returned coming low again alongside the edge of the pool.
Like the Barn Owl, the sight of a Hen Harrier flying low over the ground gliding with raised wings and in between the glides easy, deep wingbeats.
A raptor of wild places its as much about the scene as watching the birds.
We watched as she drifted away with that easy flight, scouring the ground as she went with a rocking motion as the head turns to check for prey.
Time was moving on and we decided to have some lunch before moving on. For once Pulborough had delivered, a great morning for the birds and also some photography.
Our next stop was Amberley Wildbrooks, we had visited here just before Christmas when the floods on the River Arun were at their highest, it would be interesting today to see if the waters had fallen, and whether the number of raptors we had seen then were still present. Walking down the path and out onto the brooks it was clear that the water had dropped and the area was more grass than water. The path though was much wetter than before which was quite strange.
Once again it was the Red Kite that were present in numbers with at least six around the old barn.
All you had to do was stand on the edge of the field and eventually the kites will come overhead.
In this one the kite is really checking us out.
Before Christmas the path was completely flooded, today though we could walk it, but it was muddy and flooded in places. The sun was throwing some lovely light across the grass contrasting with the darkness of the trees.
Ian was determined we were going to find a Short-eared Owl and we walked on with the mud making it tough going. In places there were boards which provided some respite from the sticky sapping mud, thank goodness for the wellies.
All this was forgotten as we came around a corner, Ian was in front and called me. A Hen Harrier was flying towards us.
This one is an immature / juvenile with the rusty underneath having heavy streaking. It was though definitely a different bird from that which we had seen at Pulborough.
It was hunting scanning the grass below and twisting the body as it glided past us.
It continued on moving away from us.
Its flight took it into the winter sunshine which helped to create a unique wilderness view, capturing the wild nature of the bird and the habitat it is found in.
We made our way back, realising that we would not be finding the elusive Short-eared Owl, our search will continue. The walk back did not seem to be as difficult as it was going. We stopped to view the brooks, a much different landscape to that we had looked at in December.
On the downs the late evening sun sent a long shadow from one of the lone trees.
Out on the brooks six Red Kite were sat in the group of three trees, we watched as another arrived making it seven.
As we made our way to the end of the path and back to the cars a group of at least 58 Red Deer watched our progress. These appear to be all hinds and young animals.
Here more grouped together, still watching us.
So another great day out came to an end. We are still searching for the elusive Short-eared Owl. Our hope will be that some turn up as they make their journey back north as the winter transfers to spring.
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