Latest sightings
Spring?
Although still cool this morning there was a hint of spring today with several species singing such as Dunnock, Robin, Great tit and Song thrush. Several Lapwing were displaying and dive bombing Carrion Crows which is normally behaviour seen when there i
8 February 2015
Sunny Saturday sightings
Chilly but with some blue skies today! Here's what's wild around the reserve today, spotted by WWT staff and volunteers: Ramsar hide: Grey heron, tufted duck, gadwall, shelduck, shoveller, cormorant, Canada geese,little egret, lapwing Scrape hide: grey he
7 February 2015
Kingfisher exploits!
Again Kingfishers seem to be zooming all around the reserve today. On one occasion two kingfishers met at high speed with lots of whistling, briefly clashed in mid flight and then went their separate ways. Territorial dispute over fishing rights or precur
3 February 2015
Swan surprise
It is not very often that a wild Bewicks swan is seen on the reserve but today a juvenile put in an appearance. He was flying with his parents and got distracted by a flock of Canada geese which landed on the large scrape in front of the Ramsar and San
1 February 2015
Kingfisher, herons and black swans
This morning’s sightings from around the reserve. Ramsar & Sand Martin hide hides: 22 shelducks, teal, gadwall, 2 grey herons, 4 Lapwings, 2 black swans, grey wagtails Scrape hide: 20 teal, kingfisher, shelducks Lapwing hide: lapwings, teal, 1 cormorant
31 January 2015
Fire and water!
Stunning views today of the Kingfisher/s. One of our early breakfast vistors had close views of one on wetlands discovery boat safari and then again with myself right in front of the scrape hide. I also caught up with one from the main gallery window on
27 January 2015
Wildlife sightings
The normal suspects of Teal, Shelduck, Lapwing , Snipe, Shoveler, Gadwall, Grey heron and of course the very regular stars of the reserve 'the Kingfisher' around the reserve at the moment. There are a pair and at least one other male showing from most of
25 January 2015
Bittern putting in a regular appearance
A wintering Bittern has been seen for the last week almost on a daily basis from the scrape and reed bed hides. The Starling roost in the main reedbed has reached around 4000 birds. The spectacle is gradually getting later, but around 4-4.15pm is the best
7 January 2015
Merry Christmas
Well I am glad to say that water levels at Arundel have stayed at very low levels this Christmas, unlike the previous two winters!! This has meant that there is time to enjoy our winter visitors. Cold days provide the best chance of seeing the many Water
26 December 2014
Wildlife sightings
Currently a good mix of bird species out on the reserve but nothing in any high numbers as yet. Several Snipe from the Lapwing and Scrape hides with more probably hidden away. Water rail continue to show well from the Scrape hide and through the reedbed.
30 November 2014
Wildlife sightings
Continuing wet weather has created new feeding opportunities for increasing Snipe numbers. Around 40 were roosting and feeding in front of the Lapwing hide at the beginning of the week. Teal numbers are low with many dispersing throughout the valley and S
14 November 2014
Summer or Autumn?
Not only is the weather confusing the seasons but continued migration of summer visitors with some of our winter visitors mixed in has certainly got me confused! 150 House Martins and two flocks of Redwing totalling 120 were a case in point on Tuesday. A
17 October 2014
Wigeon now showing.
After seeing a pair of Wigoen on Friday, this morning there was an increase to 5. Whilst admiring there lovely chestnut plumage a male Kingfisher perched on some tall vegetation directly in front of the Ramsar hide, amazing. Two more were also seen on the
23 September 2014
Wildlife sightings
Amazing numbers of Sand martins still swarming around the sand martin hide and the scrape areas. There has been around two hundred at any one time with a sprinkling of around 100 House martins as well. Sightings of Sparrowhawk and Hobby attracted to fee
11 September 2014
Great white egret and swooping sand martins
A great white egret has been moving between the Scrape hide and Sand Martin/Ramsar hides since early Sunday afternoon. He has been getting really close to the Ramsar hide giving visitors displays of his fishing prowes. This morning he was joined by 2 grey
1 September 2014