A family outing to Arundel WWT.

Monday 2nd May 2022.

The Kingfisher put in a special appearance for its many admirers here at Arundel. 

We paid a family visit to Arundel Wildfowl & Wetland Trust late this morning, a long overdue trip here, hoping to show our Isabelle the young Geese and ducks that could be on show at this wonderful place. Ok, it was a bit expensive to get in, but the entrance fee plus the Gift Aid is well spent on keeping this place up to date and as friendly as possible for all-comers. Not only is there plenty of wildfowl to look at, but a lot of wild birds inhabit this place and I even notched up my first House Martins of the year! 

Above, a juvenile Coot waiting to be fed by its parents. Below, this Sedge Warbler was seen singing near the entrance of the reserve.

Though we got lumbered with the entrance fee again, which kind of annoyed me, once inside, I kind of relaxed and started to enjoy all the birds present, naming most of the ducks to our Isabelle as she was desperate to feed the birds. The chap on reception said we could purchase the food on the complex, but we failed to find any facility that you could buy the food from. Instead, Russell bought some food from the Gift Shop instead. Around midday, we were all peckish and a rather expensive light meal, which Becky and I never paid for (!!!!!), was kindly bought by Sinead. Again, we were lucky with the weather for it remained mostly cloudy in the morning, but a lot brighter in the afternoon, which brought the insects out too.

Above, another photo of the same Sedge Warbler and below, a Canada Goose with her brood. 

There are plenty of Hides on the site of which Isabelle was more than happy to see what she could find using her own binoculars. I even let her use my camera now and then and her photos weren't all that bad either. Up to 6 species of Warbler were seen or heard including some very showy Sedge Warblers, plus sightings of Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat that was frustratingly heard only, despite being about 5 feet away from it as it skulked about in a bramble.

Above, a nesting Oystercatcher on the reserve was a surprise. Below, a different Sedge Warbler showing well by the footpath.

Above, Lapwing were clearly visible on the reserve, but it was sad to see a Crow make off with one of the nesting birds eggs. But that is all part of mother nature and how cruel it can be. Below, a few Redshank were visible from one of the Hides. 

There were a few waders present including Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank on the reserve, while ‘wild’ wildfowl included Pochard, Shoveler and a few Teal. A Kingfisher showed well at times and in one of the Hides, it posed nicely for a few photos. There was a family also sharing the Hide and they were interested for their daughter, who was in a wheelchair, to view the Kingfisher and so I showed the young lady an image of the bird from my camera. I think it made her day. As written earlier, a flock of Hirundines over the reserve were mostly Sand Martin and Swallows, but it did contain at least 3 House Martins; my 181st species of the year. 

Above, my first Blue-tailed Damselfly of the year. Below, a Yellow Iris in full bloom.

A one-legged Robin waiting to be fed by Isabelle. 

Both Common Buzzard and Red Kite were seen over the reserve and from the Hide overlooking to the north, at least 4 Red Kites could be seen over the Downs in the distance. Other birds noted included a couple of Grey Herons and some rather friendly Robins and Blackbirds, which our Isabelle enjoyed trying to feed. Away from birds, we did not spot any Grass Snakes or Water Voles unlike the last time we were here, but I did find my first Blue-tailed Damselfly of the year and quite a few St Marks Flies on the wing. Yes, we probably will not be back till the same time next year, but who knows? 

Our Isabelle enjoying birding in the Hides.