Pulborough Brooks

(Photos tomorrow)
Last day of our brief visit to Sussex: we decided to spend half of it at Pulborough Brooks so Mary could listen to the Nightingales and Cuckoos. Once we'd arrived and checked in, I set off on my own to look for the Green-winged Teal that's been present for ages: needless to say there was no sign today! Lots of Nightingales and Cuckoos, but no photos of the former:  Hobby and Wood Sandpiper were good to see, as were Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers. Coffee and a sandwich on the terrace gave us more Nightingale song, as well  as perched and flight views of several Cuckoos. Back to  the cottage via a spot of merchandising at a Garden Centre near Findon...

The Night Sky and ISS in May

Here's a digest of what to look out for this month, plus the transit times of the International Space Station (remember negative numbers are bright!)

Shopping and Buzzards!

Mum-in-Law Mary doesn't get out much on shopping trips, so she was happy to explore both Hayward's Heath and Burgess Hill. Mission accomplished, with a summer jacket and top and an enjoyable lunch out. Back at the cottage, half a dozen Buzzards wheeled overhead in the sunshine, while a Blackcap called continuously from the hedges..

Drusilla's and the Long Man

Another visit to one of our favourite places: Drusilla's Park. As always we were enchanted by the Sloths, Red Pandas, Giant Anteaters and many other rare and endangered species. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch before traveling the short distance to the Long Man of Wilmington..

Sunny Sussex!

A visit to the Sussex  Downs to spend a few days with Mum-in-Law Mary gave us a chance to search for a long-staying Cirl Bunting just north of Shoreham. Unfortunately it was flushed by dog walkers two minutes before we  arrived!

Following a wander round the vast Brighton Car Boot, we went in search of a new Satnav (Ours had gone U/S on the trip down) after which we  enjoyed a late breakfast at our favourite cafe. Since it was time to check in at our lovely cottage accommodation, we headed on to Poynings to unpack and relax.

Odds and ends at Hemblington Church

Last day of our 'unlocking duty' at the Church: it's predictable that you see the more interesting birds when you have your hands full of keys / key boxes / signs and so on: this was very much the case today! Birds seen but not photographed included Little Owl, Whitethroat, Grey Partridge and Marsh Harrier: however I did see a beautiful Brown Hare...

Grey Partridges - at last!

Linda and I drove up to the Church to unlock and fill the feeders: despite a dog-walker being parked by the copse, we were thrilled to find the pair of Grey ('English') Partridges right opposite the churchyard gate! What delightful little creatures these are: sadly their numbers have declined by 85% over the past 25 years, so finding this pair close to home is wonderful. (Especially since they have obviously been attracted to the water that Linda has been maintaining!) Two Cormorants over the garden were interesting to see..