Walked along the mill stream – gives the legs a good workout trudging through the mud! A Lapwing with a lovely long crest in the first field on the left, and later one displaying on the right hand side further down. Three Reed Buntings singing with slightly different variations, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and one Yellowhammer. An Egyptian Goose with the 6 Mute Swans in their usual spot. Met a birder from Steyning, Ray Baker, and we surveyed the floods. Pintail and Shoveler in good numbers, Wigeon, Teal and Lapwings there too, then Ray spotted the two Black-tailed Godwits Mike & Lesley found yesterday. One Grey Heron on the right hand nest having a preen. Had quick chat with a couple walking their dog and they looked through my scope at a couple of Little Egrets, then walked on towards Stretham. Ray went that way and I went north to the bridge with the railings, not finding anything more. When I walked back the couple were on their return journey and relayed a message from Ray that the geese were nearer to Stretham, so I went back and had some reasonable views.

Val Bentley, 7th March 2024