Plan C... Highdown Gardens..

I had an appointment this morning which was cancelled at short notice.  However, met my daughter and grandson for a bite to eat (which was great).  Now where?  well as I was in the area, I decided to visit Highdown Gardens.  It was a glorious day with brilliant sunshine and warmth... hot even!

Mr. Ponders was pleased to be out in the sun as well..

A cricket?.. don't know which one though..

A buzzard circled high above.. record shot only

Arundel.... with young Swallows

I had thing to do this morning but came back via Arundel WWT.. there's road works - seems for a few weeks.. it took me half an hour longer than usual!!

However, it was quiet at Arundel WWT - not unusual for the time of the year.. most places are.

A Little Egret greeted me..

And the best find of the day... a family of 4 young and 2 adult Swallows... the young were flying around exercising their wings -  it was a privilege to watch them

Warnham - eventually after aborted journeys

I couldn't get out till lunchtime... off to Arundel WWT.. my normal route through Pulborough- traffic at a standstill and a fire engine rushed past.. so thought I.. I know a different route (albeit a bit longer)... then heard on the traffic news that traffic was at a standstill in Arundel....

"Blow this for a game of soldiers" said I... or perhaps my vocab was a little stronger... so I headed of for Warnham..

Common Darters seemed to be everywhere.

A grey heron kept us entertained...

as did the Kingfisher.  This is one of the times when I wish I still had the DSLR and 100-400 lens.. so record shots only

Nice to get out and watch the birds though.. and thanks for the company guys !! :D ..