Widewater Lagoon in search of Goosanders... not there...

I've got family duties at the mo, so getting out for a bit today was very essential to get out into the fresh air!
The light was dreadful, so record shots only today!

I went in search of the Goosander that had been seen at Widewater Lagoon... but not today, and not by me!  Did bump into a couple of ladies I know, though - Elaine & Susan.

There were a collection of about 12 Little Grebes .. which was good!  And some hybrid Mallards.. No Little Egrets seen today.

Couple of dozen Teal...

and a Sanderling

and a Rock Pipit

Went on to Pulborough Brooks - vast number of ducks about and also saw 7 Black-tailed Godwits... nice one.

Redstarts and Fieldfares about in the berry-covered bushes,

and a couple of Snipe - hiding as usual!

Good to get out into the fresh air and, for a brief period, some sunshine!

Glorious sunshine at Nymans NT

Met a great friend of mine at Nymans NT today.  This was our 3rd attempt of getting together, and the sun was glorious as was the blue sky.  Most of the autumn colour has now gone over, but nonetheless, it was good to have some fresh air and exercise!

Camelias in flower

 Lots of Mahonia glowing

and some Clematis

Poppies!!!

 

and then into the cafe for some lunch... jacket potato for me today and a welcome cuppa

a most enjoyable time again and thank you IHD.... as ever :)

Warnham LNR.... the birds are returning..

The weather has turned somewhat chillier since my last visit to Warnham; more of the 'winter birds' about now.  Although I didn't see one today, a Redpoll was listed in the 'book' as being seen a couple of day ago.

Dozens of gulls around out on the water..

Squirrel enjoying the spilled food from the feeders..

Many Goldfinches about..

and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker enjoying the fat 'tree'

A blackbird below, waiting for the dropped seeds etc.

Today, lovely to see my first Siskin of the season... a rather splendid male.

one of a few Pheasants patrolling..

Saw two robins fighting today..

and more Goldfinches

Later on a female Great Spotted Woodie..

 Loads of Chaffinches..

and the Siskin returned a bit later..

Seems a very berryful autumn this year - please tell the Waxwings :)

Wasn't there for long, but good to have a breath of fresh air and to see so many birds again..