Pulborough Brooks, Widewater Lagoon and Warnham LNR

I went off the the grey murk today to try for the Dartford Warbler that's been seen at Pulborough..

Well if it was there I didn't see it but it was very very windy

Lots of teal about

Didn't stay long as wasn't very happy walking through the wooded area so I headed off for Widewater to see if the Red Breasted Mergansers were there ....

Just as I was looking for them.. I noticed this lone Brent Goose...  The wind was so strong coming off the sea I couldn't hold the camera still.

I was holding on to a pole to get even this record shot!!  and bad light didn't help either

and there were three RB Mergansers, 2 male and 1 female.  I'd driven further along the lagoon... they were quite away and near the far side, but I took these through the car window so I could hold the camera still!!

and finally, off to Warnham to see if I could spot the Redpolls.. there's been 3 sited now.

I managed one... on the feeders
(Not sure if it's Common or Lesser)..

Ah well..... grabbed a sandwich and then home... wind's still fierce but it did stay relatively dry!!

Back to Bushy Park & a Wander at Claremont Gardens

I was awake, as usual, at silly o'clock but the stars were twinkling.  As light dawned the sky was still clear and the sun was shining.  So up and out to Bushy Park.

It was rather chilly in a keen wind but wonderful to see blue sky...

A Gadwall on the pond

Right over the other side were a few Red-Crested Pochard... not an unfamiliar sight here

I went round the top of the pond and back down the other side.  It was beginning to cloud over and I was facing straight into the sun .. and glare!!

Took these shots against the sun.. but couldn't get a better position without walking into the middle of the water!..

Grey Heron having a bad hair day..

and a younger Grey Heron further around the park..

Out on the Diana Fountain, a gull watched the world..

and two, of three, Cormorants looked on as well

I decided to go on to Claremont Gardens.. the light was going and it was getting near lunch tie

Lovely views across the lake to the amphitheatre ..

Finally, Mr Ponders got out to admire the view.. but he was balancing rather precariously on a slim branch above the water!!..

A retreat from the, now, very cold wind!!

By now I was getting pretty hungry... so headed off to the Tea Room.  And a sight of a basketful of fruit scones was there before my very eyes...

So I had one... as on my previous visit.. it was a great scone...5 star quality.  I understand it was Chef Nick who baked them today... so (hoping this is correct) many thanks Nick... excellent!!

So off towards home.  I was going to call in elsewhere but as I got nearer, the sky got blacker and it started pouring with rain