Wildlife

Each season brings its star species and spectacles to Arundel Wetland Centre

Plan ahead with our site map and latest sightings.

In early April sand martins swoop through the wetlands on their way northwards with some making homes in our Sand Martin hide nesting banks. Listen for the songs of sedge and reed warblers in the reedbeds. Lapwings nest on grasslands and early butterflies appear.

Star species: lapwing, oystercatcher, sand martin, kingfisher, black-headed gull

Lapwing nesting begins. These feisty waders are protective parents, often taking to the air to attack crows and other predators.

Swallows, house martins and sand martins move through Arundel each April on their way northward. Some make Arundel their home.

Arundel's oystercatchers nest in odds spots, in a construction zone, in the middle of a field, on the roof of a hide - where will they end up this year?

Wetland wildlife to watch in early spring

The spring equinox is on Wednesday 20 March but spring behaviours start much earlier with the weather setting the timetable.

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In June wild orchids and wetland plants flower in abundance, encouraging butterflies to emerge. Early summer rains sees amphibians make their appearance in big numbers. Mid-summer sand martin and kingfisher chicks learn to fly and feed at the nesting banks. Cygnets and ducklings learn to swim. Damselflies and dart above every pool.

Star species: butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers

Toadlets emerge from all the ponds to migrating outward, leaving home.

Pyramidal orchids, common spotted orchids and bee orchids all appear onsite.

Look out for grass snakes swimming in the channels from the boats, or sunning themselves in warm spots.

Spot dragons and damsels

Which dragonflies and damselflies will you spot at Arundel this summer?

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The first of the wintering water rail and snipe arrive. Fishing waders like grey herons, little egrets and cormorants increase. Noisy Cetti's warblers flit about with firecrests, chiff chaffs. Wintering teal and shelduck arrive. Marsh harriers and pied wagtail begin to roost onsite.

Star species: water rail, little egret, common snipe, green woodpecker, Cetti’s warbler, marsh harrier

Often heard, rarely seen – listen for the explosive song of Cetti’s warblers, perching in reeds.

Colder temperatures drive big numbers of teal and shoveler, arriving for the winter.

Graceful little egrets are regulars at Arundel. Watch them roost in good numbers.

Wetland bird guide

Use our reference guide to spot autumn migrants and wintering birds at Arundel.

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Shelducks and shovelers overwinter, vibrant firecrests and goldcrests hide in the hedgerows, redwing and fieldfare move through the reserve and marsh harriers swoop overhead. Kingfisher sightings increase, peaking in December and January.

Star species: marsh harrier, kingfisher, common snipe, teal, lapwing

Look out for wading water rails and secretive snipe among the reeds along the edges ponds, channels and ditches.

Flashy kingfishers like to perch on hand rails near the boat jetty to fish for roach and rudd below. A favourite spot is the deep water at the Ramsar hide.

Water rails break the peace with their call like a squealing piglet! Keep an eye out for them skulking in the reedbeds.

Wander to watch winter wildlife

In winter wildlife is braver. Focusing on their food, normally shy birds are more visible. The spectacle of the evening roost happens earlier, against dark afternoon skies. Find out how to see these winter treats.

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