SOS Bird race - TQ01ers fledge the nest: The team “TQ01ers” is named after the 10 km square region of this inaugural flight. On 2nd January Paul, Jackie, Andrew, Alice & Pete, in full winter plumage met at Pulborough Brooks RSPB. Robin singing, Green Woodpecker swooping overhead and Pied Wagtail calling started off the list. At the courtyard bird feeders the usual suspects of Blue, Great, Marsh and Coal tit appeared with Dunnock, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Blackbird and the fattest Pheasant in West Sussex. Mistle Thrush rattled overhead whilst Greenfinch called in the background. Bewick’s swans provided a nice surprise on the South Brooks. Song Thrush, Stock Dove, Buzzard, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Sky Lark, Crows, Fieldfare and Redwing were all found on Upperton’s field. On the nature trail Starlings, Treecreeper, Rooks, Jackdaws and a fly-by Jay lit up by the morning sun added to our collection with Wren, Nuthatch and Bullfinch foraging through the hedgerows. At West Mead hide astounding views of Snipe beautifully reflecting in the still water. Wildfowl everywhere, so we broke out the golden chocolate coins! Meadow Pipit skating on ice, Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Lapwing, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, numerous Pintail and a single Coot gained their tick. At The Hangar the Peregrine was on her post keeping an eye on her North Brooks café. The team TQ01ers set to work on a packet of Maltesers with Grey Heron, distant Greylags, a few Black-tailed Godwits and Moorhens easily found. Pete found a Green Ssandpiper across the north brooks, followed by 2 sleeping Gadwall. Black-headed, Common and Herring Gulls were added to the list with Cormorant and hunting Kestrel. Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming on the nature trail was a first for the year. On Wiggonholt Heath Siskin and Linnet flew over. Then onto a look-out point across Amberely Wildbrooks where Alice spotted a well hidden single Golden plover and 4 Ruff. Paul found a Stonechat along the edges of a ditch and a small flock of Goldfinches. At “Canada”, above Amberley, Buzzards (one very pale), Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Grey Partridges flushed and the cronk of a Raven (or 2?). After rather nice Kinder Beunos we all managed to see a Sparrowhawk and then a Hen Harrier. Chuffed with our sightings we returned to the car for a well earned mince pie break. Coldwatham sewage works produced a bright yellow/green Chiffchaff, handsome Grey Wagtail and Collared Doves. Reed Bunting, squealing Water Rails and 2 Shelducks were located as we crossed the soggy brooks. Not to be out-witted by the impending darkness, we returned to Pulborough Brooks for the last stand waiting patiently in the bitter cold, until 5 Woodcock darted silently to their feeding pasture. Lastly, Tawny Owls called - what a superb end to a terrific day! Seventy-six species total for the maiden flight of the TQ01ers bird race. The ones that got away were Goldcrest and Red-legged Partridge. Huge thanks go to all participants for good company and conversation, poor jokes, excellent provision of chocolate, enthusiasm above and beyond the call of duty and of course a great deal of local birding knowledge.