Winter Wildfowl Wonders

But James Sharpe couldn t wait to get to work at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre at Arundel, to greet the icy dawn with some special visitors.

The dry, freezing weather has been in complete contrast to last winter s record rainfall, when the centre was flooded out for months on end.

And the difference has been reflected in the range and numbers of birds visiting the centre over the past few weeks.

One group of around 50 Bewick s swans, in particular, has had James, operations manager at the centre, setting his alarm for those early starts.

"Every morning they take off from the centre at dawn, in a big V-shape. It s quite a spectacular sight, and they haven t been here in such numbers for a long time, although back in the 1980 and the early 90s, apparently, there were as many as 100."

The swans spend the day feeding in a quiet part of the Arun valley, before returning to the WWT as darkness falls. James is certain that their arrival, around Christmas Eve, is a result of the dry, cold conditions.

And the centre is inviting enthusiasts to see the spectacle of the dawn take-off at a series of Bewick s Breakfast Safaris between now and the end of the month telephone 01903 883355 for more details.

Find out more about the birds in the Gazette, January 10.