After the rain, as the sun sets, the bullfinches come out of hiding

Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex They're nervous birds that prefer to remain hidden in dense vegetation

A song thrush celebrates the ending of the afternoon rain with repeated trills, scales and whistles. In the trees either side of the footpath, other birds join in the wall of bird song - warbling dunnocks, tinkling goldfinches and stuttering chaffinches. Greenfinches add their harsh falling notes. Groups of midges hover above the woodland track. It's the first time I've seen the flies in these numbers; another sign that plentiful food is emerging in time for the birds' breeding season.

I reach the Hanger viewpoint overlooking the brooks that line the River Arun. Wigeon quietly whistle and wander among the pools in the fading light. Excitable lapwing flap and loop above them, calling "pee-woot", but even they are settling down now as evening approaches.

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