22nd-30th September

The last week in September saw another shift in the migrant calendar with a steady stream of birds passing overhead as the urgency to head south increased. There was also a large influx of Stonechats, a species not normally associated with autumn migration, as well as the first significant movements of Siskins and Meadow Pipits.

The highlight of the week was an Osprey that flew west over Cissbury early morning on Tuesday 23rd and a very late report of a Cuckoo on the northern slopes of the Ring later that day.

Also noteworthy was a party of six Great White Egrets and a Grey Heron seen flying west over Offington Avenue early on 24th, which were then seen 10 minutes later heading inland over Highdown.

                                             Great White Egrets - Highdown Hill ( Gareth James)

The Downs

22/9 - Steyning Round Hill: A significant movement of Meadow Pipits (500+) this morning  and an arrival of Stonechat (12), Chiffchaffs (50+), Wheatear (4), Skylark (6), Blackcap with birds moving quickly through. All this activity attracted the intent of a late Hobby but it wasn’t seen to catch anything.

Cissbury: A similar movement of Meadow Pipits and 50+ each of Swallows and House Martins, whilst grounded birds included Spotted Flycatchers (2), Redstart, Reed Warbler,  Wheatear and on the southern flank at Chiffchaffs (75+) and Blackcaps (6). 

Highdown: The Pied Flycatcher was still present as well as an unusually large count of Stonechat (20).

Sompting: A Whinchat was seen on the edge of the village and 10 Grey Partridge were in the field south of Lambley’s Barn.

23/9 - Cissbury: The Stonechat influx continued with 35+ recorded on the southern slopes of Tennants Hill along with Chiffchaffs (40), Blackcaps (12) and House Martin (25), Swallow (20) and Siskin (5) overhead.  Meanwhile the  Rifle Butts held single Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Firecrest, and two each of Redstarts and Spotted Flycatcher.

24/9 - Cissbury: A quieter day with only a single House Martin, Swallows (12) and barely any Meadow Pipits overhead, though there was a single Wheatear on the top, whilst the Rifle Butts held Chiffchaffs (20) and Spotted Flycatchers (2).

Highdown: It was another good morning for visible migration with Skylark (7), Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipits (25), Goldfinch (6), Siskin (10) and  Swallows (5) all moving east whilst a Whitethroat, Stonechat (7), Chiffchaff (15) and Blackcaps (5) were seen in the bushes. 

25/9 - Steyning Round Hill: Grounded migrants included Chiffchaffs (20), Wheatear (9), Stonechats (10) with Skylark (25+),  Siskin (15), and Meadow Pipits (150+) overhead as well as a few Swallows,  House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin. A party of six small waders were a most unusual flyover for this location whilst three Lapwing were also noteworthy. 

26/9 - Highdown: A short visit early morning was productive with Swallow (166e), House Martin (15e),  Yellow Wagtail (1s), Meadow Pipits (29e) and Siskin (21e) overhead  and grounded migrants included Chiffchaffs (40), Blackcap (15), Goldcrest (4), Firecrest, Mistle Thrush (3) and Stonechat (7).

Steyning Round Hill: Redstart (1), Wheatear (3), Stonechat (12), Chiffchaffs (10) and an impressive mixed flock of Linnet and Goldfinch, Corn Bunting (100), Skylark (25) and Meadow Pipits (50). A Marsh Harrier flew east late afternoon.

27/9 - Highdown: Grounded migrants included Spotted Flycatchers (6), Chiffchaffs (25), Blackcap (15), Goldcrest (7), Firecrest, Stonechat (7) and Skylark (22+), with Siskin (10) and a Reed Bunting overhead.

Cissbury: Still plenty of Stonechats with at least 15-20 noted along with a couple of Yellowhammers and yet more Meadow Pipits overhead.

Goring / Ferring

22/9 - The week started with a huge passage of hirundines along coast,  with other overhead migrants including Yellow Wagtails (4), Siskin (1) and a few Meadow Pipits, whilst several Chiffchaffs were in the tamarisks at Ferring.  Additionally a Mediterranean  Gull was in the field at the Gap.

23/9 - A Wheatear and Skylark (3) were at Goring Gap,  whilst a Marsh Harrier flew south over East Preston.

24/9 - A short seawatch from Ferring beach saw a small movement of wildfowl including Brent Goose (2w), Pintail (2w), Teal (8os) and Shelduck (2w). Meanwhile overhead migrants included Swallow (200e), House Martin (20e), Meadow Pipits (10e), Goldfinch (15e) and Siskin (3e). 

25/9 - The big movement of hirundines continued along the coast at Ferring, with  an estimate of over 2000 birds seen by late morning, the majority of which appeared to be Swallows.

29/9  - Eastwards passage continued at Goring Gap (07:05- 09:55) with House Martin (c590e), Meadow Pipit (83e),  Siskin (79e),  Swallow (c180e), Pied Wagtail (19e), Goldfinch (31e), Linnet (10e) and a heard only Tree Pipit. Additionally Stonechat (5+), Wheatear (1) and Skylark (4) were in the fields  and Chiffchaffs (c15) in tamarisks. 

Offshore three Sandwich Terns were lingering whilst a Great White Egret headed west as well Brent Geese (4w). On the beach Sanderlings (16), Oystercatchers (28), Turnstones (c30) and a single Ringed Plover.

A Wheatear was on the beach a Lancing Green and further west a Hobby, Red Kite (3), Buzzard (6), 24 Siskin (24) and Redpoll (12) flew over an East Preston garden.

15th - 21st September

A week of mixed weather starting wet and windy and ending with temperatures creeping back up towards 20c. This produced ideal conditions for an overhead passage of Meadow Pipits, Swallows and House Martins, with large numbers of birds reported both along the coast and over the Downs.

The highlight of the week was another Spoonbill moving west past Goring Beach early on Wednesday 17th September whilst five dropped briefly on to the Adur late afternoon the same day.

                                                           Chiffchaff ( Richard Phillips)

The Downs

Tuesday 16th September

Cissbury this morning produced Redstarts (4), Marsh Tit (2), Spotted Flycatcher (1), Whitethroats (8), Blackcaps (10) and Chiffchaffs (30+). Whilst in the afternoon two male Redstart were reported on Steyning Round Hill. 

Thursday 18th September

Only migrants noted from Cissbury this morning were 30+ Chiffchaffs. 

Friday 19th September

A day of constant movement of hirundines with streams of House Martins and Swallows hawking low over the beaches at Worthing and Goring as well as Cissbury, Highdown and Patching Hill. Migrating Meadow Pipits, Swallows and House Martins were seen and heard high over an East Worthing garden with the odd Yellow Wagtail heard amongst them.  

Cissbury:  Five Sand Martins were noted amongst a steady passage of c500 Swallows and c150 House Martins, whilst 50+ Meadow Pipits and 10+ Linnets also headed south. Grounded migrants were limited to Spotted Flycatchers (3), Chiffchaff (12), Blackcap (4) and Common Whitethroat (3). 

Patching Hill: In addition to a constant stream of Swallows and House Martins four Spotted Flycatchers were present in the afternoon. 

 Saturday 20th September

Cissbury: On the Downs between the Ring and Steyning Round Hill were a Hobby, Redstart, Whinchat (5)  and large numbers of phylloscs warblers. 

Sunday 21st September

Cissbury: Smaller numbers of hirundines today but other overhead migrants included Siskin (8w), Crossbill ( 5w), Meadow Pipits (40), whilst the only grounded migrants were Redstarts (2), Blackcap (2), Common Whitethroat, and a Spotted Flycatcher.  Ravens have been ever present this autumn but a tumbling family group of six were noteworthy. 

Highdown: An excellent morning on Highdown with Chiffchaff (25), Blackcap (15), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Whitethroat (3), Spotted Flycatchers (3) and a Pied Flycatcher in the small clump adjacent to Miller’s Tomb, Firecrest, Redstart, Stonechat (6) and Wheatear (2). A good selection of raptors with Sparrowhawk, Hobby and Peregrine, with Sand Martin (20), Swallow (60), House Martin (180) overhead as well as Meadow Pipits (45) and Siskin (12).

Lancing Ring: Whinchat (3) on  west side and several Siskin overhead.

Goring / Ferring

A Hobby went east over Goring on Wednesday 17th whilst the same day three Common Sandpipers were present at Patching Pond before flying south.

Early morning on Friday 19th September saw hundreds of Swallows flying out to sea at Goring Gap with smaller numbers of House Martins and Meadow Pipits, whilst overhead were Siskin (9e), Grey Wagtail (2e). On the beach were a Wheatear, Ringed Plover (27), Turnstones (c55), Oystercatchers (24), Dunlins (2) and singles of Bar-tailed Godwit and Curlew flew east. 

8th -14th September

The second week of the month began with warm settled weather but ended with another spell of south westerly gales. Excellent numbers of common migrants were recorded on the Downs with the first big pulse of hirundines heading south. 

Undoubtedly the weekly highlights were the seven Glossy Ibis seen flying west over Angmering Station mid morning  on 8th, whilst an Osprey flew south the same day over East Worthing.

Monday 8th September

Patching Hill : Four Redstarts (including 2 males) and just a single Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcaps (c20) and Whitethroats (c10)

Worthing Golf Course ; Spotted Flycatchers (10+), a single Redstart & Reed Warbler along the northern edge of course from track heading east from Findon Valley.

Cissbury ; Spotted Flycatchers (15+) early morning though they quickly moved through with only 3-4 seen later in day. Also Redstarts (3), Wheatear (3), Blackcaps (20+) and a flyover Tree Pipit and 100+ Swallows moving east over the south side.

Steyning Round Hill ; Redstart (3), Spotted Flycatchers (3) and Whitethroat (2). 

Tuesday 9th September

Cissbury: A constant movement of hirundines early morning along the northern escarpment with 700+ House Martins, 100 Swallows and three Swifts! Grounded migrants included Spotted Flycatchers (13), Redstarts (6) though again they quickly moved on, Blackcaps (10), Willow Warblers (6), Whitethroats (10) and Lesser Whitethroat (3). 

Findon Gallops : Redstarts (2) and a Lesser Whitethroat. 

Monarch’s Way: Yellow Wagtails (40)  in fields with cattle, Wheatear (3) and Whinchat (2) in the dip north of Cissbury.

Steyning Round Hill: Redstart (6), Spotted Flycatchers (3) a few Blackcaps, Whitethroat and Chiffchaffs and a constant eastbound stream of Hirundines overhead.

Thursday 11th September

Cissbury: After the morning rain cleared a fall of common migrants included Spotted Flycatchers (15), Redstarts (10), Blackcaps (20) and Chiffchaffs (40). 

Friday 12th September

Steyning Round Hill: Only birds of note were singles of Wheatear, Whinchat, and Redstart.

Cissbury: Numbers of migrants continued to impress with Spotted Flycatchers (25), Redstart (8), Tree Pipits (2s), Yellow Wagtail (1s), Marsh Tit, Siskin (10), Blackcaps(15), Whitethroats (5) and Chiffchaffs (50+).  

Sunday 14th September

Cissbury: Spotted Flycatchers (10), Redstarts (2), Tree Pipits (3s), Chiffchaffs (80+), Blackcaps (10), and Whitethroats (10) plus a handful of Swallows and House Martins,  

1st - 7th September

Well the unbroken sunshine had to end sometime and the start of September really was a mixed  bag weather wise with near gale force south westerly winds and heavy rain  at the start of the month but plenty of sunshine in between. 

The Downs

A Hobby was seen over Sompting on 1st whilst the following day Tree Pipit (1), Redstarts (5), Blackcaps (5), Chiffchaffs (15) and Swallows (20) were seen on Cissbury before rain set in. 

There was good coverage across the Downs on Friday 5th September with the highlight being a Pied Flycatcher on Highdown Hill along with good variety of common migrants including Spotted Flycatchers (8), Redstart (2), Tree Pipit (6s), Wheatear, Whitethroat (12). Lesser Whitethroat (1), 15 Blackcap (15), Grey Wagtails (1e, 1w)  and three Egyptian Geese, which flew very high east over the top of the hill.

The same day Cissbury recorded Tree Pipit (1s),  Spotted Flycatcher (8),  Wheatear (7), Redstart (3) and single Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat with a Hobby and House Martins (12e) overhead. 

On the 6th September Steyning Round Hill produced Spotted Flycatchers (8+) along the fenceline and dead Ash trees, as well as Redstart (3), Wheatear (2),  Whinchat (2), Blackcap (6), Whitethroat (4) and a calling Curlew flying south. 

The same day Lychpole Bottom had another five Spotted Flycatchers with another two at the Downs Barn, but strangely none on Cissbury which could only muster Redstart, Wheatears (2), Blackcaps (9) and a single Sand Martin heading south with Swallows (30+).  

Stonechats (10+) and Redstarts (2) were also recorded from Nepcote Gallops that afternoon.

Brooklands

Two Yellow-legged and three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Brooklands on 2nd September.

Goring Gap/ Ferring

A single Swift flew west over Ferring Rife on 2nd September. 

An early morning check of the beach  found four Wheatears on Friday 5th September as well as counts of Ringed Plovers (29), Oystercatchers (23), Turnstones (77) and a single Common Sandpiper. Overhead migrants included a good total of  Grey Wagtail (23w) and Yellow Wagtail (19w). 

Wheatear Goring (Ralph Simpson)

September Gales

Autumn Seawatching

Autumn seawatching on the Sussex coast is hard work and despite the south westerly gales pushing 500+Balearic Shearwaters and several Grey Phalaropes and Sabines Gulls into Sussex waters, these eagerly awaited goodies failed to materialise in-front of our brave sea watchers.

1st - 3rd September

A Little Gull was seen heading west past Widewater on the 1st, ahead of the gales which hit our coast on the 3rd September. 50 mph south westerly winds raised hopes for a few fool hardy observers, positioned along the seafront at Marine Gardens, Brougham Road and Widewater,  and although heavy squalls and poor visibility hampered things, 100+ Gannets heading west close in were impressive. 

The combined observations  added Fulmar (2w) , Common Tern (2w) and a juvenile Kittiwake (1w) and a frustratingly brief Storm Petrel sp. past Brougham Rd.

13th - 17th  September

Another strong south westerly blow battered our coast over the 14th-15th September, which pushed record numbers of Balearic Shearwaters into Sussex waters. Once again our intrepid sea watchers sought refuge behind various beach huts and shelters as the wind gusted to over 50mph. 

On Saturday 13th despite the reports of over 100 Balearics west past Selsey only Gannets (6w) and a Shag were seen off Worthing beach this morning. 

Another sea watch on Sunday 14th from Marine Gardens between 1350-1530 only produced Gannets (20+), Common Scoter (3e), Sandwich Tern (c10e) , Commic Terns (c15e) whilst Ringed Plover (5e) flew along shoreline and Razorbill (3) landed on the sea. 

The gale peaked on Monday 15th  resulting in a steady flow of Gannet and frustrating records of two distant shearwater sp. off Marine Gardens and a probable Balearic Shearwater west past Goring Beach along with two Arctic Skuas.  

A vigil from Brougham Road on Wednesday 17th after the winds had subsided recorded Gannet (165w) of which 70 were all dark juveniles, Sandwich Tern (4w) and Common Scoter (19w). 

Round up - 16th - 31st August

 The Downs

Sorry for the late posting but the last two weeks of August have been far too good to be sat at home working on the computer. Warm sunshine, blue skies and light easterlies have meant there was plenty of coverage of the high ground from Beeding & Mill Hill, Steyning Round Hill, Cissbury and Highdown and all points in between. This has resulted in good daily counts of all our common migrants with those lucky enough to have the time enjoying multiple Redstarts, Whinchats, Wheatears, Spotted Flycatchers and the regular Warblers.

Highlights

Three Wrynecks in the Cissbury / Monarch’s Way area between 17/8 & 28/8 is worthy of its own separate post.

The only Pied Flycatchers of the month were seen briefly on Cissbury and west of Steyning on 25/8 but unfortunately neither lingered. A Reed Warbler was at Highdown on 17/8 and Cissbury on 31/8, whilst Crossbill was seen on Cissbury on 22/8.

Raptors included a lingering Marsh Harrier seen over Farmers Memorial, Steyning Round Hill on 24/8 and again north of Cissbury on 29/8, whilst Hobbies were recorded over Highdown, Cissbury, Findon Gallops, Sompting and Monarch’s Way.

                                                      Whinchat Cissbury (Nick Oliver)

To give a flavour of the numbers of migrants, coverage by multiple observers across our area on Friday 22nd August produced a conservative combined total of Redstarts (13), Whinchats (28), Wheatear (36), Spotted Flycatchers (18), Yellow Wagtails (16) as well as Lesser Whitethroats (6), Garden Warblers (3) and many Willow Warblers and Blackcaps.

                                                  Spotted Flycatcher - Cissbury (Nick Oliver)

Whinchats - small groups daily with peak counts from Monarchs Way (9) on 24/8, Steyning Round Hill (11) on 22/8 and Cissbury (5) on 31/8.

Wheatears - again present in small numbers with largest groups from Sompting (9) on 16/8 and Steyning Round Hill (15) on 28/8.

Redstarts -  daily with peak counts of Findon Gallops (5) on 17/8, Chanctonbury (6) on 22/8, Cissbury (8) on 28/8 and (7) on 31/8.

Spotted Flycatchers - present daily in small numbers with peak counts from Highdown (8) on 16/8 & 22/8 and Cissbury (10) on 16/8 & 28/8.

Yellow Wagtails - the first were reported from Highdown (7) and Monarch’s Way (20) on 17/8. Small numbers were seen daily until 25/8 when 40+ were with cows in fields north of Cissbury with a peak count of circa 150 on 31/8.

Tree Pipits - mostly recorded as fly overs with records from Durrington (3) on 22/8, Cissbury (4) 24/8 and singles 28/8 & 29/8, Lancing Ring (3) on 30/8.

                                                   Tree Pipit Lancing Ring ( Nick Bond)

                                                        Redstart - Cissbury ( Nick Oliver)

The Coast

Most of the action was from the Downs but Whinchat, Wheatear (2) and Spotted Flycatchers (2) were at Goring Gap on 16/8 and Swifts (8), Sand Martins (8) and Swallows (40) flew over Ferring on 18/8.

On 22/8 Wheatears (4), Whinchat (2) and Yellow Wagtails (8w,4e) were at Goring Gap with Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank (9), Dunlin (3) and Ringed Plover (26) on beach. Whilst on 23/8 there was a significant movement of Swallows (400e) a sure sign of the changing seasons as we move towards September. 

Wryneck Bonanza !

Strap in -  It’s been quite a period for Wrynecks in the Cissbury area over the last two weeks of August. This cryptically plumaged European woodpecker is much enjoyed by those lucky enough to catch up with them but can cause frustration for those trying to relocate typically elusive birds. 

                                                Wryneck - Monarch’s Way ( Matt Bowley) 

Wryneck are perhaps one of the most wanted self finds of the autumn being a scarce migrant, but one that turns up in small numbers each year. Encouraged by a good early run of common migrants Matt and Paul Bowley ventured up Cissbury on Sunday 17th August, and having already seen both male and female Redstart and two Spotted Flycatchers headed down Monarch’s Way to the area of set-a-side much favoured by Whinchats and Wheatears.

Much to his surprise Matt discovered a Wryneck sitting up amongst weeds and was composed enough to take some excellent photos. News was quickly circulated via the local WhatsApp groups and Matt and Paul were able to get other birders onto this furtive bird. True to form the bird then became typically elusive and disappeared for over 2 1/2 hours before finally popping up again in front of waiting birders including Matt’s brother, who had declined the chance to join them that morning.  It was seen again late afternoon and then finally just before sunset, but there was no sign the following day.

Remarkably a second Wryneck was seen briefly near the Rifle Butts on the south-east side of Cissbury on 20/8 but it couldn’t be relocated later in the day. Finally Nick Bond found yet another of these scarce migrants near the upper Cissbury car park on 28/8 amongst a fall of Spotted Flycatchers (10) and Redstarts (8) and other common migrants. Again it was typically elusive but did show later in the morning before going to ground once more.

Three separate Wrynecks across a 12 day period seems quite remarkable, and although it may be tempting to think these relate to just one bird the area is well covered on a near daily basis. As the birds were seen in three widely separated areas they almost certainly relate to three different arrivals. 

A fourth was seen briefly in private fields at Kingston Gorse on 31/8 but couldn’t be relocated.