Goring Gap
A Osprey was seen coming off the sea heading north at 10.55am GM
I arrived at Goring Gap a few minutes after the Osprey which was extremely frustrating. There was little visible migration in the very cool conditions. However, I did log one Great Northern Diver, 1 Red throated Diver, 4 Gannets and a few Great Crested Grebes and Red breasted Mergansers.
Just as I was leaving I noticed a squabble with a Herring Gull and another bird. I got out of the car and focused on the bird to realise it was a migrating female Marsh Harrier! It passed overhead and did not sway from its due north migration route. It continued towards the downs until it disappeared from view. It was some compensation for missing the Osprey! RI
Nice to see a Red Kite over an urban area of Worthing. Seen squabbling with a carrion crow over the David Lloyd building at 13:00 PT
30th March 2018
GEORGE V AVENUE: Promising conditions came good this morning! A pair of Red-necked Grebes was on the sea before drifting east, only to be replaced by a pair of Black-necked Grebes then in turn a singleton! A Great Northern Diver crashed onto the sea and dived but couldn't be picked up again. Distantly towards the turbines, an immature Iceland Gull was feeding and was presumably the 2CY that has been visiting the Gap recently. A group of six Eiders went east, only to be followed by another group of seven which pitched down offshore for a while. Four Common Terns - the first of the year in the area - flew by, along with 25 Sandwich Terns. A 4CY Yellow-legged Gull flew in off the sea and over town. Common Scoters totalled 157 and two Shovelers went west but only one flock of Dark-bellied Brent Geese (18) went through. Thanks to a curious dog-walker, we were put onto a male Wheatear which had arrived on the beach. 15 Black-headed Gulls were in migration flight eastward. 30 Great Crested Grebes and 16 Red-breasted Mergansers were also noted, along with 24 Red-throated Divers, 37 Gannets and two Ringed Plovers; Grey Plover calls were heard. DKC/GDM/GJ/NB
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| Red-necked Grebes |
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| Black-necked Grebes |
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| 4CY Yellow-legged Gull |
29th March 2018
Goring Gap
The regular Iceland Gull dropped into the roost again at mid-day and a visiting birder noted that a 3rd cy bird had been present earlier before heading west (quite possibly the same bird that was seen earlier in Shoreham)
Other than that not alot, 16 Red-throated Diver, 20 BrentGeese , 10 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar moved offshore a few Meadow Pipits north. GM
A half-hour seawatch from George V Avenue first thing in the morning produced 23 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Common Scoters, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Red-throated Divers, four Gannets, two Great Crested Grebes and four Sandwich Terns DKC
The regular Iceland Gull dropped into the roost again at mid-day and a visiting birder noted that a 3rd cy bird had been present earlier before heading west (quite possibly the same bird that was seen earlier in Shoreham)
Other than that not alot, 16 Red-throated Diver, 20 BrentGeese , 10 Kittiwake, 2 Fulmar moved offshore a few Meadow Pipits north. GM
A half-hour seawatch from George V Avenue first thing in the morning produced 23 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Common Scoters, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Red-throated Divers, four Gannets, two Great Crested Grebes and four Sandwich Terns DKC
28th March 2018
GORING GAP
A brief call in at the Gap this morning to check the gulls drew a complete blank. Just as I was leaving 2 Mute Swans flew directly over the gap. GJ
Using Animal track, I have received data on some of the colour-ringed Sanderlings I recorded on the morning of the 26th. 3 are Farlington captured/ringed birds and a couple of Dutch ringed birds, our records being the first time they have been recorded in the UK according to the data below. Apologies for the quality of the screen shots but hopefully will be of interest to someone! NB
A brief call in at the Gap this morning to check the gulls drew a complete blank. Just as I was leaving 2 Mute Swans flew directly over the gap. GJ
Using Animal track, I have received data on some of the colour-ringed Sanderlings I recorded on the morning of the 26th. 3 are Farlington captured/ringed birds and a couple of Dutch ringed birds, our records being the first time they have been recorded in the UK according to the data below. Apologies for the quality of the screen shots but hopefully will be of interest to someone! NB
27th March 2018
Goring Gap
A damp morning with a gloomy outlook at the gap with poor visibility at sea meant most effort was spent on the land this morning. Upto 3 Firecrest's performed well by the pumping station including a cracking male bird. A Blackcap was singing and a Chiff-chaff was also feeding up in the area. Meadow Pipits were arriving in off and Skylarks were pairing up with at least 4 pairs seen. 2 Stock Doves, 7 Brent Geese east and 5 Mediterranean Gulls included 3 adults and 2 1st winters.
The early morning gull roost included 5 Greater black-backed Gulls and 2 Lesser black-backed Gulls, the birds soon departed west and only record shots in the gloom were obtained but was certainly an interesting individual NB/GM
The Iceland Gull arrived again into the fields just before mid-day and was still around mid-afternoon GM/GJ/NB/DM/BFF
A damp morning with a gloomy outlook at the gap with poor visibility at sea meant most effort was spent on the land this morning. Upto 3 Firecrest's performed well by the pumping station including a cracking male bird. A Blackcap was singing and a Chiff-chaff was also feeding up in the area. Meadow Pipits were arriving in off and Skylarks were pairing up with at least 4 pairs seen. 2 Stock Doves, 7 Brent Geese east and 5 Mediterranean Gulls included 3 adults and 2 1st winters.
The early morning gull roost included 5 Greater black-backed Gulls and 2 Lesser black-backed Gulls, the birds soon departed west and only record shots in the gloom were obtained but was certainly an interesting individual NB/GM
The Iceland Gull arrived again into the fields just before mid-day and was still around mid-afternoon GM/GJ/NB/DM/BFF
Firecrest - NB
Iceland Gull - 'coming for me' - NB
Iceland Gull - in northern fields - BFF
Lesser black-backed Gull - NB - this bird is thought to be a 'intermedius' bird
25th & 26th March 2018
Goring Gap
Late news for the 25th - four Canada Geese were briefly on the sea at the Gap at 0830 but flew off out to sea heading east. About 20 mins later they returned flying NW over the Gap! A smart male Wheatear was on the fence at the 'rough' field - CH
The Iceland Gull was seen again today at the gap, found in the roadside fields in the afternoon. GM/LH/MH
A check throughout the morning produced very little in terms of passage on the sea but 62 Great-crested Grebes and 32 Red-breasted Mergansers were counted on the sea, whilst 143 Sanderling gathered on the beach (7 birds had coloured rings/flag combinations) which were all recorded and 21 Turnstone and just a single Ringed Plover remained. Local quality arrived in the form of 3 Ravens which flew east over the beach, the fine weather brought out the plane/drone flyers en-masse so the roosts yet again never got going on the fields. NB
The warm spring sunshine was enjoyed by the raptors with 3 Common Buzzards and a Red Kite over the Salvington area and Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admirals were on the wing
Late news for the 25th - four Canada Geese were briefly on the sea at the Gap at 0830 but flew off out to sea heading east. About 20 mins later they returned flying NW over the Gap! A smart male Wheatear was on the fence at the 'rough' field - CH
The Iceland Gull was seen again today at the gap, found in the roadside fields in the afternoon. GM/LH/MH
A check throughout the morning produced very little in terms of passage on the sea but 62 Great-crested Grebes and 32 Red-breasted Mergansers were counted on the sea, whilst 143 Sanderling gathered on the beach (7 birds had coloured rings/flag combinations) which were all recorded and 21 Turnstone and just a single Ringed Plover remained. Local quality arrived in the form of 3 Ravens which flew east over the beach, the fine weather brought out the plane/drone flyers en-masse so the roosts yet again never got going on the fields. NB
The warm spring sunshine was enjoyed by the raptors with 3 Common Buzzards and a Red Kite over the Salvington area and Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admirals were on the wing
Ringed Plover and Sanderling at Goring Gap - (photos NB)
CISSBURY RING
An early morning walk around Cissbury Ring produced 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels and 1 Sparrowhawk. The arable fields held 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in with a mixed flock of Common and Black-headed Gulls. Also 2 Yellowhammers were seen as well as a Chiffchaff heard singing. 2 Brimstones were also on the wing and a lovely close view of a Hare. BDJ
24th March 2018
Goring Gap
The Iceland Gull was present again in the fields at Goring Gap (various sources)
There was little obvious movement this morning but a good variety of birds were resting on the sea for varying lengths of time, including 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Red-throated Divers, 6 Common Scoters, 9 Shovelers, 2 Wigeon, 16+ Great Crested Grebes and 15+ Red-Breasted Mergansers. 4 Pintail, 2 Wigeon, 6 Shelducks, 2 Curlews and a Black-tailed Godwit (my first here) flew east. 2 Sandwichn Terns, 1 Curlew and 2 Mute Swans flew west. Wader numbers appear to have reduced now although the usual species were present.
Keeping with the duck theme, a drake Mandarin touched down very briefly at Patching Pond before flying off again. Tufted Duck numbers have reduced to 2 from a high of 9 a week or so ago. RS
Along the Greensward from Ferring to Kingston and at 1215 a massive flock of some 600 Brent Geese passed east followed a little later by another 130. I gather they were later seen passing Seaford. Also a Wheatear on the beach there CH
Along the Greensward from Ferring to Kingston and at 1215 a massive flock of some 600 Brent Geese passed east followed a little later by another 130. I gather they were later seen passing Seaford. Also a Wheatear on the beach there CH
23rd March 2018
GORING GAP
Another fresh spring morning at the gap, the Iceland Gull was around for the morning settling in the north fields and allowing several birders to catch up with it, DKC's bread was very popular and afforded excellent flight views in decent light. Whilst watching the Iceland Gull, a couple of noteable sightings included the first Willow Warbler of the year, breaking into song half-heartedly, but hanging around in the two exposed bushes at the north end. A Red-legged Partridge was also seen in the north fields as was a fly-over Rook and a Red Kite was further north towards Ilex Way.
A couple other birders reported a brighter/different Iceland Gull which flew west (possible the Selsey bird) but were unable to re-locate. At least 5 Skylarks were in the area including 4 birds together and a Green Woodpecker was active. NB/GJ/DKC
Another sign of spring was a male Blackcap that was in sub-song in Rogate Road, Worthing NB
Another fresh spring morning at the gap, the Iceland Gull was around for the morning settling in the north fields and allowing several birders to catch up with it, DKC's bread was very popular and afforded excellent flight views in decent light. Whilst watching the Iceland Gull, a couple of noteable sightings included the first Willow Warbler of the year, breaking into song half-heartedly, but hanging around in the two exposed bushes at the north end. A Red-legged Partridge was also seen in the north fields as was a fly-over Rook and a Red Kite was further north towards Ilex Way.
A couple other birders reported a brighter/different Iceland Gull which flew west (possible the Selsey bird) but were unable to re-locate. At least 5 Skylarks were in the area including 4 birds together and a Green Woodpecker was active. NB/GJ/DKC
Iceland Gull in flight and the first Willow Warbler of the year at the gap (photos NB)
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| Record shot of Red-legged Partridge today in Northern fields - Goring Gap (photo GJ) |
Another sign of spring was a male Blackcap that was in sub-song in Rogate Road, Worthing NB
22nd March 2018
WEST WORTHING: The Firecrest was still on Boundary Road, along with a male Blackcap and a Coal Tit. DKC
GORING: Four Mediterranean Gulls (including a 3CY) were at the Gap NB. A brief seawatch from George V Avenue yielded just two Sandwich Terns, three Red-breasted Mergansers, a Kittiwake, three Great Crested Grebes, a Red-throated Diver, a Kittiwake and a Gannet. DKC
GORING: Four Mediterranean Gulls (including a 3CY) were at the Gap NB. A brief seawatch from George V Avenue yielded just two Sandwich Terns, three Red-breasted Mergansers, a Kittiwake, three Great Crested Grebes, a Red-throated Diver, a Kittiwake and a Gannet. DKC
21st March 2018
GORING GAP: The 2CY Iceland Gull was showing nicely again, this time in the northern fields and coming in to chips thrown by unwitting passers by. Eight Mediterranean Gulls (including a 2CY and two 3CYS) were also around and some were quite vocal. A Jackdaw flew over and a Goldcrest was in one of the gardens. Three Skylarks were in the fields. Singles of Grey Plover and Ringed Plover in the roost field were the only waders logged. A Buzzard was over the hills to the north and stuff offshore in a quick look included a Red-throated Diver, five Great Crested Grebes, four Red-breasted Mergansers, three Gannets, four Sandwich Terns and a Kittiwake. DKC
WEST WORTHING: The Firecrest was still in a private garden on Boundary Road.
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| 2CY Iceland Gull |
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| 2CY Iceland Gull |
WEST WORTHING: The Firecrest was still in a private garden on Boundary Road.
20th March 2018
GORING GAP
We have been searching hard for Slavonian Grebe on the sea so it was a delight to finally clock one distantly offshore this morning. 54 Red-breasted Mergansers, 32 Great Crested Grebes and a Kittiwake were also offshore and nine Sandwich Terns were around. Seven Mediterranean Gulls (including single 2CY and 3CY) were in the fields. A new male Wheatear flew along the beach and while the northern fields continued to host the previous bird. Waders included eight Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, nine Grey Plovers and 22 Sanderlings. Two Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks, a Redwing, a Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk were also logged.
FERRING RIFE
A walk along the rife today produced 2 Little Egrets, a single Reed Bunting and 3 flyover Golden Plovers. GJ
per SOS page: Firecrest on east side of Ferring Rife flitting about in bushes and a ditch which backs onto houses about 200m South of the footbridge. Steve Lee
WORTHING A Firecrest was in a private garden on Boundary Road DKC
We have been searching hard for Slavonian Grebe on the sea so it was a delight to finally clock one distantly offshore this morning. 54 Red-breasted Mergansers, 32 Great Crested Grebes and a Kittiwake were also offshore and nine Sandwich Terns were around. Seven Mediterranean Gulls (including single 2CY and 3CY) were in the fields. A new male Wheatear flew along the beach and while the northern fields continued to host the previous bird. Waders included eight Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, nine Grey Plovers and 22 Sanderlings. Two Meadow Pipits, four Skylarks, a Redwing, a Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk were also logged.
2CY Mediterranean Gull - Photo NB
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| Sandwich Terns DKC |
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| 2CY Buzzard DKC |
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| Mediterranean Gulls (3CY and 2 adults) with Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gull DKC |
FERRING RIFE
A walk along the rife today produced 2 Little Egrets, a single Reed Bunting and 3 flyover Golden Plovers. GJ
per SOS page: Firecrest on east side of Ferring Rife flitting about in bushes and a ditch which backs onto houses about 200m South of the footbridge. Steve Lee
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| 1 of the 2 Little Egrets at Ferring Rife this morning. Photo by GJ |
WORTHING A Firecrest was in a private garden on Boundary Road DKC
19th March 2018
GORING GAP
The highlight once again today was the reappearance of the 1w Iceland Gull it was picked up in the roost at 12.30pm by GJ. The news was put out yet again and the bird attracted a steady stream of local birders and was still present at 2.20pm.
Please follow @worthingbirding on twitter for updates and tag us with any of your sightings
Also at the gap today a single male Wheatear was on the north fields and upto 4 Sandwich Terns were seen and on ocassions joining the gull roost. 31 Grey Plover and small numbers of Sanderling and Dunlin were still around. 1 Stonechat was in the rough field and a Mistle Thrush and Redwing were near the middle plantation. Mediterranean Gulls were still around but were mainly offshore today on the sea NB
20 Golden Plovers in the fields west of the rife this morning at 09.57am towards Kingston Gorse. Later a Red Kite drifted North over the rife at 11.35am. Mid-afternoon the numbers of Golden Plover had increased to c60 whilst there were 2 Little Egrets in the horse paddocks at the Northern end of the rife and a Sparrowhawk which flew over the the fields to the West before perching in an elder bush near the ruins of the old farm building. A Common Buzzard was also seen drifting North over the same fields and a Kestrel was hunting. Late afternoon 20 Golden Plovers flew over the Rife. A Snipe was seen. CH/GJ/BDJ/DKC
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK
The single Avocet was still present this morning at the Southern end of the lake until 10.20am when it flew out to sea. It is thought that this is the first record of Avocet at Brooklands Pleasure Park so somewhat of a site Mega! There was also 9 Teal and a Grey Wagtail on site, please note that there is currently a lot of disturbance on site due to re-construction of the lake so early morning visits are advised especially on weekdays . NB/SS
WORTHING A single Chiffchaff was calling in Ashacre Way - Worthing this afternoon NB
The highlight once again today was the reappearance of the 1w Iceland Gull it was picked up in the roost at 12.30pm by GJ. The news was put out yet again and the bird attracted a steady stream of local birders and was still present at 2.20pm.
Please follow @worthingbirding on twitter for updates and tag us with any of your sightings
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| 1w Iceland Gull at Goring Gap today (19/03/18) by GJ Video clip of the Iceland Gull at Goring today NB |
Spring arrivals in the snow - Wheatear and Sandwich Terns sheltering in the bracing conditions today! photos NB
FERRING RIFE
20 Golden Plovers in the fields west of the rife this morning at 09.57am towards Kingston Gorse. Later a Red Kite drifted North over the rife at 11.35am. Mid-afternoon the numbers of Golden Plover had increased to c60 whilst there were 2 Little Egrets in the horse paddocks at the Northern end of the rife and a Sparrowhawk which flew over the the fields to the West before perching in an elder bush near the ruins of the old farm building. A Common Buzzard was also seen drifting North over the same fields and a Kestrel was hunting. Late afternoon 20 Golden Plovers flew over the Rife. A Snipe was seen. CH/GJ/BDJ/DKC
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| Record shot of Golden Plovers in fields to West of Ferring Rife today (19/03/18) by GJ |
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK
The single Avocet was still present this morning at the Southern end of the lake until 10.20am when it flew out to sea. It is thought that this is the first record of Avocet at Brooklands Pleasure Park so somewhat of a site Mega! There was also 9 Teal and a Grey Wagtail on site, please note that there is currently a lot of disturbance on site due to re-construction of the lake so early morning visits are advised especially on weekdays . NB/SS
WORTHING A single Chiffchaff was calling in Ashacre Way - Worthing this afternoon NB
18th March 2018
GORING GAP
The highlight today was the reappearance of the 1w Iceland Gull after a 4 day absence. It was picked up by NB at 15.30pm. The bird hung around for around 30 minutes before heading back out to sea, a very similar performance to when it first showed up last Wednesday (14/03). A single Northern Wheatear was also seen on the concrete blocks in the Northern fields around the same time as the Iceland Gull. NB/GJ
A few other reports included a Sandwich Tern amongst 50+ Common Gulls, whist out at sea there were 4 Gannets, 1 Great Crested Grebe and a single Red-breasted Merganser. Later around high tide there were 3 Sandwich Terns, 3 Mediterranean Gulls amongst c700 Common Gulls in the Eastern field. Waders in the Western field were a Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Grey Plovers and 3 Golden Plovers. Mid-afternoon the Sandwich Terns had increased to 14 and there were 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. RI/GJ/PJ/RS
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK
A single Avocet and 3 Dunlin were present at 15.30pm. BDJ/PJ
PATCHING
A single Red Kite over the A27 by the Red Fox pub at 07.42am PJ/GJ
The highlight today was the reappearance of the 1w Iceland Gull after a 4 day absence. It was picked up by NB at 15.30pm. The bird hung around for around 30 minutes before heading back out to sea, a very similar performance to when it first showed up last Wednesday (14/03). A single Northern Wheatear was also seen on the concrete blocks in the Northern fields around the same time as the Iceland Gull. NB/GJ
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| Record shot of 1w Iceland Gull by GJ |
A few other reports included a Sandwich Tern amongst 50+ Common Gulls, whist out at sea there were 4 Gannets, 1 Great Crested Grebe and a single Red-breasted Merganser. Later around high tide there were 3 Sandwich Terns, 3 Mediterranean Gulls amongst c700 Common Gulls in the Eastern field. Waders in the Western field were a Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Grey Plovers and 3 Golden Plovers. Mid-afternoon the Sandwich Terns had increased to 14 and there were 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. RI/GJ/PJ/RS
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK
A single Avocet and 3 Dunlin were present at 15.30pm. BDJ/PJ
PATCHING
A single Red Kite over the A27 by the Red Fox pub at 07.42am PJ/GJ
17th March 2018
WORTHING BEACH
A short seawatch between 08.00-08.15am produced a Black-throated Diver E, 2 Common Scoter were offshore along with 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 10 Great Crested Grebes. RI
15th March 2018
GORING: Combined totals from two short and relatively slow seawatches off George V Avenue included 26 Red-throated Divers, three Shelducks, three Sandwich Terns, two Shovelers, 14 Common Scoters, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Curlew, 32 Red-breasted Mergansers, seven Gannets, seven Kittiwakes, three Mediterranean Gulls (including a 3CY), a Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Great Crested Grebes. Small numbers of waders around included 22 Sanderlings and - particularly unusually - six Oystercatchers in the roost field, along with a handful of Grey Plover, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. A Buzzard was seen. A Small Tortoiseshell was on the wing. DKC/GJ
FERRING RIFE hosted our first spring migrant Chiffchaff of the year as it sang from a blossom tree. A Red Kite and four Buzzards soared to the north and other birds noted included two Mallards, two Pheasants, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, four Moorhens, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Goldcrest (few and far between of late), two Meadow Pipits and a female Reed Bunting. Singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone were flying. DKC/GJ
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| Oystercatchers (DKC) |
FERRING RIFE hosted our first spring migrant Chiffchaff of the year as it sang from a blossom tree. A Red Kite and four Buzzards soared to the north and other birds noted included two Mallards, two Pheasants, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, four Moorhens, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Goldcrest (few and far between of late), two Meadow Pipits and a female Reed Bunting. Singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone were flying. DKC/GJ
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| Buzzard (DKC) |
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| Small Tortoiseshell (DKC) |
14th March 2018
GORING GAP: A fruitful seawatch from George V Avenue produced an immature Iceland Gull, a flock of six Avocets, two Sandwich Terns, a Shelduck, two Pintails, 44 Common Scoters, 13 Shovelers, four Teal, 279 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 Great Crested Grebes, two Fulmars, 12 Kittiwakes, three Curlews and 18 Red-throated Divers. Presumably the same Iceland Gull - ageable as a juvenile - was then in the roost field early afternoon, where it was joined by another two Sandwich Terns. Seven Mediterranean Gulls in the fields included a 2CY and a 3CY. The high tide wader roosted didn't materialise but 21 Sanderlings were logged. A Mistle Thrush was in the Plantation and 12 Meadow Pipits and three Skylarks were noted. DKC/GJ/NB/GDM
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| 2CY Iceland Gull |
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| 2CY Iceland Gull |
13th March
Ferring - St.Andrew's Church
A phonecall this afternoon from CH announcing he had found a stunning male Black Redstart in the churchyard of St.Andrews church. The bird performed well in the afternoon sunshine and was heard calling on several occassions. Please stick to paths if visiting the churchard which is open to the public NB/GJ - phots NB
Goring Gap
A beautiful spring morning at the gap, with the temperature kept in check with a chilly north-westerly. It was with little surprise there was not a lot moving offshore. Good number of Great Crested Grebes remained whilst small number of Red-breasted Mergansers were getting flighty with 6 west and 4 east, but the surprise was a stunning drake Goosander that made its way west very close inshore just after 9am. Only 1 Red-throated Diver was logged east but I soon gave up to concentrate on the land.
Mediterranean Gulls were still about in number including a 2nd winter and 1st winter bird. Common Gulls were more numerous today too and just the 1 Lesser-black-backed Gull.
Only 1 Grey Plover resided the fields at high tide.
The land produced a drumming Great-spotted Woodpecker in the plantation, the biggest surprise was 2 Mistle Thrushes feeding on the middle plantations edge with a Song Thrush and a single Redwing. 3 Stonechats were in their usual haunts and Greenfinch's were very active today with at least 10 birds in the area with 1 pair displaying by the pump house, encouraging considering how their numbers have crashed in recent years. 2 Sparrowhawk were observed to the north of the gap and Skylark numbers were upto 12 in the surrounding fields NB
A phonecall this afternoon from CH announcing he had found a stunning male Black Redstart in the churchyard of St.Andrews church. The bird performed well in the afternoon sunshine and was heard calling on several occassions. Please stick to paths if visiting the churchard which is open to the public NB/GJ - phots NB
Goring Gap
A beautiful spring morning at the gap, with the temperature kept in check with a chilly north-westerly. It was with little surprise there was not a lot moving offshore. Good number of Great Crested Grebes remained whilst small number of Red-breasted Mergansers were getting flighty with 6 west and 4 east, but the surprise was a stunning drake Goosander that made its way west very close inshore just after 9am. Only 1 Red-throated Diver was logged east but I soon gave up to concentrate on the land.
Mediterranean Gulls were still about in number including a 2nd winter and 1st winter bird. Common Gulls were more numerous today too and just the 1 Lesser-black-backed Gull.
Only 1 Grey Plover resided the fields at high tide.
The land produced a drumming Great-spotted Woodpecker in the plantation, the biggest surprise was 2 Mistle Thrushes feeding on the middle plantations edge with a Song Thrush and a single Redwing. 3 Stonechats were in their usual haunts and Greenfinch's were very active today with at least 10 birds in the area with 1 pair displaying by the pump house, encouraging considering how their numbers have crashed in recent years. 2 Sparrowhawk were observed to the north of the gap and Skylark numbers were upto 12 in the surrounding fields NB
Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Stonechat and Greenfinch all at Goring Gap this morning (photo's NB)
At 12.20pm in the gull roost there were 38 Black-headed Gulls, 16 Herring Gulls, 19 Common Gulls and 3 Mediterranean Gulls (1 adult and 2x2w). Also a pair of Stonechats were along the hard standing track towards the pumping station. Later at 17.40pm there were c500 Common Gulls roosting in the most western field aswell as 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls. GJ
Central Worthing
News has reached us of a Black Redstart that has been residing a garden in central Worthing for at least 2 months. Thanks to Dawn and Jim for letting us use their photo for the blog and wish for the exact location to be witheld. The observers suspect that there is another bird around. This ties in with a recent sighting and report from Worthing Hospital.
Black Redstart - Central Worthing - Dawn and Jim
Patching Pond:
A quick stop at 11.20am produced 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Coot and 1 Great Crested Grebe. GJ
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