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
