September 30th 2018
WEST WORTHING: Garden vismig produced 16 Siskins, two Grey Wagtails, a Pied Wagtail, 20 Swallows and 42 Meadow Pipits. Perhaps most notable of all, however, were four migrant Rooks overhead. Around the garden were singles of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Jay. DKC
September 26th 2018
GORING GAP : Hirundines were the feature again today with swarms of House Martin's and Swallows around, again very difficult to count with most feeding up across the fields and heading south to the beach when they would then head east. At a guestimate would say there was 4,000 + House Martin and 1,000+ Swallows. Birds were moving through all morning and tailed off somewhat after 11am. In the rough fields of the south east corner upto 4 Stonechats were joined by 2-3 Whinchats, all enjoying the autumn sunshine actively feeding up. Only 2 Siskin were noted east as was 2 Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipits were mostly moving south. 4 Skylarks were around the fields and a single Willow Warbler popped up before flying strongly south west. Still a few Chiffchaffs around, a single Sandwich Tern was in the roost field and another 2 flew east. A Raven was seen over the north fields. NB/GJ
Top - bottom Swallow, Whinchat, Swallow/House Martin flocks - All Pics NB
September 25th 2018
GORING GAP: Another fine morning and a similar theme to yesterday with thousands of House Martins (4,500+) filling the skies but a noticeable increase in Swallow numbers (400+). A young Hobby was seen over the eastern most fields briefly chasing a hirundine breakfast before slipping off east. Other birds included a Whinchat that was associating with 3 Stonechat all favouring the rough field next to the dead-end road on the eastern side, a fall of Chiffchaffs was also noted with c 20 birds seen and heard. Overhead movement included 123 Meadow Pipits, 28 Siskins, five Grey Wagtails, 23 Pied Wagtails, four Yellow Wagtails, 4,500+ House Martins, 850+ Swallows, six Skylarks (nine were also in the fields) and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. A Common Buzzard caused some commotion with the local gull and corvid population while another appeared in the distance and 5 Linnets dropped in before heading off north. A Common Snipe flew over, whilst Common Tern and 3 Shelduck were oddities in the beach area. Also on the beach was a Grey Heron. The Treecreeper was in the Plantation and nine Mediterranean Gulls were around. DKC/NB
A quick call into the Gap at 15:00 produced 2 Spotted Flycatchers and c5 Willow Warblers in the holm oak plantation bordering the dumped potato field. The rough field held 2-3 Stonechat and a single Whinchat. GJ
A quick call into the Gap at 15:00 produced 2 Spotted Flycatchers and c5 Willow Warblers in the holm oak plantation bordering the dumped potato field. The rough field held 2-3 Stonechat and a single Whinchat. GJ
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| 1 of 2 Spotted Flycatcher at Goring Gap GJ |
September 24th 2018
GORING GAP: A nice clear September morning produced a Osprey that was first picked up coming off the downs and started gaining height and thermaling south-west before heading off eventually east approx a mile inland. 6 Golden Plover were also picked up coming from the downs direction but these flew south east and over the southern most plantation. There was huge numbers of House Martins moving through and a conservative count of 2,000 birds will probably not do the actual number any justice as were moving along the beach aswell as north as far as the downs, not many Swallows, but a few Sand Martin were around. Good number of Meadow Pipits were on the move with most heading NW and some settling in the stubble fields. Other raptors were represented with a female Sparrowhawk and 3 Common Buzzards were up again over the northern end. 2 Raven went over north west and a couple of Siskin went east. 3 Skylark were noted and 2 Stonechat were in the rough field NB
September 23rd 2018
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Highlights included two Kingfishers, four Teal, a Grey Wagtail, three Sand Martins, 90 Swallows, a Little Grebe and a Swallow. DKC
GORING GAP: Overhead movement in a short visit around midday included 524 House Martins, 43 Meadow Pipits and two Swallows. Five Wheatears were along the beach and a Chiffchaff, a Skylark, three Sandwich Terns and two Common Gulls were noted. A Gannet flew past. DKC
GORING GAP: Overhead movement in a short visit around midday included 524 House Martins, 43 Meadow Pipits and two Swallows. Five Wheatears were along the beach and a Chiffchaff, a Skylark, three Sandwich Terns and two Common Gulls were noted. A Gannet flew past. DKC
September 22nd 2018
GORING GAP: I counted over 780 Meadow Pipits flying west over the beach this morning, although the actual number was far higher as birds were also moving over the fields further inland. Other birds flying over west were 1 Yellow Wagtail , 1 Grey Wagtail and a trickle of hirundines including at least 1 Sand Martin. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers (early?) on the sea flew off west. 1 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Brent Goose, 1 Common Scoter and 11 Sandwich Terns flew west. 5 more Sandwich Terns remained offshore. A Wheatear was on the beach and a Stonechat was in the weedy field. The usual waders were on the beach. RS
September 18th 2018
BROOKLANDS PARK: A quick look around the stream and lake in blustery conditions produced a few good sightings for the area. 7 Teal were on the lake as were 2 Little Egrets, a Common Gull was the only oddity amongst the gull roost and a Turnstone flew bizzarely south across the lake heading for the beach! 17 House Martins moved through overhead and just a single Little Grebe noted. In the sheltered spots, several Chiffchaffs were seen and heard as was a single male Blackcap. 2 Kingfisher were in the stream area as was a Grey Wagtail.
Interesting to note that most of the works here now look complete and the fencing that surrounded the lake has now been removed and a new boardwalk has been opened. Gulls are using one of the islands to roost on....will be worth keeping an eye on in the winter months NB
Interesting to note that most of the works here now look complete and the fencing that surrounded the lake has now been removed and a new boardwalk has been opened. Gulls are using one of the islands to roost on....will be worth keeping an eye on in the winter months NB
September 14th 2018
An adult Knot on the beach was a nice surprise at GORING GAP this morning, and further inspired hope of a 'different' wader pitching up here, in the wake of the other day's Barwit. Other waders today included 72 Ringed Plovers (about a dozen of which were tundrae types), a Redshank, 57 Turnstones, 14 Oystercatchers, a Dunlin and 14 Sanderlings (two juveniles). A Shelduck floated around offshore. Grounded migrants included my first Gap Reed Bunting, singles of Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, seven Wheatears and three Blackcaps. Chiffchaff movement had evidently picked up, with 17 grounded birds scattered around the site. Movement overhead included a Tree Pipit, 11 Grey Wagtails, 35 Yellow Wagtails, six Pied Wagtails, 91 Meadow Pipits, 84 Swallows and four House Martins. A Song Thrush was the first I'd seen in a while, a Goldcrest was in the Plantation and two Sparrowhawks - male and female - were seen together. Four Sandwich Terns joined the high tide roost. Mediterranean Gull and Common Gull both numbered six. Two Gannets and 19 Cormorants were offshore. DKC
Along FERRING RIFE I enjoyed watching a group of Magpies play chase with a juvenile male Sparrowhawk. A Willow Warbler was present, along with seven Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap. Five Meadow Pipits flew over and a Grey Wagtail was feeding. A Linnet and a Grey Heron were among other birds noted. DKC
An hour-long seawatch from GEORGE V AVENUE late afternoon produced two Sand Martins and three Swallows moving offshore, but otherwise just nine Gannets, a Sandwich Tern and three Mediterranean Gulls (which may have been some of those from earlier). DKC
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| Knot on the beach at Goring Gap DKC |
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| Wheatear at Goring Gap DKC |
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| Spotted Flycatcher at Goring Gap DKC |
Along FERRING RIFE I enjoyed watching a group of Magpies play chase with a juvenile male Sparrowhawk. A Willow Warbler was present, along with seven Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap. Five Meadow Pipits flew over and a Grey Wagtail was feeding. A Linnet and a Grey Heron were among other birds noted. DKC
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| Grey Heron at Ferring Rife DKC |
An hour-long seawatch from GEORGE V AVENUE late afternoon produced two Sand Martins and three Swallows moving offshore, but otherwise just nine Gannets, a Sandwich Tern and three Mediterranean Gulls (which may have been some of those from earlier). DKC
September 13th 2018
GORING GAP: A pleasant autumn morning at the gap with plenty of sunshine on offer and little breeze. Managed to squeeze an hour in just after 9am, and was soon evident that birds were on the move over-head as with yesterday. Whilst scanning a flock of Swallows moving through low over the middle fields a dove whizzed by and grabbed my attention, I was soon watching my first 'patch' Turtle Dove and this bird was on a mission flying fast east and over the top end of the middle plantation. Shortly after a late Swift was picked up over the pumping station and soon moved through. Most Swallows and House Martins were feeding up as they moved through, but there were far less House Martins than yesterday, 6 Sand Martins were also observed. Meadow Pipits were strangely moving overhead in a NNW direction and 87 were counted. 17 Yellow Wagtails were seen, but many more were heard but not seen, 1 Siskin, a Tree Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtails added moving through. Things had quietened down by the time I was leaving and wanted to explore more but my time was up, pleased with a patch first but pondering what moved through beforehand...NB
FINDON GALLOPS : Nice selection on Cissbury / Findon Gallops this morning. 4 Wheatear/ 1 Whinchat / 15+ Yellow Wagtails with cattle on Monarchs Way west of main track NO
View looking NW towards Highdown from the southern end of Goring Gap NB
Red Underwing - this moth was recovered in my hallway a few nights ago in Worthing NB
BROOKLANDS PARK : A Pied Flycatcher was seen here today, news via BFF on SOS websiteFINDON GALLOPS : Nice selection on Cissbury / Findon Gallops this morning. 4 Wheatear/ 1 Whinchat / 15+ Yellow Wagtails with cattle on Monarchs Way west of main track NO
September 12th 2018
GORING GAP: After a somewhat dreary start at the Gap, the weather eased up a little and the wind veered from the north to a northeasterly, bringing with it a bit of overhead movement from mid-morning. Totals included two Tree Pipits, five Yellow Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, 197 Meadow Pipits, 336 Swallows, nine Sand Martins and 888 House Martins. Six Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew west overhead. Mediterranean Gulls increased to 13, but Common Gulls remained low at four. Sandwich Terns numbered 11 in the roost field. Only half of the site was covered on the ground, since - in terms of grounded migrants - only singles of Whinchat, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff revealed themselves early on and it became clear that vismig was the order of the day. The Treecreeper called in the Plantation and four Skylarks were in the southeastern field. Along the beach were six Oystercatchers and 36 Little Egrets and my wader counts later on included 66 Ringed Plovers, 80 Turnstones and 45 Sanderlings (four juveniles). A Gannet was the only bird of any significance noted in a number of quick scans offshore. DKC/NB/GDM/L.Mount
A short, drizzle-hindered walk along FERRING RIFE mid-afternoon was rewarded with a Hobby which pitched down in one of the fields, as well as 50 lingering House Martins, a Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, a Common Gull, two Grey Wagtails, 29 Meadow Pipits, and a Sandwich Tern offshore. DKC/L.Mount
A short, drizzle-hindered walk along FERRING RIFE mid-afternoon was rewarded with a Hobby which pitched down in one of the fields, as well as 50 lingering House Martins, a Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, a Common Gull, two Grey Wagtails, 29 Meadow Pipits, and a Sandwich Tern offshore. DKC/L.Mount
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| Hobby at Ferring Rife DKC |
September 10th 2018
GORING GAP: A juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit arrived on the beach on the flowing tide - the first of the season. Numbers of other birds were low though, with six Oystercatchers, 33 Little Egrets and two Grey Herons. The high tide roost later contained 68 Ringed Plovers (including at least four tundrae types) but only 19 Turnstones and two adult Sanderlings, as well as 15 Sandwich Terns, three Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Gulls and a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull. A Whinchat showed well by the blocked road and two Spotted Flycatchers were feeding in the northwest corner (one caught a Speckled Wood). Two Wheatears were on the beach later but three Whitethroats and a Blackcap were the only other grounded migrants. Overhead movement included 25 Meadow Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails, seven Grey Wagtails, 22 House Martins, nine Swallows and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Nuthatch was still in the northwest corner. A Buzzard flew from the pond bushes, a Skylark called from the fields and a Coal Tit sang in the Plantation. DKC/GDM
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| Whinchat DKC |
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| Ringed Plovers, including tundrae-type centre-left DKC |
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| Sandwich Terns DKC |
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| Spotted Flycatcher DKC |
September 7th 2018
It was another long day out in the field. Grounded migrants at GORING GAP included a male Redstart, two Lesser Whitethroats, a Whinchat, four Wheatears, three Whitethroats, three Blackcaps, five Chiffchaffs and four Willow Warblers. Two Sand Martins fed over the northwest corner and overhead moved a Swift, seven Yellow Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, two Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 17 House Martins and a Swallow. A Greenshank was heard calling and other waders at high tide included an increase to 52 Sanderlings (just one juvenile - my first of the autumn), as well as 63 Ringed Plovers, 72 Turnstones, a Redshank and four Oystercatchers. An adult Mediterranean Gull and seven Common Gulls were in the fields. A large female Sparrowhawk was on the prowl and a Kestrel was seen, as well as three Skylarks and a Jackdaw. A Coal Tit sang and I counted 14 Greenfinches. 15 Little Egrets were along the beach. Offshore was a Gannet and nine Sandwich Terns. DKC
Extending my walk to FERRING RIFE, I encountered a fly-over Peregrine, an additional two Lesser Whitethroats, a Wheatear on the beach, two Reed Warblers, a Blackcap, a Whitethroat, four Swallows, a Pied Wagtail, a Skylark, a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels, a Jackdaw, two Rooks, a Linnet, three Mallards and 15 Moorhens. A handful of Little Egrets were loafing around and feeding in the Rife. DKC
Extending my walk to FERRING RIFE, I encountered a fly-over Peregrine, an additional two Lesser Whitethroats, a Wheatear on the beach, two Reed Warblers, a Blackcap, a Whitethroat, four Swallows, a Pied Wagtail, a Skylark, a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels, a Jackdaw, two Rooks, a Linnet, three Mallards and 15 Moorhens. A handful of Little Egrets were loafing around and feeding in the Rife. DKC
September 6th 2018
Another garden vigil in WEST WORTHING in the morning produced seven Yellow Wagtails, 33 Swallows, four Meadow Pipits, 32 House Martins and three Grey Wagtails overhead. A Chiffchaff visited the garden and a Goldcrest called next door. DKC
September 5th 2018
FERRING: 13 Yellow Wagtails in Horse paddocks west of Ferring Country Centre this
evening. Also c.200 Swallows over the village going east or feeding CH
GORING GAP: A Sedge Warbler was in the south east corner by the rough field, searching for any land based passerines proved otherwise difficult in the fresh breeze, birds on the move included good number of Swallows moving with a c250 moving through in the hour I was here with c60 House Martins and 5 Sand Martin tagging along. 12 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet and 30 Goldfinch were also observed moving east, On the beach 24 Ringed Plover, 8 Sanderling, 42 Turnstone, 13 Oystercatcher, 13 Little Egret, 2 Greater Black-backed Gull, a Sandwich Tern and a Wheatear (below) whilst a single Buzzard, Skylark were over the fields - NB
WEST WORTHING: Seven Yellow Wagtails, four Grey Wagtails, 12 Meadow Pipits, 80 House Martins and 30 Swallows flew over Boundary Road - DKC
evening. Also c.200 Swallows over the village going east or feeding CH
GORING GAP: A Sedge Warbler was in the south east corner by the rough field, searching for any land based passerines proved otherwise difficult in the fresh breeze, birds on the move included good number of Swallows moving with a c250 moving through in the hour I was here with c60 House Martins and 5 Sand Martin tagging along. 12 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet and 30 Goldfinch were also observed moving east, On the beach 24 Ringed Plover, 8 Sanderling, 42 Turnstone, 13 Oystercatcher, 13 Little Egret, 2 Greater Black-backed Gull, a Sandwich Tern and a Wheatear (below) whilst a single Buzzard, Skylark were over the fields - NB
Wheatear - Goring Gap beach NB
September 4th 2018
WORTHING: 7 White Storks of unknown origin were seen thermaling over Stone Lane and were lingering for a while until moving purposley east at 11.43 towards Broadwater. Very likely to be birds from the Knepp estate re-introduction scheme but with all White Stork sightings these days we will never know NB/NO
Also a single Willow Warbler spent the morning in my garden in Rogate Road NB
GORING GAP: In the NW corner of the Gap this morning (0815-0900) were : a Spotted
Flycatcher, 2 Blackcaps and a Whitethroat. Also a large flock of tits
containing c.25 Blue and 20 Long-tailed.
Passing the coast up until 0930 hirundines were moving east with at
least 100 House Martins (one flock of 50) and 80 Swallows. Usual waders
on beach - 60 Turnstone, 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Sanderling, 7
Oystercatcher and a couple of Little Egrets. Just one Sandwich Tern E CH
Also a single Willow Warbler spent the morning in my garden in Rogate Road NB
Willow Warbler - Worthing - NB
Flycatcher, 2 Blackcaps and a Whitethroat. Also a large flock of tits
containing c.25 Blue and 20 Long-tailed.
Passing the coast up until 0930 hirundines were moving east with at
least 100 House Martins (one flock of 50) and 80 Swallows. Usual waders
on beach - 60 Turnstone, 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Sanderling, 7
Oystercatcher and a couple of Little Egrets. Just one Sandwich Tern E CH
September 3rd 2018
See Trektellen for more details on today's Goring Gap/Ferring Rife sightings
Grounded migrants at GORING GAP included two Spotted Flycatchers, two Redstarts and four Whitethroats, a Wheatear, a Willow Warbler and two Blackcaps, while moving overhead there were 56 Yellow Wagtails, two Swifts, a Tree Pipit, two Grey Wagtails, three Pied Wagtails, 156 House Martins, four Sand Martins and 93 Swallows. Counts included 24 Little Egrets, two Redshanks, 64 Ringed Plovers, 20 Oystercatchers, nine Sanderlings, 10 Dunlin, three Mediterranean Gulls, two Common Gulls and four Sandwich Terns. A quick look at the sea revealed singles of Great Crested Grebe and Gannet. Two Coal Tits, a Jackdaw and a Goldcrest were noted. DKC/GJ/NB/GDM
FERRING RIFE was on form with two Whinchats, a Wheatear, four Spotted Flycatchers and two Redstarts, as well as a Willow Warbler, a Whitethroat, 13 Linnets, eight House Martins, 14 Swallows, four Rooks, four Jackdaws, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, three Buzzards and 14 Moorhens. We also noted singles of Clouded Yellow, Small Copper and Red Admiral. DKC/GJ
HIGHDOWN HILL: 2 Redstart, 10 Spotted Flycatcher, 100c House Martin and 200+ Swallows, 1 Yellow Wagtail GDM
Grounded migrants at GORING GAP included two Spotted Flycatchers, two Redstarts and four Whitethroats, a Wheatear, a Willow Warbler and two Blackcaps, while moving overhead there were 56 Yellow Wagtails, two Swifts, a Tree Pipit, two Grey Wagtails, three Pied Wagtails, 156 House Martins, four Sand Martins and 93 Swallows. Counts included 24 Little Egrets, two Redshanks, 64 Ringed Plovers, 20 Oystercatchers, nine Sanderlings, 10 Dunlin, three Mediterranean Gulls, two Common Gulls and four Sandwich Terns. A quick look at the sea revealed singles of Great Crested Grebe and Gannet. Two Coal Tits, a Jackdaw and a Goldcrest were noted. DKC/GJ/NB/GDM
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| Spotted Flycatcher at Goring Gap DKC |
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| Sandwich Tern at Goring Gap DKC |
FERRING RIFE was on form with two Whinchats, a Wheatear, four Spotted Flycatchers and two Redstarts, as well as a Willow Warbler, a Whitethroat, 13 Linnets, eight House Martins, 14 Swallows, four Rooks, four Jackdaws, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, three Buzzards and 14 Moorhens. We also noted singles of Clouded Yellow, Small Copper and Red Admiral. DKC/GJ
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| Whinchat at Ferring Rife DKC |
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| Rook at Ferring Rife DKC |
September 2nd 2018
Things started well at GORING GAP with a Redstart by the blocked road, followed by an eastbound and very vocal Golden Plover. However, the real highlight came with a Nuthatch at Ilex Avenue - a mega patch bird! 10 Yellow Wagtails flew over and a Wheatear was in the fields, along with six Skylarks. Four Whitethroats were in the bushes while further fly-throughs included three Sand Martins and 45 Swallows. 33 Little Egrets flew along the shore, seven Sandwich Terns were milling around and waders included 10 Oystercatchers, 64 Ringed Plovers and 56 Turnstones. A glance offshore revealed just a single Gannet. Two Mediterranean Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and five Common Gulls were noted. A Kestrel was a notable bird for the Gap and a Sparrowhawk flew over. The Treecreeper was in the Plantation; a Jackdaw and three Coal Tits were logged. DKC/IJ
Extending the walk to FERRING RIFE, we added four Wheatears, 36 Linnets, a grounded Grey Wagtail, six Buzzards, 12 Moorhens, another Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Sand Martin, 22 Swallows, four Jackdaws and a Kestrel of note. A Painted Lady was by the beach. DKC/IJ
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| Nuthatch along Ilex Avenue DKC |
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| Oystercatchers on the beach at Goring Gap DKC |
Extending the walk to FERRING RIFE, we added four Wheatears, 36 Linnets, a grounded Grey Wagtail, six Buzzards, 12 Moorhens, another Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Sand Martin, 22 Swallows, four Jackdaws and a Kestrel of note. A Painted Lady was by the beach. DKC/IJ
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| juvenile Buzzard over Ferring Rife DKC |
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| male Wheatear at Ferring Rife DKC |
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