CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included 72 Blackcaps, a Bullfinch, three Chiffchaffs, eight Whitethroats and two Willow Warblers (VB/FD). Grasshopper Warbler on east side, Whinchat, 50 House Martins, two Stonechats, Yellow Wagtail over, 10 extra Blackcaps, and Marsh Harrier flew over nearby (SOS).
FINDON GALLOPS: Redstart, six Whinchats
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included a Grey Wagtail, a Woodpigeon, a Cetti's Warblers, two Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 77 Blackcaps, 13 Chiffchaffs, 20 Willow Warblers, and singles of Goldcrest, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Additional observations included a Redstart, three Mistle Thrushes, House Martin, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Green Woodpeckers, two Jays, a Tawny Owl, two Buzzards and a Grey Heron (JN/MM).
MONARCH'S WAY: Two Yellow Wagtails (SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: Pied Flycatcher still by YHA, 13 Whinchats, c13 Wheatears (SOS).
30th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: 28 Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin, five Oystercatchers, 20 Sandwich Terns, five Grey Herons, seven Little Egrets, 35 Redshanks, two Greenshanks, 12 Lapwings (SOS).
29th August 2019
CISSBURY RING: c15 Redstarts, two Spotted Flycatchers, Lesser Whitethroat, around six Tree Pipits, around six Meadow Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails, five Yellowhammers (SOS).
27th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Redshank, 66 Ringed Plovers, juvenile Sanderling, Wheatear (SOS).
GORING GAP: Another very hot day on the south coast, i decided to give the gap my first proper look this autumn and spent 3 hours here in the afternoon. The main highlight was 8 Whinchat that were along the rough field area fly-catching along the barbed wire fence and had 2 Wheatears for company whilst another Wheatear was in the northern fields and a Redstart was nearby.
Other than that the area was quiet, a few Yellow Wagtail moved west overhead, a couple of Whitethroat were by the pumping station. Blackcap featured in the north western corner and a Treecreeper was found with a tit flock next to the football pitches. 3 Sandwich Tern were fishing offshore and a Kestrel was around the north fields before moving down to the middle plantation
There was excellent numbers of Painted Ladies on the wing, the most I have seen at this site (NB)
LADYWELL: Birds trapped included six Song Thrushes, three Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 48 Blackcaps, six Chiffchaffs, 56 Willow Warblers and a Treecreeper. Birds otherwise noted included three Spotted Flycatchers, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Red Kite, seven Buzzards, three Swifts, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Green Woodpeckers, 300 Swallows, 20 House Martins, two Cetti's Warblers and an extra Whitethroat (JN et al).
SOMPTING: Spotted Flycatcher, two Willow Warblers and two Yellow Wagtails around Church of St.Mary; also three Brown Hairstreaks (SOS).
WEST WORTHING: A Willow Warbler was on Boundary Road (DKC).
WIDEWATER: Turnstone (SOS).
GORING GAP: Another very hot day on the south coast, i decided to give the gap my first proper look this autumn and spent 3 hours here in the afternoon. The main highlight was 8 Whinchat that were along the rough field area fly-catching along the barbed wire fence and had 2 Wheatears for company whilst another Wheatear was in the northern fields and a Redstart was nearby.
Other than that the area was quiet, a few Yellow Wagtail moved west overhead, a couple of Whitethroat were by the pumping station. Blackcap featured in the north western corner and a Treecreeper was found with a tit flock next to the football pitches. 3 Sandwich Tern were fishing offshore and a Kestrel was around the north fields before moving down to the middle plantation
There was excellent numbers of Painted Ladies on the wing, the most I have seen at this site (NB)
Kestrel - Goring Gap (AA)
LADYWELL: Birds trapped included six Song Thrushes, three Reed Warblers, a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 48 Blackcaps, six Chiffchaffs, 56 Willow Warblers and a Treecreeper. Birds otherwise noted included three Spotted Flycatchers, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Red Kite, seven Buzzards, three Swifts, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Green Woodpeckers, 300 Swallows, 20 House Martins, two Cetti's Warblers and an extra Whitethroat (JN et al).
SOMPTING: Spotted Flycatcher, two Willow Warblers and two Yellow Wagtails around Church of St.Mary; also three Brown Hairstreaks (SOS).
WEST WORTHING: A Willow Warbler was on Boundary Road (DKC).
WIDEWATER: Turnstone (SOS).
26th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: I thought the tide might be at a level warranting a visit to the Adur first thing this morning, but it was too high for any waders. I did note a Willow Warbler, four Little Egrets, eight Mute Swans, a Green Woodpecker and a Pied Wagtail (DKC). This evening a remarkable gathering of all three hirundines on and above
the broad bean field near Lancing. Must have been well in excess of 500
mainly Swallows but both martins well represented.
What was extraordinary was that the bulk of the flock kept settling on
the crops giving the appearance of a locust infestation. Four Swift also (Graeme Charles via SOS).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull - I think one of the regular birds, a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Teal were the best on offer (DKC).
CHANCTONBURY RING (area boundary):
Minimum numbers were 83 Spotted Flycatcher (including 10 in one tree together), 5 Pied Flycatcher, 29 Redstart, 3 Tree Pipit, 6 Whinchat and 11 Wheatear. Other migrants included single Blackcap and Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and numerous phyllosc warblers.
It was notable that all but a handful of the birds were seen from the 1.2km of the South Downs Way from Chalkpit Wood to the Chanctonbury Hill dewpond. The rest of our long walk was virtually devoid of migrant birds. (SOS)
CISSBURY RING: Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher were trapped and ringed, with other captures including 53 Blackcaps, a Bullfinch, a Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, a Treecreeper, four Whitethroats and nine Willow Warblers. Two Wheatears were by the car park, and other sightings included two Kestrels and at least one extra Spotted Flycatcher (VB/PD).
MILL HILL: Curious after a report of a good mix of migrants the other day, I checked out Mill Hill and earmarked it as another local site to try to check on every now and then. The best migrants were a Redstart, a Whinchat and a Willow Warbler. I heard House Martin overhead, three Swallows flew through and a Lesser Black-backed Gull went over. Several Whitethroats and Blackcaps were in the bushes. While packing my stuff up, 10 Painted Ladies exploded from a buddleia in the car park - an impressive sight! (DKC). A Pied Flycatcher was reported off the gravel path.
STEYNING: This morning, before it got too hot, around Steyning Roundhill/Monarch's Way area. At least 7 Redstarts, a minimum of 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Whinchats (pic attached), and 2 Wheatears but no Willow Warblers and just a handful of Chiffchaffs. A few Blackcaps gorging elderberries and still many Whitethroats. Also large mixed flocks of Linnets & Goldfinches in the wonderful conservation strips alongside the Monarch's Way (well done to the farmers - a real asset to the birds ). A female Marsh Harrier quartering the recently harvested stubble fields was a pleasant surprise (Colin and Janet Holter via SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: A Honey-buzzard reported, plus 'Yellow Wagtails and a flycatcher sp.
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull - I think one of the regular birds, a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull and two Teal were the best on offer (DKC).
CHANCTONBURY RING (area boundary):
Minimum numbers were 83 Spotted Flycatcher (including 10 in one tree together), 5 Pied Flycatcher, 29 Redstart, 3 Tree Pipit, 6 Whinchat and 11 Wheatear. Other migrants included single Blackcap and Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and numerous phyllosc warblers.
It was notable that all but a handful of the birds were seen from the 1.2km of the South Downs Way from Chalkpit Wood to the Chanctonbury Hill dewpond. The rest of our long walk was virtually devoid of migrant birds. (SOS)
CISSBURY RING: Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher were trapped and ringed, with other captures including 53 Blackcaps, a Bullfinch, a Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, a Treecreeper, four Whitethroats and nine Willow Warblers. Two Wheatears were by the car park, and other sightings included two Kestrels and at least one extra Spotted Flycatcher (VB/PD).
MILL HILL: Curious after a report of a good mix of migrants the other day, I checked out Mill Hill and earmarked it as another local site to try to check on every now and then. The best migrants were a Redstart, a Whinchat and a Willow Warbler. I heard House Martin overhead, three Swallows flew through and a Lesser Black-backed Gull went over. Several Whitethroats and Blackcaps were in the bushes. While packing my stuff up, 10 Painted Ladies exploded from a buddleia in the car park - an impressive sight! (DKC). A Pied Flycatcher was reported off the gravel path.
STEYNING: This morning, before it got too hot, around Steyning Roundhill/Monarch's Way area. At least 7 Redstarts, a minimum of 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Whinchats (pic attached), and 2 Wheatears but no Willow Warblers and just a handful of Chiffchaffs. A few Blackcaps gorging elderberries and still many Whitethroats. Also large mixed flocks of Linnets & Goldfinches in the wonderful conservation strips alongside the Monarch's Way (well done to the farmers - a real asset to the birds ). A female Marsh Harrier quartering the recently harvested stubble fields was a pleasant surprise (Colin and Janet Holter via SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: A Honey-buzzard reported, plus 'Yellow Wagtails and a flycatcher sp.
25th August 2019
FERRING RIFE: We only had time to walk a very short distance along one side of Ferring Rife, but we did hear a Firecrest. Three Swallows, a Little Egret and a Blackcap were also noted in our short visit (DKC/PW).
GORING GAP: Among birds noted in a short visit were two Yellow Wagtails, 46 Swallows, five Sandwich Terns, a Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk, six Little Egrets, six Oystercatchers, 12 Ringed Plovers and four Turnstones (DKC/PW).
HIGHDOWN: Highlights included a male Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, three Tree Pipits, three Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, a Willow Warbler, 12 Whitethroats, eight Blackcaps, 14 Swallows, two Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Green Woodpecker, a Skylark, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, a House Martin and a Song Thrush (DKC/PW).
WEST WORTHING: A Tree Pipit flew over Boundary Road first thing (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: Eventually found my own Pied Fly (2) in scycamore clump ontop of Cissbury. 6+ Spot Flys, 8 Redstarts 4 Wheatear , 1 Lesser Whitethroat and lots of Willow Warbler’s Blackcaps & Whitethroat (NO via twitter)
Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher this morning (one of c.6 Spotted Fly). Also at least two Redstart along with a Raven and plenty of Common and Lesser Whitethroat (AA via Twitter)
GORING GAP: Among birds noted in a short visit were two Yellow Wagtails, 46 Swallows, five Sandwich Terns, a Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk, six Little Egrets, six Oystercatchers, 12 Ringed Plovers and four Turnstones (DKC/PW).
HIGHDOWN: Highlights included a male Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, three Tree Pipits, three Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, a Willow Warbler, 12 Whitethroats, eight Blackcaps, 14 Swallows, two Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Green Woodpecker, a Skylark, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, a House Martin and a Song Thrush (DKC/PW).
WEST WORTHING: A Tree Pipit flew over Boundary Road first thing (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: Eventually found my own Pied Fly (2) in scycamore clump ontop of Cissbury. 6+ Spot Flys, 8 Redstarts 4 Wheatear , 1 Lesser Whitethroat and lots of Willow Warbler’s Blackcaps & Whitethroat (NO via twitter)
Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher this morning (one of c.6 Spotted Fly). Also at least two Redstart along with a Raven and plenty of Common and Lesser Whitethroat (AA via Twitter)
Whinchat (AA)
Spotted Flycatcher (AA)
24th August 2019
GORING GREENSWARD: Great White Egret flew east past South Lane Cafe at 11.43am (via RBA).
MILL HILL: This evening a passer one-fest at Mill Hill above Shoreham with 3+ Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, numerous Willow Warbler and Common Whitethroat plus several residents most notably many Blackbirds and Robins back in action (Graeme Charles via SOS).
STEYNING TO CISSBURY RING: Plenty of migrants around on a lunchtime walk from Steyning to Cissbury and back: 11 Wheatears, 3 Whinchats, 1 Redstart, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, plus Stonechat and what looked like 2 family groups of Kestrels (Ray Baker via SOS).
WORTHING: Honey-buzzard flew SE over Stone Lane at 11.45am initially seen thermaling with a Common Buzzard before drifting off
Whilst out and about working 2 Swallows headed east over Boundary Road and a Yellow Wagtail flew over Wallace Avenue (NB).
MILL HILL: This evening a passer one-fest at Mill Hill above Shoreham with 3+ Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, numerous Willow Warbler and Common Whitethroat plus several residents most notably many Blackbirds and Robins back in action (Graeme Charles via SOS).
STEYNING TO CISSBURY RING: Plenty of migrants around on a lunchtime walk from Steyning to Cissbury and back: 11 Wheatears, 3 Whinchats, 1 Redstart, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, plus Stonechat and what looked like 2 family groups of Kestrels (Ray Baker via SOS).
WORTHING: Honey-buzzard flew SE over Stone Lane at 11.45am initially seen thermaling with a Common Buzzard before drifting off
Whilst out and about working 2 Swallows headed east over Boundary Road and a Yellow Wagtail flew over Wallace Avenue (NB).
22nd August 2019
CISSBURY RING: Catches during the morning's ringing included young individuals of Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. We caught a good number of Blackcaps indicating an arrival, along with a few Willow Warblers and Whitethroats. Three Tree Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail flew over. What was presumably the same Marsh Tit could be heard calling first thing. Other birds included six Swallows, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Bullfinches, a House Martin, a Treecreeper, a Yellowhammer and a Buzzard (DKC/VB).
An early morning visit to Cissbury Ring and, given the clear and still night, surprised and delighted to find so many migrants still present. Numbers made up mainly of Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap, but half-a-dozen each of Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher, plus a couple of Willow Warblers and a Wheatear.
Good supporting cast too, with several Bullfinch, and Nuthatch, Treecreeper and 2 Marsh Tits in the woods near the top S side.
Mainly too early for butterflies, but did start to see a few towards the end - mainly Meadow Browns, but also several Brimstones, Painted Ladies, Wall Browns, Small Heath, Small White, Red Admiral and a Holly Blue (Ray Baker via SOS).
LADYWELL: A Tree Pipit was trapped and ringed, while the Blackcap arrival was experienced here too, with 40 new birds (and two retraps). Other catches included 16 Willow Warblers, 42 Blackcaps, seven Reed Warblers, three Whitethroats, two Kingfishers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and five Chiffchaffs. Sightings included a Grey Heron, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, two Cetti's Warblers and a Mistle Thrush.
An early morning visit to Cissbury Ring and, given the clear and still night, surprised and delighted to find so many migrants still present. Numbers made up mainly of Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap, but half-a-dozen each of Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher, plus a couple of Willow Warblers and a Wheatear.
Good supporting cast too, with several Bullfinch, and Nuthatch, Treecreeper and 2 Marsh Tits in the woods near the top S side.
Mainly too early for butterflies, but did start to see a few towards the end - mainly Meadow Browns, but also several Brimstones, Painted Ladies, Wall Browns, Small Heath, Small White, Red Admiral and a Holly Blue (Ray Baker via SOS).
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| juvenile Sedge Warbler at Cissbury Ring |
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| juvenile Bullfinch at Cissbury Ring |
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| juvenile Goldfinch at Cissbury Ring |
LADYWELL: A Tree Pipit was trapped and ringed, while the Blackcap arrival was experienced here too, with 40 new birds (and two retraps). Other catches included 16 Willow Warblers, 42 Blackcaps, seven Reed Warblers, three Whitethroats, two Kingfishers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and five Chiffchaffs. Sightings included a Grey Heron, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, two Cetti's Warblers and a Mistle Thrush.
21st August 2019
STEEP DOWN: My main target was the Quail, remarkably still on territory, and I did eventually succeed in hearing one short burst of song from the bird. Among the grounded migrants were singles of Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat, plus five Whinchats, three Wheatears and four Willow Warblers, while flyover action involved 20 Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit, a juvenile Marsh Harrier and, least expected, a Snipe. I couldn't resist constantly re-setting my scope on a nearby pylon to admire a pair of Peregrines taking an easy start to their day, preening and surveying their territory before eventually taking off. Two Sparrowhawks buzzed a flock of some 400 Linnets, while other farmland birds included two Grey Partridges and 13 Corn Buntings. I also noted two Ravens, a Reed Bunting, two Swifts, 11 Swallows, a Kestrel, five Buzzards, two Skylarks, two Meadow Pipits, a Grey Heron, two Green Woodpeckers, eight Whitethroats, three Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff (DKC).
FINDON GALLOPS: A nice stroll late afternoon produced a few good birds, the highlight being a nice Pied Flycatcher seen moving through with a large movement of mainly Blackcap and Willow Warblers as they fed up on the move along the north side. There was at least 3 Redstarts around too by the horse paddocks much to the annoyance of the local Robins who seemed intent in not letting them settle! 2 Lesser Whitethroat were amongst the feeding frenzy and there was good number of Long-tailed and Blue Tit forming a flock already. A young Buzzard was perched up nearby, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Song Thrush were noted. 2 Sand Martin moved through with 20c Swallows, i left having seen some nice birds but couldn't help feeling there was more to be found out there! (NB)
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| Peregrines at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| juvenile Marsh Harrier over Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Corn Bunting at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Sparrowhawk at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Spotted Flycatcher at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Wheatear at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Wheatear at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Whinchat at Steep Down (DKC) |
Findon Gallops (NB)
20th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Visiting the Adur Estuary late morning, I scanned from the toll bridge and strolled to just north of the A27 and back south a little way. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull on the mud appeared to be the same as one of Sunday's Brooklands birds (bird 2). Ringed Plovers numbered 24 birds and further birds logged included a Willow Warbler, five Grey Herons, a Little Egret, an Oystercatcher, a Dunlin, six Swallows, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Buzzard (DKC). A Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper were noted near Cuckoo Corner, and another two Common Sandpipers were near the cement works; several Sand Martins and House Martins, and another Willow Warbler were among other birds reported (SOS).
EAST PRESTON: Eight Tree Pipits flew over Roundstone Drive (GK).
HIGHDOWN: An extraordinary movement of 33 Tree Pipits over Highdown in just under three hours defined the morning - my record count anywhere. This push included a couple of flocks of half-a-dozen, while a small handful of individuals dropped in for a short while.A Spotted Flycatcher, two Yellow Wagtails, a Reed Warbler, a Sand Martin and three Lesser Whitethroats made for a rewarding session. Not to mention back-up including six Willow Warblers, 14 Whitethroats, a Swift, 25 Swallows, six Chiffchaffs, five Skylarks, two Nuthatches, a Kestrel, three Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Common Gull, a Buzzard and two Bullfinches (DKC).
NO MAN'S LAND: Through and either side of No Man’s Land this morning, lots of Linnet and Goldfinch thanks to the labarynth of wild plant strips and Whitethroat in the bushes; tasty migrants were three Common Redstart including a male, seven Northern Wheatear including two confiding ones, one Whinchat which gave me the run around and a Spotted Flycatcher in an elder (pic); also a juv Stonechat and a Hobby. Quite a few painted lady, small heath and common blue butterflies (AK via SOS).
STEEP DOWN: Quail singing still near footpath on east side (JN).
STEYNING BOWL: Osprey flew SSW at 4.15pm (RBA).
WEST WORTHING: Tree Pipit over Boundary Road early morning (DKC).
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull on the Adur Estuary [seemingly bird 2 from Sunday at Brooklands] (DKC) |
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| Grey Herons on the Adur Estuary (DKC) |
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| Buzzard over the Adur Estuary (DKC) |
HIGHDOWN: An extraordinary movement of 33 Tree Pipits over Highdown in just under three hours defined the morning - my record count anywhere. This push included a couple of flocks of half-a-dozen, while a small handful of individuals dropped in for a short while.A Spotted Flycatcher, two Yellow Wagtails, a Reed Warbler, a Sand Martin and three Lesser Whitethroats made for a rewarding session. Not to mention back-up including six Willow Warblers, 14 Whitethroats, a Swift, 25 Swallows, six Chiffchaffs, five Skylarks, two Nuthatches, a Kestrel, three Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Common Gull, a Buzzard and two Bullfinches (DKC).
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| Tree Pipit at Highdown (DKC) |
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| Lesser Whitethroat at Highdown (DKC) |
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| Spotted Flycatcher at Highdown (DKC) |
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| Linnet at Highdown (DKC) |
STEEP DOWN: Quail singing still near footpath on east side (JN).
STEYNING BOWL: Osprey flew SSW at 4.15pm (RBA).
WEST WORTHING: Tree Pipit over Boundary Road early morning (DKC).
19th August 2019
FERRING RIFE: I walked up to the country centre and back south along the other side. A Kingfisher flew under the road bridge and fished for a short while at the far end, while the heron roost was busy with three sunbathing Grey Herons and nine Little Egrets. An anxious Reed Warbler alarm-called and waited for me to pass before delivering food to unseen young. Other birds included a male Reed Bunting, two Kestrels, two Buzzards, two Whitethroats, two Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk, two Mallards, four Moorhens,singles of Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and gatherings of 40 Goldfinches and 130 Starlings, plus three Jackdaws and eight Rooks (the latter two species uncommon here) (DKC).
GORING GAP: Two Whimbrel on the beach at the Gap were a pleasing sight first thing this morning. They shared the shore with 36 Ringed Plovers, four Sanderlings, two Dunlin, 15 Turnstones, seven Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron and 14 Little Egrets. Flyovers included a Yellow Wagtail, a Swift and another Grey Heron. In the Plantation, a Treecreeper was calling and a Sparrowhawk was on patrol. Seven Sandwich Terns and a Green Woodpecker were among the other birds noted (DKC).
2 Wheatear were also seen at the gap (AA)
LADYWELL: A Spotted Flycatcher was seen. Birds caught for ringing included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Cetti's Warbler, three Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 14 Blackcaps and 10 Willow Warblers. Also present was a Raven, two Grey Herons, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, two Swifts, two Green Woodpeckers, 50 Jackdaws, another Cetti's Warbler and another three Reed Warblers (JN/SW).
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| Little Egrets and Grey Heron at Ferring Rife (DKC) |
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| Grey Heron soaking up the rays at Ferring Rife (DKC) |
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| Kingfisher at Ferring Rife (DKC) |
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| Little Egret at Ferring Rife (DKC) |
GORING GAP: Two Whimbrel on the beach at the Gap were a pleasing sight first thing this morning. They shared the shore with 36 Ringed Plovers, four Sanderlings, two Dunlin, 15 Turnstones, seven Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron and 14 Little Egrets. Flyovers included a Yellow Wagtail, a Swift and another Grey Heron. In the Plantation, a Treecreeper was calling and a Sparrowhawk was on patrol. Seven Sandwich Terns and a Green Woodpecker were among the other birds noted (DKC).
2 Wheatear were also seen at the gap (AA)
Wheatear - Goring Gap (AA)
LADYWELL: A Spotted Flycatcher was seen. Birds caught for ringing included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Cetti's Warbler, three Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 14 Blackcaps and 10 Willow Warblers. Also present was a Raven, two Grey Herons, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, two Swifts, two Green Woodpeckers, 50 Jackdaws, another Cetti's Warbler and another three Reed Warblers (JN/SW).
18th August 2019
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: A reasonable number of large gulls were gathered at Brooklands Pleasure Park in the late afternoon, including two showy juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (an adult and a juvenile). The Mute Swan family and a Grey Heron were the best of the other birds seen (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: The visit to Cissbury Ring paid off with a scattering of half-a-dozen vocal Redstarts, mostly females but including one well-marked male, as well as two heard fly-over Tree Pipits, two Stonechats, a Willow Warbler, a Swallow, four Blackcaps, two Whitethroats, a Yellowhammer, two Buzzards and three Kestrels among the other species logged (DKC).
HIGHDOWN: I managed to cover a small part of the site before the heavens opened. The highlight was my first - and long overdue - Whinchat of the year! Two Sand Martins, seven Swallows and a Swift flew through. Other birds included singles of Kestrel, Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch, along with four Skylarks, three Whitethroats and six Blackcaps (DKC).
STEYNING BOSTAL TO CISSBURY RING: Our walk this morning from the Steyning Bostal to No Man’s Land to
behind Cissbury Ring started good and dry but we returned dripping like
two drowned rats! Raptors were a few Kestrel and singles each of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk; clouds of Goldfinch, some Linnet and one Corn Bunting were along the way; a good many Whitethroat were seen, some “collecting blackberries” and two Lesser Whitethroat, four Blackcap, three Willow Warbler, one Chiffchaff, three Redstart (an adult male and two female, one pictured), four Wheatear and one Whinchat (pic) and a Tree Pipit in a tree. Flowers included pink betony, red or purple knapweed and yellow St John’s wort (AK via SOS)
WEST WORTHING: A Swift flew over (DKC).
GORING GAP: The 2 Whinchats were still around tough field area today, a Wheatear was also reported here (various)
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (bird 1) (DKC) |
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (bird 2) (DKC) |
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| female Redstart at Cissbury Ring (DKC) |
HIGHDOWN: I managed to cover a small part of the site before the heavens opened. The highlight was my first - and long overdue - Whinchat of the year! Two Sand Martins, seven Swallows and a Swift flew through. Other birds included singles of Kestrel, Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch, along with four Skylarks, three Whitethroats and six Blackcaps (DKC).
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| Whinchat at Highdown (DKC) |
WEST WORTHING: A Swift flew over (DKC).
GORING GAP: The 2 Whinchats were still around tough field area today, a Wheatear was also reported here (various)
17th August 2019
GORING GAP: A phonecall from CH informing us of 2 Whinchat's at present along the fenceline of the rough field which were still present when I arrived at lunchtime. The birds disappeared for periods into the rough ground but soon appeared again on the fenceline as they tried to shelter from the strong breeze. 2 Lesser black-backed Gulls flew west over the fields. A Reed Warbler was also in sub-song in the rough field, a Stock Dove and several Whitethroats were around (NB/GDM)
on the beach at high tide 32 Ringed Plovers. 30+
Turnstones, two Sanderling and a Dunlin. (CH)
Whinchat - 1 of the 2 birds at Goring Gap today (NB)
FINDON GALLOPS: A good show of Redstarts this morning with 8 on the fences or in the bushes. Also four Wheatears, 2 Lesser and c.10 Whitethroats. A few Swallows, two Kestrels a flock of 10 Greenfinches and one or two Yellowhammers, a Green Woodpecker and a couple of Skylarks made up the rest (CH)
PATCHING HILL: A good variety of Warblers this morning included 9 Whitethroats, 6 Willow Warblers, 15 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Garden Warbler. . Also present were 3 Firecrests (including a juvenile), 2 Marsh Tits, 1 Redstart, 1 Wheatear, ca.40 Goldfinches and a similar number of Linnets, 6 Yellowhammers, 3 Red Kites, and a Peregrine (RS)
15th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: I couldn't resist scanning the Adur Estuary in the evening. There were two Whimbrel, two Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, three Little Egrets, two Oystercatchers and 100 Starlings of note (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Pre-roost time for gulls was checked at Brooklands Pleasure Park though I found nothing better than two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. I heard a Little Grebe, a Grey Heron was resting, 110 Starlings flew over and a charm of some 70 Goldfinches alighted in the trees (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: I spent the morning ringing at Cissbury with Val and Finch. The ringing highlight came when I heard a Marsh Tit by one of the net rides and requested D.J. Val to put the tape lure on for the species. Sure enough, it was in the net by the next net round. This is my first sighting in the Worthing area. Another moment of joy came later in the morning when I heard a Pied Flycatcher calling in a sycamore which I had earlier noted as looking promising for the species. After a little patience, it afforded some brief views though it stayed elusive within the canopy. Shortly before we packed the equipment away, a Tree Pipit dropped in and briefly landed in a nearby tree before vanishing. A Lesser Whitethroat, a Red Kite, a Raven, a Yellowhammer, two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 60 Swallows, two Bullfinches, 10 Linnets, a Treecreeper and singles of Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were among the other birds logged while ringing. The catch itself included two Garden Warblers, five Whitethroats, a Chiffchaff, and small numbers of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps (DKC).
LADYWELL: Ringing produced a Song Thrush, two Cetti's Warblers, eight Reed Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 16 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, three Willow Warblers, etc. Observations included a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 80 Jackdaws, six Swallows, a House Martin, two Whitethroats and two Mistle Thrushes (SW/JN).
WORTHING: While popping to the Post Office in Worthing in the afternoon, I noticed six Swifts overhead, behaving as though they might still be local birds, though I can't be sure (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Pre-roost time for gulls was checked at Brooklands Pleasure Park though I found nothing better than two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. I heard a Little Grebe, a Grey Heron was resting, 110 Starlings flew over and a charm of some 70 Goldfinches alighted in the trees (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: I spent the morning ringing at Cissbury with Val and Finch. The ringing highlight came when I heard a Marsh Tit by one of the net rides and requested D.J. Val to put the tape lure on for the species. Sure enough, it was in the net by the next net round. This is my first sighting in the Worthing area. Another moment of joy came later in the morning when I heard a Pied Flycatcher calling in a sycamore which I had earlier noted as looking promising for the species. After a little patience, it afforded some brief views though it stayed elusive within the canopy. Shortly before we packed the equipment away, a Tree Pipit dropped in and briefly landed in a nearby tree before vanishing. A Lesser Whitethroat, a Red Kite, a Raven, a Yellowhammer, two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 60 Swallows, two Bullfinches, 10 Linnets, a Treecreeper and singles of Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were among the other birds logged while ringing. The catch itself included two Garden Warblers, five Whitethroats, a Chiffchaff, and small numbers of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps (DKC).
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| Marsh Tit at Cissbury Ring (DKC) |
LADYWELL: Ringing produced a Song Thrush, two Cetti's Warblers, eight Reed Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 16 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, three Willow Warblers, etc. Observations included a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzzards, a Tawny Owl, a Green Woodpecker, 80 Jackdaws, six Swallows, a House Martin, two Whitethroats and two Mistle Thrushes (SW/JN).
WORTHING: While popping to the Post Office in Worthing in the afternoon, I noticed six Swifts overhead, behaving as though they might still be local birds, though I can't be sure (DKC).
14th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: The next stop was the Adur Estuary, where there was a Common Sandpiper, a Whimbrel, two Dunlin, 27 Ringed Plovers, two Oystercatchers, nine Turnstones, five Little Egrets, 10 Mute Swans and two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Late morning I popped in for a short visit to Brooklands Pleasure Park. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Little Grebe and one of the parent Mute Swans with the four young were among the birds present (DKC).
GORING GAP: A slow hour at the Gap first thing produced three Sanderlings, seven Turnstones, 20 Ringed Plovers, four Oystercatchers, eight Sandwich Terns, seven Gannets, an adult Mediterranean Gull, an adult Common Gull, a Willow Warbler and 21 Little Egrets (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Late morning I popped in for a short visit to Brooklands Pleasure Park. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Little Grebe and one of the parent Mute Swans with the four young were among the birds present (DKC).
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull (left) at Brooklands Pleasure Park (DKC) |
GORING GAP: A slow hour at the Gap first thing produced three Sanderlings, seven Turnstones, 20 Ringed Plovers, four Oystercatchers, eight Sandwich Terns, seven Gannets, an adult Mediterranean Gull, an adult Common Gull, a Willow Warbler and 21 Little Egrets (DKC).
13th August 2019
GORING GAP: An early morning visit to the Gap felt beautifully autumnal, though migrant numbers on land were small: one Lesser Whitethroat and three Willow Warblers, along with six Whitethroats and two Blackcaps. The beach was livelier than my last visit, mainly thanks to an increase in waders, with 21 Turnstones, two Dunlin, a Sanderling, two Oystercatchers, 17 Ringed Plovers and 12 Little Egrets. Three Gannets flew past in a quick glance offshore. Other birds included an adult Mediterranean Gull, three adult Common Gulls, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker and a Coal Tit (DKC).
ADUR ESTUARY: I called in to the toll bridge over the Adur Estuary in the evening, seeing a Whimbrel, four Dunlin (one juvenile), 13 Ringed Plovers, nine Little Egrets, a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Mute Swans, 60 Starlings and two recently fledged Pied Wagtails attended by a parent (DKC).
FERRING RIFE: A short walk along the path by the Country Centre this morning produced a smart Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Willow Warblers and a Reed Warbler. A Kingfisher was at the small pond nearby.
There were again 4 Wheatears on the beach at Goring Gap (CH)
ADUR ESTUARY: I called in to the toll bridge over the Adur Estuary in the evening, seeing a Whimbrel, four Dunlin (one juvenile), 13 Ringed Plovers, nine Little Egrets, a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Mute Swans, 60 Starlings and two recently fledged Pied Wagtails attended by a parent (DKC).
12th August 2019
GORING GAP: Four Wheatears, 18 Ringed Plovers and 20+ Turnstones on the beach at the
Gap this morning. Two Whitethroats in bushes nearby (CH).
11th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: An early evening visit produced seven species of waders including 17 Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, five Whimbrel, two Common Sandpipers, eight Turnstone, three Oystercatchers and 20 Redshank. Also 16 Mute Swans, seven Little Egrets, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and five Sandwich Terns (GJ/PJ/BDJ).
BROOKLANDS: A Cetti's Warbler was by the bridge and out on the lake were a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Mallard, four Cormorants, six Mute Swans (two adults and four juveniles) and a Grey Heron (GJ).
GORING GAP: The crop has now been removed by the farmer. In the roost field were 30 Turnstone, 15 Ringed Plover, two Great Black-backed Gulls and eight Black-headed Gulls. A short walk to the pumping station produced a Whitethroat and a Skylark (GJ).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Around the fort were a Wheatear as well as two Common Sandpipers which flew across the harbour and headed up the River Adur. There were also two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls loafing along the beach near the western arm. Around the car park were several House Sparrows, Starlings and a Linnet.
Opposite the Habour Club on the beach were two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Great Black-backed Gulls, four Herring Gulls and seven Black-headed Gulls. There were also a few flowering plants of Childing Pink in the normal area however most were past there best (GJ).
BROOKLANDS: A Cetti's Warbler was by the bridge and out on the lake were a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Mallard, four Cormorants, six Mute Swans (two adults and four juveniles) and a Grey Heron (GJ).
Opposite the Habour Club on the beach were two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Great Black-backed Gulls, four Herring Gulls and seven Black-headed Gulls. There were also a few flowering plants of Childing Pink in the normal area however most were past there best (GJ).
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| Childing Pink, Shoreham Harbour (GJ) |
SOUTHWICK HILL: A Wheatear, three Mistle Thrushes, a few Whitethroat and singles of Buzzard, Kestrel and Great Spotted Woodpecker (PJ/BDJ).
WIDEWATER: Five Little Egrets on the eastern side and on the western side were two Mute Swans (one adult and one juvenile) and 57 roosting Black-headed Gulls (GJ).
10th August 2019
GEORGE V AVENUE: A brief look out to sea early evening produced a Bonxie messing around offshore and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafing along the beach (GJ).
9th August 2019
GORING-BY-SEA: A Forest Shieldbug was on my car windscreen outside the flat (GJ).
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| Forest Shieldbug, Goring-by-Sea (GJ) |
8th August 2019
BROOKLANDS: Three juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls on the main lake as well as two Common Sandpipers. Also present were 18 Mallard, seven Moorhens, two Grey Herons, a Cormorant and the adult Mute Swan with four juveniles. Along the stream to the sewage works were a Little Grebe with a chick and 30 Goldfinches and a Green Woodpecker around the bushes. (GJ/PJ).
CISSBURY RING: Birds caught included two Garden Warblers, eight Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs, five Whitethroats and 38 Willow Warblers. Two Ravens flew over (VB).
FERRING RIFE: There had been a significant arrival of Willow Warblers along the rife, I counted 22 between Clover Lane and Ferring Country Centre. Also a Kingfisher, a Grey Heron, three Little Egrets and three Whitethroats as well as a Buzzard and several Swallows over the adjacent fields (CH).
LADYWELL: Birds caught for ringing included a site record total of 115 Willow Warblers, four Garden Warblers, two Cetti's Warblers, three Sedge Warblers, 20 Reed Warblers, two Whitethroats, 11 Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, a Green Woodpecker, a Song Thrush and two Treecreepers . Birds seen included two Grey Herons, a Sparrowhawk, a Swift, two Green Woodpeckers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, an additional Cetti's Warbler, House Martin and an additional five Willow Warblers. (JN et al).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Wheatears and also a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flying around the harbour mouth. Also a couple of Gannets feeding offshore (GJ/PJ).
CISSBURY RING: Birds caught included two Garden Warblers, eight Blackcaps, four Chiffchaffs, five Whitethroats and 38 Willow Warblers. Two Ravens flew over (VB).
FERRING RIFE: There had been a significant arrival of Willow Warblers along the rife, I counted 22 between Clover Lane and Ferring Country Centre. Also a Kingfisher, a Grey Heron, three Little Egrets and three Whitethroats as well as a Buzzard and several Swallows over the adjacent fields (CH).
LADYWELL: Birds caught for ringing included a site record total of 115 Willow Warblers, four Garden Warblers, two Cetti's Warblers, three Sedge Warblers, 20 Reed Warblers, two Whitethroats, 11 Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, a Green Woodpecker, a Song Thrush and two Treecreepers . Birds seen included two Grey Herons, a Sparrowhawk, a Swift, two Green Woodpeckers, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, an additional Cetti's Warbler, House Martin and an additional five Willow Warblers. (JN et al).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Wheatears and also a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flying around the harbour mouth. Also a couple of Gannets feeding offshore (GJ/PJ).
6th August 2019
CISSBURY RING: Highlights included a party of five Mistle Thrushes, two Stonechats, six Linnets, four Chiffchaffs, seven Whitethroats, two Kestrels, three Green Woodpeckers and two Yellowhammers. The south west facing slopes held c50 Chalkhill Blues as well as four Wall Browns, five Painted Ladies, two Small Heaths and plenty of Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns as well as a Red Admiral. A short walk afterwards up to the start of the Monarchs Way junction added a dozen more Yellowhammers and another 15-20 Linnets (CH).
5th August 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A Common Sandpiper, three Little Egrets, an Oystercatcher, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Skylark, a Pied Wagtail, 140 Starlings, nine Mute Swans and my first juvenile Great Black-backed Gulls of the year (two siblings begging at a parent) (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: I made a point of visiting at midday and identified two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls among the reasonable gathering of large gulls, which also included my first two or three juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls of the year (an adult was present too), and a further juvenile Great Black-backed Gull. A Little Grebe was also on the lake, along with the complete family of Mute Swans still, and two Grey Herons. A Coal Tit was singing along the works entrance road (DKC).
GORING GAP: I started the day enthusiastically at Goring Gap but conditions weren't exactly inspiring and after logging a Kittiwake, 28 Gannets, 15 Sandwich Terns, an Oystercatcher, three Mediterranean Gulls and 16 Little Egrets, I moved on. As I drove off, however, I spotted a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull in a bin-raiding mob of Herring Gulls! Stopping the car, I had a brief suburban gull safari as I photographed the bird through the car window (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: I made a point of visiting at midday and identified two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls among the reasonable gathering of large gulls, which also included my first two or three juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls of the year (an adult was present too), and a further juvenile Great Black-backed Gull. A Little Grebe was also on the lake, along with the complete family of Mute Swans still, and two Grey Herons. A Coal Tit was singing along the works entrance road (DKC).
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (bird 1) (DKC) |
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (bird 2) (DKC) |
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| juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (DKC) |
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| juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (DKC) |
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Goring Gap (DKC) |
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| juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Goring Gap (DKC)
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Little Egrets, three Mute Swans (two adults and a juvenile) and 13 Mallards (GJ).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: A Little Egret, an adult Lesser Black-Backed Gull and two Great Black-backed Gulls (GJ).
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4th August 2019
BROOKLANDS: A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, a pair of Little Grebes, a Mute Swan with four cygnets, a Green Woodpecker and a Grey Heron. Also 39 Chub in stream near the sluice. (GJ)
GORING GAP: A brief visit produced two Blackcaps, a pair of Kestrels hunting over the fields and a Willow Warbler. (GJ)
LADYWELL: Birds caught included a Nightingale, a Cetti's Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, two Garden Warblers, two Whitethroats, 13 Reed Warblers, 30 Willow Warblers, a Treecreeper, six Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, Sightings included singles of Buzzard, Grey Heron, Swift, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Kestrel, plus 60 Jackdaws (JN et al).
SALVINGTON: An Elder Pearl was found early morning in Salvington (NB).
GORING GAP: A brief visit produced two Blackcaps, a pair of Kestrels hunting over the fields and a Willow Warbler. (GJ)
LADYWELL: Birds caught included a Nightingale, a Cetti's Warbler, a Sedge Warbler, two Garden Warblers, two Whitethroats, 13 Reed Warblers, 30 Willow Warblers, a Treecreeper, six Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, Sightings included singles of Buzzard, Grey Heron, Swift, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Kestrel, plus 60 Jackdaws (JN et al).
SALVINGTON: An Elder Pearl was found early morning in Salvington (NB).
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| Elder Pearl, Salvington (NB) |
3rd August 2019
CISSBURY RING: A Grasshopper Warbler was trapped and ringed this morning, along with a Reed Warbler, 24 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, with 10 Blackcaps, two Bullfinches, three Chiffchaffs and three Whitethroats. Sightings included singles of Raven and Sparrowhawk (VB/PD).
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| Grasshopper Warbler (VB) |
1st August 2019
LADYWELL: A Sedge Warbler, 62 Willow Warblers, 14 Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaffs, a Reed Warbler and a Treecreeper were among the birds trapped this morning. A Cetti's Warbler, two Grey Herons, five House Martins, a Swift, two Green Woodpeckers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were noted (Ladywell ringers).
WEST WORTHING: A Whimbrel was heard over Boundary Road at 10.13pm (DKC).
WEST WORTHING: A Whimbrel was heard over Boundary Road at 10.13pm (DKC).
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