5th September 2019

ADUR ESTUARY: At the Adur, Ringed Plovers had increased since my last visit to 38 birds, and other waders were five Dunlin, three Lapwings and two Turnstones. Just one Little Egret was fishing, and lone Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit flew over, plus three Swallows. One Lesser Black-backed Gull was present (DKC). Lots of birders seemed to be out today! Highlights for me were 42 Ringed Plovers, five Dunlin and a Wheatear (west side) between the Toll Bridge and Railway Bridge and another four Ringed Plovers, a Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper on the RSPB Reserve (SOS).

BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK had a 1cy Yellow-legged Gull on the lake along with two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. By far the highlight of the day was a Pied Flycatcher in the willow at the sewage works end of the stream, where a Cetti's Warbler was also calling. The Mute Swan family was still happily feeding, as was one Grey Heron. A Chiffchaff was the only further passerine migrant (DKC).

Pied Flycatcher at Brooklands Pleasure Park (DKC)

1cy Yellow-legged Gull at Brooklands Pleasure Park (DKC)

Cissbury produced two female Redstarts, a Tree Pipit flying west with a Wheatear (plus another of the latter on the deck), a Grey Wagtail, a trickle of House Martins, Swallows and Meadow Pipits overhead and small numbers of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Whitethroats in the bushes. A single Lesser Whitethroat, three migrant Goldcrests two Ravens, a Yellowhammer and four Kestrels were among the other birds noted (DKC).

Great Spotted Woodpecker at Cissbury Ring (DKC)

Wheatear at Cissbury Ring (DKC)

LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included a Kingfisher, 46 Blackcaps, seven Chiffchaff, three Willow Warblers and three Goldcrests. Other birds included a Swift, a Tree Pipit, a Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, two Buzards, a Tawny Owl, 15 House Martins, 10 Swallows and two Cetti's Warblers (JN/MM).

MILL HILL was very quiet save for flyovers from a Tree Pipit and two Yellow Wagtails, plus five Meadow Pipits and 11 House Martins (DKC).

FINDON GALLOPS: Was rater quiet on my circuit, 2 Ravens, 3 Buzzards were thermaling to the north of the mast. A few Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiff chaffs noted. A few Painted Ladies were still on the wing (NB)