ADUR ESTUARY: 30 Redshanks, Grey Plover, two Grey Wagtails, three Snipe, 15 Teal, eight Grey Herons, a Curlew, a Little Egret, and a few Oystercatchers (SOS).
SHOREHAM FORT: Black Redstart, 12 Greenfinches, two Meadow Pipits and 10 Turnstones (SOS/BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: EIDER and 22 Common Scoters past; also Kingfisher, Kestrel, three Mute Swans, two Little Egrets, two Cormorants and four Turnstones (SOS).
30th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: GOOSANDER, Common Sandpiper, two Mute Swans, 35 Teal, five Grey Herons, Curlew, Dunlin, six Snipe, 56 Redshanks, Greenshank, Little Egret, two Swallows, Lapwing, Kingfisher and two Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Four Chiffchaffs, Kingfisher, three Swallows, four Dark-bellied Brent Geese high west, 10 Teal (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 10 Turnstones and four Meadow Pipits (SOS).
TITCH HILL: Viewed west from car park midway along, a ringtail HEN HARRIER and a MERLIN (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Four Chiffchaffs, Kingfisher, three Swallows, four Dark-bellied Brent Geese high west, 10 Teal (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 10 Turnstones and four Meadow Pipits (SOS).
TITCH HILL: Viewed west from car park midway along, a ringtail HEN HARRIER and a MERLIN (SOS).
29th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Curlew (MP).
GORING GAP: It was back to local birding this morning. I didn't have much time so figured a vismig/seawatch from Goring Gap was the best bet. Overhead movement included 390 Goldfinches, 127 Linnets, 19 Pied/White Wagtails and 27 Meadow Pipits. A Rock Pipit feeding on the beach was my first 'on the deck' record here, and two Yellowhammers in the bushes represented my second site record (and first multiple). A flock of 16 Skylarks toured the fields and two Stonechats were in the rough grass. Offshore moved two Wigeon, 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Razorbills and another three distant auks. Two Common Scoters were on the sea. The beach held a Redshank and small numbers of Grey Plover, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin, and a Little Egret (DKC).
MILL HILL: Two Firecrests (MP).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Red-throated Diver offshore and Redshank (MP).
GORING GAP: It was back to local birding this morning. I didn't have much time so figured a vismig/seawatch from Goring Gap was the best bet. Overhead movement included 390 Goldfinches, 127 Linnets, 19 Pied/White Wagtails and 27 Meadow Pipits. A Rock Pipit feeding on the beach was my first 'on the deck' record here, and two Yellowhammers in the bushes represented my second site record (and first multiple). A flock of 16 Skylarks toured the fields and two Stonechats were in the rough grass. Offshore moved two Wigeon, 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Razorbills and another three distant auks. Two Common Scoters were on the sea. The beach held a Redshank and small numbers of Grey Plover, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin, and a Little Egret (DKC).
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| Rock Pipit at Goring Gap (DKC) |
MILL HILL: Two Firecrests (MP).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Red-throated Diver offshore and Redshank (MP).
28th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, two Mute Swans, eight Mallards, 23 Teal, five Grey Herons, three Little Egrets, six Oystercatchers, two Grey Plovers, 10 Snipe, 21 Turnstones, a Curlew, 55 Redshanks, two Greenshanks, a Skylark, 16 Lapwings, two Stonechats and four Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
LADYWELL: Six Mallards, a Grey Heron, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a Kestrel, five Skylarks, a Cetti's Warbler, a Firecrest, a Redwing, a Mistle Thrush and a Reed Bunting (MM).
WIDEWATER: Three Mute Swans, five Little Grebes, Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, Redshank,
LADYWELL: Six Mallards, a Grey Heron, a Buzzard, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, a Kestrel, five Skylarks, a Cetti's Warbler, a Firecrest, a Redwing, a Mistle Thrush and a Reed Bunting (MM).
WIDEWATER: Three Mute Swans, five Little Grebes, Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, Redshank,
27th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Nine Teal, three Grey Herons, a Little Egret, a Grey Plover, 12 Redshanks and a Greenshank (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included three Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, a Chaffinch, eight Goldcrests, a Kestrel, a Long-tailed Tit, eight Robins, three Song Thrushes and a Woodpigeon. Also noted were two Ravens, two Tawny Owls, a Redwing, 12 Fieldfares, and Red-legged Partridges (VB/PD).
FERRING: Sparrowhawk at Beehive Lane (BirdTrack).
HIGH SALVINGTON: Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: During a short walk this morning there was two Grey Wagtails on the roof of the Sussex Yacht Club's building. Also a presumed Rock Pipit here under the bridge. Along the path to the Fort flocks of Goldfinches, House Sparrows, a few Linnets and Greenfinches were making use of the seeds of dried plants. At the Fort a Black Redstart landed on the wall for a few seconds but couldn't locate it again. But while looking for it a Marsh Harrier drifted past from West to East following the coastline. No luck with the Purple Sandpiper but a dozen or so Turnstones were present at the wooden structure (SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: Two Ring Ouzels and two Black Redstarts, plus a Raven and seven Buzzards (BirdTrack).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: Two Black Redstarts (Ingrid Allan).
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included three Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs, a Chaffinch, eight Goldcrests, a Kestrel, a Long-tailed Tit, eight Robins, three Song Thrushes and a Woodpigeon. Also noted were two Ravens, two Tawny Owls, a Redwing, 12 Fieldfares, and Red-legged Partridges (VB/PD).
FERRING: Sparrowhawk at Beehive Lane (BirdTrack).
HIGH SALVINGTON: Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: During a short walk this morning there was two Grey Wagtails on the roof of the Sussex Yacht Club's building. Also a presumed Rock Pipit here under the bridge. Along the path to the Fort flocks of Goldfinches, House Sparrows, a few Linnets and Greenfinches were making use of the seeds of dried plants. At the Fort a Black Redstart landed on the wall for a few seconds but couldn't locate it again. But while looking for it a Marsh Harrier drifted past from West to East following the coastline. No luck with the Purple Sandpiper but a dozen or so Turnstones were present at the wooden structure (SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: Two Ring Ouzels and two Black Redstarts, plus a Raven and seven Buzzards (BirdTrack).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: Two Black Redstarts (Ingrid Allan).
26th October 2019
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: 1cy GREY PHALAROPE just offshore (RBA).
UPPER BEEDING: A Black Redstart in a garden at Undermill Road today (SOS).
SHOREHAM: This morning, just after high tide, on the moored boats by the Norfolk Bridge, Shoreham-by-Sea were one Cormorant, about 40 Turnstone and a Grey Wagtail (SOS).
UPPER BEEDING: A Black Redstart in a garden at Undermill Road today (SOS).
SHOREHAM: This morning, just after high tide, on the moored boats by the Norfolk Bridge, Shoreham-by-Sea were one Cormorant, about 40 Turnstone and a Grey Wagtail (SOS).
25th October 2019
GORING: Five Black Redstarts reported in gardens (SOS).
SHOREHAM: This morning, on the high tide, the solitary Purple Sandpiper was at roost on the wooden jetty at Shoreham Fort along with some 24 Turnstone (SOS). Two Swallows at The Cygnets (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: I was walking along Christchurch Road in central Worthing when I heard a Herring Gull screaming and looked up to see it harassing a SHORT-EARED OWL which was trying to continue on its northward journey. A few seconds later, two Swallows passed overhead and, a minute later, a Sparrowhawk was soaring around. A very interesting few minutes in a very urban environment (SOS).
SHOREHAM: This morning, on the high tide, the solitary Purple Sandpiper was at roost on the wooden jetty at Shoreham Fort along with some 24 Turnstone (SOS). Two Swallows at The Cygnets (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: I was walking along Christchurch Road in central Worthing when I heard a Herring Gull screaming and looked up to see it harassing a SHORT-EARED OWL which was trying to continue on its northward journey. A few seconds later, two Swallows passed overhead and, a minute later, a Sparrowhawk was soaring around. A very interesting few minutes in a very urban environment (SOS).
24th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A Little Grebe, two Grey Plovers, a Curlew, 20 Turnstones, four Redshanks and a Kingfisher (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: A Black Redstart on the beach this morning (RBA).
GORING: Cliden Nonpareil moth found off Martletts Way at Mulberry House [released on Saturday in West Worthing] (Ingrid Allan).
SOUTHWICK: Male Black Redstart sitting on fence outside my workshop on Lady Bee Marina, Southwick this morning. Kingfishers now very active and vocal with at least 4 birds constantly zipping around the boats (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: A Black Redstart on the beach this morning (RBA).
GORING: Cliden Nonpareil moth found off Martletts Way at Mulberry House [released on Saturday in West Worthing] (Ingrid Allan).
SOUTHWICK: Male Black Redstart sitting on fence outside my workshop on Lady Bee Marina, Southwick this morning. Kingfishers now very active and vocal with at least 4 birds constantly zipping around the boats (SOS).
23rd October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A Little Grebe, three Grey Herons, two Little Egrets, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, 38 Lapwings, four Redshanks, 350 Black-headed Gulls, 15 Common Gulls, 20 Great Black-backed Gulls, 150 Herring Gulls, a Kingfisher, two Kestrels, two Skylarks, two Stonechats and three Pied Wagtails (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS: Around the bushes were 10 Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests. On the lake were three Teal and two Mediterranean Gulls (Adult and 1w). Also Grey Wagtail and Sparrowhawk (GJ/MR).
SHOREHAM: The tedium of hanging out the washing at lunchtime was well compensated for by a WOODLARK flying over to the east, calling as it went. A minute later a Jay flew in the opposite direction (SOS). Two Mute Swans, a Little Egret, six Swallows, a Stonechat, four Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits and a Goldcrest at the harbour (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM FORT: There was no sign of the Snow Bunting late afternoon. Birds of note included a Stonechat and 5 Meadow Pipits. Whilst foraging on the mud were a Little Egret and a vocal Kingfisher flew over the harbour getting chased by Black-headed Gulls (GJ/MR).
STEYNING PENLANDS VALE/BOSTAL HORSE FIELDS: Grey Wagtail (BirdTrack).
STEYNING BOSTAL CHALKPIT-MONARCH'S WAY: Grey Partridge, Red Kite, 29 Skylarks, five Mistle Thrushes, eight Stonechats, three Yellowhammers and eight Reed Buntings (BirdTrack)
BROOKLANDS: Around the bushes were 10 Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests. On the lake were three Teal and two Mediterranean Gulls (Adult and 1w). Also Grey Wagtail and Sparrowhawk (GJ/MR).
SHOREHAM: The tedium of hanging out the washing at lunchtime was well compensated for by a WOODLARK flying over to the east, calling as it went. A minute later a Jay flew in the opposite direction (SOS). Two Mute Swans, a Little Egret, six Swallows, a Stonechat, four Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits and a Goldcrest at the harbour (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM FORT: There was no sign of the Snow Bunting late afternoon. Birds of note included a Stonechat and 5 Meadow Pipits. Whilst foraging on the mud were a Little Egret and a vocal Kingfisher flew over the harbour getting chased by Black-headed Gulls (GJ/MR).
STEYNING PENLANDS VALE/BOSTAL HORSE FIELDS: Grey Wagtail (BirdTrack).
STEYNING BOSTAL CHALKPIT-MONARCH'S WAY: Grey Partridge, Red Kite, 29 Skylarks, five Mistle Thrushes, eight Stonechats, three Yellowhammers and eight Reed Buntings (BirdTrack)
22nd October 2019
NO MAN'S LAND: A ringtail HEN HARRIER at No Man's Land (above Steyning) late morning. Also, A Red Kite, 2 Common Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Common Kestrel. Around a dozen Stonechats in the area and numerous Reed Buntings in the game strips (SOS).
Following on from Dave Sadler’s visit I went later to No Man’s Land on the Downs between Steyning and Cissbury Ring. Although I dipped on the Harrier I too had five species of raptor, my fifth being a Peregrine, a juv, likely male, that soared alongside a Kestrel, landed in a field, then flew away south (pictures of it flying and in the field and of a Reed Bunting or two) (SOS).
SHOREHAM FORT: The SNOW BUNTING was showing well early evening, favouring grass on the western side of the fort. (GJ/PJ). Also Stonechat (SOS). Also Sandwich Tern at Shoreham Harbour, plus three Stonechats (BirdTrack)
STEYNING PENLANDS VALE/BOSTAL HORSE FIELDS: Tawny Owl (BirdTrack).
Following on from Dave Sadler’s visit I went later to No Man’s Land on the Downs between Steyning and Cissbury Ring. Although I dipped on the Harrier I too had five species of raptor, my fifth being a Peregrine, a juv, likely male, that soared alongside a Kestrel, landed in a field, then flew away south (pictures of it flying and in the field and of a Reed Bunting or two) (SOS).
SHOREHAM FORT: The SNOW BUNTING was showing well early evening, favouring grass on the western side of the fort. (GJ/PJ). Also Stonechat (SOS). Also Sandwich Tern at Shoreham Harbour, plus three Stonechats (BirdTrack)
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| Snow Bunting, Shoreham Fort (GJ) |
21st October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: This morning at LT were, opposite the airport, 46 Ringed Plover, four Dunlin and three Redshank, while from the Glass Footbridge were 15 Redshank, five Oystercatcher, one Bar-tailed Godwit and a Grey Plover (SOS). Also 20 Lapwings and a Little Egret (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: 30 Swallows at The Cygnets - a Sparrowhawk yesterday (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: 30 Swallows at The Cygnets - a Sparrowhawk yesterday (BirdTrack).
20th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A RUFF here plus 50 Ringed Plover, 60 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 3 Kingfishers plus 2 Sparrowhawks. Also 2 flocks of House Martins - 15 and around 80 birds each (SOS). Little Egret, four Grey Herons, two Mute Swans, a Little Grebe, 10 Turnstones, a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels and 10 Redshanks (BirdTrack).
GORING: Two Stonechats at Sea Lane (BirdTrack).
PATCHING HILL: this morning a Woodlark flew northwest at about 9am, surprising given that little else was moving overhead. A Brambling flew over, as did a single Swallow. Other birds around included two Chiffchaffs, two Stonechats, 3 Grey Partridges, 7 Red-legged Partridges, c25 Yellowhammers (including a male singing for several minutes), 4 Corn Buntings, c50 Skylarks, c20 Song Thrushes, 1 Red Kite and a Firecrest (RS)
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included 17 Chiffchaffs, 14 Goldcrests, 11 Long-tailed Tits, a Sparrowhawk, a Magpie and a Treecreeper. Also Tawny Owls, Ravens, Bullfinches, etc (VB). Also six RING OUZELS, a Chiffchaff and four Stonechats (BirdTrack).
A heavy mist shrouded Cissbury Ring as 16 gathered to join me for Sunday's walk, but fortunately a keen northerly had dispersed this by the time we set off and eventually from the summit we had clear and extensive views over the downland. Finding birds was perhaps slow to begin but before we entered the fort we had seen a couple of tumbling Raven, singles of Carrion Crow and Magpie and more distant swirls of Jackdaw and Rook (and later at least 2 Jay for our corvid collection). We also had Stonechat (a male and a female), Chiffchaff and the first of several bright and cheerful Robin. The first raptor was a Kestrel (and later we added a Common Buzzard mobbed by a couple of Crow). Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch were to be seen and eventually a small group of House Martin and a single Greenfinch. 'The' Yew tree however looked largely stripped and devoid of activity. A couple of black thrushes darting across the path and eventually a just-present chack gave me some hope. We abandoned the Yew and entered the Hawthorn scrub and after a short while a group of 5 Ring Ouzel burst out and arrayed themselves on tops of trees showing off their silver shimmer in the sunlight with a male with a perfect white gorget perched closest before taking off and circling in front of us. Eventually the south side of the scrub we were called back by two further groups of 3 Ring Ouzel suggesting we had at least 6 birds, perhaps more. Circling back on the south side of the fortifications we found a small group of Long-tailed Tit and a Chaffinch whilst the diligent located a Wren. Sadly we found a very recently predated Ring Ouzel but further on we saw a single and then a further distant group of 3 Ring Ouzel all very much alive and purposeful. A Green Woodpecker low on a trunk gave us one of our last sightings before we headed back to the car park. Having told everyone that the last two walks I had led at Cissbury Ring had given counts of 27 we were pleased to manage 30! (although later I realised that my personal sightings had remained at 27 as there were 3 birds I hadn't seen personally!). (SOS).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included two Treecreepers, 19 Goldcrests, two Firecrests, two Song Thrushes, 34 Chiffchaffs, two Chaffinches, four Blackcaps and seven Long-tailed Tits. Other birds included two Skylarks, a Kestrel, a Little Egret, four House Martins, a Cetti's Warbler, two Buzzards, a Grey Heron, two Grey Wagtails and a Peregrine (CB et al).
SHOREHAM FORT: A SNOW BUNTING today (SOS).
GORING: Two Stonechats at Sea Lane (BirdTrack).
PATCHING HILL: this morning a Woodlark flew northwest at about 9am, surprising given that little else was moving overhead. A Brambling flew over, as did a single Swallow. Other birds around included two Chiffchaffs, two Stonechats, 3 Grey Partridges, 7 Red-legged Partridges, c25 Yellowhammers (including a male singing for several minutes), 4 Corn Buntings, c50 Skylarks, c20 Song Thrushes, 1 Red Kite and a Firecrest (RS)
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included 17 Chiffchaffs, 14 Goldcrests, 11 Long-tailed Tits, a Sparrowhawk, a Magpie and a Treecreeper. Also Tawny Owls, Ravens, Bullfinches, etc (VB). Also six RING OUZELS, a Chiffchaff and four Stonechats (BirdTrack).
A heavy mist shrouded Cissbury Ring as 16 gathered to join me for Sunday's walk, but fortunately a keen northerly had dispersed this by the time we set off and eventually from the summit we had clear and extensive views over the downland. Finding birds was perhaps slow to begin but before we entered the fort we had seen a couple of tumbling Raven, singles of Carrion Crow and Magpie and more distant swirls of Jackdaw and Rook (and later at least 2 Jay for our corvid collection). We also had Stonechat (a male and a female), Chiffchaff and the first of several bright and cheerful Robin. The first raptor was a Kestrel (and later we added a Common Buzzard mobbed by a couple of Crow). Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch were to be seen and eventually a small group of House Martin and a single Greenfinch. 'The' Yew tree however looked largely stripped and devoid of activity. A couple of black thrushes darting across the path and eventually a just-present chack gave me some hope. We abandoned the Yew and entered the Hawthorn scrub and after a short while a group of 5 Ring Ouzel burst out and arrayed themselves on tops of trees showing off their silver shimmer in the sunlight with a male with a perfect white gorget perched closest before taking off and circling in front of us. Eventually the south side of the scrub we were called back by two further groups of 3 Ring Ouzel suggesting we had at least 6 birds, perhaps more. Circling back on the south side of the fortifications we found a small group of Long-tailed Tit and a Chaffinch whilst the diligent located a Wren. Sadly we found a very recently predated Ring Ouzel but further on we saw a single and then a further distant group of 3 Ring Ouzel all very much alive and purposeful. A Green Woodpecker low on a trunk gave us one of our last sightings before we headed back to the car park. Having told everyone that the last two walks I had led at Cissbury Ring had given counts of 27 we were pleased to manage 30! (although later I realised that my personal sightings had remained at 27 as there were 3 birds I hadn't seen personally!). (SOS).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included two Treecreepers, 19 Goldcrests, two Firecrests, two Song Thrushes, 34 Chiffchaffs, two Chaffinches, four Blackcaps and seven Long-tailed Tits. Other birds included two Skylarks, a Kestrel, a Little Egret, four House Martins, a Cetti's Warbler, two Buzzards, a Grey Heron, two Grey Wagtails and a Peregrine (CB et al).
SHOREHAM FORT: A SNOW BUNTING today (SOS).
19th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: During high tide in Adur Estuary there were 2 Curlew, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Snipe, 6 Teal, many Redshanks and Lapwings. And one Kingfisher (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: It is always a difficult task to accurately assess numbers of RING OUZELS present at any particular migration location due to their generally secretive and skittish nature, so guesses are made based on odd flight views or birds calling unseen from thick cover. However, they've been a bit more obliging in giving up their numbers at Cissbury Ring over the last couple of days by all getting up and flying around together on occasion before dispersing back into cover. Yesterday (Friday) there were 11 present, but this morning only 6 remained (SOS).
FERRING: A SHORT-EARED OWL flew NW over the beach at 4.34pm (RS)
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Before dude commitments we managed an hour or so up on Steyning Roundhill and were struck by the numbers of birds in and alongside the extensive setaside strips (SAS) - Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Stonechat and Skylark all common and also a female type Common Redstart, a Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush and Blackbird, Dunnock and Robin, while raptors were two Red Kite, two Kestrel and a Common Buzzard (SOS). BirdTrack lists a RING OUZEL, 40 Skylarks, 20 Swallows, three House Martins, 20 Stonechats and 20 Meadow Pipits.
CISSBURY RING: It is always a difficult task to accurately assess numbers of RING OUZELS present at any particular migration location due to their generally secretive and skittish nature, so guesses are made based on odd flight views or birds calling unseen from thick cover. However, they've been a bit more obliging in giving up their numbers at Cissbury Ring over the last couple of days by all getting up and flying around together on occasion before dispersing back into cover. Yesterday (Friday) there were 11 present, but this morning only 6 remained (SOS).
FERRING: A SHORT-EARED OWL flew NW over the beach at 4.34pm (RS)
Short-eared Owl - Ferring (RS)
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Before dude commitments we managed an hour or so up on Steyning Roundhill and were struck by the numbers of birds in and alongside the extensive setaside strips (SAS) - Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Stonechat and Skylark all common and also a female type Common Redstart, a Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush and Blackbird, Dunnock and Robin, while raptors were two Red Kite, two Kestrel and a Common Buzzard (SOS). BirdTrack lists a RING OUZEL, 40 Skylarks, 20 Swallows, three House Martins, 20 Stonechats and 20 Meadow Pipits.
18th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: This morning on the Adur in Shoreham: one Grey Plover, one Bar-tailed Godwit , some Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, 60-70 Lapwings, 30 Redshanks plus 3 House Martins, one Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and lots of Grey Wagtails (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: This morning, in the sycamores were some six Goldcrest and one Firecrest (SOS).
STEYNING: Walked from Steyning up onto the Downs this morning, and then wandered the footpaths for a couple of hours, and very pleasant it was too! Many Skylarks and quite a few Meadow Pipits, and large Winter flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet are starting to form. 5 groups of Stonechats comprised c20 birds in total, and first sign (for me!) of Reed Buntings in some numbers. A pair of Bullfinch seen, but a distant Kestrel was the only bird of prey I saw. One adult Ring Ouzel seen well, but a number of poor half-sightings make me suspect there may have been a few more... ALSO .... Several small groups of Swallows, totalling c20 birds, plus a couple of House Martins!
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: This morning, in the sycamores were some six Goldcrest and one Firecrest (SOS).
STEYNING: Walked from Steyning up onto the Downs this morning, and then wandered the footpaths for a couple of hours, and very pleasant it was too! Many Skylarks and quite a few Meadow Pipits, and large Winter flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet are starting to form. 5 groups of Stonechats comprised c20 birds in total, and first sign (for me!) of Reed Buntings in some numbers. A pair of Bullfinch seen, but a distant Kestrel was the only bird of prey I saw. One adult Ring Ouzel seen well, but a number of poor half-sightings make me suspect there may have been a few more... ALSO .... Several small groups of Swallows, totalling c20 birds, plus a couple of House Martins!
17th October 2019
GORING GAP: The sky was quite lively till about 9am when low pressure really moved in and brought some showers. Six Reed Buntings, 430 Goldfinches, 228 Linnets, 87 Meadow Pipits, 51 Pied/White Wagtails, 15 Chaffinches, 83 Swallows, seven House Martins and 14 Skylarks moved through by this point. Of a flock of 15 Long-tailed Tits
feeding at the seaward end of The Plantation, 11 suddenly took off,
gained height and headed really quite high north, calling excitedly. At
the same spot, I was similarly stunned to find a Cetti's Warbler... very out of place! Four Chiffchaffs and four Goldcrests were in the bushes. Seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese were offshore, and the beach had four Grey Herons, three Little Egrets, and small numbers of Grey Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher, which I didn't manage to count as I was too busy logging finches overhead (DKC).
16th October 2019
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Clear highlights of the morning were my first Brambling of the autumn, heard over the treatment works access road, where there was a Firecrest. Otherwise, it felt very much a repeat of my last few visits, with two Cetti's Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, nine Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests, a Treecreeper, 80 Goldfinches, three Little Grebes, three Teal and the family of Mute Swans... (DKC)
TRULEIGH HILL: This morning I walked the scarp slope of Truleigh Hill and, from about TQ229112 saw six RING OUZELS, mostly hidden inside hawthorn bushes, sometimes moving from bush to bush, mostly quiet (SOS).
TRULEIGH HILL: This morning I walked the scarp slope of Truleigh Hill and, from about TQ229112 saw six RING OUZELS, mostly hidden inside hawthorn bushes, sometimes moving from bush to bush, mostly quiet (SOS).
15th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Between
the Toll Bridge and the Norfolk Bridge on a high but falling tide.
Rather quiet down as far as the Railway Bridge, the only waders being
three Lapwings. One Little Egret, four Linnets and a small flock of six Skylarks. Rather more birds below the railway, with 26 Turnstones roosting on the small boats near the Outdoor Activities Centre. On and around the saltmarsh south of the main road were 45 Lapwings, 40+ Redshanks, two Greenshanks, one Curlew, one Bar-tailed Godwit and one Grey Plover. Three Grey Herons and a Little Egret. Eight Teal. Several small groups of Swallows flying south (SOS). Two Little Egrets, a Sparrowhawk, a Buzzard, a Kingfisher, 20 Swallows, a House Martin, three Chiffchaffs, two Stonechats and a Meadow Pipit (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Four RING OUZELS, a Redstart, two Wheatears, five Stonechats, a Mistle Thrush, three Red-legged Partridges, a Sparrowhawk, a Red Kite, two Buzzards, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Kestrels, a Raven, Swallow, House Martin, a Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaffs, 11 Blackcaps, a Goldcrest (BirdTrack).
SALVINGTON : Birding from home today, a large tit flock moved through the garden around 10am included c20 Long-tailed Tits and a Coal Tit was visiting my feeders again. A Chiffchaff was tagging along and a couple of Goldcrests were in nearby trees. The alarm calls of the local gulls had me scanning the skies and soon picked up a raptor from the north(cissbury direction) and was fairly low, grabbing my bins i was soon watching a nice ringtail HEN HARRIER as it glided towards us, before turning and heading off westwards towards Highdown, wasn't hanging around ! Later a single Buzzard also arrived from the north and a Sparrowhawk was torturing the local Starlings (NB)
GORING GAP: 6 Stonechat by the rough field, 6 Wigeon west, 25c Swallows west in brief visit (GDM)
CISSBURY RING: Four RING OUZELS, a Redstart, two Wheatears, five Stonechats, a Mistle Thrush, three Red-legged Partridges, a Sparrowhawk, a Red Kite, two Buzzards, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Kestrels, a Raven, Swallow, House Martin, a Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaffs, 11 Blackcaps, a Goldcrest (BirdTrack).
SALVINGTON : Birding from home today, a large tit flock moved through the garden around 10am included c20 Long-tailed Tits and a Coal Tit was visiting my feeders again. A Chiffchaff was tagging along and a couple of Goldcrests were in nearby trees. The alarm calls of the local gulls had me scanning the skies and soon picked up a raptor from the north(cissbury direction) and was fairly low, grabbing my bins i was soon watching a nice ringtail HEN HARRIER as it glided towards us, before turning and heading off westwards towards Highdown, wasn't hanging around ! Later a single Buzzard also arrived from the north and a Sparrowhawk was torturing the local Starlings (NB)
GORING GAP: 6 Stonechat by the rough field, 6 Wigeon west, 25c Swallows west in brief visit (GDM)
14th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: About midday, HT on the Adur Estuary, discernible roosting waders were - 46 Redshank and single Greenshank, Grey Plover, Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit (all pictured) and there were 16 Teal on the water and two Grey Heron and a Little Egret prowling through the vegetation. At the harbour mouth still two Sandwich Tern (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: I was lucky, in a couple of hours at a damp & gloomy Cissbury this morning, to come across a large party of thrushes feeding on the ground near the large sycamore between the 2 fenced yews, comprising 18 Mistle Thrushes, 10+ Song Thrushes, several Blackbirds and 4 RING OUZELS (including a lovely adult male with full white gorget and silvery wings). I suspect they hadn't been disturbed as dog walkers virtually absent presumably due to the damp weather. My cautious approach eventually sent them all into the surrounding bushes, and for the rest of the morning, the ouzels remained largely elusive with, only heard calls, and a handful of further sporadic brief sightings (this despite much careful fieldcraft, i.e. lurking in, around and behind bushes!). The Mistle Thrushes and Song Thrushes remained very evident all morning - I suspect there were at least 20+ of both species present. Also pretty sure I heard a couple of Redwings though didn't see them. A single Swallow looked a bit forlorn in the damp and gloom! (SOS).
Spent 3hrs this morning at a soggy and gloomy Cissbury Ring from first light, and it turned out to be quite productive.
Main focus was on thrushes, and I spent most of the first hour just scanning the bigger Yew tree, which had plenty of birds feeding.... Most numerous species were probably Song Thrush, followed by Blackbirds, but also a couple of Redwings and a Mistle Thrush, and quite a few RING OUZEL sightings. Difficult to be sure, but I reckon at least 4 different birds - 2 adults and 2 1st winter.
Don't know if there'd been a bit of an arrival, but at least another 3 Ouzels on the steep slopes to the S of the ring, and a further 2 among the berry bushes to the NE. Poor photo of one bird... but I reckon any pic of an Ouzel is a bit of an achievement!
Good supporting cast too: family parties of Stonechat and Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 2 Yellowhammers, Bullfinch, Green and GS Woodpecker, and a Raven cronking overhead.
Still a few lingering migrants, with numerous Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, and a couple of small parties of Swallows.
Did a brief walk around a couple of the nearby footpaths and added a couple of decent groups of Linnets and ca.15 Skylarks.
FERRING/GORING GAP: With the wind backing to the east after early rain I went to Ferring Block for 3/4 hour this morning (0940 to 1025) and counted: Swallow 25E, Goldfinch 250 E, Meadow Pipit 20 E, Linnet 40 E. There was a Stonechat and a Chiffchaff on the wall of the white flats at the end of Patterson's Walk and later a Wheatear, a Ringed Plover, a Sanderling and five Turnstones on the beach at the Gap (CH)
CISSBURY RING: I was lucky, in a couple of hours at a damp & gloomy Cissbury this morning, to come across a large party of thrushes feeding on the ground near the large sycamore between the 2 fenced yews, comprising 18 Mistle Thrushes, 10+ Song Thrushes, several Blackbirds and 4 RING OUZELS (including a lovely adult male with full white gorget and silvery wings). I suspect they hadn't been disturbed as dog walkers virtually absent presumably due to the damp weather. My cautious approach eventually sent them all into the surrounding bushes, and for the rest of the morning, the ouzels remained largely elusive with, only heard calls, and a handful of further sporadic brief sightings (this despite much careful fieldcraft, i.e. lurking in, around and behind bushes!). The Mistle Thrushes and Song Thrushes remained very evident all morning - I suspect there were at least 20+ of both species present. Also pretty sure I heard a couple of Redwings though didn't see them. A single Swallow looked a bit forlorn in the damp and gloom! (SOS).
Spent 3hrs this morning at a soggy and gloomy Cissbury Ring from first light, and it turned out to be quite productive.
Main focus was on thrushes, and I spent most of the first hour just scanning the bigger Yew tree, which had plenty of birds feeding.... Most numerous species were probably Song Thrush, followed by Blackbirds, but also a couple of Redwings and a Mistle Thrush, and quite a few RING OUZEL sightings. Difficult to be sure, but I reckon at least 4 different birds - 2 adults and 2 1st winter.
Don't know if there'd been a bit of an arrival, but at least another 3 Ouzels on the steep slopes to the S of the ring, and a further 2 among the berry bushes to the NE. Poor photo of one bird... but I reckon any pic of an Ouzel is a bit of an achievement!
Good supporting cast too: family parties of Stonechat and Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 2 Yellowhammers, Bullfinch, Green and GS Woodpecker, and a Raven cronking overhead.
Still a few lingering migrants, with numerous Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, and a couple of small parties of Swallows.
Did a brief walk around a couple of the nearby footpaths and added a couple of decent groups of Linnets and ca.15 Skylarks.
FERRING/GORING GAP: With the wind backing to the east after early rain I went to Ferring Block for 3/4 hour this morning (0940 to 1025) and counted: Swallow 25E, Goldfinch 250 E, Meadow Pipit 20 E, Linnet 40 E. There was a Stonechat and a Chiffchaff on the wall of the white flats at the end of Patterson's Walk and later a Wheatear, a Ringed Plover, a Sanderling and five Turnstones on the beach at the Gap (CH)
13th October 2019
CISSBURY RING: Three RING OUZELS still by fenced yew (SOS).
GORING GAP: Another slow two-hour seawatch produced 13 Common Scoters, 83 Gannets, a Kittiwake, 13 Common Gulls, seven auks; also seen were two Little Egrets, five Turnstones, a Grey Plover, an Oystercatcher, five Ringed Plovers, three Linnets, 18 Meadow Pipits and an adult Mediterranean Gull (DKC).
SHOREHAM FORT: Two Rock Pipits, two Sandwich Terns and 20 Turnstones (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND: A Grey Wagtail and 20 Swallows (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Another slow two-hour seawatch produced 13 Common Scoters, 83 Gannets, a Kittiwake, 13 Common Gulls, seven auks; also seen were two Little Egrets, five Turnstones, a Grey Plover, an Oystercatcher, five Ringed Plovers, three Linnets, 18 Meadow Pipits and an adult Mediterranean Gull (DKC).
SHOREHAM FORT: Two Rock Pipits, two Sandwich Terns and 20 Turnstones (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND: A Grey Wagtail and 20 Swallows (BirdTrack).
12th October 2019
SHOREHAM FORT: Two Sandwich Terns, Wheatear, Rock Pipit, 15 Turnstones and two Meadow Pipits (SOS).
STEYNING PENLANDS VALE/BOSTAL HORSE FIELDS: Five House Martins and 40 Swallows (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 10 Teal (SOS).
STEYNING PENLANDS VALE/BOSTAL HORSE FIELDS: Five House Martins and 40 Swallows (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 10 Teal (SOS).
11th October 2019
WORTHING PIER: A seawatch from the pier, before I got turfed off due to the wind reaching Force 8, was slow-going but did produce a juvenile SHAG and an adult LITTLE GULL heading west, along with a Great Crested Grebe, seven Kittiwakes, 11 Common Scoters, 78 Gannets, a Grey Plover, two Dunlin. Too distant and brief for firm ID were 12 auks and three Common/Arctic Terns. A Red-throated Diver was on the sea. Two Turnstones were on the pier and six Common Gulls and a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull were noted (DKC).
 |
| juvenile Shag |
10th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Two Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and four Grey Herons from Ferry Footbridge (SOS). BirdTrack reports a Greenshank, two Curlew, seven Oystercatchers, six Grey Herons, a Mute Swan and two Little Egrets.
CISSBURY RING: A Tawny Owl, a Treecreeper, two Bullfinches, a Firecrest, 17 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, five Goldcrests and 400 Jackdaws (VB). Five Ring Ouzels (SOS).
TITCH HILL: 16 Corn Buntings, a Red Kite, six Meadow Pipits, three Stonechats, 10 Pied Wagtails, six Chiffchaffs, 20 House Martins, 30 Swallows, four Skylarks, two Kestrels, two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, 10 Common Gulls (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Kingfisher still and eight Little Grebes (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: A Tawny Owl, a Treecreeper, two Bullfinches, a Firecrest, 17 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, five Goldcrests and 400 Jackdaws (VB). Five Ring Ouzels (SOS).
TITCH HILL: 16 Corn Buntings, a Red Kite, six Meadow Pipits, three Stonechats, 10 Pied Wagtails, six Chiffchaffs, 20 House Martins, 30 Swallows, four Skylarks, two Kestrels, two Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, 10 Common Gulls (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Kingfisher still and eight Little Grebes (SOS).
9th October 2019
CISSBURY RING: Spent a couple of hours at Cissbury this morning failing to see any Ring Ouzels. In fact it was generally very quiet with the highlight being a close and bright Lesser Whitethroat just outside the SW corner. Other birds were two Mistle Thrushes at the yew, four Stonechats, 2 or 3 Chiffchaffs , a couple of Goldcrests, 8 Meadow Pipits, 3 Swallows and single Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard (CH)
PATCHING HILL: Two House Martins and three Swallows feeding, a Red Kite but other Green and GS Spotted Woodpeckers and three species of Tits, nothing else of note (CH)
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three drake Common Scoters from western breakwater (SOS).
WIDEWATER: Five Teal, a Chiffchaff and a Kingfisher (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three drake Common Scoters from western breakwater (SOS).
WIDEWATER: Five Teal, a Chiffchaff and a Kingfisher (SOS).
8th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Highlights late afternoon from the toll bridge were a 1cy Yellow-legged Gull, a Rock Pipit, two Canada Geese (locally uncommon), three Little Egrets, eight Oystercatchers, 19 Ringed Plovers, a Turnstone and seven of both Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull (DKC/David Darrell-Lambert). BirdTrack reports two Greenshanks, 20 Turnstones, two Curlew, a Kingfisher, 35 Lapwings, a Little Egret, 14 Oystercatchers, two Mute Swans, two Buzzards, two Skylarks, a Kestrel, a House Martin, 20 Swallows, a Chiffchaff, and five Grey Herons.
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: It was a rather similar visit to last time. Overhead, a Siskin, a Swallow, five Skylarks, three Rooks, 12 Meadow Pipits, 12 Linnets, 49 Goldfinches and six Pied/White Wagtails moved through. At the lake, four Teal, two Little Grebes and the family of Mute Swans were feeding, while two Mediterranean Gulls were loafing and a Grey Wagtail flew across the water. Scattered in the bushes were 24 Chiffchaffs, nine Goldcrests, two Blackcaps, a Treecreeper, a Song Thrush and two Coal Tits. Two of both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers made themselves obvious (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: Another visit this morning around Cissbury where we did find 2 Ring Ouzel just outside the ring although other observers had flocks of 3 and 5 in various places. Two Raven, 5 Stonechat and 2 Marsh Tit. On the east slope footpath that was sheltered out of the wind, 20 Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaff and a Firecrest (SOS).
5 Ring Ouzels were on the west side early morning though mobile (NO)
I managed to locate 3 Ring Ouzels this morning, 2 were just to the south of the Yew tree on the west side of the ring and a single bird was at the southern end, 4 Mistle Thrushes were around the Yew tree, nothing other to add other than BFF/DM also had a flyover Redpoll (NB)
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: It was a rather similar visit to last time. Overhead, a Siskin, a Swallow, five Skylarks, three Rooks, 12 Meadow Pipits, 12 Linnets, 49 Goldfinches and six Pied/White Wagtails moved through. At the lake, four Teal, two Little Grebes and the family of Mute Swans were feeding, while two Mediterranean Gulls were loafing and a Grey Wagtail flew across the water. Scattered in the bushes were 24 Chiffchaffs, nine Goldcrests, two Blackcaps, a Treecreeper, a Song Thrush and two Coal Tits. Two of both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers made themselves obvious (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: Another visit this morning around Cissbury where we did find 2 Ring Ouzel just outside the ring although other observers had flocks of 3 and 5 in various places. Two Raven, 5 Stonechat and 2 Marsh Tit. On the east slope footpath that was sheltered out of the wind, 20 Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaff and a Firecrest (SOS).
5 Ring Ouzels were on the west side early morning though mobile (NO)
I managed to locate 3 Ring Ouzels this morning, 2 were just to the south of the Yew tree on the west side of the ring and a single bird was at the southern end, 4 Mistle Thrushes were around the Yew tree, nothing other to add other than BFF/DM also had a flyover Redpoll (NB)
Ring Ouzel - poor record shot into the sun , but as ever at Cissbury, the birds were rarely out in the open (NB)
7th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: Two Grey Plovers, eight Oystercatchers, 30 Ringed Plovers, three Turnstones, a Redshank and a Kingfisher (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: After my failed attempt yesterday, I returned to Cissbury Ring in somewhat calmer conditions to search for Ring Ouzels, and I certainly found some. I encountered a few small flocks, though none settled for very long - around 20 birds in all, some giving that delightful burbling call. Not a touch on some recent counts elsewhere, but I was equally pleased to count 50 Song Thrushes, mostly actively migrating overhead. There were also two Mistle Thrushes again around the yews, and a single Redwing over. Three Golden Plovers and a Siskin also passed overhead, along with 34 Skylarks, four Reed Buntings, a House Martin, eight Swallows, 65 Meadow Pipits, 33 Linnets and 54 Chaffinches. A Firecrest, 15 Goldcrests, 18 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcaps and five Stonechats were on the ground. Other birds included three Yellowhammers, two Bullfinches, a Treecreeper, a Nuthatch, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel and 30 Long-tailed Tits (DKC). Other sightings included a Snipe overhead and a Brambling overhead, two Ravens, around seven Mistle Thrushes, another Siskin and boosted counts of 30 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps
GORING GAP: I concentrated my time covering the southern end of the gap, and was rewarded with 2 Common Redstarts that were feeding along the edge of the eastern field, 1 was a nice male bird, 2 Stonechat were nearby in the rough field. 6 Skylarks were fairly active and there aas a c50 Meadow Pipits in the fields. Other evidence of vis-mig included to groups of Swallows moving through 42 birds in total, 28 Linnet, with another 7 buzzing around the fields, the most bizarre sight was 14 Blue Tits in one flock moving through before taking flight and heading south out to sea! On the beach 14 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 8 Turnstone, 2 Sandwich Tern flew west, whilst a single Wheatear was still on the beach. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were the only raptors on offer (NB/GDM)
SALVINGTON: A single Firecrest was seen in my garden this morning in Rogate Road pand again in the afternoon, seemed to roost in nearby trees (NB)
WORTHING PROM: Redwing flew over at 5.30am plus at least six Song Thrushes.
CISSBURY RING: After my failed attempt yesterday, I returned to Cissbury Ring in somewhat calmer conditions to search for Ring Ouzels, and I certainly found some. I encountered a few small flocks, though none settled for very long - around 20 birds in all, some giving that delightful burbling call. Not a touch on some recent counts elsewhere, but I was equally pleased to count 50 Song Thrushes, mostly actively migrating overhead. There were also two Mistle Thrushes again around the yews, and a single Redwing over. Three Golden Plovers and a Siskin also passed overhead, along with 34 Skylarks, four Reed Buntings, a House Martin, eight Swallows, 65 Meadow Pipits, 33 Linnets and 54 Chaffinches. A Firecrest, 15 Goldcrests, 18 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcaps and five Stonechats were on the ground. Other birds included three Yellowhammers, two Bullfinches, a Treecreeper, a Nuthatch, two Green Woodpeckers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel and 30 Long-tailed Tits (DKC). Other sightings included a Snipe overhead and a Brambling overhead, two Ravens, around seven Mistle Thrushes, another Siskin and boosted counts of 30 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps
GORING GAP: I concentrated my time covering the southern end of the gap, and was rewarded with 2 Common Redstarts that were feeding along the edge of the eastern field, 1 was a nice male bird, 2 Stonechat were nearby in the rough field. 6 Skylarks were fairly active and there aas a c50 Meadow Pipits in the fields. Other evidence of vis-mig included to groups of Swallows moving through 42 birds in total, 28 Linnet, with another 7 buzzing around the fields, the most bizarre sight was 14 Blue Tits in one flock moving through before taking flight and heading south out to sea! On the beach 14 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 8 Turnstone, 2 Sandwich Tern flew west, whilst a single Wheatear was still on the beach. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were the only raptors on offer (NB/GDM)
Common Redstart and Wheatear - Goring Gap (NB)
SALVINGTON: A single Firecrest was seen in my garden this morning in Rogate Road pand again in the afternoon, seemed to roost in nearby trees (NB)
WORTHING PROM: Redwing flew over at 5.30am plus at least six Song Thrushes.
6th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A morning walk in Shoreham while the tide was still going out produced three amber- and one red listed species: five Dunlins, one Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Curlew quite close to each other (TQ213048) best seen from Town Quay. Around 20 Redshank, 15-20 Oystercatcher and a couple of Turnstone were foraging here as well. Under the railway bridge a flock of about 40 Turnstones was spooked by a passing train and made a few circles before settling down again (TQ209051). A Kingfisher
was present too but I had to be content with just the usual quick
flypast this time. A mixture of gulls up and down the river with a few Cormorant fishing/sunbathing (SOS). Also seven Grey Herons, three Little Egrets and a total of 60 Turnstones (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Five RING OUZELS were at the Rifle Butts (a flock of 11 Mistle Thrushes at nearby Gallops) (SOS/NO/CO). Also two Mistle Thrushes, two Blackcaps, two Kestrels and a Goldcrest (DKC).
GORING GAP: A blustery morning down on the beach and there was not a lot moving. There were about 20 Swallows battling against the westerly wind and a Curlew followed them. A couple of distant auks proved to be Razorbills. Then I picked up a fairly large shearwater scything its way eastwards. It towered across the waves and was extremely dark both above and below. Its long bowed wings and flight were diagnostic of a SOOTY SHEARWATER. I hope that some others were able to pick it up on its way through (RI)
WEST WORTHING: My first Redwing of the season, a little overdue, was heard over my garden this morning but with clear skies and a strong breeze it was no surprise that my attempt at vismig otherwise fell a bit flat, with four Pied/White Wagtails, five Meadow Pipits and three Goldfinches moving. A Goldcrest and a Coal Tit were calling next door and a Common Gull overhead was a fairly uncommon sight from the patio (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A Kingfisher alighted for a few minutes on a little boat at the back of someone's house, and a fine adult female Sparrowhawk was doing the rounds of the waterside gardens while a Kestrel hovered nearby. Two Teal, five Mute Swans and five Little Egrets were on the water and the beach had a Turnstone. I also noted a Grey Wagtail, four Linnets, a House Martin and six Meadow Pipits (DKC).
CISSBURY RING: Five RING OUZELS were at the Rifle Butts (a flock of 11 Mistle Thrushes at nearby Gallops) (SOS/NO/CO). Also two Mistle Thrushes, two Blackcaps, two Kestrels and a Goldcrest (DKC).
GORING GAP: A blustery morning down on the beach and there was not a lot moving. There were about 20 Swallows battling against the westerly wind and a Curlew followed them. A couple of distant auks proved to be Razorbills. Then I picked up a fairly large shearwater scything its way eastwards. It towered across the waves and was extremely dark both above and below. Its long bowed wings and flight were diagnostic of a SOOTY SHEARWATER. I hope that some others were able to pick it up on its way through (RI)
WEST WORTHING: My first Redwing of the season, a little overdue, was heard over my garden this morning but with clear skies and a strong breeze it was no surprise that my attempt at vismig otherwise fell a bit flat, with four Pied/White Wagtails, five Meadow Pipits and three Goldfinches moving. A Goldcrest and a Coal Tit were calling next door and a Common Gull overhead was a fairly uncommon sight from the patio (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A Kingfisher alighted for a few minutes on a little boat at the back of someone's house, and a fine adult female Sparrowhawk was doing the rounds of the waterside gardens while a Kestrel hovered nearby. Two Teal, five Mute Swans and five Little Egrets were on the water and the beach had a Turnstone. I also noted a Grey Wagtail, four Linnets, a House Martin and six Meadow Pipits (DKC).
5th October 2019
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included 25 Blackcaps, 26 Chiffchaffs, two Firecrests, 22 Goldcrests and 23 Long-tailed Tits. A Tawny Owl, two Redwings, a Sparrowhawk, a Raven, a Bullfinch, two Buzzards and a Kestrel were also logged (VB/PD/MB).
GORING GAP: Goring Gap this morning: many House Martins, Swallows and Meadow Pipits overhead and going in all directions. 1 Yellow Wagtail E. Over the sea: Brent Goose 69W, Wigeon 3W, Sandwich Tern 4E 1W, Curlew 1E. 2 Wheatears and a Rock Pipit were on the beach (RS)
A short look this morning around 0915-0945 just resulted in 35 Swallows east (CH).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included 41 Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests and a Song Thrush. Other stuff noted included two Cetti's Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, two House Martins, a Mistle Thrush, two Skylarks, a Grey Heron (MM et al).
MONARCH'S WAY: Perhaps 1,000 each of Linnet and Goldfinch (SOS).
SHOREHAM: Short visit in Shoreham brought 50 Turnstones, 40 Lapwings, 20 Redshanks, 15 Ringed Plovers, 12 Oystercatchers, 3 Dunlins and one Bar-tailed Godwit. Also still moving Hirundines but much less than lately. There were also 2-3 Kingfishers and 10 Teal (SOS).
GORING GAP: Goring Gap this morning: many House Martins, Swallows and Meadow Pipits overhead and going in all directions. 1 Yellow Wagtail E. Over the sea: Brent Goose 69W, Wigeon 3W, Sandwich Tern 4E 1W, Curlew 1E. 2 Wheatears and a Rock Pipit were on the beach (RS)
A short look this morning around 0915-0945 just resulted in 35 Swallows east (CH).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included 41 Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests and a Song Thrush. Other stuff noted included two Cetti's Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, two House Martins, a Mistle Thrush, two Skylarks, a Grey Heron (MM et al).
MONARCH'S WAY: Perhaps 1,000 each of Linnet and Goldfinch (SOS).
SHOREHAM: Short visit in Shoreham brought 50 Turnstones, 40 Lapwings, 20 Redshanks, 15 Ringed Plovers, 12 Oystercatchers, 3 Dunlins and one Bar-tailed Godwit. Also still moving Hirundines but much less than lately. There were also 2-3 Kingfishers and 10 Teal (SOS).
4th October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: From the Norfolk Bridge at 16.15 I could make out ca. 40 Redshank, one Greenshank and two Curlew at roost in the remnant vegetation along with six Little Egret and four Grey Heron (SOS). Also 22 Turnstones and 12 Oystercatchers (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Hard going at the gap this morning in a brisk westerly, it was soon apparent there had been a mass clearout of the bounty of birds just a few days ago, with no more than a dozen Meadow Pipits grounded or overhead, a trickle of Swallows and just a single House Martin noted, just a single Wheatear on the beach and smaller numbers of Chiffchaffs a0round. Other birds of note were 3 Grey Plovers that were initially pushed up by a walker on the beach before heading of north west and high over Ferring, 4 Little Egrets were on the beach, resident birds included a Grey Heron, a Kestrel and 6 Skylarks. A single Firecrest and a Treecreeper were in the middle plantation. The sheltered spot in the north west corner hosted quite a few fresh looking Red Admirals, small whites, Ivy bees were everywhere and smart looking Hornet mimic Hoverfly was found and a Common Darter dragonfly was seen sunning itself (NB)
SHOREHAM FORT: 24 Turnstones but no sign of Purple Sandpiper.
GORING GAP: Hard going at the gap this morning in a brisk westerly, it was soon apparent there had been a mass clearout of the bounty of birds just a few days ago, with no more than a dozen Meadow Pipits grounded or overhead, a trickle of Swallows and just a single House Martin noted, just a single Wheatear on the beach and smaller numbers of Chiffchaffs a0round. Other birds of note were 3 Grey Plovers that were initially pushed up by a walker on the beach before heading of north west and high over Ferring, 4 Little Egrets were on the beach, resident birds included a Grey Heron, a Kestrel and 6 Skylarks. A single Firecrest and a Treecreeper were in the middle plantation. The sheltered spot in the north west corner hosted quite a few fresh looking Red Admirals, small whites, Ivy bees were everywhere and smart looking Hornet mimic Hoverfly was found and a Common Darter dragonfly was seen sunning itself (NB)
Hornet mimic Hoverfly Volucella zonaria (NB)
Common Darter and Red Admiral (NB)
SHOREHAM FORT: 24 Turnstones but no sign of Purple Sandpiper.
3rd October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A Greenshank, c40 Redshanks, two Curlew, six Little Egrets and four Grey Herons from Norfolk Bridge late afternoon; elsewhere on the estuary a Knot, 20+ Ringed Plovers, 25 Turnstones, 30 Lapwings and a Kingfisher (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: The highlights of a couple of hours at Brooklands were three Siskins, 42 Meadow Pipits, 19 Pied/White Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, six House Martins, 12 Swallows and a Skylark overhead. 11 Goldcrests and 20 Chiffchaffs were scattered in the bushes. A Treecreeper and three Coal Tits, two Green Woodpeckers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were also noted. The lake held the whole Mute Swan family, a Little Grebe and four Teal (DKC).
FERRING RIFE: 17 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, two Moorhens, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel and two Swallows (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM FORT: 24 Turnstones at high tide at 3.30pm but no sign of Purple Sandpiper (SOS).
GORING GAP: Between 0900 and 1000 I counted 180 Swallows flying east as well as 16 Goldfinches and a Pied Wagtail. There were 40 Linnets and two Stonechats and a Kestrel on the fields and more distant flock of c.20 House Martins were feeding over the Ilex trees. 35 Gannets were fishing offshore and two Med Gulls went west (CH)
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: The highlights of a couple of hours at Brooklands were three Siskins, 42 Meadow Pipits, 19 Pied/White Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails, six House Martins, 12 Swallows and a Skylark overhead. 11 Goldcrests and 20 Chiffchaffs were scattered in the bushes. A Treecreeper and three Coal Tits, two Green Woodpeckers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were also noted. The lake held the whole Mute Swan family, a Little Grebe and four Teal (DKC).
FERRING RIFE: 17 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, two Moorhens, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel and two Swallows (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM FORT: 24 Turnstones at high tide at 3.30pm but no sign of Purple Sandpiper (SOS).
GORING GAP: Between 0900 and 1000 I counted 180 Swallows flying east as well as 16 Goldfinches and a Pied Wagtail. There were 40 Linnets and two Stonechats and a Kestrel on the fields and more distant flock of c.20 House Martins were feeding over the Ilex trees. 35 Gannets were fishing offshore and two Med Gulls went west (CH)
2nd October 2019
ADUR ESTUARY: A circuit of the river from Shoreham Airport found 4 Wheatear on the path to the east of the airfield. three Skylarks were having a tussle out on the field. 20+ Swallows were going west at the north of the path. The sand bank to the north of the Toll Bridge had 38 Lapwing and 2 Redshanks. On the return down the east bank of the river the birds of note were 2 Little Egrets and 7 Turnstones just up from the Norfolk Bridge (SOS). Also reported were a Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 35 Lapwings, two Stonechats, 15 Meadow Pipits, two Chiffchaffs, a Kingfisher, a Kestrel, two Buzzards, three Redshanks, a Little Egret, a Grey Heron and three Mute Swans (BirdTrack). Also a Grey Wagtail, 15 Redshanks, three Chiffchaffs and a Sparrowhawk (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: Three hours here in glorious sunshine found two Mistle Thrush in the aril-laden female yew, an eye-catchingly pale Common Buzzard with two normal morphs, a Sparrowhawk and two Kestrel, some 30 Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Redstart, a good many Meadow Pipit and Swallow both mostly flying west, several Chiffchaff and Blackcap, two Common Whitethroat both fly-catching and gorging on blackberries and a tit-flock of some 20 each of Long-tailed and Blue Tit and one Great Tit. Butterflies included still some meadow brown and flowers included scabious and yellow wort (SOS). Also a Redstart, a Wheatear, 15+ Stonechats, 50+ House Martins/Swallows, a Raven and good numbers of Chiffchaffs (SOS).
GORING GAP: With a northwesterly breeze I thought I'd give some vismigging at Goring Gap a go, though the clear blues skies did not particularly help. Passerines included two Reed Buntings, 344 Meadow Pipits, 61 Pied/White Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, two Sand Martins, 121 House Martins, 33 Swallows, 53 Linnets, 12 Chaffinches, 40 Goldfinches, four Skylarks and two Jackdaws. On the ground was a Wheatear, six Stonechats, two Song Thrushes, seven Goldcrests, three Whitethroats, three Blackcaps, nine Chiffchaffs. Offshore, Dark-bellied Brent Geese were returning from Siberia, with 122 heading west, along with a flock of seven Shelducks. A Whimbrel, a Redshank, three Grey Herons, 16 Little Egrets, eight Ringed Plovers and 19 Turnstones were on the beach. Also around were two Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, two Mediterranean Gulls and three Common Gulls. Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers included two so embroiled in a silent and note particularly violent face-off that they argued just feet away from me (DKC).
WEST WORTHING: Casual observations around and over the garden included singles of Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Coal Tit and Sparrowhawk (DKC).
WORTHING BEACH: A brief stop on Worthing Beach was very worthwhile as I recorded my first returning Brents of the autumn with small flocks numbering 30 birds in ten minutes. A surprise was two PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE flying together westwards. There were also 10 Common Scoters, 4 Sandwich Terns and 3 Gannets. Not a bad ten minutes! Winter is quickly approaching (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: Three hours here in glorious sunshine found two Mistle Thrush in the aril-laden female yew, an eye-catchingly pale Common Buzzard with two normal morphs, a Sparrowhawk and two Kestrel, some 30 Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Redstart, a good many Meadow Pipit and Swallow both mostly flying west, several Chiffchaff and Blackcap, two Common Whitethroat both fly-catching and gorging on blackberries and a tit-flock of some 20 each of Long-tailed and Blue Tit and one Great Tit. Butterflies included still some meadow brown and flowers included scabious and yellow wort (SOS). Also a Redstart, a Wheatear, 15+ Stonechats, 50+ House Martins/Swallows, a Raven and good numbers of Chiffchaffs (SOS).
GORING GAP: With a northwesterly breeze I thought I'd give some vismigging at Goring Gap a go, though the clear blues skies did not particularly help. Passerines included two Reed Buntings, 344 Meadow Pipits, 61 Pied/White Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, two Sand Martins, 121 House Martins, 33 Swallows, 53 Linnets, 12 Chaffinches, 40 Goldfinches, four Skylarks and two Jackdaws. On the ground was a Wheatear, six Stonechats, two Song Thrushes, seven Goldcrests, three Whitethroats, three Blackcaps, nine Chiffchaffs. Offshore, Dark-bellied Brent Geese were returning from Siberia, with 122 heading west, along with a flock of seven Shelducks. A Whimbrel, a Redshank, three Grey Herons, 16 Little Egrets, eight Ringed Plovers and 19 Turnstones were on the beach. Also around were two Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, two Mediterranean Gulls and three Common Gulls. Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers included two so embroiled in a silent and note particularly violent face-off that they argued just feet away from me (DKC).
WEST WORTHING: Casual observations around and over the garden included singles of Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Coal Tit and Sparrowhawk (DKC).
WORTHING BEACH: A brief stop on Worthing Beach was very worthwhile as I recorded my first returning Brents of the autumn with small flocks numbering 30 birds in ten minutes. A surprise was two PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE flying together westwards. There were also 10 Common Scoters, 4 Sandwich Terns and 3 Gannets. Not a bad ten minutes! Winter is quickly approaching (SOS).
1st October 2019
GORING GAP : A very obliging Bar-tailed Godwit was on the greensward, allowing some great photos. Wheatear were also in the area (GK/AA)
SHOREHAM FORT: Purple Sandpiper at high tide with 20 Turnstones and six Ringed Plovers. This morning five Wheatears, Rock Pipit and three Pied Wagtails (SOS).
Bar-tailed Godwit (AA -top GK bottom 2)
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Wheatear - Goring (AA)
SHOREHAM FORT: Purple Sandpiper at high tide with 20 Turnstones and six Ringed Plovers. This morning five Wheatears, Rock Pipit and three Pied Wagtails (SOS).
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