ADUR ESTUARY: Adult Yellow-legged Gull this morning at low tide. Also Peregrine and male Stonechat (SOS).
SALVINGTON: Blackcap still in garden (NB).
WEST WORTHING: Skylark heard over Grand Avenue at c8.50pm! (NB).
29th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: On the RSPB reserve on the Adur was a Wigeon, along with eight Teal, 14 Redshanks and a flock of 20 Linnets (DKC/P.Wallace). Also two Mediterranean Gulls (SOS). Two Little Grebes, two Buzzards, a Moorhen, a Stonechat, two Meadow Pipits, two Reed Buntings, 170 Common Gulls, two Kestrels and a Goldcrest (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: A Chiffchaff today (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Four Mediterranean Gulls, 10 Skylarks and 50 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel (NB).
KINGSTON GORSE: MERLIN flushed a Jack Snipe, plus several Snipe (GK).
NO MAN'S LAND AREA: A late afternoon scan from Titch Hill offered 17 Fieldfares, a female Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel, but little else (DKC/P.Wallace).
PATCHING: The 2 Siberian Chiffchaff's were still present at the sewage works (GDM)
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: One Purple Sandpiper and five Turnstones were on the wooden jetty (DKC/P.Wallace). Three Purple Sandpipers, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit and 12 Turnstones (SOS).
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| Purple Sandpiper at Shoreham (DKC). |
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Kingfisher and two Little Grebes (SOS).
28th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Curlew still, 10 Teal, 10 Lapwings and 15 Redshanks (BirdTrack).
BRAMBER BROOKS: I checked out Bramber Brooks for the first time this morning, logging a Cetti's Warbler, three Snipe, a Reed Bunting, a Stonechat, a Kestrel and two Green Woodpeckers among the birds encountered (DKC).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, 18 Teal, three Little Grebes and two Goldcrests (SOS).
GORING GAP was only visited briefly, with four adult Mediterranean Gulls, c500 Common Gulls and five Skylarks the best.
PATCHING was rewarding, with two Siberian Chiffchaffs performing superbly with five nominate Chiffchaffs. The pond was the busiest I've ever seen it, with a Great Crested Grebe, a drake Mallard, two Coots and a Moorhen! A Firecrest, a singing Treecreeper, a Yellowhammer and two Bullfinches were among the other species noted.
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two drakes) early afternoon (SOS)
BRAMBER BROOKS: I checked out Bramber Brooks for the first time this morning, logging a Cetti's Warbler, three Snipe, a Reed Bunting, a Stonechat, a Kestrel and two Green Woodpeckers among the birds encountered (DKC).
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| male Stonechat at Bramber Brooks (DKC) |
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, 18 Teal, three Little Grebes and two Goldcrests (SOS).
GORING GAP was only visited briefly, with four adult Mediterranean Gulls, c500 Common Gulls and five Skylarks the best.
PATCHING was rewarding, with two Siberian Chiffchaffs performing superbly with five nominate Chiffchaffs. The pond was the busiest I've ever seen it, with a Great Crested Grebe, a drake Mallard, two Coots and a Moorhen! A Firecrest, a singing Treecreeper, a Yellowhammer and two Bullfinches were among the other species noted.
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| Siberian Chiffchaffs at Patching (DKC) |
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| Great Crested Grebe at Patching (DKC) |
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two drakes) early afternoon (SOS)
27th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, a Little Grebe, 40 Lapwings, 10 Snipe, 30 Redshanks, 16 Oystercatchers, five Skylarks, a Meadow Pipit and five Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake Pintail new in (PJ) and drake POCHARD still. Also five Teal, a Grey Heron and a Little Grebe. Two Goldcrests and 19 Long-tailed Tits gathered to roost by the Southern Water road as dusk fell (DKC).
GORING GAP: Seven Mediterranean Gulls and roughly 450 Common Gulls were counted around midday, along with an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Stonechat. Three Dunlin decided better of settling in the roost field (DKC/NB).
LANCING: 'A few' Razorbills, a Great Crested Grebe, c15 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover (SOS).
SALVINGTON: Grey Heron flew over (NB).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers still and four Turnstones. Also a Kittiwake offshore, along with a Gannet (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake Pintail new in (PJ) and drake POCHARD still. Also five Teal, a Grey Heron and a Little Grebe. Two Goldcrests and 19 Long-tailed Tits gathered to roost by the Southern Water road as dusk fell (DKC).
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| drake Pintail at Brooklands Park (DKC) |
GORING GAP: Seven Mediterranean Gulls and roughly 450 Common Gulls were counted around midday, along with an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Stonechat. Three Dunlin decided better of settling in the roost field (DKC/NB).
LANCING: 'A few' Razorbills, a Great Crested Grebe, c15 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover (SOS).
SALVINGTON: Grey Heron flew over (NB).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers still and four Turnstones. Also a Kittiwake offshore, along with a Gannet (BirdTrack).
26th January 2020
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, female Stonechat, a Sparrowhawk, adult Mediterranean Gull, two Cetti's Warblers, a Chiffchaff and a Great Spotted Woodpecker (SOS).
GORING GAP: An hour from 8am-9am produced two SLAVONIAN GREBES offshore, two Fulmars east, six Red throated Divers, six Gannets and 40 Red-breasted Mergansers (RI).
GORING GAP: An hour from 8am-9am produced two SLAVONIAN GREBES offshore, two Fulmars east, six Red throated Divers, six Gannets and 40 Red-breasted Mergansers (RI).
25th January 2020
BROOKLANDS PARK: A Stonechat, a Cetti's Warbler, two Chiffchaffs and a Great Spotted Woodpecker (SOS). Drake POCHARD still [seen from car] (DKC).
GORING GAP: A check look at the sea early morning failed to relocate yesterday's Long-tailed Duck, there were fewer birds on the sea too with just 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 10 Great crested Grebes around, a Red-throated Diver flew east. Waders roosting on the beach includes an impressive count of 50 Grey Plover, 88 Dunlin, 14 Turnstone, 11 Sanderling and 7 Ringed Plover. 4 Great Black-backed Gulls flew east (NB/CH). A Treecreeper was seen at the northern end of the plantation (Ken Hearne). 12 Red-breasted Mergansers and a Redshank early morning (DKC).
SALVINGTON: A Great Spotted Woodpecker was on Offington Lane at lunchtime, 30 Goldfinch were also around (NB).
WEST WORTHING: Three Mute Swans flew SE mid-morning (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Little Egrets and two Redshanks on lagoon. Four Oystercatchers on beach. Offshore were six Red-throated Divers, three Common Scoters, two Gannets, a Razorbill and two Great Crested Grebes (SOS).
GORING GAP: A check look at the sea early morning failed to relocate yesterday's Long-tailed Duck, there were fewer birds on the sea too with just 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 10 Great crested Grebes around, a Red-throated Diver flew east. Waders roosting on the beach includes an impressive count of 50 Grey Plover, 88 Dunlin, 14 Turnstone, 11 Sanderling and 7 Ringed Plover. 4 Great Black-backed Gulls flew east (NB/CH). A Treecreeper was seen at the northern end of the plantation (Ken Hearne). 12 Red-breasted Mergansers and a Redshank early morning (DKC).
SALVINGTON: A Great Spotted Woodpecker was on Offington Lane at lunchtime, 30 Goldfinch were also around (NB).
WEST WORTHING: Three Mute Swans flew SE mid-morning (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Little Egrets and two Redshanks on lagoon. Four Oystercatchers on beach. Offshore were six Red-throated Divers, three Common Scoters, two Gannets, a Razorbill and two Great Crested Grebes (SOS).
24th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Curlew still, a Grey Plover, two Snipe, two Mute Swans, 12 Teal, a Little Grebe and a Lapwing (SOS).
COOMBES-BOTOLPHS: A satisfying morning's birding along the Adur between Coombes and Botolphs featured a Canada Goose with a flock of nine Greylags overhead, and a flock of 32 Fieldfares. An adult male Peregrine was on the cement works tower. Other observations included four Little Grebes, a Grey Wagtail, five Meadow Pipits, three Reed Buntings, two Grey Herons, two Little Egrets, four Buzzards, 97 Common Gulls, 25 Collared Doves (including a flock of 20), five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Green Woodpeckers, three Kestrels, 120 Rooks, two Skylarks, five Goldcrests and nine Mallards (DKC).
GORING GAP: Highlight on the sea today was a LONG-TAILED DUCK which was on the sea briefly and in view for around 20 minutes before flying and drifting out to sea on the ebbing tide (approx 12.30pm). The bird was initially seen flying in from the west before landing and was associating with Red breasted Mergansers and seemed happily feeding, eventually lost to view along with most other birds that were on the water, there was certainly an increase in birds on the sea today with a c60 Red breasted Mergansers and 30c Great crested Grebes. A Red-throated Diver flew east and 14 Sanderling flew west along the tideline. In the fields, 6 Mediterranean Gulls were around (all adults except a 1st winter bird), the Kestrel and 2 Stonechats around the rough field and 6 Skylark (NB/GDM).
LANCING: Four Dark-bellied Brent Geese, six Red-throated Divers, a Gannet, 13 Razorbills and a Great Crested Grebe offshore (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers still on jetty, five Turnstones and an Oystercatcher (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Six Teal and two Redshanks (SOS).
WORTHING: Blackcap in garden (BirdTrack).
COOMBES-BOTOLPHS: A satisfying morning's birding along the Adur between Coombes and Botolphs featured a Canada Goose with a flock of nine Greylags overhead, and a flock of 32 Fieldfares. An adult male Peregrine was on the cement works tower. Other observations included four Little Grebes, a Grey Wagtail, five Meadow Pipits, three Reed Buntings, two Grey Herons, two Little Egrets, four Buzzards, 97 Common Gulls, 25 Collared Doves (including a flock of 20), five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Green Woodpeckers, three Kestrels, 120 Rooks, two Skylarks, five Goldcrests and nine Mallards (DKC).
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| Greylag Geese and Canada Goose over Botolphs (DKC) |
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| male Green Woodpecker at Passies Pond (DKC) |
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| adult male Peregrine on the cement works tower (DKC) |
GORING GAP: Highlight on the sea today was a LONG-TAILED DUCK which was on the sea briefly and in view for around 20 minutes before flying and drifting out to sea on the ebbing tide (approx 12.30pm). The bird was initially seen flying in from the west before landing and was associating with Red breasted Mergansers and seemed happily feeding, eventually lost to view along with most other birds that were on the water, there was certainly an increase in birds on the sea today with a c60 Red breasted Mergansers and 30c Great crested Grebes. A Red-throated Diver flew east and 14 Sanderling flew west along the tideline. In the fields, 6 Mediterranean Gulls were around (all adults except a 1st winter bird), the Kestrel and 2 Stonechats around the rough field and 6 Skylark (NB/GDM).
LANCING: Four Dark-bellied Brent Geese, six Red-throated Divers, a Gannet, 13 Razorbills and a Great Crested Grebe offshore (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers still on jetty, five Turnstones and an Oystercatcher (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Six Teal and two Redshanks (SOS).
WORTHING: Blackcap in garden (BirdTrack).
23rd January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel still and 100+ Lapwings (SOS). Also a Firecrest, a Stonechat, four Reed Buntings, two Mute Swans, three Little Grebes, a Little Egret, a Buzzard, seven ringed Plovers, five Turnstones, five Dunlin, four Oystercatchers, three Redshanks and 20 Common Gulls (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM BEACH/FORT: SLAVONIAN GREBE offshore, Whimbrel flew towards harbour, three Purple Sandpipers still on jetty, Rock Pipit still, Red-throated Diver on sea, plus three Great Crested Grebes, Guillemot and six Turnstones (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Razorbill and Red-throated Diver on sea (SOS).
22nd January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Little Egret, five Oystercatchers, three Ringed Plovers, a Curlew, two Turnstones, four Dunlin and six Redshanks (BirdTrack).
DURRINGTON: The Peregrine Falcon was on the Skyline apartment buildings again this lunchtime on the south facing side (NB).
GORING GAP: Another lunchtime visit, very overcast, chilly but the sea was flat calm. Most birds offshore were distant, including a feeding frenzy offshore mainly gulls but 6 Gannets were involved. There were at least 30 Red-breasted Mergansers, 20 Great crested Grebes, 4 Razorbills which were flying around a fair bit, 2 Redshanks on the groynes opposite the toilet block showed well, whilst 4 Greater black-backed Gulls and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and 3 Stock Doves were on the roost fields (NB).
LADYWELL: A Chiffchaff, four Mallards, two Bullfinches, two Teal, three Buzzards, two Coots, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Green Woodpecker (BirdTrack).
SALVINGTON: The male Blackcap again today in gardens on Rogate Road (NB).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at The Cygnets (BirdTrack).
WEST WORTHING: Chiffchaff (BirdTrack).
WORTHING SEAFRONT: Very quiet offshore off Marine gardens but did host a Red-throated Diver on the sea, with a scattering of Red-breasted Mergansers and Great crested Grebes offshore. 30 Turnstones flew west along the beach (NB).
DURRINGTON: The Peregrine Falcon was on the Skyline apartment buildings again this lunchtime on the south facing side (NB).
GORING GAP: Another lunchtime visit, very overcast, chilly but the sea was flat calm. Most birds offshore were distant, including a feeding frenzy offshore mainly gulls but 6 Gannets were involved. There were at least 30 Red-breasted Mergansers, 20 Great crested Grebes, 4 Razorbills which were flying around a fair bit, 2 Redshanks on the groynes opposite the toilet block showed well, whilst 4 Greater black-backed Gulls and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and 3 Stock Doves were on the roost fields (NB).
LADYWELL: A Chiffchaff, four Mallards, two Bullfinches, two Teal, three Buzzards, two Coots, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Green Woodpecker (BirdTrack).
SALVINGTON: The male Blackcap again today in gardens on Rogate Road (NB).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at The Cygnets (BirdTrack).
WEST WORTHING: Chiffchaff (BirdTrack).
WORTHING SEAFRONT: Very quiet offshore off Marine gardens but did host a Red-throated Diver on the sea, with a scattering of Red-breasted Mergansers and Great crested Grebes offshore. 30 Turnstones flew west along the beach (NB).
21st January 2020
GORING GAP: A quick look at lunchtime, very quiet as tide was out and the plane flyers were out en masse, hence no birds whatsoever on the roost fields. A scattering of waders containing Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Sanderling & Turnstone along the tideline, nothing picked out on the sea other than a single Cormorant , several Pied Wagtails were on the beach (NB).
LANCING: ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET flew over (BJ).
PATCHING: A Great Crested Grebe was on the pond along with 2 Canada Goose and a Moorhen whilst a Buzzard circled overhead, 2 Greenfinch including a singing male next to the Worlds End pub. No sign of the Northern Treecreeper in a brief search (NB).
STEEP DOWN: 30 Corn Buntings, a Reed Bunting, a Sparrowhawk, 200 Common Gulls, a Kestrel, 35 Skylarks, two Stonechats, three Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND: A Raven, seven Marsh Tits, a Red Kite, a Tawny Owl, 23 Lapwings, a Buzzard, two Kestrels, four Skylarks, two Nuthatches, seven Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, seven Stonechats, five Yellowhammers, a Reed Bunting (BirdTrack).
TARRING: 3 Redwings were around Canterbury Road at the eastern end (NB)
LANCING: ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET flew over (BJ).
PATCHING: A Great Crested Grebe was on the pond along with 2 Canada Goose and a Moorhen whilst a Buzzard circled overhead, 2 Greenfinch including a singing male next to the Worlds End pub. No sign of the Northern Treecreeper in a brief search (NB).
STEEP DOWN: 30 Corn Buntings, a Reed Bunting, a Sparrowhawk, 200 Common Gulls, a Kestrel, 35 Skylarks, two Stonechats, three Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND: A Raven, seven Marsh Tits, a Red Kite, a Tawny Owl, 23 Lapwings, a Buzzard, two Kestrels, four Skylarks, two Nuthatches, seven Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, seven Stonechats, five Yellowhammers, a Reed Bunting (BirdTrack).
TARRING: 3 Redwings were around Canterbury Road at the eastern end (NB)
20th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: A Little Grebe and 12 Oystercatchers (BirdTrack).
EAST KINGSTON: Three Lapwings, Buzzard, eight Moorhens, four Green Woodpeckers and a Skylark (BirdTrack).
HIGH SALVINGTON: Tawny Owl flew over Mill Lane after dark (NB).
SALVINGTON: Both the male and female Blackcap appeared again today in my garden on Rogate Road, the female has not been seen here for nearly a week, a couple of Redwings were in trees next to Sainsburys on the Littlehampton road (NB)
SHOREHAM: MERLIN flew over (SOS).
WORTHING: midday - 10 Red throated Divers w, 50 Great crested Grebes, 45 Red breasted mergansers & 2 Gannets. Flat calm but nothing really out of the ordinary (RI) A Redwing (BirdTrack).
EAST KINGSTON: Three Lapwings, Buzzard, eight Moorhens, four Green Woodpeckers and a Skylark (BirdTrack).
HIGH SALVINGTON: Tawny Owl flew over Mill Lane after dark (NB).
SALVINGTON: Both the male and female Blackcap appeared again today in my garden on Rogate Road, the female has not been seen here for nearly a week, a couple of Redwings were in trees next to Sainsburys on the Littlehampton road (NB)
SHOREHAM: MERLIN flew over (SOS).
WORTHING: midday - 10 Red throated Divers w, 50 Great crested Grebes, 45 Red breasted mergansers & 2 Gannets. Flat calm but nothing really out of the ordinary (RI) A Redwing (BirdTrack).
19th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel still (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, seven Teal, a Cetti's Warbler, a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Little Grebe, a Sparrowhawk and my first drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker of the season (DKC).
SOMPTING: Two Ravens, Cetti's Warbler, three Chiffchaffs, 12 Skylarks, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, 12 Pheasants, two Grey Herons, a Little Egret, two Buzzards, a Kestrel,
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Two Ravens, three Red Kites and Red-legged Partridge (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap and Sparrowhawk at Rogate Road (NB).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, seven Teal, a Cetti's Warbler, a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Little Grebe, a Sparrowhawk and my first drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker of the season (DKC).
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| Grey Heron at Brooklands Park (DKC) |
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| Little Egret at Brooklands Park (DKC) |
SOMPTING: Two Ravens, Cetti's Warbler, three Chiffchaffs, 12 Skylarks, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, 12 Pheasants, two Grey Herons, a Little Egret, two Buzzards, a Kestrel,
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Two Ravens, three Red Kites and Red-legged Partridge (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap and Sparrowhawk at Rogate Road (NB).
18th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: In a really enjoyable couple of hours along the lower Adur in fine weather this morning, I caught up with the wintering Whimbrel and Greenshank, as well as two Curlew, a Kingfisher, a Rock Pipit, 15+ Reed Buntings, 13 Ringed Plovers, three Grey Plovers, 11 Oystercatchers, 12 Redshanks, 80+ Lapwings, five Teal, two Stonechats, four Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnets and four Skylarks (DKC).
STEYINING ROUNDHILL: Three Yellowhammers, two Reed Buntings and several Skylarks (SOS).
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| Greenshank at Adur Estuary (DKC) |
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| Reed Buntings at Adur Estuary (DKC) |
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| Rock Pipit at Adur Estuary (DKC) |
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| Rock Pipit and Reed Buntings at Adur Estuary (DKC) |
STEYINING ROUNDHILL: Three Yellowhammers, two Reed Buntings and several Skylarks (SOS).
17th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, 35 Teal, Curlew, seven Dunlin, two Snipe, Little Grebe, a Buzzard, 120 Lapwings, eight Redshanks, seven Oystercatchers, 350 Common Gulls, a Kestrel and a Stonechat (BirdTrack).
FERRING RIFE: 14 Mallards, nine Moorhens, five Skylarks and two Stonechats (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Six Ringed Plovers, 32 Dunlin, two Mediterranean Gulls, 700 Common Gulls, a Kestrel and six Skylarks (BirdTrack). Also eight Red-breasted Mergansers and a Red-throated Diver (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers and Rock Pipit still. Gannet and Lesser Black-backed Gull too (BirdTrack).
FERRING RIFE: 14 Mallards, nine Moorhens, five Skylarks and two Stonechats (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Six Ringed Plovers, 32 Dunlin, two Mediterranean Gulls, 700 Common Gulls, a Kestrel and six Skylarks (BirdTrack). Also eight Red-breasted Mergansers and a Red-throated Diver (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers and Rock Pipit still. Gannet and Lesser Black-backed Gull too (BirdTrack).
16th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still by houseboats, 12+ Oystercatchers, four Mallards and a Redshank (BirdTrack).
BROADWATER GREEN: Mediterranean Gull (NB).
BROOKLANDS PARK: POCHARD still, a Cetti's Warbler showing well, 17 Teal, a Chiffchaff and two Coal Tits (SOS).
LANCING: 12 Redwings (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Red-breasted Mergansers again (BirdTrack).
BROADWATER GREEN: Mediterranean Gull (NB).
BROOKLANDS PARK: POCHARD still, a Cetti's Warbler showing well, 17 Teal, a Chiffchaff and two Coal Tits (SOS).
LANCING: 12 Redwings (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Red-breasted Mergansers again (BirdTrack).
15th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, eight Teal, a Little Grebe, an Oystercatcher, 14 Lapwings and 17 Redshanks (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still (SOS).
GORING GAP: Seven Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, 250 Common Gulls, 400 Black-headed Gulls, two Skylarks and 15 Pied Wagtails (BirdTrack).
COOMBES: I took advantage of the wretched conditions in the morning to stay in and get things done then headed out to the Adur near Coombes in the afternoon. I was hoping for the Goosander, yet again, but no sign. The tide was high and a Common Sandpiper and eight Redshanks were roosting on the banks. A Peregrine, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and three Buzzards represented the raptors. A Little Grebe was on the river (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Purple Sandpiper still, three Turnstones and a Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers, three Mute Swans, a Little Egret, a Redshank four Mallards, three Little Grebes and a Stonechat (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap still on Rogate Road (NB). Blackcap still in other garden (BirdTrack).
WORTHING-LANCING: c120 Dunlin 60+ Ringed Plovers and 10 Turnstones on beach (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still (SOS).
GORING GAP: Seven Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, 250 Common Gulls, 400 Black-headed Gulls, two Skylarks and 15 Pied Wagtails (BirdTrack).
COOMBES: I took advantage of the wretched conditions in the morning to stay in and get things done then headed out to the Adur near Coombes in the afternoon. I was hoping for the Goosander, yet again, but no sign. The tide was high and a Common Sandpiper and eight Redshanks were roosting on the banks. A Peregrine, a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and three Buzzards represented the raptors. A Little Grebe was on the river (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Purple Sandpiper still, three Turnstones and a Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers, three Mute Swans, a Little Egret, a Redshank four Mallards, three Little Grebes and a Stonechat (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap still on Rogate Road (NB). Blackcap still in other garden (BirdTrack).
WORTHING-LANCING: c120 Dunlin 60+ Ringed Plovers and 10 Turnstones on beach (SOS).
14th January 2020
BRAMBER BROOKS: Two Red Kites (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: It was dead this morning. Four Red-breasted Mergansers and a Grey Heron were the highlights. Sanderling, Turnstone and Dunlin were along the beach but not counted (DKC).
I did a hour from the car in wet/blustery conditions 14 Ringed Plovers, 35 Turnstones, 11 Sanderlings, four Dunlin, two Mediterranean Gulls, 350 Common Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Skylarks, two Stonechats and five Pied Wagtails (NB).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at Victoria Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WEST WORTHING: A Peregrine hung in the storm over Rowlands Road late afternoon (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers, eight Little Grebes. Yesterday Fulmar flew past (SOS).
GORING GAP: It was dead this morning. Four Red-breasted Mergansers and a Grey Heron were the highlights. Sanderling, Turnstone and Dunlin were along the beach but not counted (DKC).
I did a hour from the car in wet/blustery conditions 14 Ringed Plovers, 35 Turnstones, 11 Sanderlings, four Dunlin, two Mediterranean Gulls, 350 Common Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Skylarks, two Stonechats and five Pied Wagtails (NB).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at Victoria Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WEST WORTHING: A Peregrine hung in the storm over Rowlands Road late afternoon (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers, eight Little Grebes. Yesterday Fulmar flew past (SOS).
13th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: c100 Lapwings, c12 Redshanks, Rock Pipit and Curlew. 20 Oystercatchers from Glass Bridge (SOS). Also Greenshank still, 30 Teal, a Little Grebe, 30 Snipe, 30 Redshanks, nine Reed Buntings, 10 Skylarks, a Meadow Pipit, a Stonechat and 25 Linnets (BirdTrack).
BRAMBER BROOKS: Two Snipe (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, three Chiffchaffs and at least three Teal (SOS).
CISSBURY RING-LYCHPOLE BOTTOM: Red Kite (BirdTrack).
GORING: Male Blackcap in garden (SOS).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at Victoria Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
STEYNING BOWL: Red Kite and Kestrel (BirdTrack).
ADUR DOWNSTREAM OF CEMENT WORKS: Redhead GOOSANDER again, Common Sandpiper still (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two adult drakes), 10 Teal, Little Grebe and Kingfisher. Turnstone on beach (SOS).
WORTHING: 2 VELVET SCOTERS west, 1 Red-Breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbills, 1 Kittiwake, 15 Gannets. Stormy seas and there didn’t appear anything trying to sit on it (RI).
BRAMBER BROOKS: Two Snipe (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, three Chiffchaffs and at least three Teal (SOS).
CISSBURY RING-LYCHPOLE BOTTOM: Red Kite (BirdTrack).
GORING: Male Blackcap in garden (SOS).
SHOREHAM: Blackcap at Victoria Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers on jetty opposite fort (SOS).
STEYNING BOWL: Red Kite and Kestrel (BirdTrack).
ADUR DOWNSTREAM OF CEMENT WORKS: Redhead GOOSANDER again, Common Sandpiper still (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two adult drakes), 10 Teal, Little Grebe and Kingfisher. Turnstone on beach (SOS).
WORTHING: 2 VELVET SCOTERS west, 1 Red-Breasted Merganser, 2 Razorbills, 1 Kittiwake, 15 Gannets. Stormy seas and there didn’t appear anything trying to sit on it (RI).
12th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Rock Pipit, Curlew, good numbers of Snipe, Lapwings, Redshanks and three or more Reed Buntings (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: In the bushes near the sewage works were a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and a Firecrest which was heard but went unseen. On the lake there was no sign of the drake Pochard but there were 2 Little Grebe, 6 Teal, 8 Mute Swan and 16 Coot. Also of note was 'Lumpy' the adult Black-headed Gull. The rough patch by the lake held a female Stonechat, 3 Reed Bunting and 2 Meadow Pipit (GJ).
GORING GAP: A quick look at the roost field produced c300 Common Gull, c150 Black-headed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, c30 Herring Gull and a flyover Ringed Plover which never settled (GJ).
NO MAN'S LAND: No sign of the ringtail Hen Harrier late afternoon but logged during my visit here were 3 Kestrel and singles of Common Buzzard, Raven, Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit. Also a Hare (GJ).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 4 Purple Sandpiper (Birdguides) and 2 Turnstone (GJ).
STEYNING: Two Grey Wagtails (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 2 drake Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Meadow Pipit and a Redshank (GJ). Also six Little Grebes, six Turnstones, two Little Egrets and three Redshanks (SOS).
WORTHING: Blackcap and Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: In the bushes near the sewage works were a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and a Firecrest which was heard but went unseen. On the lake there was no sign of the drake Pochard but there were 2 Little Grebe, 6 Teal, 8 Mute Swan and 16 Coot. Also of note was 'Lumpy' the adult Black-headed Gull. The rough patch by the lake held a female Stonechat, 3 Reed Bunting and 2 Meadow Pipit (GJ).
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| 'Lumpy' the adult Black-headed Gull at Brooklands Park (GJ) |
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| Female Stonechat at Brooklands Park (GJ) |
DURRINGTON: Peregrine still on flats near station (GJ).
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| Peregrine on flats at Durrington (GJ) |
NO MAN'S LAND: No sign of the ringtail Hen Harrier late afternoon but logged during my visit here were 3 Kestrel and singles of Common Buzzard, Raven, Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit. Also a Hare (GJ).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 4 Purple Sandpiper (Birdguides) and 2 Turnstone (GJ).
STEYNING: Two Grey Wagtails (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 2 drake Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Meadow Pipit and a Redshank (GJ). Also six Little Grebes, six Turnstones, two Little Egrets and three Redshanks (SOS).
WORTHING: Blackcap and Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
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| 1 of the 2 drake Red-breasted Merganser at Widewater Lagoon (GJ) |
11th January 2020
ADUR AT CEMENT WORKS: Common Sandpiper still (BirdTrack).
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel again (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: A morning ringing session with Val and Pete was quiet for catching but did include a retrap Firecrest and a couple of Bullfinches. At least two Woodcocks were busy flying around in the pre-dawn gloom, while two Tawny Owls were having a hoot-off. Other observations included three Red Kites, a Raven, two Buzzards, a Redwing and a Meadow Pipit (DKC).
GORING GAP: c30 Skylarks and a Ringed Plover in the roost field (GJ).
LONG FURLONG: Red Kite and Kestrel (GJ).
SHOREHAM FORT: Purple Sandpiper and four Turnstones still (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Six Mute Swans, eight Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, four Little Grebes, two Little Egrets, two Redshanks, a Stonechat and three Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel again (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: A morning ringing session with Val and Pete was quiet for catching but did include a retrap Firecrest and a couple of Bullfinches. At least two Woodcocks were busy flying around in the pre-dawn gloom, while two Tawny Owls were having a hoot-off. Other observations included three Red Kites, a Raven, two Buzzards, a Redwing and a Meadow Pipit (DKC).
GORING GAP: c30 Skylarks and a Ringed Plover in the roost field (GJ).
LONG FURLONG: Red Kite and Kestrel (GJ).
SHOREHAM FORT: Purple Sandpiper and four Turnstones still (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Six Mute Swans, eight Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, four Little Grebes, two Little Egrets, two Redshanks, a Stonechat and three Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
10th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still at RSPB reserve (SOS). Also Little Grebe, three Grey Plovers, Curlew, seven Teal, four Redshanks, plus Siskin by recreation ground (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Chiffchaff (BirdTrack).
DURRINGTON: Adult Peregrine on flats near station (Facebook).
GORING GAP: Tawny Owl heard distantly after dark at north end (NB).
SALVINGTON: Buzzard over Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: c20 Siskins in garden behind Higgidy Building Company at 60.Dolphin Road (SOS).
STEEP DOWN AREA: Three Chiffchaffs, three Ravens, 26 Corn Buntings, 16 Skylarks, two Stonechats, 19 Pied Wagtails, 300 Common Gulls, a Buzzard, four Reed Buntings, 22 Linnets and five Meadow Pipits (DKC).
STEYNING HORSEHOE: Two Marsh Tits, and three or four each of Firecrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Goldcrest. A Peregrine and 80+ Linnets at Wiston Estate, plus 12 Skylarks and four or five Yellowhamemrs (SOS).
UPPER BEEDING: Blackcap at Undermill Road (BirdTrack).
WEST WORTHING: A Redwing (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: GREAT NORTHERN DIVER offshore, along with a Razorbill and a Great Crested Grebe. Also Kingfisher (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Chiffchaff (BirdTrack).
DURRINGTON: Adult Peregrine on flats near station (Facebook).
GORING GAP: Tawny Owl heard distantly after dark at north end (NB).
SALVINGTON: Buzzard over Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM: c20 Siskins in garden behind Higgidy Building Company at 60.Dolphin Road (SOS).
STEEP DOWN AREA: Three Chiffchaffs, three Ravens, 26 Corn Buntings, 16 Skylarks, two Stonechats, 19 Pied Wagtails, 300 Common Gulls, a Buzzard, four Reed Buntings, 22 Linnets and five Meadow Pipits (DKC).
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| Ravens at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Corn Buntings at Steep Down (DKC) |
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| Dunnock at Steep Down (DKC) |
STEYNING HORSEHOE: Two Marsh Tits, and three or four each of Firecrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Goldcrest. A Peregrine and 80+ Linnets at Wiston Estate, plus 12 Skylarks and four or five Yellowhamemrs (SOS).
UPPER BEEDING: Blackcap at Undermill Road (BirdTrack).
WEST WORTHING: A Redwing (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: GREAT NORTHERN DIVER offshore, along with a Razorbill and a Great Crested Grebe. Also Kingfisher (SOS).
9th January 2020
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Drake Red-breasted Merganser, Dark-bellied Brent Goose and six Teal (SOS).
WEST WORTHING: Blackcap (BirdTrack).
WEST WORTHING: Blackcap (BirdTrack).
8th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Dunlin with Redshanks (SOS). Also two Little Grebes, four Redshanks, 100 Common Gulls, a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, two Stonechats and a Reed Bunting (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Just in case the shrike was still around, I had a mooch around Cissbury for a couple of hours this morning. No sign of course, and it was rather quiet, but two Mistle Thrushes included one singing and other birds included two Stonechats, a Redwing, a Nuthatch, four Meadow Pipits and nine Song Thrushes (six singing) (DKC).
SHOREHAM FORT: Three Purple Sandpipers still (SOS).
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Two Marsh Tits (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Four Blackcaps in a garden (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Just in case the shrike was still around, I had a mooch around Cissbury for a couple of hours this morning. No sign of course, and it was rather quiet, but two Mistle Thrushes included one singing and other birds included two Stonechats, a Redwing, a Nuthatch, four Meadow Pipits and nine Song Thrushes (six singing) (DKC).
SHOREHAM FORT: Three Purple Sandpipers still (SOS).
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Two Marsh Tits (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Four Blackcaps in a garden (BirdTrack).
7th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Eight Brent Geese, an Oystercatcher, a Ringed Plover, a Curlew, a Dunlin, a Redshank and a Lesser Black-backed Gull (BirdTrack).
FERRING: A Sparrowhawk flew over my car at dawn (DKC).
FERRING RIFE: Two Snipe, a Water Rail, a Grey Heron, a Redwing, a Reed Bunting, a 2cy male Kestrel, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Skylarks, a singing Coal Tit, three Goldcrests and 17 Moorhens were logged during a morning walk (DKC).
GORING: ringtail HEN HARRIER reported over (SOS).
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) was still along the public footpath by the east side of The World's End pub, where a 'SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF' (form tristis) was found by DKC and GK where the path opens out to the fields. Also Firecrest on the south side of the road, plus two Bullfinches, a Yellowhammer and a Meadow Pipit. A Great Crested Grebe was on the pond (DKC/G.Kinnard, J.Gearty et al).
SHOREHAM FORT: A Purple Sandpiper and five Turnstones (BirdTrack).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: A Grey Wagtail flew over (DKC).
WORTHING: Three Mute Swans flew past Marine Gardens (NB). Also Blackcap still in a garden (BirdTrack). Blackcap again in another garden off Rogate Road, plus a Sparrowhawk there (NB).
FERRING: A Sparrowhawk flew over my car at dawn (DKC).
FERRING RIFE: Two Snipe, a Water Rail, a Grey Heron, a Redwing, a Reed Bunting, a 2cy male Kestrel, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Skylarks, a singing Coal Tit, three Goldcrests and 17 Moorhens were logged during a morning walk (DKC).
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| 2cy male Kestrel at Ferring Rife (DKC) |
GORING: ringtail HEN HARRIER reported over (SOS).
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) was still along the public footpath by the east side of The World's End pub, where a 'SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF' (form tristis) was found by DKC and GK where the path opens out to the fields. Also Firecrest on the south side of the road, plus two Bullfinches, a Yellowhammer and a Meadow Pipit. A Great Crested Grebe was on the pond (DKC/G.Kinnard, J.Gearty et al).
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| 'Northern Treecreeper' at Patching (DKC) |
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| 'Siberian Chiffchaff' at Patching (DKC) |
SHOREHAM FORT: A Purple Sandpiper and five Turnstones (BirdTrack).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: A Grey Wagtail flew over (DKC).
WORTHING: Three Mute Swans flew past Marine Gardens (NB). Also Blackcap still in a garden (BirdTrack). Blackcap again in another garden off Rogate Road, plus a Sparrowhawk there (NB).
6th January 2020
ADUR - BOTOLPHS TO COOMBES: I parked at Botolphs then walked south along the Adur to a little way south of the cement works, then back. This produced a handful of good birds, not least a 'SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF' just by the little forest school as I got back to the car. It turned out to be quite a vocal bird after watching it for a few minutes and I ended up with some sound recordings. The other surprise of the outing was a flock of at least 24 Corn Buntings spotted by fluke in on a fence bordering a distant field well east of the river towards Beeding Hill. Further highlights included a Common Sandpiper, three Stonechats, a Chiffchaff, a family of five Mute Swans, 12 Redwings, a Red Kite, a Redshank, two Buzzards, 35 Meadow Pipits, a Reed Bunting, three Grey Herons and two Kestrels (including nice views of an adult male) (DKC). Also a Grey Wagtail (BirdTrack).
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| Siberian Chiffchaff at Botolphs (DKC) |
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| Common Sandpiper on the Adur near the cement works (DKC) |
ADUR ESTUARY: A Mute Swan, a Teal, a Little Egret, 10 Oystercatchers, 138 Lapwings, a Grey Plover, six Turnstones, 14 Redshanks, a Kestrel and a Meadow Pipit (BirdTrack).
PATCHING: 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) reported still near The World's End pub.
SHOREHAM FORT: On the adjacent wooden jetty early morning were four Purple Sandpipers actively feeding in the company of 10 Turnstones and a Rock Pipit with a severe growth of its left foot (which it largely kept tucked away, shuffling along on its right leg). Two Dark-bellied Brent Geese flew east overhead and a glance out to sea revealed just two Gannets (DKC).
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| Purple Sandpiper at Shoreham (DKC) |
WORTHING: Blackcap (BirdTrack). Grey Wagtail over town centre and 200 Starlings roosted at pier (SOS).
5th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: GOOSANDER just upriver of cement works (SOS).
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included five Bullfinches and a Goldcrest. A Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl and a Redwing were also noted (VB/PD).
GORING: Male Sparrowhawk in garden (SOS).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included two Firecrests (new and retrap), a Chiffchaff and two Reed Buntings. Sightings included six Teal, a Raven, 15 Fieldfares, a Peregrine and a Bullfinch (JN et al).
PATCHING: 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) still by Arundel Park between Patching Pond and The World's End pub, today getting on the north side of the road and along the footpath by the pub (mo).
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: 20 Corn Buntings, a Red Kite, a Kestrel and Yellowhammer (SOS).
WORTHING: I did a 40 minute (0910-0950) sea-watch this morning from the Marine Gardens shelter in Worthing and logged the following in good viewing conditions before rain started.
Red-throated Diver 2 W and one on sea that flew off E; Gannet 2 W; Auk sp (all distant so not specifically i'ded) 300+ W in flocks of up to 40, a few landed on sea so maybe watch out for them locally soon; Wigeon 4W; Red-breasted Merganser 25 on sea; Great Crested Grebe c.10 on sea; Kittiwake a few distant birds W.
Med Gull with Black-headeds on Goring Greensward (CH)
Also Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
CISSBURY RING: Birds processed during ringing included five Bullfinches and a Goldcrest. A Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl and a Redwing were also noted (VB/PD).
GORING: Male Sparrowhawk in garden (SOS).
LADYWELL: Birds processed during ringing included two Firecrests (new and retrap), a Chiffchaff and two Reed Buntings. Sightings included six Teal, a Raven, 15 Fieldfares, a Peregrine and a Bullfinch (JN et al).
PATCHING: 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) still by Arundel Park between Patching Pond and The World's End pub, today getting on the north side of the road and along the footpath by the pub (mo).
STEYNING ROUNDHILL: 20 Corn Buntings, a Red Kite, a Kestrel and Yellowhammer (SOS).
WORTHING: I did a 40 minute (0910-0950) sea-watch this morning from the Marine Gardens shelter in Worthing and logged the following in good viewing conditions before rain started.
Red-throated Diver 2 W and one on sea that flew off E; Gannet 2 W; Auk sp (all distant so not specifically i'ded) 300+ W in flocks of up to 40, a few landed on sea so maybe watch out for them locally soon; Wigeon 4W; Red-breasted Merganser 25 on sea; Great Crested Grebe c.10 on sea; Kittiwake a few distant birds W.
Med Gull with Black-headeds on Goring Greensward (CH)
Also Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack).
4th January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Sparrowhawk, Grey Plover, Curlew, 58 Lapwings, 11 Redshanks, Kestrel, 15 Pied Wagtails and two Meadow Pipits (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Brooklands was rewarding this morning, with the drake POCHARD showing on the lake, along with two Little Grebes, 10 Teal and a Grey Heron. The rough patch by the lake held a female Stonechat, four Reed Buntings and two Meadow Pipits, while another Chiffchaff was by the works access road. A Kestrel was on distant wires. The family of Mute Swans all still survived but two intruders were seen off. A glance offshore revealed two Red-breasted Mergansers and four Great Crested Grebes. Also a Buzzard (DKC/BirdTrack).
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) showed well by the south side of Arundel Road opposite the pond. At least one of the Firecrests was also still present (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR/FORT: Rock Pipit and 10 Turnstones (BirdTrack).
DOWNS, STEYNING-CISSBURY: On the downs nearby, a ringtail HEN HARRIER still, MERLIN, plus Red Kite, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, two Kestrels and two Buzzards (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Mute Swans, four Teal and a Little Egret (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Brooklands was rewarding this morning, with the drake POCHARD showing on the lake, along with two Little Grebes, 10 Teal and a Grey Heron. The rough patch by the lake held a female Stonechat, four Reed Buntings and two Meadow Pipits, while another Chiffchaff was by the works access road. A Kestrel was on distant wires. The family of Mute Swans all still survived but two intruders were seen off. A glance offshore revealed two Red-breasted Mergansers and four Great Crested Grebes. Also a Buzzard (DKC/BirdTrack).
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| adult drake Pochard at Brooklands Park (DKC) |
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| adult drake Teal at Brooklands Park (DKC) |
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| adult Black-headed Gull at Brooklands Park which regularly winters on site, apparently christened locally as 'Lumpy'! I also read a metal ring on an adult Black-headed Gull: ST833 (DKC) |
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (nominate form familiaris) showed well by the south side of Arundel Road opposite the pond. At least one of the Firecrests was also still present (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR/FORT: Rock Pipit and 10 Turnstones (BirdTrack).
DOWNS, STEYNING-CISSBURY: On the downs nearby, a ringtail HEN HARRIER still, MERLIN, plus Red Kite, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, two Kestrels and two Buzzards (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two Mute Swans, four Teal and a Little Egret (BirdTrack).
3rd January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Canada Goose, two Mute Swans, a Little Grebe, a Moorhen, 100 Lapwings, three Redshanks, 80 Black-headed Gulls, 350 Common Gulls, nine Long-tailed Tits, two Stonechats, a Meadow Pipit, six Linnets and three Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Four adult Mediterranean Gulls and c1,400 Common Gulls were in the roost field early afternoon (DKC).
STEYNING: Blackcap (BirdTrack)
WORTHING: A Firecrest, two Blackcaps and a Sparrowhawk at Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: Four adult Mediterranean Gulls and c1,400 Common Gulls were in the roost field early afternoon (DKC).
STEYNING: Blackcap (BirdTrack)
WORTHING: A Firecrest, two Blackcaps and a Sparrowhawk at Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
2nd January 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: 22 Oystercatchers and a Redshank (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: A Red legged Partridge, a Mediterranean Gull, two Stonechat, and the usual waders (RI). A few more birds offshore at Goring Gap this morning, at last! A drake Shoveler flew west with two Shelducks, and three Kittiwakes and a flock of five Wigeon also flew in that direction. Four Guillemots, eight Razorbills (and a further 43 auks), a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Red-throated Divers, five Red-breasted Mergansers, three Great Crested Grebes and 54 Gannets were also out at sea. In the roost field (mid-morning, so not prime time) were three adult Mediterranean Gulls and 350 Common Gulls, and the Red-legged Partridge. The tide state wasn't ideal for counting waders but I logged a Redshank, five Grey Plovers, three Ringed Plovers, 23 Sanderlings, 55 Dunlin, two Oystercatchers and nine Turnstones (DKC).
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (form familiaris) was still present, with up to two Firecrests and a Bullfinch in the area (O.Frampton/DKC et al).
GORING GAP: A Red legged Partridge, a Mediterranean Gull, two Stonechat, and the usual waders (RI). A few more birds offshore at Goring Gap this morning, at last! A drake Shoveler flew west with two Shelducks, and three Kittiwakes and a flock of five Wigeon also flew in that direction. Four Guillemots, eight Razorbills (and a further 43 auks), a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Red-throated Divers, five Red-breasted Mergansers, three Great Crested Grebes and 54 Gannets were also out at sea. In the roost field (mid-morning, so not prime time) were three adult Mediterranean Gulls and 350 Common Gulls, and the Red-legged Partridge. The tide state wasn't ideal for counting waders but I logged a Redshank, five Grey Plovers, three Ringed Plovers, 23 Sanderlings, 55 Dunlin, two Oystercatchers and nine Turnstones (DKC).
PATCHING: The 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (form familiaris) was still present, with up to two Firecrests and a Bullfinch in the area (O.Frampton/DKC et al).
A video here of the Northern Treecreeper, kindly allowed to share by Olly Frampton
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| 'Northern Treecreeper' at Patching (DKC) |
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| 'Northern Treecreeper' at Patching (DKC) |
SHOREHAM FORT: Three Purple Sandpipers still 3.45pm, plus Chiffchaff in scrub by a garden fence towards the beach (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Mute Swans, six Little Grebes, a Little Egret, five Turnstones, a Redshank and a Common Gull (BirdTrack).
1st January 2020
Happy New Year from the Worthing Birding team - Nick, David and Gareth
ADUR ESTUARY: 12 Egyptian Geese flew downriver, Greenshank still, c12 Redshanks, four or more Snipe, 80 Lapwings and two Mute Swans (SOS).
GORING GAP: Red-legged Partridge still (BirdTrack). Yesterday Mandarin reported
PATCHING: 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (form familiaris) still by metal gate opposite The World's End pub (RBA).
SHOREHAM FORT: Three EIDERS, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, three Lapwings, a Kingfisher (BirdTrack).
SW OF STEYNING: Six Golden Plovers, 25 Reed Buntings, 25 Yellowhammers, nine Meadow Pipits, three Stonechats, 60 Linnets, six Song Thrushes, six Skylarks, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Redshanks, two Little Egrets, seven Little Grebes, a Mute Swan and a Stonechat. c20 Turnstones and Sanderling on beach. Offshore three EIDERS, seven Shelducks, a Gannet west and two Great Crested Grebes (SOS).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps at Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
ADUR ESTUARY: 12 Egyptian Geese flew downriver, Greenshank still, c12 Redshanks, four or more Snipe, 80 Lapwings and two Mute Swans (SOS).
GORING GAP: Red-legged Partridge still (BirdTrack). Yesterday Mandarin reported
PATCHING: 'NORTHERN TREECREEPER' (form familiaris) still by metal gate opposite The World's End pub (RBA).
SHOREHAM FORT: Three EIDERS, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, three Lapwings, a Kingfisher (BirdTrack).
SW OF STEYNING: Six Golden Plovers, 25 Reed Buntings, 25 Yellowhammers, nine Meadow Pipits, three Stonechats, 60 Linnets, six Song Thrushes, six Skylarks, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Redshanks, two Little Egrets, seven Little Grebes, a Mute Swan and a Stonechat. c20 Turnstones and Sanderling on beach. Offshore three EIDERS, seven Shelducks, a Gannet west and two Great Crested Grebes (SOS).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps at Rogate Road (BirdTrack).
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