25th February 2020

ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: 22 Buzzards, 2 Red Kite, 2 Raven were highlights on a mid morning raptor watch, a Blackcap was nearby (NB).

COOMBES: We went for a walk along the Adur between Coombes and Botolphs but soon aborted due to a series of sharp showers, only noting eight Redshanks and a Meadow Pipit in the short amount of time we were there (DKC/I.Allan).

THE DOWNS (SW of Steyning): 13 Lapwings, a Sparrowhawk, two Red Kites, four Buzzards, two Kestrels, 40 Skylarks, 13 Stonechats, 15 Corn Buntings and three Yellowhammers (Bt).

FERRING RIFE:  A visit first thing produced two Water Rails (heard), 12 Greenfinches, three female Stonechats, a Kestrel and two Grey Herons (DKC).

GORING GAP: In the gull roost around 14:30 were 16 Mediterranean Gull, c500 Common Gull, one 1w Great Black-backed Gull and a handful of Herring and Black-headed Gull (GJ). Later on a total of 57 Mediterranean Gulls including 50 adults were in the roost (GDM) whilst other birds noted were 83 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and a Oystercatcher. At least 8 Skylark were around the fields, birds starting to sing and display (NB)

SALVINGTON: A Buzzard was thermaling over Rogate Road at mid-day (NB).

SHOREHAM: Grey Wagtail (SOS).

WORTHING: Three Blackcaps (Bt).

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers showed well, along with three Little Egrets and a Little Grebe (DKC/I.Allan).

adult (left) and 2cy drake Red-breasted Mergansers at Widewater Lagoon (DKC)