30th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit north of railway bridge. 

FERRING RIFE: Four Little Egrets, 10 Moorhens, five Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a Grey Wagtail. Gareth and Paul James

GORING GAP: 29 Ringed Plover, 12 Sanderling, 87 Turnstone, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, c250 Starlings, 2 Little Egrets flew east and a Mediterranean Gull offshore. Gareth and Paul James

MILL HILL: 230 Swallows and two House Martins over; also distant Cetti's Warbler.

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns. Alan Parker

WORTHING:  Two Common Scoters, three Sandwich Terns and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull flew past Marine Gardens in a short evening seawatch. David Campbell and Gareth James

29th September 2020

BROOKLANDS PARK:  I managed to dip both the Tufted Duck and the Yellow-browed Warbler; no sight nor sound of either. I did have two redpolls, 16 Siskins, a Mediterranean Gull, 23 Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, 150 House Martins, two Swallows, two Buzzards and two Sparrowhawks fly over. Two Little Grebes were on the lake, where the adult female Mute Swan was still accompanied by four juveniles. David Campbell

CISSBURY RING: Highlights of today's visit to Cissbury Ring was cracking, very close, low flying WOODLARK, great Bullfinch male, Redstart and my first this autumn 5 Fieldfares plus great number of House Martins, I reckon hundreds if not thousands of them passing. Shemi via SOS

GORING GAP: 250+ Mediterranean Gulls feeding off shore, 17 Little Egret on beach altogether, 5 Stonechat 3m, 2f,  300+ Wood Pigeons on fields and a Clouded Yellow butterfly. Garry Messenbird

LADYWELL: Two Firecrests, two Kingfishers, a Red Kite, a Tawny Owl, a Grey Heron, 10 House Martins, two Cetti's Warblers, 163 Chiffchaffs, 43 Blackcaps, five Goldcrests,  

SALVINGTON: A single Firecrest was my first locally this autumn in Durrington rec, a calling Goldcrest was also heard, a Common Gull dropped in on the football pitches briefly. Nick Bond

SLONK HILL, SHOREHAM: Four Kestrels, eight Chiffchaffs, eight Stonechats, c200 Starlings, 70 Meadow Pipits and a Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Bridget and Gareth James

WORTHING: Two Sandwich Terns. David Campbell

28th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A tour around the lower Adur by bike this afternoon began on the east bank near the railway, where there were several Oystercatchers and Turnstones, and a Kingfisher perched on a mooring rope. Just upstream a Bar-tailed Godwit was feeding close to the shore, and a little further on still there were 11 Ringed Plovers. As usual several Little Egrets along the river up to the Toll Bridge, where there were two Redshanks. A pause half way along the airport road was rewarded by a flock of about 15 Lapwings flying north, ten or so each of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, 20 Swallows flying east and on the river bank three Clouded Yellows, a Small Copper and a Common Blue. At the Dogs Trust a Cetti's Warbler was the first I've heard locally for several weeks. In the reeds and brambles were at least 20 Chiffchaffs, calling and very active, with some pecking on the ground of the staff carpark, in a manner rather reminiscent of Dunnocks. Indeed to cement the comparison a Dunnock appeared from among the cars. A Kingfisher flew over the sluice and along the ditch towards New Salts Farm. A Migrant Hawker dragonfly here also. A brief stop overlooking the low-tide saltmarsh south of the road added four Grey Herons. Shemi via SOS. Seven Sandwich Terns and six Grey Herons. Alan Kitson via SOS

ANGMERING: 7 Chiffchaffs in garden on Downs Way, a Clouded Yellow also. Garry Messenbird

BROOKLANDS PARK: A YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER heard calling once late morning in the trees to the right of the top end of the stream at Brooklands (East Worthing) and again mid-afternoon in the same area but not seen on either occasion. No further sight or sound up until 17.00. Also drkae TUFTED DUCK still on the lake, Buzzard, 4+ Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers (h), c30 Chiffchaffs, c6 Blackcaps, 1 Goldcrest, 18 Meadow Pipits N, 12 Siskins N and Redpoll (h flying over). Paul James via SOS

CISSBURY RING/NEPCOTE: Two Whinchats, a Wheatear, 30 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, a Mistle Thrush, two Skylarks, four Ravens and 50+ Meadow Pipits. SOS

THE DOWNS: Quick ride to the Downs north of Lancing was productive. I had probably my last Whinchat this year plus flock of 5 Woodlarks heading E. Also good numbers of House Martins, Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Chiffchaff and Stonechats. Shemi via SOS

FERRING RIFE: Kingfisher again. Five Stonechats and six Chiffchaffs by country centre. Clive Hope

GORING GAP: The Golden Plover was still there this morning surprisingly with the Sanderlings and Turnstones. Also still three Stonechats along the dead -end road and c15 Meadow Pipits, 5 Skylarks and Swallows and House Martins going over in small numbers. At least ten Chiffchaffs in the south end of the Plantation out to the beach. Offshore two Sandwich Terns and three Gannets. In the NW corner, four Blackcaps and two more Chiffs. Clive Hope. 2 Red Kite were seen going east, 2 Sand Martin, 500+ House Martins, numbers of Swallows and Meadow Pipits on the move too. Garry Messenbird

SALVINGTON: upto 4 Chiffchaffs were feeding up in my garden and surrounds most of the morning, small groups of Swallows were migrating east in the afternoon. Nick Bond

SHOREHAM FORT: Two Rock Pipits and 30 Turnstones. Alan Kitson via SOS

STEYNING ROUNDHILL: This afternoon we popped up here and found in the run wild field to the NE of the monument some dozen Stonechats and a Whinchat  as well as lots of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits and some Linnets and Clouded Yellow butterflies out in gorgeous sunshine. Alan Kitson via SOS

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Little Grebe. SOS

27th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Just after midday as the tide was falling, opposite the Airport the Adur estuarine mud held a single Bar-tailed Godwit, 27 Ringed Plover and three Dunlin and a Turnstone flew by and a single House Martin battled into the bitter north wind. Alan Kitson via SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK:  Drake TUFTED DUCK, Teal, Little Grebe plus singing Cetti's Warbler this evening, plus Sandwich Tern along the coast. Shemi via SOS

GORING GAP: A brief look at the beach at the Gap today revealed a Golden Plover down near the water's edge (tide in) near about a dozen Sanderling. c.50 Turnstones on beach or field, also one Wheatear on beach. Clive Hope

At Goring Gap this afternoon at 14.20 a flock of 11 Brent Geese flew W.  Ralph Simpson via SOS

WORTHING: Strange phenomenon this morning along the beach road in Worthing with House Martins flying between cars as they moved eastwards probably 500 of them. Richard Ives

26th September 2020

CISSBURY RING: Ring Ouzel female Rifle Range. Nick and Claire Oliver

FERRING RIFE: This morning's walk over to Ferring Rife and fields was enlivened by a female GOOSANDER flying down the Rife (at about 1015). I think it may have been disturbed from the small pond near the Country Centre. Other sightings were a Kingfisher, two Stonechats, a couple of Chiffchaffs, five Meadow Pipits and three Skylarks. Five small finches that rapidly disappeared north were probably Siskins. Four Little Egrets were fishing in the Rife. Clive Hope

GORING GAP: With a northwesterly breeze blowing I thought I'd give Goring Gap a go. Two Yellow Wagtails flew over and another was in the fields with 12 Pied Wagtails, 73 Turnstones and at least 12 Ringed Plovers. Three Grey Wagtails flew moved west, as did most of the 160 Meadow Pipits, though at least 50 of these came in off the sea. It was somewhat jarring to see 90 House Martins arrive off the sea and head north inland too! Two Dark-bellied Brent Geese flew east before correcting themselves and heading back down the Channel, where four Teal also headed. A Great Crested Grebe and a Red-breasted Merganser flew past offshore and just one Sanderling appeared on the beach. Two Stonechats were in the rough area and six Little Egrets included one in the recently tilled field. An adult and a juvenile Common Gull made their way west separately. David Campbell and Richard Ives

LANCING TO SHOREHAM VIA THE DOWNS: Cycling from Lancing through Downs to Shoreham brought 6 Wheatears, Stonechats, 7 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Ravens (all Downs) plus Chiffchaffs and Meadow Pipits all over the place. Still quite a few House Martins and Swallows passing low over Downs. Adur in Shoreham: 50-60 Ringed Plovers, some Dunlins, Greenshank and Redshanks plus nice surprise Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover also there. And cracking Peregrine circling over river. Very chilly and windy but worthy. Shemi via SOS

25th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: 22 Ringed Plovers and a Kingfisher. SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK: Two Spotted Flycatchers, Kingfisher, c20 Chiffchaffs, a male Stonechat and eight Siskins. SOS

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: juvenile SHAG till early afternoon then flew east; also a Rock Pipit, a Kingfisher, a Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret and two Sandwich Terns. SOS

SOMPTING BROOKS: We had a Garden Warbler, a Yellow Wagtail, two Reed Buntings, a Little Egret, two Cetti's Warblers, a Sparrowhawk and a Whitethroat. David Campbell and Dave Sadler

WEST WORTHING: Seven Siskins, six Rooks, eight Meadow Pipits, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Chiffchaff were seen from the garden this morning.

WIDEWATER LAGOON: MANDARIN still and Kingfisher. SOS

23rd September 2020

SHOREHAM: Two Mistle Thrushes, a female Sparrowhawk and a Swallow. SOS

WORTHING: An hour at the end of my road in Worthing produced a Wheatear, a Common Scoter, a Dunlin, a Grey Wagtail, two Sandwich Terns and 73 Gannets. David Campbell 

22nd September 2020

CISSBURY RING: 100 Blackcaps, three Bullfinches, 54 Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Whitethroat among the birds trapped during ringing today. Also Siskins overhead and Tawny Owl. Val Bentley and Sue Walsh

LADYWELL: Grey Heron, two Sparrowhawks, a Tawny Owl, two Peregrines, two Ravens, two Cetti's Warblers, a Willow Warbler, 89 Chiffchaffs and 49 Blackcaps. Bt

21st September 2020

DOMINION ROAD OPEN SPACE: Spotted Flycatcher. SOS

GORING GAP: 6 Yellow Wagtails flew east as did 86 Siskins, 12 Linnets. Swallows and House Martins were moving through in number but difficult to get definitive counts as many followed the tide line which was quite far out. 20c Chiffchaffs were scattered around and at least 6 Blackcaps. There was 4 Stonechats on the east side and the Kestrel was around. Meadow Pipits featured in numbers again all mainly moving north east. 5 Skylark were in the ploughed fields. Nick Bond

Stonechat and Kestrel (Nick Bond)

PATCHING HILL: 18+ Chiffchaffs, 8+ Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, 3 Stonechats, 4 Firecrests, 7E Crossbills, 3 Clouded Yellows. Ralph Simpson

SALVINGTON: A single Buzzard over, Chiffchaff in garden still and a Pied Wagtail. Nick Bond

SHOREHAM: Whilst having lunch in the garden I noted a Siskin flying over calling, and a few Swallows. A juvenile Woodpigeon that flew into our back window with a loud thud yesterday evening was pottering around and clearly none the worse. At high tide on the river there were 41 Turnstones on the boats between the railway and the main road. Steve Gilbert via SOS. Also Sandwich Tern.

WORTHING:  A morning to wind down a bit and catch up around the house, though I spent quite a bit of the morning in the garden, where I caught three Chiffchaffs and overhead there was passage involving 35 Siskins, 40 Meadow Pipits, two Pied/White Wagtails and two Swallows. A Jay was a fairly unusual garden sighting. David Campbell

BIKE RIDE FROM LANCING: I started in Lancing, then north to Downs, then Cissbury Ring back through Worthing. Great morning full of moving birds. Lots of Chiffchaffs, actually they were everywhere today plus good numbers of House Martins and Swallows plus four Sand Martins over Lancing. Also 2 Red Kites drifting low towards the sea and 2 Ravens. Yellowhammers, Linnets, flock of 20 Corn Buntings and countless Meadow Pipits. Cissbury Ring full of birds, at least 4 Yellow Wagtails, 30 plus Stonechat, Whinchat, some Siskins passing, 5-6 Redstarts, at least 6 Spotted Flycatchers and some Whitethroats and Chaffinches. On the way back probably my last Hobby this year passing over Lancing. Seems like farewell to summer! Shemi via SOS

20th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Adur at Shoreham: Wigeon, 7 Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Grey Wagtail. Shoreham Rec: Yellow Wagtail. Dogs Trust: Kingfisher. Widewater: Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, 9 Siskins E, 15 Gannets offshore. Paul James

BROADWATER: c180 Siskin E over Broadwater 0800-1200. Mike and Karen Galtry

CISSBURY RING: Still many Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps around this morning; Whitethroats also. Single Wheatear at top being a regular at the moment, along with the usual Stonechats among the gorse. 3 Swallow, 12 House Martin and 3 Mistle Thrush. Andy Ashdown

 

 

 

 SHOREHAM: Upon arrival at the beach around 08:45 this morning I was greeted by two Wheatears and later I saw at least another two but it is possible that there were more despite the high number of people and dogs. At the Fort a couple of Greenfinches, a few Meadow Pipits, 8 Turnstones and the usual gulls. Walked back and over to Widewater Lagoon but I didn't see any more Wheatears on the beach. However, a group of six Common(?) Terns, flying along the edge of the water, made the walk worthwhile. At the Lagoon a Little Egret, gulls, flocks of House Sparrows were all present but more interestingly a female-looking Mandarin Duck with a very bright red bill (maybe a juvenile male?) was hanging out with two Mallards of which the male looked like a hybrid. Along the whole of the seafront about a dozen Swallows and the same number of House Martins were flying low constantly. Non-bird highlights were about 8 Clouded Yellows and a Painted Lady at the Lagoon. SOS

 

A circuit taking in the Adur and Widewater this morning with Zoe Courchene produced a good variety of birds including a Wigeon and 7 Ringed Plover between the old toll and railway bridges, a Yellow Wagtail and three Linnets on Shoreham Rec, a Greenshank by the houseboats, ca.20 Gannets offshore, a Sparrowhawk, a Kingfisher and 9 Siskins E at Widewater, and another Kingfisher in the channel by the Dogs Trust. A steady trickle of hirundines including a Sand Martin headed E into the stiff breeze, also a few Meadow Pipits and a single Grey Wagtail. SOS

19th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A visit in the late afteroon produced two Kingfishers, 17 Lapwings, four Redshanks, a Grey Wagtail, eight Swallows and a Little Egret. David Campbell and Paul Goodman

CISSBURY RING: I met with up Paul Goodman at Cissbury Ring, where highlights included a Hobby, a male Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Mistle Thrush, 17 Siskins, a Grey Wagtail, 41 House Martins, 27 Swallows and a Red Kite. David Campbell and Paul Goodman

DURRINGTON: The Peregrine was roosting again this evening on Skyline apartments. Nick Bond

GORING:  Final total was 139+ Siskin E (all but 15 on the coast) 6 Wigeon & 2 Common Scoter W, 2 Sanderling in with the usual waders and 2 Knot E along the beach near Sea Lane on the way back. Meanwhile, Karen, lazing at home, had c60 Siskin E over Sompting village. Mike and Karen Galtry

WORTHING: Vismig from my garden in the first part of the morning produced two Ravens giving a cronk or two - a garden tick!, a late Swift, a least 11 Crossbills, 240 Siskins, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Yellow Wagtails, 37 Meadow Pipits, 35 House Martins, a Sand Martin and six Swallows. A Chiffchaff was in the garden. David Campbell

18th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: I probably left it a bit late with the tide for some waders - it end up being a particularly high tide - but did see a Whimbrel, a Greenshank, three Snipe, two Ringed Plovers, 10 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstones (mostly roosting on a boat), eight Dunlin and 36 Redshanks. Non-wader interest included two Yellow Wagtails on the main rec field with 20 Pied Wagtails, two unsettled Kingfishers, five Wigeon, four Teal, 17 Siskins and four Meadow Pipits overhead, 18 Swallows, a Sparrowhawk, 11 Little Egrets and four Grey Herons. David Campbell

THE DOWNS: "Bike ride started in Lancing then north through Downs to Coombes and Shoreham. Best were some migrants crossing Downs, two flocks of Siskins (five and nine) both E, also this direction were heading flocks of Swallows, House Martins and also Sand Martins plus countless flocks of Meadow Pipits plus I think I heard one Tree Pipit passing. Between herd of cows 10 Yellow Wagtails were feeding along with five Wheatears nearby and Stonechat. Two Ravens also recorded plus singing Chiffchaff." SOS

FERRING RIFE: 13 Siskins, 6 Chiffchaffs, Whitethroat, Wheatear, 2 alba wags and Clouded Yellow. Gareth and Paul James

FINDON GALLOPS: Five Wheatears. SOS

GORING GAP: 8.45-11am - 2 Wheatear, 5 Chiffchaffs, 6 Skylark, 74 Swallow, 32 House Martin, 9 Sand Martin, 32 Siskin, 12 Goldfinches, a Greg Wagtail (all east), Tree Pipit south, 62c Meadow Pipits (many NE) , Brent Geese 8 W, Sandwich Terns 3, Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk. Nick Bond

16 Swallows, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Sandwich Tern, 23 Turnstone, 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 17 Siskins, 4 Meadow Pipits, Kestrel and 2 Blackcaps. Gareth and Paul James

HIGHDOWN HILL: 82 Siskins, Red Kite, 5 Meadow Pipits, 11 Chiffchaffs, 14 Swallows, Grey Wagtail, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Bullfinch, 12 House Martins, Hobby, Whitethroat, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and Sparrowhawk. Gareth and Paul James

SHOREHAM: Hobby flew over. SOS

17th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Hobby, a Wheatear, c10 Swallows, c20 House Martins, a Sparrowhawk, Turnstones, Dunlins, Little Egrets, Grey Herons and Redshanks. SOS

SHOREHAM: Hobby, Wheatear, 20 House Martins, 10 Swallows, Sparrowhawk, Turnstones, Dunlins, Little Egrets, Grey Herons and Redshanks. SOS

16th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Two Sandwich Terns, c12 Redshanks, four Grey Herons and several Swallows. SOS

BROADWATER: 15 Siskins, 2 Jays, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 2 Grey Wagtails. Richard Ives

CISSBURY RING: Much quieter early this morning. 45 Siskins, 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Marsh Tit, and 4 Ravens. Richard Ives

GORING GAP: this am Meadow Pipit 181 E/NE, Yellow Wagtail 36E, Siskin 78E, Grey Wagtail 6E, alba Wagtail 14E, Shoveler 1W, Wigeon 1W. On beach & field: 1 Wheatear, 170 Turnstones, 29 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sanderlings and a Knot. 100s House Martins drifted E. Ralph Simpson

LADYWELL: Two Sparrowhawks, a Tawny Owl, two Kingfishers, a Peregrine, a Raven, a Cetti's Warbler, four Willow Warblers, 50 Chiffchaffs, three Reed Warblers, 49 Blackcaps and a Grey Wagtail. Bt

SALVINGTON: A single Tree Pipit over Durrington rec, 2 Grey Wagtails and a Chiffchaff. Nick Bond

WEST WORTHING:  I caught a Chiffchaff in the garden, where a Yellow Wagtail, 17 Siskins and eight Meadow Pipits flew over. David Campbell

WORTHING PIER; Three Turnstones and a male Kestrel off the sea. SOS

15th September 2020

 CISSBURY RING: The lower slopes of Cissbury were very quiet except for the constant calls of Siskins – probably 40 seen during the morning. On the higher slopes were five Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher. A small flock of Lesser Redpolls were amongst the Siskins and a constant flow of House Martins which numbered 600. On the ring itself were two Wheatears and eight Stonechats. Richard Ives

The morning's ringing on the north scarp was quieter today, with Val, Finch and special guest Linda, mainly due to a drop in the number of Blackcaps. Our catch did have some good variety, though, kicking off with a Spotted Flycatcher, followed by our first Goldcrest of the autumn and finishing with six from the cloud of around 300 House Martins ending up in one of the nets. A redpoll sp flew over, along with a bare minimum of 20 Siskins and 15 Meadow Pipits - though proper counts weren't maintained of these species, two Grey Wagtails and a Raven. A Tawny Owl was vocal when we arrived. David Campbell

14th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A Hobby, a Kingfisher, a Common Sandpiper, 56 Ringed Plovers, five Dunlin, a Redshank, six Oystercatchers, three or more Turnstones, a Mute Swan, four or five Little Egrets, c12 Swallows, three Grey Herons and several Lapwings. SOS

CISSBURY RING: Just 4 Redstarts noted on Cissbury with a handful of Chiffchaffs. But 15 species of butterfly including Brown Hairstreak, Adonis Blue & Clouded Yellow. Nick and Claire Oliver

I then spent the morning at Cissbury Ring where the highlight was swarming House Martins, including some landing in the bushes - overall there were well over 400. Another redpoll sp flew over and other highlights included five Redstarts, three Spotted Flycatchers, two Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, two Stonechats, two Marsh Tits, 60 Siskins, six Yellowhammers, two Skylarks, 20 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, two Swallows, a Sparrowhawk and five Jays. David Campbell 

 

FERRING RIFE: A very quick check of just a short section of Ferring Rife first thing produced two Yellow Wagtails, three Little Egrets and two Meadow Pipits.

GORING GAP: 523 Siskins east this morning. Must be the most I've ever seen on the move. Good to see waders using the fields this morning: 141 Turnstones, 36+ Ringed Plovers, 2 Sanderlings (+ 14 on beach) also 1 Yellow Wagtail (+ 4 over), 1 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat and a Weasel. A Hobby flew over. A Kingfisher on a groyne briefly. Ralph Simpson

I was a little late to Ralph's Siskin party as arrived on site (10.30am), but still had a bit of variety. The flock of waders that Ralph counted were still present on arrival but had dispersed soon after. Passage overhead was slow, Meadow Pipits trickled south with some dropping in the ploughed fields, with single figures of Yellow Wagtails. At least 5 Wheatears were around with 3 together by the rough field, 4 Skylarks and a Stonechat on the east side were a site first for a while. The Kestrel was busy doing the rounds, a Little Egret was strangely roosting in the western fields, maybe upset by all the beach goers that were arriving en-masse. Just singles Swallow, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Stock Dove and Mediterranean Gull were noted . Nick Bond

Meadow Pipit/Stonechat and Wheatear (Nick Bond)

WEST WORTHING: A Chiffchaff was around the garden and 40 Swallows were hawking overhead in the evening. David Campbell

13th September 2020

ANGMERING: OSPREY went south over Downs Way very early doors, 2 Chiffchaff in garden and 5 Mediterranean Gulls over. Garry Messenbird

SALVINGTON: A Greater-spotted Woodpecker could be heard calling just north of Rogate Road. Siskins could be heard migrating overhead....a familiar sound now this autumn. Nick Bond

CISSURY RING: A busy ringing session at Cissbury with Val and Pete saw us process 116 birds, including seven Siskins, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Firecrest, 79 Blackcaps, two Bullfinches, a Magpie and 17 Chiffchaffs. A redpoll sp overhead was my first of the autumn and the true Siskin count was hard to estimate as flocks were stopping and moving through but was certainly over 150. A Grass Snake was a surprise along one of the paths. I also noted a Marsh Tit, two Ravens, a Grey Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, a few House Martins and Swallows, a Whitethroat, and a male Tawny Owl hooting just before dawn. David Campbell, Val Bentley and Pete Denyer

 

LADYWELL: A Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Tawny Owl, a Peregrine, two Cetti's Warblers, 47 Chiffchaffs and 47 Blackcaps. Bt

12th September 2020

CISSBURY RING AND MONARCH'S WAY: "An early morning stroll around Cissbury today produced a constant westerly movement of migrating Siskin, with an estimated 225 birds during my visit. Around the Ring, 20 Blackcaps, 20 Chiffchaffs, Redstart, four Wheatears and three Spotted Flycatchers.

Walking out onto Monarch's Way as far as the weedy field on the north side, it was full of birds including four Wheatears, Whinchats, 35 Corn Buntings, 120 Goldfinches, 100 Linnets, three Stonechats and a flock of 30 Yellow Wagtails. " SOS

1 Redstart, 10 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps and 26 Siskins. No hirundines - eerily quiet. Richard Ives

11th September 2020

GORING GAP: 102 Turnstones, 26 Sanderlings, 48 Ringed Plovers, c20 Yellow Wagtails, c20 Meadow Pipits, two Wheatears, male Stonechat, 43+ Siskins east, redpoll sp east, Tree Pipit east and two Grey Wagtails west. Ralph Simpson via Twitter

7 Wheatear on ploughed fields north-east of pumping station, male Stonechat along rough area on fence 2 Yellow Wagtails over. Garry Messenbird

SOMPTING: Whinchat on fields south of the downs. Mike and Karen Galtry

WEST WORTHING: Grey Wagtail flew over Boundary Road and female Blackcap ringed. David Campbell

10th September 2020

ANGMERING: Woodlark over Downs Way, a Yellow and Grey Wagtail, Siskins, Meadow Pipits over and Hummingbird Hawkmoth in garden  Garry Messenbird

BROADWATER: I was in Broadwater for six hours today and was surprised to record 40 Siskins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Chiffchaffs singing away. Richard Ives

CISSBURY RING: Findon Gallops to No Mans Land and around Cissbury Ring 34 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Hobby, 50+ House Martin, 14 Redstart, 8 Siskin, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 40+ Swallow, 10 Wheatear, 7 Whinchat, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and 5 Yellow Wagtail. Chris and Juliet Moore

Brief trip to Cissbury 3 Redstarts 3 Spotted Flycatchers , Whinchat, Wheatear and steady movement of Meadow Pipits & Siskins. Nick and Claire Oliver

HIGHDOWN this morning delivered two Redstarts (male and female), a late Swift among 250 House Martins and 35 Swallows, a Whinchat, six Spotted Flycatchers, six Buzzards moving west, a migrant female Stonechat, four Yellow Wagtails, 60+ Siskins, 241+ Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail and a Mistle Thrush. David Campbell

SALVINGTON: 2 Coal Tits returned to my feeders day for the first time this autumn. A Chiffchaff was in the garden all day, a noticeable movement of Siskin and Meadow Pipits overhead. Nick Bond

WEST WORTHING: A 40-minute watch from my garden first thing produced 35 Siskins, three Meadow Pipits and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. David Campbell

9th September 2020

CISSBURY RING:  Large fall of Robins with about 25 at the base of the slope. 3 Redstarts, 40 Siskins, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats and 8 Blackcaps. The top of the ring was empty save for 3 Magpies. Richard Ives

FERRING RIFE: A stroll up Ferring Rife from the coast to the Country Centre this morning produced ten Chiffchaffs, five Whitethroats, a small flock of Linnets and best of all, a brief, but fairly close view of a WRYNECK in the same small rose bush as one each of the first two species. It flew into a bramble patch and did not re-appear whilst we were there. Later 50+ Swallows with a few House Martins were high above the fields between Ferring and Kingston. Clive Hope. Phil Wallace and I followed up news from Clive Hope of a Wryneck at Ferring Rife but the bird had clearly either moved on or gone to ground. Gareth James joined the search too. Five Mediterranean Gulls flew by, along with three Little Egrets, and two Turnstones were on the beach. A Sandwich Tern flew past offshore, six Swallows flew over and a couple of Chiffchaffs were in the bushes. David Campbell

WEST WORTHING: While I had a quick cup of coffee in the garden first thing, before heading out, I had seven Siskins, a Yellow Wagtail, three Grey Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit fly over. David Campbell

8th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A Greenshank, one or two Common Sandpipers, around five Dunlin, c25 Lapwings, c25 Redshanks, six Grey Herons, four Little Egrets, a Sandwich Tern and nine Oystercatchers. SOS. Also 12 Sandwich Terns from Ferry Bridge.

CISSBURY RING: It was a busy morning's ringing with Val and Finch, as well as Cyndey visiting from the SDOS group. The morning was defined by Siskins, which have been pushing along the coast in decent numbers for a few days now. We succeeded in temping 12 - of the 150 or so that moved through - down into one of the mist nets, the first to be ringed at Cissbury this century! Typically for the time of year, Blackcaps made up most of the numbers, with 85 processed. A Garden Warbler, three Whitethroats, a Bullfinch, 12 Chiffchaffs and a single Willow Warbler were among the other birds trapped. As well as the Siskins, overhead a Tree Pipit, two Yellow Wagtails, three Grey Wagtails, several House Martins and Swallows and a Raven flew through.

2 Redstarts, 35 Siskins, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 10 Blackcaps. Richard Ives

 

LADYWELL: Two Spotted Flycatchers, a Grey Wagtail, a Reed Bunting, a Whitethroat, 41 Blackcaps, a Reed Warbler, nine Willow Warblers, 21 Chiffchaffs, a Peregrine, a Grey Heron and two Sparrowhawks. Bt

SHOREHAM: Five Wheatears on beach. 

WIDEWATER LAGOON: MANDARIN DUCK again.

7th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: CURLEW SANDPIPER again on River Adur opposite Town Quay. via @swlondonbirder on Twitter

ANGMERING: 2 Mute Swans were flying low east over the A259 by Haskins, eventually heading off south east towards Ferring. Nick Bond

BRIDLEWAY FROM CHANCTONBURY RING TO CISSBURY RING: 70 Meadow Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails, two Whinchats, a Wheatear, a Redstart, three Spotted Flycatchers, seven Whitethroats, three Blackcaps, eight Chiffchaffs, six Siskins and 17 Yellowhammers. SOS

CISSBURY RING: Four Blackcaps, eight Chiffchaffs, 10 Corn Bunting, eight Redstarts, eight Siskins, a Sparrowhawk, seven Spotted Flycatchers, a Tawny Owl calling, three Wheatears, four Whinchats, four Whitethroats, a Willow Warbler and three Yellow Wagtails. Chris and Juliet Moore 

Quieter this morning 6 Redstarts 1 Wheatear 1 Spotted Flycatcher & 5 Yellow Wagtails in cow field to north by green barn. House Martins still moving through in small groups. Nick and Claire Oliver

A Tree Pipit, a Yellow Wagtail, eight Common Redstarts, five Stonechats, six Spotted Flycatchers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, 25 Chiffchaffs and four Siskins. SOS

4 Redstarts, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wheatear. 10 Siskins, 40 House Martins and 8 Bullfinches. Richard Ives

FERRING RIFE: At the beach adjacent to the Rife a Redshank flew along the shore but the only other waders were three Turnstones and a Ringed Plover, alongside 28 Little Egrets and a Grey Heron. Along the Rife itself, there was a Wheatear, a Reed Bunting, 11 Chiffchaffs, five Whitethroats and five Blackcaps, plus six Moorhens and another Grey Heron. Two adult Mute Swans, presumably two of the trio seen from Goring Gap the other day, flew towards the beach and flyovers included at least 82 Siskins, 10 Yellow Wagtails, three Grey Wagtails, a House Martin, 32 Swallows and three Meadow Pipits. Two Whinchats were by the country centre, along with a little flock of Linnets, making a total of 31. Stopping at the Bluebird Cafe on the way back, a Bar-tailed Godwit flew west just off the beach with 20 Oystercatchers. David Campbell

KINGSTON GORSE had two further Whinchats, while overhead there were an additional two Siskins, three Yellow Wagtails, 10 House Martins, two Meadow Pipits and eight Swallows. A Whitethroat, two Blackcaps and three Chiffchaffs were logged. The young Buzzard was very vocal. Five Little Egrets and three Sandwich Terns were along the beach and at least three individuals from the Moorhen family were still on the now dry pond. David Campbell

SALVINGTON: A Buzzard over north and a Sparrowhawk over Salvington Road, a Chiffchaff was calling on Cedar Avenue and 2 Swallows flew south early on. Nick Bond

6th September 2020

BROOKLANDS PARK: The adult female Mute Swan was with her four surviving juveniles, four Chiffchaffs were with a tit flock along the treatment works access road and eight Cormorants was quite a high count for the lake, but otherwise it was quiet. However, a juvenile Shelduck flying west over the sea was unexpected. David Campbell

CISSBURY RING: This morning's walk at Cissbury Ring was hugely enjoyable, with 52 species noted, including a nice variety of migrants. There were nine each of Redstart, Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher, as well as four Crossbills, two Whinchats, three Firecrests, four Yellow Wagtails, at least 57 Siskins, 10 Wheatears, 50 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 60 House Martins, 80 Swallows, 12 Chiffchaffs, five Whitethroats and 26 Meadow Pipits. Just as I ended a thoroughly satisfying morning of migrants, I was blown away to see a beaming leucistic Blackcap along the same fenceline as eight of the Spotted Flycatchers and two of the Redstarts. Surely the most start plumage abnormality I've seen in a passerine, it was a gorgeous little thing. David Campbell

Resident birds included a roosting Tawny Owl in a bush, betrayed by mobbing passerines, as well as two Ravens, a Marsh Tit, a Sparrowhawk, three Buzzards, three Kestrels, four Green Woodpeckers, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, two Bullfinches, two Yellowhammers and six Stonechats. David Campbell

HIGHDOWN HILL: c25 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 12 Blackcap, 9 Redstarts, Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Siskin, 3 Great-Spotted Woodpeckers, c40 Swallows and 13 House Martin. Gareth James/Nick Bond

Spotted Flycatcher - Highdown - Nick Bond

LADYWELL: A Grey Heron, a Sparrowhawk, a Red Kite, two Kingfishers, four Swallows, a Cetti's Warbler, 13 Willow Warblers, 40 Chiffchaffs, 67 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, a Firecrest, two Grey Wagtails and two Yellowhammers. Bt

WEST WORTHING: A Sparrowhawk greeted me on the roof of a neighbouring house at home in Worthing first thing this morning, just after a Siskin flew over my garden. David Campbell

5th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: The Adur Estuary at high tide produced three Common Sandpipers, a Whimbrel, two Greenshanks, 20 Lapwings, 28 Redshanks, a Dunlin, two Sandwich Terns, four Grey Herons and five Little Egrets. David Campbell. On the Adur at Shoreham this morning: c60 Ringed Plovers, c25 Dunlin, two Common Sandpipers, c30 Turnstone, three Kingfishers (two perched on the moored boats by the railway bridge, the other in the tidal creek by the Dogs Trust), a Wheatear and two Grey Wagtails W. SOS

CISSBURY RING: 10+ Redstarts, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20 Siskins, 50 House Martins and 40 Swallows. Richard Ives

Spotted Flycatcher 7, Blackcap 10+, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 10+, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wheatear 6, Redstart 15, ChiffChaff, WIllow Warbler 3, House Martin 15+, Swallow 6+, Whinchat 2, Stonechat 1. Cissbury carpark to Nepcote Gallops, Spotted Flycatcher 2+, Wheatear 6, Redstart 5+, Willow Warbler 4+ Nick & Claire Oliver

Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, 15 Willow Warblers, 44 Blackcaps, a Bullfinch and two Whitethroats trapped. Also Tawny Owl. Val Bentley

THE DOWNS: Two hours cycling around Downs north of Lancing brought lots of Linnets, flock of around 20 Corn Buntings, six Whinchats, lots of Wheatears and Stonechats, Red Kite and Spotted Flycatcher along with Redstart and quite a few Willow Warblers. Above me constant passage of House Martins and Swallows and some Meadow Pipits. Also Ravens noted. SOS

GORING GAP: Vismig from the beach at Goring Gap recorded 105+ Siskins, 35 Yellow Wagtails, nine Grey Wagtails, seven Knot, five Sand Martins, two House Martins, 23 Swallows and 20 Meadow Pipits in just over three hours. Three adult Mute Swans just off the beach were unusual, while a Whinchat and two Wheatears moved through. Further waders included seven Oystercatchers, 11 Ringed Plovers, nine Turnstones and six Dunlin. It was interesting to watch a Stock Dove drinking sea water on the beach. David Campbell

STEYNING ROUNDHILL: Six Whinchats and 700+ Linnets. SOS

4th September 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: CURLEW SANDPIPER still present today on east bank opposite the airfield. SOS

CISSBURY RING: Nepcote 5 Redstarts, 1 Wheatear, 40 House Martins, 20 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Siskins,  2 Green Woodpeckers and one Greater-Spotted Woodpecker. Cissbury north slope: 3 Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, 7 Siskins , 1 Marsh Tit - first for the year here for me, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaff and 4 Bullfinches. Richard Ives

10 Wheatear 2 Redstart & 1 Whinchat on Cissbury, 9 Redstart & 1 Spotted Flycatcher on a Nepcote Gallops, 5 Wheatear on Monarch’s Way & 7 Whinchat in Stump Bottom. Mike and Karen Galtry

GORING GAP: this morning: the most numerous migrants overhead were 48+ Siskins west. Also over: 4 Grey Wagtails east, a few Yellow Wagtails and Sand Martins. 8 Wheatears on the beach and 2 Whinchats in the weedy field. Only 37+ Gannets and 5 Sandwich Terns over the sea. Also Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap seen. Ralph Simpson/Gareth James

SALVINGTON: A single Common Gull dropped into Durrington rec this evening, single Sparrowhawk over. Nick Bond

SOMPTING: Footpath heading up the hill next to St Mary's Church: at least 7 Wheatear and 6 Whinchat on the fence posts. In the hedgerow by the Down's Barn dew pond 8 Spotted Flycatcher. Also multiples of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, and Whitethroat, plus 3 Kestrel. 20+ Spotted Flycatcher around the Downs Barn and hilltop, plus 4 Redstart. Tom Sadler

9 Spotted Flycatchers & 2 Redstart in Lambley’s Barn area early afternoon. Mike and Karen Galtry

2nd September 2020

 ADUR ESTUARY: A very productive stop at Cuckoo Corner this morning. In one tree there were 10+ Blackcaps, 1 Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat and 8 Reed Buntings! Also 10 House Martins, 40 Swallows, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff and a couple of Jays. Richard Ives

The CURLEW SANDPIPER was seen again opposite the airport. SOS

In the evening a Polish-ringed Black-headed Gull was just north of the railway bridge on the west shore (details below), also 60+ Ringed Plover and around 20 Dunlin were found along with 3 Turnstone and 4 Oystercatcher, a small flock of around 30 Yellow Wagtails had dropped into the airfield by the helicopters as the light was fading. Nick and Martin Bond

Black-headed Gull (Polish ringed) - Adur Estuary - Nick Bond

Thanks to Richard Fairbank for the further ringing details on this gull, TUXR which was present on Adur at least 08Dec19-03Mar20 Ringed as adult at ZBIORNIK PRZYKONA, RADYCZYNY, TUREK, Poland (60km NW Lodz, 52° 0' 20.3" N, 18° 39' 29.5" E) on 23/06/16.

FERRING/EAST KINGSTON: Very quiet (just a Wheatear on the beach then 8 Greenfinches, a couple of Whitethroats and a Spotted Flycatcher in E Kingston) until I got up to the paddocks and northern part of the area. Here were a large mixed flock of Linnets (say 60) and Goldfinches (25) plus 50 Swallows, a couple of Sand Martins and a few House Martins. On the Rife three Mute Swans (unusual here) that later flew off south and were seen over the sea from Goring Gap heading east at 11.30am. Clive Hope

HIGH SALVINGTON: 2 Clouded Yellow butterflies at The Sanctuary. Peter Formoy

1st September 2020

 ADUR ESTUARY: The CURLEW SANDPIPER was still present throughout the day and evening on the mudflats of the Adur opposite Shoreham airport. Upto 2 Greenshanks, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60c Ringed Plovers, 20c Dunlin, Sandwich Tern and good numbers of Redshanks. At dusk, a good number of Yellow Wagtails were seen and heard heading east. Nick Bond/SOS

CISSBURY RING: 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Redstart, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear, 5 Whinchat, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, and 1 Siskin. Chris and Juliet Moore

Hen Harrier and Sparrowhawk - Cissbury - Chris + Juliet Moore

GORING GAP: Much quieter today, Whinchat were still around by the rough field with upto 4 birds seen, 2 Wheatears, a few Yellow Wagtails and Swallows overhead. A Tree Pipit seen flying south low early on. 4 Sandwich Terns on the beach and 2 Sanderling. The Kestrel was around too just to the north of the pumping station. Nick Bond/John Dodd/Richard Ives/Clive Hope/Mick Jenner

Whinchat - Goring Gap - Nick Bond

PATCHING HILL: 1 Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Redstarts, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Firecrests, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 24 Blackcaps, 10 Whitethroats among others. Ralph Simpson

SALVINGTON: A male Blackcap spent a few hours in my garden replacing yesterdays Whitethroat. A good number of Swallows went over high south around 6pm followed by a low Hobby which flew low south-west. Nick Bond