CISSBURY RING: Cissbury Ring was the third destination for a rule-of-6 outing on a day of late cloud and light northerly winds which gradually improved to a fine late morning and afternoon. We had a quiet start and developed excitement in counting Woodpigeon! Sightings improved before we reached the Ring with a bright male Yellowhammer, a couple of Goldcrest and Turdidae that included Mistle Thrush and... Blackbird. Almost immediately upon entry into the fort we found a pair of Stonechat, the first of at least 6. A little further and we were busy watching busy birds erupting from Gorse and diving back again, or between trees. These included Yellowhammer (5), Goldcrest (2), Goldfinch (4) and Greenfinch (1). In the absence of further birds we developed an interest in the smell of Parasol (yeasty, perhaps like rising bread). But as we headed to 'The Yew', which was almost completely devoid of berries, a Green Woodpecker gave a brief departing glimpse. Leaving the fort to the south some saw a Chaffinch and more Stonechats put in an appearance. Looping round a couple mentioned they had seen a Kestrel and sure enough we had our first raptor. We found plenty of Hawk bits, beards and weeds but then scanning around I found a very striking Buzzard grooming itself in a tree. This was closely followed by the discovery of a very handsome male Kestrel in the top of a tree and a couple of Jays finally. Then another Turidae: a perfect Song Thrush which gave good views. The Kestrel clocked something flying over and got us onto a high flying Red Kite heading east. A male Pheasant was then added to our tally but then in the absence of avians we were distracted by Wall butterflies (2 male and 1 female) and discussions over a yellow Lucerne type (I have since consulted an expert botanist who confirmed this as a Tall Melilot). Eventually wending our way back to the car park we had Goldcrest (6) and questions whether another 'crest' was there, plus a couple of Long-tailed Tit. So a quieter than usual Cissbury Ring outing (I had 23 species listed whereas previous years have usually been 27) and of course a much smaller group but I think we all enjoyed some sociable birding and additional wildlife. Mark Wright via SOS
SHOREHAM-BY-SEA: First winter (1CY) Caspian Gull on the Adur from Town Quay in Shoreham. Unfortunately only seen for less than 10 mins last light but hopefully will stick around. (@swlondonbirder) Matthew Palmer via SOS
