30th November 2020

COOMBES: Four RUSSIAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (two adults and two 1w) were found today by Chris Corrigan at 12:15 near Coombes in the Adur Valley at TQ 197 075. Part of a wider influx into the county over the last couple of days. The birds were still present at 13:30 and showed reasonably well. They can be seen from either Coombes Road or parking at Cuckoo's Corner and walking to the river bank and looking west from there. It would appear that these birds are the first in the Worthing Uber Patch since two were seen flying west off Worthing Beach on 9th January 2009. Chris Corrigan, Bernie Forbes, Bridget, Gareth and Paul James, Alan Kitson.

Three of the four Russian White-fronted Geese (one adult and two 1w), Coombes (Gareth James)

GORING GAP: A Black-throated Diver west, 20 Red-breasted Mergansers and 10 Brent Geese. Garry Messenbird

WEST WORTHING: While washing up I clocked a female/1st-winter male Black Redstart on the rim of our koi pond just a few feet from the window! It stayed there a few moments as I scrambled for the nearest photographic device then flew to the fence before vanishing. My third ringing tick in the last two days came in the form of a Coal Tit. They often visit our neighbour's conifer and one has started visiting our revamped feeding station - it was a long time coming! I also caught a Wren and a Great Tit. A Grey Wagtail flew over again. David Campbell

29th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Kingfisher and Greenshank. Richard Fullbrook via SOS

CISSBURY RING:A good walk up to Cissbury this morning. Saw 4 Redwing on the way to Cissbury by Tenants Hill. At Cissbury it was fairly quiet. I watched a Red Kite fly over, a Kestrel flew low right past me, took me by surprise! Lots of Robins and Blackbirds and a beautiful Song Thrush singing for all to hear. Zoe Williams

HIGH SALVINGTON: Three Blackcaps. Lynda and Barrie via SOS

SHOREHAM: Two Mute Swans off beach. Richard Fullbrook via SOS

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers and two Rock Pipits on the concrete boulders on the east side of the eastern harbour arm this afternoon, a Peregrine perched on the lighting gantry by the lockgates oblivious of the constant stream of people passing below, and a Kingfisher in the Lady Bee Marina. Paul and Bridget James

WEST WORTHING: Opening the net this morning produced two new in-the-hand species for the garden, Redwing and Goldcrest. A Jay was a noteworthy garden sighting, and a Grey Wagtail flew over.

I managed to sneak an hour at the end of the road, seeing four Red-throated Divers, 32 Red-breasted Mergansers, six Great Crested Grebes, 12 Sanderlings, an adult Mediterranean Gull.  David Campbell

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Black Redstart at east end of car park. Richard Fullbrook via SOS

28th November 2020

CISSBURY RING: Big influx of Reed Buntings on Cissbury around Flint Mines - very mobile but must be at least 25-30. Chaffinches & Yellowhammers also increased & 15+ Redwing. Nick and Claire Oliver

GORING-BY-SEA: Nice flock of 15 Magpies in trees opposite my house, Goring-by-Sea this morning and 5 Long-tailed Tits in garden. John Feest via SOS

GORING GAP: An early evening stroll from the flat to Goring Gap produced a stunning sunset but the biggest surprise was when Sophie spotted a Bat Sp. foraging over the beach at sunset. I was really annoyed, I didn't have my detector with me which would've enabled identification, it certainly felt rare! Gareth James and Sophie Loydell

SALVINGTON: 2 Blackcaps on Half moon Lane. Also a couple of small groups of Redwings around the cemetery area. Nick Bond

27th November 2020

GORING GAP: A 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull was on the western field around mid-day before departing south out to sea. Garry Messenbird

26th November 2020

ANGMERING: Red Kite over A280 around lunchtime. Gareth James

ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: A circular loop around the woods and parts of downland produced a good selection of species. Highlights included: Two Stock Doves, a Sparrowhawk, eight Red Kites, four Buzzards, six Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Green Woodpeckers, two Kestrels, a Raven, two Coal Tits, two Marsh Tits, two Firecrests, 22 Goldcrests, a Chiffchaff, two Nuthatches, a Treecreeper, two Mistle Thrushes, two Song Thrushes, four Redwings, a Fieldfare, 25 Lesser Redpolls and 22 Siskins. Other sightings included a Greenfinch, five Red-legged Partridge, 36 Long-tailed Tits, four Meadow Pipits, four Chaffinches and a Brown Hare. Gareth James and George Kinnard

ROUNDSTONE FARM: c50 Rooks feeding in field next to A259. Gareth James

WIDEWATER LAGOON: A flock of about 30 Sanderlings flying rapidly west low over the tideline were my first of the winter. On the lagoon five Little Grebes, three Redshanks, two Turnstones, a Cormorant and a Grey Heron. A male Stonechat. There are always good numbers of House Sparrows here, a combination of sightings and twittering in the bushes at the west end suggesting a minimum of 50 birds today. Steve Gilbert via SOS

25th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Mid-afternoon, there were two Grey Plovers, two Oystercatchers, 105 Lapwings, 19 Dunlin, 11 Redshank, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20 Great Black-backed Gulls, two Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail. David Campbell. Also adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull, Curlew, Kingfisher and Greenshank.

BROOKLANDS PARK: The drake Pochard was still on the lake. Two Chiffchaffs and eight Goldcrests were in the bushes. Two Little Grebes, five Teal and the family of Mute Swans were also present. I learned that the smallest cygnet, which I'd presumed to have perished, was actually taken into care and ended up being released in London. David Campbell

CLAPHAM WOODS: The highlights from a circular around the woods included a Firecrest, two Song Thrushes, eight Redwings, five Bullfinches, 11 Lesser Redpolls and a Siskin. Also noted was three Stock Doves, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Green Woodpecker, a Kestrel, five Jays and eight Goldcrests. Gareth and Paul James

PATCHING POND: 2 Coots and a Moorhen. Gareth and Paul James

(EAST OF) STEEP DOWN: 35 Corn Buntings, three Stonechats, two Redwings, 45 Meadow Pipits and 31 Skylarks.

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Red-breasted Merganser.

24th November 2020

BRAMBER: Fieldfares, Redwings and Cetti's Warbler. Shemi via SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still.

LANCING: c60 Corn Buntings north of here.

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Early afternoon there were two Kingfishers perched about 5 metres apart on the concrete bund that runs part way across the harbour. One of them was still there when I returned to the same location about an hour later. Turnstones spread widely around both sides of the harbour mouth, a minimum of 25 birds but hard to get an accurate count. One Rock Pipit. Later three Turnstones and two Redshanks were feeding directly under the Ferry Bridge. Steve Gilbert via SOS

RIVER ADUR (cement works): GOOSANDER and Kingfisher. Shemi via SOS

STEEP DOWN/LANCING HILL: Whilst walking a circular walk from Lancing Hill via Steep down, a Merlin was chasing a Skylark, approx 11am this morning. The Skylark lived to see another day. David Phillips via SOS

STEYNING: Red Kite. Shemi via SOS

WORTHING PIER: Over a thousand Starlings going to roost on Worthing pier at 3.50pm. Our mini Brighton display!! They start to gather in Steyne Gardens before the murmurations begin over the sea, always a lovely sight. John Feest via SOS

23rd November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Approx 15:45 to 16:15 Two hours before high tide all waders gathered under the west bank: 23 Dunlin, 14 Redshank, 4 Grey Plovers (calling), 3 Little Egrets. North of Toll Bridge: 25 Lapwing adjacent to Ricardos. Tim Holter via SOS. Also Curlew and eight Oystercatchers.

BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, c15 Goldcrests and two Little Grebes. Bridget James

LANCING-SHOREHAM: From Lancing to Shoreham through the Downs. Downs: Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, big flock of Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtail, 3 Kestrel, lots of Skylarks, small flock of Redwings and one Fieldfare plus 5 Stonechat. Shoreham: 20-25 Dunlin, 100 Lapwing, 3-4 Grey Plover, Curlew and Kingfisher. Shemi via SOS

MILL HILL: Two Blackcaps.

WIDEWATER LAGOON: This morning here was serenely calm, the sea pancake-flat, the lagoon as a mirror. At sea a flock of 30 Common Scoter flew E, far out, while on the lagoon were seven Teal, resplendently coloured, and a Red-breasted Merganser, a male in in-between plumage! Also a Redshank and a Stonechat. Alan Kitson via SOS

20th November 2020

CISSBURY RING:  Lots of thrush activity on a very crisp morning. Positively alive with Redwing plus noticeable numbers of Blackbird and Song Thrush. Plenty of Yellowhammer too and several Reed Buntings. Andy Ashdown

Redwing and Yellowhammer (Andy Ashdown)

THE DOWNS: I managed a good long walk around the downs between Titch Hill and No-Man's-Land before the drizzle set in. An adult Peregrine was sitting on a stone in a bare field, while three Ravens flew over and two young Red Kites were on patrol. Three Kestrels included a showy adult male. Two Buzzards and two Sparrowhawks were also seen. Passerines included three Chiffchaffs, 40 Skylarks, a Redwing, two Fieldfares, four Stonechats, 50 Meadow Pipits, 30 Pied Wagtails, three redpolls, seven Reed Buntings, 11 Yellowhammers, two Siskins, 50 Linnets and two Bullfinches. David Campbell

GORING GAP: A Black Redstart was present along Pattersons Walk this morning just west of the viewing block. Clive Hope

23 Brent Geese, 23 Mediterranean Gulls and 12 Grey Plover were in the Western field mid afternoon. Garry Messenbird

19th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A circular bike ride from the Toll Bridge, taking in the wader roost south of the main road. A flock of about 20 Skylarks on the airport boundary. A Cetti's Warbler singing opposite New Salts Farm. On the lagoon near the Dogs Trust a Redshank, up to its belly in water and pecking at the surface, was briefly reminiscent of a phalarope. I had to leave the roost site just before high water so some birds may have remained in the saltmarsh, but those seen included 12 Oystercatchers, three Dunlins, about 40 Redshanks, one Greenshank, one Curlew and about 20 Snipe. Other sightings here included four Teal, a Little Egret, two Grey Herons, a Mediterranean Gull and a flock of 30 Linnets. Steve Gilbert via SOS

ANGMERING PARK ESTATE (east section): Patching Hill delivered an adult Mediterranean Gull in an adjacent field with 52 Common Gulls, eight Redwings, two Yellowhammers, two Red Kites, a redpoll, a Siskin, a Bullfinch and a Marsh Tit. David Campbell

GORING GAP: A quick look offshore mid-morning. Very quiet, 2 Common Scoter flew east, the usual waders were on the shoreline with a notable increase in Dunlin, 27 Oystercatchers were noted. The fields too were quiet with 7 Greater Black backed Gulls and a single Stonechat in the rough field. Nick Bond

PATCHING HILL: The adjacent Angmering Park Estate delivered three Firecrests, five Marsh Tits, four Treecreepers, seven Nuthatches, 23 Goldcrests, a Raven, a Siskin and four Redwings. David Campbell

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers still on wooden jetty. 

WORTHING: Two Redwings flew from my neighbour's garden on Boundary Road at dawn. David Campbell

18th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: I called in to the Adur Estuary RSPB reserve for the tide. Snipe were being pushed off as the tide flowed, making a total of at least 50 birds, while the Greenshank and a Grey Plover were among 60 or so Redshanks. The single wintering Curlew put in an appearance and was another new lockdown bird for me. A flock of 70 Lapwings settled only for a short while before heading off to an alternative roost site. Two Kingfishers argued while 18 Teal were busy feeding. Singles of Rock Pipit and Grey Heron were also on the reserve. David Campbell. 

Another Kingfisher at the tollbridge and two Mediterranean Gulls towards Cuckoo Corner. Richard Fairbank via SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK: mid morning: drake Pochard, 11 Teal, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail. Nick Bond

Pochard (Nick Bond)

 

CISSBURY RING: A circuit of Cissbury Ring this morning produced two Marsh Tits and four Bullfinches (these being new for my Lockdown#2 list), as well as four Mistle Thrushes, four Fieldfares, 60 Redwings, a Raven, six redpolls, three Siskins, four Bullfinches, 10 Yellowhammers and three Reed Buntings. David Campbell 

GORING-BY-SEA: Red Kite flew over the Swallow's Return Pub at 11:30am. Gareth James

GORING GAP: A 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull dropped in at mid-day before departing west, only 3 Mediterranean Gulls around. Garry Messenbird

2 Stonechats and the Kestrel were around by the pumping Station. Martin Bond

SHOREHAM FORT: 2 Purple Sandpipers on the jetty at high tide with Turnstones. A single Rock Pipit around too. Nick Bond

Purple Sandpiper (Nick Bond)

SOUTHWICK: Firecrest still in holly along Kingston Lane. Bridget James

SOUTHWICK CANAL: Two Kingfishers at Lady Bee Marina. Bridget James

WIDEWATER LAGOON: SHAG, Common Scoter and 16 Gannets flew past; also two Kingfishers and two Little Grebes. Richard Fairbank via SOS

17th November 2020

BRAMBER BROOKS: I walked along the River Adur alongside Bramber Brooks, where I caught up with the juvenile Goosander which has been in the area, though it was very skittish and I only saw it in flight. There was also a Kingfisher, two Fieldfares, a Cetti's Warbler and a Reed Bunting. David Campbell

Highlights from a visit to Bramber Brooks NR this afternoon were 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 female Bullfinch, 1 Song Thrush, c10 Redwing, 1 Kestrel and 1 Buzzard plus ca.6 Blackbirds. Peter Chase via SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK:  Five Teals (a pair and three drakes), a drake POCHARD, a scattering of Moorhens and Coots, and a fly-over Sparrowhawk. Steve Gilbert via SOS

GORING GAP: Stopping at Goring Gap produced nine Mediterranean Gulls and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the roost field, though there were only three Turnstones. David Campbell

SHOREHAM FORT: An adult Purple Sandpiper was on the jetty with 12 Turnstones. What was presumably the same female-type Black Redstart which was reported yesterday put in a brief appearance along the fenceline and a Rock Pipit was feeding. David Campbell

SHOREHAM-BY-SEA: Raven over Holmbush Shopping Centre in the morning. Paul James

WIDEWATER LAGOON: At Widewater this afternoon two Kingfishers, four Mute Swans (three adults and a first winter), four Teals (all drakes), four Little Grebes, one Cormorant, one Redshank and a male Stonechat. Steve Gilbert via SOS

16th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: I dipped in and out of the RSPB reserve this morning, combining my observations with some survey work nearby. But over the course of a couple of hours I recorded: 12 Oystercatchers, four Grey Herons, a Great Black-backed Gull, eight Starlings, 30 Redshank, a Greenshank, 20 Turnstones, a Magpie, two Mute Swans, a Curlew, 22 Teal, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail was on Coronation Green. Tony Benton via SOS

ANGMERING: A male Blackcap in garden on Downs Way. Garry Messenbird

FERRING RIFE: The beach by the Bluebird Cafe had 15 Grey Plovers, 11 Oystercatchers, a Sanderling, a Ringed Plover and three adult Mediterranean Gulls. The highlights along the Rife itself were a mobile Brambling, five Siskins, two redpolls, a Redwing, three Mistle Thrushes, a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk and 11 Moorhens. David Campbell

MILL HILL: Three Chiffchaffs.

SALVINGTON: A group of over 50 Goldinches in my garden today attracted the attention of a male Sparrowhawk which posed briefly after a failed catch. A Grey Wagtail was still around and a Brambling flew over calling, seems to be a few around this winter. Nick Bond

Male Sparrowhawk, Salvington (Nick Bond)

SHOREHAM-BY-SEA: Grey Wagtail on the roof of the Co-op along Ham Road. Steve Gilbert via SOS

SHOREHAM FORT: On a falling tide this afternoon there was a Purple Sandpiper and an estimated 30 Turnstones, the latter widely spread out along both harbour arms, although there was a tight little group of five just below the car park. A Black Redstart was active along the rock sea defences, and four Greenfinches and a Pied Wagtail along the fence line nearby. About five Common Gulls with other gull species following a dredging vessel as it entered the harbour. Steve Gilbert via SOS Also two Rock Pipits. Shemi via SOS

SOUTHWICK: Firecrest in holly on Kingston Lane. Paul James

UPPER BEEDING: GOOSANDER still south of St Peter's Church on River Adur. 

WIDEWATER LAGOON: 23 Redshank, a Greenshank and a Stonechat. Shemi via SOS

15th November 2020

GORING: Ring Ouzel in garden. Richard Hathaway via SOS

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Another huge tide today (6.7m at 11.00) responsible for a quite big roost of waders on the Lagoon - 32 Redshank, one Greenshank and three Dunlin from 10.45 to 11.00. Alan Kitson via SOS

14th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: 1 Goosander flying south down the adur north of A27 at about 8am

BEEDING HILL: 110 Fieldfares feeding on berries around cultivation terraces west of Beeding Hill

GORING GAP: An hour watching the sea from the car at Goring Gap this morning (0900-1000) produced a constant stream of Gannets (320 counted) heading west, a single Brent Goose E then back W and a distant Great Skua W. Clive Hope

SHOREHAM: Massif tide today, 6.5m at 10.30, Shoreham Fort, eight Turnstones withstanding the onslaught on the wooden pier, while the recently created shingle scrape (as part of the sea defence work) had filled with sea and had thus become a lagoon, along the edge of which was a confiding Purple Sandpiper, some 15 Turnstones and a Rock Pipit. Alan Kitson via SOS

WORTHING: An unexpectedly entertaining seawatch from East Worthing 9-11am this morning in moderate SSW with big high tide. All west unless otherwise stated. Constant passage of Gannets, I counted 310 but am certain there were many, many more from close in to extremely distant. Two Razorbills close in, with a further distant 7 auk sp. Rather more distant, 2 skuas had me thinking Poms on size, jizz and flight, but impossible to be certain. A bit later a Great Skua at same range was obvious, and much later 2 Arctic Skuas harassing a single late Sandwich Tern were so much more agile and lithe that I think the original two might have indeed been Poms. Also 8 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Kittiwakes, a Fulmar, Med. Gull and a close in single Common Scoter. A Great Crested Grebe o/s, and 2 Red-throated Divers W and a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER bucking the trend and heading E. Flocks of 20-30 of Turnstone, Ringed Plover & Dunlin back & forth along the shoreline, with a scattering of Sanderling thrown in too. All in all a much better morning than anticipated, always good to have the id skills challenged as a bird passes distantly never to be seen again. Colin Holter via SOS

13th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank, Curlew, 14+ Snipe, 15 Teal, two Grey Plovers, Little Egret, four Grey Herons and 72 Redshanks. David Campbell et al

FERRING RIFE: Female Kingfisher still, a Little Egret, and a Green Woodpecker. Overhead was two Meadow Pipits that headed north and 34 Goldfinches headed east. Gareth James/George Kinnard

Female Kingfisher, Ferring Rife (Gareth James)

GORING GAP: The bird of the day at Goring Gap was a Firecrest in the holm oaks at the northern end. Elsewhere, the beach held 58 Turnstones and c30 Sanderling. Offshore was a Great Crested Grebe, nine Gannets flew west and an Auk Sp. flew east. On the greensward was a Rook (only my 2nd here) with 56 Carrion Crows. The roost field held two Mediterranean Gulls. Other birds noted included: two Goldcrests, three Jays, a Sparrowhawk, a Green Woodpecker, two Greenfinches, two Stonechats and 15+ Skylarks. Gareth James/George Kinnard

SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers and 17 Turnstones just after high tide. David Campbell

12th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A very pleasant walk around the lower river in bright sunshine. Today I mainly didn't try to get exact counts but there were plenty of Oystercatchers and Redshanks, three Grey Plovers, and about 15 Turnstones feeding very close to the shore at Ropetackle. A small flock of about a dozen Linnets in the saltmarsh, where there was also a statue-like Grey Heron. One Common Gull noted. About 90 Lapwings on the airfield, some of which relocated to the river after being put up by a helicopter. A Chiffchaff by the Downslink, and a persistently calling Goldcrest in a tree near the Amsterdam pub. Steve Gilbert via SOS

FERRING RIFE: Female Kingfisher, a flock of redpolls heard overhead but not seen, single Siskin east and eight Moorhens. Gareth James

GORING GAP: Quiet morning at Goring Gap. Noted in the roost early morning was 111 Black-headed Gulls, seven Herring Gulls, two Great Black-backed Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and a Common Gull. Offshore a Brent Goose flew west and on the beach was nine Turnstone. Gareth James

RIVER ADUR:  A walk along the river between the cement works and Upper Beeding in a quest to see the Goosanders found here recently drew a blank on that count, but I did have two Cetti's Warblers, two Chiffchaffs, a Kingfisher, five Stonechats, a Reed Bunting, four Siskins, a Grey Wagtail, a Fieldfare, a Redwing and four Mute Swans. David Campbell

STUMP BOTTOM: 40+ Fieldfares this afternoon. Nick and Claire Oliver

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Just a single Little Grebe in the tamarisks. Also here today a Kingfisher and a Peregrine over the sea, a Great Crested Grebe on the sea and, on the Lagoon, a Grey Heron, a Little Egret, two Redshanks and three Turnstone. Alan Kitson via SOS

11th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: 37 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 41 Lapwing, 29 Turnstone, 16 Oystercatcher, 22 Teal and 2 Grey Wagtails.

BRAMBER: Redhead GOOSANDER still c200m south of bridge over A283. Richard Fairbank via SOS

CISSBURY RING: Two flocks of c10 Redwing over E. Mike Galtry

COOMBES: GOOSANDER on River Adur.

DOWNS ABOVE STEYNING: A ringtail HEN HARRIER hunting SE of chanctonbury Ring at 1pm today before being mobbed by corvids and departed westward. Also two Kestrels. Peter Chase via SOS

GORING GAP: The highlight from a short seawatch between 07:15 - 07:45 was a Great Skua that flew west albeit distantly. Also 25 Common Scoter E, six Brent Geese W, five Auk Sp. E, a Red-breasted Merganser E and two Great Crested Grebes offshore. Gareth James

LYCHPOLE BOTTOM: Brambling. Mike Galtry

MILL HILL: Brambling, 18 Siskins, 35 Chaffinches and 17 Redwings.

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Eight Little Grebes, a Redshank and two Turnstones. Three Common Scoters flew east.

WORTHING: A Bonxie, seven Common Scoters, a Great Crested Grebe, a Teal, four Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 27 auks, 21 Gannets and 20 Dunlin off Grand Avenue in an hour early morning. David Campbell

10th November 2020

BRAMBER: Redhead GOOSANDER still. Alan Kitson via SOS

GORING-BY-SEA: Five Brent Geese west over the flat at 08:55. Gareth James

GORING GAP: Most of the action at Goring Gap today was offshore. The clear highlight was two VELVET SCOTER which flew west at 10:04. 31 Brent Geese (2 and 29) and two adult Mediterranean Gulls also headed in the same direction. On the sea was two each of Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe. On the beach was six Sanderling, 51 Turnstone, 12 Grey Plover, 56 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover, a Redshank, 16 Oystercatcher and two Pied Wagtails. The roost field held a 2w Mediterranean Gull and four Great Black-backed Gulls. The plantation near the toilet block held c10 Goldcrests. Noted in the fields, a further 11 Pied Wagtails, two Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks, three Meadow Pipits and a male Stonechat was in the rough field. I returned early afternoon and a drake EIDER flew west at 13:33 and a Guillemot flew east. There had been an increase in Red-breasted Mergansers to 10 and a raft of 10 Common Scoter were offshore and a further two flew west. Gareth James

9th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: In the half and hour or so before the rain set in this afternoon, the Toll Bridge to Norfolk Bridge reach yielded three Grey Plovers, about five Dunlins, 19 Redshanks, 52 Turnstones, 24 Oystercatchers, three Grey Herons and about 10 Little Egrets. Again a Grey Wagtail at Ropetackle. Steve Gilbert via SOS

BROOKLANDS PARK: A Raven heard from the north end was the most notable bird for the site. There were fewer birds moving overhead today, with just two redpolls, four Siskins, 40 Goldfinches, two Linnets and six Chaffinches but 12 Skylarks, including a flock of 11. Two Cetti's Warblers, a Mistle Thrush, a Kestrel, a female Sparrowhawk, 12 Teal and the Mute Swan family were also logged. David Campbell

The Whitethroat was still in the same Bush from yesterday, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Firecrest and 1 Chiffchaff along the stream. Richard Ives

MILL HILL: Two Firecrests.

STEYNING BOWL: Black Redstart.

WIDEWATER LAGOON: Very unproductive visit today, but given the building work and large number of dogs and pedestrians not altogether surprising. Apart from the usual resident House Sparrows and Starlings there were just three Mute Swans, three Black-headed Gulls and a lone Redshank (pic.) Unusually no ducks or Little Grebes. Duncan Livingstone via SOS

8th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Knot. Mike and Karen Galtry via SOS

BROOKLANDS: We headed back to Brooklands this morning in hope of some more vismig and it certainly did not disappoint and were joined by a socially distanced Mike and Karen Galtry. Totals from this morning included (08:15 - 10:30): 3438 Goldfinches (!), 52 redpoll, 35 Chaffinches, 24 Siskins, two Linnets, a Redwing and a Swallow. All birds again were following the coast flying east. Also noted during this period were 26 Brent Geese (flocks of 9 and 17) which flew south over the park, indicative of overland rather than coastal passage and a further five flew west offshore. 

The star bird in the bushes was a very late Common Whitethroat which took a liking to the gorse bush at the southern end of the park accompanied by two each of Stonechat and Reed Bunting. A Cetti's Warbler sang from the reeds. A Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were in flight over the lake but there was no sign of the two GADWALL today however an adult Common Gull briefly made an appearance. Other totals from the morning included: five Meadow Pipits, 10 Goldcrests, a Kestrel, a Chiffchaff and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Gareth and Paul James, Mike and Karen Galtry

GORING GAP: Did an hour (0830-0930) this morning and logged : Brent Goose 9W (there had been three on the sea first thing). Shelduck Two E. Goldfinch 290 E. Meadow Pipit 8E and 5 on field. Pied Wagtail c.12 flew into the fields. Oystercatcher 10 on beach. Turnstone c25 on Beach . Little Egret 2. Clive Hope

WIDEWATER LAGOON: From the shingle beach just east of Widewater, Lancing a flock of seven Brent Geese passed by, going west, at 11.18 and, about half an hour later, as seen from the Salts Farm road south of the airport, another flock of seven and a singleton flew east to west too. From the beach a Grey Seal was close to shore, his snout or whole head up out of the water, looking back at his onlookers. Alan Kitson via SOS

7th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: Adult Yellow-legged Gull opposite Shoreham Airport at low tide this morning. Richard Fairbank via SOS

BROOKLANDS: An excellent morning for diurnal passage produced 2545 Goldfinches (!), five CROSSBILLS, 20 Siskins, 23 redpoll, a Brambling, six Chaffinches, five Meadow Pipits, 10 Linnets, two Skylarks and five House Martins up until 09:45. All birds were passing over the south end of Brooklands heading east following the coastline. 

The bushes held two Goldcrests, three Great Spotted and a Green Woodpecker. The lake held two GADWALL, 17 Mallards, two Great Black-backed Gulls, five Mute Swans, 12 Teal and a Little Grebe. A Water Rail was heard from the reeds whilst also hiding away was two Cetti's Warblers and more obliging was a  Stonechat perched near the southern end of the lake. Over the golf course was two Sparrowhawks and two Kestrels and a Song Thrush headed east over the old refuse tip. Gareth and Paul James

It was a busy morning at Brooklands Park, mostly with birds flying over. Goldfinches, in particular, were on the move. I missed the big numbers as the larger flocks were hugging the coastline, as I realised when I eventually made it to that side of the park! But I did notch up over 800. Other vismig highlights for me included two CROSSBILLS, three Grey Wagtails, 25 redpolls, 50 Siskins, five Skylarks, a Reed Bunting, 11 Linnets, 18 Chaffinches, 21 Meadow Pipits and 12 Pied/White Wagtails. A pair of GADWALL on the lake was a pleasant surprise. At least one Kingfisher was hurtling around and three Cetti's Warblers were in voice. Also on the lake were two Little Grebes, nine Teal and five Mute Swans (the female with her four surviving cygnets). Two Coal Tits, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Green Woodpecker, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel were also noted. A Firecrest was waiting by my car when I was getting ready to leave. David Campbell

Cissbury Ring: Ring Ouzel. Shane Burtenshaw

DURRINGTON REC: At least five Lesser Redpolls with mobile Goldfinch flock in gardens. Nick Oliver Early afternoon three Red Kites drifted over. A Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and a Grey Wagtail were also noted here  Nick Bond

EAST PRESTON: Two Lesser Redpolls on feeder in garden. George Kinnard

SOMPTING: Brambling briefly on feeder in garden. Mike and Karen Galtry

STEEPDOWN: A circular walk around Steepdown produced two Buzzards, c80 Corn Buntings, two Kestrels, 40+ Skylarks, four Goldcrests, five Meadow Pipits, three Stonechats, five Linnets, two Reed Buntings and a Brimstone was on the wing. Gareth and Paul James

UPPER BEEDING: Two redhead Goosanders passed south along the River Adur opposite St Peter's Church this afternoon. Also Barn Owl and Kingfisher. Bridget and Gareth James

WIDEWATER LAGOON: A close Guillemot flew east. Richard Fairbank via SOS. In the afternoon on the lagoon was a Little Grebe, a Turnstone, two Redshank and a Little Egret. Also flock of 15 Brent Geese flew west offshore at 15:04. Alan Kitson via SOS

6th November 2020

ADUR ESTUARY: A tour by bike around the lower Adur this morning brought multiple sightings of Kingfisher, thought to include at least two birds. One hovered repeatedly before diving to catch a small prey object, which it carried off to consume on the far bank. A Grey Wagtail with two Pied Wagtails at Ropetackle. Waders comprised quite numerous Redshanks, a Greenshank, a Curlew, three Grey Plovers, 16 Oystercatchers near Norfolk Bridge, some tens of Turnstones, a Ringed Plover and 62 Lapwings on the airfield. Maybe 10 Little Egrets. A Stonechat was on the fence along the eastern side of the airfield, and there were about 20 Skylarks, one or two Meadow Pipits and a Kestrel here also. A Cetti's Warbler singing near New Salts Farm. A Common Seal moved up the river on the rising tide, disappearing under water for long periods, last seen near the Toll Bridge. Steve Gilbert via SOS

CISSBURY RING: I soon located a DARTFORD WARBLER - one of the two or three birds found there yesterday - a little way south of the trig point. It was a pretty vocal and showy individual, and my first in the local area. Other highlights included three Ravens, a Reed Bunting, four Yellowhammers, a Stonechat, nine Meadow Pipits, a Redwing, two Mistle Thrushes and eight Skylarks. David Campbell. The Dartford Warbler was still present in the afternoon and a Hen Harrier flew west over the north end. Mike and Karen Galtry

 

WEST WORTHING: I started the day with a couple of hours vismigging from the garden. Four redpolls, five Siskins, 165 Goldfinches, a Linnet, five Chaffinches, a Meadow Pipit and 95 Woodpigeons flew east, while seven Pied/White Wagtails mostly flew west. A Grey Wagtail and a Common Gull flew north, while a local Peregrine headed over too. David Campbell

5th November 2020

CISSBURY RING: A DARTFORD WARBLER was seen at the South end near the flint mines. In addition to Dartford Warbler, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Song Thrushes, 1 Fieldfare, Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, Brambling, 6 Chaffinches, 14 Skylarks, 10 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Buntings. Movement of 800+ Woodpigeon early morning then fizzled out. Nick and Claire Oliver.

A pair of DARTFORD WARBLERS also seen just near the trig point, 8 Siskins, 4 Redpoll, 2 Stonechat and a Green Woodpecker. Richard Ives

THE DOWNS (off Titch Hill): 30 Corn Buntings near Steep Down, Little Owl near Lychpole Farm and two Tawny Owls towards Cissbury. Also two Reed Buntings and two Stonechats. David Campbell

GORING: Lapwing heard over Goring Street at 6.44pm. David Campbell and Ingrid Allan

GORING GAP: Beautiful sunny morning at the gap, a good fall of Pied Wagtails on the beach and the fields. A single Knot was on the beach with 14 Grey Plovers but was soon moved on by a dog. 2 Buzzards drifted over, 2 Stonechat were along the rough field fence, just 3 Mediterranean Gulls were on the fields and 10 Skylark. 3 Rooks were with the Carrion Crows and Jackdaws in the northern fields, we have had the odd flyover this autumn so was nice to see them on the deck here. As the temperature rose a few butterflies emerged, including Red Admiral, Peacock and Large White. A Common Darter dragonfly was also noted. Nick Bond

Buzzard and Rook (Nick Bond)

SALVINGTON: A Skylark over Rogate Road north east and was pleasantly surprised to witness some Blackbirds migrating first thing with 5 birds together flying east, quite high up and calling continuously, another did the same but flew south west. A Grey Wagtail was also around. Nick Bond

SOMPTING: Two male Black Redstarts on rooftops at Cokeham Road at midday. Shemi via SOS

WORTHING: Peregrine. David Campbell

4th November 2020

ANGMERING: A male Blackcap in garden on Downs Way, Siskin over. Garry Messenbird

SALVINGTON: 5 Redwings over Rogate Road, a Redpoll, 2 Jay's and several Chaffinch grounded. A Greater-spotted Woodpecker was calling too. Nick Bond

CISSBURY RING: As conditions were cold and it was my first session 'flying solo' at Cissbury, The first bird caught was a juvenile Woodpigeon, while setting the western nets. After getting a feel for the day after an initial round and hearing some redpolls flying over, I stuck the Lesser Redpoll tape on by the F nets. This soon produced two Lesser Redpolls, followed by another on the next round. This used to be a staple species at my initial ringing training ground of Leith Hill but I've handled very few since so I was delighted. All were adults, and two were lovely pink males. Of the 19 birds caught in total, it was nice to catch two November Blackcaps (one a retrap) and a Chiffchaff, while four Goldcrests (two retraps) were more obviously late autumn fare. Often underrated, an adult male Chaffinch was another pleasing catch. 

It was obvious that birds were seizing the chance to move after the relentless brisk southwesterlies with so much rain over the last couple of weeks. Being so clear, I was mainly hearing calls without being able to count flocks, and obviously I was ringing, but a couple each of Brambling, Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer flew over, along with a single Golden Plover, a small flock of Crossbills and a trickle of redpolls, Siskins, Chaffinches, Skylarks, Pied/White Wagtails, Meadow Pipits and Linnets. A male and a female Peregrine tussled directly overhead, the male at least giving that fantastic gull-like chatter. Later, one of them was in pursuit of a flock of Woodpigeons, another species that was moving in good numbers today. Two Ravens came and went throughout the morning and towards the end there were singles of Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. David Campbell

3rd November 2020

ANGMERING: A Redpoll, 2 Skylark and 2 Mediterranean Gulls over Downs Way. Garry Messenbird

BROOKLANDS PARK: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail and 6 Teal. Richard Ives

THE DOWNS:  A walk near Steep Down at the end of the day was rewarded with a juvenile HEN HARRIER quartering the fields near Annington Barn. There were also a few Corn Buntings preparing to roost. David Campbell

GORING GAP: 15 Mediterranean Gulls and 3 Swallows west. Garry Messenbird

SALVINGTON: A Black Redstart was on Copthorne Hill this morning. Mike Booker

WORTHING TOWN: A Grey Wagtail flew over Chapel Road. Nick Bond

2nd November 2020

GORING GAP: A male MERLIN flew west along the coast before heading inland, 510 Mediterranean Gulls on the fields before majority moved off west and 2 Rock Pipits on the beach. Garry Messenbird

WORTHING: 1 Red-breasted Merganser on the sea and 3 Mediterranean Gulls west. Richard Ives

1st November 2020

BROOKLANDS PARK: Standing by the lake at Brooklands, Lancing this morning wondering what the hell I was doing as the wind and driving rain battered against me, a loud call from the tree behind me alerted me to a ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET which soon flew east calling all the way. I know not everyone’s cup of tea but brightened up a miserable morning. Shane Burtenshaw via SOS

CISSBURY RING: A rare break in the rain had me ascending the eastern flanks of Cissbury which held two Mistle Thrushes, 6 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, and 6 Bullfinches. A male Ring Ouzel was at Nepcote. Richard Ives