CISSBURY RING: A Dartford Warbler still present 250m west if trig point. Nick and Claire Oliver
SOMPTING: A long walk on the downs from Sompting was rather successful. Starting off in thick fog which soon lifted to reveal blue skies I was constantly accompanied by singing Skylarks, even in the fog they were belting out their song. A Corn Bunting was in full song although seeing it in the fog was not easy, later on a small flock of Corn Buntings, Yellowhammer and Linnet were bathing in a puddle in the middle of the track. The stunning yellow of the male bunting looking pristine in the bright sunshine. Out of the sun a harrier flew past which was quickly id as a female HEN HARRIER by its bulk. Unfortunately. I only viewed the harrier in binoculars therefore I was not able to age this bird, that I will leave to more expert observers. In one of the overgrown hedgerows a fine male DARTFORD WARBLER sat out briefly before disappearing in front of my eyes. Also noted on the walk 5 Common Buzzard ,4 Red Kite and at least 3 Raven. plus 4 Stonechat and 2 Reed Bunting. Bernie Forbes
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A late morning visit produced a preening Kingfisher at the east end of the lagoon, its reflection beautifully mirrored in the still water, and a Grey Wagtail at the west end. In between were six Mute Swans, four Mallard and two Redshanks. A Dunnock singing. I was not optically well-equipped for serious sea watching, but opposite the west end of the beach huts there was a raft of auks offshore (which had moved off by the time of my return walk), which judging by recent reports were probably wholly or mainly Razorbills. Also sightings of Great Crested Grebes and Red-throated Divers, and six Brent Geese flying E. Steve Gilbert via SOS
