Strap in - It’s been quite a period for Wrynecks in the Cissbury area over the last two weeks of August. This cryptically plumaged European woodpecker is much enjoyed by those lucky enough to catch up with them but can cause frustration for those trying to relocate typically elusive birds.
Wryneck are perhaps one of the most wanted self finds of the autumn being a scarce migrant, but one that turns up in small numbers each year. Encouraged by a good early run of common migrants Matt and Paul Bowley ventured up Cissbury on Sunday 17th August, and having already seen both male and female Redstart and two Spotted Flycatchers headed down Monarch’s Way to the area of set-a-side much favoured by Whinchats and Wheatears.
Much to his surprise Matt discovered a Wryneck sitting up amongst weeds and was composed enough to take some excellent photos. News was quickly circulated via the local WhatsApp groups and Matt and Paul were able to get other birders onto this furtive bird. True to form the bird then became typically elusive and disappeared for over 2 1/2 hours before finally popping up again in front of waiting birders including Matt’s brother, who had declined the chance to join them that morning. It was seen again late afternoon and then finally just before sunset, but there was no sign the following day.
Remarkably a second Wryneck was seen briefly near the Rifle Butts on the south-east side of Cissbury on 20/8 but it couldn’t be relocated later in the day. Finally Nick Bond found yet another of these scarce migrants near the upper Cissbury car park on 28/8 amongst a fall of Spotted Flycatchers (10) and Redstarts (8) and other common migrants. Again it was typically elusive but did show later in the morning before going to ground once more.
Three separate Wrynecks across a 12 day period seems quite remarkable, and although it may be tempting to think these relate to just one bird the area is well covered on a near daily basis. As the birds were seen in three widely separated areas they almost certainly relate to three different arrivals.
A fourth was seen briefly in private fields at Kingston Gorse on 31/8 but couldn’t be relocated.
