ADUR ESTUARY: GOOSANDER, two Teal, three Grey Herons, 10+ Little Egrets, nine Oystercatchers, 11 Turnstones, four Redshanks, 85 Lapwings, two Buzzards, 230 Black-headed Gulls, 50 Common Gulls, 13 Great Black-backed Gulls, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, two Stonechats, three Pied Wagtails, Song Thrush (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PLEASURE PARK: Brambling, Firecrest, two Stonechats, a few Chiffchaffs (SOS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: redhead GOOSANDER (SOS).
STEYNING: Spent a couple of hours on the Downs above Steyning this afternoon -
just a slow amble between the farmer's memorial and No Man's Land and
back, but most hoped-for raptors put in an appearance. Ended up with 7
species - Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Red Kite, Peregrine, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier. Quite brief views of the 2 latter.... The ringtail HEN HARRIER was in view for no more than a minute, before disappearing over a hill heading E, and never to be seen again. The Marsh Harrier just went fast overhead heading due S until lost from view. Small passerines were relatively few.... Quite a lot of Skylarks, plus a few each of Meadow Pipits, Goldfinch, Linnet and Dunnocks, but didn't see or hear a single bunting (SOS). Also MARSH HARRIER at Steyning Roundhill, plus Red Kite, 40 Skylarks, Sparrowhawk and six Stonechats (BirdTrack). Between Bostal Chalkpit and Monarch's Way a Golden Plover, three Red-legged Partridges, 45 Skylarks, three Stonechts, Redwing, two Song Thrushes, Corn Bunting, four Yellowhammers and four Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
