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| adult Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull hybrid (DKC) |
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (GJ).
29th February 2020
GORING GAP: A quick look early this afternoon produced an adult Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull hybrid, five Mediterranean Gulls, seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls and around 300 Common Gulls forming part of the gull roost (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (GJ).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (GJ).
27th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Common Sandpiper still, Red-breasted Merganser, two Mute Swans, two Mallards, a Moorhen, two Oystercatchers, a Lapwing, eight Redshanks, a Kestrel, a Skylark,
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Eight Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) and a Little Egret on lagoon. 15 Oystercatchers, 12 Turnstones and a Dunlin on beach this afternoon (SOS).
WORTHING: Four Blackcaps in garden (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Eight Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) and a Little Egret on lagoon. 15 Oystercatchers, 12 Turnstones and a Dunlin on beach this afternoon (SOS).
WORTHING: Four Blackcaps in garden (Bt).
26th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still by houseboats off Norfolk Bridge (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, two Chiffchaffs, a Stonechat and a Sparrowhawk (SOS).
CHANCTONBURY RING: A visit late in the day produced a huge surprise, literally, in the form of a 2cy female GOSHAWK as it circled a couple of times before making its way north. Other highlights included a Marsh Tit, a Woodcock, a Raven, a Tawny Owl, three of both Red Kite and Buzzard, at least three Yellowhammers and a Redwing. A couple of Red-legged Partridges called in the distance (J.Gearty/DKC).
GORING GAP: 32 Mediterranean Gulls, 350 Common Gulls and six Skylarks (Bt).
SHOREHAM-LANCING: 30+ Dunlin and six Ringed Plovers on beach (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 10 Red-breasted Mergansers (five adult drakes), at least eight Little Grebes and a Little Egret (SOS).
WORTHING: Peregrine flew over Chatsworth Road (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, two Chiffchaffs, a Stonechat and a Sparrowhawk (SOS).
CHANCTONBURY RING: A visit late in the day produced a huge surprise, literally, in the form of a 2cy female GOSHAWK as it circled a couple of times before making its way north. Other highlights included a Marsh Tit, a Woodcock, a Raven, a Tawny Owl, three of both Red Kite and Buzzard, at least three Yellowhammers and a Redwing. A couple of Red-legged Partridges called in the distance (J.Gearty/DKC).
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| 2cy female Goshawk (DKC) |
GORING GAP: 32 Mediterranean Gulls, 350 Common Gulls and six Skylarks (Bt).
SHOREHAM-LANCING: 30+ Dunlin and six Ringed Plovers on beach (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: 10 Red-breasted Mergansers (five adult drakes), at least eight Little Grebes and a Little Egret (SOS).
WORTHING: Peregrine flew over Chatsworth Road (SOS).
25th February 2020
ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: 22 Buzzards, 2 Red Kite, 2 Raven were highlights on a mid morning raptor watch, a Blackcap was nearby (NB).
COOMBES: We went for a walk along the Adur between Coombes and Botolphs but soon aborted due to a series of sharp showers, only noting eight Redshanks and a Meadow Pipit in the short amount of time we were there (DKC/I.Allan).
THE DOWNS (SW of Steyning): 13 Lapwings, a Sparrowhawk, two Red Kites, four Buzzards, two Kestrels, 40 Skylarks, 13 Stonechats, 15 Corn Buntings and three Yellowhammers (Bt).
FERRING RIFE: A visit first thing produced two Water Rails (heard), 12 Greenfinches, three female Stonechats, a Kestrel and two Grey Herons (DKC).
GORING GAP: In the gull roost around 14:30 were 16 Mediterranean Gull, c500 Common Gull, one 1w Great Black-backed Gull and a handful of Herring and Black-headed Gull (GJ). Later on a total of 57 Mediterranean Gulls including 50 adults were in the roost (GDM) whilst other birds noted were 83 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and a Oystercatcher. At least 8 Skylark were around the fields, birds starting to sing and display (NB)
SALVINGTON: A Buzzard was thermaling over Rogate Road at mid-day (NB).
SHOREHAM: Grey Wagtail (SOS).
WORTHING: Three Blackcaps (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers showed well, along with three Little Egrets and a Little Grebe (DKC/I.Allan).
COOMBES: We went for a walk along the Adur between Coombes and Botolphs but soon aborted due to a series of sharp showers, only noting eight Redshanks and a Meadow Pipit in the short amount of time we were there (DKC/I.Allan).
THE DOWNS (SW of Steyning): 13 Lapwings, a Sparrowhawk, two Red Kites, four Buzzards, two Kestrels, 40 Skylarks, 13 Stonechats, 15 Corn Buntings and three Yellowhammers (Bt).
FERRING RIFE: A visit first thing produced two Water Rails (heard), 12 Greenfinches, three female Stonechats, a Kestrel and two Grey Herons (DKC).
GORING GAP: In the gull roost around 14:30 were 16 Mediterranean Gull, c500 Common Gull, one 1w Great Black-backed Gull and a handful of Herring and Black-headed Gull (GJ). Later on a total of 57 Mediterranean Gulls including 50 adults were in the roost (GDM) whilst other birds noted were 83 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and a Oystercatcher. At least 8 Skylark were around the fields, birds starting to sing and display (NB)
SALVINGTON: A Buzzard was thermaling over Rogate Road at mid-day (NB).
SHOREHAM: Grey Wagtail (SOS).
WORTHING: Three Blackcaps (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers showed well, along with three Little Egrets and a Little Grebe (DKC/I.Allan).
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| adult (left) and 2cy drake Red-breasted Mergansers at Widewater Lagoon (DKC) |
24th February 2020
GORING GAP: A Yellow-legged Gull was on the south-western roost field, at least 30 Mediterranean Gulls were around mainly adults but a few 2nd winters and 1 1st winter were amongst them, poor conditions to get exact counts, a couple with coloured rings (see pics, 1 French bird, 1 Belgian). A Curlew calling as it flew through was a nice surprise, 32 Turnstone and 80+ Dunlins were also on the roost fields, a grounded flock of around 200 Starling were around the greensward (NB/GDM)
Yellow-legged Gull (NB)
Mediterranean Gull white ring 322H (NB)
Mediterranean Gull green ring R4LC (NB)
23rd February 2020
GORING GAP: A short visit at lunchtime delivered 21 Mediterranean Gulls, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and 190 Common Gulls (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps still in garden (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps still in garden (Bt).
22nd February 2020
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, three Cetti's Warblers, 14 Teal, female Stonechat, a Little Grebe and a Grey Heron (SOS).
FERRING: Mediterranean Gull (Bt).
GORING GAP: 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 40 adult, 1 2nds, 3 2ndw, 2 1stw Mediterranean Gulls, (1 ad med white ring (31BF), also 2 with green rings, 2 more with white rings too distant to read (GDM)
HIGHDOWN: Red Kite (DKC).
STEYNING: Barn Owl, Firecrest, Blackcap and seven Fieldfares (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes), five Little Grebes, two male Stonechats, three Meadow Pipits and a Little Egret (SOS).
FERRING: Mediterranean Gull (Bt).
GORING GAP: 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 40 adult, 1 2nds, 3 2ndw, 2 1stw Mediterranean Gulls, (1 ad med white ring (31BF), also 2 with green rings, 2 more with white rings too distant to read (GDM)
HIGHDOWN: Red Kite (DKC).
STEYNING: Barn Owl, Firecrest, Blackcap and seven Fieldfares (Bt).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes), five Little Grebes, two male Stonechats, three Meadow Pipits and a Little Egret (SOS).
21st February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, c10 Dunlin and 20+ Ringed Plovers from Norfolk Bridge (SOS). Also Whimbrel still, Mute Swan, two Teal, a Little Grebe, a Chiffchaff, a Little Egret, a Sparrowhawk and Reed Bunting (Bt).
CISSBURY RING: Three Mistle Thrushes and singles of Yellowhammer, Stonechat and Treecreeper, plus nine Skylarks and a Buzzard (Bt).
GORING GAP: 31 Mediterranean Gulls on the roost fields this am (RS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort; also Lesser Black-backed Gull and 11 Turnstones (Bt)
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) still (SOS). Also Kingfisher and two Redshanks (Bt).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps still in garden (Bt).
CISSBURY RING: Three Mistle Thrushes and singles of Yellowhammer, Stonechat and Treecreeper, plus nine Skylarks and a Buzzard (Bt).
GORING GAP: 31 Mediterranean Gulls on the roost fields this am (RS).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort; also Lesser Black-backed Gull and 11 Turnstones (Bt)
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Seven Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) still (SOS). Also Kingfisher and two Redshanks (Bt).
All 7 Red-breasted Mergansers - Widewater (SH)
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps still in garden (Bt).
20th February 2020
GORING GAP: Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, eight Great Black-backed Gulls and four Skylarks (NB). Earlier on 75 Mediterranean Gulls (70 adults, 4 2nd winters and 1 1st winter) included a green ringed bird, but too far off to get details (GDM)
19th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still and three Redshanks (BirdTrack).
FERRING: A Mediterranean Gull and 18 Oystercatchers (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: 15 Mediterranean Gulls (BirdTrack).
THE DOWNS (either side of Titch Hill): Two Corn Buntings on the downs off Titch Hill included one singing. A couple of Red-legged Partridges announced themselves and a flock of over 60 Pied Wagtails was feeding in the fields. Other sightings included a Raven, a Stonechat, a Sparrowhawk, male Kestrel, 40 Linnets, a Reed Bunting and a flyover Lesser Black-backed Gull (DKC/P.Wallace).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Eight Red-breasted Mergansers, three Little Grebes, two Mallards, a Little Egret and a Redshank (BirdTrack).
FERRING: A Mediterranean Gull and 18 Oystercatchers (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: 15 Mediterranean Gulls (BirdTrack).
THE DOWNS (either side of Titch Hill): Two Corn Buntings on the downs off Titch Hill included one singing. A couple of Red-legged Partridges announced themselves and a flock of over 60 Pied Wagtails was feeding in the fields. Other sightings included a Raven, a Stonechat, a Sparrowhawk, male Kestrel, 40 Linnets, a Reed Bunting and a flyover Lesser Black-backed Gull (DKC/P.Wallace).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Eight Red-breasted Mergansers, three Little Grebes, two Mallards, a Little Egret and a Redshank (BirdTrack).
18th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: It was a finer morning than the last few days but still there was a rather stiff breeze! All the same, I enjoyed my visit to the lower Adur. Waders included the Greenshank, a Snipe, over 80 Lapwings, three Grey Plovers, two Curlew and 13 Redshanks. Other birds included four Teal, three Mute Swans, a Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine distantly on Lancing College, a Cetti's Warbler, a Rock Pipit, three Skylarks, a male Stonechat and nine Reed Buntings (DKC). Also Whimbrel, 15 Ringed Plovers, nine Dunlin and 100 Lapwings (SOS). Firecrest, Common Sandpiper, four Mute Swans, two Mallards, two Little Grebes, Mediterranean Gull, 550 Common Gulls, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Grey Herons, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel and two Stonechats (BirdTrack).
HIGH SALVINGTON: A Buzzard, two Blackcaps and a Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers and a Redshank (SOS).
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| Greenshank (DKC) |
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| Grey Plovers (DKC) |
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| Redshanks (DKC) |
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| Peregrine on Lancing College (DKC) |
HIGH SALVINGTON: A Buzzard, two Blackcaps and a Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Two Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers and a Redshank (SOS).
17th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel and Curlew still (SOS). Greenshank still, four Reed Buntings, 200 Starlings, 19 Turntones, nine Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 12 Teal, 140 Lapwings, 28 Redshanks and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: An afternoon visit produced two singing Cetti's Warblers, the drake POCHARD, three Little Grebes, four Mute Swans (the young are being 'gently' pushed away), an adult male Kestrel and five Teal (DKC).
GORING GAP: Nine Ringed Plovers, 20 Dunlin, 10 Mediterranean Gulls (including one individual sporting a metal ring see pic), seven Great Black-backed Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and 12 Skylarks (NB). Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls (adult and two 2cy), 14 Great Black-backed Gulls, 70+ Common Gulls, 115+ Herring Gulls, 60+ Black-headed Gulls, eight Mediterranean Gulls, six Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin, a Stonechat and five Skylarks (E.Stubbs).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Great Crested Grebe (SOS).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: Sparrowhawk flew over (DKC).
WORTHING: Adult male Sparrowhawk in garden (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
BROOKLANDS PARK: An afternoon visit produced two singing Cetti's Warblers, the drake POCHARD, three Little Grebes, four Mute Swans (the young are being 'gently' pushed away), an adult male Kestrel and five Teal (DKC).
GORING GAP: Nine Ringed Plovers, 20 Dunlin, 10 Mediterranean Gulls (including one individual sporting a metal ring see pic), seven Great Black-backed Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and 12 Skylarks (NB). Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls (adult and two 2cy), 14 Great Black-backed Gulls, 70+ Common Gulls, 115+ Herring Gulls, 60+ Black-headed Gulls, eight Mediterranean Gulls, six Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin, a Stonechat and five Skylarks (E.Stubbs).
Mediterranean (metal ringed), Common and Black-headed Gull (NB)
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Great Crested Grebe (SOS).
WEST TARRING ALLOTMENTS: Sparrowhawk flew over (DKC).
WORTHING: Adult male Sparrowhawk in garden (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
16th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Curlew still (SOS).
GORING GAP: I spent half an hour at the Gap this morning and found a Lesser Black-backed Gull, three Herring Gull, three Common Gull, four Great Black-backed Gull, 17 Dunlin, eight Ringed Plover, two Pied Wagtail and 29 Skylark (GJ). Later c190 Dunlin and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (DKC).
HARBOUR CLUB, SHOREHAM: On the exposed sand below the Harbour Club this morning there were 16 Herring Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull and an Oystercatcher (GJ).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two drake Red-breasted Merganser, three Little Grebe, two Herring Gull and a Black-headed Gull whilst on the beach were two Turnstone (GJ). Four Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
GORING GAP: I spent half an hour at the Gap this morning and found a Lesser Black-backed Gull, three Herring Gull, three Common Gull, four Great Black-backed Gull, 17 Dunlin, eight Ringed Plover, two Pied Wagtail and 29 Skylark (GJ). Later c190 Dunlin and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (DKC).
HARBOUR CLUB, SHOREHAM: On the exposed sand below the Harbour Club this morning there were 16 Herring Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull and an Oystercatcher (GJ).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Two drake Red-breasted Merganser, three Little Grebe, two Herring Gull and a Black-headed Gull whilst on the beach were two Turnstone (GJ). Four Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
15th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, 1,000+ Common Gulls, two adult Mediterranean Gulls, six Oystercatchers, five Redshanks, three Turnstones, a Skylark, 12 Linnets and 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (SOS).
BROOKLANDS: A quick visit today produced seven Mute Swan, a Grey Heron, five Coot, six Moorhen, eight Teal, five Mallard, two Cormorant and a Stock Dove flew overhead (GJ).
GORING GAP: A 2cy CASPIAN GULL briefly in the northern fields early afternoon (GDM). A disappointing seawatch this morning produced a Curlew, a Fulmar, two Gannets, two Great Crested Grebes and two Red-breasted Mergansers. 95 Dunlin and four Turnstones flew along the beach and later, while dipping Garry's Caspian Gull, there was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and four Mediterranean Gulls in the northern fields (DKC).
HARBOUR CLUB, SHOREHAM: On the exposed sand below the Harbour Club at low tide the only gulls of note were two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
NO MANS LAND: An early morning visit produced a Buzzard, two Yellowhammer, c20 Skylark, a Corn Bunting, seven Pied Wagtail, a Meadow Pipit, a Red-legged Partridge, three Blackbirds and 528 Starlings (GJ).
SALVINGTON: Two Firecrests again off Rogate Road (NB).
UPPER BEEDING FLOOD RELIEF: Birds on the flood relief today included seven Mallard, three Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose and a Grey Heron. A Raven passed overhead and nearby on a telegraph wire was a male Kestrel (GJ).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A quick stop produced three Red-breasted Mergansers, two Mallard, two Little Grebe and four adult Herring Gulls (GJ). Four Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
BROOKLANDS: A quick visit today produced seven Mute Swan, a Grey Heron, five Coot, six Moorhen, eight Teal, five Mallard, two Cormorant and a Stock Dove flew overhead (GJ).
GORING GAP: A 2cy CASPIAN GULL briefly in the northern fields early afternoon (GDM). A disappointing seawatch this morning produced a Curlew, a Fulmar, two Gannets, two Great Crested Grebes and two Red-breasted Mergansers. 95 Dunlin and four Turnstones flew along the beach and later, while dipping Garry's Caspian Gull, there was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and four Mediterranean Gulls in the northern fields (DKC).
HARBOUR CLUB, SHOREHAM: On the exposed sand below the Harbour Club at low tide the only gulls of note were two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
NO MANS LAND: An early morning visit produced a Buzzard, two Yellowhammer, c20 Skylark, a Corn Bunting, seven Pied Wagtail, a Meadow Pipit, a Red-legged Partridge, three Blackbirds and 528 Starlings (GJ).
SALVINGTON: Two Firecrests again off Rogate Road (NB).
UPPER BEEDING FLOOD RELIEF: Birds on the flood relief today included seven Mallard, three Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose and a Grey Heron. A Raven passed overhead and nearby on a telegraph wire was a male Kestrel (GJ).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A quick stop produced three Red-breasted Mergansers, two Mallard, two Little Grebe and four adult Herring Gulls (GJ). Four Red-breasted Mergansers (SOS).
14th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Whimbrel still, Greenshank still, Curlew still, two Dunlin, 15 Oystercatchers, a Grey Wagtail, 17 Snipe, 55 Redshanks, 128 Lapwings, 23 Teal, 15 Oystercatchers, a Little Grebe, nine Linnets and a Sparrowhawk (BirdTrack). Lesser Black-backed Gull, 35 Lapwings, a Meadow Pipit and a Reed Bunting (DKC).
ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: Two Sparrowhawks, two Red Kites and nine Buzzards (NB).
CISSBURY RING: 120 Common Gulls and a Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
THE DOWNS (SW of Steyning): 11 Lapwings, Fieldfare, Red Kite, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Stonechat among the species noted but no counts (BirdTrack).
FINDON PARK FARM: Three Corn Buntings, 13 Yellowhammers, Red-legged Partridges, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, 17 Skylarks, a Mistle Thrush, a Meadow Pipit and 13 Yellowhammers (BirdTrack).
LONG FURLONG: Seven Red Kites included birds feeding on the ground alongside a flock of 600 or so Starlings. One of two of the five Corn Buntings were in song and a Chiffchaff was calling from the garden of one of the cottages. A Raven cronked softly as it flew overhead and other birds included four Yellowhammers, five Buzzards, six Meadow Pipits, a flyover Cormorant, two Kestrels, two Green Woodpeckers and a scattering of lively Skylarks (DKC).
SALVINGTON: Blackcap still in garden (NB).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 15 Turnstones (SOS).
UPPER BEEDING: Birds on the flood relief wetland northeast of the village included a Kingfisher, a Grey Wagtail, two Egyptian Geese, four Greylag Geese, seven Canada Geese, four Cormorants, a Sparrowhawk, two Mallards and two Moorhens (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers and a Kingfisher (SOS).
ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: Two Sparrowhawks, two Red Kites and nine Buzzards (NB).
CISSBURY RING: 120 Common Gulls and a Mistle Thrush (BirdTrack).
THE DOWNS (SW of Steyning): 11 Lapwings, Fieldfare, Red Kite, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Stonechat among the species noted but no counts (BirdTrack).
FINDON PARK FARM: Three Corn Buntings, 13 Yellowhammers, Red-legged Partridges, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, 17 Skylarks, a Mistle Thrush, a Meadow Pipit and 13 Yellowhammers (BirdTrack).
LONG FURLONG: Seven Red Kites included birds feeding on the ground alongside a flock of 600 or so Starlings. One of two of the five Corn Buntings were in song and a Chiffchaff was calling from the garden of one of the cottages. A Raven cronked softly as it flew overhead and other birds included four Yellowhammers, five Buzzards, six Meadow Pipits, a flyover Cormorant, two Kestrels, two Green Woodpeckers and a scattering of lively Skylarks (DKC).
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| Red Kite at Long Furlong (DKC). |
SALVINGTON: Blackcap still in garden (NB).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: 15 Turnstones (SOS).
UPPER BEEDING: Birds on the flood relief wetland northeast of the village included a Kingfisher, a Grey Wagtail, two Egyptian Geese, four Greylag Geese, seven Canada Geese, four Cormorants, a Sparrowhawk, two Mallards and two Moorhens (DKC).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers and a Kingfisher (SOS).
13th February 2020
DURRINGTON: Peregrine again on tower block (Facebook).
GORING GAP: A flying visit to Goring Gap early afternoon saw 14 Mediterranean Gulls (all adults but for one 3cy), nine Sanderling, five Grey Plovers, 15 or so Turnstones, 50 or more Dunlin and 11 Ringed Plovers. It was nice to see a lot of the waders using the roost field but they were skittish and mobile (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers again on wooden jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Four Red-breated Mergansers (three drakes) (Facebook).
GORING GAP: A flying visit to Goring Gap early afternoon saw 14 Mediterranean Gulls (all adults but for one 3cy), nine Sanderling, five Grey Plovers, 15 or so Turnstones, 50 or more Dunlin and 11 Ringed Plovers. It was nice to see a lot of the waders using the roost field but they were skittish and mobile (DKC).
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| adult Mediterranean Gull (DKC) |
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Three Purple Sandpipers again on wooden jetty opposite fort (SOS).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Four Red-breated Mergansers (three drakes) (Facebook).
12th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Barn Owl, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, nine Redshanks, 130 Common Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, six Reed Buntings and three Skylarks (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Highlights at Brooklands Park this morning included a pair of Sparrowhawks, a Cetti's Warbler, a Reed Bunting, a Grey Wagtail, four Teal, three Little Grebes and two Grey Herons. The Mute Swan family seemed to be breaking up and only three of last year's young seemed to still be on site, two of these venturing up the stream. An adult Mediterranean Gull and around 15 Ringed Plovers were along the beach (DKC).
CHURCH HILL, FINDON: Two Red Kites, two Mistle Thrushes, two Buzzards, two Kestrels, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Skylark (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: A five-minute look at Goring Gap at lunchtime produced three adult Mediterranean Gulls (DKC).
WEST HILL, FINDON: Eight Yellowhammers, Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch and Nuthatch (BirdTrack).
THE VALE, FINDON: Two Stonechats and a Redwing (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Four Red-breasted Mergansers (BirdTrack).
BROOKLANDS PARK: Highlights at Brooklands Park this morning included a pair of Sparrowhawks, a Cetti's Warbler, a Reed Bunting, a Grey Wagtail, four Teal, three Little Grebes and two Grey Herons. The Mute Swan family seemed to be breaking up and only three of last year's young seemed to still be on site, two of these venturing up the stream. An adult Mediterranean Gull and around 15 Ringed Plovers were along the beach (DKC).
CHURCH HILL, FINDON: Two Red Kites, two Mistle Thrushes, two Buzzards, two Kestrels, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Skylark (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: A five-minute look at Goring Gap at lunchtime produced three adult Mediterranean Gulls (DKC).
WEST HILL, FINDON: Eight Yellowhammers, Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch and Nuthatch (BirdTrack).
THE VALE, FINDON: Two Stonechats and a Redwing (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Four Red-breasted Mergansers (BirdTrack).
11th February 2020
HIGH SALVINGTON: Blackcap (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap still in garden (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap still in garden (BirdTrack).
10th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Mediterranean Gull, Greenshank still, 12+ Snipe and a Grey Wagtail (SOS). Also 70 Teal, Curlew still and 30 Redshanks (BirdTrack). Also Whimbrel, 160 Snipe and two Curlew.
GORING GAP: 44 Turnstones, 32 Sanderlings, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 500 Common Gulls, nine Great Black-backed Gulls, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, eight Skylarks and 20 Pied Wagtails (NB).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) (SOS).
GORING GAP: 44 Turnstones, 32 Sanderlings, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 500 Common Gulls, nine Great Black-backed Gulls, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, eight Skylarks and 20 Pied Wagtails (NB).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Five Red-breasted Mergansers (four adult drakes) (SOS).
9th February 2020
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two drakes), four Teal, a Little Grebe and a Little Egret (SOS).
8th February 2020
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, 17 Teal, three Cetti's Warblers and two Little Grebes (SOS).
FERRING RIFE: 45 Turnstones, 11 Dunlin and 12 Oystercatchers along beach. Also nine Moorhens, 15 Mallards and two Skylarks (BirdTrack).
FINDON: Two Redwings (BirdTrack).
FINDON PARK FARM: Four Yellowhammers, a Bullfinch, a Meadow Pipit, eight Skylarks, a Kestrel and a Buzzard (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: 12 Mediterranean Gulls (10 adults, 3cy and 2cy) and 350+ Common Gulls (SOS).
FERRING RIFE: 45 Turnstones, 11 Dunlin and 12 Oystercatchers along beach. Also nine Moorhens, 15 Mallards and two Skylarks (BirdTrack).
FINDON: Two Redwings (BirdTrack).
FINDON PARK FARM: Four Yellowhammers, a Bullfinch, a Meadow Pipit, eight Skylarks, a Kestrel and a Buzzard (BirdTrack).
GORING GAP: 12 Mediterranean Gulls (10 adults, 3cy and 2cy) and 350+ Common Gulls (SOS).
7th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: The Greenshank and Curlew still present on the RSPB reserve (SOS). Also six Lesser Black-backed Gulls, two Little Grebes, four Skylarks, two Stonechats and Reed Bunting (BirdTrack).
FERRING COUNTRY CENTRE: In the horse paddocks west of the Centre 38 Meadow Pipits and 5 Pied Wagtails. In trees and scrub nearby continuous movement of small groups of Goldfinch, together with 2 Greenfinch. Kestrel hovering over adjoining field (KH).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A Little Grebe, six Teal and a Meadow Pipit (BirdTrack).
FERRING COUNTRY CENTRE: In the horse paddocks west of the Centre 38 Meadow Pipits and 5 Pied Wagtails. In trees and scrub nearby continuous movement of small groups of Goldfinch, together with 2 Greenfinch. Kestrel hovering over adjoining field (KH).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: A Little Grebe, six Teal and a Meadow Pipit (BirdTrack).
6th February 2020
PATCHING/ANGMERING PARK ESTATE: A walk around Patching Hill and the east side of the Angmering Park Estate produced two Firecrests (one heard singing), a Mistle Thrush, a Yellowhammer, two Nuthatches, three Skylarks, a Meadow Pipit, a Kestrel, two Nuthatches and eight Goldcrests. The Great Crested Grebe was still on Patching Pond, along with a Coot (DKC).
THE DOWNS (Steyning to No-Man's-Land): Ringtail HEN HARRIER, a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff, 15 Corn Buntings, four Yellowhammers, c80 Linnets, many singing Skylarks, 33+ Pied Wagtails, c25 Meadow Pipits, two Kestels, a Sparrowhawk and four Buzzards (SOS).
WORTHING: Two Blackcaps still in garden in Rogate Road, 2 Buzzards over and a Red Admiral butterfly (NB).
I did an hour on Thursday Feb 6th at the MG shelter in West Worthing (0830-0930) and logged:
Brent Goose 5 E; Red-throated Diver 7 E 3W and one on sea, Red-breasted Merganser 30 os, GC Grebe 32 os , Sandwich Tern two W (well offshore) - presumably from the wintering Selsey group.
Later a brief stop at Goring Gap added a Med Gull and a Shelduck flying west (CH)
5th February 2020
BROOKLANDS PARK: Drake POCHARD still, Firecrest by sewage works, Buzzard over, two Cetti's Warblers, 13 Teal, Coal Tit and two Little Grebes (SOS).
DURRINGTON: Peregrine again on flats (NB).
GORING GAP: Three Shelducks flew east offshore, 10 Red-breasted Mergansers, 45 Great Crested Grebes, four Oystercatchers, four Turnstones, 44 Sanderlings, four Mediterranean Gulls, 200 Common Gulls, two Red-throated Divers on the sea before flying east, eight Skylarks and 22 Pied Wagtails (NB).
THE DOWNS (west of Titch Hill): A fine and windless day tempted me onto the downs west of Titch Hill. The clear highlight was a 2cy male HEN HARRIER which performed well early morning, presumably the bird seen regularly over the winter but not reported for a little while. Two Grey Partridges and three EGYPTIAN GEESE were also my first local sightings of the year, while heard-only Little Owl and Barn Owl were also Worthing area year ticks. A Peregrine, three Tawny Owls, a Lapwing, a singing Corn Bunting, three Red-legged Partridges, a Yellowhammer, a Fieldfare, 200 Linnets, 10 Reed Buntings, two Kestrels, seven Meadow Pipits, 24 Pied Wagtails and two Buzzards were other highlights (DKC/GJ).
SALVINGTON: Two Blackcaps (NB).
WORTHING: c700 Starlings roosted at pier at 5pm and 20 Pied Wagtails flew north from beach (SOS).
DURRINGTON: Peregrine again on flats (NB).
GORING GAP: Three Shelducks flew east offshore, 10 Red-breasted Mergansers, 45 Great Crested Grebes, four Oystercatchers, four Turnstones, 44 Sanderlings, four Mediterranean Gulls, 200 Common Gulls, two Red-throated Divers on the sea before flying east, eight Skylarks and 22 Pied Wagtails (NB).
THE DOWNS (west of Titch Hill): A fine and windless day tempted me onto the downs west of Titch Hill. The clear highlight was a 2cy male HEN HARRIER which performed well early morning, presumably the bird seen regularly over the winter but not reported for a little while. Two Grey Partridges and three EGYPTIAN GEESE were also my first local sightings of the year, while heard-only Little Owl and Barn Owl were also Worthing area year ticks. A Peregrine, three Tawny Owls, a Lapwing, a singing Corn Bunting, three Red-legged Partridges, a Yellowhammer, a Fieldfare, 200 Linnets, 10 Reed Buntings, two Kestrels, seven Meadow Pipits, 24 Pied Wagtails and two Buzzards were other highlights (DKC/GJ).
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| 2cy male Hen Harrier (DKC) |
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| 2cy male Hen Harrier (DKC) |
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| Buzzards (2cy left, adult right) (DKC) |
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| adult male Kestrel (DKC) |
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| Brown Hare (DKC) |
SALVINGTON: Two Blackcaps (NB).
WORTHING: c700 Starlings roosted at pier at 5pm and 20 Pied Wagtails flew north from beach (SOS).
4th February 2020
ADUR ESTUARY: Greenshank still, Curlew still, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Chiffchaff, five Mallards, a Little Grebe, a Grey Heron, two Moorhens, 15 Oystercatchers, 80 Lapwings, three Grey Plovers, 12 Redshanks, 300 Common Gulls (three with Norwegian rings), eight Great Black-backed Gulls, a Kestrel, 20 Skylarks, two Stonechats, 20 Meadow Pipits, 10 Linnets and four Reed Buntings (BirdTrack/SOS).
BROOKLAND PARK: Drake POCHARD still, 13 Teal, two Little Grebes, two Cetti's Warblers, two Grey Herons, female Reed Buntings and a Green Woodpecker (SOS).
SALVINGTON: Male Blackcap still around in my garden, 4 Long-tailed Tits and a Sparrowhawk visited the feeding station (NB)
SHOREHAM FORT: 2 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Rock Pipit were around the jetty (SH)
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Kingfisher (SOS). 2 Redshank and a flock of Ringed Plover on the beach (SH)
BROOKLAND PARK: Drake POCHARD still, 13 Teal, two Little Grebes, two Cetti's Warblers, two Grey Herons, female Reed Buntings and a Green Woodpecker (SOS).
POCHARD - Brooklands Park (AA)
SALVINGTON: Male Blackcap still around in my garden, 4 Long-tailed Tits and a Sparrowhawk visited the feeding station (NB)
SHOREHAM FORT: 2 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Rock Pipit were around the jetty (SH)
Purple Sandpiper - Shoreham Fort (SH)
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Kingfisher (SOS). 2 Redshank and a flock of Ringed Plover on the beach (SH)
3rd February 2020
FERRING RIFE: An early morning walk up and down Ferring Rife, and a glance at the beach there, produced a Water Rail, three Turnstones, 11 Greenfinches, an adult Mediterranean Gull, nine Moorhens, a Kestrel and singles of Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers (DKC).
GORING GAP: Four Mediterranean Gulls (three adults and 3cy) and c150 Common Gulls mid-afternoon (DKC). Earlier on there were 7 Mediterranean Gulls including a 2nd winter bird and a conservative count of 1,000 Common Gulls, quite a sight when they all took flight (NB/AA)
HIGH SALVINGTON: Red Kite at Cote Street (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two drakes) still (SOS).
WORTHING: c300 Starlings at Steyne Gardens this afternoon (SOS). Grey Wagtail over Rowlands Road (DKC).
GORING GAP: Four Mediterranean Gulls (three adults and 3cy) and c150 Common Gulls mid-afternoon (DKC). Earlier on there were 7 Mediterranean Gulls including a 2nd winter bird and a conservative count of 1,000 Common Gulls, quite a sight when they all took flight (NB/AA)
Mediterranean Gull and the gull roost today at Goring Gap (AA)
HIGH SALVINGTON: Red Kite at Cote Street (BirdTrack).
WIDEWATER LAGOON: Three Red-breasted Mergansers (two drakes) still (SOS).
WORTHING: c300 Starlings at Steyne Gardens this afternoon (SOS). Grey Wagtail over Rowlands Road (DKC).
2nd February 2020
GORING GAP: My session at Goring Gap this morning saw hints of spring, with my first local Fulmar of the year going west and a movement of about 135 Dark-bellied Brent Geese (all but four heading east) and a flock of four Pintail west. A Grey Wagtail flew west over the beach and a Red-throated Diver travelled east offshore, along with a Red-breasted Merganser. Waders on the beach included c110 Sanderlings, at least 60 Dunlin, three Grey Plovers, two Ringed Plovers, 49 Turnstones and four Oystercatchers, while there was also a lone adult Mediterranean Gull (DKC).
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (BirdTrack).
SOMPTING: Two Grey Herons, a Buzzard, a Cetti's Warbler, six Chiffchaffs, five Skylarks and three Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
STEYNING: Two male Blackcaps in garden (SOS).
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| Pintail flock off Goring Gap (DKC) |
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| Sanderlings along the beach at Goring Gap (DKC) |
SHOREHAM HARBOUR: Four Purple Sandpipers still on jetty opposite fort (BirdTrack).
SOMPTING: Two Grey Herons, a Buzzard, a Cetti's Warbler, six Chiffchaffs, five Skylarks and three Reed Buntings (BirdTrack).
STEYNING: Two male Blackcaps in garden (SOS).
1st February 2020
KINGSTON GORSE: Four Sanderlings, 25 Turnstones and 40 Common Gulls (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND/HORSESHOE: A walk through the downs to the Horseshoe Wood and back produced four Marsh Tits, including two in song, as well as two noisy Ravens, a singing Bullfinch, 31 Corn Buntings, two Yellowhammers, a Reed Bunting, six Meadow Pipits, three Skylarks and a Treecreeper. Two of four Goldcrests were in song (DKC).
UPPER BEEDING: Blackcap (BirdTrack).
STEYNING DOWNLAND/HORSESHOE: A walk through the downs to the Horseshoe Wood and back produced four Marsh Tits, including two in song, as well as two noisy Ravens, a singing Bullfinch, 31 Corn Buntings, two Yellowhammers, a Reed Bunting, six Meadow Pipits, three Skylarks and a Treecreeper. Two of four Goldcrests were in song (DKC).
UPPER BEEDING: Blackcap (BirdTrack).
WORTHING: Blackcap in garden (BirdTrack).
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