South easterly winds at the end of the first week of March was the signal for observers to head to their favourite sea watching spots along our coastline and they were rewarded with a good movement of geese and wildfowl.
Wednesday 5 March
The first indications of seabird passage was a skein of Brent Geese heard flying over Goring after dark.
Thursday 6 March
The first big push of Brent Geese was recorded this morning with coverage from Goring Gap and Brougham Road from 07:00-09:30 and continuing from Marine Gardens from 09:30-11:30 counting approximately 1050 birds. A single Sandwich Tern, 3 Shelduck and a Wigeon were also recorded from Brougham Road as well as a Shag with the Cormorants on offshore platform
Friday 7 March
More variety this morning with c145 Pintail, c80 Shoveler, 12 Common Scoter and 212 Brent Geese past Goring Gap between 06:40- 09:30 and another single flock of 49 Pintail at 10:45. An increase in waders on the beach included, 45 Oystercatchers, 60 Sanderling, 40 Turnstones and 3 Grey Plovers.
Saturday 8 March
Good coverage from Ferring and Marine Gardens recorded c150 Common Scoter, 70 Shoveler, 55 Brent Geese, 19 Pintail 12 Teal and 3 Red-throated Divers. A Sandwich Tern past Marine Gardens was most welcome as was a Peregrine hunting offshore.
Sunday 9 March
A short Seawatch from Worthing beach this morning was rewarded with 2 Curlews, 6 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter and 3 Brent Goose, whilst 30 Great Crested Grebes and 6 Red Breasted Mergansers were counted on the sea.
