After the excitement of the Bluethroat things returned to normal in the first week of April, with a welcome spell of settled sunny weather, Blackthorn bursting into bloom and lighter evenings being the most obvious signs of Spring. Blocking northerly winds seemed to slow up arrival of Spring migrants although a trickle of hirundines were reported along the coast and singing Blackcaps arrived in numbers on the Downs.
Seawatching
Very quiet on the sea with no notable counts of Brents or wildfowl though Sandwich Terns continued to be seen daily with 50e on 4th April. An Avocet went east past Goring on Friday 4th April and two male Eiders were seen from Brougham Road the following day. The first Bottlenose Dolphins of the year were report from East Worthing on Saturday 5th April.
Goring Gap
A Cattle Egret flew north on Wednesday 2nd April and 33 Oystercatchers and 47 Sanderling were counted on the beach on Friday 4th April. The only other migrants were a few Swallows and a singing Willow Warbler whilst a Sand Martin and four Yellow Wagtails flew north over Ferring on Saturday 5th April.
A Wheatear was nearby at Sea Lane on Friday 4th April, which was the only report of the week.
Ferring Rife
Little Egret, Water Rail, Snipe and upto four singing Chiffchaffs were reported as well as two Peregrines on Friday 4th.
Sompting
Two House Martins were back hawking over the village and a Swallow was also reported.
Lancing Ring
A fine male Redstart was seen on Sunday 5th April.
Brooklands
Things returned to normal with Cetti’s Warbler, Water Rail and a singing Willow Warbler reported during the week.
