Well the unbroken sunshine had to end sometime and the start of September really was a mixed bag weather wise with near gale force south westerly winds and heavy rain at the start of the month but plenty of sunshine in between.
The Downs
A Hobby was seen over Sompting on 1st whilst the following day Tree Pipit (1), Redstarts (5), Blackcaps (5), Chiffchaffs (15) and Swallows (20) were seen on Cissbury before rain set in.
There was good coverage across the Downs on Friday 5th September with the highlight being a Pied Flycatcher on Highdown Hill along with good variety of common migrants including Spotted Flycatchers (8), Redstart (2), Tree Pipit (6s), Wheatear, Whitethroat (12). Lesser Whitethroat (1), 15 Blackcap (15), Grey Wagtails (1e, 1w) and three Egyptian Geese, which flew very high east over the top of the hill.
The same day Cissbury recorded Tree Pipit (1s), Spotted Flycatcher (8), Wheatear (7), Redstart (3) and single Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat with a Hobby and House Martins (12e) overhead.
On the 6th September Steyning Round Hill produced Spotted Flycatchers (8+) along the fenceline and dead Ash trees, as well as Redstart (3), Wheatear (2), Whinchat (2), Blackcap (6), Whitethroat (4) and a calling Curlew flying south.
The same day Lychpole Bottom had another five Spotted Flycatchers with another two at the Downs Barn, but strangely none on Cissbury which could only muster Redstart, Wheatears (2), Blackcaps (9) and a single Sand Martin heading south with Swallows (30+).
Stonechats (10+) and Redstarts (2) were also recorded from Nepcote Gallops that afternoon.
Brooklands
Two Yellow-legged and three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Brooklands on 2nd September.
Goring Gap/ Ferring
A single Swift flew west over Ferring Rife on 2nd September.
An early morning check of the beach found four Wheatears on Friday 5th September as well as counts of Ringed Plovers (29), Oystercatchers (23), Turnstones (77) and a single Common Sandpiper. Overhead migrants included a good total of Grey Wagtail (23w) and Yellow Wagtail (19w).
