A notable feature of October is the migrating flocks of finches along our coastline. This is usually best on days with light easterly or north easterly winds and on several days conditions were perfect with decent counts recorded from Ferring and Goring Gap. This movement is mostly confined to the coast with very few finches seen from our Downland watch points on days with big counts along the coast.
Where have they come from and where they are heading? It is believed that food shortages in continental Europe can lead to an influx to the UK with some birds wintering here or heading further south into France and Spain.
Wednesday 1st October
Goring Gap between 0650 and 0930 recorded a light overhead passage including Pied Wagtail (82e), Yellow Wagtail (1) Grey Wagtail (1), Meadow Pipit (c30e), Swallow (c105e) and finch flocks containing Goldfinch (c150e), Siskin (c60e)and Redpoll (2e).
On the beach were 17 Little Egrets, lined up on the groynes, a Redshank and a single Wheatear, whilst the first Great Crested Grebe of the winter was noted on the sea.
Tuesday 7th October
No overhead passage but lots of birds feeding around Ferring Rife and adjacent fields, mostly Linnets, Goldfinches, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks plus a few Greenfinches. Along Ferring Rife Chiffchaffs (15). Blackcaps (2) and Stonechat.
Thursday 9th October
A small movement over East Preston with a flock of Siskin (12) and Redpoll (5) while Wheatears (2) were on the beach near Marine Gardens.
Friday 10th October
A short visit to Ferring Rife saw Goldfinches (60+) heading east with three south bound Swallows. Grounded migrants included Chiffchaffs (12), Firecrest (1), Goldcrest (6) and Stonechat (2).
Monday 13th October
The first big movement of the month with a busy morning at Goring Gap. In three hours from 07:00 today a continuous stream of finches with Goldfinch (c1060e), Linnet (c115e), Siskin (c150e). Crossbill (9e), Redpoll (7e). They were joined by 150+ of each of Swallow and House Martin also moving east into the wind.
On the sea returning geese and wildfowl included Brent Geese (67w 7e) and Wigeon (27w 17 offshore).
Wednesday 15th October
A steady passage of Swallows and Goldfinches along the coast between Widewater and Brooklands whilst 100+ Siskins went east over Sompting Brooks. a Kingfisher and two Wheatears were on the beach just east of the pier.
Thursday 16th October
In under an hour at Goring Gap this morning Goldfinch (120e), Siskin (40e), Linnet (35e), Pied Wagtail (6), and Skylark (6) were recorded overhead with 80+ Swallows and House Martins feeding over the fields and Chiffchaffs (20) in the plantation.
Over 500 Goldfinches were recorded in small flocks heading east in two hours along the seafront between Widewater and Brooklands this morning with the biggest single group containing 40-50 birds. Five Clouded Yellows were also out enjoying the sunshine.
Two Crossbills were noteworthy heading east over Park Road, Worthing early morning.
Friday 17th October
Another bumper day at Goring Gap with obsevations between 0725 and 0950. Impressive numbers of Goldfinch (1430e) dominated the morning accompanied by Linnet (66e), Siskin (81e) and Redpoll (8e). Swallow (c90e) and a further 100+ feeding over the fields with c50 House Martins. A Corn Bunting flying east was an unusual record on the coast.
Saturday 18th October
Fewer finches at Goring Gap this morning but several Meadow Pipits and Swallows (10) flew out to sea with House Martins (c50e). Swallows (60) were feeding over fields with Skylark (8), Stonechat (2) in the rough field and Firecrest , Treecreeper and several Chiffchaffs in the plantation.
Sunday 19th October
The last notable finch movement of the month saw Goldfinches (150e) and Redpoll (30e) over Goring Gap with Swallows (150e) and a late Sand Martin. The Plantation held lots of Goldcrest , Chiffchaffs, Blackcap (3) and an arrival of Song Thrushes.
Sunday 26th October
A change in wind direction appeared to have halted the Goldfinches, but Siskin, Redpoll (2w) and Crossbills (4w) over Goring Gap this morning were noted. A flock of Stock Dove (24) went west with an early movement of Wood Pigeons.
Thursday 30th October
The last finches of the month were a flock of Redpoll (40+) over Goring Primary School and there were still Stonechat (4) in the fields and three late Swallows west at the Gap.
