31st March 2019 - Selsey Peninsula

For Mother's Day, Mum and I went for a huge walk around the Selsey Peninsula. We started at Pagham Harbour visitor centre so first port of call was the hide at Sidlesham Ferry. The ferry held 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 15 Avocet, 24 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Lapwing, 10 Redshank, 20 Teal and 50 Shovelers as well as 6 Gadwall. We pressed onto Church Norton and on route we picked up a singing Cetti's Warbler. Upon arrival we took shelter from the wind in the hide. Here we could see 3 Sandwich Tern on the mudflats and some c50 Mediterranean Gulls in with Black-headed Gulls on the island. Surprisingly, there was no sign of the Peregrine on the island. We moved onto the beach where we were greeted with 4 Wheatear which showed nicely. 

Between Church Norton and Selsey Bill we saw several more Wheatear (12) and also 5 Sand Martin come in off the sea. We stopped for lunch at the bill and looked out to sea where there was very little doing other than the odd Gannet and 10 Sandwich Terns which flew East. However, some excitement came when a House Martin shot through over the Oval Field. Moving round to the Coastguard Cottages there was no sign of any Great Northern Divers or the Eider offshore but there was 4 Red-breasted Mergansers (3 female and a drake). We were starting to get tired but we pressed on through the strong winds to the toe end at RSPB Medmerry where again we came across several more Wheatear (8) as well as 2 Corn Buntings and a lone Brent Goose out in the middle of the reserve and a couple of Curlew. After Medmerry we headed for Ham Road where we came across a single Willow Warbler and a few Chiffchaff. Now approaching the car at the top end of Sidlesham Ferry was a couple of singing Blackcaps and a female Sparrowhawk which shot through. 

On our way home we quickly called into the North Wall where there was a Little Grebe in White's Creek and the Breech Pool held 179 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Knot. 

Our monster walk around the Selsey Peninsula!

30th March 2019 - Ashdown Forest (Wrens Warren)

Another visit to try and see the elusive Great Grey Shrike proved again to be unsuccessful despite a 4 hour stake out. There was little to keep Dad and I entertained with the only birds of note being a Brambling, 6 Lesser Redpoll, a few Stonechats, a Green Woodpecker and 3 Common Buzzards. There was also 3 Common Lizards sunning themselves and a Peacock and Brimstone on the wing.

Brambling, Wrens Warren, East Sussex

After a disappointing 4 hours on Ashdown Forest, we headed to the Amex to see Brighton v Southampton. The walk down from Woodingdean across the downs was lovely in bright sunshine and produced 10 Corn Buntings and a Yellowhammer as well as lots of singing Skylarks. During the match the Amex Peregrine put on a great display flying around the ground. The birds were far better than the football as Brighton went on to lose 1-0 to Southampton.

28th March 2019 - Rye Harbour NR

A good day at Rye Harbour with David. We spent most of the day at the Castle Water viewpoint where there was a Bittern booming at regular intervals but didn't show itself all day. A Bearded Tit also called briefly but also remained unseen. In the distance a pair of Peregrines could be seen perched on top of Camber Castle whilst a pair of Marsh Harriers put on a fine display from the viewpoint for most of the day. Also from the viewpoint was a singing Blackcap and a couple of Chiffchaffs in the bushes behind us as well as a Sand Martin which shot through and a Kingfisher which showed itself briefly as well as a Great White Egret which flew out of the reed beds.

We had been standing at the viewpoint for around 4 hours so we decided to take a walk around to the Castle Water hide where the water levels were high and there was a nice selection of wildfowl. On the way back to the viewpoint we had a scan again and picked up a drake Ring-necked Duck. There had been a report of probable the day before but we hadn't given it to much thought as our main objective was trying to see Bittern. The Ring-necked Duck showed well and was associating with a few Tufted Ducks and Pochards. My second in Sussex this year!

Drake Ring-necked Duck, Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex

A thoroughly enjoyable day out with 64 species recored in total.

27th March 2019 - RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Waltham Brooks SWT

A nice visit to Pulborough Brooks mid-morning. There was lots of Chiffchaffs in song around the reserve and at Fattengates a Blackcap was also in song. West Mead Hide produced several Lapwing and Redshank as well as 5 Black-tailed Godwits and a few Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Shelduck as well as a pair of Tufted Duck. 

Black-tailed Godwits, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex

Moving onto Winpenny I was hoping to see the Merlin however it never showed but was rewarded with fantastic views of a Water Vole (!) just infront of the hide. Only my 3rd ever in Sussex! Also from here were several Meadow Pipits and Skylarks and also a pair of Reed Buntings. 2 Red Kite also went over causing a commotion amongst the Lapwing. 

Water Vole, RSPB Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex

From the hanger was another Red Kite which drifted over as well as a pair of Kestrels and 3 Common Buzzards. Also there was a handful of Common Gulls and a lone Black-headed Gull accompanied with a nice selection of the usual wildfowl.  On my walk I also recorded a Peacock, a Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Commas. 

On my way home I called into Waltham Brooks SWT to have another look at the drake Garganey. It took a bit of finding but showed much better today than on Sunday, so well worth the effort. Also on the lake was a few Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Coot and Moorhen. The reeds around the lake held a singing Cetti's Warbler and the bushes held a singing Chiffchaff and another Red Kite drifted over the brooks.

Drake Garganey, Waltham Brooks SWT, West Sussex

26th March 2019 - Brooklands Pleasure Park and The Downs

A walk around Brooklands late morning with Max produced 7 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers around the bushes. The lake held 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Teal and a handful of Coot, Moorhen plus a Mute Swan. Moving onto the beach the Black Redstart was still present flitting from groyne to groyne along with 6 Turnstone on the tideline whilst offshore there was a lone Great Crested Grebe. Still around the northern end of the stream there was 100+ Chub and also a Yellow-bellied Slider which are native to the USA, which is surely a throwout. 

Black Redstart, Brooklands Pleasure Park Beach, West Sussex

Yellow-bellied Slider, Brooklands Pleasure Park, West Sussex

Later, I went up onto The Downs where again a ringtail Hen Harrier showed nicely. Other notables included a Common Buzzard, 6 Red-legged Partridge and 2 Tawny Owls were heard calling. Also 2 Hares.

Ringtail Hen Harrier, The Downs

25th March 2019 - Coalhouse Fort, Essex and Ashdown Forest

The day got off to a good start when I spotted a Great White Egret out the car window on a pool of water at Mar Dyke. Today was my last visit to Coalhouse Fort for the wintering bird survey and it was a low tide count. It was very quiet on the mudflats, totals are as follows: 65 Curlew, 60 Teal, 57 Avocet, 24 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatcher and 4 Grey Plover. On the salt marsh was a Little Egret and 3 Rock Pipits. Around the fields were 2 Red-legged Partridge, several Skylarks and Linnets as well as 2 Sand Martins hawking over the rubbish dump. Around the fort there was a couple of Chiffchaffs, 9 Corn Buntings and also a flyover Raven.

On the way home i called into Wrens Valley on Ashdown Forest to have a look for the Great Grey Shrike. Unfortunately my luck wasn't in and it didn't materialise. However, there were several Stonechats around as well as Linnets and also a pair of Kestrels and a Common Buzzard.

24th March 2019 - Goring Gap, Knepp Estate and Waltham Brooks SWT

A very quick look at Goring Gap in the morning produced very little. The only birds of note were 5 Red-breasted Mergansers and a few Great Crested Grebes offshore. In the fields were the usual Skylarks and the plantation held a Green Woodpecker.

Later in the day, Sophie and I had a walk around the Knepp Castle Estate. The main birds of interest were 23 Chiffchaffs, a pair of Kestrels and a Raven. The hammer pond held 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Tufted Ducks and a handful of Coots and Moorhens. The standout highlight of the walk was my first Painted Lady of the year which showed nicely on one of the footpaths and also 2 Peacocks.

Painted Lady, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

On the way home we called into Waltham Brooks SWT, to have a look at the drake Garganey which had been found earlier in the day. It wasn't immediately obvious but we eventually saw it hiding in amongst the grass. Also on the lake were a few Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Mallard and from the reeds a Cetti's Warbler was heard singing.

23rd March 2019 - Around Shoreham

Not really a birding day today but managed to get out for an hour with Dad. Shoreham Fort produced 4 Wheatears on the beach along with 5 Meadow Pipits. Widewater Lagoon was quiet with the only birds of note being 3 Teal and 2 Little Grebes. After we had a quick walk up the new footpath on the west side of the River Adur, this produced very little apart from another Wheatear commuting between one of the pillboxes and the salt marsh and a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Male Wheatear, Shoreham Fort Beach, West Sussex

22nd March 2019 - Knepp Estate University Trip

My tutors at Brighton University had planned a trip to the Knepp Castle Estate near Shipley in West Sussex in the afternoon. Upon arrival we were greeted by the estates ecologist and family friend, Penny Green. Penny gave an interesting talk and introduction to the rewilding project for all students not already familiar with the site. Considering my final year project is based at Knepp and also my second year project at Plumpton was also based at Knepp, I knew most of what we went through but it was great to hear about the project from Penny. 

Southern Block, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

After the talk, we soon ventured out into the Southern Block and straight away there had been a noticeable clear out of Redwing from my previous visit just 3 days before on 19th March, I only recorded 3! It certainly felt like spring with lots of Chiffchaffs in song and throughout my time spent at the estate today, my final total was 18. On our walk we came across a pair White Storks one of which was bill clapping, much to the excitement of my fellow students most of whom hadn't seen one before. I also noted a single Bullfinch and Kestrel on our walk with Penny as well as 3 Jays, 2 Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Song Thrushes. Near the visitor centre was a very close Tamworth Pig which at times are not always easy to see at Knepp. Our 2 hours passed quickly and we were soon back at the car park and everyone headed back to Brighton University.

White Stork, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

However, I decided to drive myself up from university so decided to stay behind and go for another walk around more of the Southern Block. The first birds I came across were 3 more White Storks in the field where the campsite is and nearby there was a pair of Coots on the small pond by the Cow Barn. Shortly after departing the visitor centre area a Raven flew over. The hammer pond was quiet with only a few Coots and 3 Tufted Ducks on show. Around the pond a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. Along the Green Lane I was delighted to hear a squealing Water Rail (site tick) on the small pond near the barn half way down and shortly after the Barn Owl made an appearance making for a fine double. After the Barn Owl came a very showy Red Deer which made for a pleasant sight. The small flash of water from the tree platform held a pair of Gadwall, a Moorhen and a couple of Coots. On my way back to the car I came across another White Stork and a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Red Deer, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

English Longhorn Cattle, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

A great afternoon spent at this magical place with 38 species recorded in total. Thanks to Penny for giving up her time to show us around and to my tutors for organising the trip. 

21st March 2019 - Birding in Shoreham

On my way to meeting Mum at Shoreham Fort, I had a quick look at the gulls on the beach by the harbour club. Nothing unusual but there was 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls which made for nice viewing. Upon arrival at Shoreham Fort, Mum said she still hadn't seen a Wheatear this year so we walked out to the harbour mouth where we were greeted with at least 4 Wheatears, a female Black Redstart and a Rock Pipit - a good start! We had a quick scan of the wooden jetty but couldn't see any Purple Sandpipers but we did add Turnstone and another Rock Pipit.

1 of 3 Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

Female Black Redstart, Shoreham Fort, West Sussex

1 of 4 Wheatears, Shoreham Fort, West Sussex

We moved onto Widewater Lagoon where there was 5 Teal, 3 Little Egrets, a Redshank, 2 Mallards and a few Mute Swans but surprisingly no Little Grebes. We moved onto the beach where we were delighted to find 5 more Wheatears (4 males and a female), they are so fantastic to watch, one of my favourite birds.

1 of 5 Wheatear, Widewater Lagoon Beach, West Sussex

After Widewater Lagoon, we had a quick walk around Adur Recreation Ground where the only birds of note were a few Greenfinch. Then onto the new path on the west side of the River Adur, where there was a pair of Oystercatchers, 5 Reed Buntings, a Rock Pipit and 5+ Skylarks in the long grass on the airfield.

Pair of Oystercatchers, River Adur, West Sussex

A lovely morning spent birding round the area I grew up - 37 species recorded all together.

20th March 2019 - Goring Gap, Brighton Uni and The Downs

I had a quick call into Goring Gap on my way to University in the morning where the birds of note was a female Wheatear in the roost field along with 15 Mediterranean Gulls and several Skylarks singing away. Mid-morning in Brighton near the University a Chiffchaff and Stock Dove were both heard in song. After University I went up onto the downs where there was c15 Skylarks, 2 Common Buzzards, a Raven and 2 Common Snipe which flew North.

19th March 2019 - Knepp Estate and Goring Gap

Another visit to Knepp Estate Southern Block this morning, the main highlight was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which I heard distantly but frustratingly couldn't find. There was still a scattering of Redwing and Fieldfare. My walk also produced 8 Great Spotted and 5 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Bullfinch, a pair of Skylarks, 2 Linnet, 2 White Storks and singles of Mistle Thrush and Kestrel.

White Stork, Knepp Estate, West Sussex 

On the way home out of the car window there was c250 Common Gulls, 2 Pheasants and a Common Buzzard along Long Furlong. Whilst at Knepp, I received a text from Nick to say there were 3 Wheatears at Goring Gap, I called in on my way home and saw 2 of them. They both were striking males but were hiding away in the long grass in the roost field but showed well sporadically. Also at Goring Gap c20 Meadow Pipits flew North. 

1 of 2 Male Wheatear, Goring Gap, West Sussex

18th March 2019 - Lancing Beach and Brooklands Pleasure Park

On my way home from University I called in at Lancing Beach opposite Brooklands to see the cracking male Wheatear. It took a bit of finding at first but it eventually showed itself on the groyne opposite the row of beach huts. There is always something special about seeing your first Wheatear of the year and this bird certainly didn't disappoint, giving fantastic views. A quick walk around Brooklands Pleasure Park afterwards was quiet with the main birds of note being 19 Teal on the lake and 2 Chiffchaffs singing in bushes. Around the sewage works end of the stream there was 100+ Chub perhaps explaining why I often see gulls perched on the rail here.

Male Wheatear, Lancing Beach, West Sussex

17th March 2019 - Weymouth and Blashford Lakes

An excellent day in Dorset & Hampshire with Max. A male Sika Deer grazing on the side of the A35 near Dorchester was a surprise especially as it was seemingly oblivious to the traffic hurtling past. Our first stop was Lodmoor where the Lesser Yellowlegs (still with white-headed Ruff in tow) was almost in exactly the same location as where I'd seen it back in mid-November although closer this time, just a few metres away. Also here were a young male Marsh Harrier, a flock of c50 Black-tailed Godwits, two Snipe, several Mediterranean gulls in various plumages (including a colour-ringed 2cy bird) and 2 Sand Martins. From Southdown Avenue, along the north side of the reserve, there was an adult winter Little Gull dip-feeding over the open water between the reedbeds but we couldn’t find the Ring-necked Duck nor the Penduline Tit along Beachdown Way where there were several Chiffchaffs. Completing the circuit of the reserve added an adult Spoonbill that was actively feeding in the deeper water and a brief view of a Cetti’s Warbler. 

Lesser Yellowlegs, RSPB Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset

Next stop was Radipole where it wasn’t too great a surprise to find the male Ring-necked Duck back on the lake opposite the tennis courts and looking a lot smarter than when I'd seen it back in early November while a circuit of the reedbeds from the Visitor Centre added another Marsh Harrier, a brief male Bearded Tit and two Brown Rats round one of the picnic tables. News that the Penduline Tit had reappeared at Lodmoor had us scurrying back there but predictably enough it had shown well and gone missing again. After a nail biting wait of about half an hour, during which we heard it calling several times, it finally cooperated and popped up on a bulrush head. Over the next 10 minutes or so we had good views as it moved from one bulrush to another before disappearing again.

Ring-necked Duck, RSPB Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset

Penduline Tit, RSPB Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset

Knowing that there had been a Bittern at Blashford Lakes which had been showing exceptionally well at times, a stop there on the way home seemed like a good idea. Having parked the car, we quickly headed for Ivy Hide North where the Bittern was showing ridiculously well to the left of the hide to a small crowds of admirers. The views were quite exceptional, probably the best I’d ever had of this species, especially when it caught a small fish. The Woodland Hide was as busy as ever with a Great Spotted Woodpecker, single Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Nuthatch, and about 8 Reed Buntings coming to the feeders in the short time we were there. Ibsley Water was hard work in the wind with no Tern Hide to shelter in and check through the gulls so unfortunately the adult Ring-billed Gull eluded us. Round at Lapwing hide the light was against for scanning through the gulls but 19 Goosanders and 3 Goldeneye provided some interest as Brighton came back from the dead to draw level with Millwall in the FA cup. The drive back across the New Forest was an eventful one as we listened on the car radio to Brighton win a nail-biting penalty shoot out to progress to the semi-finals.

Bittern, Blashford Lakes HWT, Hampshire

16th March 2019 - Ferring Rife

A quiet morning at the rife but hardly surprising given the weather conditions. The horse paddocks at the northern end held 32 Herring and 10 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Moorhen, 10 Woodpigeon and 4 Starling. Other birds noted during my walk included 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Greenfinch, and singles of Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker and Skylark.

15th March 2019 - Goring Gap and Brooklands Pleasure Park

Another morning of strong winds so I decided not to walk the fields at Goring Gap but instead look at the gulls. Today there was two separate roosts of gulls in the morning. In the Northern fields was 17 Black-headed, 14 Herring, 7 Great Black-backed and 3 Common Gulls. Whilst in the 'normal' roost field was 28 Black-headed, 2 Mediterranean, a Herringand Common Gull. The tide was low and waders are always hard to count accurately when this is the case but there were several Oystercatchers, Sanderlings and Turnstones.

Later that morning I headed over to Brooklands Pleasure Park. On the lake were 105 Black-headed, 21 Herring and 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 14 Teal, 14 Coots, 4 Mallard and 2 Mute Swans. Around the bushes there was 2 Chiffchaff including one in song as well as a Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

13th March 2019 - Ferring Rife and Worthing Seafront

Early morning I had a walk around Ferring Rife. The horse paddocks held 7 Black-headed and 3 Herring Gulls, 8 Moorhens and a single Kestrel. Other notable birds of this visit included 8 Greenfinch, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Common Snipe and singles of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Reed Bunting.

Mid-afternoon, I had a walk from the Sea Lane Cafe to the Bluebird Cafe in hope of finding a Wheatear however this failed. However, along the beach I counted 53 Sanderlings and 59 Turnstone but bizarrely there was no Dunlin or Grey Plover. At Goring Gap there was a 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Doves and 4 Pied Wagtails.

12th March 2019 - Southwick Beach

A quick visit to Southwick Beach mid afternoon was extremely quiet with the only birds of note being 4 Rock Pipits and 7 Oystercatcher.

7th March 2019 - Sompting Brooks, Goring Gap and the Downs

This morning I went back to Sompting Brooks to help volunteer with small mammal trapping for the EPIC project. To find out more about the project see here: https://www.somptingestate.com/EPIC

It was a great morning and we caught 14 small mammals of 3 different species. These included: 2 Harvest Mouse (including 1 new for site), 8 Wood Mouse and 4 Field Voles. All animals were released after capture.

Harvest Mouse, Sompting Brooks, West Sussex

I kept an eye out for birds whilst on my visit and notables included c10 Skylark, 2 Redwing and a singing Cetti's Warbler as well as a calling Chiffchaff. 

Mid-afternoon I called into Goring Gap where the highlight was a Sandwich Tern in the roost field  as well as 4 Ringed Plover and the usual gulls. Late afternoon I again went for a walk on the downs where the highlights were a Badger and 3 Hares as well as a Tawny Owl which was heard calling. 

6th March 2019 - Goring Gap and George V Avenue

I started the day by looking at the gulls at Goring Gap in the roost field was 60 Black-headed, 7 Common, 9 Herring, 6 Great Black-backed and 3 Mediterranean Gulls. With little else on show at the Gap I headed onto George V Avenue to have a sea watch which was reasonably rewarding. The highlight was the 242 Brent Geese (largest flock - 79) which headed East.  Also seen were 8 Common Scoter and singles of Red-throated Diver and Shelduck. Also 6 Gannets and 5 Kittiwakes.

Seawatching off George V Avenue, Worthing

5th March 2019 - Knepp Estate and the Downs

A visit to Knepp this morning was pleasant in early morning sunshine. The highlights were 62 Redwing, 14 Fieldfare, a Red Kite, 2 Common Buzzards and 3 Bullfinch. Also singing Chiffchaff and Skylark as well as 2 White Storks from the re-introduction scheme.

Later that day, I went up onto the Downs and saw a Woodcock. Only my second in Sussex this year!

4th March 2019 - Coalhouse Fort, Essex

Today saw the first of 2 visits for the month of March to Coalhouse Fort for the wintering bird surveys on the River Thames in Essex. Today's count was at high tide and numbers of waders were recorded in lower numbers than usual, but as always high tide gives a phenomenal count of roosting Avocet. 

Totals are as follows: 2760 Avocet, 154 Black-tailed Godwit, 1500 Dunlin, 150 Grey Plover, 9 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher and 5 Knot. As well as 23 Shelduck and 394 Teal.

The moat around Coalhouse Fort, Essex

Other birds seen whilst visiting here included 29 Corn Bunting which was a pleasing count. Whilst around the car park was the usual Mistle Thrush and also 2 Jays. The moat around the fort was again quiet holding only 2 Coot, 2 Black-headed Gulls and a Little Egret.

3rd March 2019 - RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Steady rain and a brisk westerly wind – hardly ideal conditions for a circuit of the nature trail at Pulborough Brooks. Apart from two female Bullfinches, it was unsurprisingly quiet with just the usual suspects including Pintail, Shoveler, a pair of Tufted Duck, Little Egret, displaying Lapwing etc. On the way home there were three Red Kites along the road to Lee Farm and 5 Mediterraneans Gulls at Goring Gap.

2nd March 2019 - Shoreham

The wintering Greenshank on the Adur saltings by the houseboats and 2 Purple Sandpipers at Shoreham Fort with Turnstone near the water’s edge on the wooden jetty.

River Adur houseboats, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

1st March 2019 - A Crazy Hour in the Cuckmere Valley

After news on the SOS website the night before of a Glossy Ibis found by the Eastbourne SWT in the Cuckmere Valley, I called Max and suggested the possibility of twitching it in-between lectures at university as long as it was still present today. Max was keen on the idea, a lifer for him and and a Sussex tick for myself. I arrived at uni around 8am and news had already come out at 07:25am that the bird was still showing well on the first meanders. Max shortly arrived after and I let him know the news and we both sat through an interesting lecture on plant defences albeit quite anxiously. The lecture finished at 11am and we both hastily grabbed our bags and headed for my car. At this point there had still been no news on whether the bird was still there or not.

We set off from Brighton and whilst I was driving through Tarring Neville I received a phone call from DKC who was on site to say that the bird hadn't been seen since this morning. I suggested to Max in the car that we start a search, North of Exceat upon arrival as I had a feeling if the bird was still around thats where it would be. We arrived at the Cuckmere and headed North of Exceat and as Max and I started scanning the fields, Max said "I've got a Spoonbill". We set up the scope and enjoyed great views of this bird before it was sadly flushed by a dog off a lead charging towards it and the Canada Geese. The Spoonbill then done a couple of laps of the sky and then quickly departed South. Luckily DKC was not far away and a quick phone call enabled him to get onto it as it flew towards the sea potentially heading towards the scrape.

Spoonbill, Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

We carried on North and much to our great excitement we relocated the Glossy Ibis after it had been missing since the morning. It was about c500m North of Exceat and visible in a field to the right from the first bend in the river. We again both enjoyed good scope views before 3 Common Buzzards went over flushing it. We tracked it in the bins and it soon pitched down in a nearby field but out of sight. A quick walk further up the river bank quickly relocated it again, actively feeding in a ditch. DKC and JWK were not far behind and again we all enjoyed great views. 

Glossy Ibis, Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

The time was now getting on so, Max and I headed back to the car. We arrived back at Uni just in time at 13:56pm for our second lecture of the day which started at 14:00pm. A fantastic start to the month of March!