28th April 2019 - Steepdown and Pevensey Levels

Early morning I ventured up to Steepdown with Mum to have a look for Dotterel, once again I failed miserably, this was about my 10th attempt this year. Birds of note included c20 Corn Buntings, 4 Wheatear, 2 Grey Partridge and 8 Whitethroats as well as single Peregrine, Yellowhammer and a Hare. 

Hare, Steepdown, West Sussex

Whilst halfway round Steepdown there was a Red-rumped Swallow found at West Rise Marsh. When I got home I dashed over with Dad but by the time we had arrived the Red-rumped Swallow had moved on with the other hirundines. Rather than linger, we headed for Down Level where an adult Lesser White-fronted Goose on the main flood with 4 Canadas was something of a surprise though no doubt the bird seen in recent weeks at Cuckmere Haven and West Rise Marsh. It later flew off north with the Canadas. Also of note were 2 Whimbrel, 2 Hobbies and a male Yellow wagtail.

Adult Lesser White-fronted Goose, Down Level, East Sussex

22nd April - Waltham Brooks

The fine weather continues with some parts of the country enjoying the warmest ever Easter Monday. Rather than heading for a seawatch at Splash Point (where there were 13 Pom Skuas), Dad, Mum and I went inland stopping first at Waltham Brooks where a Cuckoo and 4 Nightingales were in song, one of which we saw well in the bushes by the railway. Also pair Shelduck, 4 Teal, Cetti's, Reed & Sedge Warblers, a Stonechat, and male Grey Wagtail in the sewage treatment works.

A heathland location added scope views of 2 sparring male Goshawks, an alarm calling male Dartford Warbler, a smart male Redstart singing from the top of a Silver Birch and singing Whitethroat and Yellowhammer but surprisingly no Tree Pipits. A second site also drew a blank on Tree Pipit but we did see 2 Woodlarks and a Stonechat.   

Redstart, West Sussex

21st April 2019 - Pevensey Levels

Early morning,  2 Common Cranes were found on Down Level near Pevensey by Chris Ball. I jumped straight in the car as soon as the news was out and arrived in good time. I started walking along the footpath between White Dyke and Horse Eye Farm where I came across Chris and Al Redman still watching them much to my relief. They were fantastic to watch and these were my first in Sussex. 

2 Common Cranes, Down Level, Pevensey, East Sussex

A Great White Egret flew in picked up by Nick Pope which landed in a ditch near us giving nice views and the roadbeds were alive with singing Sedge Warblers and a few Reed Warblers. There was also a few Swallows moving through as well as Lapwings on territory out on the levels. On my way back to the car I added a Merlin which shot through overhead as well as a Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel and a Little Egret in a ditch. 

Great White Egret, Down Level, Pevensey, East Sussex

20th April 2019 - Knepp Estate

A circular walk around the southern block at Knepp was very pleasant in the warm spring sunshine with a good selection of birds recorded, the highlights being 4 White Storks, the long staying escapee Red-tailed Hawk near the campsite, Sparrowhawk, Cuckoo (h), Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, 6 singing Lesser Whitethroats, 9 singing Whitethroats, 3 late Fieldfares, 2 singing Nightingales in Keynes Field (one of which showed nicely) and 2 Bullfinches. Also of interest were a Fox, 2 Grass Snakes, 2 Slow-worms, several Orange-tip butterflies and a Brimstone Moth.  

2 of 4 White Storks, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

Later we did another circular walk in the Coneyhurst area from Sproute's Farm adding a single Cuckoo (h), singing Willow Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, pair Mistle Thrushes and 2 singing Nightingales near Oldhouse Farm plus 4 Roe Deer, another Grass Snake (which I almost trod on!) and more Orange-tips.

Grass Snake, Knepp Castle Estate, West Sussex

19th April 2019 - Cuckoo Corner to Dacre Gardens

An afternoon walk along the River Adur from Cuckoo Corner to Dacre Gardens with Mum in glorious sunshine was very pleasant. Over the arable field near the car park at Cuckoo Corner a Raven passed overhead and scattered along the bushes along the river were 6 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps and a Whitethroat. Near the cement works I was pleased to catch up with the wintering Common Sandpiper as well as a Kingfisher which flew past and perched in an overhanging bush briefly. Other birds included 3 Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, a Redshank and a House Martin which passed through north.

18th April 2019 - Southwick Hill

I was working at my parents during the day and some excitement came when 2 Red Kites passed over the garden heading east. Later that day Mum and I had a walk up onto Southwick Hill, around the scrub was a nice selection of birds including 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs. There was also numerous Linnets as well as singles of Greenfinch and Yellowhammer. Around the arable fields was c10 Skylarks whilst moving through overhead was 6 Swallows. Other birds noted on our walk included a pair of Jay and Kestrel and also a Song Thrush.

17th April 2019 - Ferring Rife

I had a walk along Ferring Rife around midday. I started at the northern end by the country club and upon arrival a Swallow passed through north. Scattered around the bushes was 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Greenfinches, a Green Woodpecker and a Jay. Whilst in the arable fields to the west was a singing Skylark and a Pied Wagtail. On my way back up the rife a further 2 Swallows passed through north and was accompanied by a Sand Martin. I was also pleased to see around c30 House Sparrows a few of which were carrying nesting material.

16th April 2019 - Marine Gardens, Worthing

I shot down to Marine Gardens to look for the Red-necked Grebe, which upon arrival was being watched by the finder Nick Oliver. The bird was distant but when I got onto it, it showed well. My 3rd in Sussex this year! I presume this is probably the same bird which has been lingering off this area of the coast for a while and was seen off Rustington by Garry the other day. The sea was dead other than the grebe and the only notables I had were 7 Common Scoter east as well as 2 Gannets.

15th April 2019 - Cissbury Ring and Southwick Hill

A lunchtime walk with Sophie around Cissbury Ring was quiet with the only birds of note being 3 Swallows which passed through north as well as a Chiffchaff around the bushes and a Green Woodpecker was heard from the wood. On our way home over Long Furlong there was a Red Kite, 2 Buzzards and unusually a Grey Heron which flew over. Shortly after, Titnore Lane produced 2 more Buzzards. 

Cissbury Ring, West Sussex

Later that day I went up onto Southwick Hill for a walk with Mum. This produced very little other than my first Whitethroat of the year. Also 2 Blackcaps and singles of Stock Dove and Corn Bunting. 

14th April 2019 - Cuckmere Haven

A mad dash over to the Cuckmere Haven to look for the Kentish Plover, found by Nick Pope mid-morning on the west side. I parked at Chyngton Farm as I thought the pub car park would be packed given it was a Sunday and the middle of the day. As I got out the car, I bumped into Matt who informed me it was still there much to my relief. I walked down the track quickly and set up my scope at the bottom of the path. I picked out the Kentish however it was distant and there was heat haze to contend with. I walked round to the river bank to try and obtain better views however this failed as the wind was very strong and was moving my scope and again there was heat haze to contend with. Feeling fed up, I went back round to where I started from and managed better views of the Kentish and luckily the heat haze had got better and the wind had dropped off. The Kentish was associating with 4 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin, whilst also present was a single Grey Plover. Sadly,  the Kentish was too far away for any photographs.

The Kentish Plover turned out to be my 250th bird in Sussex, a nice way to bring up 250!

12th April 2019 - London

On our way to Liverpool Street Station, I spotted a Peregrine over the city. Surely eyeing up its next victim - an amazing sight to see this species in the metropolis of London.

Near Liverpool Street Station, London

11th April 2019 - London

Back to London again for a short visit to celebrate Sophie's Birthday. Limited birding opportunities as expected but we had a quick stop in Hyde Park to rest our feet. It was quiet but I recorded 2 Goldfinches, a Wren, a Blue Tit and a single Ring-necked Parakeet.

10th April 2019 - Steep Down, Lancing

Feeling motivated after seeing the Dotterel in Hampshire on the 7th, I decided to try and find some in Sussex. Dotterel has been recorded at Steep Down in the past with the previous record being in 2010. The fields looked suitable but a careful scan of the bare flinty field didn't produce any. Alas, I will keep trying.

Steep Down, Lancing, West Sussex

Despite, not finding any, there was compensation for my efforts with 15 Corn Buntings around the bushes at the southern end as well as 2 Yellowhammers. Also 6 Wheatears passed through and the field held several singing Skylarks and 4 Grey Partridge.

Steep Down, Lancing, West Sussex

9th April 2019 - Goring Gap, Ferring Rife and Cissbury Ring

I started the day at Goring Gap where it was extremely quiet, a noticeable clear out of the few migrants that lingered the day before. Birds of note from my visit included 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Linnet, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Green Woodpeckers and a Jay. 

Feeling fed up at the lack of birds at Goring Gap, I tried Ferring Rife around the corner which again was quiet but still managed to out do Goring Gap. Around the bushes on the rife were 3 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, a Willow Warbler and 2 Green Woodpeckers. A Swallow also passed through north. 

Around midday, I ventured up to Cissbury Ring, a place I haven't been to for a long time. Sadly, rain cut my visit short here but birds of note included a single House Martin north, a Yellowhammer, a Nuthatch, a Song Thrush and a Kestrel. I also found a female Slow Worm out on a footpath, my second this year. 

Female Slow Worm, Cissbury Ring, West Sussex

8th April 2019 - Goring Gap and Iford Brooks

I visited Goring Gap in the morning and worked the fields, it was seemingly quiet apart from 4 Swallows which passed through north as well as 12 Blackcaps, 12 Greenfinches and 6 Chiffchaffs scattered around the bushes. The fields held the usual Skylarks as well as 2 Stock Doves and 3 Mallard flew over west as well as a Sparrowhawk which passed over to the North.

Later in the day, I headed over to Iford to go on a circular walk to Kingston and then out onto the Brooks. Totals from my circular walk included 7 Chiffchaffs, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, 8 Yellowhammers, 2 Buzzards, a pair of Linnets and 2 Egyptian Geese.

I called in at Mum and Dads on my way home and was surprised to see a Little Egret (garden tick) pass over the house west.

7th April 2019 - Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire

With a recent downturn in the number of Dotterel seen on passage in the UK and it being one of the more obvious gaps in my UK list, news of a pair on the South Downs at Cheesefoot Head, near Winchester for their second day was too good an opportunity to miss. Dad and I arrived on site shortly after 10am to find the birds showing very well in a south-facing stony field no more than 20 metres or so in from the downland track where the assembled birders were gathered and fortunately oblivious to three trail bikes that went past just as we arrived. Both were in winter plumage though the female showed a few blotches of colour on the belly. Also, several Skylarks were heard singing and a single Swallow passed through north. On the way home a Red Kite was over the A272.

Female Dotterel, Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire

6th April 2019 - London

A trip to London for the FA Cup semi-final to watch Brighton v Manchester City didn't end in the result we wanted with Brighton sadly losing 1-0. Dad and I, decided to walk from Victoria to Green Park and have lunch at Henry's, a nice bar situated at Green Park. In the park there was 2 Egyptian Geese as well as 5 Ring-necked Parakeets flying over, making a racket as they always do! 

Wembley Stadium, FA Cup semi-final, Brighton v Manchester City

5th April 2019 - George V Avenue, Worthing

I arrived at George V Avenue at 06:30am to find David already there in position and what followed after for the next 4 hours probably proved to be my best ever sea watch off Worthing. It didn't take long for the Skuas to start moving. I finished up on 6 Bonxies east and 8 Arctic Skuas east including a nice close individual which tracked along the beach as well as a further 2 Bonxies which went west. Common Scoters piled through over the four hour period with David and I counting 648 east. A highlight for me from the sea watch was 3 Velvet Scoters (patch tick) passing through east, which were picked up at various other locations throughout the day. As well as a Red-necked Grebe (patch tick) which tracked east at 07:30am. Later, a 2CY Little Gull passed through east and shortly after a large push of Sandwich Terns and Common Terns came through which were fantastic to watch.

A full breakdown of the numbers can be seen here: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/2099/20190405

4th April 2019 - Rye Harbour NR

David and I, again teamed up and headed off to Rye Harbour late afternoon for a second attempt at connecting with Bittern and Bearded Tit. We started however at the John Gooders Hide and had a scope around for any waders. The flat beach was quite productive with small numbers of Dunlin, Grey Plover and Ringed Plover. Around the edges we found singles of Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and Turnstone. There was also numerous Avocets showing well from the hide which were fantastic to watch whilst a little further out Sandwich Terns and Mediterranean Gulls were plentiful making a racket. However, what was most surprising is that we picked up the 3 Twite, feeding just to the south of the hide.

After a good grilling of the flat beach, we moved too the Castle Water viewpoint and crossed our fingers that the Bittern would show. Upon arrival, a Willow Warbler was singing in the bushes behind the platform and we also heard a distant Sedge Warbler. Around 40 hirundines passed through most of which Sand Martin but there was also a few Swallows. Shortly after around 18:00pm, much to our relief the Bittern exploded out of a nearby reed bed and had a short flight only to drop back down into another reed bed. My first Bittern in Sussex for a very long time! Again like our last visit we heard Bearded Tit but again they didn't want to show themselves. Also from the Castle Water viewpoint was a Marsh Harrier, a Peregrine and a couple of Cetti's Warblers.

Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex

3rd April 2019 - Chantry Hill, Storrington

David and I, ventured up to Chantry Hill late afternoon and were lucky to stumble across a stunning Short-eared Owl. It was the first bird we saw as we got out the car and it came and perched on top of  a bush nearby giving spectacular views. Also around was a few Yellowhammers and later in the evening a Barn Owl and up to 4 Tawny Owls were heard.

Short-eared Owl, Chantry Hill, Storrington, West Sussex
(Courtesy of David Campbell)

1st April 2019 - Castle Hill LNR, Newhaven

I was passing Newhaven so I quickly called into Castle Hill. Very little here other than 4 Greenfinch, 2 singing Chiffchaffs and a Song Thrush. On the beach below the cliffs were a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls along with the Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls.