1st March 2020 - Mid Sussex and Newhaven

A walk around woodland in Mid-Sussex early morning produced two singing Mistle Thrush, three Treecreeper, two Marsh Tit, two Redwing, two Common Buzzard, two Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Nuthatch, two Goldcrest, two Stock Dove and singles of Jay, Raven, Grey Wagtail, Song Thrush and Red Kite. Later in the morning we moved round to a viewpoint where Dad and I obtained good scope views of four different Goshawk whilst other species recorded here included two Raven, five Common Buzzard and singles of Grey Heron and Bullfinch.

Goshawk, Mid-Sussex

Around 10:30 we headed down to Newhaven Harbour where we instantly found the Great Northern Diver which initially was distant but with patience the bird came closer and gave nice views. Also noted here were three Turnstone.

Great Northern Diver, Newhaven Harbour, East Sussex

Next stop was Newhaven Tide Mills where we found one Short-eared Owl without any difficulty on the southern side of the railway although no sign of the Barn Owl. On our walk to the east arm we found five Skylark, four Common Snipe and three Stonechat. In the fenced off industrial area close to the east arm were two pairs of Ringed Plover and on the arm itself we found one Purple Sandpiper. On our way back to the car we counted 17 Redshank and a Curlew in the creek.

Short-eared Owl, Newhaven Tide Mills, East Sussex