Sunday 27 August 2000
A Tawny Pipit briefly at Rye Hbr in the stubble fields and the Semi-P Sandpiper still present - it can be elusive
Two Redstarts, 4 Spot Flys and a Peregrine at Benfield Hill, Hove
News for 26th August 2000
A Tawny Pipit at Combe Haven and then Pebsham Tip
On the R Ouse, south of Lewes, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sands and 8 Common Sands
Thursday 24 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper again at Rye Ternery Pool today and a Garganey there yesterday
News for 23 August 2000
A Spoonbill in Pagham Hbr with 2 Little Egrets
A Tawny Pipit at Steyning Round Hill (first seen on 22nd)
Marsh Harrier and Peregrine at Horse Eye Level, Pevensey
Redstart at Mount Harry, nr Lewes
News for 21st August 2000
Two Med Gulls at Selsey Bill - 1 1st w, 1 2nd w
more Clouded Yellow sightings:
24/8 - 30 (inc 1 helice female) Benfield Hill, Hove + 4 Painted Ladies, 10 Silver Ys
19/8 - 141 (inc 2 helice females) Thorney Island + 25 Painted Ladies
19/8 - 12 Pilsey Island
Wednesday 23 August 2000
More news from Paul Troake at Rye Hbr:
22nd Aug
Semip Sand still at Ternery Pool plus juv. Curlew Sand, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine.
21st Aug
Four Wood Sands in p.m. at Ternery Pool plus 12 Green Sands & three Pintail. 16 Little
Egrets at Castle Water roost, dusk. Ant-lion seen in morning between river mouth and Ternery Pool.
18th Aug
Aquatic Warbler - one (poss 2) at Castle Water.
Clouded Yellows and Painted Ladies frequently encountered. Rush Veneers - high numbers evident
during day time plus smaller nos. of Silver Y's.
Wednesday 23 August 2000
LOST--EAGLE OWL, ESCAPED FROM AVAIRY IN HASTINGS ON SUNDAY 20TH.
IF SEEN PLEASE CONTACT RAY HACKETT ON 01424 433222. THANKYOU
Tuesday 22 August 2000
The Semi-Palmated Sandpiper still at Rye Hbr today
News for 21st August 2000
A Melodious Warbler by the hotel at Beachy Head
At Rye Ternery Pool, Little Egret, 3 Pintail, Greenshank and 12 Green Sands
News for 20th August 2000
A Wryneck in a private garden at Angmering but no sign since
Eleven Yellow Wagtails and 17 Wheatears at Newhaven TM
Twelve Common Sands, 25 Ringed Plover and a Whinchat at Piddinghoe
Two Common Buzzards over N. Haywards Heath
Three Black Redstarts at Fairlight Cliffs + 5 Wheatears
News for 18th August 2000
One or two Marsh Harriers at Pagham Hbr + 1 Shag
News for 14th August 2000
A Balearic Shearwater and a Bonxie at Beachy Head
News for 11th August 2000
A Marsh Harrier W at the Cuckmere
Recent sightings of Clouded Yellows as follows:
21/8 - 164 between Cuckmere Haven and Splash Point (+51 Migrant Hawkers, 19 Emeralds, a late Broad-bodied Chaser
and an Emerald Damselfly)
21/8 - 8 Pett Level
21/8 - 12 Tillingham Valley (near Pett?)
20/8 - 130 Shoreham Airport area
20/8 - 10 Mill Hill, Shoreham
20/8 - 3 between Fairlight Church and Hastings
20/8 - 8 Newhaven TM
19/8 - 6 Worthing seafront
19/8 - 2 Castle Hill, Brighton
19/8 - 1 Birdham (in a garden)
11/8 - 3 helice females at Hope Gap, Seaford
9/8 - 40 Shinewater, Eastbourne
also seen at Ardingly Res, Weir Wood Res, Balcombe (3), East Grinstead, Amberley Mount, and all coastal sites
Sunday 20 August 2000
At Weir Wood Res. a Spoonbill over at 7.15am, a Honey Buzzard at 9.00am and an Osprey on and off.
A Honey Buzzard over the caravan park at Rye Hbr and the Semi-P Sand still present. Also on the Ternery Pool 1 Little Egret, 4+ Green Sands and 1+ Common Sand
Marsh Harrier at Pagham Hbr + 3 Wheatears and Peregrine
Still many Clouded Yellows at coastal sites (please let me have any counts that you have of Clouded Yellows)
Sunday 20 August 2000
I thought you might like to hear about my success with Goldfinches in the garden (Colin Law). I live in Woodingdean on the Downs East of Brighton and see then in the garden occasionally, particularly in the winter, but they have never done more than passed through. I have grown a few teasels each year and had bought a bag of Nyger seed (or is it Niger?) but nothing semed to tempt them to stay. Then in February this year there were 5 feeding on the teasels, as soon as they had gone I refilled the teasels by sprinkling them liberally with Nyger, and later that day they returned and appeared to relish the seed. Each morning I refilled the teasels and they continued to come, with up to 9 at once over the next few weeks.
Refilling teasels is a little time consuming however, so I bought a small tube feeder and hung this immediately adjacent to one of the teasel heads, with the perch touching the teasel and over the next few days first one and then the rest learnt to feed from the feeder, and by gradually reducing the amount on the teasels I weaned them onto the feeder.
They have continued to come ever since, the numbers have been much reduced since the start of the breeding season, but then on 25th June 2 adults and 5 juvenilles were seen, though the juvenilles did not go to the feeder. On 24th July a juvenille was seen at the feeder. Things have been rather quite recently, but it is unusual for a day to pass without one or two being seen. Today an adult was seen with a very recent fledgling. I imagine that at this time of year there is no shortage of food about, which is why only one or two are seen, but as long as there are a few birds visiting regularly I am hoping that when the winter comes they will bring their friends along.
The only down side is that the seed is not cheap, and the greenfinches seem to have taken a liking to it as a change from the mixed seed and black sunflower that I also feed, and even the sparrows have been trying it out. With the latest broods of these out I have had 20 Greenfinches and 60 Sparrows in the garden, so hopefully they stick to taking it as an hors d'oeuvres rather than a main course.
It has been a good day in the garden with a superb view of a Buzzard circling directly overhead with the sun
shining through the feathers. As can be seen from the report on Buzzards in the 1998 Bird Report there are breeding
Buzzards not that far from Brighton, but it is extremely rare to see them over Woodingdean, hopefully if the numbers
continue to rise as they have over the last years this will soon become a common sight.
In addition there have been numerous sightings of Sparrowhawk from the garden this weekend, at one point two together,
I imagine this years young are now flying as they have been much more obvious over the last week.
Yesterday I saw a Hobby over the Downs only a couple of miles East of here, I have been keeping a watch, hoping
for Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Hobby in one day from the garden, I just need the Hobby now, it is 1800 so
there is still time.
Sunday 20 August 2000
Some information from Richard Prior
Costa Verde and the Picos de Europa (Northern Spain)
The birding potential of the Portsmouth-Bilbao ferry is well documented but what of the countryside at the other
end? Unlike the well visited Pyrenees,bird information is harder to come by for the area we visited on a 10 day
camping holiday in July/August so hopefully this brief account might aid future visitors.
Leaving Portsmouth at 20.30 on 22 July a Med Gull amongst the B.H.Gulls and Common Terns was the only bird of note
before dusk.The Channel was choppy and next morning began with drizzle and thick mist.3 passerines had "ditched"
on board - an exhausted Grasshopper Warbler,a Reed and a perky Sedge Warbler,only the last bird appeared later
in the day when the sun came out.A few Manx Shearwaters,Bonxies and Storm Petrels were spotted,along with the expected
Gannets and Fulmars,and on my two brief visits below deck I managed to miss a Pom.Skua and a Mediterranean Shearwater.
Entering the Northern Bay in the evening the Dolphins began to appear,mostly Common(c300),but also Striped and
Bottle Nosed,as well as at least 25 Pilot Whales.One Minke Whale was spotted by the Cetacean Survey team on the
bridge.2 Redshanks and a Whimbrel heading South were further signs of early autumn migration.
Arriving in Bilbao at dawn it was obvious why this stretch of Spain is called the Costa Verde-reminiscent of Normandy
with fishing and dairy produce much in evidence.The area around our campsite at Santillana (just West of Santander)
held good numbers of Red backed Shrike,Buzzard,Black Kite,Kestrel,Fan Tailed Warbler,Serin,Cattle and Little Egret,Green
Woodpecker,Stonechat,Spotted Flycatcher,Melodious and Sardinian Warblers and Spotless Starling.Most of the above
were easy to find and study as adult birds were busy shepherding recently fledged young from place to place.Other
good species seen more than once around the site included a pair of Hen Harriers(which breed in the area),Hobby,Blackcap
and Raven.Birds seen just once were Ring Necked Parakeet,Short Toed Eagle and Spoonbill,the latter two appearing
on the same evening when the weather deteriorated(Birding was generally helped by the benign weather during our
stay-most days fine and sunny,averaging 21 to 24 degrees,most evenings cooler and often cloudy with rain on 4 out
of 10 nights.
Less than 2 hours away are the Picos de Europa,an impressive range of mountains up to 2700m.,with jagged bare limestone
peaks above woods and hay meadows on the lower slopes.Several deep gorges pepper the area with Grey Wagtail rich
rivers running through them.We attempted to cycle along one track to the most famous ravine,the Garganta del Cares,which
apparently holds Wallcreepers,but had to admit defeat (too rocky and narrow for bikes),but received compensation
in the form of Citril Finch and Alpine Choughs,both new species for me.
Another feature of this,and any other mountainous area we visited,were the families of Black Redstart-the males
distinctly blacker here than in the rest of Europe.Here we saw our first Crag Martins,Griffon Vultures,Water Pipits
and Wheatears of the holiday,all of which proved to be common in the Picos.Our only Alpine Swifts were also seen
here.
Our next expedition to the mountains was to Fuente De,where a cable car lifts you (almost vertically!) to 7000ft.The
view from the top is stunning,above the clouds in the valleys,and seeing pockets of snow still present even in
late July.
However, better still were the Alpine birds which we saw in the next 4 hours walking,starting with a pair of Alpine
Accentors walking unconcernedly around our feet by the cable car station,collecting food items for young somewhere
nearby.Alpine and red-billed Choughs were also busy with the same tasks,as were Water Pipits ,Wheatears and Black
Redstarts,but most thrilling of all was the Wallcreeper which flew across the track towards the buttress-like mountainside,also
carrying food in its bill.Like a giant butterfly this gem of a bird landed briefly on a rock before flying up onto
the mountain and was lost to view.There were Egyptian as well as Griffon Vultures in this area,plus a Short-Toed
Eagle.Descending through the hay meadows and oaks were more familiar species such as Yellowhammer,Robin,Nuthatch,Jay
and Bullfinch.
Our next trip was to the historical village of Barcena Mayor.Here we rode across a river and up a gorse and bracken
covered hillside above the valley,the usual species were present,but not the Lammergeier which a fellow birder
had claimed to have seen two day`s before (I understand this super vulture has recently spread into the Picos from
the Pyrenees).However,some more Citril Finches and our only Rock Buntings and Honey Buzzard of the trip were worth
the pedalling!We also saw our only Red Kites and Booted Eagle en route to Barcena Mayor.
Sleeping in a tent makes one very aware of nocturnal sounds,2 Scops Owls called nightly but remained unseen,and
a Long Eared Owl joined in on one night.Also on 3 different nights I heard Common Sandpipers overhead,and a Green
Sandpiper on one occasion.
Our final Picos jaunt was to La Molina,where we swam in a river while Peregrines patrolled overhead with the two
vulture species.On the coast I was surprised to find 12 Wigeon in the estuary at Antosa,withCurlew and Whimbrel
on 1st August.
Leaving Bilbao at lunchtime on 3rd we soon began seeing Cory`s Shearwaters in twos and threes,plus three Great
Shearwaters,their capped appearance easy to see despite the choppy conditions.Unfortunately no large Whales came
near the ship,although huge spouts of water from surfacing animals were distantly visible,and two Bottle Nosed
Whales proved that not only Dolphins have the monopoly on jumping clear of the water and landing spectacularly.100
Bar-Tailed Godwits flew South West through the Southern Bay,and the next morning,though disappointing in the lack
of Shearwaters and Petrels,did produce an adult Sabine`s Gull as well as a gallant Ringed Plover flying purposefully
North(!) at least 100 miles from the English coast.
In the 13 days we clocked up 104 species,which is pretty good for a holiday with two non-birding sons.The countryside
is beautiful,the food and drink wholesome and good value and the birds easy to study,so next time a Fan-Tailed
Warbler turns up in Selsey I`ll know which points to look for!
Sunday 20 August 2000
A photo and another photo of the Semipalmated Sandpiper at Rye, taken by John Willsher
Sunday 20 August 2000
Following on from the suggestions that the spotted flycatcher has been reduced virtually to a passage migrant
in the southeast. Clive Welland from Haywards Heath report the successful nesting and fledging of a family in a
nest box in our Trachelospernum Jasminoides on the north wall of his house.
He says that immediately after fledging, (mid July), the family disappeared and that he has previously had nests
previously in his carport.
Saturday 19 August 2000
Three Wood Sandpipers at Icklesham
Insect records:
A Lesser Emperor at Shinewater, Eastbourne until 4.30pm at least - viewed from the concrete bank at the southern end.
Also 2 sightings of Lesser Emperor in Cuckmere Haven recently and up to 140 Clouded Yellows there.
Up to 220 Clouded Yellows at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton recently.
Saturday 19 August 2000
At Rye Hbr the Semi-P Sand still present + Little Egret and 2 Black Terns at 5.30am only
At Selsey Bill a Balearic Shearwater west at 9.00am
Friday 18 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still present at Rye Hbr on the Terney Pool + 4 Green Sands and a Peregrine
Wood Sandpiper at Sidlesham Ferry + 2 Marsh Harriers over stubble
Wednesday 16 August 2000
A Pallid Swift was seen over a Seaford garden at 8.05am this morning by Jon Curson. It lingered for a few minutes but then flew off and could not be relocated.
Up to 21 Little Egrets at Cuckmere Haven recently.
Wednesday 16 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still present at the Ternery Pool, Rye Hbr this evening.
A Bluethroat in the reeds at Castle Water but very elusive + sevferal Clouded Yellows, Whinchat, regular Barn Owl and up to 9 Little Egrets (the first Bittern arrived at Castle Water on 28th Aug last year)
News for 15th August 2000
An Osprey over Pagham Hbr + 8 Spotted Flycatchers at Church Norton
and from Owen Mitchell at Snowhill Marsh/West Wittering:
Wheatear - 14 Whinchat - 2 Whitethroat - 8
Greenshank - 16 Little Ringed Plover - 3 juv's with a juv R/Plover
several each of Lesser White, Garden Warbler, Blackcaps
12+ Willow warblers 10 Little egrets 5 Blacktailed Gods
Two sightings of a large raptor with jesses at Benfield GC/Hangleton Lane, Hove in the last week - has anybody
lost one?
Recent splits announced by BOU:
Green-winged Teal and Eurasian Teal
Lesser Redpoll and Common Redpoll
Balearic Shearwater and Yelkouan Shearwater
Tuesday 15 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still present at the Terney Pool, Rye Hbr from the Guy Crittall hide.
At Ardingly Res, 1 Little Egret and 4 Common Terns
News for 13th August 2000
One Pied Fly and one or two Spotted Flycatchers between Rackham Hill and Burpham + a Clouded Yellow
News for 12th August 2000
Marsh Harrier and 2 Peregrines at Pagham Hbr + several Clouded Yellows
News for 11th August 2000
At Cissbury ring 45 Willow Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 15 Common Whitethroats
Monday 14 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still present at Rye Hbr until at least 7.40pm
At Galley Hill, Bexhill 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater and 1 Roseate Tern
At Sidlesham Ferry 1 Wood Sand, 1 Green Sand, 6 Common Sands,
One Med Gull at Selsey Bill
Five Little Egrets at Chichester Marina Pool
Four Spotted Flycatchers and a few other common migrants at Church Norton
Sunday 13 August 2000
The Semi-palmated Sandpiper still present at Rye Hbr on the Ternery Pool + Little Egret
News for 12th August 2000
At Pagham Hbr 24 Little Egrets and at Sidlesham Ferry 3 Curlew Sandpipers, Wood Sandpiper, 5 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers + 3 Clouded Yellows
At Cuckmere Haven 17 Little Egrets and 5 Greenshank and a Whimbrel
Semi-P Sandpiper at Rye (first seen on 11th) + Marsh Harrier, Wood Sandpiper and Barn Owl + Clouded Yellow
Adult Med Gull at Scotney GP + 6 Barnacle Geese
Wednesday 09 August 2000
News for 8th August 2000
A Wood Warbler at Church Norton + 100 Willow Warblers, 15 Garden Warblers and a Hobby.
Twenty Greenshank in Pagham Hbr and Wood Sandpiper, 3 Green Sands and 5 Common Sands
at Sidlesham Ferry.
Monday 07 August 2000
A Melodious Warbler this morning in Littlehampton along Rope Walk.
At Sidlesham Ferry a Wood Sand and 2 Curlew Sands
Two Little Gulls and a R T Diver at Bexhill
News for 6th August 2000 from Brian Fellows:
Ringtailed Harrier, probably juvenile Montagu's, on Stoughton Down SU822123
near Kingley Vale yesterday Sunday Aug 6th at 12.00.
Also an interesting note from Neal Ward on the plight of the Spotted Flycatcher, echoing comments from many people that this species seems to be disappearing as a breeder:
On Friday evening, 4th August, childhood memories came flooding back when I
heard calls of Spotted Flycatcher. I grew up in Reigate in Surrey in the 50's
and the calls (like the 2 or 3 Cuckoos calling at the same time) were a familiar
garden sound from May onwards. Sadly, both the Spotted Flycatcher and the
Cuckoo have effectively been reduced to the status of passage migrants in SE
England. We heard Cuckoo in Crowborough two or three times only this year, and
have seen no Spotted Flycatchers in the breeding season for many years.
The passage SF's were still around on Sunday. We have seen them at about the
same time for the last 3 or 4 years, usually perched on the same barbed wire
fence and overhead HT lines.
On a brighter note, our rural area just south of Crowborough is still a
stronghold for Bullfinch (which my father used to control by shooting to save
his fruit-trees). Details can be supplied to anyone interested.
Sunday 06 August 2000
A Red-rumped Swallow briefly at the Ternery Pool, Rye Hbr at 11.45am
At Goring Gap, 7 Little Egrets flew W at 11.45am
At Coombe Haven, 6 Little Egrets over at 7.00am + fem Marsh Harrier, 100 Sedge Warblers, 100 Reed Warblers, 40 Willow Warblers and a Nightingale
At Church Norton 2 Pied Flys and 2 Spotted Flys
At Galley Hill, Bexhill, 1 Bonxie, 1 Black Tern and 50 Gannets in 3 hours
Wood Sandpiper and Ruff at Sidlesham Ferry
Saturday 05 August 2000
A probable Raven over Cissbury Ring today + a Marsh Harrier and a Pied Flycatcher
At Pagham Hbr a Marsh Harrier over fields behind the Crab and Lobster (two Marsh Harriers at Dungeness today so obviously the start of autumn passage - early Aug is usually good for Marsh Harriers)
Wood Sandpiper at Sidlesham Ferry (also Wood Sand recently at Icklesham but just Green Sand and 2 Common Sands there today)
News for 4th July 2000 from Les Bird:
On the River Ouse from just north of Newhaven to north of Piddinghoe this evening 7.15p.m - 8.45p.m
a mobile flock of 34 Common Sandpipers and 5 single birds, 36 Redshank counted also and a Barn
Owl seen briefly.
Friday 04 August 2000
Two Great White Egrets reported north over Littlehampton Marina and Industrial estate at 8.00am.
Wednesday 02 August 2000
A report of two Storm Petrels W past Galley Hill, Bexhill at 10.40am and a Bonxie there
Up to 25 Little Egrets at Pagham Hbr North Wall and at Thorney up to 162 counted going into the roost. For details of these birds and how to see them try Brian Fellows website at http://www.brianfellows.clara.net/
News for 30th July 2000
Peter Kenward reported two Little Egrets and 6 Common Sandpipers on the R Ouse between Southease and Piddinghoe.
Wednesday 02 August 2000
Rye Harbour SSSI Wildlife – July 2000
Highlights this month included Little Egret present throughout (max 6, 21st), one or two Curlew Sandpipers on three dates from 22nd, a Black Redstart at Watch Cottage (24th), Little Stint at Ternery Pool (25th), a Stone Curlew roosting at the Quarry (26th) and a Wood Sandpiper from 27th.
Many migrant waders began to appear including regular Little Ringed Plover, occasional Knot, up to eight Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwits on two dates (max. 9, 26th), up to 24 Whimbrel (max on 18th), a Spotted Redshank at Castle Water (8th) and maxima of six Greenshank, eight Green Sandpipers and 15 Common Sandpipers. Curlew were in good numbers for the time of year with up to 270 coming in to roost along the shore in the evenings, and Dunlin numbers increased.
Wildfowl numbers also increased at Ternery Pool, with up to 18 Teal, 134 Mallards and 24 Shoveler there. Water Rail was regularly noted from 6th and Sandwich Tern numbers reached 300 by the month’s end. Swifts numbered 2000 on the evening of 5th, and Sand Martins were often present in numbers from mid month (max 300, 19th).
Several of our rarer moths were on the wing, with Pygmy Footman in good numbers, plus a few Pale Grass Eggars. The scarce pyralid moth Sitochroa palealis, was in higher numbers than usual at the east end of the Beach Reserve where its foodplant Wild Carrot flourishes. There were also three records of Pempelia genistella – a very scarce pyralid associated with Gorse. Most notable among the migrants were a Vestal (1st), the second site record of Bedstraw Hawk-moth (5th), Convolvulous Hawk-moth (17th), three Hummingbird Hawk-moths and a Gem (30th).
Dr Barry Yates
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
East Sussex
yates@clara.net
01797 223862
www.yates.clara.net
Tuesday 01 August 2000
LOST- 1 Peregrine/Lanner cross falcon. Last seen in Westfield Village on
Sat 29th July. The bird has bells on both feet, it is ringed and also has a
telemetry transmitter attached to tail feathers. It would be appreciated if
anyone is to see this bird if they could contact Ray Hackett on 01424
433222 or Mr Nigel Foy on 01424 813253
Tuesday 01 August 2000
News for 30th July 2000
At Arlington Res. 4 Little Egrets and 7 Common Sands
Monday 31 July 2000
A follow up to Neal Ward's question on House Martin behaviour from David Bridges
I worked at Christ's Hospital School for several years where there is a very large House Martin colony. I recall seeing a group of House Martins perching in a low tree - might have been flowering cherry - can't remember. At the time I thought this was some form of bonding activity among members of the colony. Some birds were preening and the group was very vocal butI don't recall any feeding. The chosen tree was in a sunny spot quite near one of the main nest sites. This area was also a good place to see Hobby which occasionally attacked Martins feeding in the air above the school buildings, especially in the summer holidays!
Saturday 29 July 2000
At Thorney Island 141 Little Egrets roosted overnight + 2 Med Gulls and 40 Greenshank there.
Twelve Little Egrets at Cuckmere Haven + 3 Greenshank
At Arlington Res. 2 Little Egrets + 8 Common Sands, 4 Dunlin, 1 LRP and a Redshank
Thursday 27 July 2000
News for 26th July 2000 from Dave Potter:
Sidlesham Ferry
3 Curlew sandpipers (still showing quite a bit of summer plumage)
1 Wood sandpiper
1 Common sandpiper
2 Little ringed plover
1 Green sandpiper
1 Greenshank
1 LittleEgret
about a dozen each of both Black and Bar-tailed godwits (some still showing
summer plumage)
and at Rye Hbr recently:
Thur 20 July
220 Sandwich Terns at Ternery Pool
Mon 24 July
Quail flushed along top of sand dunes at Camber. One adult Med Gull on shore there.
Tue 25 July
Little Stint and Wood Sandpiper on Ternery Pool
Wed 26 July
Stone Curlew on the Quarry (near Parkes Hide) at lunch time. Still present 4 or 5 pm.
9 Black-tailed Godwits, Ternery Pool
Thur 27 July
Little Ringed Plover, Quarry, plus 2 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand but no sign of Stone Curlew.
Also in last week or so:- 2 Curlew Sands (Ternery Pool), 6 Little Egrets at Castle Water roost. Up
to six Greenshank
Wednesday 26 July 2000
A question on Housemartin behaviour from Neal Ward:
On Monday 17th, which was warm and sunny, I observed the following (actually in Essex, but interesting none
the less).
I was walking away from a research building set in a large parkland area at about 5 pm to get back to my car. I
noticed there were an unusually large number of Housemartins flying around, making quite a lot of noise. Near the
carpark I could see 20 ++ birds flying in tight circles round a ~ 20 foot high cherry (?) tree. I watched for several
minutes. Some of them seemed to perch briefly in the upper branches. It almost looked like they were picking insects
off the tree, but I could not confirm this, as by the time I got to my car to get my bins they had dispersed.
Has anyone any suggestions as to what the martins Neal saw were doing?
Wednesday 26 July 2000
More details on the situation at Pett Pools from Cliff Dean:
I regret to announce that the pumping of the wader pool has been cancelled this year.
This is because of the presence of a pair of Great Crested Grebes with four chicks about a fortnight old.
We felt that, if the water level were lowered, they could become stranded on a shallow pool and in danger of predation.
Grebes don't walk a great deal, so they would be unlikely to clamber over the bank into the rear pool.
We considered a partial pumping, but decided it could be negated by moderate rainfall, whereas dry conditions would
land the grebes in the same predicament.
After consultations and lengthy discussions, we reluctantly decided not to go ahead. We realize that many other
people will feel similarly disappointed, but must put the well-being of the birds first.
I shall be on holiday until mid-August. Should anyone notice, in the meantime, that these grebes have somehow managed
to move elsewhere, please contact Phil Luffingham on 01323-845500 to see if a late pumping is still possible.
Wednesday 26 July 2000
News from a little further afield than normal from Ray Dray
Thought you might be interested in some news from FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY.
My wife and I returned on Saturday after spending a fantastic week at the Obs.
I have only been birding for about 18 months and like most just don't find enough time to do as much as I would
like. Having heard all about the FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY (FIBO) and the delights of the island, we decided to
fork out the readdies and have a weeks holiday there.
We had a great adventure all the way including the 'hairy' flight from Lerwick to Fair Isle on the seven seater plane which dubs as the Air Ambulance. No room for a drinks trolly!
The welcome we received from the FIBO staff was really friendly and it didn't take long before we settled in to the Obs' routine.
Of course at this time of the year there is no migration going on. However there was a great opportunity to look at all the sea bird colonies, join in the search for chicks (Bonxie and Arctic Skua's in particular), watch the ringing and take part in a Storm Petrel trap well after midnight. We caught just 8 that night but the day we left (last Thursday) they trapped 91!
Other sightings (all new to me) were: 1 Red-necked Phalarope, 1 Redpoll, 4 Twite, Wheater in abundance as were
Razorbill, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Arctic and Common Tern, Bonxie and Artic Skua, Gannets and of course Puffins!
We had some great adventures seeing these but time doesn't permit relating them just now.
It was a brilliant experience and has made us want to return perhaps at migration time next year hopefully.
We would certainly recommend it to anyone who has not been. The FIBO needs
the support of visitors especially in summer months as the revenue helps toward the work there. The island has
more to offer in other interests. Walking, wild flowers and the life of the community. It's a friendly place and
welcomes visitors.
Tuesday 25 July 2000
Two Balearic Shearwaters past Selsey Bill + 200 Gannets and 100 Common Scoter
Two Curlew Sandpipers still at Sidlesham Ferry + 4 LRPs and 54 Black-tailed Godwits
Two Black Terns at Weir Wood Res + Y L Gull and Greenshank
Tuesday 25 July 2000
Yesterday 2 Curlew Sandpipers at Sidlesham Ferry
The first Grasshopper Warblers are now passing thro at Icklesham
Note: Pett Pools will not be drained this year due to breeding Great Crested Grebes.
Sunday 23 July 2000
Up to 285 Yellow-legged Gulls roosting in Pagham Hbr recently and 12 Little Egrets there.
Peregrines showing well at Sussex Heights, Brighton
Butterflies in Benfield Valley, Hove yesterday included 10 White-letter Hairstreaks, 34 Commas, 2 Ringlets and Chalkhill Blue
Thursday 20 July 2000
Up to 9 Little Egrets at Pagham Hbr recently
From Neal Ward:
Sunday 16th July
Pagham - Ferry Pool
Spotted Redshank, plus Bar-Tailed Godwits (20+), Dunlin (20+), Ruff (2), Common Sandpiper (2), and large flock of juvenile Shelduck
Church Norton
After 2 hours, finally located a Greenshank (in the ditch under our noses).
From Paul Stent:
1 Clouded Yellow seen by the Lifeboat station at Selsey Bill on Sunday
16th July around 4.30pm !
Monday 17 July 2000
News from Colin Brooks for today:
Pett:
Considerable eastward movement of Sand Martins in the late afternoon,
probably 250 between 1630 and 1730. ca.20 Common Scoters east.
News from Anna Whitehead:
Friday 14th July
Newhaven Tidemills : Wheatear male feeding one young. Dunlin, 6. Ringed
Plover,1.
Thursday 13th July
Pevensey Levels,Horse Eye level: Hobby,1. Reed Buntings,3. Reed Warblers.
and from Cliff Dean for 14th July
Battle Great Wood
At least 4 Nightjars last night - good views. 1/2 Woodcocks and several Glow-worms.
Pett Pools
Tufted Duck: 2 broods this morning; a single very young duckling and four older ones.
Also c. 20 Gannets offshore
Friday 14 July 2000
News from Owen Mitchell:
Friday, 7th JULY
Cool and cloudy, with odd sunny spells. Wind N/NE 4-5
SIDLESHAM FERRY POOL
Black-tailed Godwit - 31
Little Ringed Plover - 2 juv's.
Ringed Plover - 2 (ad + juv)
Common Sandpiper - 1
Teal - 2
Dunlin - 1
SELSEY BILL (0900 - 1050hrs)
Gannet - 10.E
Common Tern - 6
Sandwich Tern - 14
Sand Martin - 8
Swift - 25
CHURCH NORTON
Little Egret - 5
Swift - c.100
PORTFIELD G.PIT
Green Sandpiper - 6
Teal - 2 (pair)
Little Ringed Plover - 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 8th JULY
Sunshine and cloud, dry during morning then heavy showers by afternoon. Wind NE2-3.
CHI.G.PITS: Portfield - Green Sandpiper - 7 Little Ringed Plover - 4 (ad's)
Tufted Duck - 6 Lapwing - c.200
Drayton - Tufted Duck - 30 Pochard - 3
Green Woodpecker - 2 Little Grebe - 4
Sunday 09 July 2000
An Osprey at Weir Wood Res at 8.00pm yesterday
Sunday 09 July 2000
At about 0930 on Saturday morning (8th) I (Colin Law) tentatively identified a Harrier, at long range and a fair altitude, flying East over the Downs East of Brighton. It was at such a range that even with the binoculars it was no more than a shape compatible with Harrier. I am plumping for Marsh Harrier as it appeared dark, but this is an even more tentative suggestion. Has anyone else seen it, or heard a report? I wait to be suitably embarrassed by the correct id.
Thursday 06 July 2000
13 Little Egrets in Pagham Hbr + 2 Green Sands and a Ruff at Sidlesham Ferry (15 Egrets there yesterday)
From am observer in Scaynes Hill:
Bullfinch (1710), seen twice at TQ368237;
Turtle dove (0687), heard several times at intervals of c. 1 week, in woodland
bordering on fields at TQ369240;
Buzzard (0287), seen this am in our garden at TQ366232.
and from Cliff Dean at Pett:
Pair of Buzzards present calling and soaring Sunday am July 2nd. No sign of young. Shouldn't there be
by now, if they had actually nested?
Pett
Strange crake call from wader pool roadside this morning - WR -like pik pik pik followed by whimbrel-like piping,
fading trill. i heard this at Pannel Valley in spring.
anybody know what Cliff heard??
Monday 03 July 2000
News for 2nd July 2000
A Spoonbill flew W at Church Norton at 7.30am. Also 2 LRPs and 1 Common Sand on Sidlesham Ferry and 1 Knot and 6 Little Egrets in the Harbour.
News for 1 July 2000
A Short-eared Owl and Little Egret at Castle Water, Rye
Also about a week ago a Red-veined Darter was seen near Shoreham airport.
Monday 03 July 2000
News from Rye Hbr for June
Several rare birds brightened up the first half of the month, although the latter half was rather quiet. A Pectoral Sandpiper was present on the Quarry (4th-7th), providing the first June record in the county, initially alongside a Little Stint (4th & 5th). A Marsh Harrier (8th) preceded an immature female Montagu’s Harrier which hunted around the Beach Reserve (11th-13th) – presumably the bird present intermittently during May. A Purple Heron present for several days mid month had also probably been present since May. It could be seen at dusk heading to a reedbed at Castle Water from the direction of the Narrow Pit, but appeared to move on soon after the commencement of the fishing season there. Little Egrets were fairly regular, with an isolated peak of six roosting at Castle Water (5th). The rarest heron however was a Squacco Heron at Pett Level (10th).
A Savi’s Warbler was seen and heard on two dates mid month, near Narrow Pit then at Castle Water.
Breeding birds have had a successful month generally, although terns were an exception. Little Terns deserted the nature reserve for the first time on record, with some of the population shifting to another site locally. About 50 pairs of Common Terns nested on islands at Ternery Pool along with just 33 pairs of Black-headed Gulls, but success of both was very low, probably due to Fox visiting the islands occasionally. Wheatears on the other hand were having a good season, with about seven pairs nesting, many of which were seen feeding fledged young. Many pairs of Redshank also raised young. At Castle Water several broods of Great Crested Grebes, Mallards, Coots and other waterfowl appeared.
Other scarce migrants included an immature Little Gull at Ternery Pool (4th) and Curlew Sandpiper on three dates. A Green Sandpiper at Castle Water (9th) was the first returning migrant noted, with regular records thereafter. Little Ringed Plover was also recorded (20th & 26th). Sand Martin was noted from 26th.
Moth trapping yielded several notable species. Scarce migrants noted during favourable weather conditions during the third week of the month included four Four-spotted Footman – the first local records. A few Small Mottled Willows and two Gems also appeared, and a Clouded Buff was a new addition to the nature reserve list. The pyralid moth Sciota hostilis was caught at Castle Water and Winchelsea Beach (29th). This is a very rare species which feeds on Aspen. Plants in flower included a range of orchids – Bee, Pyramidal, Twayblade and Common Spotted.
Dr Barry Yates
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
yates@clara.net
01797 223862
www.yates.clara.net
Sunday 02 July 2000
With the young Peregrines in Brighton now on the wing (if a little inexpertly) Brighton seafront will provide, over the next few weeks, some of the best and most accessible views of Peregrine in the country. If you have not had your fill of Peregrine (and who has) then do not miss it!
I suggest choosing an evening with an onshore breeze. With an onshore breeze the birds are likely to be tempted into the air by the updraughts over the buildings. If arriving by car then park on the seafront West of the West Pier (the one that is falling down), aim to arrive a bit after six, when parking there is free, and walk back to the base of the Pier. The wooden platform at road level offers views out over the pier and back to Sussex heights (the tallest block of flats slightly East of the pier). The birds are often seen perched on the top of the flats and good views of them in flight are virtually guaranteed. Pigeons and Starling roost on the pier over night and there is continual traffic around the pier. The young will soon be honing their hunting skills and will be chasing everything in sight! A Peregrine in the air is never boring, the possibility of up to five in the air at once is not to be missed.
In the unlikely event that you get bored with the Peregrine keep your eyes open for Sparrowhawk chasing the starlings coming in to roost.
Friday 30 June 2000
Up to 8 Little Egrets and a Roseate Tern in Pagham Hbr in the last few days. A Hummingbird Hawk Moth in St Leonards on 21st.
Also Black Redstart still singing in Brighton (present since May)
Monday 26 June 2000
News for 25th June 2000
A Honey Buzzard over Marline Wood, Hastings. Peregrine over Hangleton
Saturday 24 June 2000
I (Colin Law) am back from an excellent holiday in Scotland so any news other than sightings should again be
sent to me please (email address above). A great time was had (Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Divers, and Ring
Ouzel all in their home environments, one Golden Eagle, Ptarmigan with 8 chicks, etc.).
In our absence the first broods of House Sparrows have arrived, there were 25 sparrows in the garden this afternoon,
consuming seed seemingly by the bucketful.
Somewhat belatedly (it arrived in my absence) here is a press release from Graham Roberts from 6th June:
GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS
Brighton's highest-flying residents are proving to be remarkably consistent parents.
The town's own peregrine falcons successfully raised two young females in 1998 and three more females last year.
This year the Sussex Heights birds are the proud parents of another three females.
The sex of the three youngsters was established when Graham Roberts of the Sussex Ornithological Society ringed
the birds at their rooftop abode at the age of three weeks. The coloured rings will identify the birds when they
set up breeding territories of their own.
"The Brighton peregrines have shown unusual consistency", said Graham, "but we don't think this
is anything other than coincidence, although it will be interesting to see if this trend continues in years to
come".
While Graham was ringing the youngsters, he also took a feather sample from each bird for DNA analysis which will
provide their own genetic fingerprint. This means that each individual can be identified should they ever be illegally
taken from the wild.
Andrew South of the RSPB's south east office said: "The young peregrines are progressing well and look fit
and healthy. We've every hope that these birds should fledge successfully at the end of June".
For further information, contact:
Andrew South, RSPB Public Affairs Officer, South East England (Tel: 01273 763610)
Graham Roberts, Sussex Ornithological Society, (Work Tel: 01243 777100/Home Tel: 01705 374790).
Additional Notes:
1. The Sussex Ornithological Society provided the nestbox at the top of Sussex Heights in March 1998, and a pair
of peregrine falcons began nesting within days. They successfully raised two young females.
2. In 1999, four eggs hatched, but one of the young birds died after a few days during a cold spell of weather.
However, three females fledged successfully.
3. Peregrine falcons have recovered from near extinction in the south of England following years of persecution
and pesticide poisoning in the 1950s and 1960s. They were extinct from Sussex as a breeding bird between 1955 and
1990. There are still only a handful of pairs in Sussex, and their population remains vulnerable.
Saturday 24 June 2000
The following request for help has been received from Vivienne Loesch about Burley or Burleigh wood in Crawley, asking if anyone has any local knowledge of this apparently threatened wood. She says:
Burley (Burleigh?) Wood, Pounds Hill, Crawley is mentioned in the Domesday Book, & incorporates remnants of Ancient Woodland. In the early - mid 1990s the County Council got it earmarked for 'community development' (eg a school), & as such it was designated in the Crawley Unitary Development Plan.
Now Laing want to build 24 executive homes on it, razing all the wood except a few older trees. They are applying to Crawley Council for a Departure from the UDP use of community development.
Local residents are trying to save the wood. Most would really prefer to see it get some kind of protected status - Local Nature Reserve perhaps?
So I wondered if there are any local ornithologists who have knowledge of the wood & what birds it supports, or who might like to help by having a look? Or who might like to send objections to development plans to Crawley council & MP or local councillors?
Local contact is (her home backs on the wood): Lisa Horsell lisahorsell@hotmail.com
Or I am on 020 7495 1449 (daytime best)
Many thanks
Vivienne Loesch
(I live in London, but my son, who died last year, used to love walking in that wood, so I would love to see it saved from any development)
Saturday 24 June 2000
Med Gull and 3 Little Egrets in Pagham Hbr and 2 Green Sandpipers on Sidlesham Ferry
Wednesday 21 June 2000
Some notes from Cliff Dean for 18 June 2000:
Ashes Wood (Netherfield/Battle)
This is a varied and attractive wood, with a small stream running through it and stands of mature Scots Pine and
Oak, as well as lots of scrub well-populated with Garden Warblers.
It runs down to a wealden stream valley with alders, meadows and an old mill pond. The surrounding small meadows
have about a foot of soil over solid Ashdown Sand and are enclosed by tall, unkempt hedges. In sunday's heat it
was most reminiscent of Normandy bocage.
Willow Tit: pair collecting food from trunk of mossy Ash. These birds are hard to find now.
Redpoll: 2+ in Birch scrub - these are also very scarce now in this area.
Siskin: 3 > SW. Doing what? Local breeders? Post-breeding dispersal from elsewhere??
Grey Wagtail: male singing on garages at Beech Mill Farm. Also a Spotted Flycatcher there (well,
how many do you know of this year?)
Hobby: 1 in trees by Pond Bay. (Another?) later soaring over the Eatenden Lane ridge, Mountfield. (Yet another?)
in the evening flying across the road at Telham. These birds, unlike those above, are becoming two-a-penny.
Darwell Wood
Nightjar: probably 4 singing, but not so conveniently close as at Battle Great Wood, though the site is
quieter.
Also Woodcock(s) and a few Glow-worms.
Pett
At the end of last week I saw 2 LS Woodpeckers in my garden. They were the first I'd seen all year! They
often turn up about now, here or in Winchelsea, from unknown breeding sites.
Sunday 18 June 2000
Friday evening 16 June
Ashdown Forest
Track from "Long" car park on A22
2030-2100
2 Dartford Warblers flitting between gorse bushes.
Track from "Hollies" car park, near Nutley
2130-2230
Woodcocks roding
Nightjars churring
One seen briefly flying over us from copse.
Tom Howard-Jones
Saturday 17 June 2000
Common Buzzard over the A23 at Wykeshurst Park, Warninglid
News for 16th June 2000
A Black Kite over Brighton at 5.00pm
On 13th a Clouded Yellow in Burgess Hill
Saturday 17 June 2000
April and May news from Pagham Hbr:
APRIL
WILLOW WARBLER - 1ST RECORD OF 1 AT CHURCH NORTON ON 1ST , 4 ON THE 5TH , 20+ AT CHURCH NORTON ON 13TH , 200+ ON 14TH
FIRECREST - 1 (CHURCH NORTON) ON 1ST
AVOCETS - 3 FROM 1ST - 16TH , 2 ON 18TH
GREEN SANDPIPER - 1-4 ALL MONTH
BLACK TAILED GODWITS - PEAK C210 NORTH FIELDS ON 5TH , 96 ON FERRY POOL ON 19TH
SPOTTED REDSHANK - 2 ON 2ND AND 9TH , ONE STILL PRESENT INTO MAY
WHEATEAR (VERY POOR SPRING) - PEAK COUNTS 6 ON 1ST , 5 ON 16TH, 6 ON 24TH AND 25TH
RING OUZEL - MALE IN HORSES FIELD (CHURCH NORTON) ON 2ND , ONE AT THE SEVERALS ON 16TH, ONE AT CHURCH NORTON ON
23RD
PURPLE SANDPIPER - 1 ON PAGHAM SPIT ON 2ND
SAND MARTIN - 27 (FERRY POOL) ON 4TH
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - 2 (FERRY POOL) ON 4TH AND 5TH (VERY POOR SPRING)
LITTLE EGRET - 10 (NORTH FIELDS) ON 4TH AND 5TH
KENTISH PLOVER - 8TH AND 9TH
REDSTART - TWO MALES ON 9TH , SINGLES FROM 10TH - 25TH
PIED FLYCATCHER - 1 MALE ON 14TH (VISITOR CENTRE), ONE AT CHURCH NORTON ON 20TH, PAIR AT CN ON 21ST
PEREGRINE - 2 ON 14TH
REED WARBLER - 1ST RECORD 1 ON 14TH
WHITETHROAT - 30+ ON 14TH
SAKER (ASSOCIATING WITH PEREGRINE) ON 15TH 20TH AND 27TH
NIGHTINGALE - ONE ON 15TH
SEDGE WARBLER - 1ST RECORD ONE ON BREECH POOL (NORTH WALL)
GREENSHANK - 1ST ON FERRY POOL ON 19TH
SHORT-EARED OWL - ONE, WEST SIDE, 19TH- 20TH , TWO ON 23RD , ONE ON 24TH
YELLOW WAGTAIL - 1ST AT SEVERALS ON 19TH,
CUCKOO - 1ST ON 19TH,
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - ONE AT CHURCH NORTON ON 21ST
OSPREY - ONE OVER HARBOUR ON 21ST
GARDEN WARBLER - 1ST RECORD ONE ON 22ND
LESSER WHITETHROAT - 1ST RECORD ONE ON 22ND
SWIFT - 1ST RECORD ON 30TH
TURTLE DOVE - 1ST RECORD ON 30TH
BLACK-WINGED STILT - 2 ON 30TH ON FERRY POOL
BEE-EATER - ONE ON 30TH AT CHURCH NORTON
MARSH SANDPIPER - ON AFTERNOON OF 23RD
HOBBY - 1ST RECORD ON 23RD
KITTIWAKE - I JUV. ON 24TH
WHINCHAT - ONE ON 25TH AND 26TH (VERY POOR SPRING)
MONTAGU'S HARRIER - ONE ON 30TH
MAY
RED KITE - BIRD WITH YELLOW WING TAG ON EACH WING SEEN OVER FERRY FIELD ON 3RD
GREENSHANK - PEAK OF 26 ON FERRY POOL ON 5TH
AVOCET - 2 RETURNED ON 4TH - 5TH .ONE ON 20TH.
COMMON SAND - PEAK OF 14 ON 5TH
SPOTTED REDSHANK - ONE STILL PRESENT ON 5TH
WHINCHAT - ONE ON 5TH AND 6TH , TWO ON 13TH
TEMMINCK'S STINT - 2 ON 6TH, ONE ON 7TH - 9TH - FERRY POOL
GARGANEY - MALE ON NORTH WALL FROM 6TH - 13TH
WOOD SANDPIPER - ONE ON NORTH WALL ON 6TH
LITTLE STINT - 2 ON FERRY POOL ON 7TH AND 8TH
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - 2 ON FERRY POOL ON 11TH , ONE ON NORTH WALL ON 15TH
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL - MALE AT CHURCH NORTON ON 13TH
HONEY BUZZARD - ONE OVER ON 13TH , ONE ON 15TH
GOLDEN ORIOLE - ONE AT CHURCH NORTON (MALE) ON 14TH
PAINTED LADIES - AT LEAST 6 IN FROM THE SEA ON 17TH
BEE-EATER - ONE AT CHURCH NORTON ON 21ST
SAKER - SEEN AGAIN WITH PEREGRINE ON 22ND AND 24TH
Thursday 15 June 2000
The Woodchat still present in Sheepcote Valley - in the elms on the east side of the cricket pitch this morning. Up to 7 Clouded Yellows there recently.
A White Stork flew NNW over Arundel WWT at 12.35pm
Wednesday 14 June 2000
The Woodchat Shrike present all day at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton.
The reported Trumpeter Finch in Eastbourne is a Waxbill species.
Tuesday 13 June 2000
A Woodchat Shrike this evening at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton until 8.30pm at least frequenting the grassy bank to the east of the cricket pavillion.
The Montagu's Harrier still at Rye Hbr this morning
On 11th a Nightjar at Riverside Park, Horley perched on a fence post midday at least.
Monday 12 June 2000
The bird in an Eastbourne garden, reported as a Trumpeter Finch was still present yesterday - escaped cage bird has not been ruled out. More details will follow as soon as I know more.
At Rye Hbr today 1st yr female Montagu's Harrier still + Marsh Harrier and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. The Purple Heron was still present at Castle Water roost on 10th.
At Pagham 5 Clouded Yellows on the west side + several Painted Ladies. Also at the weekend additional Clouded Yellows as follows: 2 at Arundel, 2 at Mill Hill, Shoreham, 1 at Truleigh Hill and 1 at Mount Caburn
Sunday 11 June 2000
News for 10th June 2000
A Squacco Heron at Pett Level from 1.30pm until early evening at least. Some notes from Cliff Dean:
In case you didn't already know, there's been a SQUACCO HERON
at Pett Pools today. I had been out in the woods till 6, and just happened to come back by way of the level, where
I found a crowd of birders on the skyline all peering into rushes slong the Old Fleet - the ditch which runs between
the pools. The bird was secreted in there and luckily flitted across to the other side soon afterwards, where it
sat for rather a long time just showing as a buffish patch behind waving juncus. On occasions it stretched its
head up a bit so you could make out the streaky effect and bluish bill, but it was rather unsatisfactory.
However.....I returned about 6.30 and after a bit more skulking, it suddenly flew up and along the back of the
pools, illuminated by beautiful evening sunshine, circled over the cattle then perched most handsomely on top of
a bush for a few seconds before helpful crows saw it off again, after which it vanished into denser reed at the
back of the pool.
A new bird for Pett Level, and rather a fashionable colour I thought, that drab sandy/khaki plus pure white. GAP
maybe.
4 Hobbies over Powdermill Res @ 15:00.
Hobby attacking sparrows in Burgess Hill
Also an influx of Clouded Yellows including 1 in Chichester, 4 at Pagham (1 helice) and 3+ at Goring
News for 9th June 2000
A report of a male Trumpeter Finch feeding in gardens in Eastbourne with a sparrow flock on seed - present for several days.
Recent sightings from Rye Hbr:
Pectoral Sandpiper - one on Quarry from Sunday until Wednesday, no sign since
Little Egret - 2 last night behind Bournes. Up to six in last week
Green Sandpiper - first returning bird at Castle Water last night
Hobby - two usually hawking insects behind Bourne's at dusk
Common Sandpiper - one today
Marsh Harrier on 8th
Sunday 11 June 2000
I managed to find a Bee-eater today while dipping on the Squacco Heron. It flew over quite close at the east end of Pannel Valley Reserve, Icklesham but unfortunalely continued on west and didn't linger. Also there Hobby, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 LRP + 2 Clouded Yellows and 2 Painted Ladies.
Thursday 08 June 2000
No sign today of the Pectoral Sandpiper at Rye Hbr just 1 Dunlin, it was still there yesterday.
News for 7th June 2000
A Red-backed Shrike at Mill Hill, Shoreham on the east side of the road but not located at 2.15pm
From Cliff Dean:
Nightjar at Footlands Wood last night from 21:40. Near car park -easy to hear but erratic.
Suitable clearing checked at Barne's Wood but none there.
Woodcock roding in both places.
Corn Bunting at Pett this morning by RM Canal - flew off W
Teal 7 Pannel scrape
Hobby regular over Winchelsea
News for 6th June 2000
An out of place flock of 10 Wood Larks came out of the fog calling at Palace Pier, Brighton and rapidly disappeared (R Ives)
Also several sightings recently of a singing Black Redstart in Brighton
Monday 05 June 2000
A Pectoral Sandpiper on the Quarry pool at Rye Hbr which is the area to the east of the Ternery Pool. One Little Stint still on the Ternery Pool.
Monday 05 June 2000
News for 4th June 2000
A Black Kite on Ashdown Forest 08.55 - 9.25 then flew NW towards East Grinstead.
From Cliff Dean:
Dearth of news recently. Bird Guides Online has been blank for days, next to nothing on SOS news.......surely
someone is seeing some birds??? Not me though - I've been busy elsewhere eg dodging the rain.
However I have had some interesting walks around the quiet and remote-feeling Three Oaks/Maxfield/Doleham/Lidham
area, where traditional thick hedges, small fields and woods harbour good numbers of yellowhammers, linnets, whitethroats,
skylarks, turtle doves etc. Rather curious is a Yellow Wagtail which seems to have a territory in young
wheat off Fouteen Acre Lane, at the end of the brickfields (843153). They're not usually found away from the marshes,
and these days are hard to find even there.
I scanned the wires for any sign of last year's Red-footed Falcon but..........
On a short walk at Sedlescombe yesterday, I was surprised to find a pair of Siskins in the pines on the
W side of the clearing at 793200. This species appears to have begun breeding in Sussex in just the last few years,
so it's possible that they are now moving into our area. There are large numbers at Sedlecombe until mid-April,
many singing and displaying, after which they move off pretty sharply
The Cetti's Warbler was still singing at Toot Rock the other day.
Robin H. Has seen a Nightjar at Footlands Wood, just down from the car-park.
News from 3rd June 2000
Blackham, NE Sussex; adult Raven (moulting secondaries) soaring over at 1000hrs for 5 mins , then drifted off SW. Bill Harvey
News from 2nd June 2000
20 Common Scoter off Palace Pier
Friday 02 June 2000
Rye Harbour sightings for May 2000
Bird of the month was the Cattle Egret found on the evening of 16th, roosting in trees on the cormorant island at Castle Water. It returned to roost here on subsequent evenings until at least 25th, heading out to an area of sheep grazed pasture across the River Rother during the day time. Little Egret had become scarce, with the last noted on 14th. A Purple Heron was present around Castle Water and Narrow Pit (10th & 15th-17th). It was briefly in view at the same time as the Cattle Egret (16th) at the same site as both species were seen together in April 1998!
Other scarce migrants included three Garganey (5th) and a summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe (9th & 15th). A good month for raptors with a Honey Buzzard over the Beach Reserve (6th), Marsh Harrier on three dates, ringtail Hen Harrier (5th) and a regular immature female Montagu’s Harrier which frequented the Beach Reserve intermittently (8th-14th). Peregrine was observed on three dates. An Arctic Skua was offshore (26th), two immature Little Gulls were seen on three dates and Black Tern was noted on four dates. A Wryneck at Narrow Pit (11th) was a good spring record, although a Firecrest in the wood (3rd) was more predictable.
A colourful selection of summer plumaged waders passed through in good numbers during the first half of the month, with notable numbers of Grey Plover, Knot and Greenshank (peaks of 21, 39 and 30 respectively). The Whimbrel roost held up to 330 birds (1st) and Bar-tailed Godwit also peaked at 330 (3rd). Scarcer waders included Avocet on five dates (max. 3, 7th), Little Stint (9th & 12th), a Spotted Redshank (3rd & 4th) and Wood Sandpiper (7th & 8th).
Many of our shingle plant species burst in to colour including Sea Kale, Ivy-leaved Toadflax, Yellow-horned Poppy and Red Valerian. Salsify also opened up its flowers (in the mornings only!) near Lime Kiln Cottage and Alexanders, Black Mustard and Dove’s-foot Cranesbill remained prominent. Many dragonflies and damselflies emerged including our two scarcest species – Variable Damselfly and Hairy Dragonfly, in addition to Four-spotted Chaser. A Brimstone butterfly (7th) was a notable sighting, but Small Copper, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip were more commonly encountered. Searches by a visiting coleopterist yielded records of several rare beetle species including the first local record of Licinus punctatulus. This 15mm long black, snail-eating ground beetle lives under stones in just a few parts of southern Britain. Three Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen offshore (6th).
Further details of the Nature Reserve can also be found on the Internet at:
www:yates.clara.net
Friday 02 June 2000
Lots of Adonis Blues currently on Mill Hill and Beeding Hill north of Shoreham. Also Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus and 1 Painted Lady.
Friday 02 June 2000
Some sightings from Bill Harvey in NE Sussex:
Untagged, subadult Red Kite low east over Frant then high north over Tunbridge Wells 29 May
Churring Nightjar in Broadwater Forest 28 May
Brood of nine very small Mandarins with female and 2 males on Holtye pond 30 May
Wednesday 31 May 2000
A first summer Glaucous Gull at Combe Haven this afternoon - also gets on nearby Pebsham tip. Also 2 Little Egrets there at midday.
Tuesday 30 May 2000
News for 29th May 2000
A male Red-backed Shrike at Castle Water, Rye Hbr in bushes by iron gate 400 yards from Harbour Rd.
Monday 29 May 2000
News for 27th May 2000
A Marsh Harrier hunting over floods at Etchingham Station
Saturday 27 May 2000
Yesterday (26th) one Pomarine Skua E at Selsey Bill in the afternoon. A few Manx Shearwaters during the week at Brighton Marina.
Friday 26 May 2000
Yesterday an Osprey low east over Frant towards Bayham 1000hrs. Also an Osprey at Selsey Bill on 24th
Thursday 25 May 2000
At Selsey Bill today a summer-plumaged White-winged Black Tern E at 9.30am, 2 Roseate Terns, 3 Black Terns, 210 Commic Terns and 105 Sandwich Terns + G N Diver
Wednesday 24 May 2000
From Des & Lyta Nulty news of their orphan starlings:
Released Starlings late afternoon Friday 12th May. Having moved them from make-shift pen to large cage, we decided
that they could not progress any further whilst being so restricted. We fed them before letting them go, and they
flew or rather fluttered into trees at the bottom of the garden. We had to go out that evening, and after a 60mile
round trip we dashed back before it became too dark in the hope that they would come and be fed again, however
if they were still in the trees they were not letting on. Early saturday morning three very hungry Starlings came
to be fed, later I saw one of our Starlings tagging along with a strange adult Starling, and I have fed only two
babies since then. By the end of the weekend their flying had improved considerably and efforts were being made
to peck for food themselves. Last week they went from strength to strength and have begun to use the bird table.
I think we are still their main source of food, since letting them go we just have to tap their saucer of food
with the tweezers and they come swooping in, very rarely does one bird come on it's own, they are incredibly close
almost like twins and copy whatever the other one does. They are a constant source of amusement, especially in
the morning if I'm not out feeding them as early as they would like I'm usually well and truly told off.
I'm not sure if the neighbours have seen me crawling around the lawn trying to teach them to look for insects,
but if they have I suspect I'm a source of amusement as well. They have been particularly hungry this week, I think
it may be that the wet weather we are having has prevented them looking after themselves as their feathers are
not very waterproof yet. I think they are also very intelligent, they certainly know which house to come to, last
week I returned from the supermarket laden with carrier bags and struggled to let myself in with a bird on my head
and one on my shoulder. Our major concern has been cats although we own one ourselves she rarely goes out. We have
taken to keeping an old washing-up liquid bottle filled with water to hand. At the first sign of a local moggie
we go hurtling up the garden squirting like mad, confirming to the neighbours that we have lost it completely!
Wednesday 24 May 2000
The IT Dept at Buckingham University has donated 4 PCs to the SOS for whatever use we like. They are not exactly state of the art but are perfectly serviceable for word processing or entering records. Anyone interested in having a PC and prepared to capture some records or do some Word Processing for the SOS should contact John Newnham, phone 01903-247596 or email jnewnham@bigfoot.com
Tuesday 23 May 2000
Colin Law is unavailable till 19th June. Please send all items for the web site to Tony Wilson until then.
Tuesday 23 May 2000
A ringtail Montagu's Harrier in off the sea at Goring early afternoon
A summer plumaged Black Guillemot W at Selsey Bill at 2.40pm. Also there a Pom Skua flew W and then back E + 2 Arctic Skuas
News for 22nd May from Chris Phillips:
An Osprey flew West over Brighton town centre at 16.40 on Monday 22/5/00.
It passed within 200 yards of the Peregrine nestbox on Sussex Heights, and
was energetically mobbed by both Peregrines. Seen by myself and John Reaney.
and from David Harper:
Montagu’s Harrier. Adult male cruising low over crops, West Sussex, 22 May.
Hobby. Road accident, Adur Valley, yearling [born 1999], 23 May. Extremely poor body condition. Better news
in East Sussex where six territories estimated for Martin Kelahar’s survey in two 10-km squares, although several
straddle square borders.
Little Owl. Road accident, near Hastings in 10-km square with no records in Birds of Sussex, 11 May. Adult
[hatched 1998 or before], sex unknown,
Tawny Owl. Three more road victims, all sadly fully adult [hatched 1998 or before] and thus likely breeders.
One from tetrad with no records in 1988-92 Atlas [and in 10-km square with perplexingly few]; other two on same
stretch of road:
Male, between Hailsham and Eastbourne on A22, 30 April.
Female, at Green Street south of Southwater on A272, 14 May.
Male, between Hailsham and Eastbourne on A22, 20 May.
Tuesday 23 May 2000
From the Newsletter Editor, Richard Ives:
The Newsletter which should arrive very soon has the following articles: the latest sightings in Sussex, review
of the recent field outings, letters and comments, a review of the Pagham Harbour report, an obituary for a leading
light in Sussex ornithology: Grahame des Forges, a plea for help on numerous committees & for details on rare
birds recorded in Sussex last year. A 12 page summer special.
Tuesday 23 May 2000
The Cattle Egret still present in the cormorant roost from 7.10pm last night.
Marsh Harrier in off the sea at Church Norton on 20th
Monday 22 May 2000
Information on events to be held at the Rye Harbout Nature Reserve during May and June
Mon 29th May Camber Castle Wildlife And History. A circular walk around part of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Meet at Brede Lock car park (TQ919198) at 10am return about 1pm. Charge of £1.
Sat 10th June Birding With John Gooders. Come bird watching with the well known author of many bird books. Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre. 10am to 1pm. Donation to the Friends or RYe Harbour.
Sat 17th June Orchids And Other Flowers Of Castle Water. It is Wildlife Week. A circular walk looking at the flowers of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, including Camber Castle. Meet at Brede Lock car park (TQ919198) at 2pm return about 5pm. Charge of £1.
Monday 22 May 2000
News from Graham Roberts that still pictures from the Peregrine nest box on Sussex Heights, Brighton are on
show at www.videorepeater.co.uk/peregrine
We hope next year to have live video from the box (assuming the birds co-operate of course).
Sunday 21 May 2000
An Osprey over Saltdean at 15.45 this afternoon
Sunday 21 May 2000
At Church Norton a Bee-eater again between 9.00 and 9.24am
News for 20th May 2000
A Montagu's Harrier still at Rye Hbr and the Cattle Egret again at Castle Water in the evening
Saturday 20 May 2000
The first breeding pair of Egyptian Geese with 4 young at Shipley near Horsham. Take the path thro Shipley churchyard to view the birds by the bridge over the stream.
Common Buzzard over Hangleton at 9.30am
Thursday 18 May 2000
The Cattle Egret was at Rye Hbr again until 6.50am when it flew to sheep pasture by Camber Rd but elusive in ditches (TQ945197)
Wednesday 17 May 2000
At Rye Hbr this evening Cattle Egret til dusk in the Cormorant roost at Castle Water also Purple Heron til 7.20pm when it flew off NE.
Wednesday 17 May 2000
At Rye Hbr the Cattle Egret still in the Cormorant roost at 6.00am but not late morning, the Purple Heron still present 10.30am also drake Garganey in fields to the NW.
Tuesday 16 May 2000
At Rye Hbr aCattle Egret in the Castle Water roost at 9.15pm and a Purple Heron at 9.05pm
Monday 15 May 2000
From Graham Roberts the latest news from the Peregrine nest box on Sussex Heights in Brighton is that
all three eggs have now hatched. The first hatched in the afternoon of Friday
12th May & the other two by the end of Saturday 13th May. (Two chicks & one egg
present at 0540 hrs on Saturday 13th).
Monday 15 May 2000
Please note that there was an error in the item on the Green Bird Race shown for 8th May (now corrected). It gave Steve Diserens address (for returning results to) as 42 Russel Row, Lewes, the correct address is 52 Russel Row, Lewes. Apologies are due to the residents of number 42 as they have no doubt been swamped by incomprehensible communications relating to brightly coloured birds involved in some sort of athletic competition.
Monday 15 May 2000
News for 14th May 2000
A Golden Oriole briefly at Church Norton
A probable Honey Buzzard over Worthing at 09.40 (Raymond Woollard)
A ringtail Montagu's Harrier still at Rye Hbr. Aslo there a Nightjar reported by the Martello tower, Marsh Harrier and Little Egret
Bird Race news from Cliff Dean:
Team: Messrs Buttle, Dean, Trowell & Yates
Score: 114 species
Mileage: c.13
Sites & times: Pett circular (on foot) 05.00-13.30: 97spp; Rye Harbour (on bike) 18.00-21.00: +17spp.
More interesting species: s/p Black-throated Diver (only Completely Unexpected Species), Little Egret, Garganey,
Marsh Harrier, Cetti's Warbler.
Conspicuous dips: Montagu's Harrier
Birds of Shame: Marsh Tit, Tree Sparrow.
Heart-stopping Dramas: c.1 hour wasted in attempts to catch sight of mysterious warbler singing from dense birch
scrub in woodland clearing. (It was a Sedge W.)
General verdict: The weather was good, though a bit foggy in the morning. Everyone felt virtuous at a) having kept
the mileage to a minimum and the transport mostly green b) knowing the sites well enough to find nearly all of
the birds on offer.
Dean family regretted lack of duty-free goods which usually accompany heroic French birding day-trips
Saturday 13 May 2000
A note from John Newnham:
I have recently received an invitation (to be extended to anyone interested in the SOS) to attend a Sea Watch Foundation Meeting (Sussex Regional Group) at the The Brighton Sea Life Centre on 20th May from 10.00am until about 1600hrs. The Sea Watch group is not what 'birders' immediately think of but a meeting called by the county's cetacean recorder and the programme includes an introduction to the work on cetaceans in Sussex, a project on Bottle-nosed Dolphins in the Channel; an overview of Sussex dolphin sightings and items labelled 'Education programme' and 'future projects'. There is no charge but no lunch is provided.
The contact is Stephen Savage, 51 Eastbrook Road, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 1LN (01273-424339) and he needs to know if anyone is interested in going by Tues 16th May.
If anyone would like to go (or knows of anyone who would interested) please either contact Stephen directly or let me know soon.
The Sea Watch Foundation has a website : - www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
Saturday 13 May 2000
From Cliff Dean
For those of you enquiring about my 101 score last Sunday, the 96 species seen in the morning were over a 10km/7mile circular route from my door, the whole journey undertaken on foot. I have to admit that I used the car to nip down to the beach and Pannel for the last 5 sp. in the evening. It wasn't the birds that wore me down, it was spending the afternoon in wacky Brighton with my darling children.
Saturday 13 May 2000
Marek Walford has provided a description of his teams bird race with 108 species
Saturday 13 May 2000
At Beachy Head a Bee-eater heard 4 times in fog early morning S of the wood. A male Golden Oriole singing at the top of Whitbread Hollow before flying off N and a singing Wood Warbler in Belle Tout Wood. Also in the area Common Buzzard, Spot Fly, Turtle Doves, Garden Warblers, Whinchat and Nightingale
At Seaford one Roseate Tern, 2 Garganey (on the sea before flying east) and 1 Arctic Skua between 6 and 9.
A Garganey at Shinewater, Eastbourne
News for12 May 2000
A Night Heron roosting on rocks in Brighton Marina until 4.00pm when it got flushed off, then seen over Sheepcote Valley and Roedean before settling in an inaccessable area of gardens (not viewable) in Ovingdean. It finally flew off W at 9.05pm.
News for 11th May 2000
From Dick Read:
Pulborough Brooks
2 Hobby over North Brooks
1 Male Peregrine over North Brooks
1 Male Pochard on North Brooks
1 LRP North brooks
1 Common Sandpiper North Brooks
1 Dunlin on North Brooks
1 ESC Bar-Headed Goose with Canada Geese on North and South Brooks
14 Greenshank on South Brooks and a few on the North Brooks
Thursday 11 May 2000
A probable Short-toed Eagle in off the sea at Church Norton 2.30 - 2.40 when it flew off NE - no further sightings.
Update from Dick Gilmore at Splash Point:
Things have been quieter since the weekend, with 23 Black Terns, 471 Commic Terns, and two very close summer-plumaged
Black-throated Divers on the sea being the main features of Monday.
Wayne's last session on Tuesday morning, before he returned to Guernsey, was rewarded by 29 Shelduck, 212 Common
Scoter, 6 Poms, 5 Arctic and 1 Great Skua, 258 Commics and a sprinkling of waders and hirundines. Today (Wednesday)
we saw no Skuas, but Gannet (48), Grey Plover (38), Barwit (94) and Commic Terns (300) were above average. Little
Terns seem to be drying up, and there were no more Black Terns.
Wednesday 10 May 2000
At Coombehaven no sign of the Woodchat but a female Red-footed Falcon present between 7.25 and 9.05am
A Purple Heron flew over Castle Water, Rye Hbr at 2.30pm
News for 9th May 2000
An adult Long-tailed Skua past Brighton Marina at 6.54pm
Wednesday 10 May 2000
Sightings from Paul Troake for Rye Harbour
Tue 9 May
Montagu's Harrier - 1st-yr female hunting between Ternery Pool and Wader Pool throughout morning.
Black Tern - 2 Ternery Pool
Little Stint - 1, Quarry
Greenshank - flock of c. 30 over Long Pit
Black-necked Grebe - 1 summer plumaged on Long Pit
Hobby - daily bird now
Peregrine
Mon 8 May
Monty - 1st-yr female on Beach Reserve most of day
Knot - 17 colourful birds on Wader Pool, high tide.
Wood Sandpiper - 1, Quarry
Sun 7 May
Little Gull - 2 1st-yrs, Ternery Pool
Wood Sandpiper - 1, Castle Water
Avocet - 3, beach
Wednesday 10 May 2000
News of the orphan Starlings one Week on from Des and Lyta Nulty
Pleased to say they are really flourishing, we can almost watch them growing. Raising young wild birds is not
at all exceptional, I'm sure as I write many people are doing the same, I didn't expect to receive so much enjoyment.
Minced Beef, chopped egg, and meal worms go down a treat, but cat food isn't a favourite (I wonder why!) They now
have the majority of their feathers, and their beaks are becoming dark. We have made a makeshift pen in the garden,
which is not yet cat and carrion proof, into which they go under guard during the day, however they don't appear
to like being returned to
their box in the evening, and look decidedly cross. The pen has perches in, and one starling has fluttered up to
the lowest one and balanced precariously there for a few seconds. We added a large saucer of water thinking that
they might get the hang of bathing, but one baby managed to scoop the water up and tip his head back and continued
this, that we feared he might eventually become waterlogged so temporarily removed the saucer. There isn't much
inclination to peck the ground, so until they show signs of looking for food for themselves, and are able to fly,
I must keep them a bit
longer. I guess they are about 18-20 days old.
Tuesday 09 May 2000
News for 8th May 2000
A Black Kite at Coombe haven, between Bexhill and Hastings, at 10.00am drifted NE, also Osprey there at 7.55am and the Richard's Pipit reported there again early am
A 1st yr female Montagu's Harrier at Rye Hbr mid am to late pm.
Temminck's Stint still at Sidlesham Ferry 4.00pm + 2 Little Stints
Garganey still Pagham Hbr N Wall on flooded horsefield
Five Black Terns E at Worthing at 7.00am
News for 7th May 2000
Bee-eater briefly at Church Norton + female Serin
Tuesday 09 May 2000
Some bird news results:
Owen Mitchell's team managed 131 but commented on the lack of migrants
Bernie Forbes team saw 128
Cliff Dean managed 101 species just in the Pett area without seeing a Kestrel!
Marek Walford, Peter Whitcomb, Ian Lawes and Michael Wilsdon got 108 with the following being the highlights:
West Dean Woods:
2 Grasshopper Warblers reeling
Buzzard calling
Firecrest
Ambersham Common:
4 pairs of Stonechat
2 Woodlark
Dartford Warbler
Goshawk
Tree Pipit
Selsey Bill:
6+ Black Tern
Peregine in off the sea
Avocet
2 Great Northern Divers on the sea
Church Norton:
Red-breasted Merganser
2 Peregrines - One tussling with a Saker! (Probably. It was a lot bigger and
brown)
Little Egret
Swanbourne Lake:
Mandarin, Ruddy Duck
Pulborough:
6 singing Nightingale
2 LRP
Black-tailed Godwit
Wood Sand
Green-winged Teal
Please let me know your total if you took part in this year's birdrace
Tuesday 09 May 2000
A Woodchat Shrike at Coombehaven, which is between Bexhill and Hastings. From A259 use the car park by Bulverhythe rec ground and follow river N for 1.5 miles to view bushes opposite set-aside from iron bridge. Also there yesterday, a Black Kite at 10.00am, an Osprey at 7.55am and the Richard's Pipit reported again briefly.
At Rye Hbr a 1st yr female Montagu's Harrier on the reserve - also present there yesterday. Also a Black-necked Grebe on the Long Pit.
The Garganey still on floods at east end of North Wall, Pagham. This bird is paired with a female Wigeon which some observers believe to be American.
One Temminck's Stint still at Sidlesham Ferry + Blue-headed Wagtail at Church Norton
At Seaford 6 Poms, 5 Arctic Skuas and 4 Black Terns by 10.35
News for 8th May 2000
A Nightjar in off the sea at Brighton Marina at 6.25am
News for 7th May 2000
Bee-eater and female Serin both briefly at Church Norton
Monday 08 May 2000
STOP PRESS: First Sponsored Green Bird Race results now in. Not directly to do with parakeets or green finches, Steve Diserens & Richard Dales have steamrollered through last year's record of 79 with a stunning 85 species seen on Wednesday 3 May 2000. This was on a cold and dull day. Weather now excellent. We have thrown down the gauntlet: can any one do better than this?
The race rules:
* all travel must be by foot, cycle, or public transport - hence GREEN
* any day in May
* "driving to a nature reserve" is not in the spirit of it, even if you go by foot once there!!
* East & West Sussex
* All species must be either seen or heard by at least two of the team
* positive ids only - 'BB Gull' or 'a godwit' not acceptible
* Aim is an enjoyable day's birding, possible while raising some money, and without poisoning the birds you see
with car exhaust fumes!
* If not in Sussex, then benchmarking from elsewhere definitely of interest (eg: Lesbos, Simon?!)
* All results to either Steve at 52 Russel Row, Lewes, (note that this was originally shown incorrectly as 42)
or Richard at 41 Hawkhurst Road, Coldean, Brighton and we will collate and publish the results of your great day
out
Come on - if you're hard enough...
Richard Dales & Steve Diserens
Monday 08 May 2000
From Barry Yates and Paul Troake: Rye Harbour SSSI - April 2000
The highlights of the month included a male Kentish Plover roosting with Ringed Plovers on the sea bank at high tide (9th), a female at Wader Pool (23rd) and an adult/sub-adult Night Heron flushed from a large willow by the Wood (15th). Six Little Egrets were still present early in the month, although most departed by the month’s end. A drake Garganey flew east just offshore (9th), Velvet Scoter was offshore (19th & 25th), Avocets appeared on two dates, a Little Stint was on Camber Sands (19th) and Firecrests were fairly regular in the Wood.
Many commoner migrants arrived, first dates as follows: Hobby over Castle Farm (19th), Little Ringed Plover
over Castle Water (5th), Black-tailed Godwit over Narrow Pit (3rd), Whimbrel at Ternery Pool (8th), Greenshank
over the Beach Reserve (10th), Arctic Skua (3rd), nine Great Skuas (25th), Common Tern at Ternery Pool (1st), two
Little Terns at the river mouth (14th), Cuckoo at Narrow Pit (16th), three Swifts at Castle Water (23rd), Swallow
in off the sea (3rd), White Wagtail at Wader Pool (16th), Sedge
Warbler in song at Castle Water (2nd), Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat at Narrow Pit (20th), Whitethroat and
Blackcaps in/near the wood (11th) and five Willow Warblers (14th).
A few winter visitors were still evident including occasional Red-throated Diver offshore. Brent Geese were
still on the move early in the month (max. 54, 2nd), the last three Wigeon were at Castle Water (10th), a drake
Goldeneye remained at Long Pit until 17th, Red-breasted Mergansers were
regular offshore (max. 12, 22nd), a male Hen Harrier was at the Beach Reserve (7th), Merlin was regular until 23rd,
Green Sandpipers for most of the month and a Short-eared Owl was at Flat Beach (24th-26th).
Other wildlife included a variety of emerging butterflies such as Wall, Orange-tip and Small Copper. Many plant species began to flower such as Ivy-leaved Toadflax, Dovesfoot Cranesbill and Common Storksbill.
Monday 08 May 2000
News for 7th May 2000
The Cattle Egret in the Cuckmere Valley, after flying around with 3 Little Egrets, eventually flew high N at 11.15am - a LRP also there but no sign of the Temminck's Stints
Seawatching from Seaford as follows:
6th May - 18 Divers, 494 Common Scoter, 45 Grey Plover, 50 Knot, 54 Sanderling, 106 Dunlin, 236 Barwits, 170
Whimbrel, 22 Redshank (uncommon on a sea-watch), and a Purple sandpiper. 16 Poms, 11 Arctic Skuas, 3 Skua spp.,
1 Med Gull, 27 Little Gulls, 182 Sandwich, 2428 Commic, 92 Little and 18 Black Terns. We stopped counting Swallows
after 200, but there were also 10 Sand and 2 House Martins, 21(+) Swifts and 7 Yellow Wagtails. The Osprey and
Harrier you knew about: the interesting Statistic was the variety : over 50 species is a remarkable number for
a sea-watch.
Today was promising but less substantial. I think the SOS party with David Lack was well rewarded. With many terns
and waders seen but not counted this afternoon, the principal figures noted down were:
189 Common Scoter, 5 Pintail, 51 Sanderling, 20Dunlin, 50 Barwits, 37 Whimbrel, 11 Poms, 7 Arctic Skuas, 16 Little
Gulls, 30 Sandwich, 1115 Commic, 9 Little and 27 Black Terns. One, and later two more, Bottle-nosed Dolphins were
seen, and a small Bat (spp. ?) flew East over the sea.
