Two shags loafing on the curved concrete structures beyond the security gate at the far end of the west breakwater @ 3.00pm today.

At Steyning sewage plant a female Black Redstart for a while inside a bush beside a Chiffchaff and four Grey Wagtails the males now with black throats. In hedgerows were plenty of Long-tailed Tits, singing Chaffinches and a Treecreeper while a Little Owl was in a favoured spot, a Peregrine was on a pylon and a Red Kite was at Stretham bridge for twenty minutes early pm searching damp pasture and touching down on and near a rabbit carcass.

A Wheatear at Hope Gap, Seaford Head at midday today. Seen in the semi-scrub area on the far left of the gap, walking along the path that runs along the fence of the farmers grazing pastures.

The pair of Garganey was still present on the lagoon/flooded field to S of Dean's Farm this afternoon although they were hidden for a while in the reeds/overhanging trees. Thanks to DC for the tip off.

A Black-necked Grebe was present in Shoreham Harbour mouth (see attached photo) until 08.30 when it drifted out ot sea, altough it was still just off the W arm an hour later. Also 2 Purple Sandpipers, Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 31 Red-breasted Mergansers on the sea (many displaying) and 84 Brent Geese E. At Widewater a Black Redstart on the Beach just W of the beach huts and 16 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. An adult Mediterranean Gull in partial summer plumage was on the River Adur by the airfield at low tide.

There was a male Scaup on Ivy Lake on Monday 8th. Afraid its a bit late but thought it might be of interest.

Highlights in a 5 hour watch today were:- 7 Great Northern Divers offshore, 2 Sandwich Terns offshore which departed E, 22 Eider (inc flock of 18), a Black-throated Diver and 12 Tufted Duck E, plus lots of Red-breasted Mergansers moving about. The Black Redstart was still in the beach gardens.

Three White Wagtails on the beach at Atherington this afternoon. (Peter Coyston, Paul James & Andrew Killick).

Took a walk through Mewsbrook Park, Egyptian Goose still present although confining itself to the central island in the lake so no opportunity of reading the ring markings, also 1 male Tufted Duck with the resident Mallards, Coots and Moorhens, then onto the beach, along the low tide line were 4 Grey Plover, 1 Sanderling, 6 Ringed Plover, 15> Turnstone, 10> Oystercatchers, 2 Common Gulls, numerous Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Cormorants os and 1 Great Crested Grebe os.

I couldn't see whether the Egyptian goose at Slaugham yesterday was ringed or not, as it was swimming in the water. It showed no signs of being tame - it was across the far side of the lake, and after a while it took off and flew west.

Just a quick note on the apparent influx of Egyptian Geese in the west of the county. Firstly the bird which has been present at Mewsbrook is not the bird which had been seen at Southwater Country Park as this bird was not ringed. It would be very interesting if Barry or other observers could read the metal code on the ring and send it to me. I would then try and establish where the bird has come from. Helen's bird from Slaugham, I presume is the same bird we have had at the country park. It will be interesting to see if Helen noticed a ring. Pictures of the Southwater bird are on my blog at www.sussexnature.blogspot.com

Egyptian Goose, ringed, very tame, came right up to me for bread. Obviously used to being near people so probably an escapee. Perhaps it is the one seen by Helen Crabtree at Slaugham Pond on Friday 12th March?

A few black-tailed godwits and a little egret on the north brooks this morning amongst the usual waterfowl. Plenty wigeon, pintail, teal and shoveler remain. Crossbills (at least 20) still to be found on the heathland restoration areas. Water rail seen again today from Nettley's hide. A firecrest at Rackham plantation (per Mike Tucker).

Not 100% certain but whilst driving east on the A27 earlier today, I saw what looked very much like a hirudine dash quickly by, close to the bridge over the River Adur. Can't be certain but from the jizz very possible. Seems very early though?

An Egyptian goose today amongst greylags at Slaugham Mill Pond was an unusual addition to my WeBS list.

About 30 Bewick Swans on the water meadows beside the River Arun between Warningcamp and Wepham.

An hour or so in a damp, raw, variable (mostly westerly) wind saw some movement at last today - but not much! One Gannet, 4 diver sp, 4 Brent Geese and 56 Common Scoter flew E. On the sea were 2 Great Crested Grebes and 1 Red-throated Diver. Local Fulmars and Kittiwakes were back up to normal numbers.

I managed a 4 hr seawatch at the Bill this morning (Thursday) in a chilly NE wind. There was a little movement, the best being the first Sandwich Tern on passage; it came in from way out and eventually passed E quite close (there have been several loitering this winter, but I'm sure this was a 'proper' migrant in s/plum). Also seen heading E were: 25 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Curlew, 7 diver sp, 4 Red-throated Divers, 4 Gannets, 2 Common Scoters, 1 Eider and 2 auk sp, whilst a Black Redstart was showing well along the beach gardens.

Little Egret sighted flying just above tree level over the countryside centre at Buchan Country Park, Crawley (TQ245346) late morning - possibly the same bird reported over Broadfield. This was a first for me here. The other was a Woodcock flying low over the school grounds in Forest Row this evening at 19.00 (TQ417345). Always nice to be surprised.

A small flock of crests which included at least two Firecrests at Rackham Woods. Also showing well were Marsh and Coal Tits.