The Rare Breeding Birds Panel has updated the guidance on its website regarding the reporting of sensitive rare breeding birds during the breeding season – see here – and there is a blog here.

Please familiarise yourself with this advice. For Sussex, Marsh Harrier, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler should be treated in the same way. Although some breeding sites for the latter two species are quite well known, there could still be risks from drawing attention to breeding locations as a result of disturbance. Please report sightings of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the breeding season to Dr Ken Smith, see http://woodpecker-network.org.uk/.

Mark Mallalieu
County Recorder
18 April 2021