1999-2024 Celebrating 25 years of Birding
This is a significant year for Henfield Birdwatch as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. We are looking forward to an exciting year of activities – all of which are free for members!
There are walks and talks going on all year. Keep an eye on the Events for Members section, join the Facebook Group and look out for the Newsletters for more information.
Henfield is a great place for birds and people!
Welcome to the Henfield Birdwatch website. We are a group with an interest in birds and wildlife in general. We welcome people whatever their birding knowledge. We have group walks, talks, meet regularly for lunch and some people like to share their sightings online.
We aim to ensure that Henfield remains a great place for birds and some of our members like to become more involved by
- regularly surveying and monitoring the local bird population and species
- helping Henfield residents to be aware of our local birds and how to help them flourish
If this sounds interesting and you would like to join us you would be warmly welcomed.
Latest Sightings
Ringtail reported
A ringtail Hen Harrier reported from Long Field Thursday afternoon.
Will Green, 30th May 2024 31st May 2024
Ringtail reported
A ringtail Hen Harrier reported from Long Field Thursday afternoon.
Will Green, 30th May 2024 31st May 2024
Latest Sightings
Downslink Nightingale
Heard one singing about 150 yards north of the guide hut yesterday when out for a walk with family.
Val Bentley, 29th May 2024 31st May 2024
Downslink Nightingale
Heard one singing about 150 yards north of the guide hut yesterday when out for a walk with family.
Val Bentley, 29th May 2024 31st May 2024
Latest Sightings
Monday's Big Bird Bash
A lovely evening and an enthusiastic group of 14 met at Woods Mill last night and enjoyed a great walk around Woods Mill, up the Mill Stream to the Downs Link and witnessed a wonderful sunset from Stretham Manor. Undoubtedly the highlight was seeing the Turtle Dove along the Mill Stream which was obliging enough…
Monday's Big Bird Bash
A lovely evening and an enthusiastic group of 14 met at Woods Mill last night and enjoyed a great walk around Woods Mill, up the Mill Stream to the Downs Link and witnessed a wonderful sunset from Stretham Manor. Undoubtedly the highlight was seeing the Turtle Dove along the Mill Stream which was obliging enough…
Latest Sightings
Sunday Big Bird Bash
All 10 of us embarked upon our two mile return trip and finished the trek with more than a few birds. We covered many other topics such as botanical references, perhaps too many profound political references and some excellent conversation.
We identified 36 species and I submit them for your approval and true…
Sunday Big Bird Bash
All 10 of us embarked upon our two mile return trip and finished the trek with more than a few birds. We covered many other topics such as botanical references, perhaps too many profound political references and some excellent conversation.
We identified 36 species and I submit them for your approval and true…
Latest Sightings
Big Bird Bash walk
This morning was nice and sunny. I was Joined by Lily, Kate, Mary, Alan, Val and Ezio, whilst Ann Joined us as we passed her house. We managed 28 species, mostly by sound.
There were a few common Whitethroat, and one lesser Whitethroat. Plus all the songsters, Blackcap, Blackbird etc.
Sadly no view of the…
Big Bird Bash walk
This morning was nice and sunny. I was Joined by Lily, Kate, Mary, Alan, Val and Ezio, whilst Ann Joined us as we passed her house. We managed 28 species, mostly by sound.
There were a few common Whitethroat, and one lesser Whitethroat. Plus all the songsters, Blackcap, Blackbird etc.
Sadly no view of the…
Latest Sightings
Big Bird Bash 27th May
Forecast wasn’t too good for the morning and we had one early heavy shower, but only one brief later one, so got away with Angela’s brolly only putting in two appearances!
Hannah, Angela and Dan accompanied Ezio and me around the whole patch this morning – the first time for months we’ve been able to include…
Big Bird Bash 27th May
Forecast wasn’t too good for the morning and we had one early heavy shower, but only one brief later one, so got away with Angela’s brolly only putting in two appearances!
Hannah, Angela and Dan accompanied Ezio and me around the whole patch this morning – the first time for months we’ve been able to include…
Latest Sightings
(Not the) Area walk!
Angela, Mary and myself (with Ezio the collie) set off along the Downslink this morning firstly enjoying the sounds of Great Spotted Woodpecker young calling from their nest and plenty of song from Blackcaps, Robins, Wrens and Chiffchaffs along the way. There was little to be seen from the wooden gate, so we headed…
(Not the) Area walk!
Angela, Mary and myself (with Ezio the collie) set off along the Downslink this morning firstly enjoying the sounds of Great Spotted Woodpecker young calling from their nest and plenty of song from Blackcaps, Robins, Wrens and Chiffchaffs along the way. There was little to be seen from the wooden gate, so we headed…
Latest Sightings
Sadness turns to joy
Taking Ziggy on a circular walk which included passing by the lakes and where we take a break and watch and listen my sadness turned to joy! The Canada Geese pair were on the opposite bank, just as they were on Wednesday, then I noticed the five goslings huddled up in the shade of a willow, after awhile they started…
Sadness turns to joy
Taking Ziggy on a circular walk which included passing by the lakes and where we take a break and watch and listen my sadness turned to joy! The Canada Geese pair were on the opposite bank, just as they were on Wednesday, then I noticed the five goslings huddled up in the shade of a willow, after awhile they started…
Latest Sightings
A pleasant walk
Walking Ziggy yesterday morning in beautiful weather was very pleasant, although very warm and as we are acclimatised to cold and wet conditions it will take a bit of time to get used to the heat. Our route took us alongside a tree lined stream were we put up a pair of Roe Deer from the long grass. They stood and watched…
A pleasant walk
Walking Ziggy yesterday morning in beautiful weather was very pleasant, although very warm and as we are acclimatised to cold and wet conditions it will take a bit of time to get used to the heat. Our route took us alongside a tree lined stream were we put up a pair of Roe Deer from the long grass. They stood and watched…
Latest Sightings
Tawnies, Barn Owl and Woodpecker nest
We had a stroll down the railway line tonight. 200 metres in, there was a Great Spotted Woodpecker nest with many young singing for food. Heading south towards Berrits from the road on the East side (left). The Tawny Owls are back at TQ 203142 in the overhanging trees. This is 200 metres before…
Tawnies, Barn Owl and Woodpecker nest
We had a stroll down the railway line tonight. 200 metres in, there was a Great Spotted Woodpecker nest with many young singing for food. Heading south towards Berrits from the road on the East side (left). The Tawny Owls are back at TQ 203142 in the overhanging trees. This is 200 metres before…
Latest Sightings
Nightingale surprise!
Just got back from running my :Evening with Nightingales' for SWT. We heard five Nightingales up the Mill Stream but they were a bit half- hearted in their performance. When we got to the gate into the field we suddenly heard the 'kwik' call of a Nightjar! a couple of people saw it as,well. Probably just arrived…
Nightingale surprise!
Just got back from running my :Evening with Nightingales' for SWT. We heard five Nightingales up the Mill Stream but they were a bit half- hearted in their performance. When we got to the gate into the field we suddenly heard the 'kwik' call of a Nightjar! a couple of people saw it as,well. Probably just arrived…
Latest Sightings
Area 7 survey
Lesley and I completed our early Breeding Bird survey for Area 7 this week. The walk starts at stinky pond and takes us to Springhills, Blackgate Lane, Parsonage Road, the cemetery, Staples Barn, Lawyers Lane and Hollands Lane.
Highlights were:
High numbers of Starlings and House Sparrows ( both of which are…
Area 7 survey
Lesley and I completed our early Breeding Bird survey for Area 7 this week. The walk starts at stinky pond and takes us to Springhills, Blackgate Lane, Parsonage Road, the cemetery, Staples Barn, Lawyers Lane and Hollands Lane.
Highlights were:
High numbers of Starlings and House Sparrows ( both of which are…
Latest Sightings
Swift
One of our Swifts is back and entered the box at 6.00am yesterday. Still waiting for the other one.
Debbie Colgate, 14th May 2024 14th May 2024
Swift
One of our Swifts is back and entered the box at 6.00am yesterday. Still waiting for the other one.
Debbie Colgate, 14th May 2024 14th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Area 8 first breeding survey
A beautiful morning on Sunday and an ideal time to do the first Area 8 breeding survey, which takes me from Woods Mill car park up to Oreham Common, then to Sands Farm, Small Dole and back to and around the reserve. Accompanied by Lesley, we recorded 40 species but technically couldn't count a distant…
Area 8 first breeding survey
A beautiful morning on Sunday and an ideal time to do the first Area 8 breeding survey, which takes me from Woods Mill car park up to Oreham Common, then to Sands Farm, Small Dole and back to and around the reserve. Accompanied by Lesley, we recorded 40 species but technically couldn't count a distant…
Latest Sightings
Starlings
Now 16 fledglings at Meadowside.
Nigel Colgate, 10th May 2024 14th May 2024
Starlings
Now 16 fledglings at Meadowside.
Nigel Colgate, 10th May 2024 14th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Fledglings
Invasion! Nine baby Starlings in garden this morning after a fox had sauntered through.
Nigel Colgate, 10th May 2024 14th May 2024
Fledglings
Invasion! Nine baby Starlings in garden this morning after a fox had sauntered through.
Nigel Colgate, 10th May 2024 14th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Mandarin
Mandarin spotted on Henfield levels by an SDOS birder.
9th May 2024
9th May 2024
Mandarin
Mandarin spotted on Henfield levels by an SDOS birder.
9th May 2024
9th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Downslink.....
I went for a lovely stroll down the Downslink with a friend this morning towards the heronry. The Glossy Ibis was living up to its name and looking splendid in the strong sunlight. The Grey Herons and Little Egrets on nests were making a proper racket and as we watched and listened to the out of tune orchestra a Hobby…
Downslink.....
I went for a lovely stroll down the Downslink with a friend this morning towards the heronry. The Glossy Ibis was living up to its name and looking splendid in the strong sunlight. The Grey Herons and Little Egrets on nests were making a proper racket and as we watched and listened to the out of tune orchestra a Hobby…
Latest Sightings
White Stork
I saw a Stork flying over my house in Nep town Road just after lunch today, making his way to Rye farm by the look of it,
Liz Taylor, 9th May 2024 9th May 2024
White Stork
I saw a Stork flying over my house in Nep town Road just after lunch today, making his way to Rye farm by the look of it,
Liz Taylor, 9th May 2024 9th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Glossy Ibis update
The Glossy Ibis still there, at the back on the bank from wooden gate to the right of the herony at Streatham.
Sally Hawes, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
Glossy Ibis update
The Glossy Ibis still there, at the back on the bank from wooden gate to the right of the herony at Streatham.
Sally Hawes, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Possible Gull breeding
A Herring Gull flew over Bishop Park this afternoon carrying nesting material in its beak. Not known as a breeding species in Henfield, so it will be interesting to see if a pair is intending to do so locally.
Paul Cole, 8th May 2024
8th May 2024
Possible Gull breeding
A Herring Gull flew over Bishop Park this afternoon carrying nesting material in its beak. Not known as a breeding species in Henfield, so it will be interesting to see if a pair is intending to do so locally.
Paul Cole, 8th May 2024
8th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Area 11 survey
At last, a survey to do in nice weather, though still had to negotiate some pretty deep mud in places. This walk starts in Small Dole, through New Hall and up to the Downs Link and Stretham and then down the Mill Stream and back to Small Dole. Lots of Warblers, and Sylarks, just 4 Swallows the main migrant species that…
Area 11 survey
At last, a survey to do in nice weather, though still had to negotiate some pretty deep mud in places. This walk starts in Small Dole, through New Hall and up to the Downs Link and Stretham and then down the Mill Stream and back to Small Dole. Lots of Warblers, and Sylarks, just 4 Swallows the main migrant species that…
Latest Sightings
In the garden this morning
A Starling fledgling and a pair of Pied Wagtails collecting food for the nest.
Debbie & Nigel Colgate, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
In the garden this morning
A Starling fledgling and a pair of Pied Wagtails collecting food for the nest.
Debbie & Nigel Colgate, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Glossy Ibis
A Glossy Ibis is currently on the Levels, as found by David Buckingham this morning. Best viewed from the heronry by the Downslink.
Mike Russell, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
Glossy Ibis
A Glossy Ibis is currently on the Levels, as found by David Buckingham this morning. Best viewed from the heronry by the Downslink.
Mike Russell, 8th May 2024 8th May 2024
Latest Sightings
House Martins return
The House Martins returned to Bishop Park today, and immediately started visiting some of their existing nest sites.
Paul Cole, 7th May 2024 8th May 2024
House Martins return
The House Martins returned to Bishop Park today, and immediately started visiting some of their existing nest sites.
Paul Cole, 7th May 2024 8th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Swifts!
On a very busy day just grabbed a coffee in the garden and saw four Swifts - hooray!
Martin Tooth, 7th May 2024
7th May 2024
Swifts!
On a very busy day just grabbed a coffee in the garden and saw four Swifts - hooray!
Martin Tooth, 7th May 2024
7th May 2024
Latest Sightings
Dawn walk at Woods Mill
Tony, Hazel and me assembled in the carpark at the Mill at 4.00 a.m in the dark. We started our walk on the top path and were treated to a Nightingale in full voice, plus a very loud Cetti's warbler quickly followed by Reed warblers . A Male Tawny owl calling in the distance oreham common way.The next songsters,…
Dawn walk at Woods Mill
Tony, Hazel and me assembled in the carpark at the Mill at 4.00 a.m in the dark. We started our walk on the top path and were treated to a Nightingale in full voice, plus a very loud Cetti's warbler quickly followed by Reed warblers . A Male Tawny owl calling in the distance oreham common way.The next songsters,…
Latest Sightings
Woods Mill and Mill Stream
A short trip around Woods Mill didn't produce a Turtle Dove, although one was recorded on Michael Blencowe's dawn chorus over the weekend We did hear a Cuckoo over the fields towards Sands Farm and then up the Mill Stream we saw one perched on top of a conifer at West Mill Farm with a Kestrel sitting just…
Woods Mill and Mill Stream
A short trip around Woods Mill didn't produce a Turtle Dove, although one was recorded on Michael Blencowe's dawn chorus over the weekend We did hear a Cuckoo over the fields towards Sands Farm and then up the Mill Stream we saw one perched on top of a conifer at West Mill Farm with a Kestrel sitting just…
Latest Sightings
Nightingale
I heard the Betley Bridge Nightingale a couple of nights ago between 20:00 and 20:30 about 200m short of the bridge on the right. 6th May 2024
Nightingale
I heard the Betley Bridge Nightingale a couple of nights ago between 20:00 and 20:30 about 200m short of the bridge on the right. 6th May 2024
Latest Sightings
House Martins
We took a gentle stroll this afternoon and saw House Martins going up to the existing nests above Marcus Grimes and the High Street dentist.
We didn’t hear a Reed Warbler in the reeds on the Common, but Eddie did a few days ago.
A Grey Wagtail flew ahead of us as we walked back along the back of the Common.
Debbie…
House Martins
We took a gentle stroll this afternoon and saw House Martins going up to the existing nests above Marcus Grimes and the High Street dentist.
We didn’t hear a Reed Warbler in the reeds on the Common, but Eddie did a few days ago.
A Grey Wagtail flew ahead of us as we walked back along the back of the Common.
Debbie…
Latest Sightings
Millstream 6th May
Did a latish afternoon walk along the millstream with the dog. Lapwings displaying, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks singing the fields. Reed Warbler along the open stream, and Cetti’s and Nightingale in the hedgerow. Could see 7 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons nests in the willow copse, and there were a group of 4 Greylags…
Millstream 6th May
Did a latish afternoon walk along the millstream with the dog. Lapwings displaying, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks singing the fields. Reed Warbler along the open stream, and Cetti’s and Nightingale in the hedgerow. Could see 7 Little Egrets and 3 Grey Herons nests in the willow copse, and there were a group of 4 Greylags…