Author: P

Two House Martins still returning every evening for an overnight stay. Not sure when they will be off south for winter.

Yvonne Jenkins, 3rd September 2024

Debbie and I saw two Spotted Flycatchers by the river near New Inn today.

I heard my first departing Willow Warblers this morning going through the garden, a male making a languid attempt at territorial call!

Will Green, 1st September 2024

Today I was privileged to see a Barn Owl fly directly across path on the Downslink, just one and a half cycle lengths in front of me and about 8 feet off the ground.

I was cycling southwards about 100 yards north of the field at Betley Bridge and the Barn owl flew from one hedgerow to another across the cycle track and probably across the fields beyond.

To see its plumage, broad wings and flight pattern, so close to me is something I’ll never forget.

Hilary Green, 28th August 2024

In the distance and high up in a dying ash in the garden was the unmistakable actions of a Spotted Flycatcher, flying up to catch a fly and then return to its perch.

John Pointing, 28th August 2024

Took a walk out to Eastout this morning, and on the way back through the fields at the bottom of the hill heard a group of Bullfinches calling, and at least four Buzzards.  One flew low overhead, doing the mewing call of a young bird, and though it was almost deafening, the Merlin app obviously doesn’t have that call in its sound library and failed to recognise it!

Val Bentley, 23rd August 2024

A Firecrest was heard singing in the woods at Henfield Common.

Lesley Millward, 21st August 2024

Yesterday morning Angela, Ezio and I were joined by Elaine S who hadn’t walked down the old railway line for 20 years or more, having spent the interim living in a wonderfully isolated part of Wales!

A general dearth of birds with only 26 species noted. A Kestrel perched in a tree in the fields east of Rye Farm and a lovely flock of Long-tailed Tits moving between bushes by the Rye Farm track were the highlights.

Val Bentley, 20th August 2024

A Great White Egret flew over Great Bentley this morning, heading north. Also seen from Betley Bridge was a Sedge Warbler, whilst along the river were a few Willow Warblers and slightly higher numbers of Chiffchaffs. Earlier there was also a Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap feeding on Elderberries along the Downslink.

Paul Cole, 18th August 2024