Trip Reports

Debbie, Rikki and I were well prepared for some blowy, chilly weather at Farlington Marshes when we visited on 11^th November. We started off like Michelin men but the sight of a young couple walking in T-shirts made us wonder. It certainly wasn’t really T-shirt weather but we needed to rethink our layers! As with all good birdwatching trips we started with coffee before commencing our list with Brent Geese, Curlews and Oystercatchers out on the mudflats. We had arrived at the extreme of low tide I think and it was a feature of the morning that most other waders were minute specks on the far horizon. An exception was a huge group of Redshanks who were masking a couple of Black Tailed Godwits in their midst. Never mind the waders, there was lots else to see and we soon started to find some small birds in the scrubby bushes. A small group flitting around initially looked as though they ought to be Linnets but when they obligingly landed in a bush close by they showed themselves to be Meadow Pipits. Linnets were seen later along with Goldfinches and there was one lonesome Redwing among them.

We were soon finding watery birds in the freshwater ponds on the land side of the sea wall. Small groups of Teal and larger groups of Wigeon were seen and, in the case of the Wigeon, also heard. At one point lots of Brent Geese and Wigeon took magnificently to the sky which set us looking for a hunting raptor which may have spooked them. An innocent-looking Kestrel was the only one visible, so we reckoned the birds had just decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Indeed the Kestrel eventually gave us interesting close-up views of its underside as it hovered above our heads. Debbie found the other falcon of the day when she caught sight of a dashing Peregrine.

More geese made an appearance as we progressed and, although almost exclusively Canadas, Rikki informed us that on her previous visit a Barnacle Goose seemed to have taken up permanent residence at Farlington and was apparently enamored of a farmyard goose. Bingo! We found a very conspicuous all white goose looking very pleased with herself for having by her side a smart and happy Barnacle Goose. I like the idea of the sexes being that way round so you’ll just have to go along with it! While watching this harmonious spectacle a very vocally challenged Cetti’s Warbler did its best to blast us with its staccato call. Maybe it had a cold because it was a bit thin and feeble for a Cetti’s voice.

We moved on to a spot by the sea wall were a birder was hunkered down below the wall doing a waterfowl count. Like us he would probably have benefitted from being a few hundred yards seaward but I must say he was clicking away pretty consistently on his counter. In the nearest channel to us there were more Brent Geese and little groups of Great Crested Grebes. Rikki had earlier found us our only two Little Grebes which had amused us by briefly lifting off the water and then skidding across the surface. The bird doing this was probably a male showing off and not realizing his hoped for audience was spending most of her time diving below the surface.

Moving inland again we spotted  Shelduck and then the first of some enchanting Stonechats. We saw quite a few of these from then on and particularly enjoyed watching a pair moving in front of us from post top to post top and seemingly enjoying a game of leapfrog at the same time.

Debbie made a great spot of a Buzzard sitting nonchalantly on the ground just before we found a confusing female duck swimming with some Teal. Why don’t they make sure they have a fellow with them to help us with ID. Well we got there eventually and agreed we were looking at a female Gadwall. Well done us (there was nobody else there to contradict us!!).

We were now on the trail back for an increasingly  welcome lunch but we still had time to find a Raven perched on a cattle trough which was brought to our attention by a very nice local man with the loudest voice in the world ever. I nearly took my hearing aids out!

We had lunch in the car overlooking the mudflats where Herring, Black-headed and Common Gull were chilling out alongside the more busy Oystercatchers and Curlews. We decided to wend our way home via the viewpoint at Rackham Woods which Rikki had not visited before. Always the possibility of seeing White Tailed Eagles roosting in Pulborough Brooks which is panoramically laid out beneath the eminence of the woods. A couple were keenly looking through their scopes and I could see a “lump” in a dead tree way in the distance so I went back to the car and got my scope. The “lump” flew off just as I got it in the scope. A Crow! Not such a big “lump” as I had thought. Never mind, our day finished with a Marsh Harrier flying quite high over the brooks and disappearing towards the Downs.

A lovely day out with 48 species seen.

This should read “Trip to Old Lodge” but try as we might we could not persuade the Conservators of Ashdown Forest car parking website to accept that the cars registered with them were the same cars as we were trying to pay for, so we decided on a day out on another heathy site at Iping Common. We had a good start en route when a Red Kite landed on the road in front of us to deftly scoop up some road kill but unfortunately Iping didn’t work thanks to the gods of the wind who made it impossible to listen out for the typical birds of that habitat (and it was blooming cold and lacked a café!). So after a short walk we decided to head off to Pulborough Brooks and a much-needed coffee. So who were the “we”? Nige, Debbie, 2 x Janes, John and Brian.

Hearts sank when we arrived at Pulborough where a sign informed us the café was closed Mondays and Tuesdays ……………… but there was a coffee grab point which also sold flapjack. Yihaa! After sustenance we were ready for a second bout of birding and made for the feeding station where you are guaranteed some action. This was totally overgrown so no feeders. “We’re doomed” rang in my pessimistic ear as though Private Fraser was with us. “Don’t panic” countered this in my optimistic ear and indeed won the day.

As we progressed down the hill towards the hides, small birds began to move around the trees and bushes and even sang a few tunes for us. By the time we got to the first hide Long Tailed Tit, Great & Blue Tit, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and of course the ubiquitous Wren had made themselves known. Anyone who came to the play at HBW’s recent talk will resonate with the conversation that took place in the first hide. “There’s a Tufted Duck” said I. “No there’s two” chipped in someone else. “There’s three” from Brian trumped us both. Swans with cygnets were a hit, Jane H was introduced to Gadwalls while Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Canada & Grey Lag Geese and Heron were all on show and as we were about to leave some Cattle Egrets flew over far in the distance. The biggest WOW moment was when Jane E spotted an obliging Hobby which flew in close and momentarily landed much to the consternation of the smaller birds.

As we walked towards the next hide Swallows and Swifts were aloft and a Cetti’s exploded in the reeds (its voice that is). While I was fretting that three of the group were taking ages to enter the second hide and possibly going to miss the huge number of Sand Martins flitting over the marsh they were enjoying the fine voice of a Sedge Warbler in an adjoining bush. I missed out on that while they still had plenty of time to enjoy all the Sand Martins! It may have been at this point that Debbie made an official complaint to me that we hadn’t seen a Sea Eagle yet. John had tried his best after spotting a big bird perched up in a far distant tree but on scoping it he discovered it was a Heron.

We moved on and while migrating to the remaining hides we were accompanied by the dulcet tones of Whitethroat and Chiffchaff and the staccato cry of the Debbie when she found us a Rook to add to our growing day’s tally. At the hides were Avocet including one which John spotted sitting on a nest. Both Avocet and Lapwing had a full-time job fending off the Crows. By this time lunch was beckoning and we sauntered back to the visitor centre and had our picnic. This started outdoors but soon moved inside!

After lunch John led us on a walk through the woods and past the heathland where, had we waited till dark, we may have seen and heard Nightjars. What we did hear in the woods was rather splendid though as we had a few breakneck speed bursts from a Garden Warbler to complement the pretty, but less effusive, song of a Chaffinch. The walk was splendid and took in some great views across  to the Downs.

By the time we called it a day and returned to Henfield we had forgotten the early bad luck at Iping and remembered a terrific day out at Pulborough Brooks. We had found 55 species of bird across the two sites which was excellent.

The master plan for the February HBW trip was to find raptors in the South Downs at The Burgh near Amberley. One look out of the window when I awoke was enough to make me rack my brains for Plan B. It needed tea and corn flakes to help formulate this and to my mind Burton Mill Pond seemed sensible as there would be at least some protection from both wind and rain!

All five of us agreed Plan B was good and we set off. Or at least we nearly set off. I hadn’t picked up a message from Carole to say she could make it so we needed to take her car as well as mine and she took Tony. At some point in the proceedings I had said she could leave her car outside my house so she didn’t get a parking fine for being over 4 hours in the car park. I therefore set off and pulled up in front of Meadowside in Church Street expecting her to pull up behind me and leave her car. As I got out of my car to find out why this wasn’t happening Tony put his head out of Carole’s window to remind me that 5 minutes before we had agreed she would need to drive to the venue. How to impress a new member of HBW!

Now we did get going and just before Pulborough we turned on to the Rackham road to cut through to Burton Mill Pond. Half a mile down the road there was an unwelcome sign: ROAD CLOSED. My street cred (assuming I ever had any) appeared to me to be diminishing rapidly. Nonetheless, with Pulborough Brooks on the doorstep a rapid decision to go there was reached. By this time I was mentally exhausted!!

On arrival I was immediately put back on my feet when Tony gleefully announced he was thrilled to be there as it was his first visit. After all the early mishaps we got straight down to birdwatching rather than beginning with coffee which is the usual group requirement. Sue knew the reserve well and directed us to the feeding station just off the main track and this was delightful. So many Great Tits! They were all in splendid plumage and at one point I counted five round the feeders. There were Blue Tits, a couple of Long Tailed Tits and a glorious male Greenfinch with his more soberly attired partner. Goldfinches were chattering somewhere close by and Chaffinch, Robin and Dunnock pottered around the ground picking up scraps. We spent quite a while there and were rewarded by the arrival of a smart-looking Nuthatch. I was derogatory about the white Doves which fluttered in but Hilary felt I was being very unfair to them and I had to agree that they did look quite nice.

We tore ourselves away and headed downhill towards the water. Everywhere looked flooded but at least it wasn’t raining on us. We all hoped we might find Siskins or Redpolls on the way down and we turned off to the area where the birds are fed near some outbuilding with food hidden in crevices and woodpiles near a copse which includes pine and alder trees. Ideal habitat for our quarry but unfortunately not today. It was still entertaining watching the small birds finding food and hearing the early song from Dunnock, Robin and Wren.

We moved on towards the first hide after an unsuccessful search for Treecreepers in a couple of likely looking old oak trees. The water was really high so little chance of waders but surprise, surprise a Snipe gave really close up views and eventually we picked out one or two more a little further off. Two Stonechats obligingly took up look out posts along an adjacent fence giving us good views. This was Shoveler City and there were also groups of other duck species. I think Hilary was worried I was going to test her on all of them but I thought better of it (because I tend to get confused with some of the females!). However we chalked up Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Tufted Duck along with Canada Goose and some far distant Mute Swans. Lapwings showed well and sometimes spooked themselves enough to fly up en masse.

Leaving the hide we found a Kestrel and then, finding worms in a field, were a small mixed group of Redwing and Fieldfare. We didn’t strike lucky with White-Tailed Eagle but while trying to ID some small birds from another hide there was a high speed but unsuccessful attack by a Sparrowhawk who disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. Before reaching the final hide we entered a small area of woodland and another flashing by raptor turned out to be a Peregrine which was a bonus. Most wildfowl from the final hide were long distance but the view was a wonderful wetland vista which is an exciting sight for all birdwatchers.

It was time to depart after what turned out to be a great morning’s birding which everyone said they enjoyed. Denis from Henfield was on duty at the site reception when we left and it was good to have a quick chat with him even if he did tell us the White-Tailed Eagle had been around about half an hour before we arrived!

Wednesday 24^th January saw me, Debbie, Angela and Linda set out on our two hours plus trek to Dungeness. Was it worth battling along the A27? You bet it was! We set ourselves a challenging target of clocking up 40 species in the day but despite this pressure we chilled out with hot drinks and biscuits (well I had one) in the RSPB centre. Well, not totally chilled out as we immediately had some ducks to ID which was hampered a bit by looking into the sun. Nonetheless we spied out Shovelers and a few Teal. While paying for our drinks at reception we learned from the lady that Great Northern and Black Throated Divers had been seen regularly from the Centre and hides along the main stretch of water. Pulses quickening, we decided to visit the hide to the left of the Centre and, with the weather being so good, we were able to stand outside, next to it and scan the water. Amongst Herring Gulls and Cormorants were Tufted Ducks and some diving ducks showing a lot of white at the front. As we got better views, we could see the tell-tale white face patch of Goldeneye which was very exciting. All of a sudden Debbie called out “there’s one” and in the distance we saw a winter plumage Diver. Fantastic. Next problem was Great Northern or Black Throated. Since this question naturally rested on my shoulders I did what any experienced birder would do. I asked somebody else! He wasn’t too sure either but following further viewing and discussion we decided it was Black Throated mainly due to the shape of its head which did not appear to have the steep forehead of the other. I went over to the group and announced the verdict at which point my co-identifier came over and said he wasn’t so sure now!

In the hope that we would see it again later and perhaps closer we put final ID on hold and set off for our walk. Angela was soon hearing Cetti’s Warbler and Linda spotted our lone Oystercatcher of the day. The small pond where in past years a Long-Eared Owl has roosted held a group of Gadwall and at the first viewpoint we added Mallard and Wigeon. It was here that Debbie found the first Marsh Harrier of the day tantalizingly flying over the far-side vegetation constantly dipping out of view. As we continued a Chiffchaff flitted around the waterside vegetation and we picked up calls of Robin, Dunnock and Chaffinch.

At the next hide we were treated to the sculptural sight of Cormorants en masse decorating the branches of dead trees in the water. Even more were crammed onto an islet with a couple of Great Blacked Gulls which looked almost the same size in a different shape sort of way. Our one and only Pochard turned up on this stretch of water  not to mention the huge raft of Coots. We discussed how this species is migratory in winter with some coming as far as from Russia. Who’d have thought that of a Coot?

We marched on to a short stop at the marshy area where there are often Snipe and sometimes other waders. No luck this time as any wading would have been  under water. To compensate we were treated to a large “murmuration” of Lapwings in the distance.  A last hide stop was taken where we have in the past seen Smew. Unlucky this time and, in fact, there were not a huge amount of birds present. We did add Great Crested Grebe and Heron which were the pick of the bunch until a couple of Marsh Harriers gave really good views. On leaving the hide we observed large groups of Grey Lag and Canada Geese amongst which we were pleased to find a small group of Barnacle Geese.

By now lunch was in our minds so we were a bit put out when the direct route back to the Centre was closed due to flooding. At the end of the long march we watched the birds on the feeders while getting food supplies from the car. Blue and Great Tits, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and House Sparrow. On to the picnic site by the first hide where we had seen the Diver. Withing moments Debbie had found a bird. This time it was pretty close and a nailed on Great Northern. We

soon spotted another bird which I am sure was the one we saw first and, although it was quite distant, it was clearly different and thankfully another birder confirmed it was a Black Throated. Wow and double Wow!

Just as everyone thought they could relax after lunch I herded them back to the car and we set off for a sea watch near the nuclear power station. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it. We drove past the Derek Jarman garden and parked near the old lighthouse before making the short trundle to the beach. Not too bitingly cold this trip! Immediately Debbie found two Gannets out amongst the numerous Gulls. Time prevented us really studying the Gulls although we were able to add Black Headed. I found some auks in the water which, after again discussing with a birder, were identified as Guillemot. I subsequently saw on the Dungeness Observatory website that the previous Friday over 3,000 Guillemots passed by and no mention of Razorbills which sort of confirmed our ID.

Before finally setting off for home we dropped into the local nature reserve opposite the RSPB Centre which was very atmospheric with the evening sun beginning to drop over the water. A roosting female Marsh Harrier was doing her toilette and a stunning male did a fly over as we traced our way back to the car.

We all thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be our 11 hour day  and we exceeded our target – 51 species.

Final species list:-

Wow! We actually got to Farlington Marshes this year after cancellations previously through Covid, rain and sickness. Yipee! I was accompanied by Liz, Ian, Will, Brian and his extra strong mints and new member Tony on a chilly, grey but mainly rain free morning. The run down took about an hour and a quarter and after all that sitting in the cars we wanted to get straight out walking without the usual coffee start. Well, we walked about 1 yard before stopping to watch a group of Brent Geese and a small group of Black Headed Gulls who had been infiltrated by a couple of Common Gulls.

When we eventually set off properly I inadvertently gave the group an adventurous route onto the reserve whereby they had to ascend a steep muddy incline and worm round the end of a fence, avoiding the drop into the sea inlet. A Rock Pipit sat on a post amongst the seaweed obviously having a bit of a laugh at our antics. Everyone passed the assault course test and Brian even pointed out the entrance gate which I had totally missed. Once on terra firma we walked through some exciting damp scrub where Goldfinches, Greenfinches and a lonesome Chaffinch were feeding up in the bushes. A large flock of Lapwings and attendant Starlings passed overhead making a flappy beeline for the pastureland and ponds. This was a rich area for birds so we took our time scanning to see what we could find. Beyond the ponds were yet more Brent Geese and Canada Geese. There were Brents flying over making a lovely, cosy growling call which added to the atmosphere created by the wild calls of Curlew, Oystercatcher and Redshank. The latter two species were present in large, sleepy flocks which I was quite surprised at in Redshank which I had never before seen in such large groups. Avocets in the first big group we saw had found the water level too much even for their long legs and were gently bobbing up and down as they swam on the spot. Another good sized flock had the sense to find a shallower place. The Curlews were Liz’s favourite bird of the trip and with the scope we were able to get some really close up views. Less easy to spot were three Snipe which are always great to find.

We were happy to see a large number of duck on the open water in the pond areas especially when one large group turned out to be Pintail, probably about 30 altogether. We were equally pleased that Shelduck were there in good numbers along with beautiful Wigeon and Teal and a few splendid looking Mallard in top plumage. A small group of Gadwall skulked near a reedbed along with some Moorhens and Coots. Tony found our first Heron and Brian clocked a small bird zooming on to the top of a spiky plant on the pond bank, a Stonechat.

Will next put me in the firing line as I had the scope. Out in the sea channel was a fast-disappearing islet. The tide was high and getting even higher. Lots of waders were zooming round the islet trying to claim squatters’ rites on the fast-receding shore. Long distance wader IDing is not my forte and I am always mentally wishing Mike Russell was with us in these situations but ………. I managed! Oystercatchers were easy but eventually I found large numbers of Grey Plover and a few Black Tailed Godwits. With Will’s help we worked out the tiny birds were all Dunlin. We had hoped for some Ringed Plovers amongst them but you can’t have everything.

Tiny dots on the seawater all turned out to be Great Crested Grebes no matter how much we tried to make them Great Northern or other species of Diver. The gulls were getting bigger here with both Herring and Great Black Backed passing over. The Brent Geese were ever present and as we scanned inland again we got into two raptors sitting on fence posts. One a Buzzard and the other a smart male Marsh Harrier. Tony had found the latter earlier so it was nice that we all ended up seeing this lovely bird.

Liz decided to keep moving at this point because it was getting decidedly chilly by the sea. We followed on but got waylaid in an exciting area where raised sand banks had been made in the freshwater scrapes. Here we got really good views of Grey Plover and Dunlin all of which were having a chill out and not scurrying round like they usually do. Amongst the assorted ducks and ubiquitous Brent Geese were a new species, Shovelers. We all decided Liz had made a good choice and set off a bit more rapidly but still found a few additional species on route including Robin, Wren, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

After a welcome picnic in the cars looking over the inlet of the sea we set off for a pit stop at Pagham Harbour in Church Norton. Here the tide was still too high for much wader activity at close quarters but it was lovely down there. The Great Northern Diver and Eider which had been there in the morning had discourteously moved on but we still saw a good lot of birds before leaving for the trip back home. We all agreed it had been a very good day out once again. One abiding memory being those lovely grunting Brent Geese flying around us.

Nigel

Myself, Debbie, Jane and Brian crossed under the Thames at Dartford on a morning of lovely October weather without any hassle and were soon enjoying the first Rainham Marshes experience – coffee and cake. Having satisfied that craving we left the centre and 2 minutes later were surveying wet pools and starting to identify ducks which were more or less out of their eclipse plumage. Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler shared the water with Coots, Canada & Grey Lag Geese and for the eagle eyed a couple of Snipe were amongst Lapwing on the bank. We were already hearing Cetti’s Warblers and clocked up around 20 different birds during the day. Rainham obviously agrees with Cetti’s Warblers. We found our first Marsh Harrier early on and this was a superbly marked male which was later joined by at least 2 females who graced us with their presence for a good deal of the trip.

Eventually we had to move on and follow the path between trees and bushes but the sounds of the marshes never left us (especially the geese!) and Debbie picked up the sound of Skylarks with one passing a mere 150 feet over our heads. Robins, Blue and Great Tits seemed to follow us everywhere and an obliging male Chaffinch showed off splendidly in a Willow. The layout of the paths has changed a bit which momentarily totally confused us but once the radar was back up and running we arrived at what Debbie and I always refer to as Stonechat corner. Not only did the Stonechats oblige but a warden let us all look through his scope at a roosting Barn Owl in a box in a far distant tree. Bonus or what!

Next stop was a hide where we started finding our own special birds First up was a Kingfisher which seemed to do a circuit of the wet scrape in front of us before zooming up a reed fringed channel. Some Wigeon and Teal were minding their own business when a large bird dropped down on to one of the muddy islands much to their annoyance. A few tried to discourage it but frankly who can really win an argument with a Raven? I found it quite amusing to see its beak get muddier and muddier as it probed for food. Since we couldn’t totally sustain ourselves on Brian’s Extra Strong Mints we decided to head off towards the next hide for lunch. In any case we were feeling a bit annoyed with ourselves for having mutually agreed we were listening to a Water Rail and then realised it was Teal (any easy mistake when you are a bit over excited!). On the way we searched diligently for diving ducks but the only bird doing any diving was Little Grebe, although of course we all loved them. Cetti’s continued to bombard our ears and the hearers were possibly picking up the ping of Bearded Tits.

The lunch hide was not quite as productive bird wise as usual but we all loved a splendid Black Tailed Godwit who descended onto the water showing brilliantly in the sunshine. Shelduck and Gadwall boosted the duck count and a Kestrel joined the Marsh Harriers over the reeds. We commented on how the Little Egrets we were watching are no longer a mega surprise and we also agreed that a Heron can be a very good looking bird when he tries. Jane told us about a trip she made to France where one evening hundreds of White Storks came into roost in the village she was staying in. They stayed the night on rooftops, church spire and trees but by the morning had gone. Apparently each year they make this stop off on their migration. Come on Knepp Storks you’ve got some catching up to do. We had a brief taste of summer when Brian spotted 2 Swallows skimming over the marsh.

No time for post lunch nap so we trotted along the boardwalk with Skylark, Meadow Pipits and of course Cetti’s for company. A Reed Bunting put in an appearance and then Jane and Debbie started hearing pings again. A bird flew out of the reeds which Brian and I confidently ID’d as a Cetti’s Warbler due to the russet in its tail. Debbie dared to disagree. It reappeared an sat out on a reed mace for us to get a fantastic view – Bearded Tit!

We stopped off a 2 more hides in 1 of which a Bearded Tit turned up after Brian and I had left but Debbie and I think Jane saw it. Our last extravaganza was in the last hide where a small raptor suddenly flashed across in front of us carrying a vole which it dived into the reeds with. We put Sparrowhawk on our list even though nobody in the hide saw it well enough to be sure and Merlin was getting a mention but I think the former for no better reason than it was more likely. The word went round the hide that the cafe was closing at 3.30 which left us about 30 seconds to get there. Luckily it was just the kitchen that closed and a tired looking but cheerful lady ensured us we were ok for more coffee and cake. I found a half broken pencil and cadged some paper off the reception desk and were able to record our days tally which came to 54 species. A fantastic trip all round.

With Nigel C resting at home with his bad back, Angela T armed with a notepad and pen, Nigel P with a pocketful of sweets and Ian bringing his amazing knowledge of butterflies joined me to walk Area 2 this month.

I met the others by the oak trees in Furners Lane by which time they had already seen a robin, crow, wood pigeon and a pied wagtail. Whilst I was on my way to meet them, I saw 2 buzzards being mobbed by crows and a herring gull.

All quiet and still at the oak trees so we wandered along Furners Lane. In the field to the north we spotted 2 roe deer which soon ran off and joined another 3 in the adjoining field, where we saw a magpie and a blackbird.

It was a dull morning which made it hard to identify birds in flight but we did hear a greater spotted woodpecker and saw a small murmuration of starlings.

Further down the road just before the Bylsborough turning, several birds flew across the road and disappeared into the scrub, we saw them again a bit further on and because of the light we were initially unable to decide if they were redwings or fieldfare. Eventually after watching them for a while, looking online and a lot of discussion we decided they were redwings.

A chaffinch helpfully perched at the top of a tree and a couple of wrens chased each other across the road.

Not a lot to be seen up to Bylsborough, very quiet and still dull. We heard a green woodpecker and saw some goldfinches and bluetits.

Going towards Woodhouse Farm we heard a very vocal pheasant and saw a clattering of jackdaws.

Turning right by the farm the sun started to appear, as did the sound of skylarks. A heron flew over looking very majestic in the light, a kestrel was spotted and a cormorant hurriedly flew past.

The field had been ploughed which made it very difficult to spot the ‘little brown birds’ but we persevered, watching several swoop up and down, trying to locate them with our binoculars in the field and we decided they were linnets.

Nothing at the hay barn but one yellowhammer was spotted near the hedge, which had been cut back. We then spotted several house martins above the ploughed field.

When we reached the meadow area before Morley’s we started hearing bull finches. A great tit was spotted and a jay heard. The vegetation around Morley’s pond had been cut back so we thought we might see more but only heard a moorhen.

In the nearby woods we heard a high pitched sound which we couldn’t identify so out came Merlin which immediately registered goldcrest. We weren’t sure and walked a bit further pondering the sound. It kept going like a warning call so we checked the goldcrest’s call online and again after much deliberation decided that there must have been at least one in the massive oak trees.

Along the hedge we heard more bullfinches and managed to spot a couple.

The sky then clouded over and with the cool easterly breeze it turned very quiet again.

We spotted a sparrowhawk before entering the woods near to Wantley and I left the group by the Wantley path.

Just as I left I spotted a collared dove on an aerial and the others saw a red kite on their way back to the car park.

33 species of bird

Two butterflies were seen – red admirals.

Seven of us (Nige, Debbie, Sandra, Ian, Jill, Sue and Angela) ascended Newtimber after a 7.30 start from Henfield. As outgoing migrants was one reason for going I was mightily relieved when we clocked up 3 Spotted Flycatchers almost as soon as we started. One tried to kid us he was a Tree Pipit but the scope confirmed his real identity. Blackcaps showed when they felt like it and one tried a little singing, possibly to compete with a trilling Wren. We decided that us 7 birders were equivalent to 1 Mike Russell so we thought not much would escape us. On top of that we had Ian’s expertise on anything entomological  (he’s good on insects and butterflies as well!)  plus Debbie’s flower ID app which she diligently applied. She was determined to find the downland specialty of Round Headed Rampion and, lo and behold , perseverance paid off.

Round Headed Rampion                                                              Meadow Pipit

This was found on a south facing slope which also had small trees and bushes dotted around with a thick hedge along the bottom. Elder, blackberries, sloes and hawthorn berries abounded and the birds were there feeding up but the little blighters certainly knew how to find cover quickly. Small flocks of Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits were a bit more obliging and at one point the Goldfinches numbered about 40. Whitethroats  flitted around but, unlike the recce visit Debbie and I made 2 days before there were none of the smartly plumaged Lesser Whitethroats (although I reckon the pale bird Sue saw could have been one). Good numbers of Swallows and House Martins passed overhead and we wished them well on their journey south which they will soon be starting.

As the sun came out so did some Butterflies. We summoned Ian and soon found Meadow Browns, Small Heaths and lovely Common Blues on the vetches and knapweeds. Luckily Ian is totally fearless so he was happy to catch a Common Blue so we could look at the underside of its wings at close quarters before it was released.

Common Blue                                    Underside of Common Blue

Whilst searching for Butterflies we came across two other interesting insects. Grasshoppers abounded and one posed beautifully for Sandra to photograph. The other was a bug which causes its host plant to produce a home for it inside a wonderful gall which has a name that I am afraid I have totally forgotten.

A Grasshopper                                                Gall

We decided to move further up the hill and immediately 2 Kestrels were spotted hunting over open ground and taking the odd rest in the trees. Almost simultaneously more small birds were moving around and Sue spotted the bright red tail we were hoping for. In a very small area we saw at least 10 Redstarts which was amazing. We got some of them in the scope which was great as they kept moving off as soon as Jill located them so she got good views eventually. Angela’s ears picked up their call which was quite similar to the Chiffchaffs and solitary Willow Warbler we had heard and seen. Yellowhammers became more prevalent and a bird on a distant dead tree was likely to be another but eventually I decided to “scope” it. Thanks goodness! It was the first of 2 Whinchats.  Another brace of birds showed well and hung around to enable us to take in how gorgeous Linnets are. Larger birds were taking advantage of the increasing thermals including Herring Gulls and Buzzards plus somewhere was a cronking Raven who preferred to stay invisible. We put up one Skylark who was happily doing his super little burbling call before an enraged Meadow Pipit chased it off which was something I have never seen before.

  One of the many Redstarts on a stump Us looking at him

Eventually we headed downhill for the grand finale which I always love on this walk – coffee and cakes from the caravan cafe! Sue did the bird list which came to 29 species. The only missing migrant from mine and Debbie’s recce walk was Wheatear. We all thoroughly enjoyed our morning.

Thanks to Sandra, Sue and Ian for the photos.