Monday 1st March: Latest Birding Adventures
Let’s be honest, ‘adventure’ is not really the word for lockdown birding! However, slowly but surely we have been adding the odd species here and there, and have managed to crack the 100 on our annual list, despite the absence of our usual January targets, such as Snow Bunting, winter geese and Smew. Here are a few highlights:
On my birthday we walked on the downs and were pleased to locate a distant Hen Harrier, as well as our first Corn Buntings.
We had very little snow in the recent cold snap, but as we hoped, the weather did bring a few different birds into the locality and we managed to add Gadwall, Knot and Ruff all of which obligingly appeared on the river. The long staying Goosander also put in an appearance, my first sighting since December. At nearby Beeding Brooks we heard a Water Rail, and after waiting patiently we were rewarded with a brief appearance as it crossed from one side of the pool to the other.
An uncommon but exciting arrival at Southwick was a lovely drake Eider. I did not see one of these at all last year and this was a beautiful bird at close range, just a 5 minute drive from home.
Last week we ventured to Worthing (Goring Gap) early in the morning, before most people are out and about. The tide was high and we found some Mediterranean gulls in various stages of summer plumage in the gull roost. Seven Brent Geese were also unusual for this site. On the beach there were plenty of active waders, the stars being around 100 Sanderling scurrying excitedly back and forth in front of the lapping tide. Sometimes it’s about the experience rather than the species seen, and this was one of those memorable moments. Following a tip off, we then drove home via Patching Pond, where I was reliably informed I could find a Tufted Duck to add to my annual list. Sad times indeed, when it takes till late February to see one of these...!
With the prospect of freedom still tantalisingly distant, and the activity levels in Shoreham increasing as the weather improves, we snuck out in the car a few days ago, to Knepp rewilding project where we hardly saw a soul. The White Storks have returned from migration and it was wonderful to hear their distinctive rapid bill clapping - Spring is definitely in the air, and as you can see from this photo it’s looking good for further breeding success this year...!
A Treecreeper and numerous Bullfinches were also new ticks, but the lack of people was the real highlight of the trip.
And finally, yesterday another surprise visitor to the river a single Avocet, gracefully sweeping the mud for food in the fading evening light. Present again today, allowing better shots.
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| Avocet |
Now, bring on the Wheatears...
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