Wednesday 21st April: Seawatching at Worthing

 Something of a specialist art, our birdwatching group Shoreham District Ornithological Society had organised a group seawatching event, with a couple of experienced leaders to elucidate and guide us with their expertise gleaned over many years of gazing out to sea.

These events are notoriously difficult to plan, as tide and prevailing winds play a part in what may be seen. In the event the day was sunny but with a cold northerly wind. The sea was fairly quiet, but there were sufficient birds around to keep us all interested.

One aspect of seawatching is that early is best, so most members convened on the beach at 8am, this in itself being quite late in seawatch terms. Needless to say we were late...!

Members lined a stretch of beach in a socially distanced way, conveniently  sheltered by a row of tamarisk bushes, making conditions quite pleasant despite the cold offshore wind. Most of the movement of birds was in an easterly direction. The largest species count was Whimbrel, a total of 27 birds observed, in smallish groups of between say 3 and 8 birds. Some flew sufficiently close to the shore that we were able to discern their downcurved bills. Our nearest leader informed us they are barrel shaped in flight, which was a helpful tip. They often fly in mixed flocks with Bar-tailed Godwits, although we did not observe this today. Mid to late April is apparently the peak time on the south coast for this passage migrant en route to its northerly breeding grounds. Several birds have been seen around the river Adur and at Widewater lagoon, as they pause to feed up on their journey, providing good photo opportunities and there has been a flurry of excellent pictures on our Shoreham Birding Facebook site.

21 Gannets were spotted flying east, although it is likely these were just travelling along the coast to feed rather than on migration. These are always fantastic birds to see on a sunny day, when their brilliant white plumage becomes almost luminous, gleaming in the sunlight, and contrasting with the distinctive black wing tips. Their huge size and powerful yet relaxed flight make these a stunning bird to glimpse along the coast. 

 Number three in the charts was Sandwich Tern, again looking dazzlingly white in the sunshine. These summer visitors are large terns regularly seen  patrolling the coastline, their heads ever pointed downwards, as they search eagerly for food, ready to plunge at the sight of their target prey.

Other species seen over the sea included Cormorant, varied gulls and three Garganey.

Keeping us entertained during lulls in activity over the water were a good mix of waders on the beach. A mixed flock of Sanderling and Turnstone were present, with some displaying summer plumage. A group of three Bar-tailed Godwits flew in briefly (new annual tick!) as did a flock of five Oystercatchers. A single summer plumage Dunlin also rested awhile on the breakwater, and a Whimbrel was tempted to land, but was immediately chased off by a gull, so continued on its way.

A few passerines were also noted, including Linnet and Wheatear and a couple of newly arrived Swallows and a Martin passed overhead.

Overall an enjoyable and sociable morning.