Wednesday 18th January: East Sussex birding

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With another dry day after so much rain in recent weeks,  we decided to make the most of another birdwatching opportunity. We wrapped up warm and set off for West Rise Marsh with Sue Miles. Sadly there was no sign of any Penduline Tits which have been reported there in recent weeks, but alongside the regular assortment of ducks and gulls, we found our first Meadow Pipits of the year and both Pied and Grey Wagtails foraging on the exposed grassy areas. Water levels continue to be very high across the region- we have observed extensive flooding and waterlogged fields throughout our birdwatching travels this month. Even with wellies on much of the marsh proved impassable. The sun was shining, enhancing the colours of the wildfowl and the open country scene felt spiritually uplifting. A couple of Snipe zigzagged over and landed on the edge of the reedbed before disappearing from view, but there was little else to be found. 

Having surveyed the scene with our scopes, we decided to move on to our next stop for lunch overlooking Splashpoint in Seaford. This is the site for breeding Kittiwakes in the summer months, but it was much too early in the year and there were none present today. There was little activity on the sea, either,  but  we observed several pars of Fulmars nestled against the cliff edge, with one pair romantically  preening each other.

After lunch we drove to Tide Mills for a circular walk out to Newhaven Harbour. Here we found plenty of Redshank scattered along the creek, and  a flock of around 22 frantically feeding Dunlin. Nearby, a single graceful Avocet rested on the mud. A flock of over 30 Curlew flew low overhead and in the brambles we encountered small numbers of Stonechat and Linnet. The tide was out when we arrived at the Harbour arm, but despite this, as we walked along to the end of the pier, a Purple Sandpiper gave a plaintive call and alerted us to its presence on the concrete struts below. 

We returned to the car feeling very satisfied, having enjoyed a lovely day and all achieving at least one new tick.

Purple Sandpiper

West Rise Marsh


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