Window to Wildlife

 After a hectic week with family staying over Christmas, it was lovely to get out for a longer walk today, in a much loved and beautiful setting. We were lured across to the Cuckmere valley by the prospect of a Water Pipit near Litlington. Sadly, we failed to find this, with a number of Rock Pipits the best we could muster, but nevertheless we built up a reasonable tally of birds.  Rock Pipit A mix of Common, Herring and Black-headed Gulls were loafing on a flooded field, and at the river margins we found a Common Sandpiper, several Redshanks and on our way back, a Green Sandpiper which took to the air as we approached. A Kingfisher, apparently in hot pursuit of a Redshank was a lovely sight, and a mewing male Kestrel gave several decent views as it crossed the water. Common Sandpiper In the adjacent fields were many Canada Geese, but we soon enjoyed the spectacle of a large flock of Russian White-fronted Geese fly in to join them, with the diagnostic features of a white band ...

 We took a short stroll across to the river today, with Emilie keen to try out the new binoculars she got for Christmas, and also hoping for some new ticks! By the railway bridge we found nearly thirty Turnstones, incredibly camouflaged against the shingle, but small movements revealing their presence as they foraged amongst the stones in search of food. A single Oystercatcher, standing next to a tidal puddle, was much easier to see, as was a Redshank feeding along the water's edge, its bright legs giving a strong clue to its identity! A small mixed flock of waders was restive, at times settling on the exposed muddy shoreline, then circling low over the water before coming back in to feed once more. We crept nearer and with some prompting Emilie was able to see both Ringed Plover and Dunlin, both new birds for her. Continuing on beyond the Old Toll Bridge, a mixed gull flock contained a group of around half a dozen Common Gulls, a new species for both Emile and Kayte. Heading back ...

 While Kayte's car was in for its MOT, I took her for a walk across the lock gates to Southwick beach, where we quickly found three Little Gulls, revealing strong 'w' shaped wing patterns in flight, and looking diminutive when sat resting on the sea. Nearby Herring Gulls and also a Great Black-backed Gull helped reveal just how tiny these birds are in comparison. A nice easy tick for her and usefully close to home at this busy time of year. Little Gulls

 Whilst we were enjoying glorious sunshine and fantastic birds in Ecuador, news came through of a Red-necked Grebe in Southwick Harbour. Although somewhat less exotic than the species we were finding in Ecuador, this was nevertheless a 'good' bird for Sussex, with the inshore location offering the prospect of reasonable views. Fortunately for us, the bird stayed long enough for us to dash out on our return to the UK. It was a slightly frustrating bird to watch, as Grebes so often are, diving as soon as you put your bins up, disappearing for some time, before emerging at a remote distance. Initially just a small dot between the ships near the end of the canal, it gradually moved closer, giving excellent scope views, although photos were a little more tricky! It was also good to catch up with local birders who had come along for a look, making for an entertaining return to UK birding, and probably my last ‘tick’ for the year Red-necked Grebe