Window to Wildlife

 We drove over to Southease this morning. And walked along the river in search of this reported rarity. A cluster of birders helped us locate the bird, initially quite distant on the far bank, and blending rather too well into the background seaweed, rocks and mud! However, once found, it was quite active, and it was easier to track the movement of its white spotted breast as it pottered about the rocks. Before long it was flushed to our side of the river by some dog walkers, and now it was much easier to see with the pinkish bill and supercilium now visible, as well as the obvious spotted breast, a summer plumage feature. It was indeed a cracking bird, the first in Sussex since 2011. Spotted Sandpiper (Richard Allan) Spotted Sandpiper The ditches alongside the river bank were also alive with birds, with many Reed and Cetti’s Warblers heard, plenty of showy Reed Buntings and just one Sedge Warbler singing from a swaying reed. Stonechats, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks added to the mix,...

 This was our first visit to Knepp this year, a recce visit for a minibus tour there in a few weeks. It didn’t take us long to spot our first White Storks, our first of the year.  White Stork The hedges were buzzing with warbler song, and we had great views of a Lesser Whitethroat. Another highlight was a stunning male Bullfinch, whilst on the hammer pond, a family of Great-crested Grebes included three humbug grebelings with their parent were an interesting addition.  We also heard Nightingales, Turtle Doves and Cuckoo, all teasing us with their tantalising song but frustratingly failing to reveal themselves. Maybe next time?!