Most of the summer has been spent looking for, and at, Honey Buzzards in the Ashdown Forest. I have, however, visited a few sites as well and what follows is a quick summary of what I saw.
Pulborough Brooks, Sussex, with Martin and Mark and Elizabeth 9 August 2023
- There was not much out of the ordinary today but we did see 2 Green Sandpipers.
RSPB Dungeness, Kent, with Mark and Elizabeth 21 August 2023
- The highlight today was the sighting of a Glossy Ibis on the ARC Pit from Hanson Hide. There was a second one around but I just missed it as it disappeared behind a spit at the far end of the water..
- There wasn't much to see on the main reserve but as we were driving out a flock of Yellow Wagtails flew in to the area around Cook's Pool where the cattle had assembled.
Shooters Bottom near Beachy Head, Sussex
- A late evening trip was rewarded with good views of 2 Whinchats - on the fence line on the opposite side of the main road.
Oare Marshes, Kent, with Martin, Mark and Elizabeth 25 August 2023
- The highlight of this visit was 3 Spoonbills showing well on the East Flood
- We also saw a Turtle Dove, the long staying Bonaparte's Gull - now in winter plumage, a Green Sandpiper, lots of Black-tailed Godwits and a Water Rail
Bonaparte's Gull
Black-tailed Godwits in flight
All photos courtesy of Martin Jeffree
2023 species count = 188
