Chichester Twitch for Slavonian Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser

26th January 2026 - Chichester

My first stop was the Platinum Jubilee Country Park in Chichester, where I went to twitch the Slavonian Grebe that has been lingering in this rather unusual habitat for several days. True to form, the grebe was showing well, accompanied by a few Mute Swans nearby.

With time to spare, I moved on to Dell Quay to scan the high tide for mergansers, grebes, and divers. The only species that obliged were Red‑breasted Mergansers, with at least two pairs giving excellent views

New species for the 2026 Year List:

103 Slavonian Grebe

104 Red-breasted Merganser

Raptor Watch at Arundel WWT with the Ashdown Bird Group

 Six members of us from the Ashdown Bird Group visited Arundel WWT on Friday 23 January 2026 for an afternoon focused on winter wildlife and a Hen Harrier watch. After exploring the reserve’s hides, highlights included Firecrest, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, numerous Snipe, and a good range of wetland species such as Gadwall, Shoveler, Lapwing, and Wigeon.

Although the hoped‑for male Hen Harrier didn’t appear, two ringtails were eventually seen coming in to roost—both settling just outside the reserve. 

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

A Peregrine provided a memorable close fly‑over and perched in view before heading to its usual roost, and additional raptors included Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, and Sparrowhawk.

The group enjoyed a rewarding afternoon with 42 species recorded in total, reinforcing Arundel WWT’s growing reputation as a reliable winter raptor hotspot.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

101 Firecrest

102 Bullfinch

100 Up!

 

Fishbourne Creek a.m. and West Dean Woods p.m.

East Grinstead RSPB Local Group – Trip Report

Fishbourne Creek & West Dean Woods

Sunday 18 January 2026

67 species recorded | 7 members attending

Our group enjoyed one of its most memorable winter outings in recent years, blessed with calm, mild weather and exceptional birding across two contrasting habitats.

Morning at Fishbourne Creek

With high tide keeping mudflats submerged, waders gathered on boats, rafts and jetties, offering superb viewing conditions. The route took the group from Dell Quay north toward Fishbourne before returning for lunch.

Highlights included:

• Widespread Brent Geese throughout the creek

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• Repeated sightings of Kingfisher

Courtesy of Phil Ayling

• Several Greenshank showing well

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• A striking Goldcrest in a wooded section

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The reliable Grey Wagtail at the creek’s north‑eastern edge

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• A fine group of Grey Plover, voted Bird of the Morning

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Despite missing a few hoped‑for species, the session produced an impressive 53 species.

Afternoon at West Dean Woods

Starting near Staple Ash Farm, the group walked toward Monkton Farm, enjoying a superb run of woodland and farmland species.

Highlights:

• At least six Red Kites overhead soon after arrival

• Multiple Hawfinches, with at least eight individuals seen

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• A group of Crossbills moving through the treetops

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Bramblings associating with chaffinches

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Additional highlights: Marsh Tit, Raven, Fieldfare

Marsh Tit - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Raven - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Fieldfare - courtesy of Phil Aylen

• A spectacular starling murmuration to close the day

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Crossbills and bramblings were jointly named Birds of the Afternoon due to their scarcity at this site. The afternoon added 29 species, 14 of them new for the day.

Overall

With perfect weather, excellent photographic opportunities and a combined total of 67 species, this outing stands out as one of the group’s finest. Warm thanks go to John for organising the day and to Ian, Patrick and Phil for their superb photographic contributions.

With the SOS at West Rise Marsh

Saturday 17th January 2026

West Rise Marsh

Every now and then, I enjoy joining the Sussex Ornithological Society for a bit of birding. West Rise Marsh caught my eye this time—not only because it’s close by at Eastbourne, but also because I liked the idea of being shown around by Richard, the local patch birder. Underfoot, the ground was thoroughly sodden, so wellies were very much the footwear of choice.

It turned out to be a worthwhile outing, and I picked up a few new insights from Richard along the way. His full report is included below.

West Rise Marsh SOS Walk top of page    end of page

Report from West Rise Marsh SOS walk 17/1/26 On a mild but cloudy January day, 14 members gathered to walk around the 2 lakes at West Marsh Rise, Langley, Eastbourne. Following the rain the previous Thursday, the ground was very wet, muddy and slippery. Of note were the Great Egret, a female Marsh Harrier and a very light morph Buzzard with extra time spent picking out the single Common Gull among the Black-backed gulls. Birds seen (in order of their appearance):- Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Magpie, Coot, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Marsh Harrier, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Cetti's Warbler (H), Crow, Starling, Mallard, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Stonechat, Gadwall, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Teal, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Mute Swan, Meadow Pipit, Common Gull, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Snipe, Robin, Song Thrush, Redwing.

Purple Sandpipers at Newhaven, Sussex

16th January 2026 p.m.

Newhaven Harbour East Pier

It’s that time of year when the search for Purple Sandpipers begins, and Newhaven East Pier has rarely let me down. This morning was no exception: four birds appeared and gave superb views as they worked the concrete supports right at the waterline. On the walk back, at least five Turnstones joined the cast. A simple outing, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Hen Harriers at Arundel WWT

Hen Harriers at Arundel WWT: A Tale of Two Evenings

There are few sights in British birding as stirring as Hen Harriers drifting into roost at dusk. My two January visits to WWT Arundel offered a vivid reminder of how much timing, light, and luck shape these encounters.

Saturday 10 January 2026

The weather could hardly have been better: crisp air, clear skies, and golden light spilling across the reedbeds. It felt like the perfect evening for harriers. Yet as the clock ticked towards closing time at 4:30 pm, no Hen Harriers appeared. The sense was that they were still out hunting, taking full advantage of the excellent conditions. Disappointing, yes — but not without reward. A Little Grebe surfaced as a consolation prize, adding a neat tick to the year list.

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Four days later, the mood was entirely different. The light was fading fast, the sky heavy and dim. This time, the harriers did not keep us waiting. At 4:00 pm sharp, the first ringtail swept in, gliding over the reedbed past Scrape Hide before dropping down to roost. Just before closing, a second ringtail arrived and settled almost immediately. Then, in a thrilling finale, a superb male Hen Harrier ghosted in and dropped to roost in nearly the same spot.

C

Courtesy of David Shaw and Argus newspaper

The supporting cast was equally impressive. Up to four Marsh Harriers — three females and a male — entertained with aerial displays before the Hen Harriers appeared. Over thirty Cattle Egrets flew in to roost on trees bordering the reedbed, a spectacular sight in itself. And an overwintering Chiffchaff added a final flourish to the evening’s tally.

Reflections

The contrast between the two visits could not have been sharper: one evening of dazzling light but no harriers, followed by a darker day crowned with a perfect trio. Together, they underline the unpredictability of birding, where patience and persistence are often rewarded.

Arundel WWT continues to prove itself as a magnet for raptors. From Hen Harriers in midwinter to Ospreys on migration, the site delivers moments that linger long after the hides have closed.

12th January

Martin and I made an attempt to twitch the Blue‑tailed Fantail just over the border in Kent, but it wasn’t our day. Still, when I stopped by his place to pick him up, he treated me to cracking views of Siskins on the garden feeders. As consolations go, that one will do nicely

Warnham NR near Horsham, Sussex with Sara and Patrick

Warnham LNR – Winter Visit Report

Wednesday 7 January 2026

Sara, Patrick and Bob

Our mid‑winter visit to Warnham Local Nature Reserve once again demonstrated why this site remains a firm favourite among local birders. With temperatures low and natural food in short supply, the reserve’s feeders were busy throughout our half‑day session, offering excellent opportunities to observe a range of species at close quarters.

Although our main targets were Redpoll, Siskin, Brambling and Reed Bunting, only two of the four made an appearance. Even so, the visit produced several memorable highlights.

• A particularly obliging Goldcrest greeted us on the walk to the Woodpecker Hide, darting across the path and lingering in nearby vegetation long enough for good views. 
• On arrival at the hide, we were met by a lively gathering of Greenfinches, soon joined by a Treecreeper working its way up a nearby trunk. 

Greenfinch - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Treecreeper - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• Our first Redpoll of the afternoon appeared shortly afterwards.

Redpoll - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• Reed Buntings were present in small numbers alongside Chaffinches, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woospecker and a cracking Wren.

Reed Bunting - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Nuthatch - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Great Spotted Woodpecker - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Wren - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The standout moment came when a Water Rail ventured repeatedly into the open just a few metres from the hide—an unusually bold display from a species more often heard than seen. Over the course of our stay it emerged around ten times, providing the closest and most prolonged views many of us have ever enjoyed.

Water Rail - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Despite reports earlier in the day, no Siskins visited the feeders during our watch, and no Bramblings were recorded by any observers on site.

• At the suggestion of Patrick, we concluded our visit at the @@@ Hide, where a Kingfisher had been seen earlier. Although it did not reappear, we were rewarded with excellent views of a striking drake Mandarin, bringing the afternoon to a colourful close.

Mandarin Duck - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

We left just before dusk, satisfied with a varied and enjoyable winter session, enriched by two unexpected highlights and the always‑reliable charm of Warnham’s winter birdlife.

Thanks for the superb photographs Patrick.

Ashdown Bird Group Visit to Isle of Sheppey

 Ashdown Bird Group – Trip Report

Elmley Nature Reserve & Capel Fleet

Sunday 4 January 2026

13 members attending

A Superb Start to Our 2026 Programme

Our first outing of 2026 took us back to Elmley National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey, and despite sub‑zero temperatures—and a surprisingly long queue to enter—the day proved exceptionally rewarding. Over 60 species were recorded, including two owl species and several unexpected highlights.

Morning at Elmley

Car Park Highlights

• The day began strongly with excellent views of Fieldfares and Redwings moving through the trees.

Redwing - courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• Although the traditional Long‑eared Owl roost was empty—likely disturbed by recent works—two Little Owls put on a superb show around the old school building, earning them “Bird of the Morning”.

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

Other early observations included:

• Reed Buntings in modest numbers

Courtesy of Alison Playle

•  A brief but exciting fly‑past from a Merlin

• No sightings of Short‑eared Owl, Barn Owl, or Bearded Tits this year

Towards the River Swale

The river and its margins were alive with waders and wildfowl, including Redshank, Dunlin

Turnstone - courtesy of Andrew Burns

• A Peregrine was spotted across the water, while the concrete block area produced Stonechats, Rock Pipit, and Dunnock.

Rock Pipit - courtesy of Alison Playle

Stonechat- courtesy of Alison Playle

• A standout moment came when a Dartford Warbler briefly appeared along a hedgerow—thankfully photographed to confirm the ID. 
• Goldcrests and Chaffinches added to the morning’s tally.

 Chaffinch - courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Afternoon on the Marshes

• At the Swale viewing screen, the group enjoyed good views of Shelducks, Wigeon, and the occasional Pintail.
• A pair of Grey Plovers showed well along the bay edge before we concluded our Elmley visit and moved on to Capel Fleet.

Capel Fleet Raptor Viewpoint

Although neither Hen Harriers nor Short‑eared Owls appeared for the second year running, the area was far from quiet.

Key Sightings

• Marsh Harriers were abundant and active throughout

• A small flock of Corn Buntings was photographed along the approach road

• A distant Barn Owl was seen by some members

Surprise highlights included:

• A group of Bewick’s Swans, later flying directly over the viewpoint

Bewick Swans 2/3 - courtesy of Andrew Burns

• Two White‑fronted Geese passing overhead

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Red‑legged Partridges were present but elusive behind the reeds

A Strong Start to the Year

Despite a noticeable shortage of owls, the day delivered a rich variety of species and several memorable surprises. The Little Owls, Merlin, Dartford Warbler, Bewick’s Swans, and White‑fronted Geese were particular highlights.

Our thanks go to Martin for organising the trip and securing a reduced entry fee, and to our talented photographers, whose excellent images captured the spirit of the day.