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 and a Great Spotted Woospecker.

Reed Bunting - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Nuthatch - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Great Spotted Woodpecker - 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.

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.

Welney with Sara for Whooper Swans and Tree Sparrows

As part of my 80th birthday celebrations, Sara drove me up to WWT Welney—one of my all‑time favourite sites.

At the very top of my wish list were Whooper Swan and Tree Sparrow, and to my delight we saw both species in abundance. As an added bonus, 10 Cattle Egrets were also present.

An unforgettable day from start to finish

2025 species count = 203

Whooper Swan      202

Tree Sparrow         203

200 up!

Southwick Canal

10th December 2025

A mid‑morning visit to Southwick Canal proved well worth the effort, adding two new species to my year list and taking my total for 2025 over 200.

• Bob and Judy from the Weirwood Reservoir Group were already in position when I arrived, and they kindly had the Red‑necked Grebe lined up in the scope. Although the bird was fairly distant, it had been tracked earlier in the morning by the original finder, allowing us to enjoy good—if not close—views.
• As an unexpected bonus, a very obliging Shag spent time preening on the water before flying across to the opposite wall, where it posed beautifully for several minutes. Unfortunately, none of us had a camera capable of doing it justice.

2025 species count = 201

Red-necked Grebe      200

Shag                              201

Cliffe Pools with the East Grinstead RSPB Group

Eight members of the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group enjoyed a wonderfully bright and mild winter’s day at Cliffe Pools on 13 December. It was our first visit to this picturesque north Kent reserve since 2014, and the return felt long overdue.

Our route took us from Crystal Pool along Dartford Track and Cliffe Creek, looping back via Creek Road before continuing toward Black Barn in the afternoon. 

Although the birding proved more challenging than on recent outings, we worked hard and were rewarded with a total of 56 species.

• Lapwings stole the show, earning Bird of the Day thanks to their sheer numbers and the elegance of their flight—especially when seen alongside flocks of golden plovers. 

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Chris Harris

• Greenshank also featured prominently, with at least three individuals noted.

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

• Other highlights included curlew, marsh harrier, kestrel, buzzard, sparrowhawk, linnet, dunnock, goldfinch, woodpigeon, and grey heron, many beautifully captured by our photographers.

Kestrel

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Buzzard

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

Linnets

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

A lighter moment came when Phil demonstrated the impressive sharpness of his new camera, a clear upgrade from his previous thermal model.

New thermal imaging camera

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Previous thermal imaging camera

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Finally some stunning images of Cliffe Pools

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Many thanks to John for organising another excellent outing, and to our photographers—Andrew B, Chris H, Ian H, Martin J, and Phil A—for their outstanding images. Let’s hope our next visit to Cliffe Pools comes sooner than another eleven years

2025 species count = 199

Twitching at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne

Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne

I persuaded Martin to join me on an afternoon "twitch" to see the Black Guillemot at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne.  

• The bird was showing well at the harbour mouth, along with some Cormorants and Great-crested Grebes.  It was first seen on 27th November 2025.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

• There was also a Common Guillemot close by.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

• Just outside the harbour entrance, I caught a glimpse of a diver - probably the Great Northern Diver that was seen earlier by others.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

2025 species count = 199

Black Guillemot          198

Common Guillemot    199

Ashdown Bird Group Visit to Fishbourne Creek and West Dean Woods

 Ashdown Bird Group – Trip Summary

On Sunday 30th November 2025, 11 members enjoyed a glorious day of birding at Fishbourne Creek and West Dean Woods. 

• The morning delivered 56 coastal species, highlighted by a striking Black Swan among flocks of waders and wintering Brent Geese. 

Black Swan

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Brent Geese

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• The afternoon brought woodland treasures, including Hawfinches, Crossbills, and raptors such as Red Kite and Buzzard. 

Hawfinch

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Red Kite

Courtesy of Alison Playle

• By day’s end, the group had tallied an impressive 69 species, making this one of the year’s standout outings.

2025 species count = 197