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.

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