First Honey Buzzards of the Season

Saturday 23rd May 2026

Former Llama Park, Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Following some timely advice from our county expert Mark Mallalieu, Martin and I headed out for our first Honey Buzzard watch of the year. Mark had noted that many of the returning birds were already back on territory across South East England, and that the period from now until early June offers the best opportunity to see them before breeding females become much more elusive later in the summer.

With that encouragement ringing in our ears, we made our way to the well-publicised raptor watchpoint near the old Llama Park, hopeful but quietly confident. Before long, we were joined by three other birders, including our very own raptor guru, Alastair G.

Almost on cue, the first Honey Buzzard appeared over the woodland, drifting effortlessly across the sky. Over the course of the morning we enjoyed multiple sightings, with at least three different birds identified. Each appearance brought that familiar mix of excitement and concentration as we tried to pick up every detail through binoculars and scopes.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Then came the highlight of the morning. One of the birds suddenly began a wing-clapping display high above the trees. It was an extraordinary sight and one we will not forget in a hurry. Seeing Honey Buzzards at all always feels special, but witnessing this behaviour was something else entirely.

A perfect morning in excellent company, and a superb start to the Honey Buzzard season.

New species for the 2026 Year List:
167 Honey Buzzard

Nightjar and Woodcock at Old Lodge

Wednesday 21st May 2026

Old Lodge NR

Finding my first roding Woodcock of the year at Old Lodge had proved elusive this season. However, at the fourth attempt, Alastair C. and I were finally successful when one flew past us at the usual viewing point, moving rapidly down the hill. We managed to get our binoculars onto it long enough to confirm the identification, while the Merlin app also picked up its distinctive call.

A few minutes earlier, almost to the minute — 20 minutes after sunset — my first Nightjar of 2026 had started churring up the hill near Hartfield Road. Shortly afterwards, I caught a fleeting view as it relocated; no doubt the first of many encounters over the coming weeks.

Thanks for your good company, Alastair.

New species for the 2026 Year List:
165  Nightjar
166  Woodcock

 

Stodmarsh NNR with the Ashdown Bird Group

                                                                   Trip Report

Sunday 17^th May 2026

Stodmarsh NNR, Kent

Ashdown Bird Group

(9 members present)

A cracking day out at Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve with the Ashdown Bird Group on Sunday, and proof once again that weather forecasts are best treated with a healthy degree of suspicion! Three separate apps confidently predicted rain for most of the day, yet somehow we managed to stay dry from start to finish and enjoyed excellent birding conditions throughout.

Nine of us made the trip over to one of Kent’s finest reserves and, as always, Stodmarsh delivered in style. Reedbeds alive with birdsong, booming Bitterns echoing across the marshes, Hobbies slicing through the skies, and Cuckoos calling from all directions created the sort of atmosphere that makes spring birding so addictive.

The day began with a slight change of plan after hearing that a local birder had briefly seen — and more importantly heard — a Savi’s Warbler near Marsh Hide. Naturally, we gave it a go, pausing hopefully at every promising patch of reeds, but the bird clearly had other ideas and remained hidden all day. Still, that sense of anticipation added a little extra excitement to the morning.

Bitterns stole the show on more than one occasion. The best moment came over lunch at Grove Ferry when one flew steadily across in full view, giving everyone plenty of time to get binoculars and cameras onto it. Those slow, heavy wingbeats over the reeds are unforgettable. Another bird later crossed low in front of Tower Hide, although a few members searching outside for Bearded Tits were left desperately trying to get back inside in time!

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

Talking of Bearded Tits, we managed a few brief but pleasing views as they flicked through the reeds before vanishing again almost immediately. Typical Bearded Tits.

If Bitterns ruled the reeds, Hobbies ruled the skies. At least ten birds were hunting over the reserve during the day, twisting and swooping effortlessly as they chased insects. They were almost constantly in view and impossible to ignore. One bird even took a short break in a distant tree, allowing us to appreciate it in a slightly less frantic setting.

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

Cuckoos provided the soundtrack for much of the day, their calls drifting across the reserve wherever we walked. Unlike many trips where they remain frustratingly unseen, this time we enjoyed several really good sightings too.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

One of the nicest surprises came right at the end of the visit. While we were in Tower Hide, four probable Turtle Doves suddenly shot past low along the water’s edge. The whole encounter lasted only seconds, but it was enough to get pulses racing, given how scarce the species has become at Stodmarsh. We never managed to relocate them afterwards, but sometimes those brief encounters are the ones that stick in the memory the longest.

Elsewhere, there was plenty to enjoy: Marsh Harriers drifting over the reeds, Cattle Egrets among the grazing cattle, Common Terns around the rafts, and a steady stream of Swifts overhead, reminding us that summer has properly arrived. Reed and Sedge Warblers sang constantly, while a surprisingly obliging Cetti’s Warbler even posed long enough for some excellent photographs.

Marsh Harrier - courtesy of Alison Playle

Cattle Egret - courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Sedge Warbler - courtesy of Alison Playle

Reed Warbler - courtesy of Mark Tomlins

Cetti's Warbler - courtesy of Phil Aylen

And it wasn’t just about the birds. Damselflies, moths and other wildlife added extra colour to the day, helping make Stodmarsh feel wonderfully alive from start to finish.

Male Azure Damselfly - courtesy of Alison Playle

Drinker Moth Caterpillar - courtesy of Ian Hodgson

By the end we had recorded nearly 60 species and, more importantly, enjoyed another thoroughly relaxed and entertaining day in excellent company. Huge thanks to Martin for organising the trip and to Alison, Andrew, Ian, Mark, Martin and Phil for providing such brilliant photographs from the day.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

164  Turtle Dove

Minsmere 2026 with the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

 

Trip Report

Sunday 10th May 2026

RSPB Minsmere

East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

(22 members present)

 Sunday 10th May saw 22 members of the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group enjoy our annual coach trip to the wonderful RSPB Minsmere reserve on the Suffolk coast. Despite bitterly cold conditions and a strong north-easterly wind more typical of midwinter than spring, the day proved both enjoyable and highly rewarding.

Bird highlights came thick and fast throughout the visit. Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits and Sand Martins were constant companions around the scrapes, while Mediterranean Gulls, Kittiwakes, Little Gull and Red Knot provided memorable coastal sightings. Spoonbill, Barnacle Goose and Stonechat also showed well during the day.

Sand Martin - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Spoonbill - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Barnacle Goose - courtesy of Phil Aylen

The reedbed hides produced some of the trip’s most exciting moments, with excellent views of Bittern, Hobby and even a fleeting Bearded Tit. At least eight Hobbies were seen hunting over the marshes, while the Bitterns added to the atmosphere around Island Mere.

Hobby - courtesy of Phil Aylen

For a small group, the extra walk to Westleton Common proved especially worthwhile, offering unusually close and prolonged views of Stone Curlews. The day was rounded off perfectly with sightings of Common Crane, Great White Egret, Red Kite, Green Woodpecker and Great Black-backed Gull during the final hours of the visit.

Stone Curlew - courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Common Crane - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Above all, the trip was a great success thanks to the enthusiasm, good humour and companionship of everyone who attended. Even the cold weather could not spoil another memorable day at one of the country’s finest reserves.

82 species seen.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

154  Barnacle Goose

155 Bearded Tit

156  Bittern

157  Common Crane

158  Hobby

159  Knot

160  Little Gull

161  Spoonbill

162  Sedge Warbler

163  Stone Curlew

White Storks at Knepp

Thursday 7th May 2026

Knepp Estate, Sussex

Martin and I volunteered once again for this year’s bird survey at Knepp, focusing on Nightingales, Turtle Doves, Yellowhammers, and Lesser Whitethroats.

Although we didn’t spot any Turtle Doves or Yellowhammers, we were pleased to record three Nightingales and three Lesser Whitethroats.

As an added bonus, we also saw our first White Stork of 2026, flying away from us.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

152  White Stork

153  Lesser Whitethroat

Spotted Sandpiper on the River Ouse at Piddinghoe

Sunday 3rd May 2026

River Ouse at Piddinghoe, Sussex

When a bird suddenly turns up in Sussex after last being seen in 1974, there’s only one sensible reaction - grab your gear and get moving!

Martin and I had literally just walked through the door after our seawatch at Splash Point when the news broke. A proper rarity. In Sussex. Right now. That was all we needed to hear. Soon, we were back out again, heading straight for Southease Station with renewed energy.

From there, we made the short trek along the west bank of the River Ouse to the viewing point. At first, the bird made us work for it - a few frustrating glimpses, a silhouette here and there - but once it finally settled, we were treated to long, uninterrupted views. The kind that makes every hurried detour feel completely justified.

And then came the twist: there were two birds present. One had drifted downstream, so we didn’t catch up with it, but knowing there was a pair made the whole encounter feel even more special.

For anyone wondering, both birds stuck around until 8th May, giving everyone plenty of time to get down there and enjoy the spectacle. A rare double‑act like that doesn’t come along often - and we were lucky enough to be part of it.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

These are Phil's photographs taken a couple of days later.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

New species for the 2026 Year List:

151  Spotted Sandpiper

Seawatching at Splash Point with the Ashdown Bird Group (ABG) and the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS)

 

Sunday 3^rd May 2026

Splash Point, Seaford, 07.00 to 11.30

Ashdown Bird Group

(9 members present plus 18 more from the SOS)

Members of the Ashdown Bird Group joined the Sussex Ornithological Society at Splash Point, Seaford, for a spring seawatch led by Simon Linington.

Conditions were not especially favourable, with light south-westerly winds and some early fog reducing visibility offshore, but there was still a steady passage of birds through the morning and enough activity to keep everyone interested. By the end of the session, we had recorded a respectable 35 species.

The most numerous birds were Sandwich Terns, with at least 43 counted, while regular movement of Common Scoters totalled 32. Other highlights included 23 Gannets, 26 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Mediterranean Gulls, several Sanderlings, Brent Geese, Turnstones, and two distant Red-throated Divers first spotted by Alison.

Sandwich Tern - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Common Scotor - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Gannets - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Red-throated Diver - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Around mid-morning, Simon spotted three Arctic Skuas moving offshore, though only a few members could see them clearly due to their height and distance. Later, while some of the group visited the nearby Kittiwake colony below Seaford Head, a Bonxie (Great Skua) passed through, seen only by Dave from the ABG group.

The visit to the Kittiwake colony proved particularly worthwhile, giving close views of birds nesting on the chalk cliffs, while a resident Rock Pipit also provided a nice local sighting.

Nesting Kittiwakes - courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Kittiwake - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Kittiwakes- courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Rock Pipit- courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Although the hoped-for Pomarine Skuas failed to appear, it was still an enjoyable and worthwhile morning in good company.

Thanks to Martin for organising the trip, to Simon for leading the watch, and to Ian Hodgson and Phil Aylen for providing the photographs.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

148 Common Scoter

149  Kittiwake

150  Sanderling