30/01/2016 Iping Common and West Dean Woods for a Birding Treat

Saturday 30th January 2016

With a break in the weather, it was off west with Paul and the group to look for Great Grey Shrike on Iping Common and Hawfinches at West Dean Woods.  





Iping Common
The going was very muddy underfoot after heavy overnight rain but the light was good and got better as time went by.

• We searched high and low for the Shrike but there was no sign of it anywhere.

• Paul heard a Dartford Warbler and a few minutes later we all saw it.   Initially it was seen flying and finally we saw it on top of a gorse bush less than 20 metres away.  The views were superb in the bright morning light.

Dartford Warbler
Courtesy of Julie and Malcolm Redford

• Soon afterwards we heard, then saw, a Woodlark in the skies above us.  On the way back to the car park we saw another.

A very promising start!

  




West Dean Woods

By now, just before noon, the weather was excellent with bright sunshine and superb visibility.

• As soon as we arrived we saw the Little Owl in it's usual tree,  forming a distinct silhouette against the sunlit background.

• On the way up to Monkton Farm we saw the first of many Bramblings in the trees ahead of us.  Everyone enjoyed good views of this lovely bird.

• The Hawfinch proved more difficult to find but Bridget finally spotted one at the top of a tall tree in the valley below us.  Everyone was able to get good views of this lovely bird.

• We had several good sightings of the Red Kite, including a group of 3 seen together and very close to us.

• Other notable birds seen included Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Fieldfare, Buzzard, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Reed Bunting.

An excellent day out with sightings of some quality birds.

Additions to BUBO 2016 UK Bird List

Woodlark   (128)

Little Owl   (129)

Brambling   (130)

Hawfinch   (131)