15/09/2018 Thorney Island with the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS)

Saturday 15 September 2018
Thorney Island, Sussex


Please read Norma Park's report below to get a flavour of fabulous day out in West Sussex with the SOS. 
 
In glorious sunny weather, Dick Senior led our party of eleven on a circum-perambulation of Thorney Island. An Osprey had been seen earlier by those members who had been first to arrive, so there was a focus for much of the morning on finding another! On the extensive mud flats exposed by the low tide, waders were busy feeding: Curlews, Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Redshank and a single Greenshank with coloured leg rings (later reported to BTO). At least seven Ravens cronked on their way over. Two smart Whinchats were busy hopping around a wire fence and two Wheatears flew along the rocky embankment.
An Osprey was soon located atop a distant marker post , but was outdone by a second Osprey which gave an unforgettable display overhead as we ate lunch. As the tide flowed in, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and a single Bar-tailed Godwit came closer on the mud. We counted twenty-five Common Seals lounging on a mud bank before the bank was overwhelmed by water.
A distant circling group of Buzzards gave a total of about eight for the day. There was a splendid display of colourful autumn berries along much of our route but only a few small birds were obvious in the bushes – just a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and a few Linnets were identified.
Amongst the birds in Thorney Channel , on the top of the tide, were a flotilla of Brent Geese and several diving Sandwich Terns. Two or three Whimbrel and a couple of Lapwing were by the shore. Our final stop was by the Great Deep where a cream -capped Marsh Harrier held our attention as it flew low over a wide area and counts of Kestrels in-view reached seven individuals.
A group total of 57 species of birds for the day. A huge thank-you to Dick and all the participants for a splendid day out.

 

posted by Norma Park (norma.park@btinternet.com) on 16 Sep 2018 11:18

 

 

 

A great day out with the star species not only showing up but also putting on a spectacular display.