A quiet start to the year, watching birds in Uckfield in the morning before heading down to Pevensey Levels mid afternoon. 27 species were seen, including a couple of really special ones.
Uckfield
- I woke up to the sound of Starlings and Collared Doves.
- The first bird I saw was, surprisingly, a Grey Heron which flew from a neighbours garden.
- At the garden feeders we saw our regular birds - Goldfinches, House Sparrows, and Blue Tits. We also had a surprise visitor when a male Siskin popped in; we normally don't see these until the weather gets much colder.
- In the garden were Blackbirds and a Robin.
Around 10.30 I took the dogs for their daily walk through the nearby woods and then into the fields by the hospital. I was able to add even more birds to my count for the day.
- The Starlings were in their usual place, atop the tall trees near our house.
- As usual I saw Carrion Crows, Magpies and Jackdaws.
- The woods were alive with bird sound, most obviously with Song Thrushes, Great Tits, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
- Herring Gulls and Woodpigeons passed overhead as we wandered through the fields.
- As we passed the pond, adjacent to the house, we paid due respect to the resident Mallards.
After lunch I headed down to Pevensey Levels to look for Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls.
The first new bird I saw was a Buzzard which was perched on a post 100m from me.
A huge flock of Lapwings was seen high above us.
A Cormorant flew by the first of several seen today.
A noisy Cetti's Warbler was nearby but, of course, did not put in an appearance.
The Great White Egret that had been seen by several birders finally put in an appearance.
A Kestrel was seen several times, in the air and on top of a bush.
5 Moorhens were seen.
Finally the Owls turned up - 5 Short-eared versions and put on a terrific show lasting over 30 minutes.
- A balanced start to 2019 with time spent at home, walking the dogs and birding.
- Happy New Year everyone!
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