10/12/2020 Velvet Scoter at Sovereign Harbour

Sovereign Harbour

Eastbourne

East Sussex

• A quick trip down to Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne to twitch the velvet scoter that has been around for several days. This was another case where the bird was exactly where the reports said it was.  The scoter was showing really well by the boats 20-30 metres away.

Another great twitch - what an unusual setting for a velvet scoter!

09/12/2020 Dipped on Rustic Bunting and Little Bunting in Surrey

 Thursley Common
Surrey

• I jumped at the chance of a "lifer" and targeted Thursley Common in Surrey for a rustic bunting.  Also, potentially, there was a chance of a little bunting - not a "lifer" but still a rare bird.  The news coming out online also gave the possibility of a great grey shrike.
• Unfortunately I arrived too late (around 2.15 pm) and all of the above had been seen earlier but were not showing.  I stayed till late but had no luck.

• By way of compensation I saw several flocks of crossbills.

Sidlesham
Chichester
West Sussex

• On the way to Surrey I called off at Sidlesham in West Sussex to twitch the richards pipit.  This was a text book visit - the bird was present at the reported place and it was showing really well in the corner of the field.

Tried to do too much today - I should have gone to Thursley Common first.  Hope the birds stay a bit longer so I can try again.!

06/12/2020 Yellow-legged gulls at Cuckmere Haven, Sussex

Sunday 6 December 2020

Cuckmere Haven

Another afternoon jaunt, this time down to Cuckmere Haven on the south coast, to observe the gull roost to see if there are any Caspian gulls or yellow-legged gulls.  The weather was dry, with hardly any breeze but it was cold (5C).  There was a very helpful, local birder, already in place as I arrived.

• There were at least 2 yellow legged gulls showing with the black-backed gulls.
• Alas there were no Caspian gulls around.  I stayed until just before dusk but the size of the gull group actually dwindled - too many walkers I think.

1 out of 2 is not bad and it was well worth the trip.

 Saturday 5 December 2020 

Black-throated Diver at Arlington Reservoir 

First trip out for weeks saw me heading out to nearby Arlington Reservoir this afternoon.  I managed to dodge the rain and enjoy over 90 minutes on this lovely site.

• Target bird was a black-throated diver that was reported on RBA early this afternoon.  I couldn't find it at the northern end as reported but I did pick it up later on from the dam end. 

                             courtesy of BerwickBirds@BerwickBirds and Twitter

                              courtesy of BerwickBirds@BerwickBirds and Twitter

• Other than a small flock of winter thrushes there were no other birds of special interest.

Nice to be out birding again!