ABG Raptor Watch

Friday 23rd May 2025

Raptor Viewing Point behind the old Llama Park, Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Ashdown Bird Group

09.30 to 12.30

(8 members present)

Trip Report

We parked at Long CP before crossing the A22 to take the public footpath to the viewing point at TQ.428.314.

The weather was good for the Raptors, with sunshine, clouds, and a significant breeze.

This was our first attempt this year to see Honey Buzzards.  Alastair had reported sightings regularly since they arrived on 10th May, so hopes were very high.

David, a local birder from Haywards Heath, was already there when we arrived, and he had already seen a Honey Buzzard and a Goshawk.

• Around 10.20 hr we had our first sighting - a distant Honey Buzzard, gliding on flat wings!
• Half an hour later, we had a second sighting, with wing clapping to confirm the ID.  Alas, the bird was out of range of our cameras.

Simon joined us, and we benefited from his vast knowledge and expertise from then on.  The sightings became more frequent, and thankfully, some of them were closer.

• At one point, we could see two Honey Buzzards in the same telescope view.

• Just before we left, two Hobbies attempted to attack a Honey Buzzard.

Here are Martin's photographs-

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Here are Patrick's photographs:-

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Another successful Friday outing - thanks, Martin and Ian!

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Species List:

Species count = 17

2025 species count = 175

New Species:

175  Honey Buzzard