Dungeness Trip – 22 March 2026 – East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

Thirteen members enjoyed a bright, calm day at Dungeness, recording nearly 70 species. The highlight was excellent—if hard‑won—views of black‑necked grebes at the ARC Pits, thanks to a timely tip‑off from local birder Martin Casemore (Plodding Birder).

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Other notable species included firecrest, Cetti’s warbler, bearded tit, and a fast‑moving kingfisher. Unfortunately, they did not present themselves for photographs - a case of "blink and you miss them"

More cooperative birds included:-

All three egret species

Little Egret - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Great White Egret - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Cattle Egrets - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Goldeneye

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Raptors were well represented, with marsh harrier, kestrel, and two peregrines, one of which passed the group at close range.

Peregrine - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Round at the power station, the highlight was this superb male Black Redstart.

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Non‑bird highlights featured:-

 Great‑Crested Newt

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

 Marsh Frog 

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Red Fox

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Seawatching 

There was not much going on here apart from the odd Gannet and a Red-throated Diver.

Gannet - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Red-throated Diver - courtesy of Phil Aylen

A super trip packed out with interesting wildlife!

New species for the 2026 Year List:

126  Black-necked Grebe

127  Black Redstart

No Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Today!

 Gravetye Estate – ABG Visit (13 March 2026)

I was one of nine members of the Ashdown Bird Group who enjoyed a rewarding first visit to the Gravetye Estate, a beautifully managed landscape of woodland, meadows and lakes. Despite hopes of encountering the recently reported Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, the group still recorded a very respectable 42 species during a relaxed morning circuit.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Birdsong greeted everyone on arrival, with Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Buzzards calling overhead and a Raven cronking from the treetops. Around the manor house, mixed flocks of finches and tits kept the group busy, while a lively Firecrest provided an early highlight.

A climb up the muddy meadow behind the house proved challenging but worthwhile, producing excellent views of raptors including Buzzards, Red Kite, Sparrowhawks and a brief but exciting Goshawk. Meadow Pipits were active across the grassland.

Mud, mud, glorious mud …..
Photo: Ian Hodgson

Quagmire!

Photo: Martin Jeffree

The lakes held a modest selection of waterbirds—Little Grebes, Tufted Ducks, Mallards and a Moorhen—while the surrounding woodland added Marsh Tit, Goldcrest and singing Chiffchaff. A pair of Grey Wagtails showed well near the sluice, and a late addition of Treecreeper rounded off the list.

Little Grebes
Photo: Patrick Sullivan

Although the Lesser Spot remained elusive, the visit offered a lovely mix of early spring activity in a stunning setting. We hope to return later in the season when the estate is alive with song.

Nothing to add to my year list but a super first visit to this site!

New species for the 2026 Year List:

1223 Ringed Plover

124  Bar-tailed Godwit

125   Sandwich Tern

Rye Harbour with the ABG

 Rye Harbour NNR – ABG Visit (8 March 2026)

Despite stubborn mist and a chilly, sunless morning, the Ashdown Bird Group enjoyed an excellent outing to Rye Harbour, with 15 members recording an impressive 78 species.

Following the usual anticlockwise circuit from the Martello Tower, the group enjoyed a rich mix of waterbirds, waders, raptors and passerines. The Spotted Redshank on the Salt Pool was the standout early highlight, offering prolonged views and superb photographic opportunities. Other notable waders included returning Ringed Plovers, elegant Avocets, and a surprise Bar‑tailed Godwit expertly picked out among Golden Plovers.

Spotted Redshank - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Ringed Plover - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Avocet - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Bar-tailed Godwit with Golden Plover Flock - courtesy of Alison Playle

Waterfowl were well represented, with abundant Wigeon and a superb female Red‑breasted Merganser adding unexpected excitement. The first Sandwich Terns of spring were both seen and heard across the reserve.

Red-breasted Merganser - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Sandwich Terns - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Passerines also played their part, with Firecrests stealing the show during the afternoon extension to the Reedbed viewpoint. Skylarks, Wrens, and a quietly perched Kingfisher added further interest.

Firecrest - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Kingfisher - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Despite the challenging light, the day was filled with quality sightings, great company, and excellent photographic contributions. A strong start to the spring season for the Ashdown Bird Group.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

1223 Ringed Plover

124  Bar-tailed Godwit

125   Sandwich Tern

Rodmell with the SOS

Wednesday 4th March 2026

Rodmell near Lewes, Sussex

Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS)

Summary of the Rodmell Walk

I was part of a large group of SOS members who gathered for the annual late‑afternoon Rodmell walk, all hoping for Barn Owls or Short‑eared Owls. For the fourth time this winter, none appeared for me, suggesting that the recent harsh weather may have pushed them from this usually reliable site. Even so, the walk produced a lively mix of species.

Regular tits and finches were noted early on, followed by a Stock Dove and a low‑flying Merlin that only one observer managed to catch. Activity over Iford added Lapwings and ducks, while Common Buzzards, a distant Marsh Harrier, and later a Red Kite drifted through. Mixed groups of Little and Cattle Egrets, Egyptian Geese, a Peregrine pursued by a Pied Wagtail, and three passing Ravens all contributed to the tally.

Stonechats were vocal, a male Reed Bunting showed briefly, and several flocks of Corn Buntings — including my first of the year — moved around the fields. Thrushes included Blackbird, Song Thrush, a lone Redwing, and distant Mistle Thrushes. Near the river, Black‑headed Gulls, Grey Herons, Cormorants, and a final fly‑over Sparrowhawk rounded off the day.

Despite the missing owls, the group enjoyed good company and a healthy total of 55 species.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

122 Corn Bunting

Ashdown Forest - Goshawk Time!

Ashdown Forest Raptor Watch

Behind the former Llama Park

Wednesday 4 March & Thursday 5 March 2026

With clear skies and sunshine returning at last, the official viewing point behind the former Llama Park in the Ashdown Forest offered perfect conditions for early‑spring raptor watching. Two visits—one solo, one shared—produced an excellent mix of sightings and good company.

Goshawks on Both Days

Across both sessions, at least two Goshawks were seen repeatedly, drifting over the treetops in the distance. Their powerful, purposeful flight was unmistakable and provided the main highlight of the outings.

Sparrowhawks Steal the Show

Two Sparrowhawks put on a superb aerial display, twisting and climbing over the forest edge—an unexpected bonus and a joy to watch.

Four Raptor Species Recorded

Alongside Goshawk and Sparrowhawk, the forest delivered:

• Red Kite – a single bird gliding through the area

• Buzzards – several individuals soaring in the warm air

A fine early‑spring mix and a reminder of how rich the forest can be for birds of prey.

Good Company

Wednesday brought a chance meeting with local birders Joanne and David, while Thursday’s visit was shared with Martin, adding a social dimension to the already enjoyable sessions.

Summary

Two lovely mornings on the Ashdown Forest, with regular Goshawk sightings, a memorable Sparrowhawk display, and a supporting cast of Red Kite and Buzzards. A rewarding start to the spring raptor season.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

120 Sparrowhawk

121 Goshawk

Newhaven Harbour (West), Sussex

Saturday 28th February 2026

Newhaven Harbour (West), Sussex

 Birding Highlights from Newhaven

With the weather finally improving, a quick trip to the south coast proved well worth the effort. Newhaven Harbour delivered two excellent seabird encounters, along with a few bonus sightings.

Shag in the Harbour

Local birder Paul W reported a Shag resting on the harbour rocks, and the bird was still present on arrival—basking in the sunshine and offering relaxed, prolonged views. A great opportunity to catch up with this coastal specialist.

Fulmars on the Cliffs

A short move to the car park beneath the cliffs produced further success. Four Fulmars—two pairs—were settled on their usual ledges, clearly enjoying the calm conditions. Always a pleasure to watch these elegant seabirds up close.

First Feral Pigeons of the Year

At least ten Feral Pigeons were active around the car park, marking the first sighting of the species for the year.

Summary

A brief but rewarding coastal visit, with excellent views of Shag and Fulmar, plus the first Feral Pigeons of 2026. Newhaven once again proved a reliable and enjoyable spot for early‑season seabird watching.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

117 Shag

118 Fulmar

119  Feral Pigeon

Broadwater Warren with the Ashdown Bird Group - Woodlark and Dartford Warbler

 Trip Report

Friday 27th February 2026

RSPB Broadwater Warren, Sussex

Ashdown Bird Group

(8 members present)

Eight members of the Ashdown Bird Group visited RSPB Broadwater Warren for a morning field trip led by Kevin Hyde, whose long-standing knowledge of the reserve proved invaluable. Despite light rain, the group completed the full route and enjoyed a productive outing focused on three target species: Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

 Key Sightings

• Dartford Warbler – A single bird was seen early in the walk near the Nightjar viewpoint, offering brief but clear views.

• Woodlark – The highlight of the day. Two birds were watched foraging on the Western Heath, with several more singing overhead.

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• Lesser Spotted Woodpecker – Despite thorough searching, none were found this year.

 Other Notable Species

• Woodcock – Flushed unexpectedly by Ian and Mark, providing a rare daytime sighting.

• Redpoll – A female feeding on alder catkins gave unusually close, prolonged views.

• Treecreepers – Two individuals were observed climbing nearby tree trunks.

• Stonechat – Surprisingly absent, likely due to damp conditions.

• Green Elfcup fungus – A vivid green-stained piece of wood photographed by Ian added an interesting non‑avian find.

Species Count

A total of 20 species were recorded, including Buzzard, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long‑tailed Tit, Song Thrush (heard), and Pheasant (heard).

 Overall

Although one of the target species eluded the group, the outing delivered excellent views of Dartford Warbler and Woodlark, plus several memorable encounters. Thanks were extended to the organisers, Kevin for his guidance, and Ian for braving the weather with his camera.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

116  Woodlark

Pagham Harbour with the East Grinstead RSPB Group

 Trip Report

Saturday 21^st February 2026

Pagham Harbour, Sussex

East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

(11 members present)

Overview

A day of dramatic tides and widespread flooding at Pagham Harbour turned what looked like unpromising conditions into a surprisingly rewarding outing for the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group. With water levels unusually high across both the western and eastern sides of the harbour, birds were pushed into smaller pockets of habitat, often giving excellent—if sometimes distant—views.

Morning: Western Side of the Harbour

The group began at Sidlesham Ferry Pool, where ducks and waders were active despite most of the recent excavation work being submerged. Golden plovers mingling with lapwings provided an early highlight, followed by a marsh harrier resting on the ground.

Golden Plover and Lapwings - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Marsh Harrier - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Along the Ferry Channel, the exposed mud offered the best birding of the morning. A brief kingfisher sighting was quickly overshadowed by superb views of grey plover, redshank, avocet, curlew, and especially a beautifully obliging greenshank that fed close to the group. Brent geese, dunlin, meadow pipits, reed bunting, and little egret rounded off a productive session before lunch.

Grey Plover - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Avocet - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Greenshank - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Greenshank - courtesy of Andrew Burns

Afternoon: North Wall and the Flooded East Side

By early afternoon the tide had reached an exceptional height, with the sea lapping at the path and the Breech Pool completely flooded. Despite the dramatic conditions, bird activity remained strong. Song thrush, linnets, tufted ducks, wigeon, teal, rock pipit, black‑tailed godwits, chiffchaff, and Mediterranean gulls were all recorded.

The standout moment came when a distant pale wader was photographed and confirmed as a spotted redshank—soon joined by a second bird. With the usual channels underwater, these were pushed onto the last scraps of vegetation, giving the group memorable telescope views and securing the day’s top highlight.

Rock Pipit - courtesy of Chris Harries

Spotted Redshanks - courtesy of Martin Jeffree

Closing Thoughts

Although the landscape looked almost unrecognisable at times, the group’s persistence paid off. The final tally reached an impressive 66 species, helped by sharp eyes, teamwork, and some excellent long‑range photography. The golden plover flock, the feeding greenshank, and the elusive spotted redshanks stood out as the day’s most memorable encounters.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

113  Linnet

114  Mediterranean Gull

115  Spotted Redshank

Birding Dungeness for American Wigeon

Friday 13th February 2026 and Saturday 14th February 2026

Dungeness and Scotney Gravel Pits

My only previous encounter with an American Wigeon was back in 2016 at RSPB Pulborough Brooks in Sussex, and that bird couldn’t have been more cooperative - close in, settled, and showing beautifully. This latest attempt was a very different experience. With the vast, saturated landscape at Scotney and the bird’s restless behaviour, it was hardly surprising that it proved difficult to pin down. Despite a solid effort from several other birders and me on Friday, the wigeon managed to evade us completely. It wasn’t until the following day that I finally connected with it, bringing a satisfying end to what had become a far more challenging search than my first encounter with the species.

Friday – Scotney GP and Dungeness

Although the American Wigeon remained elusive throughout Friday, the day produced several notable records.

A family group of three Whooper Swans was present on the fields behind the Jurys Gap sand pit. The birds were feeding quietly and remained in view throughout, offering good scope views.

At Scotney Sward, a tightly packed flock of at least 250 Golden Plovers - my first of 2026 - was gathered on the grass. The birds were largely stationary in the blustery conditions, forming a dense, shimmering mass.

Later in the afternoon, a visit to the ARC Hanson hide at Dungeness RSPB added further interest. A drake Goldeneye and a female were observed diving regularly on the open water, remaining visible for an extended period.

Despite the main target evading detection, the supporting cast provided worthwhile compensation and ensured the day was far from wasted.

Saturday – Scotney Sward and Dungeness Fishing Boat Area

Conditions improved significantly on Saturday. Around ten other birders were already on site when I arrived at the Scotney Sward area at lunchtime, and it wasn’t long before the American Wigeon was located among the scores of Eurasian Wigeon. After the previous day’s frustrations, the views were steady and conclusive.

American Wigeon - courtesy of Plodding Birder and Bluesky

Moving on to the Dungeness fishing boat area, seawatching proved productive. Scores of Guillemots were moving west to east, many of them close inshore. A couple of Red‑throated Divers were also present on the water near the shoreline, drifting and diving in calm conditions. In addition, several Gannets passed close to the shore, their purposeful flight lines bringing them well within range.  Perhaps the most interesting event of the day was the sight of thousands - yes thousands - of Cormorants flying west to east close to the shoreline.  Where were they coming from and where were they going to? 

The improved weather conditions certainly brought out the best of the day’s birding and rounded off the visit on a high note.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

106 Whooper Swan

107  Golden Plover

108 Goldeneye

109 American Wigeon

110 Guillemot

111 Red-throated Diver

112 Gannet

Tilgate Park, Crawley

Wednesday 28th January 2026  

Today was a relaxed twitch. A drake Goosander had been reported at Tilgate Park, and when I arrived it was showing well along the western edge of the main lake.

The bird is the second from the left in the phone photo below.

A simple outing, but a rewarding one. Always nice when a target bird is exactly where it’s supposed to be!

New species for the 2026 Year List:

105 Goosander

Chichester Twitch for Slavonian Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser

26th January 2026 - Chichester

My first stop was the Platinum Jubilee Country Park in Chichester, where I went to twitch the Slavonian Grebe that has been lingering in this rather unusual habitat for several days. True to form, the grebe was showing well, accompanied by a few Mute Swans nearby.

With time to spare, I moved on to Dell Quay to scan the high tide for mergansers, grebes, and divers. The only species that obliged were Red‑breasted Mergansers, with at least two pairs giving excellent views

New species for the 2026 Year List:

103 Slavonian Grebe

104 Red-breasted Merganser

Raptor Watch at Arundel WWT with the Ashdown Bird Group

 Six members of us from the Ashdown Bird Group visited Arundel WWT on Friday 23 January 2026 for an afternoon focused on winter wildlife and a Hen Harrier watch. After exploring the reserve’s hides, highlights included Firecrest, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, numerous Snipe, and a good range of wetland species such as Gadwall, Shoveler, Lapwing, and Wigeon.

Although the hoped‑for male Hen Harrier didn’t appear, two ringtails were eventually seen coming in to roost—both settling just outside the reserve. 

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

A Peregrine provided a memorable close fly‑over and perched in view before heading to its usual roost, and additional raptors included Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, and Sparrowhawk.

The group enjoyed a rewarding afternoon with 42 species recorded in total, reinforcing Arundel WWT’s growing reputation as a reliable winter raptor hotspot.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

101 Firecrest

102 Bullfinch

100 Up!

 

Fishbourne Creek a.m. and West Dean Woods p.m.

East Grinstead RSPB Local Group – Trip Report

Fishbourne Creek & West Dean Woods

Sunday 18 January 2026

67 species recorded | 7 members attending

Our group enjoyed one of its most memorable winter outings in recent years, blessed with calm, mild weather and exceptional birding across two contrasting habitats.

Morning at Fishbourne Creek

With high tide keeping mudflats submerged, waders gathered on boats, rafts and jetties, offering superb viewing conditions. The route took the group from Dell Quay north toward Fishbourne before returning for lunch.

Highlights included:

• Widespread Brent Geese throughout the creek

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• Repeated sightings of Kingfisher

Courtesy of Phil Ayling

• Several Greenshank showing well

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• A striking Goldcrest in a wooded section

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The reliable Grey Wagtail at the creek’s north‑eastern edge

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

• A fine group of Grey Plover, voted Bird of the Morning

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Despite missing a few hoped‑for species, the session produced an impressive 53 species.

Afternoon at West Dean Woods

Starting near Staple Ash Farm, the group walked toward Monkton Farm, enjoying a superb run of woodland and farmland species.

Highlights:

• At least six Red Kites overhead soon after arrival

• Multiple Hawfinches, with at least eight individuals seen

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• A group of Crossbills moving through the treetops

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Bramblings associating with chaffinches

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Additional highlights: Marsh Tit, Raven, Fieldfare

Marsh Tit - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Raven - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Fieldfare - courtesy of Phil Aylen

• A spectacular starling murmuration to close the day

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Crossbills and bramblings were jointly named Birds of the Afternoon due to their scarcity at this site. The afternoon added 29 species, 14 of them new for the day.

Overall

With perfect weather, excellent photographic opportunities and a combined total of 67 species, this outing stands out as one of the group’s finest. Warm thanks go to John for organising the day and to Ian, Patrick and Phil for their superb photographic contributions.