With the SOS at West Rise Marsh

Saturday 17th January 2026

West Rise Marsh

Every now and then, I enjoy joining the Sussex Ornithological Society for a bit of birding. West Rise Marsh caught my eye this time—not only because it’s close by at Eastbourne, but also because I liked the idea of being shown around by Richard, the local patch birder. Underfoot, the ground was thoroughly sodden, so wellies were very much the footwear of choice.

It turned out to be a worthwhile outing, and I picked up a few new insights from Richard along the way. His full report is included below.

West Rise Marsh SOS Walk top of page    end of page

Report from West Rise Marsh SOS walk 17/1/26 On a mild but cloudy January day, 14 members gathered to walk around the 2 lakes at West Marsh Rise, Langley, Eastbourne. Following the rain the previous Thursday, the ground was very wet, muddy and slippery. Of note were the Great Egret, a female Marsh Harrier and a very light morph Buzzard with extra time spent picking out the single Common Gull among the Black-backed gulls. Birds seen (in order of their appearance):- Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Magpie, Coot, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Marsh Harrier, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Cetti's Warbler (H), Crow, Starling, Mallard, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Stonechat, Gadwall, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Teal, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Mute Swan, Meadow Pipit, Common Gull, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Snipe, Robin, Song Thrush, Redwing.