First Visit to Henfield Levels with the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group

 

Rye Farm Levels, Henfield – A Successful New Venue

Fifteen members of our East Grinstead RSPB Local Group visited to Rye Farm Levels near Henfield on Saturday 20th June. The walk formed part of our continuing effort to explore more local sites and, judging by the turnout and the wildlife encountered, it proved to be an excellent choice.

Our 4.5-mile circular route followed the Downs Link before returning along the River Adur, taking us through a variety of habitats including farmland, woodland and riverside reedbeds. Although the weather was warm, conditions were much more comfortable than forecast earlier in the week.

Birding was steady throughout the morning, with an impressive total of 42 species recorded. Highlights included excellent views of Yellowhammer, one of our target species, and an unexpected juvenile Cuckoo that was eventually relocated and confirmed by several members of the group. Other notable sightings included Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Linnet, Whitethroat, Kestrel and Red Kite.

Yellowhammer - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Yellowhammer - courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

Reed Warbler - courtesy of Phil Aylen

Song Thrush - courtesy of Phil Aylen

The wildlife interest extended well beyond birds. Marbled White butterflies were particularly numerous, while Banded Demoiselles, Large Skippers and Small Tortoiseshells added colour to the day. Our photographers also captured a variety of plants including Flowering Reed, Viper's Bugloss and Marsh Woundwort.

Overall, this first visit to Rye Farm Levels was a great success. The combination of diverse habitats, abundant wildlife and good company made for an enjoyable and rewarding morning, and the site is sure to become a popular addition to our future programme.

New species for the 2026 Year List:

173 Bullfinch

Spotted Flycatcher at Old Lodge

 The Ashdown Bird Group’s visit to Old Lodge NR on 19 June 2026 was highly successful, with ideal weather, a lively start of nearly 20 species in the first half hour, and all three target birds—Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit—located during the morning. The standout moment was an extraordinary sighting of a juvenile Cuckoo being fed by a Wren, a rare behaviour to witness so clearly. In total, 31 species were recorded, making it a memorable and rewarding outing for the four members present.

Spotted Flycatcher

Redstarts

Juvenile 

Cuckoo

Tree Pipit

All pictures courtesy of Martin Jeffree

New species for the 2026 Year List:

172 Spotted Flycatcher

Roseate Tern and Little Terns at Pagham Harbour

 Blog Snippet: Terns, Triumphs, and a Great Debate at Pagham Harbour

Sunday, 14th June 2026 | Ashdown Bird Group (12 members) | 66 Species Recorded

A sun-drenched summer outing to Pagham Harbour RSPB delivered incredible birding, great company, and a total of 66 species.

The Highlights

• Avocet Bonanza: The Ferry Pool was packed with activity, featuring at least 35 adults and 20 chicks, alongside stunning summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank.

Courtesy of Patrick Sullivan

• The Great Tern Debate: At Church Norton, Alison picked out a rare Roseate Tern on the concrete blocks. After a lengthy debate with local RSPB rangers—and a perfectly timed side-by-side lineup with a Common Tern—the ID was confirmed, showcasing its whiter plumage and dark bill.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Target Birds Secured: Down on the beach, the group hit its main objective with excellent views of Little Terns (including one directly overhead), complete with their textbook yellow beaks.

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

• Wildlife Along the Way: The long walk produced singing Reed, Sedge, and Whitethroat warblers, Yellowhammers, a brief Dartford Warbler, and great summer insects like Emperor Dragonflies and Marbled White butterflies.

Yellowhammer - courtesy of Phil Aylen

A huge thanks to Martin for organizing, and to all the group photographers for capturing a memorable day on the Sussex coast!

New species for the 2026 Year List:

169 Roseate Tern

170  Little Tern

171  Yellowhammer

A Surprise Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

 

The Early Birder Catches the Honey-buzzard

Ashdown Forest Raptor Viewing Point – 12 June 2026

Nine members of the Ashdown Bird Group met at the raptor viewing point behind the old Llama Park in Ashdown Forest on a pleasant June morning. Following a spell of unsettled weather, conditions were ideal and hopes were high for our main target species, the Honey-buzzard.

The day's best Honey-buzzard sighting actually took place before the official start time. A female bird emerged from the woodland below the viewpoint and flew along the edge of the field before passing close to the group. Unfortunately, only three members had arrived early enough to see it, while the rest of us had to rely on their descriptions of what was clearly an excellent sighting.

Although the Honey-buzzards failed to show again during the morning, we were more than compensated by an unexpected sighting of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Phil first heard the bird before spotting it flying across the valley and briefly perching in a tall tree nearby. The sighting was enjoyed by several members and proved to be one of the highlights of the session.

There was also a touch of misfortune for some of the photographers. Patrick happened to be back at the car park retrieving a forgotten camera accessory when the woodpecker appeared, while Phil had left his camera behind in his eagerness to follow the bird. Fortunately, Martin was ready with his camera and managed to capture a series of excellent photographs.

By the end of the morning, the group had recorded 30 species, including Honey-buzzard, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Garden Warbler, Siskin and Goldcrest. While most members missed the best Honey-buzzard sighting of the day, the combination of good weather, enjoyable company and an unexpected Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ensured a successful and memorable outing.

New species for the 2026 Year List:
168 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker