Thursday, 3rd October: A notably cool and cloudy morning, with a light north-easterly at first, soon veering south-easterly, brightening considerably as the breeze picked up and then shifting south-west.....
Selsey Bill: There was a big gathering of Swallows around the Oval Field, probably in excess of 500 birds and including a couple of Sand Martins and a few House Martins, whilst a Firecrest was along the path to the 'Secret Garden,' a couple of Wheatears were on the rooftops and a dozen Chiffchaffs were along the hedges.
An Arctic Skua and a few Shags went east and a few Brent Geese went west, but the sea was generally quiet and there was little visible migration. Full log below...
(0700-1030hrs) (Wind NE 2~SE3~SW4/5) (C&ME/OM/AH/PC)
Gannet 55W, 30 os
Shag - 8E
Brent Goose - 50W
Common Scoter - 8E, 5W
Red-breasted Merganser - 1W
Sanderling - 2W
Turnstone - 25 ob
auk sp - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 10E, 6W, 15 os
Mediterranean Gull - 4E, 16W
Arctic Skua - 1E
Sparrowhawk - 1 over
Meadow Pipit - 138W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 12W
Wheatear - 2
Stonechat - 1
Sand Martin - 2
House Martin - 147E
Swallow - 793E
Chiffchaff - 12
Firecrest - 1
Goldfinch - 150E
Ferry Pool: A Greenshank was at the back this morning, but otherwise there were just 24 Black-tailed Godwits, six Shelduck, c30 Teal and c150 Lapwings present. (AH)
Medmerry: A total of 21 Corn Buntings were counted around the reserve today, including a flock of 18 on the west side - the highest figure recorded in recent times.
There was also a Hobby, a Peregrine and three Sparrowhawks at Ham, along with a flock of c200 Linnets and a total of 20 Stonechats, including nine together at Marsh Barn.
Also, Swallows and Meadow Pipits were moving all day overhead and there were huge numbers of gulls - 3-5000, perhaps, around the ploughed fields. (HB/MW)
Church Norton: It was very quiet this morning, with two or three Stonechats and c50 Swallows the only migrants noted, though a Green Woodpeckers a Sparrowhawk and a couple of Linnets and Meadow Pipits were seen.
The harbour was quiet, too, with just a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits and a few Dunlin and Grey Plovers among the few waders seen, though there were 50+ Wigeon and Teal scattered about. (AH)
An Osprey was seen to catch a fish before it then flew off with it to the fence along the southern edge of the harbour, where it sat on a post but was fairly soon mobbed by crows, whereupon It then came a bit closer and sat on the metalwork of the old harbour mouth. (C Evans)
There was a very smart Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin on the old harbour mouth at high tide this afternoon. (AW)
North Wall and Pagham Spit: One Spotted Redshank was feeding in Whites Creek accompanied by the usual Wigeon and a few Teal, with at least 10 Great Crested Grebes were present in the harbour
A lone Brent Goose was sitting on the Lagoon although it was absent when I returned 45 minutes later, while another ten Brent Geese were seen overhead flying west.
A Wheatear kept a steady 20 yards in front of me along the spit, while two Stonechats were sitting in the gorse and a small flock of Linnets swirled around in the steady breeze. (IH)
Warner Lane paddocks: There wasn’t much doing today, but 4 Stonechats were still present, plus 25 Meadow Pipits, 6 Pied Wagtails, 4 Chiffchaffs and a dozen Swallows. Also, a Cetti's Warbler sang briefly - my first record for the site. (OM)
Northcommon Farm: Deadly quiet again, with just a Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Chiffchaffs and several Swallows. (OM)
An Arctic Skua and a few Shags went east and a few Brent Geese went west, but the sea was generally quiet and there was little visible migration. Full log below...
(0700-1030hrs) (Wind NE 2~SE3~SW4/5) (C&ME/OM/AH/PC)
Gannet 55W, 30 os
Shag - 8E
Brent Goose - 50W
Common Scoter - 8E, 5W
Red-breasted Merganser - 1W
Sanderling - 2W
Turnstone - 25 ob
auk sp - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 10E, 6W, 15 os
Mediterranean Gull - 4E, 16W
Arctic Skua - 1E
Sparrowhawk - 1 over
Meadow Pipit - 138W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 12W
Wheatear - 2
Stonechat - 1
Sand Martin - 2
House Martin - 147E
Swallow - 793E
Chiffchaff - 12
Firecrest - 1
Goldfinch - 150E
Firecrest (above), Sand Martin, Sand Martin and Swallow, Shag & Sandwich Tern and Black-headed Gull at the Bill (AH)
(1640-1730hrs) (SH)
Gannet - 1E, 30os
Shag - 4W
Sandwich Tern - 1W, 4os
Common Tern - 2W
Razorbill - 2W, 1os
auk sp - 4W
Chiffchaff - 1
Ferry Pool: A Greenshank was at the back this morning, but otherwise there were just 24 Black-tailed Godwits, six Shelduck, c30 Teal and c150 Lapwings present. (AH)
Greenshank and Teal (above) & Black-tailed Godwits on the Ferry (AH)
Medmerry: A total of 21 Corn Buntings were counted around the reserve today, including a flock of 18 on the west side - the highest figure recorded in recent times.
There was also a Hobby, a Peregrine and three Sparrowhawks at Ham, along with a flock of c200 Linnets and a total of 20 Stonechats, including nine together at Marsh Barn.
Also, Swallows and Meadow Pipits were moving all day overhead and there were huge numbers of gulls - 3-5000, perhaps, around the ploughed fields. (HB/MW)
Church Norton: It was very quiet this morning, with two or three Stonechats and c50 Swallows the only migrants noted, though a Green Woodpeckers a Sparrowhawk and a couple of Linnets and Meadow Pipits were seen.
The harbour was quiet, too, with just a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits and a few Dunlin and Grey Plovers among the few waders seen, though there were 50+ Wigeon and Teal scattered about. (AH)
Stonechat (above), Green Woodpecker & Bar-tailed Godwit at Church Norton (AH)
Osprey at Church Norton (C Evans)
There was a very smart Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin on the old harbour mouth at high tide this afternoon. (AW)
Curlew Sandpiper (above) & with Dunlin at Church Norton (AW)
A lone Brent Goose was sitting on the Lagoon although it was absent when I returned 45 minutes later, while another ten Brent Geese were seen overhead flying west.
A Wheatear kept a steady 20 yards in front of me along the spit, while two Stonechats were sitting in the gorse and a small flock of Linnets swirled around in the steady breeze. (IH)
Northcommon Farm: Deadly quiet again, with just a Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Chiffchaffs and several Swallows. (OM)
Selsey Bill: The first big Brent Goose movement of the autumn saw almost 1500 birds going west by late morning, with flocks of mainly 20-40 individuals moving across a broad front from the beach to the horizon.
Otherwise, 30+ Sandwich Terns were lingering offshore and a Wheatear, a Blackcap, four Stonechats and 20+ Chiffchaffs were along the front. Full log below.....
0700 - 1130hrs: (Wind N2-3) (PB/C&ME/AH/CBC/MAC)
Great Northern Diver - 1 os
Gannet - 20E, 45W, 20 os
Shag - 7E, 2 os
Brent Goose - 1485W
Shelduck - 2W
Common Scoter - 9E, 27W
Wigeon - 3W
Sanderling - 4W
Turnstone - 12 ob
Common Tern - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 3E, 40W, 32 os
Mediterranean Gull - 3E, 4W
Sparrowhawk - 1 over
Meadow Pipit - 904W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 21W
Skylark - 1N
Wheatear - 1 ob
Stonechat - 4
Swallow - 740E
House Martin - 430E
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 24
Otherwise, 30+ Sandwich Terns were lingering offshore and a Wheatear, a Blackcap, four Stonechats and 20+ Chiffchaffs were along the front. Full log below.....
0700 - 1130hrs: (Wind N2-3) (PB/C&ME/AH/CBC/MAC)
Great Northern Diver - 1 os
Gannet - 20E, 45W, 20 os
Shag - 7E, 2 os
Brent Goose - 1485W
Shelduck - 2W
Common Scoter - 9E, 27W
Wigeon - 3W
Sanderling - 4W
Turnstone - 12 ob
Common Tern - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 3E, 40W, 32 os
Mediterranean Gull - 3E, 4W
Sparrowhawk - 1 over
Meadow Pipit - 904W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 21W
Skylark - 1N
Wheatear - 1 ob
Stonechat - 4
Swallow - 740E
House Martin - 430E
Blackcap - 1
Chiffchaff - 24
Brent Geese (above), Wheatear, Stonechat, Chiffchaff & Blackcap at the Bill (AH)
(1640-1740hrs) (SH)
Gannet - 70os
Brent Goose - 5W
Mediterranean Gull - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 1E, 5W, 4os
Swallow - 10 in from way out
House Martin - 4 in from way out
Meadow Pipit - 1W
Wheatear - 1
Ferry Pool: The probable Australian Shelduck was on the pool, along with eight Shelduck, two Shovelers, 25 Teal, 22 Black-tailed Godwits and 180 Lapwing.
Gannet - 70os
Brent Goose - 5W
Mediterranean Gull - 1W
Sandwich Tern - 1E, 5W, 4os
Swallow - 10 in from way out
House Martin - 4 in from way out
Meadow Pipit - 1W
Wheatear - 1
Ferry Pool: The probable Australian Shelduck was on the pool, along with eight Shelduck, two Shovelers, 25 Teal, 22 Black-tailed Godwits and 180 Lapwing.
A Spotted Redshank was briefly in the channel opposite and a few Chiffchaffs, Long-tailed Tits and a Blackcap were in the adjacent bushes. (AH)
probable Australian Shelduck (above), Shoveler and Lapwings & Long-tailed Tit around the Ferry (AH)
Long Pool: A Marsh Harrier was hunting over the harbour, viewable from the Long Pool, early this afternoon. (AB)
North Wall: A Kingfisher and a Greenshank were present at the sluice gates at about 8am and a short walk along the wall found a Wheatear in the rocks and about 170 Canada Geese, with a few Black-tailed Godwits and Curlew intermingled, in the field west of the Breech Pool. (IH)
This evening the two Wheatears were still amongst the rocks and the cattle in the field beyond the Breech Pool were accompanied by 20+ Yellow Wagtails, about six Pied Wagtails and two Cattle Egrets, with a Brown Hare also present.
A Stonechat was on the fence near Owl Point, and two Snipe, a Greenshank and a Sparrowhawk flew over at various times, along with some 30+ Swallows that were flying generally south. (IH)
East side: A Greenshank and c.70 Wigeon were in the channel, whilst c.30 Grey Plover and plenty of Dunlin and Ringed Plover were out on the mudflats. Along the hedgerows were a dozen Chiffchaffs but it was otherwise very quiet, bar a Whinchat and a few Swallows moving over. The Pagham Spit end produced little more than two Wheatears and a few Linnets. (OM/NR)
This evening the two Wheatears were still amongst the rocks and the cattle in the field beyond the Breech Pool were accompanied by 20+ Yellow Wagtails, about six Pied Wagtails and two Cattle Egrets, with a Brown Hare also present.
A Stonechat was on the fence near Owl Point, and two Snipe, a Greenshank and a Sparrowhawk flew over at various times, along with some 30+ Swallows that were flying generally south. (IH)
East side: A Greenshank and c.70 Wigeon were in the channel, whilst c.30 Grey Plover and plenty of Dunlin and Ringed Plover were out on the mudflats. Along the hedgerows were a dozen Chiffchaffs but it was otherwise very quiet, bar a Whinchat and a few Swallows moving over. The Pagham Spit end produced little more than two Wheatears and a few Linnets. (OM/NR)
Church Norton: A Woodlark dropped briefly in on the beach by the gorse before carrying on east, but there wasn't much obvious visible migration, with the 100+ Meadow Pipits, 50+ Swallows and 20+ House Martins present not really going anywhere.
There was clearly a fall of Stonechats, though, with approximately 16 counted along the length of the beach, and a wide scattering of c20 Chiffchaffs, but the only other migrants noted were a handful of Blackcaps by the concrete wall.
Also, around 200 Brent Geese went over the harbour, heading west, but mainly cutting overland and likely to miss the Bill. (AH)
There was clearly a fall of Stonechats, though, with approximately 16 counted along the length of the beach, and a wide scattering of c20 Chiffchaffs, but the only other migrants noted were a handful of Blackcaps by the concrete wall.
Also, around 200 Brent Geese went over the harbour, heading west, but mainly cutting overland and likely to miss the Bill. (AH)
Woodlark (above), Meadow Pipit & Stonechats at Church Norton (AH)
Early this afternoon, a ring-tail Hen Harrier was hunting over the harbour before heading out to sea. There was also a juvenile Marsh Harrier about.(Ga&RH)
Hen Harrier at Church Norton (GaH)
Medmerry: Easton Lane to the Stilt Pool - A walk fro Easton Lane to Stilt Pools this afternoon produced (predictably) up to 20 Stonechats, as many Meadow Pipits, a Wheatear and a flock of 10 Corn Buntings.
There was a Black Swan (with no rings) on the pools along with four Greenshanks, two Common Gulls and a single Sandwich Tern. (AW)
There was a Black Swan (with no rings) on the pools along with four Greenshanks, two Common Gulls and a single Sandwich Tern. (AW)
Wheatear (above), Stonechat, Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits, Greenshanks, Sandwich Tern & Black Swan at Medmerry (AW)
Tuesday, 1st October: A mostly bright and breezy morning, with a fair bit of sun and just the odd squall, though with yet more rain forecast for later...
The late Beryl James: A short note to confirm that Beryl's funeral will be held at Chichester Crematorium at 14:45 on Tuesday 8th October. Anyone who knew her is welcome to join us for the service and refreshments at a nearby venue afterwards (per PJ/BrJ) (Eds)
Selsey Bill: Twelve Arctic Skuas went west on a morning with little obvious sea passage, though there were still plenty of Sandwich Terns about and some Swallows and Meadow Pipits moving through. Full log below....
Selsey Bill: Twelve Arctic Skuas went west on a morning with little obvious sea passage, though there were still plenty of Sandwich Terns about and some Swallows and Meadow Pipits moving through. Full log below....
0700-1130hrs: (Wind SW F5-6)
Great Crested Grebe - 1W
Gannet - 80W, 30os
Shag - 8E
Brent Goose - 2W
Common Scoter - 14E, 4W
Turnstone - 14
auk sp - 1W
Razorbill - 2W
Commic Tern - 4W
Sandwich Tern - 2E, 89W
Arctic Skua - 12W (4 l/phase, 8 d/phase - or morph if you prefer!)
Mediterranean Gull - 10E, 2W, 1 os
Kittiwake - 1W
Meadow Pipit - 427W
Rock Pipit - 1W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 11W
Wheatear - 1
Swallow - 66W
House Martin - 4E
Greenfinch - 14 (Broadreeds estate)
Goldfinch - 40
Goldcrest - 1
Great Crested Grebe - 1W
Gannet - 80W, 30os
Shag - 8E
Brent Goose - 2W
Common Scoter - 14E, 4W
Turnstone - 14
auk sp - 1W
Razorbill - 2W
Commic Tern - 4W
Sandwich Tern - 2E, 89W
Arctic Skua - 12W (4 l/phase, 8 d/phase - or morph if you prefer!)
Mediterranean Gull - 10E, 2W, 1 os
Kittiwake - 1W
Meadow Pipit - 427W
Rock Pipit - 1W
Pied/alba Wagtail - 11W
Wheatear - 1
Swallow - 66W
House Martin - 4E
Greenfinch - 14 (Broadreeds estate)
Goldfinch - 40
Goldcrest - 1
Arctic Skua (above), Sandwich Tern, Shag, Brent Geese & Meadow Pipit at the Bill (AH)
Ferry Pool: A Merlin shot over and into the harbour early on, whilst a Greenshank was on the pool, along with c25 Black-tailed Godwits, c50 Lapwing, five Shelducks and a dozen Teal.
A Spotted Redshank was in the channel opposite, along with a Kingfisher, a few Redshank and another c50 Teal, whilst a Hobby went over, heading south. (AH/IP/AW)
Spotted Redshank in Ferry Channel (AH)
Later on, the Shelduck sp - possibly Australian - was on the pool. (BFF/DM)
Probable Australian Shelduck on the Ferry (BFF)
North Wall: Three Spotted Redshanks and a Greenshank were feeding near the sluice gates this morning, whilst two Wheatears were still among the rocks. Also, large numbers of Meadow Pipits could be seen in a field beyond the Breech Pool and flying generally south, with three Cattle Egrets out on the mud at the end of the wall and another was on its own towards Halsey's Farm. (IH)
Church Norton: A Whinchat was along the hedge at the front of the horse field and a dozen or so Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were around the concrete wall, whilst a few Meadow Pipits and Swallows, plus the odd House Martin went over west.
There wasn't much of note in the harbour, though a Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwits were present, along with lots of Redshanks and a few Curlews. (AH/BFF/DM)
As the tide rose there were 20+ Sandwich Terns in the harbour, along with 25 Grey Plover, eight Knot and five Bar-tailed Godwits. (BFF/DM)
Warner Lane paddocks: A small pocket of activity in the far corner consisted of two Whinchats, five Stonechats and two Red-legged Partridges. (OM)
Northcommon Farm: Just four Chiffchaffs was the sum total of my efforts this morning! (OM)
As the tide rose there were 20+ Sandwich Terns in the harbour, along with 25 Grey Plover, eight Knot and five Bar-tailed Godwits. (BFF/DM)
The highlight for me this morning was a Ring Ouzel heard clacking - but not seen - between the
Severals. Along the beach and around the churchyard area, were a Sparrowhawk,
4 Wheatears, 4 Stonechats, 6 Blackcaps, a Whitethroat, 3 Cetti's
Warblers and 22 Chiffchaffs. Also 4 Red Admiral, 5 Speckled Wood, 3 Small White
and a Hornet were seen. Driving up the lane I nearly ran into a Roe Deer. (CRJ)
Whinchat (above), Chiffchaff, Bar-tailed Godwit & Whimbrel at Church Norton (AH)
Later, an Osprey was over the harbour at a very high tide. There were two Wheatears along the concrete blocks, three Stonechats on the old horse-field and a flock of 10 Sandwich Terns flew over heading west. There was also a flock of around 200 Linnets along Rectory Lane. (AW)
Osprey (above), Stonechat, Linnets and Tern Island on the big tide at Church Norton (AW)
Warner Lane paddocks: A small pocket of activity in the far corner consisted of two Whinchats, five Stonechats and two Red-legged Partridges. (OM)
Whinchat at Warner Lane paddocks (OM)
Northcommon Farm: Just four Chiffchaffs was the sum total of my efforts this morning! (OM)
Medmerry: Easton Lane to Marsh Farm - A look along the banks this evening produced two Whinchats, 22 Stonechats, a Whitethroat, four Chiffchaffs, a Reed Bunting, three Yellowhammers and 30+ Meadow Pipits, with a Greenshank near the poplars and 20+ Swallows and 40 Lapwing over. (S&SaH)
Long Pool: This evening there were two Whinchats and five Stonechats along the hedges, as well as half a dozen Chiffchaffs, a dozen Long-tailed Tits and two Reed Buntings, with a dozen Meadow Pipits on the adjacent fields. (AH)
Whinchat (above) & Stonechat along the Long Pool (AH)
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