22nd - 24th February 2016

Wednesday, 24th February: Perhaps the coldest night of the winter so far, with clear skies and a heavy frost, giving way to a fine and occasionally sunny day - but not as bright as forecast -  with scattered heavy cloud and a light N/NE wind....

North Wall: Two Spoonbills were out in the centre of the harbour and were scoped briefly as the tide pushed them up onto a mud bank; they didn't stay long however and soon took flight heading off NE (R&GaH)

Pagham Lagoon & Spit: The Lagoon was millpond flat this morning, with low numbers of birds but quite a few species, including three Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 23 Tufted Duck, four Pochard, three Great Crested Grebes, 10 + Little Grebes and eight Wigeon. There were three more Goldeneye in front of the Spit hide, eight Ringed Plovers along the Spit and also a single Sanderling. (JDW)

Ferry Pool: The Green Sandpiper was again present, along with at least a dozen Snipe, 40 Golden Plover, 20 Redshank, 1500 Lapwing, 30 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 250 Wigeon and 200 Brent Geese, plus a Grey Wagtail dropped in briefly. (AH)

There were also c20 Siskins in the beechmast behind the Reserve Centre. (C&ME/C&JM)

Siskin by the Visitor Centre (CM)

Green Sandpiper (above), Snipe & Golden Plovers and Lapwings on the Ferry (AH)

Medmerry: Easton Lane-Porthole Farm- Ham Farm-Chainbridge  - A look around this part of Medmerry produced at least 30 Yellowhammers and 20 Reed Buntings along the hedges between Easton Lane and Porthole Farm, and there similar numbers between there and Ham Farm, plus 30 or so Linnets and a few Meadow Pipits.

A Corn Bunting was singing between Ham and the Breach in a typical location, and there were at least five pairs of Stonechats spread evenly across the whole area.

Not too many other birds were seen beyond these species, though a pair of Grey Partridges were at Porthole Farm, and towards the breach there were half a dozen Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing and similar of Wigeon and Brent Geese, plus a Brown Hare. (AH)

Late this afternoon a Woodcock flew into the small copse just south-east of Ham Farm, and a Cetti's Warbler, a Stonechat and four Brown Hares were in the vicinity. (S&SaH)

Stilt Pools: There were14 Avocets present on the pools this morning. (PH)

Corn Bunting (above), Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Stonechat & Ringed Plover at Medmerry (AH)

Church Norton: The Whimbrel was in front of the hide and the two Peregrines were on the island, but most unusual was the dead fish found on the shoreline about 100 yards after turning right from the car park path. IL (the Warden) later identified it as a Lumpsucker and said it was a first for the reserve. It was a female as you can see from the roe. (C&ME/C&JM)

Dead Lumpsucker at Church Norton (CM)

Park Farm (Selsey):  A burst of Skylark song was particularly welcome above the noise of the bird-scarers in the fields.  A flock of c80  Brent Geese flew over as did a Grey Heron, and a Cetti's Warbler called from the copse.  Kestrel and Buzzard were hunting, whilst a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker could be heard close by.  A handful of Red-legged Partridges and a Mute Swan were also along the field edges. (SR)

Tuesday, 23rd February: A splendid late winter morning - chill and bright, with a little cloud and breeze developing later....

Selsey Bill (0935 - 1050hrs): Sunny, NW 2-3. (Obs: OM/anon). Nothing moving, though six Great Northern Divers were offshore. Otherwise just 2 Red-breasted Mergansers os and a Mediterranean Gull moving back and forth. And to the birder from Northants making his first visit, who arrived shortly before I left.... sorry it was such a slow day...at least you got a Great Northern and it's usually better than this - honest!) (OM)

Mediterranean Gull (left) with Herring Gull off the Bill - hardly enough to impress a visiting birder! (OM)

Selsey (West): Crablands/Warner Lane meadows: The flooded fields held 35 Snipe and a Stonechat, but otherwise there was little on offer (OM)

Medmerry: Easton Lane to the Stilt Pool - At least 20 Fieldfares and 10 Redwings were around the poplars and adjacent fields early on, and a Green Sandpiper was near the first sluice. Later on a Raven was over that area, with up to five Buzzards in the vicinity.

There were at least 50 Yellowhammers spread along the hedges and banks - with even a bit of singing going on, and there were also 10+ Stonechats, 10+ Stock Doves, 20+ Reed Buntings, 50+ Meadow Pipits and 100+ Skylarks in the same areas.

The Common Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank were both on the Stilt Pool, along with six vocal Avocets, eight Gadwall and 20+ Tufted Duck, Teal and Wigeon. (AH/C&ME)

Fieldfare (above), Redwing, Stock Doves, Yellowhammer & Skylark at Medmerry (AH)

Breach area - The Black Redstart was still along the sea-defence rocks and the Spoonbill was viewable distantly from the Viewpoint. (OM/JD/DF/DS) Also 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, 60 Grey Plover, c200 Dunlin, a Stonechat and a couple of Buzzards (OM)

Ferry Pool: A Green Sandpiper was present again today, along with a Grey Wagtail, 500+ Lapwings, 20+Redshank and Teal, 40+ Wigeon on the field and at least three Buzzards overhead. (AH/OM)

Earlier, a Chiffchaff gave a brief burst of song near the Visitor centre (PH).

Green Sandpiper (above), Lapwings & Buzzard at the Ferry (AH)

North Wall: A Spotted Redshank was in White's Creek along with 90 Wigeon, whilst on the Breech Pool were 40 Teal and a pair of Shoveler. A surprise was to see a Spoonbill coming in from the north and going back out into the Harbour. The Brent Geese were very unsettled this morning and stayed mainly in the Harbour, and 3 Goldcrests were in Owl Copse. (For info: the North Wall footpath at its western end is in a dreadful state, very slippery and muddy, with deep puddles and cycle ruts, so sturdy footwear is essential). (JDW)

West Wittering: A Short-eared Owl was at Snowhill marsh early this morning, before flying over to farmland near Ellanore (MR)

Short-eared Owl at Snowhill Creek (MR)

Monday, 22nd February: Another dull and overcast day, with a brisk westerly wind and the prospect of rain for a good part of the day as a slow-moving front passes through...... not the most promising of conditions then!

Just a reminder and a few details as promised for those interested.... my illustrated talk to Chichester RSPB on 'Birding the Selsey Peninsula - from a hut to a blog' commences at 7.30pm on Thursday 25th February. The location is The Pallant Suite, South Pallant, Chichester (nearest postcode for Sat Nav = PO19 1TY). Entrance is £2.50 members/£3.50 non-members and all are welcome. (Rumour has it that one or two of the regulars may see themselves in action.....or should that be inaction!) (OM)

Medmerry: The Spoonbill was again on the stilt pools at about 12.30 today, then later on it was out on the saltmarsh. (PH)

West Itchenor: Along the side of Chichester Harbour on the rising tide this morning were a Whimbrel, two Bar-tailed Godwits, five Black-tailed Godwits, eight Red-breasted Mergansers, 50+ Grey Plover and Curlew, and several hundred Dunlin and Brent Geese. Also, about 40 Snipe came up from an area of vegetation near the shore, including 20+ in one flock, and a Rock Pipit went over. (AH)

Bar-tailed Godwit (above), Black-tailed Godwit, Red-breasted Merganser & Brent Goose and Dunlin at West Itchenor (AH)

Birdham Pool: Nothing much of note bar three Grey Herons, a Little Egret and thirty Tufted Ducks. (AH)

Chichester Marina: A Jay under the trees by the approach road and a Bullfinch in the hedge by the harbour at the far end of Saltern's Copse were noteworthy, but otherwise there was very little on the high tide, with just a few Great Crested and Little Grebes on the water and a few Brent Geese and Wigeon along the edges. (AH)

Jay (above) & Great Crested Grebes at Chichester Marina (AH)

19th - 21st February 2016

Sunday, 21st February: A generally dull and grey day with a fresh to strong WSW wind; mainly dry but with the chance of some drizzle or the odd shower......

Selsey Bill (0700-1000hrs): A good turn-out of observers weren't really rewarded this morning, though there were five Fulmars west and four Great Northern Divers offshore. Full log below....      (Obs: SH/IP/SR/AH/PC/CN/DIS/DM)

Great Northern Diver - 4os

diver sp - 1E 

Fulmar - 5W

Brent Goose - 7E, 26W

Common Scoter - 1E

Red-breasted Merganser - 5W, 4os
Curlew - 1W
Turnstone - 13 ob
Mediterranean Gull - 2E

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1W

Great Northern Diver (above), Fulmar & Lesser Black-backed Gull past the Bill (AH)

Church Norton: Just about the only place to seek some refuge from the wind! Among birds seen on the high tide were the Whimbrel and plenty of Wigeon, Teal, Redshank and Curlew around the bench area, and from along the west side of the harbour - mostly seen when they all took flight -  there were half a dozen Pintail, the 'leucistic' Curlew, 40 Avocets, 200+ Golden Plover among the 1000+ Lapwing, 100+ Knot, 80+ Black-tailed Godwit and several hundred Dunlin and 100+ Grey Plover.

On the landward side there was a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest along the sheltered hedges, a couple of Reed Buntings and a handful of Meadow Pipits, and eight Stock Doves and up to ten Mediterranean Gulls among the Black-headed Gulls on the ploughed fields. (AH/IP/CN)

Avocets (above), Black-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, Curlew and 'leucistic' Curlew at Church Norton (AH)

Ferry Pool: Not a lot - just 200 Lapwing, 40 Teal and four each of Shoveler and Shelduck on the pool and 200 Wigeon at the back of the field. (AH)

Medmerry: (Golf Links Lane to Ham viewpoint)  - The Spoonbill was roosting out in the middle of the reserve, though the oddest sighting of the day was an immature Kittiwake in a puddle, before eventually flying off into the reserve. Other sightings included 20+ Skylarks, 40+ Yellowhammers (inc a flock of 25 near Ham Farm), 3 Stonechats, a Red-breasted Merganser, 100+ Golden Plover overhead, 3 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk (SH).

Buzzard at Medmerry (SH)

Breach area - The Black Redstart was around the rocks at the breach early afternoon, but seems very adept at vanishing completely! Nothing else worth noting. (CN)

East side – ca.65 Grey Plover, 110 Dunlin, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Peregrine, plus the Spoonbill out in the middle from 11am to 11.30am at least. (PH)

Easton Lane to Stilt pools – 3 Avocets, ca.80 Teal, 6 Gadwall, and a few Mediterranean Gulls among the Herring Gull roost from Easton Viewpoint. (PH)

Late this afternoon nine Fieldfares and three Redwings flew into roost in trees near the old pond, whilst both Barn Owls were out early, with one flying around two dog walkers on the Viewpoint but both keeping their distance from my camera!
Also three Avocet were roosting on the Stilt Pool and the Spoonbill was feeding there. (S&SaH)

Barn Owl in the twilight at Medmerry (SH)

Saturday, 20th February: Mainly cloudy and dull, with a fresh WSW wind and the risk of showers through the day.....

Selsey Bill (0700 - 0930hrs):    (Obs: SH/PB/SR/AH)  

Red-throated Diver - 1E, 6W, 1os

Great Northern Diver - 7os

diver sp - 1E

Slavonian Grebe - 3W, 2os

Great Crested Grebe - 3W

Fulmar - 1W

Brent Goose - 25E

Red-breasted Merganser - 6E, 16W, 4os
Eider - 1os
Curlew - 1W
Razorbill - 1W
auk sp. - 1W

(1400 - 1615hrs) SH/AH
Great Northern Diver - 3os
Fulmar - 1W
Eider - 1os
Red-breasted Merganser - 3os
Common Gull - 2W

Fulmar (above) & Red-breasted Mergansers past the Bill (AH)

Selsey: A Blackcap was present in the observers' garden on the edge of the town this morning (S&SaH).

Ferry Pool: There were 300 or Golden Plovers on the field again at high tide, plus 1000 or more Lapwing, 30 Brent Geese, 30 Shoveler and 150 Wigeon, whilst there were two Black-tailed Godwits, two Shelduck, a dozen Redshank and 20 Teal on the pool. (AH)

Black-tailed Godwits (above) & Golden Plovers and Lapwing on the Ferry (AH)

Church Norton: Very little to report - there was nothing on the sea save a Mediterranean Gull, the Whimbrel was in its usual haunt, a flock of roosting Grey Plover and Dunlin was on the metalwork and there were a few scattered Redshank, Teal and Wigeon, plus a Jay and a few goldfinches by the mound. (AH)
Mid-morning there were 2 Goldeneye and 3 Bar-tailed Godwits in the harbour, whilst offshore were 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, plus another 2W, and 30 Brent Geese high E, perhaps a sign of early passage? (S&SaH)

Whimbrel (above), Redshank & Wigeon at Church Norton (AH)

Medmerry: Easton Lane to the Stilt Pool - Pretty quiet this morning! A Fieldfare and a Jay were in the hedge before the poplars, along with lots of Chaffinches, and there were five Stonechats along the banks.
There were two Avocets on the Stilt Pool and four Red-breasted Mergansers on the tidal area opposite. (IP)

Chichester Marina: A drake Red-breasted Merganser was in the marina itself, but nothing was on the water beyond, a Mediterranean Gull and half a dozen Common and Black-headed Gulls were on the fields, along with a flock of c600 Brent Geese and 20 Curlews. 
Also, a Brown Hare ran across one of the fields. (AH/CRJ)

Later the Black Swan was present, and in fields to the north 1000 Brent Geese and a Black Brant.... once seen the latter is easily found via the single white left-hand tail feather sticking up at a jaunty angle! (CRJ).

Mediterranean, Common and Black-headed Gulls (above) & Brown Hare at Chichester Marina (AH)

Fishbourne Creek: This morning there were two pairs of Goldeneye, 147 Common Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, 20 Yellowhammers and a Goldcrest. (CRJ)

 

Sidlesham - Chalder Farm:  This morning there were 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 4 Goldcrests, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Pintail flying over, plus singles of Buzzard and Kestrel (SR)

Friday, 19th February: A bright, cold and frosty start with a light SW breeze, but it's not set to last.... with a front moving in cloud and rain is predicted to arrive by afternoon....

Selsey Bill (0730-0910hrs):  SSW3-4, some squally showers  (Obs: JA/SR/AH/TR/RS)

Red-throated Diver - 4E, 9W, 2os

Black-throated Diver - 1W

Great Northern Diver - 1E, 3os

diver sp - 2E, 1W

Slavonian Grebe - 10W

Great Crested Grebe - 1W
Fulmar - 1W

Shag - 3os

Eider - 1W, 1os

Red-breasted Merganser - 2E, 4W, 12os

auk sp - 1E

Mediterranean Gull - 1W

North Wall/Fields: A Kingfisher was sitting on the sluice gates this morning. In the Harbour a Peregrine put up all the waders before dispatching a Lapwing and carrying it off towards Tern Island. Early on the Brent Geese were on the Church Farm golf course and loafing in White's Creek; later they all congregated in the field immediately west of Owl Copse. I counted 3200 before they were put to flight by two dogs running along the Wall. Herons were again busy in the Copse and there 2 noisy pairs of Little Grebes on Owl Water. In the various fields I counted 340 Curlew. (JDW)

 Large flock(s) of Brent Geese, North Wall & Fields, Little Grebe on Owl Water and Grey Heron around nesting site at Owl Copse (JDW)

Ferry Pool: Around 300 Golden Plovers were with 1500 Lapwings on the field, along with 40 Brent geese and 200 Wigeon, but very little was on the pool itself. (AH)

Later this afternoon a Green Sandpiper was present, feeding in the far corner (SR).

Golden Plovers and Lapwings on the Ferry (AH)

Medmerry: Easton Lane to the Stilt Pool - A Dartford Warbler was in gorse near the poplars, and on the ploughed field south of the farm there was a Grey Partridge and a Red-legged Partridge. 

Along the banks there were at least ten Stonechats and 50+ Skylarks, along with a few Meadow Pipits and Reed Buntings, and two Green Sandpipers were near Marsh Barn.

A Spoonbill was visible out on the reserve before the tide dropped, whilst on the Stilt Pool the Common Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank were still present, along with two Avocets. (AH/PLS)

Dartford Warbler (above), Grey Partridge, Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Stonechat & Skylark at Medmerry (AH)