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Pallas's Gull - Oman 28th Feb 2024

27 December, 2009

In the patch this morning 50 Grey Plover in fields opposite the entrance to Baliffscourt, 40 Brent Geese flying west then landed on the sea at Climping beach, 1 Stonechat in the horse field with several Meadow Pipits and a Kingfisher at Atherington Pools.

24 December, 2009

Quick stroll around the patch this morning, weather very grey but still birds around. 1 Mediterrainean Gull flew east at Ballifscourt, also 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Green Woodpecker. 1 Stonechat around the horse fields with at least 20 Meadow Pipit there with several Song Thrushes and Blackbirds, and  28 Grey Plover in the field behind. 1 Buzzard and a Bullfinch make up the day totals.

20 December, 2009

A bright, sunny and very cold morning enticed me down to the local patch again, where the best on offer was a Jack Snipe, flushed from the damp set-aside strip (behind the sea wall) at Atherington. A Common Snipe was also nearby, but there was no sign of any Brent Geese in the frozen fields today. At sea, c.20 R/b Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes, but nothing really moving within viewing range, (though a few distant blurs on the horizon may have been Wigeon?) At Climping/Bailiffscourt a Firecrest showed well, a Chiffchaff did not, and a Treecreeper soon flitted off. There was an indication of a cold weather arrival of Song Thrushes with at least 8 logged; also lots of Blackbirds, 2 Siskins flew over calling and 2 Stonechats appeared.
A walk up the river this morning produced 2 Bullfinch, 1 kingfisher, 6 Redshank, 4 Little Grebe, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Chiifchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, and 2 Great S Wood.

West Beach - 19/12/2009


Started the morning walking up to the river mouth were there was a  Kingfisher, 1 Rock Pipit on the beach along with about 2 Stonechat, 60 Turnstone 30 Grey Plover and several sanderling. Further along the beach 1 Woodcock was flushed from the dunes and flew north onto the golf course. 200 Brent Geese were at Climping Beach and several small flocks of Duck mainly teal and Wigeon were moving west. On the golf course i could only manage 2 Snipe, 8 Lapwing and a male Bullfinch at 1st wood.

13 December, 2009

Marsh Farm

Cetti's Wawbler still calling from the corner of the big pool, also 45 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk,13 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 18 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting, 20 Pied Wagtail and 1 Redshank.

08 December, 2009

Still at least 1 Firecrest present at Atherington this afternoon, along with a Treecreeper and the Long T Tit flock. Several Meadow Pipits and 2 Stonechat in the car park.  4 Redshank feeding under the breakwater in the river mouth along with 50 Turnstone and another Stonechat near the Sailing Club.

06 December, 2009

Marsh Farm

Nice walk late morning after the rain had stopped, with a Cetti's Warbler heard from the corner of the main pool. Also 1 Jay, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 30 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck and 1 Little Grebe.

Very quiet offshore at Climping with only 120 Brent Geese in  the fields.

02 December, 2009

Two hour seawatch from Climping at 0800 in a SSW, produced 5w Common Scoter, 14e 2w Red B Mergansers, 30w Sanderling, 12w Shelduck, 170w Wigeon, 28w Pintail, 1w Gilleybill, 170 Brent Geese, and 1 Stonechat.

01 December, 2009

Nice sunny winters day that produced some good birds on the patch. Firstly a Short-eared Owl flying  east over bread lane at 1110,  1 Kingfisher, 2 Firecrest , 1 Stonechat and a Tree Creeper at Atherington.  Offshore a total of 70+ Brent Geese, 42w Wigeon, 3w Shoveler, and 50 Sanderling on Elmer rocks. A Peregrine seen flying back towards its roost at 1420.

Also of note a Great Northern Diver seen flying close inshore at Climping Beach.

28 November, 2009

Nice bright day after the showers but still no goodie offshore with just, 2w Mediterranean Gull, 4w Wigeon, 4w Brent Geese, 2w Red B Merganser, 1w Great C Grebe, and 120+w Sanderling. Also 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, and 1 Treecreeper with the Long T Tit flock.

26 November, 2009

Tried my luck seawatching this afternoon, verey dismal with only 1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull west, 1w Great C Grebe, 1w Red B Merganser and 1 Stonechat in the bushes.
1 Kingfisher around Atherington Pools on Monday 23rd

21 November, 2009


Horrible gloomy day but still worth a quick stroll down the patch, with at least 2-3 Firecrest, 1-2 Treecreeper, and 1 Buzzard.

16 November, 2009

Thought i'd check the sea this afternoon as the wind looked good although from the West was rather disappointed with only 3W Gannets. I was rewarded with 3 Firecrest and 1 Treecreeper at Atherington pools, 1 Rock Pipit on the beach and 24 Brent Geese in the field east of Bread Lane.

12 November, 2009

Another miserable return down the patch today, tried my luck offshore and the highlight being 5W Diver Spa, probably Red Throated, 1W Great C Grebe, and several Brent Geese moving to and thru. 1E Bar T Godwit and several Curlew in fields adjacent to Baliffscourt.

08 November, 2009

4 Firecrest in the area today, 2 at the mill and 2 at Baliffscourt, and 32 Curlew in the field south of the mill before the rain arrived.

06 November, 2009

Quick walk around the golf course this morning, have to say very quiet with only 1 Black Redstart flying from west beach car park over the river mouth. 1 Buzzard and a couple of Redpoll moving, also a few Sanderling.

04 November, 2009

About the same as yesterday with highlights being, 2 Firecrest, 1 brief Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Peregrine over the mill, 1 Rock Pipit, 10 Siskin, 2 Stonechat, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 11 Curlew and 600+ Wood Piegeon.

03 November, 2009

Out before the rain appeared, there were still at least 2 Firecrests, at Atherington, also 2 Brambling. 1 Chiffcahff, longwood and  4 flyover Redpoll. Best of the rest was 11 Curlew, 2 Brent Geese, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret and a few Sanderling on tideline.

31 October, 2009

Best of the bunch today being 3w Eider, several small flocks of  Brent Geeese east and west  and 1 Black Redstart on Atherington Lodge.

28 October, 2009

Still no goody so willl have make do with this supporting cast, 1 Peregrine over 1st wood, 1 Firecrest Ballifscourt, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Stonechat, 15 Redpoll, 30+ Siskin, 11 Curlew 1 Bar T Godwit, and several Sanderling on the shoreline.

25 October, 2009

3 Firecrest in 1st wood this morning along with 4 Chiffchaff, also 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Partridge, and 25 Curlew,

24 October, 2009

Another poor shot of Firecrest in bad light and pouring rain


2-3 Firecrest around Baliffscourt  this morning also 5 Chiffchaff in the area

23 October, 2009

West Beach & Golf Course


  Firecrest, 2 Peregrine, 3 Kingfisher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Stonechat, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 20 Curlew, and several Redpoll and Siskin still moving.

21 October, 2009

2-3 Firecrest and 2 Goldcrest in first wood this morning, also in the area 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Little Egret, and 8 Curlew.

20 October, 2009

At last signs of things hotting up with 3 Firecrest at Baliffscourt, also 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Siskin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Buzzard and 4 Grey Partridge 1 Little Egret and 16 Curlew, offshore 3W probable Red T Diver, 2E Gannet and 3E Red B Merg,

18 October, 2009

1st Brambling of the Autumn at Baliffscourt Court this morning also 3 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 27 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Blackcap, 2 Stonechat, 1 Buzzard, 1 Jay, 3 Great S Wood, 5 Curlew, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Grey Plover and 8 Great C Grebe offshore.

17 October, 2009


Suprise of the day was the Golden Plover, seen in the field west of the mill, also  6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 5 Grey Partridge, 9 Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Jay, 4 Great S Wood, 15 Curlew and several Gannet offshore.

15 October, 2009

Another great day weather wise, but not for the birds, with 2 Peregrine, 3 Lapwing, 3 Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Treecreeper, 150+ Siskin, 450+ Goldfinch, 2 Stonechat, 35W Brent Geese, and 1W Gannet being the only birds of note.

14 October, 2009

Hopefull seawatch this morning produced 21W 4E Gannet, 9W 33E Brent Geese, 8E Red B Merganser, 5W Shelduck, 7 Great C Grebe, 1200+ Goldfinch, 4 Redpoll, 140 Siskin, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap and a flock of 25 House Martin over Ballifscourt.

12 October, 2009




Lovely bright sunny day with lots of Meadow Pipits on the golf course, i decided to amble about that end of the coast today. The best i could manage was 2 Wheatear at west beach, 4 Stonechat, 25+ Chiffchaff, 8 Little Egret, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Blackcap, 1 Buzzard 3W Brent Gesse and still good numbers of finches moving east.

10 October, 2009

Lovely day for a stroll, but with no birds about found it very discouraging, highlights being 2 Mediterranean  Gull, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Siskin, 36 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4-5 Buzzard, 6 Grey Partridge, 6 Stonechat, and 1 Little Owl.

09 October, 2009

At Climping this morning plenty of visible migration for the first couple of hours, then the SE wind increased from force 2-3 to 5-6 and it mostly stopped. Totals logged (all moving E) were:- Goldfinch 840, Pied/alba Wagtail 55, Meadow Pipit 100, Swallow 200, House Martin 40, Linnet 170 and Siskin 45. Passerines were harder to find in the windy conditions, but the sheltered spots held 20+ Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps and a Wheatear. A Coot on the open sea was unusual, but otherwise there was not much activity offshore;  5W shelduck, 2W Common Scoter, a small movement of Gannets, several Red-breasted Mergansers and  Brent Goose.

Thursday 8th October

At Climping this morning the most obvious movement was of at least 760 Goldfinches moving E in small flocks; followed by 150 Meadow Pipits, 70 Pied Wagtails, and 45 Siskins. A careful scouring of the 50+ Chiffchaffs present failed to produce anything more exciting (despite Yellow-broweds elsewhere!) and back up birds included 10 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 15 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears, 50 House Martins and 150 Swallows. Local birds included 3 Jays, 2 Grey Partridges and a Kingfisher

06 October, 2009

Out in the rain again taking shelter opposite Atherington Cottages were there was 1 Firecrest with several Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, also 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk and Chukar around Ballifscourt.

05 October, 2009

1E Whimbrel, 3E Gannet,  1 Stonechat, 22 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcap, 2 Lapwing, and 1 Grey Wagtail was all i could muster this morning during the constant rain.

Saturday 3rd October

A change in the weather, with heavy rain and a strong SW wind forecasted! However the reality was just a moderate W wind with little rain,  The sheltered spots held plenty of Chiffchaffs and a few Blackcaps, whilst a Peregrine was hunting high over the fields. A couple of hours sea-watching produced 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W (my first of the autumn), 5 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Med Gulls, 12 Gannets, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 2 Common Terns, 1 Sandwich Tern and 70 Oystercatchers.

02 October, 2009

Took a walk around the fields north of the Golf Course this evening, not a lot happening with 1 Buzzard, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Stonechat, and 5 Grey Partridge.

01 October, 2009

Plenty of Chiffchaffs around (ca. 60) but fewer Blackcaps (15) during this morning's meanderings at the Gap. A Little Owl flushed from the side of the Golf Course was a surprise, but not much otherwise to report; singles of Lesser Whitethroat and Grey Wagtail, 50 Meadow Pipits, 4 Wheatears, a couple of Stonechats, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 3 Buzzards.

30 September, 2009

Still loads of Chiffchaff present in the patch with at least 24+ this morning. 14 Little Egret and 1 Grey Heron flew out of 1st wood , also a Pergrine and Common Buzzard in the area. The best of the rest being 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Stonechat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Meditteranean Gull, 17 Siskin, 7 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Great S Woodpecker.

27 September, 2009

 Lovely day out and about but I didn't quite catch up with today's goodies, the best being 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 1 Dartford Warbler, 5 Stonechat, 15 Wheatear, 1 Spotted Fly, 20+ Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, and 2 Blackcap.

21 September, 2009

Gave the Golf Course a good kicking this morning and had the following,1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 15 Chiffchaff, 70 Blackcap, 1 Wheatear, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Great S Wood, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Buzzard.

20 September, 2009

Blackcap numbers upto 60+ this morning, 8 Whitethroat, 27 Chiifchaff, 8 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 1 Spot Fly, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Grey Wagtail, and 2 Reed Bunting,

Saturday 19th Sept.

Todays combined totals are 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 30+ Blackcap, 48+ Chiffchaff, 16 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat. 8 Whitethroat, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Grey Partridge,1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9E Shelduck, 2 Little Egret and 4E Sandwich Tern.

18 September, 2009

Hit the beach at 0800 this morning to find a steady flow of Gannets moving mainly east, end total for the day was 175+, 23E Common Tern, 15E Sandwich Tern, 3 Mediterranean Gull, and a Wigeon on the sea.
8 Grey Partridge in the area today with one Red Legged/Chukar. 1 Buzzard 3 Wheatear in the setaside at Climping.

Best of the rest being 30 Chiffchaff,  2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Spotted Fly, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Jay and a Little Egret.

17 September, 2009

Grey Wagtail - 6 (all but one heading E), Yellow Wagtail - 3, Chiffchaff - 20, Blackcap - 9, Wheatear - 15, Willow Warbler - 2, Redstart - 1, Spotted Flycatcher - 2, Lesser Whitethroat - 1, Little Owl - 1.

At sea: Common Tern - 8W, Teal - 3W, Sandwich Tern - 4E, Gannet - 20.

16 September, 2009

40+ Gannets  milling about offshore this morning 2E Sandwich Tern and 4w Shelduck concluded the seawatch. In the setaside 4 Grey Partridge with 1 Red Legged/Chukar, 1 Lapwing, 4 Mediterranean Gull, and 1 Buzzard. At Baliffscourt 2 Redstart, and 1 Spotted Fly, and supporting cast included 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Jay 2 Blackcap, 14 Wheatear, 1 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtail, and at least 2 Peregrine in the area.

Climping Gap (Atherington – Mill) 15th Sept 2009

A notable increase in Chiffchaffs (40+) and Blackcaps (30+) today, with a supporting cast of Wheatear – 5, Yellow Wagtail – 2, Grey Wagtail - 2, Whitethroat – 7, Meadow Pipit – 20 and Tree Pipit – 1. At sea were Gannet – 10, Sandwich Tern – 24 (mainly going E), Med Gull – 2, Wigeon - 7 E and Teal – 1 E. The set-aside strip held 2 Grey Partridges

14 September, 2009

Sunday 13th Sept

Quick walk around the golf course this evening produced, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 2 Wheatear, 3 Whitethroat, 5 Grey Heron, 14 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, and 1 Stonechat, also Peregrine on the gas tower.

13 September, 2009

Sat 12th Sept

Another Grasshopper Warbler at Atherington this morning, and at last this one showed very well. Supporting cast included 1 Whinchat, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Buzzard, 2 Wheatear, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Wagtail , 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Jay

11 September, 2009

2 Whinchat 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 25 Blackcap, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler and Swallow numbers reaching four figures during a quick walk around the golf course this morning.

10 September, 2009

2 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat,  1 Grey Wagtail , 1 Little Owl,  and a couple of Yellow Wagtail, were the only birds of note for me today, although 1 Grasshopper Warbler, and a Spotted Flycacther were seen in the patch. Also good numbers of House Martin moving.

09 September, 2009

1 Grasshopper Warbler flushed six times from the setaside rife east of bread lane this morning.  Also today 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meditteranean Gull, 6 Wheatear, 18 Curlew, 7 Gannet, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Sandwich Tern, and 1 Little Egret.

07 September, 2009

Started at Climping Beach this morning with not a lot happening offshore, although the presenece of a Peregrine soon filled the sky with birds. 12 Meditteranean Gull at Poole Place , 11 Curlew, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Dunlin, 6 Sanderling, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Reed Warbler.

06 September, 2009

Highlight of this morning being a Hobby over Baliffscourt, also still at least 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Wheatear, 7 Blackcap, 22 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 12 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Swift, 1 Jay, 3 Buzzard, 1 Great S Woodpecker, 6 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, and 8 Sandwich Tern.

05 September, 2009

Lot of interest on the patch this morning with loads of birds on the move. Highlights being,  1 Turtle Dove, 1 Pied  Flycatcher, at least 6 Spotted Fly, 2 Tree Pipit,  and 2 Whinchat.

The suppourting cast included, 4 Grey Wagtail, 18 Yellow Wagtail, 30+ Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 15 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Blackcap, 1 Jay, 3 Buzzard, and 3E Sandwich Tern. Also good numbers of Swallow and Sand Martin in the area.

03 September, 2009

Have received a report of a Honey Buzzard being mobbed by corvids low over the field north of the golf course at 0705 this morning.

02 September, 2009

Hope for a lot more but today's winds did not produce with only, 28W Gannet, 15 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern and several Commic's 4W Shoveler, 2 Mediterranean Gull on the sea at Climping,  3 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Reed Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff and 1 Wheatear.

31 August, 2009

Strolled around field behind the golf course again, with 6 Wheatear, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, and 2 Reed Warbler this evening.

River Walk

 Decided to stay away from the beach on bank holiday, and walked the west side upto Ford prison, Was fairly disappointed with only 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, and several Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, and Whitethroat.

Sat 30th Aug

A record count of 49 Mediterranean Gull recorded close inshore at West Beach this morning. Also a Nuthatch and Whimbrel both at Atherington.

29 August, 2009

Fields north of golf course

Had a walk around the fields north of the golf course late morning and had the following, 1 Redstart, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Wheatear, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting, 7 Grey Partridge, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 4 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret.

28 August, 2009

Thurs 28th August

1 Grasshopper Warbler was the best i could muster today,  flushed from the road behind Henry's cottage. Still plenty of Whitethroat in the area and 12 Gannet and 2 Sandwich Tern offshore.

26 August, 2009

Climping Beach

Sea watching this morning from the car park, form 0830  produced,  2E 1W Dark phase Artic Skua,  two  close inshore, 45W 17E Gannet, 4 Common Tern, 13 Sandwich Tern, with sevreral distant Commic's. 7 Curlew, 2 Little Egret, 1W ad win Mediterranean Gull, 2W Common Sandpiper, and 2 Swift flying out to sea.

25 August, 2009

Atherington - Not a lot about

1 Redstart, 12 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Owl, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 3 Grey Partridge.

24 August, 2009

West Beach

1 Redstart,  2 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Meditteranean Gull, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, large number of Swallow over the beach this morning.

22 August, 2009

Atherington



2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redsatrt, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 18 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Wheatear, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Buzzard.

20 August, 2009

Marsh Farm

1 Hobby, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, and 3 Gadwall.

19 August, 2009

Atherington

1 adult Redstart at Atherington this morning, and 1 Little Owl Baliffscourt, also 30+ Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, in the area. Plus 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 2W Fulmar, and several Sandwich Tern offshore.

18 August, 2009

Golf Course

Certainly more birds about today with 1 Redsart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Grey Partridge 2 Sparrowhawk, and 2W Whimbrel.

17 August, 2009

Bit of interest

Bit of movement today with 1 Tree Pipit calling over bread lane, 1 Redstart at Atherington. Also 2 Garden Warbler, 14 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Wheatear, and 4 Willow Warbler. Offshore was rather dismal with only 2 Gannet, 6W Dunlin, 2E Sandwich Tern and 2 Grey Partridge in the setaside.

15 August, 2009

1 Spotted Flycatcher at Atherington being the highlight of a miserable morning. Supportng cast included 1E Sandwich Tern, 4 Dunlin, 3 Sanderling, 13 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler 2 Grey Partridge, and 12W Swift.

3W Knot and several Gannets offshore late yesterday afternoon.

13 August, 2009

Late start

Not out until after 10am this morning so decided to kick the ditches around bread lane, and it paid off when a Short-eared owl flew up from no less than five feet from me in the tall grass. No evidence of any fall overnight with only 14 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Little Egret in the area.

11 August, 2009

Climping Beach

Another expectant day that didn't quite materialise, 6 Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Dunlin, 16 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Wheatear and 1 Blackcap.

1 Whinchat and 1 Redstart on the golf course this evening.

08 August, 2009

Climping Beach

Started from the car park heading west along the setaside this morning which produced 5 Wheatear, 6 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Buzzard, 7 Dunlin, 40W Sanderling, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, 6 Med Gull 2 Juv, 7 Reed Warbler, and 1 Stunning male Redstart in horse field off bread lane. Several Sandwich Tern feeding offshore, as well of good number of Swallow and Sand Martin moving.

07 August, 2009

Littlehampton Golf Course

Had a mooch around the golf course this morning, best of the bunch was 1 Cuckoo, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, and several Swallow heading east.

06 August, 2009

Climping Gap

Started my walk from Kent's farm this morning and bumped into 2 Garden Warblers feeding on elderberry, 4 Buzzard over Baliffscourt, and a RED KITE over atherington, where the highlights of the morning. 8 Teal, 40+ Swift moving high west, 6 Reed Warbler, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret, and 8W Sandwich Tern. 1 Whinchat at bread lane seen my Owen Mitchell.

02 August, 2009

Still we wait

Another poor return for ones efforts, with only 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Wheatear, 7 Willow Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk, with several Sand Martin moving.

01 August, 2009

No birds but nice day

Another expectant day that did not materalise, with 5 ad and 1 Juv Mediteranean Gulls, 10 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Egret, 9 Dunlin 25 Sanderling, 2 Buzzard, 4 Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, good numbers of Sand Martin and Swallow moving east.

27 July, 2009

Disappointing day

Another day that looked better than it turned out with only 3 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 8 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler and 10 Willow Warbler the only birds of note.

22 July, 2009

1 hour seawatch

Put another hour in at climping beach this morning, with a good south westerly i was hopeful of some good passage. 25W Gannet, 1E Commic Tern, 1W distant skua, probable Artic, 4W Whimbrel, 18W Oystercatcher, 2W Curlew, and 1W Med Gull. At the mill bushes 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, and 2 Grey Partridge, with several Swift heading out to sea.

21 July, 2009

Two hour seawatch

Spent two hours off Climping Beach this morning with little reward the highlight being 2 adult Med Gull close inshore moving west. 7E 3W Gannet, 1E Common Scoter, 3W Sandwich Tern, 2E Little Egret, 25E Sand Martin and 10W Oystercatcher, was all i could manage it what appeared good conditions.

02 May, 2009

Still quite on the sea

Still no substantial sea passage going on offshore with only 1W Great Skua, several Sandwich Tern and Gannets offshore.

29 April, 2009

Winds looked good

Popped down the beach this evening for a sea watch winds looked very favourable, but it just did not happen with only, 1E Dark pahse Artic Skua, 1W Great Skua, several Gannets and Sandwich Tern offshore.

26 April, 2009

Hour seawatch

3E Great Skua, and several Sandwich Tern east.

Another new bird for the patch

Hit the beach at 0720 decided to do some seawatching after the rain had stopped, really slow going then at 0805 picked up on a small falcon coming in off. quickly dismmissed Hobby because of the sandy colouration on the bird and the rounded wings. Then thought of Red-Footed Falcon. Watched as bird hit the coast, and Bird lost to view as it flew over my head and went to grab bins. Also 17W 9E Gannet, 5E Commic Tern, 10W Whimbrel, 2W Fulmar, 3 Great Skua, 3 Great C Grebe, 20 Sanderling and 5 Dunlin.

23 April, 2009

1 hour seawatch

Dashed down the beach at 1800, winds favourable south east, didn't have to wait long for the exitement. 1E Artic Skua at 1820, 1E Diver sp, 4E Whimbrel, 2E Shelduck, 1W Curlew, 15E 3W Sandwich Tern, 1W Grey Heron, 30 Sanderling and 2 Dunlin on the tideline.

19 April, 2009

Bit quieter today

With a brisk north east sea watching was the order of the day but did not live upto the expectation. 1E Great Skua, 2W Med Gull, 4W Gannet, 2W Fulmar, 2E Sandwich Tern, 1E Bar T Godwit, and 1E Common Tern.

New bird for the patch list

Highlight today was a first year DOTTREL in the second pea field, north east from the main car park at Climping Beach. Supporting cast inclued 1 Hobby in off the sea at 0720, 1 Ring Ouzel, 7 Wheatear, 1 Little Egret and 1 Grey Heron. Offshore, 23W 4E Whimbrel, 1E Common Scoter, 16W 3E Gannet, 14E 4W Sandwich Tern, 3W Dunlin, 3W Fulmar, 8W Common Tern, 1W Bar T Godwit, and 2 Great C Grebe.

14 April, 2009

Early Evening Stroll

Hit the beach about 1530 this afternoon but not a lot happening offshore, 5E 2W Sandwich Tern, 30E Common Scoter, and 1 Gannet. A bit more lively on land with 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Great S Wood, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lapwing, 4Swallow, and 3 Grey Partridge.

12 April, 2009

Not a lot about

Hit the patch at 0815, met up with a few diehards who had 2 Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat around the golf course, also 4 Blackcap, 5 House Martin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Lapwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Swallow, 1 Snipe, 16E Brent Geese, 1 Great C Grebe, 3W Sandwich Tern, 2 Wheatear, and 3E Common Scoter.

30 March, 2009

Nice sunny spring day

Late start for me this morning, out at 0940, but that didn't deter the birds. 2 Black Redstart in the horse field, 1 Firecrest Baliffscourt and 7 Buzzard in the air from hotel grounds, also 1 Sparrow Hawk. Also 9 Wheatear, 3 Grey Partridge, 3 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, and 1 Reed Bunting. 30 Sanderling west, 2 adult Med Gull, 3 east Sandwich Tern and 1 Redshank make up the day totals.

Marsh Farm

Strool around the farm this afternoon produced 7 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting, 8 Fieldfare, and 1 Buzzard.

29 March, 2009

Much the same

Better day weather wise but much the same as yesterday. 3 Wheatear along the beach, 2 Swallow, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Male Blackcap, 3 Lapwing, 7 Grey Plover, 3 Curlew, and 5 Sanderling. Offshore 10 Great C Grebe and 6 Red B Mergs.

28 March, 2009

Cold NW but worthwhile

Out by 0700 this morning and the early start proved productive with 2 Black Redstart in the horse field, with 1 Wheatear and 2 Grey Partridge. 5E Med Gull, 11 Curlew, 40+ Sanderling, 4 Great C Grebe, 9 Red B Mergs 1E Sandwich Tern, 1W Gannet, was all i could manage offshore. Also around was 1E Swallow, 2 Lapwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap,1 Great S Wood and 2 Green Wood.

23 March, 2009

Very quiet offshore this morning with only singletons of Brent Goose west and Red B Merg and Great C Grebe. 5 Curlew 1 Lapwing, 2 Swallow and 2 Chiffchaff being the only other birds of note.

21 March, 2009

Climping Beach

A fine spring day at the coast this morning but the glorious weather did not produce the birds. The Highlight being one Slavonian Grebe on the sea, along with 10 Red B Mergs, and 3 Great C Grebe. Also 3 Buzzards, 2 Wheatear, Sparrowhawk, 1 Lapwing,and 2 Grey Plover.

14 March, 2009

Climping Beach

Nice day down at the beach today with signs of spring on its way with 3 Wheatear on the beach east of the car park. 1 Firecrest, 1 Chiff Chaff, and 2 Goldcrest behind ballifscourt.

Other birds today include, 4 Brent Geese and 14 Curlew in the setaside, 1 Lapwing and 2 Grey Partridge off bread lane, and two Buzzards in the area.

11 March, 2009

Climping Beach

11/03/2009 Not much about today, with only 32 Brent Geese and 4 Curlew in the setaside, fead w Meadow Pipits in the Horse field off bread lane. A few Red B Mergs, and Great C Grebes on a motionless sea.

1 Redshank, calling on the river and a pair of Tufted Duck on Mewsbrook.