Had a watch from the local patch (0840-1010hrs) which was initially very quiet. Only five Brent went east with none appearing on the fields. There were six Gannets east, and on the beach were 45 Ringed Plover and five Sanderling. Then I moved to the Poole Place gate for a sea-watch; dead at first then suddenly at 09:22hrs. nine grey geese came by, heading west and at a reasonable range. Good scope views and it was clear they were White-fronted Geese. 

Late morning, I thought I'd try something a bit different, so went to the lower Arun valley, walking the riverbank from Ford crossing to about Tortington, hoping there might be some geese in the fields. It was really cold and a bit difficult with no shelter and the strong NE wind buffeting me, but a good look failed to locate any geese, though there were a few compensations. There were 49 Mute Swans in a kale field on the west side of the Ford-Arundel road, then a couple more flew in to join them , so 51 total. On the east side of the river, a Marsh Harrier was hunting over some reedy areas, whilst in a large arable crop field there was a gathering of at least 350 Lapwings, together with 15 Golden Plovers. At least another 100 Lapwings were in other adjoining fields, so at least a total of 450 present today. Also, a big flock of Linnets around, c.120. (OM)