May stands out as one of the best months for birdwatching in Sussex, aligning with the peak of the breeding season. It’s an ideal time to encounter some of the county’s more elusive summer visitors, including Cuckoo, Honey-buzzard, Little Ringed Plover, Little Tern, Nightingale, Nightjar, Redstart, Tree Pipit and Turtle Dove. The month can also provide rewarding seawatching, a notable passage of waders, and the chance of a rarity.
Arrival of Summer Migrants
By early May, most summer migrants have returned and settled into territories. House Martins and Swifts sweep through the skies above towns and villages, while Swallows return faithfully to the same barns and stables used in previous years – an impressive achievement given their long and hazardous journeys to and from southern Africa.
Where to Find Scarcer Species
Finding some of the less common summer visitors often means targeting the right habitats. Heathland sites such as Old Lodge on Ashdown Forest, Ambersham Common and Iping Common offer good opportunities to see Cuckoo, Redstart and Tree Pipit. Visiting these areas at dusk on a warm, calm evening increases the chances of encountering Nightjar, a crepuscular species known for its far-carrying, churring song, typically heard from mid-May into early August.
Although not a summer migrant, the elusive Woodcock may also be seen at twilight, particularly at Old Lodge, where it performs its distinctive “roding” display – flying low over the treetops while giving characteristic grunts and squeaks.
Sussex is one of the best counties in the UK for Nightingale, with singing birds found widely north of the Downs in dense scrub. Sites such as the Knepp Estate and Pulborough Brooks support multiple territories. Knepp is also the county’s most reliable location for Turtle Dove (21 territories recorded in 2024), and with some luck it’s possible during a visit there to hear Cuckoo, Nightingale and Turtle Dove all singing together.
The Sussex breeding population of Honey-buzzard now exceeds 20 pairs. These spectacular birds can now be observed from several established watchpoints, including Woolbeding Common in West Sussex and Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. As Honey-buzzards can be elusive, patience is key, but visiting on a warm, sunny day with a telescope and tripod can greatly improve the chances of success. With luck, you may even witness the “butterfly” display flight of the male in which the wings are shaked above the back in rapid succession, usually six or seven times.
Wetland habitats are also highly productive during May. Little Ringed Plovers are regularly recorded at sites such as Medmerry and Pulborough Brooks, while both Rye Harbour and and Pagham Harbour are excellent for Little Terns where a few pairs still manage to nest annually.
Seawatching
At coastal locations like Selsey Bill and Splash Point, early May can still offer interest, though the main passage of ducks, skuas, waders and terns is usually over by the end of the first week. Nevertheless, seawatching can still produce quality sightings under suitable conditions. Onshore south-easterly winds may bring birds closer to land, and Pomarine Skuas remain a highlight, powering along the coast and sometimes harassing gulls. These striking seabirds migrate through the English Channel mainly from late April to early May, travelling from West Africa to Arctic breeding grounds. Numbers recorded along the Sussex coast have declined in recent years, with notable movements – such as 135 birds at Splash Point on 5 May 2014 – now a distant memory. Whether this reflects genuine decline or shifting weather patterns remains uncertain, though there is always hope for a resurgence.
Other species to watch for during early May seawatches include Black-throated Divers in summer plumage, Black Terns, and, with exceptional luck, an adult Long-tailed Skua with its elegant, elongated tail-streamers.
Waders
North-easterly winds in spring can bring strong movements of waders through Sussex as they head towards Arctic breeding grounds. An added bonus is that species such as Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Knot are often seen in full breeding plumage. Other species to look for include Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpiper, the latter appearing regularly at sites like Pulborough Brooks and Sidlesham Ferry during spring passage. Scarcer species such as Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint and very occasionally Red-necked Phalarope later in the month are also possible.
Rarities
So far, 2026 has been relatively disappointing for rarities in Sussex, with few of the overshoots that define some spring seasons. However, May still holds strong potential. For instance, 2025 produced a Collared Pratincole at Medmerry and a Whiskered Tern at Pett Level, while 2024 saw a Citrine Wagtail at Widewater Lagoon. Alongside these headline species, several scarcer birds appear almost annually in May but can be frustratingly difficult to track down. A good example is Golden Oriole, often revealed only by its rich, fluting song from dense woodland, yet typically staying for short periods and remaining hard to see. Bee-eater presents a similar challenge, with most records involving flyover birds, especially at Beachy Head where it is more or less annual.
Tips for May Birding
- Watch the weather: South-easterlies are ideal for seawatching, particularly ahead of a weather front moving up the English Channel. Rain showers can drop passing terns and waders at inland reservoirs.
• Start early: Dawn offers the best conditions for observing heathland and woodland birds.
• Stay informed: Keep up with local bird news to track rarities, coastal movements and the latest updates with regard to Honey-buzzard sightings from the established watchpoints.