Another very good week with a few top draw birds, the highlight surely a rare Spotted Sandpiper found on the banks of the River Ouse near Piddinghoe on the morning of 3rd (photo by Gareth James attached). It later became apparent that two birds were in the area (one showing less spotting than the other).
Pomarine Skuas were predictably sighted flying east at the usual seawatching spots; the greatest numbers occurred on 30th when 18 were seen from Selsey Bill and 11 from Worthing. Six were noted off Beachy Head the following day.
Two Black-throated Divers flew past St Leonards on 29th and six were noted off Beachy Head on 1st. Velvet Scoters were recorded off Selsey Bill with seven flying east on 30th and one on 1st. There was an interesting record of three Common Scoter inland at Weir Wood Res on 30th. A drake Garganey was at Sidlesham Ferry on 27th-29th and four birds were at Pett level on 29th. Another drake was at West Rise Marsh (Eastbourne) on 30th and 2nd.
There was a remarkable record of an adult Whooper Swan on the lake at West Rise Marsh on 1st. It was still present at dawn the following morning when it became very vocal and flew off to the northeast.
It was a bumper week for Wood Sandpiper with up to five at Sidlesham Ferry and Pulborough Brooks and there were others noted at Rye Hbr, Pevensey Levels and Weir Wood Res. Seven were at Pett Level on 1st.
A Curlew Sandpiper was at Sidlesham Ferry from 27-29th and 1-2 Little Stints were recorded there on 30th and 1st. Three Black-winged Stilts were at Rye Hbr on 2nd and there were records of Bar-tailed Godwit inland at Pulborough Brooks with six birds on 30th and one the following day.
A 2cy Caspian Gull was at Middleton-on-Sea on 2nd and two Little Gulls were at Rye Hbr on 29th. Two Black Terns flew east off Selsey Bill on 30th and there was an Arctic Tern inland at Weir Wood Res on 28th.
A rare Puffin was seen off at Selsey Bill on 2nd.
A Glossy Ibis was again near Chichester at Dell Quay on 28th and at the heronry on Thorney Island on 3rd. A Purple Heron was seen and photographed at Camber Sands on 30th and there was another sighting at Pett Level on 3rd. Two superb Bee-eaters were at Selsey Bill on 1st, remaining on site for around 45 minutes which enabled many birders to see them.
A Black Kite flew north over Polegate on 2nd and Ospreys were seen at Pagham Hbr on 28th. and Beachy head on 30th.
A Hooded Crow was at Brighton on 3rd.
