The week got off to a promising start with a group of six Bee-eaters flying southwest over Ninfield on Monday evening, although unfortunately they were not seen again.
There were more reports of Quail with singing males at The Burgh on 29th and Chantry Hill on 3rd. Four were at Southwick Hill on 2nd with two reported again the following day.
Some Swifts and Sand Martins appear to be already migrating and returning wader passage was in evidence with the first Green and Common Sandpipers of the autumn appearing inland at Weir Wood Res on 29th ,and there were Wood Sandpipers at Pulborough Brooks on 30th and 1st.
Last week’s Osprey at Arlington Res presumably remained a while since one was there catching fish on 30th and again the following day when there was possibly a second bird present.
Roseate Terns were observed once more at Church Norton with two on the mudflats on 2nd. There were encouraging signs of successful breeding for the Little Terns in that area with the Selsey Blog reporting at least a dozen fully fledged young flying around at the end of Pagham Spit with more young out on the mud further down the harbour (photo by Andrew House attached).
There were equally encouraging signs for Hawfinch with at least 30 flying over the Monkton Track (West Dean) in the early morning of 29th with around 13 birds feeding on site. Two flew over Ebernoe Common on 3rd.
