Last week’s wader fest continued with the two adult Spotted Sandpipers still present along the River Ouse near Piddinghoe until 8th. A pair of Black-winged Stilts was at Shinewater Park (Eastbourne) on Bank Holiday Monday and a single bird was present later in the week at Rye Hbr on 9th-10th. A Wood Sandpiper was still at Sidlesham Ferry from 4th-7th and another was at Pulborough Brooks from 5th-8th.
There was an interesting record of three Turnstones inland at Pulborough Brooks from 5th-7th and a Little Stint was at Flat Beach (Rye Hbr) on 10th.
A Black-throated Diver flew east off Selsey Bill on 7th and there were several reports of Garganey: a drake was at Shinewater Park on 4th (photo attached), one at Pulborough Brooks on 9th, a pair at the Breech Pool (Selsey) on 8th and a drake at Rye Hbr on 8th and 10th.
A Quail was singing on the South Downs at The Burgh near Amberley on 9th and a Purple Heron was flushed at Iford Brooks on 7th. An impressive group of seven Glossy Ibis was seen flying past Splash Point (Seaford) on 7th.
It’s been a bit disappointing so far this spring for Pomarine Skuas – they just seem to have given Sussex a miss this year. Apparently the only sightings were at Selsey Bill (one on 4th and 9th), Splash Point (one on 8th) and Beachy Head (singles on 8th and 9th).
A Black Tern flew east past Selsey Bill on 5th and a Roseate Tern was nearby on the tern island at Church Norton on 9th.
The first Honey-buzzard of the year flew north over Crawley on 6th and Ospreys were over Pagham Hbr on 5th and 8th, and Beachy Head on 9th.
The Hooded Crow was seen again at Hastings on 4th and a mobile Serin was at Beachy Head on 9th.
