A quiet week again, unsurprising really for mid July. The only sniff of a rarity was an unconfirmed report of a Lesser Yellowlegs at Rye Hbr on 7th. The more usual early autumn waders were on show with Wood Sandpipers at Pulborough Brooks again (three on 8th) and Spotted Redshanks at Pagham Hbr (up to three at the Breech Pool) and Cuckmere Haven (one on 9th. )
Three Sandwich Terns were found inland, fishing off the dam at Weir Wood Res on 8th, and an impressive total of 34 recently fledged Little Terns was counted on 9th at Pagham Hbr. Roseate Terns continue to be noted there with up to three birds mingling with the other terns on the mudflats.
Four Spoonbills were at Rye Hbr on 11th and a Quail was heard singing from a cereal field at Steepdown (Lancing) on 9th.
Nice to see that recently fledged Bearded Tits have been seen at the far eastern end of the county at Scotney (photo by Martin Casemore attached). Two Hawfinches flew over Knepp Castle Estate on 8th.
