Temminck's Stint

A Temminck's Stint at Pulborough has been very tricky to track down and confirm over the last few days but finally gave itself up from the Hanger viewpoint on Sunday.

The bird showed all the correct behavioural traits and plumage details (pale legs, white to the tail feathers etc.,) through the gathered 'scopes but was too distant for any sort of photograph- I may go back if it remains to try for some. A great Sussex tick for me and I was very pleased!

Barred Warbler

Somewhere in that bush is a Barred Warbler, only six feet away if that but surprisingly difficult to see! A nice Hampshire tick at Titchfield Haven today & nice to see  a couple of familiar faces too.

Black Guillemot number two!

After a morning watching Hawfinches and unsuccessfully trying to find a Sussex Parrot Crossbill I was on my way home when OM rang to tell me he'd found a Black Guillemot at Elmer rocks! I arrived to find just OM there watching the bird which had unfortunately been mobbed and had now drifted west but at least was still there and decent scope views were had of what I think is a 1st winter bird, the same as the Eastbourne one; C&ME, AH, BFF and BA all joined us and further views were had as it continued its drift. A good find for West Sussex!

Black Guillemot & Glaucous Gull

The Black Guillemot was still in Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne today though it did take Matt Eade to point it out, much nearer the gates than I was expecting! There was also a Glaucous Gull on the sea that flew in for a while before going back out of the harbour.

American Horned Lark

Poor weather along the coast persuaded me to go inland to Staines reservoir for the American Horned Lark as I believe it is now confirmed as being. Never the most scenic of venues the whole experience was a bit underwhelming but half-decent scope views were had of the bird on the west bank of the northern basin. A Black-necked Grebe was on the southern basin.

Black-necked Grebe

The Black-necked Grebe finally showed on Ternery Pool at Rye on Friday; initially not present it flew in and settled in front, well, in front but far away (!), of the eastern hide.

Purple Sandpiper

A Purple Sandpiper at Selsey Bill was a Bill, Peninsula and Sussex year tick all in one: