Nestled between coastal wetlands and open farmland near Worthing, Ferring Rife offers birders a gentle yet rewarding escape into one of Sussex’s quieter wildlife corridors. This meandering freshwater stream flows toward the coast, flanked by reedbeds, rough grassland, and small woodland pockets—creating a patchwork of habitats that attract a rich diversity of birdlife year-round. 🦆...
🔍 Overview Once a major rarity, now an increasingly regular visitor to Sussex, with occasional overwintering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark, iridescent plumage with green and bronze sheen Long, down-curved bill Long legs and neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Pagham Harbour. Most likely...
🔍 Overview A secretive marsh bird heard more often than seen, found in reedbeds and wetland edges. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey face and underparts Brown back with black streaking Long red bill and spidery toes 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Resident at Brooklands, Woods Mill, Arundel WWT, Pulborough Brooks, and Lancing Beach and Widewater. Can...
🔍 Overview A tiny, elusive wader best known for its bobbing motion and preference for wet, boggy ground. Winter visitor to Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Smaller and more compact than Common Snipe Shorter bill and more cryptic plumage Subtle golden stripes on back 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters in wet meadows, reedbeds, and marshy...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Snipe is a winter visitor from October to April with a peak in January and February. Often difficult to see but on high tides flocks of more than 100 get flushed out of the salt marsh in the RSPB Adur section and become more visible when viewing from the Norfolk Bridge.”...
