You never know what you’re going to see with spring migration now in full flow and, this week, an eagle-eyed SDOS birder spotted none other than a Stone Curlew on the beach by Widewater. These rare birds migrate from Africa and breed in northern Europe, with East Anglia a UK stronghold. However, these very odd...
After many years of hard work from SDOS, and more recently, the fabulous Friends of Adur SSSI, Natural England have finally published their action plan for the Adur Estuary SSSI. With the Adur SSSI in ‘unfavourable condition’, action needs to be taken and the plan, also put together with input from the Ouse and Adur...
This week, SDOS legend Bernie Forbes, led a walk to West Dean woods in West Sussex. The target bird was the Goshawk and sure enough we had distant views of one ( or was it two) gliding above the forest. A first-ever sighting for many of those on the walk. We also had great views...
A tagged Curlew has returned again to the Adur Estuary SSSI, obviously enjoying the surroundings! The bird, recognisable by its “N0” tag and distinctive limp, is a product of the Duke of Norfolk head-starting scheme and was released in June 2022. Since then, “N0” has made occasional visits to the Adur while spending most of...
A gorgeous little Green Sandpiper has been making the most of the wet fields by Maudlin Lane near Bramber. A beautiful bird which will no doubt be gone soon as it heads off to breed. Another solitary Green Sandpiper spent some time at New Monks Park in late 2024 but it remains a rarity in...
Dave Philips led a group of 23 SDOS members on an excellent morning outing to Pulborough Brooks on Wednesday, with the added bonus of beautiful sunshine. This helped to bring the birds out and it was great to hear so many birds singing – from the wheezing call of the Greenfinch to the unmistakable explosive...
Our Barn Owl box at Bramber Brooks fell victim to the recent storms, with its host Ash tree getting a right bashing from the winds. However, the box, a bespoke design by the late Dr. Barrie Watson, survived the impact and was re-situated on the tree, ready for the spring breeding season. Horsham DIstrict Council...
The fascinating journeys of our ringed birds take centre stage in the last SDOS piece in Inside Shoreham and Southwick magazine.💚 Thanks to Richard Fairbank and Richard Allan.
The fantastic Friends of Old Shoreham (FOldS) have been working on Mill Hill local nature reserve to help restore the chalk grassland which have been overcome by invasive plants. The work, which started in October of last year, has already had a significant impact on the habitat, as can be seen from the ‘before’ (below)...
Up to 300 Snipe did their own version of a Starling murmuration on the Adur Estuary RSPB reserve this week, with ‘wisps’ of these gorgeous little birds dashing around above the incoming tide. Snipe are common in the winter on the RSPB reserve (by the Norfolk Bridge) although due to their incredible mottled brown camouflage...
