Twenty six people joined SDOS Chair Tony Benton on Friday morning for a walk alongside the Adur SSSI.  It was a very mild and calm morning, and in just over two hours the saltmarsh and inter-tidal mudflats were inundated by the rapidly rising spring tide. Great conditions, therefore, for birding! 

Starting the walk from Ropetackle, a Kingfisher showed nicely before a flock of Turnstone, doing their best to remain undiscovered, was seen feeding along a strip of shingle.

We started the walk from Ropetackle and within minutes, a Kingfisher was spotted, perching on a moored boat and fishing in a residual pool of water. The bird was very obliging, occasionally diving for unseen fish, and we all enjoyed good views of this jewel of a bird.

Further up the river, the usual assortment of Gulls were all present along with the ever-present Little Egrets and a Grey Heron.

Ringed Plover and Dunlin were spotted while a Common Sandpiper flew in to the SSSI. 17 Lapwings were viewed briefly, a far cry from the four-figure numbers which used to frequent the area 20 years ago.

Meadow Pipit, Robin, Goldcrest, Goldfinch and Blackcap were among the song birds which rounded off a smashing two-hour walk, with another bumper group talking park (26 in total).

These walks continue to grow in popularity and are a great way of showcasing the incredible Adur Estuary SSSI for the wider public.