Alpine Swift

An Alpine Swift in the Ouse Valley this morning. watched in the region of Piddinghoe for a few minutes at around 10.30 *UPDATE* the bird was actually found by Andrew Whitcomb at Rodmell village for about 20 mins before it headed South (see Kemp Town Enclosures) – not reported subsequently as far as I’m aware.

This morning there were lots of birders out at Tidemills/Ouse Estuary Project looking for it, and yesterday’s Glaucous Gull and Garganey. The best  we could manage at OEP was a Common Tern, a couple of smart adult Mediterranean Gulls, at least seven Chiffchaffs and a Cetti’s Warbler.

http://andrewwhitcomb.blogspot.com/

Ouse Estuary 6th Jan.

I paid an early afternoon visit to the viewing screen at the Ouse Estuary project, lots of Teal on show, a couple of Snipe at the back in the short reeds, a brief dash from a Water Rail along the right hand edge,a female Kingfisher swaying on a reed stem, a Sparrowhawk rushed past along the back of the reeds, a Little Egret dropped in looking very smart, plumes and all, (does’t it realise its only early January and freezing cold). No sign of any Bearded Tits though.

Red-throated Diver at Arlington

A Red-throated Diver showing at Arlington Reservoir today (Alan Kitson and Miou Helps, SOS site).

Also, a few reports belatedly reproduced here: On New Year’s Eve, nine Waxwings were at Exceat (Karen Anne Cooper, via SOS) and a Little Gull at Cuckmere Haven on New Year’s Day (Joanne Chattaway, also SOS).

Yesterday, the Bearded Tits were seen again at the Ouse Estuary Project, by Paul James – for a full trip report see his new blog.

Grey geese influx

Three Tundra Bean Geese on Lewes Brooks (in an area with no public access) yesterday and today, five White-fronted Geese seen on Glynde Levels today, and two juv White-fronts reported amongst a mixed group of geese reported in the lower Cuckmere (all via SOS).

Elsewhere, an Eider at Arlington Reservoir on Boxing Day (see photo on SOS site) and the Bearded Tits still at the Ouse Estuary Project (along with a ringtail Hen Harrier).

sightings 10/12/08

The two pairs of Bearded tits were showing reasonably well from the viewing screen at the Ouse Estuary today, the males looking particularly smart in the bright sunshine, also present a female Kingfisher and at least sixty Teal snoozing around the margins of the pool.

Ouse estuary and Rodmell levels

The 4 Bearded Tits (2 m. 2 f.) were still showing fom the screen on the Ouse estuary project – plus 2 Merlin (1 m. 1 f.) on Rodmell levels ,but no sign of the Hen harrier that was reported yesterday.

Round-up

A few long-staying birds:

Four Bearded Tits remain on show at the Ouse Estuary Project.

The Great Northern Diver was reported again on Friday, on the scrape at Cuckmere Haven.

The Firecrest was seen again at Rodmell.

Also some good seabirds seen from Seaford on Friday by Bob Self:

“After a few utterly futile attempts to find anything on the sea at Splash Point recently, a two hour bitterly cold vigil in excellent light and wind conditons proved remarkably productive with one Black-throated Diver (briefly landed on the sea before going west at 10.40); one Great Northern Diver fairly close inshore going east (possibly two); 4 Red-throated Diver; 14 Diver sp.;12 Brent Geese; 11 Common Scoter; several Fulmar; one Auk sp. and 6 Gannets. In addition, on the beach beneath the cliffs at Splash Point I recorded an adult Yellow-legged Gull and what appeared (to my untutored eye) to be a recently deceased Dolphin around 70 cm in length.”

Late news: Swallow, Marsh Harrier, 22 Nov

A Swallow below High and Over on Saturday (22 Nov), seen by Andy & Gill Hibberd.

Also on Saturday, a Marsh Harrier (female or immature) over the Ouse Estuary Project reedbed, before departing high to the west, seen by Peter and Lorna Wilson.

Both sightings via SOS site.

Interesting to see the Ouse Estuary Project referred to as “the desert” – the landscaping was completed years ago, but despite occasional nice sightings it remains frustratingly quiet.

Anyone know whether there are firm plans to improve the habitat, or are we still waiting for agreement on how it can be properly flooded?

[Image courtesy of Google Maps]

Bearded Tits @ Ouse Estuary Project 14.11.08

Three Bearded Tits (a male and two females) reported from the viewing screen at the Ouse Estuary Project, Newhaven, and a Short-eared Owl over there (via Birdguides)