Channel 2023

A mild, windy end to the year has seen the last week go by quietly – at least locally, that is, with most of my recent birding time in fact taking place either side of the English Channel, in East Sussex and the Near Continent. The super Waxwing influx aside, it looks like another uninspiring winter for British and local birding – of course not helped by the unwintry weather. But 2023 started off similarly, and it turned out pretty good …

Waxwings.

Monday 25th

No birding.

Tuesday 26th

A short early morning walk from my parents' house to the beach at Felpham produced several Mediterranean Gulls and a few alcids offshore, plus a surprise Pintail west – a first for me here.

Felpham beach.

Wednesday 27th

It was a miserable, wet and windy day as I returned home from Sussex. On my lunch break I went to see if the Busbridge Waxwings were still there – and they were, with up to 20 still feasting on their favoured rowan …

Waxwings.

Thursday 28th

When it comes to Sussex birding, I'm familiar with West Sussex – but not so much East. So, today, Sam and I planned to visit David in his new place in Hastings and be given a whistle-stop tour of the area, in the company of local birder Tom. Despite the extremely windy conditions we had a fun day, noting 81 species.

Things began somewhat inauspiciously at Castle Water, Rye Harbour, where the fresh breeze ruled out any hoped-for Bittern or Bearded Tit. However, the next site, Pett Level, was far more productive. Here, we managed 50 species, including some quality bits.

Pett Level.

The highlight was a surprise Red-necked Grebe on the easternmost roadside pool – a county rarity and very satisfying find. Thousands of waders including a handful of Ruff, while persistent scanning eventually revealed the flock of White-fronted Geese that winter here – around 20 in total, with a bonus Pink-footed Goose in among them.

Red-necked Grebe.

Other species noted included Raven and Marsh Harrier and, on the sea, good numbers of alcids and Common Scoter, plus singles of Fulmar and Kittiwake.

Mallard.

Next up was a rather unassuming hedgerow a little inland near East Guldeford. Here, Sussex's very last Tree Sparrows hang on in the form of a tiny relic population. After some patience, we eventually all secured views of at least one bird visiting a garden with plenty of House Sparrows.

Tree Sparrow hedge ...

We then headed back towards Hastings, to Combe Valley CP, where a flock of Waxwings had been found yesterday. This easy-to-see group of eight captivated us for a good 45 minutes, trilling away and often flying within feet of us to feed on blackthorn (somewhat unusually). What an influx this is shaping up to be!

Waxwings.

It was then west, to the spectacular Cuckmere Haven, a site where I saw my first Baird's Sandpiper in 2017. The wind had really got up now and at times it was fairly grim, but we still had an enjoyable session along the west side of the site.

Cuckmere Haven.

The highlight was two Caspian Gulls – an adult and first-winter, both of which were found among the huge numbers of Great Black-backed Gulls. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull was a nice pick out, too.

Caspian Gulls.

We also saw singles of Barnacle Goose, Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper, plus a few winter thrushes. The long-staying Long-billed Dowitcher, last seen on 18th, didn't show for us, but of course it was seen the next day!

Spotted Redshank.

We ended at Tide Mills, a rather abrasive site that I've visited a couple of times before. We wanted to try and get thermal imager views of Jack Snipe but ultimately failed, despite putting at least one bird up. A Water Rail was also found with the thermal.

By now the weather had closed in and we abandoned any dusk owl plans, but had enjoyed a fun day.

Tide Mills.

Friday 29th

No birding.

Saturday 30th

A couple of nights in France for New Year's Eve meant an early start to catch the Eurotunnel this morning – and enough time for a morning raid to Belgium for a Western Palearctic tick. I've only really noted birds while passing through Belgium before, but a few hours birding the polders around Vlissegem and De Haan was fun.

Polders north of Vlissegem.

Thousands of geese included stacks of White-fronted and Pink-footed, but the target was two Ross's Geese which have been here since October. Extraordinarily, one of the birds has been confirmed as having been ringed in Nunavut in Arctic Canada. After a bit of cat and mouse, I eventually had to settled for prolonged – but very distant – views of the birds in fields east of Klemskerke. Excuse the awful record shot!

Ross's Geese (honest!).

Despite the less-than-ideal views, there was plenty of other bits to keep the Surrey birder entertained. Not least of course all the geese, which also included a handful of Barnacles, but also thousands of Lapwings, plus Marsh Harriers, Cattle and Great Egrets, Curlews and Golden Plovers. 

White-fronted and Pink-footed Geese and Cattle and Great Egrets.

A Stoat in 'ermine' winter coat was a first for me too – and very memorable.

On the way back to France, a roadside stop at Spuikom harbour in the coastal town of Ostend was productive, with singles of Shag and Great Northern Diver (both uncommon in Belgium) seen, as well as three Black-necked Grebes, four Red-breasted Merganser and a drake Goldeneye.

Shag and Black-necked Grebes.

Sunday 31st

An incredibly windy day, with a severe gale hitting north-west France, saw me venture into the field mid-morning. En route to the coast, a couple of inland stops yielded a covey of Grey Partridges and, at Crécy Forest, a male Hen Harrier and a few Marsh Tits.

Crécy Forest.

My last birding of 2023 took place at the new Parc du Marquenterre reserve on the north side of the Baie de Somme. The site seemed impressive, despite truly uncomfortable conditions that kept the species list down to 49 and contributed to a somewhat quiet feeling.

That said, there were some decent bits to be seen, including a flock of six White-fronted Geese (rare in France) and 42 Spoonbills, including some Dutch-ringed birds.

White-fronted Geese and Spoonbills.

Other species of note good numbers of dabbling duck (upwards of 400 Pintail), six Goldeneye, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, moderate numbers of common waders and two White Storks.

2023 reflections

Another birding year is almost over. In general, it was a good one for me in south-west Surrey, demonstrated by a record species total for the region (171) and a personal high year list of 163. 

Better still, I had a good year for rarity finding – nine county description species in all, which is well above average for me. It's hard to rank birds, but here is an attempt to chart my top 10 patch finds of 2023:

1. Knot, Tuesley, August
2. Corn Buntings, Shackleford, January
3. Scaup, Tuesley, November
4. Kittiwake, Frensham Great Pond, March
5. Water Pipit, Thursley Common, October
6. Little Bunting, Eashing Fields, October
7. Garganey, Lammas Lands, April
8. Sanderling, Tuesley, August
9. Little Gulls, Tuesley, March
10. Short-eared Owl, Eashing Fields, November

A collage of 2023 finds. I need to find stuff when it's not grey!

Knot and Corn Bunting are basically neck and neck, but the showy nature of the wader seals it. Context is important for some of the others – Little Bunting is easily the rarest bird on that list, but I found one locally in 2020 and the encounter this year was brief and ever so slightly frustrating. 

On the other hand, Water Pipit at Thursley was wildly incongruous; Garganey at the Lammas Lands and Short-eared Owl at Eashing Fields similarly so. Caspian Gull would normally feature highly – a bird I've wanted to find locally for years – but I feel I rather botched the Unstead bird, even if I did rate it initially and then identified it from photos.

As well as these, there was a consistent run of decent local scarcities found throughout the year, which is always important when it comes to keeping morale and energy levels up. Multiple Little Gulls, Ruff, Sandwich Tern, Merlin, Mealy Redpoll, a county record count of Mediterranean Gull and so on. When I actually look back at the whole year, it was pretty damn good …

That said, there were some elements of frustration. The two biggest local spring birds – Hoopoe and Red-backed Shrike – weren't finds of mine. Of course, I still enjoyed them immensely, but finding a spring 'biggy' continues to elude me, despite concerted effort in late May and early June this year when things were lively in the South-East. Maybe in 2024 …

The Frensham Little Pond Hoopoe.

Furthermore, from a year list point of view, missing eight species is pretty nuts for a region as little birded as south-west Surrey. In any other year it'd be quite galling (and, frankly, missing no fewer than three Hen Harriers is!), but thankfully none of those eight were south-west Surrey lifers.

Studying rare breeders is something I spend a fair bit of time doing but I find myself with increasingly less time to do so. It was a good season for raptors, though ultimately I fell short of a couple of breeding confirmation goals, and for the second year in a row I couldn't find any Lesser Spotted Woodpecker nests (despite locating a couple of 'new' pairs). Again, perhaps in 2024.

In wider Surrey, my keen vice-county listing enjoyed a good year, after a disappointing 2022 that saw me only add two new species. In 2023, however, I managed five – Corn Bunting (Shackleford; self-found), Stone-curlew (Beddington), Marsh Warbler (Colliers Wood), Citrine Wagtail (London Wetland Centre) and Grey Phalarope (Island Barn Reservoir). The wagtail was sumptuous – one of the best birds I've ever seen in Surrey. There is still some relatively low-hanging fruit for me, such as Little Tern and Spoonbill, but moving forward adding to my list – which now stands at 235 – will be harder.

The London Wetland Centre Citrine Wagtail.

Where to Watch Birds in Surrey and Sussex, written by Matt P and I, is out imminently, too. Excitingly, I'm writing another book for Bloomsbury – more on that soon. There's already plenty to look forward to in 2024.

Winding down for Christmas

The last fortnight has been pretty average in local birding terms. I've not exactly been smashing the hours in the field, but even if I had, I doubt I'd have seen much more than I have, as modern-day winter conditions have settled in: mild, wet and dull. It's been a decent 2023 though, and it's nice to have some patch rest at the end of the year.

Bewick's Swan.

Monday 11th

After yesterday's unexpected thrush movement I opted for a 40-minute vis-mig at Eashing Fields before work. It was bright and mild and, again, Redwings were moving south-west, with 245 tallied. Some 30 Fieldfares were also logged.

Fieldfares.

Otherwise, unsurprisingly given the date, it was quiet in the skies, though a couple of Lesser Redpolls bounding west were of note.

Eashing Fields.

It was unseasonably mild by late afternoon, when a stroll along the Wey produced two Ravens, five Mandarin, a few groups of Siskins and Redwings, a Red-legged Partridge and a Marsh Tit, plus a high count of five Grey Wagtails.

Siskins.

Tuesday 12th

No birding.

Wednesday 13th

It was still mild this morning, but a cool north-westerly was blowing through and it felt a little wintrier. I checked Frensham Great Pond first thing, where the strong start to winter for Pochard continued – some 42 (possibly more) were tallied up, which was my highest count here since February 2021.

Pochard.

Otherwise it was fairly routine, with singles of Little Egret and Water Rail noted.

I then headed to Tuesley for a quick butcher's before work. Sheila, the Scaup, was still present – day 16 on site! I'm still not sure she'll overwinter, and Tufted Duck numbers continue to be much lower than a few weeks ago (16 counted today).

Scaup.

A drake Pochard was also present (this species is becoming a little more occasional here now) and two Fieldfares chuckled east (uncommon at Tuesley).

Pochard, Fieldfare, Tufted Duck and Little Grebe.

Thursday 14th

No birding.

Friday 15th

After spending some time in Bristol (where a Peregrine flew over the city centre this morning) and with the day off, I headed to Slimbridge WWT. I try to visit most winters – Bewick's Swans are among my absolute favourite species, and although the winter herd here is diminishing, I still enjoyed mega views of around 80 individuals. Special birds.

Bewick's Swans.

Other bits from a stroll around (mostly admiring the captive collections!) included a Spotted Redshank on Rushy Pen, several Ruff and Avocet among the hundreds of Lapwings, Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlins (and thousands of Golden Plovers), a female Goldeneye (plus hundreds of dabbling duck, including 80 or so Pintail), Great Egret, Peregrine, Water Rail and a herd of Barnacle Geese. A world away from south-west Surrey!

Pintail, Pochard, Ruff, Shelduck, Spotted Redshank and Dunlin.

On exiting the site and passing through the hamlet of Shepherd's Patch, I spotted a Cattle Egret in with a flock of Little Egrets feeding in a field.

Saturday 16th

A dull, mild morning that felt both unwintry and 'meh'. I checked Tuesley first, where the female Scaup continued, among 15 or so Tufted Duck.

Scaup.

Without much of a plan I opted for a walk of the far less visited lower part of Puttenham Common, hoping that perhaps the extensive silver birch would allow me to indulge my redpoll fetish. Alas, I encountered very few, but plenty of Fieldfares and Redwings were about – more than 100 of each, continuing their strong showing this past week or so. A Firecrest was heard too.

I had a quick look at Cutt Mill Ponds while I was there, noting a decent count of 15 Goosander (only two drakes) on The Tarn and Warren Pond, plus 12 Shoveler and 10 Mandarin on the house pond.

Lower Puttenham Common.

Sunday 17th

Another dull, mild morning, but with a decidedly fresh breeze. I walked Shackleford early on, which was pleasant as ever, though unsurprisingly rather quiet. The highlight was probably three Lesser Black-backed Gulls which are scarce locally in the depths of winter (these were my first records this month). A Raven north and a couple of Teal back on the reedy pond were also notable.

Again, there were excellent numbers of winter thrushes – three-figures of both species including a minimum of 250 Fieldfares. It helped provide at least some wintry feeling. Other bits included OK numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches and a somewhat high count of eight Buzzards.

Fieldfares.

I checked Loseley before heading home. Here, two Peregrines were again sat on one of the fields – likely the same duo as on 23 November. A few hundred geese were also present, while two Little Egrets were at Mellersh Farm.

Monday 18th

No birding.

Tuesday 19th

A wet, gloomy morning. I checked Frensham Great Pond early on, where four Goosander – including three fetching drakes – lit up the dull landscape. Some 26 Pochard were also counted, and I'd say that both species are enjoying decent winters locally. A Kingfisher was heard, too.

Goosander and Pochard.

Before heading home I stuck my headed in at Tuesley, where Sheila the Scaup was still present – three weeks to the day after she first arrived.

Scaup.

Wednesday 20th

I was back in the Frensham area this morning, this time at the Little Pond, where I was giving Bittern one last roll of the 2023 local year list dice. This has got to be the trickiest regularly occurring species in south-west Surrey and, suffice to say, I didn't score today. Maybe next year …

A fairly bright and breezy walk was enjoyable though, and fairly dynamic, with 47 species tallied up. This included my first Cetti's Warbler for the Little Pond (this species seems to have colonised the Frensham area now) plus a strong candidate Mealy Redpoll in a brilliant flock of 120 or more Lesser Redpolls near the café. Unfortunately, as I raised my camera to the bird, it flew, and I couldn't relocate it. Typical!

Other notable bits included singles of Raven, Kingfisher and Woodlark, two each of Crossbill and Water Rail and 15 Pochard.

Frensham Little Pond.

Thursday 21st

No birding.

Friday 22nd

This winter it's been quiet at Snowdenham Mill Pond, a favourite place of mine, in keeping with a trend of declining numbers of wintering wildfowl at the site. A visit this morning did little to shrug this sense, though two each of Shoveler, Teal and Mandarin was an improved showing on recent visits.

Snowdenham Mill Pond.

On the drive home, a flock of six Little Egrets were in the fields at Mellersh Farm, Compton. 

Saturday 23rd

A mid-morning check of Tuesley in mild, blustery conditions produced the sad news that Sheila the Scaup was no longer in situ. That she stayed more than a day was extraordinary, but to do 24 days on site was crazy – and did give some hope she could stay all winter. However, Tufted Duck numbers have been dropping here for a couple of weeks now and 'proper' wintering grounds were likely calling her name.

I did check Enton Lakes afterwards, in case she'd relocated there (Dave has reported a steady increase in tufties here in the past fortnight), but there was no sign. What a joy this bird was, though. It could be a long time until the next south-west Surrey Scaup …

Sunday 24th

Yesterday afternoon, when I was otherwise engaged, news broke of Waxwings in south-west Surrey – in Godalming and at Milford Common – as this year's invasion finally reached the local area. Thankfully, and kindly, the homeowner who reported the birds in Godalming (Busbridge, technically, and it matters if you're from round here!) was happy for me to take a look this morning – and to my astonishment, upon my arrival, a flock of 20 or more flew in!

Waxwings.

The birds were vocal and mobile, favouring a particularly berry-laden rowan, allowing mega views. The dull light and blustery conditions meant photos weren't great, but who cares – these are special birds and it's been nearly 12 years since a flock like this occurred in the local area. I made sure to appreciate them.

Waxwings.

Unfortunately, but understandably, the homeowner wanted the location kept private – and having been to the garden I can understand why, especially at Christmas. I'm very lucky to have seen them and hope more will turn up for others to enjoy.

The Waxwings made for a super Christmas present, as well as becoming a sensational 163rd species for my south-west Surrey year list, which had seemed to have run out of gas. Waxwing is also the 170th species for the 2023 south-west Surrey total, which is also a record …

Waxwings.