The Linnet flock at Knowlands Farm north of Barcombe Cross continues to grow. I counted 1,209 in flight from one photo and this wasn't the entire flock. The photo attached shows just some of the Linnets present. Additionally, there are at least 300 Chaffinches and a few Greenfinches. I couldn't find anything else with the combined flocks other than a Reed Bunting. When the whole lot get spooked, it is a spectacular sight as is the noise from the Linnets when perched in nearby trees and hedges. I haven't seen a finch flock like this for many years. This morning, the finches started off in the field just north of the village near the old water treatment works but then moved to the field just south of the south-western corner of Knowlands Wood. Both fields have been specially sown with a mix to attract wild birds though it is probably fast becoming depleted given the attentions of not only the finches but also Woodpigeons and Pheasants!

A visit from dawn revealed the expected Hawfinches, including several double figure flocks of up to 33. Assuming some duplication, I estimated ca.70 but there may have been more. Also 80++ Greenfinches sometimes in mixed flocks. Both became much less obvious after 09:45 and the last sighting of either species was at 10:15, shortly before I left. Among other species: adult male Goshawk, a flyover ringtail Hen Harrier, 4 Red Kites and a Common Snipe.

Female Hen Harrier hunting over the fields up on Kithurst Hill this afternoon.

At least 73 Cattle Egrets and 5 Little Egrets in the roost today, in the beautiful early morning sunshine.

This afternoon 4 Goosander (1 redhead, 3 males), 1 Great White Egret, 2 Little Egrets, 21 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mandarin, 2 Wigeon and 98 Greylag Geese. Marsh Tits, Treecreeper and Redwings around the car park and a Green Woodpecker feeding on the back of the dam. Few raptors noted included 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk.

Among the shingle at the end of Sea Lane a flock of 250+ Sanderling & Turnstones in equal numbers plus one Ringed Plover. On Mewsbrook Park Lake 5 Little Grebes.

2-5pm: f/juv Hen Harrier, Dartford Warbler, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Mediterranean Gull, Grey Plover, 400 Golden Plover, 400 Brent Goose, 2 Greenshank, 4 Ringed Plover. Two diver sp that can be assumed to include the above mentioned Black-throated Diver (that was my opinion on my observation but I would have preferred better views). 

(A Great Northern Diver was recorded in Emsworth Channel on 23 Dec and a Black-throated Diver on 30 Dec - Ed)

For an interesting KOS summary of recent sightings in Kent up until 2nd January click here. 

If anyone would be interested in producing a similar weekly summary of sightings in Sussex please let me know ([email protected]).

The picture shows four of seven Purple Sandpipers that were on the east pier at Newhaven Harbour at 1pm today, high tide. There were also two Turnstones.

A Black-throated Diver in Emsworth Channel viewed from west side of Thorney Island.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Bosham.
Long-tailed Duck, 4 Velvet Scoters and Black Redstart at Selsey Bill.
Long-tailed Duck and 3 Slavonian Grebes off Church Norton.
20 Hawfinches at Rewell Wood.
Two Hen Harriers (one male) at The Burgh.
Black-necked Grebe at Pett Pools on the eastern-most pool.
Three Spoonbills still at Rye Harbour on Flat Beach.
Four White-fronted Geese at Scotney Pit.