Worthing, The Burgh & Shoreham (03-04 March 2012)

Saturday 3 March.  A day out in West Sussex with John King started in central Worthing where thte Yellow-browed Warbler showed well, ensuring that I wouldn't have two 'two phyllosc' only years in a row.  We moved on to Ferring in worsening weather but managed to pick out the Red-necked Grebe on the sea (my first for a couple of years) along with 50+ Great Crested, 2 Slavonian and 60+ Red-breasted Mergansers.  38 Brent Geese flew E while 60 Sanderling were feeding on the beach as the tide dropped.  After sitting out heavier showers we continued on to The Burgh.  Here in improving weather, although still with a cold wind, we had good but distant views of the Rough-legged Buzzard, a female Merlin, 3 Red Kites, 12 Common Buzzards, 11 Grey & 5 Red-legged Partridges ad two vocal adult Mediterranean Gulls.  Initally the Rough-leg landed on a distant fence post that was reasonably approachable but we were still over half a mile away when it flew.

Yellow-browed Warbler in central Worthing

distant Rough-legged Buzzard showing displaced primary

Rough-legged Buzzard at The Burgh

Sunday 4 March.  A quick look at Shoreham Harbour in the rain produced 6 Purple Sandpipers but little was evident on the sea with 25 auks (2 identified as Razorbills), 45 Gannets and 3 Fulmars between drying optics.  One Peregrine was seen distantly on Southwick Power Station Chimney.  A planned mid afternoon visit to the Adur for low tide was abandoned due to the continuing rain.

Purple Sandpipier at Shoreham Harbour