Ralph Simpson

West Sussex birder

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

The White-tailed Eagle that flew over my garden a few minutes ago.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

@Harvey_S_86 @worthingbirding @SussexBirding Thank you. A very unexpected find.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

My wife and I went for a walk in the fields west of Angmering this morning. The last area of undeveloped countryside we can easily walk to. No common migrants but I did find this lovely Woodchat Shrike @worthingbirding @SussexBirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

@AdamHuttly @worthingbirding @SussexBirding Thanks Adam. I'm glad it hung around for you and others to see.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

The flooded fields at Goring Gap still supported plenty of Gulls this morning including a lovely Little Gull and 5+ Med Gulls. Also 20 Brent Geese which eventually flew off west. @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

I couldn't find anything unusual around Shoreham Beach or Widewater this morning but a Greenshank by the houseboats on the Adur was looking good in the sunshine.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Distinct lack of overhead passage at Goring Gap this morning but a few birds past including Arctic Skua 1 juv W, Red-throated Diver 1E, Common Scoter 8E, Swallow 2E, Sandwich Tern 2E. Lots of Pied Wags, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and a few Turnstones in the fields @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Nice to see a Brown Hairstreak in my Angmering garden this morning. Seems to be becoming a regular thing. @worthingbirding @BCSussex

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Predictably quiet at Goring Gap this morning, so a Pomarine Skua east at 6:30 was a very pleasant surprise. Otherwise Shelduck 6W, Barwit 1E, Whimbrel 1E, Med Gull 3W were the only other noteworthy birds moving. @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

1st summer Black Guillemot off Goring Gap. Was With 2 GCGs but has now flown further out. @worthingbirding @SussexBirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Record shot of a smart but rather distant male Ring Ouzel at the back of horse paddocks looking east from Blakehurst Farm (east of Warningcamp) earlier this morning.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Good variety at Goring Gap this am with @nickybond007. Highlights: Whimbrel, Grey Plover on beach early. Goosander 2 males E, Whimbrel 76E, Avocet 1E, Barwit 3E, Med Gull 12E, Shelduck 6E 2W, Brent 13E, Egyp.Goose 1E. At least 8 Wheatears, probably more, on beach and fence line.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

It's always good to see an Osprey and it was especially pleasing to see this one from my Angmering garden about 20 minutes ago, heading NW. @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Goring Gap 0635-0900: Sandwich Tern 10E 1 offshore, Common Scoter 39E, Shelduck 2E 2W, Shag 1W, Pintail 2E, Brent 13E. What little passage there was fizzled out by about 0730. 7+ Bottlenose Dolphins fairly distant but showing well most of the time. 2 Wheatears @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

A smart male Wheatear on the beach at Goring Gap this morning was my first of the year. Later 2 males were in the Eastern field. @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Good passage of Brent Geese east past Goring Beach this morning: c600 between 06:55 and 08:30, most were quite high. Also a lovely pair of Goosanders west close in at about 08:15. @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

In spite of the weather, there were signs of spring at Goring Beach (from Alinora shelter) early this morning as my first 4 Sandwich Terns of the year flew east, as well as 43 Gannets, 2 Curlews and a small flock of Shovelers and Pintails (6 of each I think). @worthingbirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

Still 20+ Hawfinches around Fairmile Bottom this morning but flighty. @SussexBirding

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

4 adult Bewick's Swans with Mutes just north of Warningcamp now.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

As I arrived on the riverbank by Arundel WWT this morning 2 Bewick's Swans flew out. Also 3 Marsh Harriers, 13 Cattle and 4 little Egrets. 3 Firecrests dotted around. A White-tailed Eagle was flying around the valley.

[Ralph Simpson @RalphSemps1]

From riverbank at Arundel WWT this morning 10 Cattle Egrets and 5 Little Egrets were understandably reluctant to leave the roost. 4+ Marsh Harriers, 19 Shelducks, 14 Egyptian Geese flew out. 5 Snipe, c55 Lapwings flew in. 2 Chiffchaffs. Many Shovelers and Teal flying about.