Mega Month for Birds in Sussex

October saw some wonderful rarities in Sussex. In East Sussex a Gull-billed Tern flew past Telscombe Cliffs on the 3rd with a White-rumped Sandpiper there on the 29th. Wrynecks were seen at Seaford on the 3rd and Cuckmere Haven on the 5th (possibly the same bird). A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Beachy Head on the 6th with a Pallas's Warbler on the 25th and 26th. Rye Harbour had a Great White Egret on the 6th and a Radde's Warbler was in the Sheepcote Valley (5 minutes from my home!) on the 12th.

In West Sussex a Semipalmated Plover was seen on the 19th and 20th at Thorney Island with a Red-breasted Goose on the 3rd at the same location. A Rose-coloured Starling was at Selsey Bill on the 1st, 7th and 8th and a Hoopoe was seen on the 12th at Chidham Point. A Spotted Crake was at Arundel WWT on the 24th (Wetland & Wildfowl Trust). Great Grey Shrikes were at Ambersham Common on the 17th, 18th and 25th, at Iping Common on the 19th and at Church Norton on the 30th. Glossy Ibises were seen at Pagham Harbour and Angmering on the 24th. And finally, a Pallas's Warbler was recorded on the 28th to the 30th at Climping.

As ever it is a case of being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.....

Pallas's Warbler