The Best of Sussex in Winter

Summary

The county of West Sussex is home to approximately 150 species of bird during the wintering months! Estuaries, woodlands, heathlands and farmland make-up the majority of habitats within the county, and over the course of this tour, we will visit all of these, hoping to find a wonderful selection of birds along the way. Thousands of waders, ducks and geese gather in Pagham Harbour and a particular vantage point within the harbour is where we will obtain excellent views of the many Dunlin, Knot, Redshank, Turnstone, Curlew and Ringed Plover that feed on the mud. Offshore, Slavonian Grebes are annually recorded and Mediterranean Gulls often drift by as we search for other seabirds, which may include Great Northern Diver and Red-necked Grebe. As we move north, we will visit the many woodlands that line the southern section of the South Downs. Here, we aim to observe one of the most elusive species - the Hawfinch! These shy birds gather at a pre-roost site, and with local knowledge, we will aim to observe this typically elusive bird before they head off to their roost. The heathlands on this tour will give us the best chance of locating a Dartford Warbler, that in winter, are often within close proximity to the many Stonechats, which sit conspicuously atop the heather and gorse; these are often great areas to locate wintering thrushes too: Redwings and Fieldfares predominantly. The Arun Valley is a superb area for birdwatching and holds regular wintering flocks of Pintail, Teal and Wigeon, and it is here that we hope to lay eyes on the sought-after Bewick's Swan - the valley being the last site for this delightful wintering swan in Sussex. Firecrests are also abundant in the nearby woodlands and we will ensure much time is spent trying to locate one of these delightful gems! The well-maintained farmlands above the valley are a brilliant location to find Grey Partridge, Hen Harrier, Red Kite and Marsh Harrier as well as a wealth of farmland species, namely Corn Buntings, Skylarks and Linnets.

This tour is set to deliver the very best birdwatching in Sussex!

• Firecrest and Grey Partridge in the Arun Valley
• Wintering Bewick's Swans and Hen Harriers
• Hundreds of waders at Pagham Harbour
• Wintering Slavonian Grebes and Great Northern Divers offshore
• Hawfinches and other woodland birds 
• Dartford Warblers on West Sussex heathlands
• Many birds of prey that could include Hen Harrier
• Led by an expert birdwatcher