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A bird-filled week!


We've led two exciting personalised birding tours over the last few days, with a packed day tour for John and Lizzie from Tennessee on Saturday, followed by a three-day tour for Richard from North Carolina. Both sets of clients had come to us with challenging species wishlists for us to sink our teeth into — which led to some amazing birding!



Sky-fillers

Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Pagham Harbour. Guided birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
Huge skeins of Dark-bellied Brent Geese made quite a sight — and sound — during John and Lizzie's tour!
Red Kites roosting in Sussex. Guided birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
We marvelled at an evening gathering of 80 Red Kites on Saturday's tour


Evening hits

Barn Owl in Sussex. Birding tours with South Downs Wildlife
No fewer than four Barn Owls showed up for John and Lizzie!


Flight shots

Water Pipit at West Rise Marsh. Guided birding tours with South Downs Wildlife
Water Pipits buzzed around us in Eastbourne
Woodlark at Thursley Common. Guided birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
Singing Woodlarks were encountered on both tours


Duck action

This first-winter drake Scaup at Camber was a hands-down highlight
Red-crested Pochards. Birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
We called in on the established population of Red-crested Pochard west of London
Smew. Birding tours near London with South Downs Wildlife
This Smew on the outskirts of London finished off the week of guiding in fine fashion

Raptor encounters

Low-flying Goshawks over the woodland canopy during Richard's tour were just magical — we also had a thrilling encounter with two Hen Harriers!


Below the treetops

Redwing in Sussex. Birding tours with South Downs Wildlife
Redwings (pictured) gave great views on Thursday, while Fieldfares were encountered in some open areas
Siskin in Sussex. Birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
Siskins (pictured) were obliging for Richard, while Hawfinch offered good views through the telescope
Treecreeper in Sussex. Birding tours with South Downs Wildlife.
Treecreepers were a feature of Richard's tour

Other highlights


On top of the Hen Harriers and Hawfinches, there were many other highlights including an unexpected fly-by from a pair of Long-tailed Ducks on Saturday's tour, and exciting encounters with churring Dartford Warblers, a scattering of Bramblings, and flocking Golden Plovers for everybody.


Over the two trips this last week, we notched up 114 species!

 

Figure out what you would like to see on our new Sussex birds page, where we have listed all of the regular birds in the county and when they could be encountered on our tours.

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