The first stop for Sue, Gill and I on Monday's birding tour was Knepp Wildlands, where we were greeted by a Green Woodpecker in flight. Soon we were watching one of the day's target birds, White Stork, with a pair at a nest.
We soon enjoyed the sounds of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat. We also heard a distant Nightingale and had a good look at a Bullfinch in a distant tree through the telescope.
As it warmed up we picked up a Red Kite, a few Buzzards and more White Storks.
At Waltham Brooks we encountered another Nightingale. This one perched beautifully, allowing us to get great scope views as it sang. Whilst watching it, a Cuckoo was heard and we then got a brief view of two males chasing each other. Around the lake we enjoyed views of feeding martins and Swallows, as well as Reed Bunting and Sedge Warbler.
After an excellent lunch in Coldwaltham, we moved on to Amberley Wild Brooks. We were greeted immediately by a White-tailed Eagle. We also had distant views of Lapwing, Little Egret and lovely flyover Red Kite.
Our final spot was The Burgh to try for more raptors. Whilst watching some excitable Brown Hares in the fields, and Red Kites and Buzzards flying around it was a bit of a shock when a White-tailed Eagle came into view! It then spent the next half-hour giving great views while being mobbed by Red Kites and Buzzards.
It was a fantastic day of birdwatching, with some great birds and company!