A close encounter with a pair of Teal this morning.

Thousands oppose plans to dump sediment in marine conservation zone A "nationally important wildlife hotspot" in East Sussex risks being harmed, says a charity.

share.google/ZxtXZC4inNL4...

Thousands have objected to plans to dump dredged sediment in a protected marine area says @sussexwildlife.bsky.social It risks harming the nationally important wildlife hotspot along the coast. Brighton Marina says dredging is needed to make the site safe for boats.

... and what about these chemicals getting into the pet owners?

The first of these Lapwing chicks hatched yesterday about 5pm - we saw the female take the eggshell away.
This morning at 8am the female was still sitting on the nest, on the last egg to hatch or a recently hatched chick, while the 3 older chicks were waiting to get on with finding their own food.

A late wintering, scaly-backed, male Ruff showing no sign of any of the elaborate feathers that gives it its name.
Feeding at the Pett Level trail cam on 14th April.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
#ruff

A Common Redshank in breeding plumage, showing off its bright orange legs.
Feeding in front of the Pett Level trail camera.

But no mention of the potential impacts of the pesticides on the pet owner's family.

Common Snipe feeding in front of the trail camera at Pett Level.
11th April

Green Sandpiper in its breeding plumage - more distinctly white spotted.
From a Pett Level trail camera on 10th April.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
#sandpiper

Here is an Avocet catching and swallowing two bloodworms - the bright red larva of a non-biting midge (Chironomid).
The video speed is at a quarter speed, then repeated at an eighth of normal speed.

Vermiculated - consisting of, or characterised by sinuous or wavy outlines or markings resembling the form or tracks of a worm.
The breeding plumage of a drake Gadwall.

Rehabilitation of the Dandelion!
No other plant in the Netherlands attracts as many bee species: 107. In early spring, when nothing else is blooming, it is simply there. Meadow bird chicks that have just hatched depend on the insects that are drawn to dandelions. No dandelion, no insect, no chick.

A Common Redshank about to snatch a fly for the theme of #Reflections for today's #BirdOfTheDay

The first returning Common Sandpiper appeared on 12th April.
It looked similar to the overwintering Green Sandpipers (2 seen yesterday), but the Common has very patterned upper and underwings - as seen below.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social

Some female Shoveler ducks are still testing the males in high speed flights that circle and twist over the wetlands.
Only the fittest will pass on their genes and you can see who is the favourite...

A brief dispute this morning between a Little Ringed Plover pair and an extra female - on the left at the start.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social

A rare spring image of the 2 ringed plover species standing side by side. The Ringed Plover (left) would normally see off the Little Ringed Plover, but perhaps he is a lonely Ringed Plover...
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
#plover

The cold weather means little food available and too much time being warmed by parents.

A first year Mediterranean Gull at Pett Level for #SuperSeabirdSunday

Yesterday morning's 2 day old Lapwing chicks had reduced to this one by the afternoon. Then none this morning, after 3 days of cold weather. So, the female will be feeding to lay another clutch of 4 eggs - that will weigh half her body weight - and when they hatch it should be better chick weather.

It's a gamble being the early nesters... but it means the adults will have time to try again this year.
2/2

The first Lapwing chicks hatched yesterday, but in this cold wind they have to be warmed for long periods by their parents.
This means less time for feeding - the chicks find all their own food - and food will be sparse in the cold, so their survival chance looks low.
1/2

Not long until the Sussex Birds conference, non members very welcome.

18th April 2026 (9.30-16.30)

sos.org.uk/news-and-eve...

The RSPB & Wildlife Trusts should be promoting the planting of trees, shrubs & plants which attract finches to the garden naturally, such as the Field Maple & Teasel.
With none of the dangers of concentrated feeding behaviours.
@rspb.bsky.social @the-wildlifetrusts.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social

These 2 waders breed on northern moorlands and often share territories - this led to the local names of Plover's Page for Dunlin, because they are often seen together when people get close to their nest or chicks.

Some of the 22 Golden Plovers roosting at Rye Harbour this morning.
The bird on the right is in full breeding plumage.
The smaller birds are Dunlin, also getting their black breeding feathers.
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social

One in a million.
Walking through local ancient woodlands today, I probably saw a million white flowers of Wood Anemone.
Then I noticed this one ...

The Breeding Terns of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve YouTube video by RyeHarbourUK

Yesterday was the first day that all 3 species of breeding tern could be seen at Rye Harbour.
Find out more with this video by @willrose.bsky.social
youtu.be/Rv1MuCIf3Q4
@sussexwildlife.bsky.social

oww... oww... oww... is a common sound around Winchelsea on these sunny spring days, as Mediterranean Gulls fly between Pett Level and the Brede Valley.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
#gull

A male Little Ringed Plover shows off his distinctive yellow eye-ring and black beak in the early morning sun and the still air provided the reflection.
@sussexornitholo.bsky.social
#plover