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

Huge skeins of Dark-bellied Brent Geese made quite a sight — and sound — during John and Lizzie's tour!

We marvelled at an evening gathering of 80 Red Kites on Saturday's tour

Evening hits

No fewer than four Barn Owls showed up for John and Lizzie!

Flight shots

Water Pipits buzzed around us in Eastbourne

Singing Woodlarks were encountered on both tours

Duck action

This first-winter drake Scaup at Camber was a hands-down highlight

We called in on the established population of Red-crested Pochard west of London

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

Redwings (pictured) gave great views on Thursday, while Fieldfares were encountered in some open areas

Siskins (pictured) were obliging for Richard, while Hawfinch offered good views through the telescope

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!

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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.