Henfield bird book published following year-long survey

It then took Henfield Birdwatch almost a year to put all the 2019 reports together, which includes accounts of all the 115 species recorded during the survey.

Val Bentley from Henfield Birdwatch said: “We have just published our fifth five-yearly survey book on the birdlife of Henfield parish.

“We’re extremely proud of it – put together by members of the committee (editor Paul Cole), with all the photos taken locally.”

Also included in the book are details of the 69 different species found in members and non-members’ gardens including lesser spotted woodpeckers and marsh tits – both now pretty scarce species in Sussex.

A review of the year gives a flavour of the comings and goings of summer and winter migrants, such as the arrival of swifts, swallows, house martins and cuckoos in April; nightingales in May; and redwings and fieldfares in the autumn.

Plus the more unusual visitors including a pair of garganey ducks in April; whinchat, wheatear and wryneck in August; yellow wagtails in September; black redstarts in October and November; and a Water Pipit in December.

Giving an insight into what else can be found in the book, Val said: “All three Henfield Commons were surveyed in 2019, and an ongoing survey of Perching Manor Farm is showing how numbers of farmland birds are benefiting from a farming system supporting wildlife.

“The Nightingale Survey, started in 1999, reaches out to include Wineham and Edburton and shows how these magnificent songsters make the most of our local habitats.

“A resident of new estate Deer Park has been keeping an watchful eye on the House Martins which have found estate much to their liking – she kept a diary from the arrival of the first bird in April to their final departure in September.

“And Debbie Colgate’s enthusiasm for ‘her’ Swifts shines through her account of their nesting activities, both in more natural sites in the eaves of houses, and in the specially provided nestboxes.”

Illustrations in the book are by local artist Will Green with pictures taken mostly by Henfield Birdwatch members.

The book is available to purchase at R & H Pet Supplies in Coopers Way, or by emailing [email protected]

Copies are £5, plus £1.50 postage if applicable.

Henfield Birdwatch was set up in 1999. For more information visit https://www.henfieldbirdwatch.co.uk/about-us/