A few days in West Sussex

On our way, a view of the Isle of Wight from West Dean (near the Trundle), looking over Chichester Harbour

We stayed at HF Abingworth, with a maple tree by the front door, for a few days of bird watching

The birding was quiet, although a fair number of birds were counted in the three days. They were all a long way away, and this is the only bird photo I managed (Tame Robin at RSPB Pulborough Brooks)

We went to Amberley in search of the White Tailed Eagle which has nested and bred in the area. But it was not at home – perhaps put off by the rainbow

Despite the lack of birds, the visits to different habitats in the area were very pleasant; dry and not too cold. The frequent stops suited my hobbled leg. Here’s our leader in Lavington Common trying a bit of bird whispering, hoping for snipe I seem to remember.

The best day was a coast visit to Seaford, Seaford Head, Cuckmere and Beachy Head. Never mind birds, but iconic sites for photographs – people come from all over the world for these photos. But the light was dreadful, so best rendered in black and white

What a difference even a tiny bit of light makes

Can’t leave without a classic coastguards cottages shot

And the stagnant meandering of the orphaned Cuckmere River

Better light from the car park as we were leaving….

… for lunch by the toilets and beach huts of the Seaford Esplanade (they sell for £30,000 each)

The Seaford Head Cliffs are impressive. Note the couple outside the fence, perched precariously on a pillar of chalk.

Also at Beachy Head, people are drawn past the fence to the very edge of the cliffs

At Shooter’s Bottom a look past the parasol mushrooms to the Belle Tout lighthouse. Home of the rich mistress in the 1986 TV adaptation of Fay Weldon’s The Life and Loves of a She-Devil

On the way home, best day ever (photographically speaking) with the Slime mold and small fungi of West Sussex. Do look.

Enjoy.

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