4th April, 2015 Beachy Head

Overcast, cool day and a N wind force 3. We tried a sea-watch from 07.00-07.30 but this proved to be a waste of time. We covered Birling Lane, Birling to Belle Tout loop and Belle Tout wood. Very few migrants logged although a Little Ringed Plover which flew over Birling car park was out 12th record since 1960, and the first since 1986. Also a Beachy tick for DC.

Red-throated Diver 1 E
Great-crested Grebe 1 on the sea
Common Scoter 6 on the sea
Curlew 1
Little-ringed Plover 1W seen and calling over Birling car park @ 07.35.
Common Snipe 1 flushed at Birling
Sparrowhawk 1-2
Peregrine 2 (1 seen far out to sea headed straight over us and continued inland @ 07.20 was probably a true migrant).
Red-legged Partridge 2
Wheatear 4
Chiffchaff 4
Raven 2
Linnet 12 W
Goldfinch 12
Corn Bunting 9

 

Female Stonechat carrying nest material including a Pheasant feather.

 

One of our local Peregrines.