26th February, 2016 Beachy Head Light frost overcast becoming fine sunny and mild E 0-1

Arrived at Birling to an overcast dull early morning with an incoming tide and calm sea with excellent visibility. We sea-watched from 07.30-09.30 and then covered Birling Lane, Birling to Belle Tout loop and Belle Tout wood. An enjoyable morning in nice weather with a male Dartford Warbler being the highlight.

Red-throated Diver 11 E & 1 W (some showing signs of summer plumage)
Fulmar 10 resting on the sea
Brent Goose 27 E
Red-breasted Merganser 1 W
Kestrel 2
Common Gull 12
Lesser Black Back Gull 2 adults on Birling beach (both of the English race: graellsii).
Kittiwake 12 E
Stonechat 3
Dartford Warbler 1 male following 2 Stonechats (Probably the same bird which we saw on the 25th January).
Raven 1
Goldfinch 2

Flock of Brent Geese perhaps starting the Spring easterly exodus

Male Dartford Warbler stopping briefly whilst keeping a

careful watch on its two Stonechats companions.

If only it was looking my way.

We found this small clump of wild looking crocus types

Goose Barnacles on Birling beach taken on the 11th February.