On the drive over to Beachy Head we had some excellent views of a Barn Owl hunting close to the A26 at Tarring Neville, near Newhaven.
We sea-watched from 06.20-07.20 with sea-mist rolling in and virtually no movement recorded, we joined RE and checked Birling lane, and B/T wood. RE also checked Cornish farm track. RAB covered most of the sites on the Headland and RB covered some of these sites with him.
Although the area at first was quiet with just the odd migrants seen, a late arrival of Chiffchaffs was noted, and 40 Meadow Pipits arrived in off the sea. Also a male Dartford Warbler and Black Redstart were also seen.
Fulmar 7
Common Scoter 2 E
Sparrow Hawk 1 Cliff Path
Kestrel 1
Peregrine 2
Kittiwake 1 E
Tawny Owl 2
Meadow Pipit 50 (40 arrived in off the sea).
Rock Pipit 1 Birling
Black Redstart 1 female type Birling
Stonechat 12+ Headland
Wheatear 2 near B/T lighthouse
Dartford Warbler 1 male
Chiffchaff 30 (most arrived during the day)
Goldcrest 5 Headland
Firecrest 2 (1 B/T wood, 1 Cliff Path)
Raven 3
House Sparrow Flock of 15 Birling
Corn Bunting 9
On the 18th March, the large set-aside field was ploughed which attracted a large flock of gulls and LP found a 2yr Iceland Gull, but unfortunately it only spent a few minutes before departing, although some good photos were obtained. This is now our 14th record since 1960.
Also a single White Wagtail was seen in the field.
