21st March, 2018 Beachy Head Early frost, becoming sunny and warm. N1 to NW 3

With a north wind, sea-watch expectations were very low and this proved to be the case. We sea-watched from 06.50-07.25 but other than several Red-throated Divers on the sea, virtually nothing was on the move. In now lovely sunny conditions, with no wind we covered Birling lane, Birling to Belle Tout loop and Belle Tout wood, meeting up with RB who had covered Shooters Bottom. RE was also birding on the headland, and covered Birling lane and loop, Shooters bottom and the Cliff Path. Very little in the way of new migrants were seen which did include our seventh and eighth Firecrests for this Spring so far.

Red-throated Diver 9 on the sea
Fulmar 8
Cormorant 8 high E
Grey Heron 1
Kestrel 1
Red-legged Partridge 1
Common Gull 40 resting in the fields
Guillemot 2 on the sea
Collared Dove 2 Birling lane departed N
Meadow Pipit 12
Rock Pipit 1 displaying Birling
Robin 12 small increase in numbers
Black Redstart 1 ad. male still at Birling
Stonechat 8
Song Thrush 2 Birling
Firecrest 2 (1 in scrub below B/T lighthouse and 1 Birling lane)
Raven 1
Corn Bunting just 1 singing

Small Tortoiseshell 1

taken by Doreen Cooper

View of Birling Gap, along the Seven Sisters to Seaford Head.

taken by Doreen Cooper

Still no Poms!!

Doreen walking the Birling loop

Beachy Lighthouse

Collared Dove at Birling before departing north.

Red-legged Partridge at the cliff edge.

 

Firecrest in the scrub underneath Belle Tout lighthouse.