Beachy (29-30 October 2011)

Tuesday 25-Thursday 27 October 2011:  A peregrine was seen on Southwick Power Station chimney each evening on the way home from work.

Saturday 29 October 2011:  Most of the day was spent between Belle Tout and Crowlink enjoying the mild weather and expected late autumn migrants without the excitement of a hoped for wing-barred phyllosc.  Birds seen included 2 Peregrines, 6 ad & 2 juv Little Gulls (S over Birling field), 64 Greater Black-backed Gulls, 2 Tawny Owls (Belle Tout), 2 Short-eared Owls (1E & 1S over Birling), Rock Pipit, 2 Black Redstarts (Birling & Bailey’s Hill), 3 Stonechats, Wheatear, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler (a very late individual in Belle Tout), 5 Goldcrests, 4 Firecrests (1 Birling, 3 Belle Tout), 21 Long-tailed Tits (Went Hill), 2 Treecreepers (Belle Tout), Raven and a Redpoll (heard).

the last Wheatear of the year?

a very late Willow Warbler in Belle Tout - not the unusual phyllosc we were hoping for

 

Tawny Owl in Belle Tout

Black Redstart on Bailey's Hill

Sunday 30 October 2011:  Returned to Beachy expecting similar weather but the wind had picked up.  Stayed to early afternoon seeing Tawny Owl, Black Redstart (Birling), Ring Ouzel & Redwing (ditto), Blackcap, Willow Warbler (same), 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests (Belle Tout), 2 Treecreepers (same), Raven, 70 Goldfinches and 10 Redpolls (8E & 2 W).  A walk around the Houseboats with Megan produced a Grey Wagtail.

Black Redstart at Birling

Ring Ouzel at Birling