24th January, 2010. Beachy Head.

RKH had the Black Redstart at Birling Gap today, so assuming it is the same bird as we saw earlier it must be wintering there.

Beachy Head. 14th January, 2010.

Roger & Liz had 2 Woodcocks in their garden at Hodcombe today and with all the snow they have had good numbers of Fieldfares and Thrushes during the last few days although most of the Fieldfares have gone today.

Beachy Head 4th January, 2010

RDME carrying out bird survey today found a Black Redstart and Rock Pipit on the beach at Holywell. Holywell cliffs used to be a breeding site for Black Redstart back in the 1960's.

Beachy Head 3rd January, 2010

Another New Year, 2010. Arrived on a cold but fine morning with Doreen & DC. Short sea-watch followed by a walk up Birling Lane. Drove round to Belle Toute wood, Shooters Bottom, and onto Hotel Garden and looked over Cow Gap.

We were surprised to find a Black Redstart with a Stonechat, flicking around the car park, a useful year tick. Sea-watch quiet with 6 Brent Geese on the sea. 10 Fulmars, 1 Gannet, 1 Red Throated Diver East. Two showy Rock Pipits allowed some nice photographs. Bushes generally quite as expected although 10 Song Thrushes and 3 Fieldfares in the area. 100 Common Gulls in the Top Fields and a flock of 500 Starlings feeding in the Top Fields with the cows. Tawny Owl in usual roosting tree in Belle Toute wood.

Sign of Beachy Head Hotel.

Beachy Head Lighthouse from Icky Ridge.

Looking from above Cow Gap towards Eastbourne & Langney Point.

Hodcombe

Dusting of snow at Belle Toute wood.

Myself & Doreen near Belle Toute wood. (JFC down but not out!!)

David & Doreen in Belle Toute wood.

First for Beachy?? but not what we were hoping for.

Rock Pipit on the cliffs at Birling.

Black Redstart (wintering?) at Birling.