8 Dec 2012 Beachy Head Overcast becoming fine and sunny mild NW 0-1

With a good weather forecast we decided to visit the Headland. We sea-watched for 50 minutes and with very light winds we walked right through the rough field returning back to Birling. We then checked Belle Tout wood and stopped briefly at the Old Trapping Area.

Red-throated Diver 19 W

Great-crested Grebe 8 W including a milky-tea coloured leucistic individual.

Fulmar 1

Grey Heron 1

Wigeon 6 W

Teal 19 W

Mallard 7 W

Common Scoter 1 female on the sea

Kestrel 1

Oystercatcher 4

Common Gull 50 

Auk Sp. 27 W

Tawny Owl 2

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

Skylark 100

Song Thrush 4

Raven 2

Goldfinch 30

Siskin 1 heard

Grey Seal 1 off Birling

Goldfinches feeding in the rough field.

1 Dec 2012 Beachy Head Cold clear and frosty.

David and Brenda visited the Headland in the hope of finding some Waxwings. They covered virtually all the Headland including the Cliff Path and looked down into the Hollow.

Fulmar 12 had returned to Birling
Gannet 4
Teal 5 E
Red-breasted Merganser 1 W
Auk Sp. 20 E
Black Redstart 1 at Birling
Song Thrush 2
Goldcrest 1
Goldfinch 10
Siskin 3 N
Redpoll 1 heard
Corn Bunting 1

A very wintry Belle Tout - autumn is over!

Black Redstart at Birling Gap