Sunday 21 April 2013

21 Apr 2013 Beachy Head Early frost sunny becoming warm ENE 1

We joined RKH & RES and sea-watched from 06.15-07.30. Although still virtually no real movement, an Arctic Tern gave good views feeding and 2 fine summer plumage Black-necked Grebes were the highlights.
We then covered the Birling and Birling/Belle Tout loop meeting up with PN & RK. We then covered Shooters Bottom, The Old Trapping Area and the Hotel Garden. A small influx of Blackcaps and Whitethroats several of which were feeding out in the open on the grass.

Red-throated Diver 4 E & 1 on the sea
Great Crested Grebe 1 on the sea
Black-necked Grebe 2 in s/p on the sea
Gannet 5 E & 2 W
Canada Goose 2 E
Brent Goose 5 E
Shelduck 2 E
Common Scoter 25 E
Red-breasted Merganser 2 E
Peregrine 1
Lapwing 1 W
Whimbrel 1 E
Greenshank 1 calling over Birling
Sandwich Tern 8 E
Arctic Tern 1 feeding off Birling
Swallow 9
Robin 8
Black Redstart 1 Birling
Stonechat 4
Lesser Whitethroat 1
Common Whitethroat 20
Blackcap 5
Willow Warbler 1
Firecrest 2
Carrion Crow 1 in off the sea
Raven 2
Corn Bunting 2

Small Tortoiseshell 1 (Our first butterfly for the year)


Arctic Tern feeding off Birling


Black-necked Grebes off Birling




Some of today's Common Whitehroats feeding on the grass.



Male Stonechat up the lane at Birling was probably of continental orgin.

 



Female Blackcap at Birling


Lesser Whitethroat in the Old Trapping Area taken by Ron Knight.


Lapwing moving W over Belle Tout