Part 3
Sand Martin
2017: Spring: None Recorded
Autumn: Recorded on 22 dates from 27/6 (3E) to 26/10 (1 over Shooters Bottom) with a total of just 428 bird-days logged. Daily max on the 27/8 with 150 chiefly moving East.
A very poor Autumn after a very early start to the Autumn migration at the end of June.
Per B.H.Log.
Swallow
2017 Spring: Recorded from 27/3 (4). Very poor numbers recorded throughout the Spring with 70 in off the sea on the 16/4, 9/5 31 chiefly N and 29/5 20.
4 pairs again breeding in Hodcombe but only 2 other pairs breeding on the Headland.
Autumn: (JFC and LP were both away from mid-Sept to mid-Oct and therefore our records are incomplete for comparison with previous years).
July to Aug: Smallish numbers seen on all our visits until 14/8 when 150 were logged, 25/8 570, and 27/8 1,500 chiefly moving E.
Sept: Main movements: 2/9 400 feeding over the top fields, 17/9 500, 24/9 950 Oct: 26/10 20 and last seen 2 W on the 29/10. Per B.H.Log.
Swallow at Birling
House Martin
2017: Spring: Recorded on just 3 dates from 16/4 (1 in off the sea) to 9/5 (2). On the 8/5 40 were present in Whitbread Hollow.
Autumn: ( Both JFC and LP were away from mid-Sept to mid-Oct and therefore our records lack full details during the main period of migration for comparison with past years). Movement commenced on the early date of 5/8 when 2 were seen. No further records until the 22/8 when 25 moved E. then with a max of 400 feeding around the cliffs on the 30/8. The main movements in Sept were on the 17/9 2,000, and on the 25/9 500+ E in 5 minutes around mid-day. Last seen on the 14/10 with 22 seen. Per B.H.Log. and SIOS web-site.
Tree Pipit
2017: Spring: Just one record on the 3/4 1 flushed from Shooters Bottom.
Autumn: Recorded on 14 dates from 11/8(4) to 17/9(2). A total of 80 bird-days with daily maxs: 24/8 (19), 25/8 (15), 26/8 (7), 27/8 (15).
One ringing recovery which was ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 16/8/17 and was controlled just two days later on the 18/8/17 at Icklesham
One ringing recovery which was ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 16/8/17 and was controlled just two days later on the 18/8/17 at Icklesham
Our best Autumn this century, but numbers are still low compared with the 1960’s and 70’s as a comparison in 1969 we recorded a total of 478 bird-days during the Autumn with a daily max. of 50. Per B.H.Log.
Tree Pipit at Birling
Meadow Pipit
2017: Feb: 4 seen on two dates.
Spring: 10/3 Flock of 25 grounded by fog in a grass field at Birling, 11/3 30 (Party of 20 in off the sea in foggy weather), 13/3 14 (mostly in off the sea), 27/3 30 (15 in off the sea), otherwise just small numbers seen.
Breeding: Just small numbers noted probably no more than 15 breeding pairs in the area.
Autumn (JFC was away from mid Sept to mid Oct which is the main passage period for Meadow Pipits). Small numbers with a number of young birds seen were present during July and Aug. with a daily max of 40 on the 25/8. Main passage commenced on the 10/9 with 80W. On the 24/9 145 was logged. On the 18/10, 280 E in an hour between 07.40-08.40 and 300 were recorded on the 20/10. Only small numbers were recorded after this date, with 3 on the 20/12. Per B.H.Log
Rock Pipit
2017: Spring: Recorded on 9 dates chiefly odd birds around the Birling area with 3 at Michael Dean on the 16/4.
No breeding census made but odd birds present on the beach at Birling during the breeding season.
Autumn: 10/7 1 collecting food in the Belle Tout gully, 29/10 8 (4 in Birling car park and 4 in the Belle Tout gully). 5 were present in the Birling car park on the 31/10. On the 17/11 9 (including a party of 8) were recorded in the Cow Gap area. Occasionally, odd birds are seen sat on the roofs of the properties along Birling Gap lane. Per B.H.Log.
Yellow Wagtail
2017: Spring: Recorded on 7 dates from 16/4 (1) to 17/5 (1) with a total of 25. On the 17/4 16 seen moving N.
Autumn: Recorded on 21 dates from 11/8 (3 juv’s.) to 24/9 (2). A total of 423 bird-days with daily maxs: 24/8 (81) and 28/8 (49 E at dusk, which may be birds moving to a local roost). Per B.H.Log.
Yellow Wagtail at Birling
Grey Wagtail
2017: Autumn: Recorded on 8 dates from 22/8 (2) to 24/9 (1) with a total of 12 birds and a daily max of 4 on the 10/9.
Similar passage to the previous two years. Per B.H.Log
Pied Wagtail
2017: Spring: 17/3 8 were seen with White Wagtails feeding in a new ploughed field. Otherwise just small numbers seen throughout the Spring with 3 breeding pairs present. A number of alba Wagtails were seen passing over the Headland with a total of 18 from 13/3 to the 23/4. On the 13/3 3 in off the sea, and 14/3 4 in off the sea.
4/7 An adult female was collecting food near the Belle Tout lighthouse.
Autumn: Only odd birds were seen around Birling during the early autumn. (JFC was away during mid-Sept to mid Oct the main passage period for this species) on the 18/10 60 E between 07.40-08.40). Per B.H.Log.
White Wagtail
2017: Spring: Recorded on 10 dates from 17/3 (2) to 23/4 (1), but never more than 2 on a day. A single bird was present near Belle Tout lighthouse for around a week in April. Per B.H.Log.
White Wagtail on the downlands, above the cliff path.
Wren
2017 Spring: Up to 6 seen during February, present throughout but no noticeable arrival and breeding pairs of around 8 pairs similar to last year.
Autumn: Present in small numbers and on the 3/11 10 were recorded from the Headland.
Per B.H.Log
Hedge Sparrow
2017: Good numbers present throughout and good numbers of breeding birds present, and many fledged young seen throughout the area. A check on the Headland on the 15/11 when 20 birds were logged. PerB.H.Log.
Robin
2017: Spring: Good numbers present throughout the period. On the 17/3 20 were recorded on the Headland. Again an estimate of 15 breeding pairs and a good number of fledged young were seen.
Autumn: Reasonable numbers seen throughout the autumn, with a daily max of 25 on the Headland on the 15/11, but by the 25/11 covering the same sites only one was seen. Per B.H.Log.
Nightingale
Nightingale
2017: Spring: 22/4 1 opposite the Old Trapping Area, and 3 /5 1 in the B/T area.
Autumn: Recorded on 11 dates from 5/8 (1 in Cow Gap gully) to 22/8 (1 re-trapped in Whitbread Hollow). Chiefly singles but with 2 on 7/8, 11/8, and 16/8. Most records came from Whitbread Hollow (a former breeding site), but also recorded from Cow Gap gully, the Old Trapping Area, but only 1 was heard calling in Shooters Bottom which is often a favourite site during the early Autumn. Probably a total of 10 different individuals involved of which 6 birds were ringed in Whitbread Hollow, which was considered to be a good total during recent years.
Per B.H.Log.
Black Redstart
2017: Spring: Recorded on 12 dates from 6/3 ( 1 female type Birling) to 10/5 (1 ad male in the Hotel Gdn). A total of 13 bird-days with probably 11 different individuals involved. All singles apart for a pair at Birling on the 8/5.
Autumn: 26/8 (1 juv. Michael Dene), 27/10 (3 along Birling lane), 3/11 1 at B/T lighthouse. RHC also mentioned that he has seen several Black Redstarts during the autumn in Hodcombe.
A very poor Autumn generally although one of the main sites Birling car park has had extensive disturbance with the construction of new steps leading to the beach.
Per B.H.log and S.O.S. web-site.
Adult male Black Redstart on the Headland.
2017: Spring: Recorded on 16 dates from 4/4 (1 male Shooters Bottom) to 9/5 (1 female in the Old Trapping Area). A total of 24 bird-days were logged with daily maxs: 4 on the 16/4 and 22/4. An almost copy-cat of last years Spring.
Autumn: Recorded on 18 dates from 15/7 (1 ad. male in the Hotel Gdn.) to 10/9 (5).
A total of 83 bird-days with daily maxs: 24/8 (12), 26/8 (13), 27/8 (14).
Another good year. Per B.H.Log.
Whinchat
2017: Spring: Just three sightings: 21/4 1 Birling, 22/4 3 (Crowlink, Hodcombe and Frost Hill Valley), 10/5 1 Birling.
Autumn: Recorded on 21 dates from 5/8 (5) to 24/9 (1) with a total of 77 bird-days.
Daily maxs: 26/8 (8), 27/8 20 early morning but quickly departed inland, and 29/8 (10)
An average year. PerB.H.Log.
An autumn Whinchat
Stonechat
2017: Jan-Feb: Up to a pair present near the sewage plant at Birling throughout this period.
Spring: Present throughout this period with a maximum on the 13/3 of 12. On the 12/5 1 very bright male (rubicola) was photographed at Birling. Probably a small decrease in the numbers breeding from last year but no survey undertaken. First young seen out of the nest was on the 12/5. On the 2/8 10 juveniles were seen in one group.
Autumn: Present throughout, with daily maxs: 20/8 c20 on the headland, and 24/9 17. On the 6/12 a pair along the road by the sewage farm at Birling. PerB.H.Log.
2017: Jan-Feb: Up to a pair present near the sewage plant at Birling throughout this period.
Spring: Present throughout this period with a maximum on the 13/3 of 12. On the 12/5 1 very bright male (rubicola) was photographed at Birling. Probably a small decrease in the numbers breeding from last year but no survey undertaken. First young seen out of the nest was on the 12/5. On the 2/8 10 juveniles were seen in one group.
Autumn: Present throughout, with daily maxs: 20/8 c20 on the headland, and 24/9 17. On the 6/12 a pair along the road by the sewage farm at Birling. PerB.H.Log.
Wheatear
2017: Spring: Recorded on 22 dates from 9/3 (1) to 8/5 (1). A total of 111 bird-days with daily maxs: 10/4 (10), 28/4 (20) and 29/4 (11). A number of the Greenland race (leucorhoa) were identified: 21/4 (1), 22/4 (3), 28/4 (c15+), and 4/5 (6).
June: An adult male was present at Hodcombe.
Autumn: (JFC and LP were away from mid Sept to mid-Oct). Recorded on 24 days from 24/7 (1) to 27/10 (1 on Cow Gap beach) with a total of 121 bird-days with daily maxs: 26/8 (20), and 2/9 (22).
A better Spring than last year, with good numbers of the Greenland race being identified.
Per B.H.Log.
One of the first signs of Spring a male Wheatear in early March.
The richly coloured Greenland Wheatear of the race
leucorhoa, taken in April.
Blue Rock Thrush
2017: 6/ 4 1 male B/T lighthouse and scrub, photos (Al Redman plus many observers)
It stayed the whole day and was still present at dusk, but gone by the morning. It was considered to be the same individual which wintered at Stow-on-the Wold, Gloucestershire, as both birds were moulting their central tail feathers as well as other plumage similarities, and the Stow bird had disappeared a day or two before our bird was found.
First record for Sussex. PerB.H.Log.
2017: 6/ 4 1 male B/T lighthouse and scrub, photos (Al Redman plus many observers)
It stayed the whole day and was still present at dusk, but gone by the morning. It was considered to be the same individual which wintered at Stow-on-the Wold, Gloucestershire, as both birds were moulting their central tail feathers as well as other plumage similarities, and the Stow bird had disappeared a day or two before our bird was found.
First record for Sussex. PerB.H.Log.
Male Blue Rock Thrush
2017: Spring: 13/4 1 male Birling, 15/4 1 female Hollow, 22/4 1 male Cliff Path,
3/5 1 near Old Trapping Area.
Autumn (JFC and LP were again away from mid Sept to mid Oct and therefore birds were probably missed). Logged on 14 dates from 20/9 (1) to 12/11 (1) with a total of 49 bird-days with daily maxs: 24/10 (7), and 27/10 (13). Per B.H.Log.
3/5 1 near Old Trapping Area.
Autumn (JFC and LP were again away from mid Sept to mid Oct and therefore birds were probably missed). Logged on 14 dates from 20/9 (1) to 12/11 (1) with a total of 49 bird-days with daily maxs: 24/10 (7), and 27/10 (13). Per B.H.Log.
Female Ring Ouzel in Shooters Bottom
Blackbird
2017: Present throughout the year in small numbers.
Spring: No influxes logged and numbers were fairly stable and again estimated up to 10 breeding pairs.
Autumn: Just a small influx occurred in mid Oct to early Nov chiefly in Shooters Bottom with 25 present on the 25/10 and in Whitbread Hollow with 25 on the 9/11. PerB.H.Log.
2017: Present throughout the year in small numbers.
Spring: No influxes logged and numbers were fairly stable and again estimated up to 10 breeding pairs.
Autumn: Just a small influx occurred in mid Oct to early Nov chiefly in Shooters Bottom with 25 present on the 25/10 and in Whitbread Hollow with 25 on the 9/11. PerB.H.Log.
Redwing
2017: Spring: 14/3 4 Shooters Botttom, 16/3 1 Shooters Bottom and 17/3 2 B/T wood.
Autumn: Recorded on 8 dates from 30/10 (6) to 17/11 (1) . A total of just 20 bird-days. PerB.H.Log.
Mistle Thrush
2017: Just a single bird seen on the 20/10 in Shooters Bottom.
Amazing how the fortunes of this thrush has changed over the years. Back in 1961, we had 6-7 breeding pairs in our area and it was recorded virtually daily during both migration periods, with up to 25 on a day during the Autumn period. This year, we just recorded a single bird.
Per B.H.Log.
Per B.H.Log.
2017: None recorded all year and now our 4th Spring running with no Spring records. Per B.H.Log.
Song Thrush
2017: Spring: Noticeable increase although no cold weather influxes recorded, birds were present during first 6 months of the year. A noticeable increase in the breeding population with a number of different birds singing throughout the Spring. A total of around 10-12 pairs breeding in the whole area.
Autumn: Present in small numbers throughout the autumn mainly in Shooters Bottom and Whitbread Hollow. On the 15/11, 10 were present in Shooters Bottom and a single continental race was trapped in Whitbread Hollow on the 10/9 with 2 more on the 2/11.
Pleasing that Song Thrushes generally were more in evidence although without any notable falls in late autumn. Also a good increase in the breeding population. Per B.H.Log
Part 4
Grasshopper Warbler
2017: Spring: 14/4 1 singing Hotel Garden, 22/4 3 singing (B/T wood, Birling and Shooters Bottom).
Autumn: Recorded on 15 days from 23/7 (4 trapped in the Hollow) to 9/9 (3 trapped in the Hollow). A total of 36 bird-days, with daily maxs: 31/8 6 (4 on the headland, and 2 in the Hollow), 1/9 5 all trapped and ringed in the Hollow. One ringing recovery of a 1st yr. bird ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 1/9/17 and controlled on the 3/9/17 at Litlington.
28 were ringed in total in Whitbread Hollow, which was considered to be a good year, but unfortunately no coverage of the gropper field in Cow Gap, which in the early part of this century was one of the main sites for this species.
Per B.H.Log.
Grasshopper Warbler in early Autumn near Belle Tout wood.
2017: Spring: 27/4 (1 Old Trapping Area), 28/4 (1 bushes near B/T wood).
Autumn: Recorded on 21 days from 13/7 (2) to 7/9 (1) with a total of 70 bird-days with daily maxs: 1/8 26 (24 on the headland and 2 in the Hollow) and 5/8 9. A total of 16 were ringed in Whitbread Hollow, which was considered to be a fair year, although when you compare this with Reed Warbler, numbers appear to be on the low side. One ringing recovery of an adult ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 13/8/17 and controlled the next day on the 14/8/17 at Icklesham.
An average autumn passage thanks to the fall which occurred on the 1/8 when 26 birds were recorded, otherwise it would have been a poor autumn for this attractive species. Per B.H.Log.
An August Sedge Warbler at Birling.
Reed Warbler
2017: Spring: 22/4 (1 Hotel Garden), and 8/5 2 (1 singing B/T bushes, and 1in the Old Trapping Area).
Autumn: Recorded on 29 dates from 9/7 (1) to 17/9 (1) with a total of 417 bird-days with daily maxs: 1/8 39 (24 headland and 15 Hollow), 11/8 c117 (17 Headland and c100 Hollow with 50 ringed), and 26/8 (11 Headland, and 45 Hollow).
Our earliest spring date and our first record for April.
An excellent autumn thanks to RE and the BHRG in Whitbread Hollow, when a total of 191 were ringed during the Autumn in Whitbread Hollow, and it was probably a record year with 417 bird-days and a record day total on the 11/8 when c117 were recorded . It is strange that we see good numbers during the autumn without any fresh water pools in our area. PerB.H.Log.
An August Reed Warbler at Birling.
Melodious Warbler
2017: One showed well in the Old Trapping Area on the 24/8 and 25/8, unfortunately on the second date it was taken by a Sparrowhawk. (RKH et al), and one seen briefly in the Hotel Garden, photos on the 2/9. (RAB).
Our 36th and 37th records since 1960. Per B.H. Log.
Melodious Warbler in the Old Trapping Area.
Dartford Warbler
2017: 17/1 (1 above B/T wood in gorse). Was looked for subsequently but no further sign.
Autumn: Recorded on 5 dates from the 17/10 to 3/11. All singles apart for 2 on the 27/10 and 3/11. All the records came from the gorse area above Belle Tout wood, apart for a single bird which moved through the bramble area at the bottom of Birling lane on the 3/11. PerB.H.Log
An October Dartford Warbler on the Birling loop.
Lesser Whitethroat
2017: Spring: Recorded on 14 dates from 16/4 (1 B/T) but never more than 3 on a day. A single bird spent several days in Whitbread Hollow in June and possibly holding breeding territory, and in July in Shooters Bottom.
Autumn: Recorded on 27 dates from 13/7 (2), to 17/9 (1), with a small total of just 89 bird-days. Daily maxs: 25/8 (9), 26/8 (10) and 27/8 (7). During the Autumn in Whitbread Hollow just 10 birds were ringed, which is our worst year since ringing commenced in 1960. Just one ringing control, 1st yr. ringed at Icklesham on the 7/8/17 and controlled in Whitbread Hollow on the 25/8/17.
Yet another poor year and again although odd birds were seen during the breeding season in Shooters Bottom, breeding was never confirmed.
In comparison in 1974, 8-10 breeding pairs were present in the area, and during the autumn passage a total of 827 bird-days were logged. Per B.H.log.
An August Lesser Whitethroat feeding in Shooters Bottom.
Common Whitethroat
2017: Spring: Recorded from 10/4. No real falls occurred, numbers increased to around 20 on the 9/5 and 10/5 although only 7 could be found on the Headland on the 27/5. On the 24/4 1 in off the sea at the sea-watch site. A very poor Spring with the breeding population now only at around 15 pairs at the main Headland sites.
Autumn: Recorded up to 28/9 (4). A total of 1,893 bird-days over 44 days with daily maxs: 6/8 81(31 Headland and 50 Hollow), 9/8 80 (23 Headland, 27 Cow Gap, 30 Hollow), 11/8 160 (90 Headland, 70 Hollow), 16/8 118 (38 Headland and 80 Hollow), 26/8 90 (25 Hollow, 65 Headland).
Two ringing controls both of which were ringed at Silt Fen Farm, Norfolk, the first was ringed on the 2/8/17 and controlled in Whitbread Hollow on the n the 25/8/17 and the second was ringed on the 2/9/17 and controlled on the 9/9/17. Both were aged as first year birds, distance of 204 kms.
After a very poor Spring with the breeding population slumping in the main sites to only around 15 pairs, it was somewhat of a surprise to have reasonable numbers during the Autumn, especially so in the Whitbread Hollow area, where a total of 224 were ringed and was considered to be a good total ringed. With a total of 1,893 bird-days for the whole area. This autumn compares with 1,394 in 2016, and 1,344 in 2015. In 2014, a total of 2,018 bird-days were logged.
During the 1960’s the average bird-days per year was 3,670, although this was to change. During the winter of 1968/69, there was a massive depletion of the population due to a drought in the Sahel, and this was clearly shown in the numbers of migrants recorded in 1969 with a total of just 686 bird-days during the autumn. By 1970, the population had recovered with a total of 2,526 bird-days, and by 1972 the local breeding population had recovered to 35 pairs.
Per B.H.log.
Garden Warbler
2017: Spring: Recorded on 7 dates from 14/4 (1 on Icky Ridge). A total of just 9 birds with max. of 4 on the 22/4. On the 10/6, RDME searched Whitbread Hollow but was unable to find any birds holding breeding territory.
Autumn: (JFC was away from mid Sept-to Mid-Oct and therefore records during this period not captured). Recorded on 20 dates up to 31/8 (2). A total of 156 bird-days with daily maxs 9/8 (18), 14/8 (18), 16/8 (26), 25/8 (20).
As usual, virtually all the records were from Whitbread Hollow, where a total of 82 were ringed and was considered to be a reasonable Autumn. Only odd birds were seen on the Headland. Pleasing to report, after two poor years, with only 35 bird-days last autumn, numbers beginning to recover, although in the 1960’s and 1970’s the average Autumn bird-days total was 700, with the majority of the records were again from Whitbread Hollow. Per B.H.Log
A Spring Garden Warbler in the Hotel Garden.
Blackcap
2017: Spring: Recorded on 27 dates from 27/3 (1 Shooters Bottom). Daily maxs: 10/4 (12), 16/4 (15 in the whole area). A good number of singing males were present with probably up to 10 to 15 birds present in the whole area.
Autumn: (JFC and LP were both away during mid-Sept to mid Oct). Recorded on 47 dates from 3/7 to 6/11 (1). A total of 3,183 bird-days with daily maxs: 22/8 (70), 25/8 (210), 31/8 (260), 7/9 (300), 9/9 (750+), 26/9 (100).
A total of 1,182 birds were ringed during the Autumn, and numbers were considered to be strong.
Four ringing recoveries:
1: 1styr. ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 12/10/17 and was found dead near Madrid, Spain around the 28/10/17 some 1,179 kms. distance.
2: 1styr. male ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 16/9/17, and controlled 7 days later at Knepp Castle.
3: Female ringed in Whitbread Hollow on the 8/9/13, and found dead at WWT Martin Mere, Lancs on the 22/6/17 some 2,832 days later.
4: 1styr female ringed at Tring, Herts on the 2/8/17 and controlled in Whitbread Hollow on the 26/7/17 some 1479 days later and a distance of 137 kms.
The main passage period is from mid-Aug quickly building up to mid-Sept and then dropping away. As usual, probably over 95% of the birds are recorded from Whitbread Hollow, Much smaller numbers on the Headland, although coverage was poor during the main passage period. An improvement in autumn numbers from last two years, but 2014 was still our best year to date with a daily max of c2,000 was estimated on the 1/9/2014, and a total of 1,500 were ringed in that year in Whitbread Hollow by the BHRG.
Per B.H.log.
Blackcap singing in Belle Tout wood.
Yellow-browed Warbler
2017: 19/9 1 B/T wood (LP), 6/10 1 B/T wood photo (seen by RDME, M Mallalieu and P Wells), 17/10 1 Long Down (LP), 31/10 1 Birling lane (RB plus several observers).
Second year running our first for the year was on the 19/9. Our earliest date was on the 18/9/1988. This now brings our total of this delightful warbler since 1960 to 97. Per B.H.Log
Wood Warbler
2017: Spring: 26/4 2 (1 singing B/T wood and 1 Old Trapping Area) (LP)
Autumn: 13 Aug 1 trapped Hollow @ 06.20 (RDME)
Good Spring with 2 birds on the 26/4. Per B.H.Log.
Chiffchaff
2017: Spring: Recorded from 6/3 (2 in B/T wood)/ Influxes: 10/3 (10), 17/3 (20), 28/3 (18). In the
area probably up to 9 birds holding territory with the majority along the cliff path.
Autumn: (JFC and LP were both away from mid-Sept to mid Oct although RE has provided his totals for Whitbread Hollow).
In July, small numbers were present in Whitbread Hollow and on the 16/7 15 were logged with the majority trapped were juvenile birds. From Aug to Nov it was recorded on 45 dates up to 15/11 (2), with a total of 1,696 bird-days. Daily Maxs: 7/9 (118), 16/9 (125), 18/9, 20/9, 26/9 (150), 8/10 (100), 26/10 (50). A total of 634 were ringed in Whitbread Hollow during the Autumn which was considered to be a good year for this species. One ringing recovery of a 1styr. ringed at Squires Down, Dorset on the 18/9/17 and controlled in Whitbread Hollow some 9 days later on the 27/9/17 some 186 kms. distance.
RHC informed me that in Hodcombe he also recorded good numbers during this period and with no records coming from other sites on the Headland, the numbers would probably be considerably higher during this autumn, and therefore no comparisons have been made with previous years. Per B.H.Log.
An early March Chiffchaff
Siberian Chiffchaff
2017: Spring: 3/5 1 Old Trapping Area departed high and W photo (LP).
Our second Spring record, and fast on the back of our first last year and our 8th record in total.
Per B.H.Log.
Our second Spring record, and fast on the back of our first last year and our 8th record in total.
Per B.H.Log.
Willow Warbler
2017: Spring: Recorded on 29 dates from 28/3 (1 in the Old Trapping Area) to 11/5 (1). A total of 483 bird-days, with daily maxs: 8/4 (30+), 10/4 (40), 14/4 75 (65), 21/4 (50+), 22/4 (80 in the whole area), 8/5 (20).
Autumn: Recorded on 36 dates from 15/7 (1x1st yr), to 17/9 (2). A total of 1,200 bird-days with daily maxs: 25/7 (32 including a number of adult birds), 1/8 175 (100 in the Hollow and 75 on the Headland), 11/8 125 (60 in the Hollow and 65 on the Headland), 26/8 80 (40 in the Hollow and 40 on the Headland). A total of 250 were ringed in Whitbread Hollow during the Autumn which was considered a good total compared with recent years.
Another reasonable Spring passage, and our best Autumn since 2012 when a total of 1,224 bird-days were logged. Compare this with the Autumn of 1975, with the daily maximum of 400 on the 10/8 (350 in Whitbread Hollow and 50 in Belle Tout wood). A total of 2,645 bird-days were logged chiefly from Whitbread Hollow and a total of 675 Willow Warblers were ringed in the Hollow during the Autumn. Per B.H.Log.
A migrant Willow Warbler in September at Birling.
Goldcrest
2017: Spring: Recorded on 7 dates from 3/1 (1 Whitbread Hollow) to 16/3 (1 Belle Tout wood), with a total of only 8 bird-days.
Autumn: (Both JFC and LP were away from mid-Sept to mid Oct which is the main migration period for this species, but RE has supplied the numbers for Whitbread Hollow.
Recorded on 34 dates from 11/8 (1) to 25/11 (1). A total of 404 bird-days with daily maxs: 23/9 (60), 8/10 and 9/10 (30), 27/10 (26). A total of 214 Goldcrests were ringed by the BHRG in Whitbread Hollow this year including 42 birds on the 23/9.
Another terrible Spring for this species, and I wonder what BEC and AQ, who both started watching at Beachy with me in 1960, would now think, that the Firecrest (almost a rarity in 1960) would ever be commoner than the Goldcrest!!
It is strange that after one of our worst Springs ever, we now have our best autumn since 1990 when up to 300 birds were logged in that autumn on a single day.
RHC informed me that in Hodcombe, he also recorded good numbers during this Autumn, and with no records coming from other sites on the Headland, the numbers would be considerably higher during this Autumn. Per B.H.Log.
Autumn: (Both JFC and LP were away from mid-Sept to mid Oct which is the main migration period for this species, but RE has supplied the numbers for Whitbread Hollow.
Recorded on 34 dates from 11/8 (1) to 25/11 (1). A total of 404 bird-days with daily maxs: 23/9 (60), 8/10 and 9/10 (30), 27/10 (26). A total of 214 Goldcrests were ringed by the BHRG in Whitbread Hollow this year including 42 birds on the 23/9.
Another terrible Spring for this species, and I wonder what BEC and AQ, who both started watching at Beachy with me in 1960, would now think, that the Firecrest (almost a rarity in 1960) would ever be commoner than the Goldcrest!!
It is strange that after one of our worst Springs ever, we now have our best autumn since 1990 when up to 300 birds were logged in that autumn on a single day.
RHC informed me that in Hodcombe, he also recorded good numbers during this Autumn, and with no records coming from other sites on the Headland, the numbers would be considerably higher during this Autumn. Per B.H.Log.
Goldcrest at Birling copse
Firecrest
2017; Spring: Recorded on 13 dates from 7/3 ( 2 B/T wood) to 29/4 (1 B/T wood). A total of 20 bird-days with a daily max of 4 on the 27/3. Probably 15 different individuals involved.
Autumn: Recorded on 14 dates from 24/9 (2) to 12/11, with a total of 24 bird-days, and a daily max. of 4 on the 18/10. 16 were ringed in Whitbread Hollow.
RHC also reported several during the Autumn in Hodcombe which are not included in the above totals and JFC and LP were away in mid-Sept to mid-Oct and therefore very few records from sites on the Headland during this period. Probably an average spring and autumn. Per B.H. Log.
A Spring Firecrest.
Spotted Flycatcher
2017: Spring: Recorded on just three dates: 8/5 4 (3 B/T wood, 1 OTA), 10/5 ( 2 Birling), 12/5 2 (B/T wood and OTA.).
Autumn: Recorded on 11 dates from 22/8 (1) to 24/9 (2), with a total of 34 bird-days, with daily maxs of 9 on both the 26/8 and 31/8.
None were recorded from either Whitbread Hollow and the Birling area during the Autumn.
Per B.H.Log.
Spotted Flycatcher at Belle Tout wood
Pied Flycatcher
2017: Spring: 4/4 (1male Hodcombe),16/4(1female type Went Hill), 22/4 (1male Hodcombe).
Autumn: Just recorded on 5 dates: 11/8 1 at Birling, 13/8 1 in Whitbread Hollow, 27/8 2 in the Hotel garden, 19/9 1 in Belle Tout wood, 25/9 1 on the Headland.
A poor year, for comparison in 1961 a total of 54 Pied Flycatchers were logged in the Autumn, which included a total of 35 on the 2/9 in the Old Trapping Area, and during the 1960’s and 70’s up to 100 bird-days during the Autumn were often logged. Per B.H.Log.
Pied Flycatcher in the Hotel Garden.
Red-breasted Flycatcher
2017: Autumn: One seen in Hodcombe on the 14/10 and 15/10 by RHC and MEC.
Our 23rd record since 1960, and the 8th for Hodcombe.
Long-tailed Tit
2017: Spring: Just recorded on two dates: 13/3 ( 2 B/T wood), 10/4 (1 Whitbread Hollow). No sign of any breeding activity, although Cow Gap gully was a favourite site in the past, but with only limited coverage this Spring.
Autumn: Recorded on four dates from 17/10 to 15/11 with a party of 14 present in the Belle Tout area during this period. Per B.H. Log.
Long-tailed Tit on the Birling loop.
Coal Tit
2017: 12 Nov 1 briefly B/T wood (not identified for race). Per B.H. Log.
Blue Tit
2017: Present throughout the year with 12 logged on the 7/3. Better breeding season than last year with several parties of young birds seen on the Headland in May. On the 3/7, 20 were recorded on the Headland including a number of very young juveniles. Per B.H. Log
Great Tit
2017: Small numbers present virtually all year. 10 were logged from the Headland on the 7/3. Better breeding season than last year and a number of young seen on the Headland during May. On the 13/7, 20 including several family parties, and on the 15/11 10 were logged on the Headland. Per B.H. Log.
Tree Creeper
2017: 24/7 1 ringed in Whitbread on the 24/7 with a second on the 31/8. Per B.H log.
