Cuckmere Haven

A cold and bright day with a cutting easterly wind. Passage waders in the valley despite the number of visitors. I saw Greenshank, Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover and Kentish Plover. The latter was a lifetime first, though a rather distant and unrewarding view. I also saw a Water Pipit on the river and a pair of Corn Bunting near the scrape.

Greenshank. The first one I have seen in this country this year, having already seen then overwintering on the coast in Gambia.

Birling Gap

Still cold, but out of the wind it was very pleasant at Birling Gap in the sun.

 Dunnock

A rain shower on Seaford Head

Old Lodge

A lovely spring visit to Old lodge in Ashdown Forest. Lots of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler calling, plus my first Siskin, Treecreeper and Woodlark of the year.

 Wren

A stand of conifers in the sun

Pulborough Brooks

A delightful spring visit to Pulborough Brooks today. I saw nothing particularly remarkable, but did manage 51 species, including all three common hirundines. The Lapwing that have stayed are settling down to nest. Several Mediterranean Gulls moved through, as did two Red Kites. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs competed to be the most numerous bird, and I was pleased to see a Bullfinch.

 Male House Sparrows

 Greenfinch

 Jay

 Blackthorn blossom

 Male and female Teal

 Chiffchaff

 Nuthatch

 Speckled Wood

Pheasant, male at the top.

Spring Migrants at Beachy head

A fall of Spring migrants at Beachy Head this morning, predominantly Willow Warblers, but including a Black redstart and a super sharp-looking Wheatear.

 Wheatear

 Willow Warbler

Black Redstart

Cuckmere Haven

Cold weather in the Cuckmere valley.

Robin

Blue Tit

 Possibly a Tawny Mining Bee

Meadow Pipit

The beach at Cuckmere Haven with exaggerated meanders as the river meets the sea.

Birling Gap

Still enduring the unseasonably harsh easterly airflow. Only a small group of Common Scoter migrating.

House Sparrow

 Gannet. Unusual for one to be so close.