Pied Wheatear at Splash Point - a "lifer" for me and an earlier Desert Wheatear

Friday 22nd November 2024

Seaford, East Sussex

A week later I was back in the area, this time at Seaford to twitch a snow bunting on the pebble beach just a few metres from the public car park.

 2024 species count=205

 Friday 15th November 2024 3.30 pm

Splash Point, Seaford, East Sussex

I finally got to see this lovely bird.  It was showing well on the old ruined hotel building as I arrived along with a very friendly black redstart.  

Courtesy of James Hunter via X

It's a first winter female which normally spends its time central Asia.  The only previous sighting in Sussex was 34 years ago so it's a lifer for me - my 3rd this year.

Lucky me - the bird moved on overnight after spending 7 days here , so I was one of the last to see it!

 2024 species count=204

Uk Life List = 371  

Sunday 27th October 2024

Beachy Head, Sussex

Martin and I twitched the long-staying Desert Wheatear at Belle Tout lighthouse near Beachy Head.  The bird was moving around the edge of the cliff top and seemed totally unperturbed by the large audience.

Courtesy of Martin Jeffree

2024 species count=203