25/08/2015 Autumn Migration Outing 1 Seaford Head and the Cuckmere Valley SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS!

Tuesday 25th August 2015
Seaford Head and the Cuckmere Valley
Autumn Migration Outing 1
Paul and Group  (9)

Paul has arranged a series of 4 walks along the Sussex coast to coincide with the autumn migration.  In this first one, we were looking for early signs of migrant birds gathering at Hope Gap and the surrounding Cuckmere estuary. 

The beautiful Seven Sisters provided the spectacular backdrop for our walk.  




Seven Sisters
Library picture

The weather conditions weren't good; with rain forecast late morning onwards we needed to make the most of the early overcast but dry conditions.



Hope Gap

• Unlike last year when we saw lots of migrants, there was very little activity with only a couple of each of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Linnet on show.

• Out to sea there were a few distant Gannets searching for food.

Cuckmere
Activity was much more apparent in the Cuckmere Valley.

•  Rock Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Stonechats and Linnets showed well near the mouth of the river.

• Some 25+ Little Egrets made for an impressive sight as they nestled in the trees just north of the cottages on the west side of the river.

• Large numbers of Swallows provided us with a constant escort as we went about our business - the first real sign of the imminent migration.

• Along the river, heading inland, we caught sight of an approaching Kingfisher, a Greenshank, a Whimbrel, some Curlews and at least 8 Common Sandpipers as well as the Black-headed Gulls.

• As we made the turn to head south along the foot of the hills to the west of the Cuckmere, we saw further evidence of birds gathering.  Among the sheep we saw at least 8 Yellow Wagtails and a couple of Wheatears. 



Yellow Wagtail
Library picture

• A Sparrowhawk circled overhead and we could hear a Raven.

Harry's Bush


In the wooded area adjacent to Harry's Bush we got the migration experience we had come for.  The area was awash with migrants!

•  There were at least 6 Spotted Flycatchers present - the largest gathering I have ever seen.  We just sat back and enjoyed the spectacle as these lovely birds moved around this secluded habitat.  You could not wish for better views!



Spotted Flycatcher
Library picture

• Also seen, again with stunning views, were Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Whitethroats and a superb Lesser Whitethroat.



Lesser Whitethroat
Library picture

All in all we must have enjoyed nearly an hour savouring this much sought after event.



A promising start which bodes well for the other planned walks. 


Jammy Andrew even managed to spot the elusive Black Stork, in Bexhill, as he headed home after this outing!