...And the bird that stayed! 14th April 2021

 Following the disappointment of missing the Northern Mockingbird, we had an early start in search of another American rarity, a White-throated Sparrow, which has been at Barcombe in E. Sussex since February. However, news about the location has only recently being widely shared as lockdown restrictions have eased. It is unclear how the bird arrived in the country, possibly blown off course by a storm, which is often the case for birds which arrive in the west of the UK, or possibly hitching a ride on a ship. We were joined by Sue M and Andy and were fortunate to have several sustained,close views of this glorious bird and to hear its distinctive, slow, melodic song. The striking humbug head was bright and cheery, and  it showed two prominent wing bars. Someone had placed a supply of seed on the table, so it regularly returned to this reliable food supply, but notably was reluctant to share with Great Tits, frequently chasing them aggressively through the trees. It was far more tolerant of the Robins.

White-throated Sparrow

 A Greenfinch, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and calling Cuckoo provided a tuneful supporting cast. 

After some time pursuing photo shots, we moved on to Splashpoint at Seaford, where we observed the Kittiwake colony, with birds roosting on the cliff crevices and resting on the sea, as well as circling noisily calling Kitti-waake evocatively. 

Kittiwakes

We drove form here to South Barn on Seaford Head, where we walked towards the radar station, then crossed the golf course and strolled down towards the bottom of Hope Gap. Warblers were disappointingly elusive, but a single Whitethroat scratched out its song from the depths of a gorse bush. On the fields, Wheatears were looking magnificent, with bold Spring colours looking resplendent in the sunshine. Several Stonechat flitted and ticked from the shrubs and good numbers of Rock Pipit were scattered either side of the footpath, with a few Meadow Pipits allowing a good comparison. 

Wheatear (male)

As we approached the iconic coastguard cottages, we looked back along the sandy cliff and spotted a single Fulmar sat on a nest. Andy had only seen this bird once before, so was thrilled to get some great pictures both on the nest and soaring over the cliff face. A little further on Great Black-backed Gull and Curlew were yet more new ticks for Andy. 

Fulmar

We clambered back to the car park via Harry’s Bush hoping for more migrant species, but had no luck. However, as we sat eating our lunch, a flash of brilliant red drew attention to a dazzling Common Redstart.

Common Redstart

After lunch we continued on to Wilmington where there were reports of another migrant species. We scoured the grassy slopes for some time, struggling to find our target, until finally a distant movement revealed what we were looking for - a group of five Ring Ouzels foraging in the grass, displaying their crescent shaped necklace and white fringing on the wing feathers. Normally  we find this species on autumn migration rather than spring, so were very pleased to find it so early in the year.  Eventually we managed some excellent scope views and some decent photo shots.

Ring Ouzel

By now, we were all feeling tired after a long day and early start, so headed for home feeling very satisfied after a fantastic day, rewarded by good company and plenty of new ticks!