Another day, another walk! This time we were leading an outing for Shoreham District Ornithological Society. The sun was shining once again as we set off along the shrub lined path and down into Hope Gap, where we were sheltered form the inevitable cold wind. We meandered slowly down the valley, listening and watching and were able to find Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff as well as some rather lovely Small Copper butterflies.
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| Small Copper, photo by Cyndy Downie |
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| Common Whitethroat, Kevin Midgley |
As the bushes flattened out to an open grassy area we noted both Meadow and Rock Pipits foraging, and several Linnets looked magnificent in the bright sunshine. Stonechats posed helpfully in the open, offering easy viewing, but we were disappointed not to find any Wheatears.
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| Rock Pipit, Kevin Midgley |
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| Linnet, Kevin Midgley |
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| Stonechat, Kevin Midgley |
As we headed up the track towards the Coastguard cottages, the cold forceful wind took our breath away, but there was good compensation with six stiff-winged Fulmars found.
Next we headed down to the river, but there was little of interest here, although a Sparrowhawk overhead was a nice addition to our tally. As we walked away from the river mouth, a flock of dark birds flying over the sea caught my eye. I assumed these were Whimbrel, based on my observations earlier in the week. They briefly disappeared behind the crest of a shingle bank, but then swung in towards the river. Looking through the bins, I suddenly realised I was looking at a bird with a straight beak, Becky noted a brilliant red breast while others were saying definitely Whimbrel. Fortunately the birds landed on a bend in the river, so we dashed back and hanging on to our scopes in the blowy conditions, discovered it was a mixed flock of Bar-tailed Godwits as well as Whimbrel. So we were all right!
A Willow Warbler sang it’s beautiful descending tune as we passed some more bushes, then we climbed back up to the car park, before driving to Splashpoint where we ate lunch accompanied by the sights and sounds of the Kittiwake colony. A flypast flock of Brent Geese was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
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| Fulmars, Kevin Midgley |
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| Kittiwakes, Kevin Midgley |
This is one my favourite walks, with tremendous views of the Seven Sisters, the Cuckmere oxbow meanders and the iconic Coastguard Cottages. Today’s weather conditions were perfect for showcasing this stunning scenery, and with enthusiastic company it was a very enjoyable outing.
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| Coastguard Cottages, Becky Parangi |
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| Seven Sisters, Moira Brown |
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