Beachy (31 October)

Saturday 31st.  After the excitement of recent visits it was back to normal at Beachy.  A pleasant but rather quiet morning walking around with David and John Cooper, Brenda Kay and John King.  Highlights were Tawny Owl, Black Redstart, 3 Redwings, at least 4 Dartford Warblers, 19 Goldcrests, 570 Goldfinches and 2 Redpolls.  I then walked around Crowlink which was even quieter (single Goldcrest and Raven) before calling in at Seaford Barn where the Snow Bunting was keeping its head down in long grass and the dung heap. Last stop was Southease where I arrived just too late to see the Osprey on the riverbank feeding on a fish.  Fortunately I heard some gulls calling as I was approaching the river and saw the Osprey flying away down river being harried by gulls and still carrying its fish.

Dartford Warbler above Belle Tout Wood, at least 4 were flicking around 

two of the Dartford Warblers

Tawny Owl at Beachy

Raven on Seaford Head Barn

Snow Bunting on Seaford Head

Thursday 29th.  Megan and I visited a very quiet and damp Rackham where a Treecreeper was instructional (short bill and white flanks) but 4 Goldcrests.  Seven Egyptian Geese were on Parham Park pond.

Autumn colours at Rackham

Three of the seven Egyptian Geese at Parham

Parham pond in drizzle

Wednesday 28th.  Very little seen on the Adur (twice), Widewater or Brooklands.