Seaford Head, Cuckmere Haven & Newhaven 9/10/16

Very cool conditions this morning with a very evident north breeze blowing. Despite the clear conditions there wasn't much moving overhead, and fewer Ring Ouzels were about today. Harry's Bush was alive with Chiffchaffs, and with them I managed to dig out a very elusive Yellow-browed Warbler that was first heard calling, but remained out of sight until I went into full 'pishing' mode and the bird thankfully showed itself. Whilst at the wood my first Woodlark of the autumn flew over and also the first Black Redstarts of the autumn were present.

Totals are:

Reed Bunting - 3
Chiffchaff - 60
'alba' Wagtail - 19 E
Brambling - 1 E
Wheatear - 1
Spotted Flycatcher - 1
Ring Ouzel - 12
Blackcap - 25
Black Redstart - 2 by Harry's Bush
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1 Harry's Bush
Mistle Thrush - 4 W
Woodlark - 1 E sounding like a calling Western Bonelli's as it went over leading me into a sense of panic for a split second
Swallow - 250 E

 a late Spotted Flycatcher in Hope Gap

 Ring Ouzel in Hope Gap

 1 of 2 Black Redstarts by Harry's Bush

Yellow-browed Warbler in Harry's Bush - always a pleasing find

Next up was the same circuit as yesterday in the Cuckmere searching Foxhole and the not yet named copse nearby finding another five Ring Ouzels, with the Curlew Sandpiper still present with four Dunlin.

Wanting to head back west I parked up at the east end of Peacehaven and walked to Newhaven Harbour via Castle Hill NR and the various hedgerows, with only a Whinchat for my troubles. On the way back I was slightly distracted by a certain Accentor being found on Shetland.

Whinchat along the cliffs at Peacehaven