Seaford Head & Cuckmere Haven 27/10/17

The first 90 minutes this morning was exactly what I wanted from the first clear morning for many days. Birds were very much on the move, especially Redpolls and I assume I counted a site record today, with some flocks up to 40 birds. Some other noteworthy Finches also moved over but once again there were no Hawfinches (glad I saw some two weeks ago here). Away from the Finches, two Barnacle Geese flying over was something of a surprise. Passage came to a halt once the sun was fully up. Also good to see the first flocks of Woodpigeons gathering.

I moved onto the Cuckmere after including the full Haven Brow loop seeing more Goldcrests and two Snipe flew west over Haven Brow.

Totals for the Head are:

Redpoll - 318 W
Firecrest - 3
Bullfinch - 1 N
Redwing - ca. 20
Brambling - 4
Reed Bunting - 15
Woodpigeon - ca. 1500
Barnacle Geese - 2 E
Merlin - 1 fem

 a shimmer of Redpolls above Hope Bottom - serves me right for having the wrong camera settings

 two Barnacle Geese over Hope Bottom

 Firecrest in Hope Gap

 Bullfinch over Hope Bottom - once a regular sighting but now a very good bird to get here

a one-eyed Goldcrest on Haven Brow