Seaford Head & Cuckmere Haven 30-31/5/16

30th - Visited the Head where the only grounded migrant about was a Spotted Flycatcher in Hope Gap. A few House Martins were flying north against the strong wind. Afterwards down the Cuckmere a Common Sandpiper was along the river and a singing Reed Warbler was by the scrape. There was an obvious passage of Swifts moving north, possibly 75-100 birds involved.

31st - Went down the Cuckmere hoping the appalling conditions had dropped a Terek or something similar. A few Waders were scattered but nothing mega. The surprise was seeing the same Spoonbill again on the scrape, this time being very flighty when on occasions it flew up and out to sea before returning again several times. Maybe the Cuckmere isn't its' favourite destination and understandably so.

Totals for today:
Spoonbill - 1 immature again
Sanderling - 7
Ringed Plover - 7
Dunlin - 2
Reed Warbler - 1 singing male still

 summer-plumaged Sanderling in the Cuckmere

 Ringed Plover in the Cuckmere

 surprised to find this Spoonbill after its 3-day absence

 Common Sandpiper in the Cuckmere - no reduced wingbar there!!

male Linnet in Hope Gap