Lesser Florican - August 2023

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Tuesday 6 September 2016

Seaford Head 6/9/16

Another pleasant morning with low level cloud, muggy conditions and zero wind. There were surprisingly a few bits moving overhead with the highlight being our second Ortolan Bunting of the Autumn that initially flew up from Hope Gap with a Tree Pipit to join another Tree Pipit. I managed some ropey flight pics that can be found below. Also noteworthy was the first decent movement of Grey Wagtails. Generally quiet for grounded migrants but later on in the morning House Martins were pouring west through clear areas out of the cloud in a short space of time.

Totals are:

Willow Warbler - 18
Whitethroat - 40
Blackcap - 18
Grey Wagtail - 11 (mainly W but some E)
Mistle Thrush - 1 W
Reed Warbler - 4
Lesser Whitethroat - 4
Whinchat - 3
Redstart - 4
Ortolan Bunting - 1 W at 7.30am with 2 Tree Pipits calling continuously
Tree Pipit - 4
Sedge Warbler - 1
Meadow Pipit - 8 E
Wheatear - 5
Spotted Flycatcher - 1
Yellow Wagtail - 12
Chiffchaff - 3
House Martin - 300 W
Sand Martin - 20 W
Swallow - 100 W

 Mistle Thrush over the Dung Heap

 Ortolan Bunting over Hope Gap - showing the longer bill associated with this species from other Buntings, as well as the long profile, notched tail and unfortunately.......that's about it. Thank goodness it called constantly
 Sedge Warbler in Hope Gap
Redstart in Hope Gap
Spotted Flycatcher by Harry's Bush