Seaford Head & Cuckmere Haven 9/9/17

A longish day out in the field today but little to show for my efforts. The Head was good this morning but just the standard migrants in relatively good numbers, although Yellow Wagtails have completely dropped off, and unfortunately little was moving overhead. Blackcaps yet again dominated in Hope Gap, and Whitethroats were rather abundant today. Willow Warblers (mainly adults) were also trying to compete for the most common Phyllosc but were outnumbered.
Afterwards I walked all of Cuckmere Haven and up onto the top of Haven Brow with just a Whinchat and 13 Dunlin present.
After a few domestic duties at home I walked the cliff between Peacehaven and Newhaven but with the strong wind nothing of note was seen.

Yesterday in the heavy rain the Cuckmere was quiet despite the hopes of a Phalarope or another far-flung Wader. A seawatch was also a waste of time so I ran 17 miles instead in preparation for the Beachy Head marathon later next month.

Totals for the Head are:

Yellow Wagtail - 4
Whitethroat - 32
Willow Warbler - 10
Blackcap - 100
Whinchat - 2
Sedge Warbler - 1
Chiffchaff - 25
Goldcrest - 2
Lesser Whitethroat - 6
Reed Warbler - 4
Tree Pipit - 1
Redstart - 3
Garden Warbler - 1
Wheatear - 2

 Willow Warblers in Hope Bottom

Redstart east of Hope Gap - a few years ago in this exact position was a Wryneck.

Fox alongside Peacehaven Cliffs

Whinchat on Seaford Head on 7/9