Interesting birds this morning were a late Wheatear at Camber Castle and 3 Egyptian Geese at the little pond (from a doodlebug strike?) at the E end of Pett Level.
From domes of Blackthorn in the fascinating area of 17th century beach at TQ923170, came the song of a Cetti’s Warbler - I’ve not heard them there before.
A Little Auk was found in the middle of one of the roads at Winchelsea Beach on Tuesday night. It was taken to Mallydams where unfortunately it died overnight.
With the very mild weather there are still many summery things to be found in the countryside. Today there was Common Darter, Migrant Hawker, Red Admiral and German Wasp. And many flowers still in bloom, Yellow Horned Poppy, Viper’s Bugloss, Red Valerian, Mouse-eared Hawkweed, Bramble, Gorse, Daisy, Ragwort and Autumn Hawkbit.
A Common Seal was hauled out on rocks between Lime Kiln Cottage and the Sailing Club at Rye Harbour this morning. Although causing some concern with locals, it appeared to be in good health and soon launched itself back into the Rother. Pictures taken by Alan Read
Highlights from the Beach Reserve this morning, 900+ Golden Plover, 4 Little Stint, 300+ Lapwing and 45 Dunlin were on Flat Beach. 2 Rock Pipit were at the Wader Pool, a Merlin also showed well perched on nearby fence post. A Great Skua was roosting on the low tide sand, and a Ring Ouzel was along Narrow Pit. At Castle Water there was a Jack Snipe.
Many Redwings were calling from the darkness beyond the rooftops of Hastings Old Town yesterday evening.
Their long, wheezing contact notes are characteristic of this time of year.