0845-1245: 51sp
Using my Bus Pass for the first time, I caught the 0815 into the Old Town, where I fortified myself with 2 crispy sausage rolls from Judges and set off to Rock-a-Nore before climbing the steps onto the East Hill and the inspirational landscape of the Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve.
A very gloomy start to the day but plenty of coasting passerines in the Warren Glen area including 50 Siskins, 15 Redpolls, 300 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Wagtails, 100 mixed Swallows & House Martins. 70 Brent Geese flew west in 20 minutes. 10 Redwings & a Fieldfare at the top of the glen.
Posted by Alan Parker on wildhastings
On Friday morning flocks of Pied wagtails passed east over the Castle, flying very high and fast. These birds are probably moving from staging roosts as they spread into southern England for the winter.
Very hazey on Saturday from 7.30 to 8.30 am - migrants heard calling but not seen included Fieldfare and Snipe. Goldfinches are passing eastward in flocks. it was nice to hear several goldcrests calling from cover as this species seems to be in very small numbers so far this autumn.
At North’s seat two Ring ousels, with the goldfinch migration continuing…
At sea wildfowl could be seen - parties of Brent geese, also Teal and Shelduck.
Posted by Andrew Grace on wildhastings
Large numbers of brent geese were moving past the point throughout the morning with at least 320 flying over the reserve. The garganey was seen again from Denge Marsh hide and the first short eared owl of the autumn was seen to fly in over the shingle and head off inland. Two blackcaps and two goldcrests were around Hookers pits and visible migration produced nine siskins, four bramblings, three grey wagtails, rock pipit, and a yellowhammer.Â
28 Little Egret were counted leaving the roost. Bittern and Barn Owl gave fantastic flight views. At least 4 Bearded Tit were present in nearby reeds, 2 Kingfisher also showed well. 4000+ Starling had roosted overnight in reeds between the Bittern excavations and the main pit. Fieldfare and Redwing were seen over head. Yesterday the highlight of the day was a Black-throated Diver close inshore with 4 Razorbill nearby.