Early Morning Walk along the cliffs from Birling Gap to Belle Tout and return through Horseshoe Plantation.
We were delighted to welcome Wilder Communities Officer, James Duncan, to Birling Gap to lead our early morning stroll, on a bright, but breezy, day.
As soon as we set off, we had a pair of Peregrine Falcons fly past us in an easterly directions. Raptors were active throughout the walk with both Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Carrion Crows and Jackdaws.
As we reached an extensive patch of Gorse on the Chalk Heathland, a handful of Dartford Warblers were active, and occasionally gave us good views.
Wrens, Goldfinches and Linnets were also spotted by the group. Looking out to sea, we were treated to a number of Gannets, again moving eastwards. A few were seen diving into the sea.
There were plenty of chalk grassland plants still in flower with Scabious, Yarrow, Dropwort and Knapweed providing nectar for the occasional Clouded Yellow and Red Admiral that were coping with the stiff breeze.
Conditions were more sheltered as we approached Horseshoe Plantation. A few of the smaller butterflies were active, including late Common Blues, Small Heaths and Meadow Browns.
Returning to the car park we saw numerous Stonechats, Meadow Pipits and a couple of Ravens heading to the cliff edge. It was a very good walk, with James providing lots of interesting facts and figures to enrich our morning.
By the end we had thirty bird species on our list.
Evening Talk by Michael Blencowe
We were delighted to welcome Michael to the Baptist Church Hall as part of our golden anniversary celebrations.
He has strong links with our group, having lead walks and delivered talks for a good number of years. Michael’s new talk on ‘Folklore associated with British Wildlife’ ranged from Toads and Wrens to Ash trees and Blackthorn bushes with plenty in between!
The presentation was enriched by witty animations and numerous bird song recordings. His extensive knowledge and passion for wildlife, combined with his wicked sense of humour, sent us all home with broad smiles on our faces.
Leave a Reply