Eastbourne Local Group autumn events

David Beer

Eastbourne Local Group

Following the cancellation of two of our autumn monthly walks due to the inclement weather. it was a pleasure to lead a walk at Cuckmere Haven last Thursday. Water levels were still very high but the sun was shining and we managed to get good views of thirty bird species. Unusually, waders were few and far between but we enjoyed excellent views of four Kestrels, a Buzzard and a stunning Red Kite. Numerous Stonechats, Little Grebes, Grey Herons and Little Egrets provided ample photographic opportunities.

James Duncan and Barry Yates delivered the final two talks of our monthly evening programme. James’ fact-filled journey through the wonders of bird migration was a delight. Covering both the intricacies of navigation as well as explaining the adaptations allowing species to cope with the demands of long distance migration, it was a presentation enjoyed by all. 

Barry entertained us with a wonderfully illustrated talk on the wildflowers of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. In between the stunning images of the shingle and saltmarsh flora, he gave us a journey through the history of the area, finishing with his thoughts on how the reserve might appear in fifty years time as sea levels rise.