Eastbourne Local Group - walk on the west side of Cuckmere Haven

Twenty members met at South Hill Barn car park in January. With light winds and no rain in the forecast hopes were high of seeing a good number of waterfowl and waders. In amongst the huge gaggle of Canada Geese there was a large group of Brent Geese and a single Greylag Goose and Barnacle Goose. 

We were treated to excellent views of Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatchers, Little Egret, Wigeon, Teal and a single Grey Heron. A large gull roost was made up of mainly Great Black Backed birds but there were plenty of Herring, Lesser Black Backed and Black Headed Gulls present. 

In amongst the hedgerows there were numerous Goldfinch, Blackbirds and Redwing. As we strolled back up the hill past Harry’s Patch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed away and our more sharp-eyed members of the group spotted a fine Buzzard. 

All in all, 35 bird species were seen or heard.