13 SDOS members enjoyed an abundance of summer migrants at the weekend on a very productive and sunny walk from Hope Gap to Cuckmere Haven.

Bird of the day was the Common Whitethroat – they were everywhere, singing cheerily, pirouetting skywards, floating gently down to perch atop a bush… or disappearing into the undergrowth!

The star bird of the trip was a Pied Flycatcher, not seen by many, but captured on camera by Jo Parsons (see photo).

Through Hope Gap, singing Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and both male and female Blackcap were all spotted while a few Lesser Whitethroats were heard along with a Cetti’s Warbler.

On the open grassland at the bottom of the gap the SDOS gang found several Meadow Pipits, a pair of Linnets, and on the low scrubby vegetation a pair of Stonechats.

Scanning the rocks below the Gap, they also found around nine Whimbrel and an Oystercatcher. Just a single Fulmar was spotted nesting in the sandstone cliff.

Descending towards the river, a Garden Warbler burbled its continuous, melodic song, awhile on a very quiet river, a Grey Heron flew into the trees and a couple of Little Egrets were seen in the channels. A muddy pool containeda party of loafing gulls, both Herring and Greater Black- backed, together with Canada Geese and a single Greylag.

Most of the group then continued onto Splashpoint where a group of around 30 Kittiwakes bobbed on the sea, with many more huddled on the cliff ledges. A Rock Pipit was also spotted.

This was yet another wonderful walk, with great company and great birds!

Photos: Jenny Holter & Jo Parsons.