Sunday 27 July 2014

27th July 2014 Beachy NE1

Red-legged Partridge 3
Yellow-legged Gull 3 juveniles
Swift 400 S
Swallow c.20
Sand Martin 1
Nightingale h croaking
Reed Warbler 1
Sedge Warbler 1
Whitethroat c.20
Chiffchaff 1
Willow Warbler 25
Yellowhammer 1 male


Swifts over Beachy
Swifts are one of the first species to leave on their southward migration and as they depart very soon after the young leave the nest and it has been pointed out that they are the only species to have their departure date fixed by the date they start breeding. In Britain departures start as early as mid-July with the main departure period in Sussex considered to be July albeit the County day record of 10,000 seen heading south at Beachy was on the 10th August 1985.

Sand Martin over the Old Trapping Area
In Britain, by the end of July, there is orientated movement of juveniles recorded just to the east of south. However, in most years, passage is concentrated during August diminishing in early September with a higher proportion of adults being involved at that time.


Starlings at Birling
Ringing recovery data has shown that Britain effectively plays host to populations of two origins; a virtually sedentary resident population and a large number of birds that migrate to spend the winter here that arrive in October-November.

Willow Warbler at Belle Tout
 
Southern Hawker at Belle Tout