Sunday 1 September 2002

1st September 2002 Beachy 6.15am - 2.30pm. Clear and sunny with light NE wind

Marsh Harrier 1 juv./female. Very high appearing all-dark with yellow legs and feet just visible.
Sparrowhawk 1
Kestrel c.2
Peregrine c.3
Merlin 1juv./fem
Swift 1
Bee-eater 1 Heard approaching from the south whilst just on the ridge south of Belle Toute wood. Quickly located in the air flying towards me whereupon it approached to virtually directly overhead at a height of only c.40m where it was joined by a mixed flock of hirundines which almost started to mob the Bee-eater. It almost hung in the air for around a minute before circling several times, gained height and departed south still remaining vocal being a loud liquid ‘pprulut’. Very pointed features with long slightly decurved dark bill. Obvious bright yellow throat contrasting with a narrow black breast band and remainder of body plumage turquoise-blue. Pointed wings with orangey cast with noticeable black trailing-edge being broadest across secondaries. Long tail with elongated central tail feather projection.
Green woodpecker c.2
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Sand Martin c.50
Swallow c.250
House Martin c.50
Rock Pipit c.4
Yellow Wagtail c.20
Grey Wagtail 2
Redstart c.5
Wheatear c.8
Whinchat c.5
Blackcap c.2
Lesser Whitethroat c.2
Whitethroat c.12
Willow Warbler c.10
Spotted Flycatcher c.3