The overnight forecast of a light southeasterly looked promising for our traditional New Year Day's seawatch but in fact the wind was northeasterly so there was no early morning movement at all. We walked from Birling over the top to Belle Tout wood and then back through the rough field. The highlight proved some nice views of the Dartford Warblers attempting to winter - will the weather remain mild enough for them to successfully do so... The increasing wind had switched to east southeast by 11.30 but a quick scan suggested just a very light easterly passage of Common Gulls was underway. A quick stop at Newhaven Harbour produced the female Eider whilst a stop at Swanborough Sewage Farm failed to produce any Chiffchaffs although Fieldfares and Redwings were seen that have proved scarce so far this Winter.
Red-throated Diver 3 E, 2 W
Great-crested Grebe 1 E and 2 on sea
Fulmar 5
Gannet 6
Brent Goose 4 E
Shelduck 1 E
Kestrel 1
Red-legged Partridge 9 in rough field
Common Gull 20 E
Stock Dove 2
Skylark c.100+ in rough field
Rock Pipit 1
Stonechat 3
Song Thrush 1
Dartford Warbler 4
Goldfinch c.50 in rough field
Reed Bunting 1 in rough field
Corn Bunting c.15
Sun rising on a New Year and a Dartford Warbler at Beachy
Male Dartford Warbler at Beachy
Female Stonechat at Beachy
Newhaven
Eider 1 female
Swanborough Sewage Farm
Fieldfare 5
Redwing 5
Goldcrest 2
