Red-rumped Swallows and more … Tuesday 11th May 2010

Paul and I decided that we really shouldn’t miss out on the Red-rumped Swallows at Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex so we set off in pursuit at 6 a.m. this morning.

Arriving at the reservoir at about 7 a.m., the first bird we noted was a Cuckoo, silently flying by.
We soon bumped into another birder who was just leaving and we were pleased to hear that two Red-rumped Swallows were present and showing nicely.
Not long after, we were on to them and they gave amazingly close views as they skimmed low along the concrete skirt of the dam. Occasionally one would perch briefly on the barbed wire of the fence by the path. A year tick for Paul and a life tick for me. Mission accomplished.
We were soon joined by several other birders and, as far as we know, everyone present got good close views of the birds.


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Paul)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Paul)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)


RED -RUMPED SWALLOW (Graham)

We stayed for about 3 hours before deciding to head for Seaford to watch the Kittiwake colony. What a spectacular sight.


KITTIWAKE colony (Graham)


KITTIWAKE colony (Graham)


KITTIWAKES (Graham)


KITTIWAKE (Paul)


KITTIWAKE (Paul)

I have no idea of how many Kittiwakes were present but it was well in excess of 200 birds and could well have been double that figure. The cliffs had row upon row of nesting birds.
All was tranquil until a Peregrine decided to perch high on the cliff face nearby and this sent the Kittiwakes into a temporary panic. Eventually peace was restored until the Peregrine decided it was time to move on and the Kittiwakes went into a frenzy again.


PEREGRINE (Paul)


PEREGRINE (Paul)


(VIDEO) PEREGRINE (Paul)

A Rock Pipit sang from the cliff above us and a single Fulmar was seen cruising the cliff top.

After a good spell watching the Kittiwakes we headed on to RSPB Pulborough Brooks reserve.
A report of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming near the car park was too good to ignore, but we failed to locate it.
Apart from two Pintails, seven Wigeon, four Teal and five Little Egrets, little of note was on show.


LITTLE EGRET (Graham)

After the Red-rumped Swallows, we were not too worried though.

Graham & Paul