Fourteen members met in the National Trust car park on a rather windy and cloudy start to the day. Early arrivals were rewarded with views of Raven, Kestrel, Swallows and the first of many sightings of Chiffchaff. Skylarks were singing in the adjacent fields. As we started our walk to Middle Hope we sighted a group of 14 Wheatears. On the rather exposed ground we saw a variety of birds including Meadow Pipit, many Blackbirds (sadly no Ring Ouzels amongst them), Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Stonechat and Chaffinch. As we continued our walk overlooking the sloping coastal edge we had excellent views of a pair of Blackcaps and many sightings of both Sand Martin and Swallow. Once we descended to the more sheltered coastal paths we spent some time observing a number of very active Chiffchaffs and Jane was able to identify a Willow Warbler. By now the sun was appearing and the light was vastly improved. We saw Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Long-tailed Tit, more Blackcaps, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and a Cormorant. One keen-eyed member spotted a House Martin amongst more Swallows and Sand Martins. Half the group went on to walk out to Sand Point and saw a pair of Oystercatchers, a Curlew, Mallard, a male Bullfinch, Rock Pipit, Buzzard and a male Redstart. The earlier returnees had to content themselves with a Jay. Overall, a lovely walk with excellent scenic views in pleasant company and with good birding, 36 species in all. Many thanks to Jane for leading.
Sue Kempson