Seaford Head

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England, Sussex

Overview

A coastal headland between Seaford Town and Cuckmere Haven. With plenty of scrub, a bit of woodland, some open arable ground, some long grass habitat and some pastures. It is smaller than Beachy Head, and hence has fewer migrants, but they are often more concentrated, and show very well. A few rarities have also been seen.

Birds

Notable Species

In winter, birds are few and far between. Ravens and Peregrines may cruise along the clifftops, and a Stonechat or two may be in the gorse. In Hope Gap small flocks of Goldfinch and Long-tailed Tit rove through, along with several Jays, and there are Greater Spotted and Green Woodpecker. Come February, the Ravens and Peregrines show very well, and breeding Fulmar, Rock Pipit and Kittiwake can be seen along the clifftops. Small numbers of Brent Goose, Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter may pass along the sea.

In March, the first Wheatear generally arrive by the 15th. There are also Chiffchaff moving through, with smaller numbers of Goldcrest and Firecrest. Willow Warbler and Blackcap are first arriving by the end of the month, while overhead Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit are on the move. on the sea, Brents, Scoters and Red-throated Diver may still be seen, but perhaps most likely is a podiceps grebe slowly drifting along the sea, most often a Great Crested Grebe. Taking the path down to the beach from Hope Gap, you are likely to come across nesting Fulmar.

In April, many days can be very poor, but migrants are on the move on good days. in Early April, these are likely to include Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Goldcrest and Firecrest, with perhaps an early Sedge or Reed Warbler. Wheatear and Black Redstart are likely to be along the clifftop or on any open ground. a few Yellow Wagtail may pass overhead, as do small numbers of continental Buzzards and Red Kite, and with luck an Osprey.

During Mid April, variety starts to pick up. variety of warblers includes, on a good day, Willow, Chiffchaff, Sedge, Reed, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Greater Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Chats include a few Wheatears, maybe Black Redstart, and Common Redstart, especially in Hope Gap and the bushes around the coastguard cottages. overhead there are still the same three birds of prey as mentioned before, and Yellow Wagtail, plus a few Tree Pipit may be on the move.

In Late April, the British wheatears are largely replaced by birds destined for Greenland. warblers still moving through are largely made up of Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Willow Warbler, with a small number of the wetland-dwelling warblers too. chats include the first Whinchat and a few late Redstart, while the first Spotted Flycatcher move through.

By May, migration is coming too a close. Spotted Flycatcher are still moving through, with a small chance of Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler. Other warblers include a small amount of Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge warbler and Reed Warbler. Greater Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Blackcap have territories in the more woody areas by now. overhead are likely to be Swift, with a few Sand Martin, Swallow and House Martin. May is also a good month to encounter a spring overshoot, perhaps a Woodchat Shrike or a Golden Oriole. In Early May, small squadrons of Pomarine Skua may pass along the sea. Chats include a few Whinchat, and birds of prey perhaps an Osprey, Honey Buzzard, or [[European Hobby|Hobby].

Rarities

most recent first

Serin-one flew over on 22 March 2010 Red-breasted Flycatcher-one was present on 7 November 2009 Barred Warbler-one was present from 21-25 September 2009 Icterine Warbler-one was seen on 21 September 2009 Icterine Warbler-one was seen on 18 August 2009 Black Kite-one flew over N on 14 April 2009 Wryneck-one present from 20-21 September 2008 Olive-backed Pipit-one was present on 30 October 2003 European Bee-eater-one was seen on 1 September 2002

this is an area that has been very underwatched. Autumn 2009 was the only time in recent years that almost daily sightings were logged, and in that year four fairly rare birds were found. I would expect, with more regular watching, all these birds would be seen more often, along with other spring over shoots, and more siberian/scandinavian birds in autumn.

Check-list

{{BirdsSee|

Red-throated Diver-sometimes moving offshore, especially in February-April.

Great Crested Grebe-from February-April, may be seen offshore, often swimming along on the sea, quite close in.

Black-necked Grebe-rare passage migrant, occurences similar to Great Crested Grebe

Slavonian Grebe-rare passage migrant, occurences similar to Great Crested Grebe

Northern Fulmar-breeds on the cliffs, can be seen from February-October.

Northern Gannet-can be seen offshore at any time of year.

European Shag-occasionally sene offshore from September-May with [Great Cormorants|Cormorants]

Cormorant seen offshore thoughout the year, a few pairs breed on the cliffs

Little Egret-birds form nearby feed on the wave-cut platform

Grey Heron-birds from nearby feed on the wave-cut platform

Brent Goose-birds of the Dark-bellied Race pass east along the coast from February-May.

from February-May, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Garganey, Pintail, Common Eider, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser all pass east along the coast.

Other Wildlife

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Site Information

History and Use

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Areas of Interest

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Access and Facilities

Parking: Seaford Head - Free parking along Seaford Esplanade, Hope Gap - Free parking at the top of the hill. Access via Chyngton Road, past Chyngton Farm, Cuckmere Haven - parking at the Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat along the A259 between Easbourne and Seaford.

Contact Details

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External Links

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