Every so often the autumn season delivers surprises in the migratory movements of birds and insects which rewrite the text books. Following the extraordinary weather that we have experienced this year, this autumn was definitely out of the ordinary.
During mid to late September an unprecedented number of Honey Buzzards arrived in Britain from the continent. Hundreds of these large birds of prey crossed the north sea and reached the east coast of Britain probably due to a weather event affecting the region. they moved through south-east England and reached the channel coast where they tried to cross to get back to the continent. Dozens of these birds were seen over Hastings and St. Leonards during late September to early October. Some were seen moving over Ore Valley until they reached Hastings cliffs where they were observed using the updrafts from the cliffs to gain height before moving out to cross the channel. Many were also seen flying over Coombe Haven valley where the largest count of 17 birds were seen on 29 September. A total of over 50 birds were seen over this site during the autumn.
An even rarer bird, a Radde’s warbler was seen at Coombe Haven valley over the weekend of 14/15 October. This bird breeds as far away as Siberia and winters in south-east Asia, but a few are seen in Europe each autumn. Only about half a dozen of these birds have been seen in Sussex and this is the first to be found locally.
Many seabirds which usually spend their time far out to sea were blown inshore during the rough weather and were seen from Hastings & St Leonards. these included Manx, Mediterranean and Sooty Shearwaters, a Sabine’s Gull and Pomarine Skuas.
It has also been an outstanding year for clouded yellow butterflies. these stunning yellow and black insects are usually scarce but this year they appeared in large numbers, being the most common migrant butterfly. they were seen all over Hastings & St Leon-ards in many gardens and green spaces feeding on the late summer nectar sources such as dandelions and ragwort. Amongst them a very rare butterfly, a Berger’s Clouded yellow was reported from Hastings Cliffs.
If you would like to report any sightings of unusual wildlife, please contact the Borough Ecologist on 781122.
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This page last updated: 03/01/2001