For once a targeted walk achieved its aim, as we set out to see a Ring Ouzel and, on arriving at the Westcliffs, pretty much the first bird we saw was indeed a fine male Ring Ouzel. After enjoying quite a prolonged view of the bird through the telescope we continued along the cliff-top path towards Blacknor Fort. As expected the resident pair of Ravens soon put in an appearance, surrounded by a mass of annoyed Jackdaws.
Less expected was the Black Redstart that popped up right by the edge of the path. This also stayed still long enough for us to get a good view through the telescope. We had only progressed a few paces when we had to stop again, this time to look at a Buzzard which had been found sat on a rock not far away in Bower’s Quarry. This bird did not stop around long enough for a telescope view but the Kestrel on the top of St Georges Church was more obliging.
Our final sighting was just as we approached the hotel where a late Wheatear appeared on the grass just north of Inmosthay Quarry.
The day’s list:
Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Swallow, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff (heard), Wheatear
