Seaford Seabird City

Seaford is a quiet town on the East Sussex coast midway between Eastbourne and Brighton. Although I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years with my family who live locally, until recently it was famous in my mind for little other than its numerous charity shops that consistently reveal a decent selection of cheap, unpicked vinyl. But as a as a respite from sweltering city life I found myself back there in late-July pursuing a different interest altogether with a stint as a volunteer with the RSPB.

The annual appearance of the RSPB and their ‘Date with Nature’ project in Seaford is timed to coincide with a period of considerable bird activity on the steep cliffs just beyond Splash Point at the eastern-most end of the prom. It is typically Herring Gulls that are responsible for much of commotion in the skies around Seaford but for several months a year another member of the gull family takes centre stage. The stars of the show and surely now one of Seaford’s most famous spring/summer residents are Kittiwakes.

Aside from fielding questions and enquiries from the public about a variety of bird-related topics, the question I was asked most often could be summed up as “Kittiwakes eh? What’s so special about them then?”

And it’s a perfectly valid question. At first glance their predominantly white appearance coupled with the greyish upper wing and dark wingtips means they could feasibly be mistaken for Common Gulls or that bane of many who have walked Seaford prom with an ice cream in hand- the ubiquitous Herring Gull. But on closer inspection differences become clear. They are smaller than Herring Gulls and, aside from short, black legs, have what could be described as a ‘fuller figure’ than Common Gulls. To be honest, I think their simple, unblemished plumage makes Kittiwakes a rather handsome and distinctive member of the gull family.

But we’re not all standing round here because they’re quite pretty are we? No. Kittiwakes warrant the excitement generated by their arrival each year by the fact that they are only present around the coast of Britain for six months a year. They are pelagic seabird which means they spend most of their lives far out at sea and only come to shore to breed and nest. For most then this window between February and August represents the only chance to see them. There are other reasons to celebrate the Seaford Kittiwakes too. For example, this is the only spot on the South coast where a nesting colony of this size can be seen. There are thought to be approximately 800 nesting pairs present this year, an encouraging number given the UK population has experienced dips in recent years.  The majority of nest sites are on the north and east coasts of Britain which lends Seaford something of a coup. Splash Point is a wonderfully accessible, not to mention dramatic, site too. Waves often crash right up over the viewpoint, which stands almost directly beneath the colony. In the background the glorious peaks of the Seven Sisters can be seen rolling away to the east.

Aside from raising awareness of the RSPB’s important work, the Kittiwake colony represents an opportunity to leave holidaymakers and curious locals with a memorable experience. But perhaps most significant is the conservation message attached to the presence of the Kittiwakes here. The success of this enigmatic seabird depends primarily on the health of its ocean habitat. Since they feed almost entirely on small shoaling fish such as herring, sprat and sandeel they are just as vulnerable to the effects of overfishing these on these populations as they are the effects of pollution and global warming. Look after our seas and we look after many things, including our birds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience; it was a pleasure watching the adult Kittiwakes tend their precarious nests and watching the first, tentative excursions of the young as they tumbled about the sky almost Tern-like and gathered and bobbed on the surface in the sheltered lee behind the groynes. Here’s wishing them a safe trip!

BirdList: Splash Point, Seaford, East Sussex, 25/26/27 July 2010

Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Black-headed Gull, Rock Pipit, Cormorant, Shag, House Martin, Swift, Carrion Crow, Feral Pigeon, Great Black-backed Gull, Oystercatcher, Sandwich Tern.



Rock Pipit



Kittiwakes on the cliff face



Kittiwakes take flight while Cormorants look on