Adder Boy.

 With Winter slowly turning to Spring, I had two memorable encounters showing both seasons in just a couple of days.

On New Years Eve Lisa and I had enjoyed the spectacular Starling murmurations at Eastbourne, where the mass of Starling come to roost overnight on the lower parts of the pier. In late February we decided to go again, as by now the numbers of birds would have built up even further. This time we headed to the eastern side of the pier, as this was where most of the action had been on that final evening of 2025. We were certainly not disappointed with the aeriel display by the birds.

Starling Murmurations at Eastbourne Pier.

Also before the end of February, Paul and I headed to one of our favourite Adder locations on the South Downs. I can't remember seeing any Adders before in February, but with it being a lovely sunny day I felt that we had a chance. It wasn't too long before I spotted a single male Adder, although this was the only one that we saw that day. However, I did call back a few days later with Pete, and we managed to see three different male Adders.

My first Adder of the year.

Two of the male Adders I saw with Pete.

Also on this 2nd visit, I was surprised to find this rather worn Hummingbird Hawk-moth that was settled in the grass. It had probably flown over from France on the southerly winds, although it could possibly have over-wintered here in Sussex.

Hummingbird Hawk-moth.