Rock Pipit
A scarce European bird found in Eastbourne UK
a bird of rocky, maritime shoreline
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus (Strandpieper in german) previously considered a subspecies of the Water Pipit and the American Pipit. The individuals studied on the Sussex coastline proved to be delightful little characters allowing themselves to be observed and recorded photographically. Comparisons superficially (appearance) with the Water Pipit from Europe are visually obvious. Pipits, the Anthus group, globally have 42 species 3 of which are in Europe and featured here.
Left: American Pipit Anthus rubescens Distinct plumage simalarities with Rock Pipit photo by the author on the Rio Grand in New Mexico USA
Left: American Pipit Anthus rubescens
Distinct plumage simalarities with Rock Pipit photo by the author on the Rio Grand in New Mexico USA
Birling Gap Eastbourne
Birling Gap Eastbourne
Essentially a bird of a maritime environment.
Weighing 30gr and 17cm in length, this bird is found on the coastal beaches of Northern Europe and along the shores of Scandanavia. The Anthus petrosus is capable of utilizing the abundance of insects and prey from terrestrial snails and slugs (Mollusca), worms (Annelida), small crabs and other crustaceans found on the shoreline. This unique bird is perfectly adapted to an environment where the ocean meets the shore exposing its prey as the the tides pound the rocks and sand. The study area here is Eastbourne in southeast England UK.
The pretty seaside town of Eastbourne is subject to sea land erosion and is accustomed to sand and material being washed away from its beaches. Tidal movements steal sand away, from commercial sunbathing beaches depositing it elsewhere. Fortunately, for the civil engineeners, the material is relatively easily accessed and relocated from where it has been placed not too far away east of the town pier. Eastbourne's town council could solve the issue of land erosion by simply moving it back with heavy earth-moving equipment.
This bird species, instinctively drawn to movement of sand on the shoreline, is fully exploiting the disturbance caused by this modern earth-moving equipment.
The Rock Pipits are taking full advantage by quickly forming a symbiotic relationship with the giant mechanical earth-movers. They can be seen feeding around the great machines with dexterity and agility as they dodge the giant wheels.
Rock pipits take full advantage and enjoy the earth movement, feeding around the great machines with dexterity and agility as they dodge the giant wheels.
The pristine seascape of Holywell Eastbourne the natural habitat of the Rock Pipit
Tidal movement and the power of the ocean
Weighing 30gr and 17cm in length, this bird is found on the coastal beaches of Northern Europe and along the shores of Scandanavia. The Anthus petrosus is capable of utilizing the abundance of insects and prey from terrestrial snails and slugs (Mollusca), worms (Annelida), small crabs and other crustaceans found on the shoreline. This unique bird is perfectly adapted to an environment where the ocean meets the shore exposing its prey as the the tides pound the rocks and sand. The study area here is Eastbourne in southeast England UK.
This individual sucessfully caught a cranefly while making its daily sortie from a seawall groyne post in Eastbourne.
This bird species, instinctively drawn to movement of sand on the shoreline, is fully exploiting the disturbance caused by this modern earth-moving equipment.
Heavy trucks returning and depositing sand to the beach
Rock Pipit on a groyne scanning for food
The pristine seascape of Holywell Eastbourne the natural habitat of the Rock Pipit
Tidal movement and the power of the ocean
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England UK
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