These long-distance migrants arrive on our shores from mid-March, and can be seen along the beach, resting and refuelling, before continuing their migration further north.  The sight of the first Wheatear in spring is an exciting spectacle for many birders: it means that winter is over! 

The beach area around the fort, and on the fort itself, is a good place to look for these birds. They are about the size of a Robin and are tough birds, often nesting in the uplands of Britain. They spend the winter in Africa and leave our shores in September and October.