Thursday 31 August 2023

August 31st

On a beautiful, early, autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We counted 2 Grey Herons, 23 Goldfinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Sedge Warblers, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Coot, 3 Reed Warblers, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 4 Avocets, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Sandwich Terns, 24 Carrion Crows, 4 Common Sandpipers, 9 Ringed Plovers and 1 Chiffchaff.

Black-tailed Godwit

Juvenile Avocet

Wednesday 30 August 2023

August 30th

We spent a breezy morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 17 Swallows, 4 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 15 Mallard, 16 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Ravens and 2 Reed Warblers. 

Birds ringed 18: Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 4, Sedge Warbler 2, Blackcap 6, Robin 1, Reed Warbler 1, Great Tit 1.

This afternoon Matt and Marion walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Redshank, 4 Avocets, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 17 Sandwich Terns, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Wheatear, 11 Swallows, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Chiffchaff.

Tuesday 29 August 2023

August 29th

On a dull morning we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Hobby, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Teal, 18 Coot, 15 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. Back at Reculver we saw 13 Sandwich Terns E, 5 Gannets W and 2 Little Egrets.

We have just received information concerning a ringed Reed Warbler we caught at Reculver on August 19th 2023. It had originally been ringed at Richborough, Sandwich on July 2nd by the East Kent Wildlife Group and had moved 12 km to Reculver.

Reculver sunset - Louise Johnson

 

Monday 28 August 2023

August 28th

This morning Matt had a look inland at Reculver and an uneventful seawatch at Reculver with Dave Smith. He recorded 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 24 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Wigeon, 2 Common Sandpipers and 1 Wood Sandpiper. Seawatching they counted 1 Common Sandpiper, 14 Gannets, 10 Sandwich Terns, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Kestrels, 1 large auk and 1 Hobby as well as 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff and 3 Reed Warblers at Reculver bushes.

Derek Smith was out between 0600 and 1030 and walked from Minnis Bay to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He recorded 13 Little Egrets, including 8 flying SW at Minnis Bay, 28 Sandwich Terns, 136 Ringed Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit in Coldharbour, 4 Avocets, 1 Whimbrel W, 16 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Yellow Wagtails, 14 Swallows W, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Whinchat, 4 Cetti's Warblers and 6 Chiffchaffs.

Black-tailed Godwit in Coldharbour - Derek Smith


Sunday 27 August 2023

 August 27th

We spent a bright and breezy morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 23 Coot, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 107 Mallard, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 2 Ravens, 1 Jay, 2 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Hobby, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 10 Swallows.

Birds ringed 23: Chiffchaff 3, Wren 1, Willow Warbler 1, Long-tailed Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Whitethroat 2, Blackcap 6, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Reed Warbler 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 3, Blackbird 1.

First year female Blackcap


Saturday 26 August 2023

August 26th

On a sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 7 Little Egrets, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Wheatears, 1 Common Redstart by the Roman Wall, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Redshank, 3 Grey Herons, 16 Mallard, 7 Yellow Wagtails W, 1 Cetti's Watbler, 9 Linnets, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sand Martin and 21 Swallows W.

Looking toward St Nicholas-at Wade

Dave Smith was also out and completed his usual walk from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He saw 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Avocets, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 150 Ringed Plovers, 1 Whimbrel, 23 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 17 Redshank, 7 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 4 Sandwich Terns, 1 Kestrel, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 9 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Corn Bunting.

Just outside our recording area we saw 3 juvenile Turtle Doves on a fence by North Stream.

Friday 25 August 2023

August 25th

We spent a cooler morning ringing at Shuart where we saw Garden Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (174th), 8 Red-legged Partridges, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 20 Reed Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank calling as it flew S, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Lapwings, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 15 Swallows.

Birds ringed 40: Long-tailed Tit 1, Garden Warbler 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Reed Warbler 16, Blackcap 5, Sedge Warbler 10, Goldfinch 1, Whitethroat 4, Blackbird 1.

Spotted Flycatcher

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Lapwings, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Redshank, 4 Avocets, 59 Oystercatchers, 22 Sandwich Terns, 5 Black Terns, 21 Common Terns, 4 Shelduck, 5 Whimbrel, 36 Turnstone, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sanderling, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Gannets, 1 Little Stint flying over with a mixed flock of Ringed Plovers and Turnstone (175th), 3 Dunlins, 3 Knot and 1 Peregrine.

Thursday 24 August 2023

August 24th

On a wet and still morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and we met him at Coldharbour before walking back to Reculver. Between us we saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Coot, 2 Tufted Duck, 6 Common Sandpipers, 4 Ravens, 12 Grey Partridges, 1 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Grey Herons, 39 Mallard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Sandwich Terns, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Teal, 5 Dunlin, 4 Shelduck, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Redshank, 4 Avocets, 1 Little Grebe, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 1 Sanderling, 7 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 33 Common Terns W, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Knot W, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits E, 14 Oystercatchers, 9 Snipe W and  Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Avocet family - Matt Hindle

Dave Smith was out at 0700 for two and a half hours and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to Coldharbour. His highlights included 4 Shelduck, 4 Avocets, 40 Lapwings, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Knot, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 30 Common Terns, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Peregrine, 4 Ravens W, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whitethroats and 1 Corn Bunting.

Wednesday 23 August 2023

August 23rd

We spent a sunny morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Lapwings, 1 Kestrel, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Reed Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers, 4 Willow Warblers, 30 Swallows, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Ravens flying W, 1 Greenshank and 4 Whitethroats.

Birds ringed 46: Willow Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 16, Sedge Warbler 6, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Blackcap 4, Cetti's Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3,  Reed Bunting 4, Linnet 1, Goldfinch 1, Blue Tit 2, Greenfinch 1.

First year Sedge Warbler

Tuesday 22 August 2023

August 22nd

This morning we had a ringing session at Reculver where we saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wood Sandpiper flying N calling and giving a brief burst of display song, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Grebes, 9 Coot, 72 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 23 Sand Martins, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Swallows, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard and 12 Grey Partridges flying over Brook Lane as we drove home.

Birds ringed 21: Willow Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 4, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 1, Goldfinch 1, Whitethroat 2, Sedge Warbler 2.

Monday 21 August 2023

August 21st

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where it started off quite foggy but eventually brightened up. Birds we recorded during the morning included 1 Spotted Redshank heard flying over (173rd), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 40 Reed Warblers, 20 Sedge Warblers, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Blackcaps, 10 Whitethroats, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Willow Warblers, 26 Goldfinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Golden Plover, 28 Swallows, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 1 Tree Pipit flying W.

Birds ringed 93: Willow Warbler 3, Wren 2, Reed Warbler 35, Blackcap 4, Sedge Warbler 13, Whitethroat 6, Reed Bunting 11, Robin 1, Blue Tit 4, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Pied Flycatcher 1, Cetti's Warbler 3, Linnet 2, Goldfinch 4, Greenfinch 1, Dunnock 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.


First year Pied Flycatcher

  

First year Lesser Whitethroat - Matt Hindle

Dave Smith was also out for three hours from 0600 and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding. He saw 7 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler W, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Avocets, 1 adult and three juveniles, 13 Lapwings, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl, 4 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Whitethroats, 1 Stonechat and a flock of 15 Yellow Wagtails.

Sunday 20 August 2023

August 20th

We spent another morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Greenfinches, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Curlew, 20 Sand Martins, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 19 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 95 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 12 Reed Warblers, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Common Buzzards.

Birds ringed 25: Willow Warbler 1, Wren 1, Blackcap 3, Reed Warbler 9, Whitethroat 4, Sedge Warbler 2, Blue Tit 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Blackbird 1.

Adult Whitethroat - Matt Hindle


Saturday 19 August 2023

August 19th

We spent an increasingly breezy morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Sparrowhawks, 19 Coot, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Teal, 45 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Buzzard, 16 Sand Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tufted Ducks, 23 Swallows, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Shoveler, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Reed Warblers and 1 Kestrel.

Birds ringed 15: Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 4, Blackcap 2, Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Robin 1, Garden Warbler 1.

Willow Warbler - Matt Hindle

Dave Smith was out at 0545 and in four hours walked from Shuart to Minnis Bay and Plumpudding. His highlights included 7 Shelduck, 4 Teal W, 1 Little Grebe, 43 Ringed Plovers, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Redshank, 8 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 15 Whitethroats, 1 Pied Flycatcher (171st) and 4 Yellow Wagtails.

This afternoon Matt and Marion walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 3 Willow Warblers, 10 Swallows, 7 Redshank, 1 juvenile male Ruff (172nd), 4 Common Sandpipers, 25 Sanderling, 2 Greenshank, 25 Dunlin, 135 Ringed Plovers, 9 Shelduck, 30 Sandwich Terns, 4 Common Terns, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Wheatear, 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Juvenile male Ruff - Matt Hindle


Wheatear - Matt Hindle


Friday 18 August 2023

August 18th

With thunderstorms threatened later in the morning we walked along the seawall at very muggy Reculver. With the tide out we didn't see a great deal just 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Teal, 32 Mallard, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Corn Buntings, 7 Cormorants, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 calling Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 7 Swallows, 2 Whimbrels W, 130 House Sparrows, 2 Linnets and 6 Sand Martins.

Thursday 17 August 2023

August 17th

On another sunny but breezy morning we walked at Reculver and saw 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Mallard, 13 Coot, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron,  3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret and 1 Cetti's Warbler. On our way home we spent half an hour at the car park where the highlight was a summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe landing on the sea close inshore and then moving east (170th). Other birds included 1 Gannet E, 1 Sandwich Tern and 1 Mediterranean Gull E.
 
Little Ringed Plovers

Wednesday 16 August 2023

August 16th

On another beautiful morning we walked inland at Reculver and counted 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Chiffchaffs, 11 Coot, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Tufted Duck, 41 Mallard, 3 Little Egrets, 24 Goldfinches, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Teal and 2 Willow Warblers. At Reculver we also saw 3 Redshanks and 1 Whimbrel flying W.

Tuesday 15 August 2023

August 15th

On a warm and sunny morning we walked from Reculver to the Green Wall and back. We saw 5 Swallows W, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 6 Turnstone, 15 Linnets, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Whitethroats, 550 Starlings, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Whimbrel W, 2 Mallard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat and 4 Ringed Plovers.

Turnstones

Monday 14 August 2023

August 14th

We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 8 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 8 Coot, 40 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 7 Sand Martins and 6 Swallows.

Birds ringed 29: Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 6, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 2, Blue Tit 1, Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 3, Whitethroat 6, Goldfinch 4, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 2.

Sunday 13 August 2023

August 13th

This morning we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Sparrowhawks, 4 Chiffchaffs, 12 Sand Martins, 5 Mute Swans, 8 Coot, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 42 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Shelduck.

Matt was also out this morning but much earlier than us and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. He recorded 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 23 Willow Warblers, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 7 Coot, 2 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Grey Herons, 9 Whitethroats, 30 Sand Martins, 43 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 16 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Reed Warblers, 1 Little Owl, 1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 350 Starlings, 3 Wheatears, 1 Common Tern, 31 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 5 Turnstone, 5 Sandwich Terns, 7 Sedge Warblers, 9 Redshank, 13 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Common Buzzard. He also found a Jersey Tiger moth.

Jersey Tiger Moth - Matt Hindle


Saturday 12 August 2023

August 12th

We spent another morning ringing, this time at Reculver. We saw 1 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 14 Coot, 4 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebes, 6 Tufted Duck, 45 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Sparrowhawks, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Willow Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Firecrest, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Ravens, a family party of 12 Grey Partridges, 4 Swallows, 1 Kestrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits flying NW, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Sand Martins, 1 Grey Heron and 7 Teal.

Birds ringed 17: Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 7, Firecrest 1, Reed Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 1, Robin 1, Whitethroat 1.

First year Firecrest

Derek Smith was also out this morning between 0530 and 1000 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and on to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He saw 1 Little Grebe, 16 Shelduck, 1 Greenshank, 26 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits W, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 80 Mediterranean Gulls, 30 Sandwich Terns W, 14 Common Terns W, 120 Swallows, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 45 Whitethroats, 8 Lesser Whitethroats, 35 Reed Warblers, 18 Sedge Warblers, 55 Willow Warblers and 13 Chiffchaffs.

Friday 11 August 2023

August 11th

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where there had been a good overnight arrival of birds. We counted 14 Greenfinches, 50 Willow Warblers, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 20 Reed Warblers, 15 Sedge Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Swallows, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Ringed Plover flying over, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 1 Kestrel.

Birds ringed 133: Willow Warbler 32, Wren 4, Chiffchaff 3, Long-tailed Tit 9, Sedge Warbler 14, Blackcap 7, Blue Tit 5, Whitethroat 11, Cetti's Warbler 7, Great Tit 2, Reed Warbler 15, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 6, Linnet 2, Goldfinch 2, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Greenfinch 9, Blackbird 1

Grasshopper Warbler

Thursday 10 August 2023

August 10th

On a lovely sunny morning we walked inland from Reculver and recorded 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Common Sandpipers, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Swallows, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 11 Coot, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Wheatear, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 22 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Little Egret.

Wheatear


Wednesday 9 August 2023

August 9th

On a sunny morning with a pleasant westerly breeze blowing we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 28 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Ringed Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 31 Sandwich Terns, 5 Turnstone, 1 Shelduck, 18 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Tern, 3 Swallows W, 1 Little Egret and 1 Whimbrel flying inland and calling. At the Roman walls at Reculver we also saw 4 Wall Browns and 2 Hummingbird Hawk Moths.

Wall Brown


Tuesday 8 August 2023

August 8th

This morning we walked from Reculver to the Green Wall and recorded 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Stonechats, 2 Linnets, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Goldfinches.

Grey Heron


Monday 7 August 2023

August 7th

A walk at Reculver this afternoon produced 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Gadwall, 5 Mute Swans, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Wood Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper.

Sunday 6 August 2023

 August 6th

Matt and Derek Smith spent from 0530 to 0800 seawatching at a quiet Reculver and recorded 3 Dunlin, 3 Sandwich Terns, 9 Common Scoter, 9 Common Terns W, 1 Gannet, 1 juvenile Arctic Tern W (169th), 1 Common Gull, 5 Swifts in off the sea and 2 juvenile Kittiwakes.

Brown Argus - Matt Hindle

On a bright and breezy afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Mute Swans, 6 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 7 Tufted Duck, 56 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebes,2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Goldfinches, 3 Gadwall, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sand Martin and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Saturday 5 August 2023

August 5th

On a wet morning Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 12 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Whitethroats, 14 Reed Warblers, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Shelduck, 5 Avocets, 8 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 13 Great Black-backed Gulls, 7 Little Egrets, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Common Terns W, 2 Stonechats, 12 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Wheatear and 1 Whinchat.

This morning we received the history of the colour ringed Medterranean Gull that Matt photographed at Minnis Bay on 31st July. It had been ringed as a third year bird at Hardenhoek, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands on 18th May 2021. In the intervening period it had also been seen in Belgium, The Netherlands, France as well as the UK.

Friday 4 August 2023

August 4th

Matt spent the morning ringing at Reculver and we joined him there at about 0720. Birds we recorded included 5 Gadwall, 3 Little Grebes, 7 Tufted Ducks, 10 Coot, 1 Dunlin, 26 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Willow Warblers, 5 Garden Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Swallows, 8 Sand Martins, 2 Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Partridge, 5 Common Gulls flying NW, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Birds ringed: Wren 3, Willow Warbler 5, Chiffchaff 1, Sedge Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 15, Garden Warbler 5, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1, Robin 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1, Green Woodpecker 1.

First year Reed Warbler - Matt Hindle


Thursday 3 August 2023

August 3rd

Marc Heath arrived at Minnis Bay at 0545 and stayed there until 0800 and counted 1 pale phase Arctic Skua flying E (166th), 9 Common Scoter, 1 Swift W, 11Oystercatchers, 10 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits flying W (167th), 2 Dunlin, 67 Mediterranean Gulls, 94 Common Terns, 6 Sandwich Terns, 52 Gannets, 5 Cormorants and 1 Little Egret.

Matt arrived at Minnis Bay at 0930 and birded there until 1200. He recorded 33 Whimbrel, 58 Gannets flying E, 9 Common Scoter, 135 Common Terns flying W, 198 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Little Egrets, 350 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Teal, 7 Dunlin, 1 large auk, 58 Sandwich Terns flying W, 1 adult Little Gull W, 1 Fulmar, 2 adult Black Terns W (168th), 24 Oystercatchers, 3 adult Arctic Skuas E and 1 Kittiwake.

Wednesday 2 August 2023

August 2nd

On a showery and windy morning Matt walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. He saw 1 Hobby, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Coot, 3 Gadwall, 17 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Grey Herons, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 113 Swifts flying W, 7 Common Sandpipers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 18 Turnstone, 4 Common Gulls, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Wheatears, 22 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 14 Sandwich Terns, 3 Shoveler, 5 Avocets, 17 Shelduck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Redshank, 7 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Terns and 1 Whimbrel.

Shelduck - Matt Hindle

Juvenile Sandwich Tern - Matt Hindle


Tuesday 1 August 2023

August 1st

A short walk along the seawall from Reculver this morning in blustery conditions produced 11 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher at the sluice, 4 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 1 Wheatear and 2 Common Terns flying W.

Marc Heath cycled down to Reculver at 1045 and then walked up to Plumpudding. He counted 250 Sandwich Terns, 100 Common Terns, 300 Mediterranean Gulls including many juveniles, 25 Whimbrel, 7 Common Sandpipers, 5 Avocets, 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 8 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 1 Bearded Tit heard, 5 Ringed Plovers, 20 Oystercatchers, 10 Pied Wagtails and 1 Yellow Wagtail.

Mediterranean  Gull - Marc Heath

Sandwich Tern - Marc Heath

This evening Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and recorded 8 Dunlin, 7 Turnstone, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 250 Mediterranean Gulls, 8 Whimbrel, 60 Sandwich Terns, 16 Common Terns, 4 Common Sandpipers, 5 Avocets, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Redshank, 16 Shelduck, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 1 Willow Warbler.


Colour ringed Black-headed Gull - Matt Hindle