April 30th

We spent a sunny and warm morning ringing at Shuart where we recorded 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Egyptian Geese, 5 Mallard, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Firecrest, 2 Kestrels, 1 Greenshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Reed Warblers, 8 Sedge Warblers, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 

Birds ringed 19: Chiffchaff 2, Sedge Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3, Chaffinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Robin 1, Reed Warbler 4, Dunnock 2.

Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and counted 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Cuckoos, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Terns, 1 Gannet, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 House Martins, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Yellow Wagtails. 

 April 29th

On an increasingly warm morning Matt completed his regular walk from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment. He recorded 15 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Stonechats, 25 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Shelduck, 6 Greenshank, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Avocets, 4 Tufted Duck, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Swallows, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Snipe, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lapwings, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whimbrel, 7 Common Terns, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Fulmar and 10 Knot E (159th).

 

Chiffchaff - Matt Hindle

 

Avocet - Matt Hindle

 

Female Channel/Blue-headed Wagtail - Matt Hindle

Female Yellow Wagtail - Matt Hindle

He then walked inland and saw 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Firecrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 40 Sand Martins, 2 Greylag Geese with 6 young, 2 Shelduck, 8 Coot, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Grey Heron. He also saw a Hairy Dragonfly and an Azure Damselfly.

During the day Paul Bridson saw a Turtle Dove (160th) at Reculver. 

April 28th

It was a sunny and increasingly warm morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour where the tide was out. We counted 7 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 11 Mute Swans, 13 Whitethroats, 20 Linnets, 1 Shelduck, 3 Common Terns, 4 Swallows W, 1 Pied Wagtail, 8 Oystercatchers, 11 Sedge Warblers, 4 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Reed Warblers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greenshank, 7 Mediterranean Gulls E and 1 Blackcap.

Male Stonechat

 

Common Terns

Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and back. He recorded 1 Little Egret, 4 Greylag Geese, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Red Kites W, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns, 10 Oystercatchers, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Yellow Wagtail W, 1 Song Thrush on the seawall, 7 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 singing Garden Warbler (158th) and 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling near the Shuart crossing.

I received information today about a first year Chiffchaff we ringed at Shuart on 26th September 2024. It has been controlled at Bright Mead, Wiltshire on 18th April. Bright Mead is 238 km W of Shuart.

April 27th

It was a disappointing, foggy morning that was more about hearing than seeing. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 12 Whitethroats, 10 Goldfinches, 3 Swallows, 19 Sedge Warblers, 11 Reed Warblers, 3 Skylarks, 7 Chaffinches, 6 Linnets, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern, 4 Mallard and 1 Sparrowhawk.

During the afternoon 5 Red Kites flew W and there were 2 Grey Partridges at Reculver. 

 April 26th

This morning was bright and less chilly as we walked at Reculver and recorded 13 Whitethroats, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 15 Mallard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 12 Tufted Duck,  1 Grey Heron, 25 Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 1 Gadwall, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Terns, 1 Firecrest singing and 1 Common Buzzard.

Derek Smith was out at 0530 and walked from Shuart to the Green Wall and back along the seawall and Brooksend. He saw 6 Gannets E, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Little Grebes, 5 Barnacle Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Mediterranena Gulls W, 2 Common Terns S, 4 Sandwich Terns, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Swifts E, 17 Swallows W, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Song Thrushes, 1 Tree Pipit, 5 Lsser Whitethroats, 1 Firecrest singing and 4 Corn Buntings.

Dave Smith was also birding this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. His highlights were 4 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 adult and 4 juvenile Lapwings, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 21 Sanderling, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Marsh Harriers, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 singing Firecrest and 3 Yellow Wagtails. 

 April 25th

On another chilly and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 12 Oystercatchers, 4 Gannets E, 8 Whitethroats, 19 Linnets, 35 Swallows W, 4 Mediterranean Gulls E, 43 Black-headed Gulls E, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Tufted Duck, 9 Sedge Warblers, 15 Turnstone, 19 Mute Swans, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 1 Greenshank W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Skylarks and 1 Yellow Wagtail. 

 April 24th

It felt like winter this morning with overcast conditions and a fresh and chilly NNE wind blowing. We walked along the seawall and then inland and counted 18 Linnets, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Shelduck, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turnstone, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Ringed Plovers, 16 Mute Swans, 7 Sedge Warblers, 1 singing Stonechat, 2 Fulmars E, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Reed Warblers, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mallard, 34 Sand Martins, 1 Green Sandpiper and 6 Coot.

April 23rd

On a rainy morning we spent an hour and a half seawatching at Minnis Bay at high tide and counted 69 Sandwich Terns, 3 Common Terns, 2 Fulmars, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Gannets E, 10 Swallows, 13 Sanderling, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls and 5 Common Scoter E.

 April 22nd

Matt completed his regular walk this morning and we met him at Coldharbour. We recorded 20 Yellow Wagtails moving W, 10 Whimbrel, 55 Oystercatchers E, 17 Shelduck, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 3 Cuckoos, 3 Wheatears, 28 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Common Terns, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Common Sandpipers. 29 Swallows W, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 60 Sanderling, 23 Sand Martins W, 2 Stonechats, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Marsh Harriers, 8 Lapwings, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Little Egret and 1 House Martin W. We also saw and heard good numbers of Whitethroats and Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers.

Wheatear - Matt Hindle

Sedge Warbler - Matt Hindle

Yellow Wagtails - Matt Hindle

Derek Smith was out at 0600 and walked from Shuart and along the embankment before returning by way of Plumpudding. He counted 14 Mute Swans, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Gannets E, 4 Greylag Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 14 Tufted Duck, 3 Marsh Harriers, 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 28 Mediterranean Gulls SE, 4 Sandwich Terns W, 2 Cuckoos, 56 Swallows W, 3 House Martins W, 4 Sand Martins W, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 4 Corn Buntings.

April 21st

On an overcast and calm morning we walked at Reculver and counted 2 Jays, 4 Whitethroats, 6 Greylag Geese, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Goldfinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grey Heron,  1 Gadwall, 12 Coot, 5 Whimbrel flying S, 2 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Snipe, 1 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Willow Warbler and 15 Mediterranean Gulls flying E.

Matt was out early as usual and completed his regular walk from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment. He saw 27 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 female/immature Black Redstart, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Stonechats, 15 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Common Terns, 2 Redshank, 8 Shelduck, 5 Turnstone, 36 Swallows mainly flying E, 1 male Pochard W, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 160 Sanderling, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Snipe, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit heard, 9 Lapwings, 1 Hawfinch flying W along the embankment (157th), 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Tree Pipits W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Greenshank, 1 House Martin, 1 Fulmar, 6 Greylag Geese and 1 Curlew.

Common Terns - Matt Hindle

 Dave Smith was also out and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. He saw 3 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Cuckoos, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 5 Lapwings, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Marsh Harriers, 4 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Firecrest, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Meadow Pipits, 3 Tree Pipits including  a singing bird, 1 Hawfinch W along the embankment and 4 Reed Buntings. 

Tree Pipit - Dave Smith

 

 April 20th

On a chilly and breezy morning Matt was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment and Green Wall. He recorded 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Little Egrets, 31 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Eiders, 1 male and 1 female E, 1 Wheatear, 26 Mute Swans, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 third calendar year Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Blackcap, 3 Marsh Harriers, 4 Lapwings, 1 summer plumage Golden Plover, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cuckoos, 5 Swallows, 1 Swift E (156th), 1 Raven, 8 Reed Warblers, 3 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Merlin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Snipe and 1 Green Sandpiper.

Anne and I walked south from Reculver and saw 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Reed Warblers, 30 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 11 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 12 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Common Sandpiper. 

 April 19th

It was breezy this morning as we walked at Reculver and counted 2 Whimbrel flying E, 1 Swallow, 5 Blackcaps, 10 Mallard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 18 Coot, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Yellow Wagtail.

Matt walked from Netherhale to Shuart and saw 3 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Buzzard, 8 Swallow, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 female Ring Ouzel (154th), 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Whitethroats and 1 Firecrest. 

Adult female Ring Ouzel - Matt Hindle

 Dave Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour. His highlights were 3 Greylag Geese, 23 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Avocet, 5 Oystercatchers, 6 Lapwings, 2 Common Sandpipers (155th), 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Swallows, 10 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 24 Whitethroats, 1 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtaisl, 2 Meadow Pipits and 3 Reed Buntings.

 April 18th

On another sunny morning with a gentle SE wind blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We saw 5 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Skylarks, 5 Goldfinches, 17 Sedge Warblers, 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Linnets, 11 Whitethroats, 5 Mallard, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cuckoos, 20 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 27 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 18 Gannets E, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Fulmar and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. 

This morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and the embankment before returning along the seawall. He counted 5 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Canada Geese, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Redshank, 37 Turnstone, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cuckoos, 4 Kestrels, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Shelduck, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Stonechats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Swallows, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Blackcap, 6 Lapwings with 4 young, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Curlew, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Sanderling, 21 Gannets E, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 White Wagtail.

Derek Smith was also out and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and back via Brooksend. He recorded 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 26 Gannets E, 1 Fulmar W, 6 Barnacle Geese, 8 Greylag Geese, 20 Tufted Duck, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Sand Martins W, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Firecrest.

 April 17th

It was a glorious, sunny, spring morning as Anne and I walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We counted 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whitethroats, 9 Oystercatchers, 24 Linnets, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 16 Sedge Warblers, 1 Redshank, 4 Sand Martins W, 8 Mediterranean Gulls flying high W, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Stonechat, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Plover, 7 Ringed Plovers, 16 Mutes Swans, 1 female Wheatear, 5 Skylarks, 24 Turnstone, 2 Swallows W, 1 Cuckoo  and 1 Common Tern flying out to sea (153rd).

Female Wheatear

Derek Smith arrived at Shuart at 0600 and walked along the embankment to Coldharbour and back by way of Brooksend. He recorded 5 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 9 Mute Swans, 5 Greylag Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 8 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Lapwings, 1 Whimbrel E, 1 Marsh Harrier, 24 Mediterranean Gulls S, 1 Cuckoo (152nd), 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 25 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 16 Reed Warblers, 35 Whitethroats, 1 Lessert Whitethroat, 19 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest and 4 Corn Buntings.

Cuckoo - Derek Smith

 April 16th

On a breezy morning with occasional light showers Matt walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall and back along the seawall and we walked inland at Reculver as well. Birds seen included 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Garganey, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 5 Blackcaps, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Chiffchaffs, 23 Coot, 14 Mallard, 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Partridges, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Kestrels, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Swallows, 2 White Wagtails, 1 Wheatear, 1 Common Buzzard, 22 Corn Buntings, 2 Whitethroats and 7 Teal.

White Wagtail - Matt Hindle

 

Oilseed rape on Reculver Marshes

April 15th

Matt braved the pouring rain this morning and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding. He counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Little Egrets, 1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Stonechats, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Gadwall, 1 female Merlin, 2 Avocets on the tideline at Plumpudding, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Tufted Duck and 10 Swallows.

Avocets - Matt Hindle

 On a sunny afternoon we had a walk at Plumpudding where we saw 3 Skylarks, 8 Goldfinches, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Swallow, 2 Sandwich Terns, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Linnets, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Mallard, 1 singing Stonechat and 1 Blackcap.

Sandwich Terns

Yesterday we received the ringing information of a female Blackcap we controlled at Shuart on April 12th. It had been ringed at Titchfield Haven NNR, Hampshire as a first year bird on 20th September 2024. Shuart is 184 km ENE of Titchfield Haven.

April 14th

On another sunny morning Matt completed his regular walk to Plumpudding and we met him at Chamber's Wall before we all walked back to Reculver. His final totals included 14 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 9 Little Egrets, 12 Swallows W, 21 Whitethroats, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Yellow Wagtails W, 12 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Shelduck, 2 Tree Pipits W, 2 Greylag Geese, 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Lapwings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sandwich Terns and good numbers of Sedge and Cetti's Warblers.

Goldfinch - Matt Hindle

 

Wall Brown - Matt Hindle

 April 13th

On a mild and sunny morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment.  He counted 12 Chiffchaffs, 40 Mediterranean Gulls E, 19 Whitethroats, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the Oyster Farm (149th), 5 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Blackcaps, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Snipe, 1 Tree Pipit W, 2 Swallows, 5 Lapwings, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (150th), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover W, 1 Sand Martins and good numbers of Sedge Warblers and Cetti's Warblers.

Whitethroat - Matt Hindle

 While Matt was doing this we walked at Reculver and saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Egret, 1 Swallows, 6 Greylag Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Sand Martins, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 22 Coot, 12 Teal, 2 Whitethroats, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Garganey, a male and female (151st), 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Willow Warbler.

Male Garganey

 

Male and female Garganey - Matt Hindle

Later Matt saw yesterday's Wryneck still at Bishopstone cliffs. 

Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart, along the embankment and then on to Chamber's Wall and Brooksend. He saw 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Lapwings, 98 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Chough from the Dover Castle reintroduction scheme, 2 Wheatears, 19 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 43 Sedge Warblers, 9 Blackcaps, 21 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest.

April 12th

We spent a sunny morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 6 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers,  1 Whitethroat, 4 Skylarks, 20 Linnets, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Jays, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, 5 Mallard, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Long-tailed Tits.

Birds ringed 19: Wren 2, Chiffchaff 2, Long-tailed Tits 2, Robin 1, Blue Tit 2, Whitethroat 1, Great Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Linnet 1, Blackcap 1, Dunnock 4, Song Thrush 1.

We had a call from Marc Heath to say that he had found a Wryneck (147th) and a male Pied Flycatcher (148th) on the cliffs at Bishopstone. He managed to show me the Wryneck but we couldn't refind the flycatcher. 

April 11th

On a glorious spring morning Matt completed his regular walk from Reculver to Plumpudding and Anne and I walked in from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back. Between us we saw 2 Stonechats, 7 Yellow Wagtails W, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Tree Pipit W, 14 Mediterranean Gulls, 33 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Shelduck, 8 Chiffchaffs, 6 Tufted Duck, 20 Meadow Pipits W, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Snipe, 9 Swallows, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Redpoll W, 5 Lapwings, 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Sand Martins W, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Sandwich Tern and 1 Greenshank.

We then birded at Shuart with the hope that the Booted Eagle that arrived at Broadstairs last night and was seen flying north at Ramsgate this morning would come our way. In the event it didn't, but we did see 3 Red Kites W, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Siskin W and 30 Mediterranean Gulls feeding on a newly cultivated field.

Derek Smith was also out early and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Brooksend. He counted 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 4 Marsh Harriers, 8 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Red Kite W, 12 Greylag Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 32 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 12 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Sandwich Terns, 4 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons,  3 Snipe, 5 Sanderling, 17 Swallows W, 21 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Whitethroats, 34 Sedge Warblers, 17 Chiffchaffs and 3 Corn Buntings.

 April 10th

It was cloudy this morning with a cold north breeze blowing as Matt completed his usual walk from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment to Coldharbour where we met him. The final totals for the morning were 156 mainly adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E with 128 then feeding on cultivated fields at Chamber's Wall and also 3 Shelduck, 14 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stonechats, 14 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Black Redstart at Coldharbour, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Snipe, 5 Swallows, 4 Lapwings, 1 Greenshank flying S (146th), 1 Blackcap, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Whimbrel and 1 Red-throated Diver E.

Linnet - Matt Hindle

 

Mediterranean Gulls - Matt Hindle

April 9th

It was cloudy, windy and cold at Reculver this morning and a quick look from the Towers produced 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 4 Sandwich Terns. We then walked inland and counted 4 Linnets, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler (145th), 4 Grey Herons, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 13 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Teal, 12 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Sand Martins and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

At Shuart we saw 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 singing Firecrest, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Golden Plovers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

 April 8th

On a beautiful if chilly morning Matt walked from Netherhale to Coldharbour where we met him along with Derek Smith. We then walked back to Reculver along the seawall with Matt whilst Derek returned to Shuart along the embankment. Our final totals were 10 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows W, 1 Redwing, 9 Song Thrushes, 26 Mediterranean Gulls E, 2 Kestrels, 2 Jays, 19 Sedge Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Marsh Harriers, 7 Lapwings, 1 Redpoll W, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Snipe, 4 Shelduck, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 45 Turnstone, 80 Sanderling, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Plovers, 13 male Common Scoter E, 1 Stonechat, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, male and female E, 1 Red-throated Diver E, 1 Gannet, 2 Green Sandpipers, 27 Mute Swans and 1 Little Owl.

Little Owl

 

 April 7th

On another sunny but cool morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour where we met Matt who had already walked up to Plumpudding and returned to Reculver with us. His final counts were 3 Little Egrets, 3 Sandwich Terns, 6 Shelduck, 6 Sedge Warblers, 10 Mediterranean Gull E, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Gadwall, 4 Snipe, 8 Curlew, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Black-throated Divers flying W (143rd), 12 Common Scoter, 12 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 150 Sanderling, 34 Turnstone, 2 Stonechats, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Lapwings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Swallows W, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Siskin, 1 Grey Heron, 26 Mute Swans, 3 Gannets E, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Canada Geese and 1 Whitethroat (144th).

April 6th

It was still sunny with a chilly easterly wind blowing this morning as we walked at Reculver and Shuart. At Reculver we counted 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 16 Mallard, 1 Greylag Geese, 14 Gadwall, 20 Coot, 2 Green Sandpipers, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. At Shuart we saw 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Tufted Duck and 4 Mallard.

Tufted Duck are pairing up

 Derek Smith was also out between 0630 and 1000 and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding and Brooksend. He saw 3 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 1 Ruff in Plumpudding lagoon, 8 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 60 Sanderling, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Swallows, 9 Song Thrushes, 16 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 22 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest and 2 Corn Buntings.

Ruff in Plumpudding lagoon - Derek Smith

Dot-winged Bee-Fly - Derek Smith

 April 5th

On a sunny but windy morning Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to Reculver. He saw 1 Chiffchaff, 10 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Little Egrets, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 6 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel E (140th), 7 Great Crested Grebes, 32 Common Gulls E, 2 Common Scoter, 8 Gannets E, 2 Swallows and 2 Eiders, a male and female, E.

Eiders - Matt Hindle

 We met Matt at the Towers and then we all walked inland and counted 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 14 Sand Martins, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 male Blue-headed Wagtail ( 141st), 15 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 1 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Teal, 1 House Martin (142nd), 15 Mallard, 16 Coot, 6 Mediterranean Gulls W, 2 Pied Wagtails and 4 Skylarks.

Male Blue-headed Wagtail - Matt Hindle

 April 4th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back and counted 7 Mallard, 17 Linnets, 12 Skylarks singing, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Chaffinches, 23 Mute Swans, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull E, 1 Canada Goose, 14 Magpies and 2 Grey Herons.

Matt was out early and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Plumpudding before returning along the embankment. He recorded 13 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 12 Tufted Duck, 23 Coot, 4 Little Grebes, 11 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Corn Buntings, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Bearded Tits, 9 Lapwings, 4 Shelduck, 6 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 17 Mediterranean Gulls flying E in one flock, 1 Swallow, 40 Sand Martins at the Bishopstone colony and 1 Firecrest.

 April 3rd

Although there was still an easterly breeze blowing it was less chilly this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. It remains relatively quiet but did count 1 Rock Pipit, 35 Linnets, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Swallow W, 2 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stonechats, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Turnstone, 22 Mute Swans, 1 Kestrel and 1 Sedge Warbler singing.

April 2nd

With little change in the weather from yesterday we walked at Reculver and then visited Shuart. At Reculver we saw 1 Little Egret, 14 Goldfinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Sand Martins, 25 Chaffinches, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Song Thrushes, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Blackcap, 24 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 12 Gadwall, 12 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Shelduck, 2 Mute Swans and 8 Meadow Pipits.

At Shuart we counted 2 Red-legged Partridges, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 singing Greenfinch, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldfinches, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Coot, 2 Greylag Geese and 1 Common Buzzard.

This afternoon we spent half an hour at a very breezy Minnis Bay and recorded 5 Gannets flying E, 4 Sandwich Terns flying E, 200 Sanderling going to roost, 12 Curlew and 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying W.

 April 1st

April began as March ended with bright and sunny conditions but with a chilly NE wind blowing. At Reculver we saw 6 Cetti's Warblers, 23 Linnets, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Redshank, 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck, 12 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Blackcap, 4 Sand Martins, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Mallard and 1 Grey Heron.

A noisy Greylag Goose