January 1st

On a bright and cold morning, with Anne still convalescing, I only had an hour this morning walking at Reculver. However, I managed to record 40 species including 1 Chiffchaff, 25 Chaffinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 44 Gadwall, 58 Mallard, 6 Teal, 84 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 11 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Grebes, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Black Redstarts, 1 inland and 1 male on the seawall by the Towers.

Dave Smith was also out this morning and completed the Shuart and Brooksend loop. He counted 6 Canada Geese, 13 Mallard, 20 Teal, 7 Red-legged Patridges, 30 Coot, 3 Oystercatchers, 45 Grey Plovers, 3 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 100 Sanderling, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Jays, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail, 27 Pied Wagtails and 30 Chaffinches.