October 31st
With a complete change in the weather we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour with no wind blowing and in bright sunshine. We counted 4 Little Egrets, 10 Skylarks, 18 Redshank, 18 Meadow Pipits, 33 Cormorants, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Stonechat, 1 Golden Plover, 8 Mute Swans, 11 Oystercatchers, 39 Goldfinches, 6 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Linnets, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Curlew, 18 Mallard, 2 Sanderling, 6 Corn Buntings, 39 Lapwings W, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Rock Pipit and 4 Pied Wagtails.
Derek Smith was also out birding this morning and between 0800 and 1000 walked from Shuart to the embankment and counted 1 Merlin hunting near Shuart, 350 Fieldfares, 150 Redwings, 80 Blackbirds, 18 Skylarks NW, 5 alba Wagtails W, 8 Crossbills W, 38 Siskins W, 22 Chaffinches W, 15 Redpolls W, 1 Chiffchaff and 35 Goldcrests.
This afternoon we had a walk at Chamber's Wall where we saw 10 Blackbirds, 12 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Jack Snipe disturbed from the edge of a field, 52 Fieldfares, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Wednesday, 31 October 2018
Tuesday, 30 October 2018
October 30th
It was a thoroughly unpleasant day with constant rain until early afternoon and a strong and chilly NW wind blowing. We visited Reculver a couple of times but all we saw for our troubles was 1 Shag, 11 Dunlin W and 2 Common Scoter sitting on a very choppy sea.
Today I received information about a Reed Warbler we had ringed on Reculver Marshes on 30th August which had flown 781 km south in 8 days and was controlled at Les Masieres, Villeton, Lot-et-Garonne, France on 7th September.
It was a thoroughly unpleasant day with constant rain until early afternoon and a strong and chilly NW wind blowing. We visited Reculver a couple of times but all we saw for our troubles was 1 Shag, 11 Dunlin W and 2 Common Scoter sitting on a very choppy sea.
Today I received information about a Reed Warbler we had ringed on Reculver Marshes on 30th August which had flown 781 km south in 8 days and was controlled at Les Masieres, Villeton, Lot-et-Garonne, France on 7th September.
Monday, 29 October 2018
October 29th
On another breezy and showery morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 18 Goldfinches, 18 Skylarks, 13 Blackbirds, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrests, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 74 Fieldfares, 22 Lapwings, 6 Teal, 1 Cot, 79 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 25 Meadow Pipits, 1 Corn Bunting and 6 Redwings.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out and walked a bit further down the seawall while we walked around Coldharbour and they saw in addition 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Bramblings and 1 Firecrest.
Richard Collins had a seawatch at Reculver from 0935 to 1215 and counted 2 Eider E, 9 Common Scoter, 7 Velvet Scoter E (188th), 2 Red-throated Divers E, 75 Dark-bellied Brent Geese E, 1 large auk W, 6 Little Gulls, 1 juvenile Sabine’s Gull feeding offshore, 6 Kittiwakes, 35 thrushes probably Fieldfares and 1 Sparrowhawk on way home.
At Minnis and Grenham Bays Terry Wilson saw 2 Snow Buntings, 22 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 6 Sanderling.
On another breezy and showery morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 18 Goldfinches, 18 Skylarks, 13 Blackbirds, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrests, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 74 Fieldfares, 22 Lapwings, 6 Teal, 1 Cot, 79 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 25 Meadow Pipits, 1 Corn Bunting and 6 Redwings.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out and walked a bit further down the seawall while we walked around Coldharbour and they saw in addition 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Bramblings and 1 Firecrest.
Richard Collins had a seawatch at Reculver from 0935 to 1215 and counted 2 Eider E, 9 Common Scoter, 7 Velvet Scoter E (188th), 2 Red-throated Divers E, 75 Dark-bellied Brent Geese E, 1 large auk W, 6 Little Gulls, 1 juvenile Sabine’s Gull feeding offshore, 6 Kittiwakes, 35 thrushes probably Fieldfares and 1 Sparrowhawk on way home.
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| Velvet Scoter - Richard Collins |
At Minnis and Grenham Bays Terry Wilson saw 2 Snow Buntings, 22 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 6 Sanderling.
Sunday, 28 October 2018
October 28th
There was a strong and blustery NE wind blowing this morning when we arrived at Reculver where there was a small group seawatching. They said that it had been relatively slow but that there was a small trickle of birds moving through. We decided to brave the wind and walked up to Chamber's Wall but did not sea a great deal just 3 Little Egrets, 25 Linnets, 11 Cormorants, 8 Redshank, 11 Oystercatchers, 19 Ringed Plovers, 6 Goldfinches, 16 Kittiwakes E, 6 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Fieldfares, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Stonechat, 47 Common Scoter E and 1 Gannet E.
Later Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry let me know what had been seen from the Towers between 0645 and 1345 and this included 237 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 122 Cormorants, 215 Common Scoter, 3 Curlew, 35 Gannets, 9 Little Egrets, 3 auk sp, 12 Great Skuas, 90 Kittiwakes, 1 Guillemot, 33 Little Gulls, 4 Dunlin, 24 Lapwings, 1 Little Auk (185th), 3 Grey Plovers, 1 male Eider, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Black-throated Diver (186th), 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Arctic Skua and 2 Leach's Petrels flying E. Julian and Alex also had a Woodcock on the bank beside Reculver Lane.
At 0835 Julian and Alex and the other birders at the Towers had a pale Buzzard fly in off the sea which they though might be a Rough-legged Buzzard and on getting home and seeing the photos Alex managed to take it was clearly a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard (187th).
Terry Wilson disturbed a Woodcock from the clifftop vegetation this morning.
This afternoon we spent and hour with Richard Collins at Reculver and recorded 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 male Eider E, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers E, 2 large auks and 20 Fieldfares.
There was a strong and blustery NE wind blowing this morning when we arrived at Reculver where there was a small group seawatching. They said that it had been relatively slow but that there was a small trickle of birds moving through. We decided to brave the wind and walked up to Chamber's Wall but did not sea a great deal just 3 Little Egrets, 25 Linnets, 11 Cormorants, 8 Redshank, 11 Oystercatchers, 19 Ringed Plovers, 6 Goldfinches, 16 Kittiwakes E, 6 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Fieldfares, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Stonechat, 47 Common Scoter E and 1 Gannet E.
Later Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry let me know what had been seen from the Towers between 0645 and 1345 and this included 237 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 122 Cormorants, 215 Common Scoter, 3 Curlew, 35 Gannets, 9 Little Egrets, 3 auk sp, 12 Great Skuas, 90 Kittiwakes, 1 Guillemot, 33 Little Gulls, 4 Dunlin, 24 Lapwings, 1 Little Auk (185th), 3 Grey Plovers, 1 male Eider, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Black-throated Diver (186th), 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Arctic Skua and 2 Leach's Petrels flying E. Julian and Alex also had a Woodcock on the bank beside Reculver Lane.
At 0835 Julian and Alex and the other birders at the Towers had a pale Buzzard fly in off the sea which they though might be a Rough-legged Buzzard and on getting home and seeing the photos Alex managed to take it was clearly a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard (187th).
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| Juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard - Alex Perry |
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| Little Auk - Alex Perry |
Terry Wilson disturbed a Woodcock from the clifftop vegetation this morning.
This afternoon we spent and hour with Richard Collins at Reculver and recorded 17 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 male Eider E, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers E, 2 large auks and 20 Fieldfares.
Saturday, 27 October 2018
October 27th
I spent an hour at the Towers just after daybreak and did not see a great deal other than the local gulls. Just 235 Cormorants, 2 Eiders and 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. After this we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 31 Fieldfares W, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Chaffinches, 2 Coot, 52 Mallard, 11 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Buzzard and 6 Goldfinches.
At Grenham Bay, Terry Wilson counted 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Redshank, 58 Oystercatchers, 8 Little Egrets and 3 Meadow Pipits.
An hour spent at Reculver this afternoon produced 53 Kittiwakes W, 10 Gannets, 1 Guillemot E, 1 Great Skua W, 62 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Little Egret, 3 Dunlin W and 2 Shelduck W.
I spent an hour at the Towers just after daybreak and did not see a great deal other than the local gulls. Just 235 Cormorants, 2 Eiders and 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose. After this we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 31 Fieldfares W, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Chaffinches, 2 Coot, 52 Mallard, 11 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Buzzard and 6 Goldfinches.
At Grenham Bay, Terry Wilson counted 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Redshank, 58 Oystercatchers, 8 Little Egrets and 3 Meadow Pipits.
An hour spent at Reculver this afternoon produced 53 Kittiwakes W, 10 Gannets, 1 Guillemot E, 1 Great Skua W, 62 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Little Egret, 3 Dunlin W and 2 Shelduck W.
Friday, 26 October 2018
October 26th
On an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall towards Reculver. We saw 7 Redwings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 16 Chaffinches, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 56 Fieldfares W, 6 Coot, 3 Stonechats, 31 Mallard, 22 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 33 Goldfinches, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Redshank, 11 Siskins W, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 2 Jays.
Marc Heath was out at Bishopstone where he found 1 Firecrest and 2 Grey Partridges.
This afternoon we arrived at Reculver to find Richard Collins already there. It was not as windy as we had expected and it was relatively quiet although before we arrived Richard had recorded 8 Gannets W, 1 Arctic Skua W, 5 Teal W and 1 Rock Pipit. A Little Egret also flew W close to the car park.
Derek Smith was out between 0800 and 1200 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and back via Plumpudding. Birds he saw flying west included 46 Fieldfares, 42 Redwings, 14 Skylarks, 33 Meadow Pipits, 23 Goldfinches, 34 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 31 Siskins, 5 Redpoll, 11 Crossbills and 3 Corn Buntings. He also saw 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 35 Goldcrests.
On an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall towards Reculver. We saw 7 Redwings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 16 Chaffinches, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 56 Fieldfares W, 6 Coot, 3 Stonechats, 31 Mallard, 22 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 33 Goldfinches, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Redshank, 11 Siskins W, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 2 Jays.
Marc Heath was out at Bishopstone where he found 1 Firecrest and 2 Grey Partridges.
This afternoon we arrived at Reculver to find Richard Collins already there. It was not as windy as we had expected and it was relatively quiet although before we arrived Richard had recorded 8 Gannets W, 1 Arctic Skua W, 5 Teal W and 1 Rock Pipit. A Little Egret also flew W close to the car park.
Derek Smith was out between 0800 and 1200 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and back via Plumpudding. Birds he saw flying west included 46 Fieldfares, 42 Redwings, 14 Skylarks, 33 Meadow Pipits, 23 Goldfinches, 34 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 31 Siskins, 5 Redpoll, 11 Crossbills and 3 Corn Buntings. He also saw 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 35 Goldcrests.
Thursday, 25 October 2018
October 25th
On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall to the Oyster Farm. Birds we saw included 224 Fieldfares W, 33 Redwings W, 10 Blackbirds, 12 Goldfinches, 5 Mute Swans, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 74 Lapwings, 22 Skylarks, 5 Coot, 1 Stonechat, 38 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 3 Redshank, 38 Carrion Crows, 3 Avocets W, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Corn Buntings, 1 Goldcrest, 22 Meadow Pipits, 9 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers and 1 Little Egret.
On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall to the Oyster Farm. Birds we saw included 224 Fieldfares W, 33 Redwings W, 10 Blackbirds, 12 Goldfinches, 5 Mute Swans, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 74 Lapwings, 22 Skylarks, 5 Coot, 1 Stonechat, 38 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 3 Redshank, 38 Carrion Crows, 3 Avocets W, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Corn Buntings, 1 Goldcrest, 22 Meadow Pipits, 9 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers and 1 Little Egret.
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| Fieldfare |
Wednesday, 24 October 2018
October 24th
This morning we took our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm in bright sunshine and saw 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16 Chaffinches, 1 adult male Peregrine, 4 Stonechats, 2 Coot, 6 Corn Buntings, 32 Goldfinches, 2 Mallard, 39 Meadow Pipits, 25 Reed Buntings, 18 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 9 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 36 Carrion Crows, 35 House Sparrows, 14 Skylarks, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay and 1 Common Buzzard.
It's 1545 and I've just had two flocks each of about 90 Fieldfares flying west high over my garden at Bishopstone.
This morning we took our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm in bright sunshine and saw 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16 Chaffinches, 1 adult male Peregrine, 4 Stonechats, 2 Coot, 6 Corn Buntings, 32 Goldfinches, 2 Mallard, 39 Meadow Pipits, 25 Reed Buntings, 18 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 9 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 36 Carrion Crows, 35 House Sparrows, 14 Skylarks, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay and 1 Common Buzzard.
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| Meadow Pipit |
Tuesday, 23 October 2018
October 23rd
It was dull with a cool west wind blowing this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back by way of the railway embankment. We recorded 2 Kestrels, 3 Redwings, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 56 Cormorants, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Redpoll W, 17 Chaffinches, 1 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 21 Mallard, 3 Corn Buntings, 11 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Stonechats, 35 Carrion Crows, 28 Meadow Pipits, 3 Coot, 10 Common Crossbills briefly in a bush by Chamber's Wall crossing before flying west, 5 Golden Plover and 1 Fieldfare.
It was dull with a cool west wind blowing this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back by way of the railway embankment. We recorded 2 Kestrels, 3 Redwings, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 56 Cormorants, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Redpoll W, 17 Chaffinches, 1 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 21 Mallard, 3 Corn Buntings, 11 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Stonechats, 35 Carrion Crows, 28 Meadow Pipits, 3 Coot, 10 Common Crossbills briefly in a bush by Chamber's Wall crossing before flying west, 5 Golden Plover and 1 Fieldfare.
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| Common Crossbills |
Monday, 22 October 2018
October 22nd
What a difference a day makes! This morning dawned bright but with a cold and brisk northerly wind blowing in off the sea. I had intended to try a seawatch but instead we walked from Reculver up to Coldharbour but compared to the last few days there was little to be seen. We saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Redshank, 68 Linnets, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 69 Carrion Crows, 5 Mallard, 9 Cornorants, 35 Lapwings, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Kestrel and 8 Blackbirds,
What a difference a day makes! This morning dawned bright but with a cold and brisk northerly wind blowing in off the sea. I had intended to try a seawatch but instead we walked from Reculver up to Coldharbour but compared to the last few days there was little to be seen. We saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Redshank, 68 Linnets, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 69 Carrion Crows, 5 Mallard, 9 Cornorants, 35 Lapwings, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Kestrel and 8 Blackbirds,
Sunday, 21 October 2018
October 21st
On another lovely morning we arrived at Chamber's Wall at 0755 and walked up to Coldharbour and then on to the Oyster Farm. We counted 13 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 33 Chaffinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Mute Swans, 12 Blackbirds, 7 Goldcrests, 10 Robins, 46 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Fieldfares, 1 Short-eared Owl, 17 Skylarks W, 32 Reed Buntings, 10 Turnstone, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 42 Carrion Crows, 19 Meadow Pipits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Stonechats, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Coot, 11 Lapwings W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Siskins W and 2 Jays.
Marc Heath arrived at Reculver at 0715 and walked up to Coldharbour and back via the railway embankment. He recorded 21 Little Egrets E in one flock, 1 Great White Egret in the Oyster Farm, 70 Meadow Pipits W, 61 Siskins W, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Snow Bunting, 24 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier mobbed by a Merlin, 9 Reed Buntings, 32 Skylarks, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Stonechats, 1 Jay, 3 Redpoll, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Brambling and 1 Lapwing.
Derek Smith spent the day on the Marsh and walked from Shuart along the embankment to Reculver and then back via Coldharbour. Birds he recorded included 1 Water Rail calling at Shuart, 42 Lapwings W, 4 Bearded Tits, 730 Starlings W, 53 Skylarks W, 31 Meadow Pipits W, 19 alba Wagtails W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker W, 6 Swallows W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Stonechats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 22 Goldcrests, 266 Siskins W, 58 Redpolls W, 128 Chaffinches W, 29 Goldfinches W, 12 Linnets W and 11 Crossbills W.
On another lovely morning we arrived at Chamber's Wall at 0755 and walked up to Coldharbour and then on to the Oyster Farm. We counted 13 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 33 Chaffinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Mute Swans, 12 Blackbirds, 7 Goldcrests, 10 Robins, 46 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Fieldfares, 1 Short-eared Owl, 17 Skylarks W, 32 Reed Buntings, 10 Turnstone, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 42 Carrion Crows, 19 Meadow Pipits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Stonechats, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Coot, 11 Lapwings W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Siskins W and 2 Jays.
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| Juvenile Goldfinch moulting into adult plumage |
Marc Heath arrived at Reculver at 0715 and walked up to Coldharbour and back via the railway embankment. He recorded 21 Little Egrets E in one flock, 1 Great White Egret in the Oyster Farm, 70 Meadow Pipits W, 61 Siskins W, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Snow Bunting, 24 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier mobbed by a Merlin, 9 Reed Buntings, 32 Skylarks, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Stonechats, 1 Jay, 3 Redpoll, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Brambling and 1 Lapwing.
Derek Smith spent the day on the Marsh and walked from Shuart along the embankment to Reculver and then back via Coldharbour. Birds he recorded included 1 Water Rail calling at Shuart, 42 Lapwings W, 4 Bearded Tits, 730 Starlings W, 53 Skylarks W, 31 Meadow Pipits W, 19 alba Wagtails W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker W, 6 Swallows W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Stonechats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 22 Goldcrests, 266 Siskins W, 58 Redpolls W, 128 Chaffinches W, 29 Goldfinches W, 12 Linnets W and 11 Crossbills W.
Saturday, 20 October 2018
October 20th
On a stunning early autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall towards Reculver. Birds we saw included 22 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Blackbirds, 65 Chaffinches, 1 Teal, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrushes, 42 Goldfinches, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskins, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Skylarks, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Coot, 30 Reed Buntings, 66 Linnets, 4 Redshank, 12 Corn Buntings, 5 Stonechats, 37 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 52 Carrion Crows, 2 Swallows, 25 Meadow Pipits, 4 Mallard, 34 Golden Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Dunlin, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Jay and 1 Kestrel.
Dave Smith birded inland and had a Green Sandpiper fly over by Reculver Church as well as seeing good numbers of Goldcrests and Chaffinches and a small flock of Siskins flying through.
Anthea Skiffington and Bob Dewire visited Reculver and found 25 Goldcrest in the caravan bushes and 1 Wheatear by the seawall.
On a stunning early autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall towards Reculver. Birds we saw included 22 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Blackbirds, 65 Chaffinches, 1 Teal, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrushes, 42 Goldfinches, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskins, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Skylarks, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Coot, 30 Reed Buntings, 66 Linnets, 4 Redshank, 12 Corn Buntings, 5 Stonechats, 37 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 52 Carrion Crows, 2 Swallows, 25 Meadow Pipits, 4 Mallard, 34 Golden Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Dunlin, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Jay and 1 Kestrel.
Dave Smith birded inland and had a Green Sandpiper fly over by Reculver Church as well as seeing good numbers of Goldcrests and Chaffinches and a small flock of Siskins flying through.
Anthea Skiffington and Bob Dewire visited Reculver and found 25 Goldcrest in the caravan bushes and 1 Wheatear by the seawall.
Friday, 19 October 2018
October 19th
There were more birds about this morning during our ringing session at Shuart. In four hours we counted 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Golden Plover, 43 Brambling W, 2 Grey Herons, 1,464 Starlings W, 22 Fieldfares W, 51 Redwings W, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 56 Lapwings W, 5 Goldcrests, 31 Song Thrushes W, 87 Skylarks W, 2 Kestrels, 48 Siskins W, 1 Blackcap, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 91 Chaffinches W, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Mallard, 8 Corn Buntings, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 10 Goldfinches, 11 Pied Wagtails and 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese over the seawall.
Birds ringed 26: Goldcrest 3, Robin 7, Blackap 1, Reed Bunting 9, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 3.
Dave Smith was also out this morning and had good numbers of thrushes, starlings, Redpoll and Bramblings moving west as well as seeing 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Chiffchaff and 20+ Goldcrests.
This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall along the Green Wall and returned via Coldharbour. Birds he recorded included 103 Chaffinches W, 126 Starlings W, 26 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 13 Redwings, 8 Song Thrushes, 6 Corn Buntings, 45 Skylarks, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Lapwings W, 3 Stonechats, 2 Wheatears, 1 Little Egret, 2 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Bramblings W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Swallows W and 2 Ring Ouzels.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and Reculver returning via Coldharbour between 0800 and 1800. He recorded 1 Great White Egret flying W, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Chamber's Wall, 43 Lapwings W, 68 Redwings W, 3 Fieldfares W, 12 Song Thrushes W, 8 Swallows W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 5 alba Wagtails W and 530 Starlings W. Other birds flying west included 66 Meadow Pipits, 72 Skylarks, 423 Chaffinches, 26 Brambling, 223 Siskins, 7 Redpoll and 1 Greenfinch. He also counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 177 Goldcrests, 2 Stonechats, 14 Reed Buntings and 12 Corn Buntings.
Chris Tedder had a walk along the seawall around lunchtime and saw 307 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Shelduck W, 26 Common Scoter W, 3 Eider E, 1 Sandwich Tern, 36 Chaffinches W, 54 Meadow Pipits, 1 Short-eared Owl in off the sea, 10 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Pied Wagtails, 125 Starlings, 2 Dunlin W, 15 Turnstone, 14 Oystercatchers, 25 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, 170 Linnets, 7 Stonechats, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrels.
There were more birds about this morning during our ringing session at Shuart. In four hours we counted 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Golden Plover, 43 Brambling W, 2 Grey Herons, 1,464 Starlings W, 22 Fieldfares W, 51 Redwings W, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 56 Lapwings W, 5 Goldcrests, 31 Song Thrushes W, 87 Skylarks W, 2 Kestrels, 48 Siskins W, 1 Blackcap, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 91 Chaffinches W, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Mallard, 8 Corn Buntings, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 10 Goldfinches, 11 Pied Wagtails and 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese over the seawall.
Birds ringed 26: Goldcrest 3, Robin 7, Blackap 1, Reed Bunting 9, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 3.
Dave Smith was also out this morning and had good numbers of thrushes, starlings, Redpoll and Bramblings moving west as well as seeing 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Chiffchaff and 20+ Goldcrests.
This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall along the Green Wall and returned via Coldharbour. Birds he recorded included 103 Chaffinches W, 126 Starlings W, 26 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 13 Redwings, 8 Song Thrushes, 6 Corn Buntings, 45 Skylarks, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Lapwings W, 3 Stonechats, 2 Wheatears, 1 Little Egret, 2 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Bramblings W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Swallows W and 2 Ring Ouzels.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and Reculver returning via Coldharbour between 0800 and 1800. He recorded 1 Great White Egret flying W, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Chamber's Wall, 43 Lapwings W, 68 Redwings W, 3 Fieldfares W, 12 Song Thrushes W, 8 Swallows W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 5 alba Wagtails W and 530 Starlings W. Other birds flying west included 66 Meadow Pipits, 72 Skylarks, 423 Chaffinches, 26 Brambling, 223 Siskins, 7 Redpoll and 1 Greenfinch. He also counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 177 Goldcrests, 2 Stonechats, 14 Reed Buntings and 12 Corn Buntings.
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| Great White Egret - Derek Smith |
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| Goldcrest - Derek Smith |
Chris Tedder had a walk along the seawall around lunchtime and saw 307 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Shelduck W, 26 Common Scoter W, 3 Eider E, 1 Sandwich Tern, 36 Chaffinches W, 54 Meadow Pipits, 1 Short-eared Owl in off the sea, 10 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Pied Wagtails, 125 Starlings, 2 Dunlin W, 15 Turnstone, 14 Oystercatchers, 25 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, 170 Linnets, 7 Stonechats, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrels.
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| Eider - Chris Tedder |
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| Short-eared Owl - Chris Tedder |
Thursday, 18 October 2018
October 18th
It was a disappointing morning's ringing at Reculver although we saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 21 Siskins W, 246 Starlings W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 27 Lapwings W, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Jays, 1 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 14 Goldfinches.
Birds ringed 5: Chiffchaff 2, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1.
After ringing Matt had a brief seawatch from Reculver and recorded 42 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 7 Common Scoter E, 5 Great Skuas, 1 Peregrine, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 14 Skylarks E, 1 Rock Pipit and 5 Gannets.
On a sunny and breezy afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the Green Wall to the seawall and Coldharbour. We saw 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Corn Buntings, 18 Blackbirds, 17 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Kestrels, 160 Starlings flying W, 1 Blackcap, 1 Marsh Harrier, 42 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 6 Oystercatchers, 5 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 17 Mallard, 9 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 3 Gannets, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Chiffchaff.
It was a disappointing morning's ringing at Reculver although we saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 21 Siskins W, 246 Starlings W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 27 Lapwings W, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Jays, 1 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 14 Goldfinches.
Birds ringed 5: Chiffchaff 2, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1.
After ringing Matt had a brief seawatch from Reculver and recorded 42 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 7 Common Scoter E, 5 Great Skuas, 1 Peregrine, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 14 Skylarks E, 1 Rock Pipit and 5 Gannets.
On a sunny and breezy afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the Green Wall to the seawall and Coldharbour. We saw 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Corn Buntings, 18 Blackbirds, 17 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Kestrels, 160 Starlings flying W, 1 Blackcap, 1 Marsh Harrier, 42 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 6 Oystercatchers, 5 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 17 Mallard, 9 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 3 Gannets, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Chiffchaff.
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
October 17th
We spent a sunny morning ringing on the Marshes south of the railway where our highlight was catching a Redwing that seems to be good candidate for the Icelandic subspecies of Redwing, Turdus iliacus coburni. It was a large dark bird with a wing length of 128mm compared to the other Redwings we have caught so far this autumn which ranged from 116-123mm. It was paricularly dark on the crown and cheeks, had strong flank streaks and very large and dark centres to its undertail coverts.
Other birds we saw included 6 Long-tailed Tits, 20 Redwings, 1 Blackcap, 1 Grey Partridge, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Barn Owl, 47 Siskins W, 83 Lapwings, 98 Golden Plover, 1 Brambling, 22 Chaffinches, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellowhammer, 21 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Grey Heron, 570 Starling flying W, 1 Snipe and 9 Corn Buntings.
Birds ringed 32: Long-tailed- Tit 6, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Reed Bunting 16, Stonechat 2, Dunnock 2, Corn Bunting 2, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1.
Derek Smith was out all day between 0830 and 1800 and walked from Shuart along the embankment and on to Coldharbour, Plumpudding, Netherhale and Brooksend. His day's totals included 1 Merlin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 30 Lapwings W, 88 Skylarks NW, 18 alba Wagtails W, 65 Redwings and 23 Fieldfares W early on, 2 Ring Ouzels, one at Netherhale and one at Chamber's Wall, 550 Starlings W, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 16 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the sycamores by the Shuart crossing, 9 Brambling and 138 Chaffinches W, 82 Siskins W, 23 Goldcrests and 16 Corn Buntings.
We spent a sunny morning ringing on the Marshes south of the railway where our highlight was catching a Redwing that seems to be good candidate for the Icelandic subspecies of Redwing, Turdus iliacus coburni. It was a large dark bird with a wing length of 128mm compared to the other Redwings we have caught so far this autumn which ranged from 116-123mm. It was paricularly dark on the crown and cheeks, had strong flank streaks and very large and dark centres to its undertail coverts.
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| Icelandic Redwing |
Other birds we saw included 6 Long-tailed Tits, 20 Redwings, 1 Blackcap, 1 Grey Partridge, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Barn Owl, 47 Siskins W, 83 Lapwings, 98 Golden Plover, 1 Brambling, 22 Chaffinches, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellowhammer, 21 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Grey Heron, 570 Starling flying W, 1 Snipe and 9 Corn Buntings.
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| First winter female Stonechat |
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| Female Corn Bunting |
Birds ringed 32: Long-tailed- Tit 6, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 1, Reed Bunting 16, Stonechat 2, Dunnock 2, Corn Bunting 2, Redwing 1, Blackbird 1.
Derek Smith was out all day between 0830 and 1800 and walked from Shuart along the embankment and on to Coldharbour, Plumpudding, Netherhale and Brooksend. His day's totals included 1 Merlin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 30 Lapwings W, 88 Skylarks NW, 18 alba Wagtails W, 65 Redwings and 23 Fieldfares W early on, 2 Ring Ouzels, one at Netherhale and one at Chamber's Wall, 550 Starlings W, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 16 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the sycamores by the Shuart crossing, 9 Brambling and 138 Chaffinches W, 82 Siskins W, 23 Goldcrests and 16 Corn Buntings.
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| Yellow-browed Warbler - Derek Smith |
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