March 31st
With Summer Time starting today the weather has reverted to winter! There was a very fresh and chilly NE wind blowing in drizzle as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. All we managed to see were 8 Oystercatchers, 1 immature male Eider, 6 Ringed Plovers, 11 Turnstone, 2 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 16 Cormorants, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls E and 1 Grey Heron.
Sunday, 31 March 2019
Saturday, 30 March 2019
March 30th
On a warm and sunny spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and then inland at Reculver. We counted 5 Goldfinches, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Mallard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Stonechats, 4 Shelduck, 1 Wheatear, 4 Shoveler, 6 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 19 Turnstone, 8 Meadow Pipits, 48 Corn Buntings, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Linnets, 1 Blackcap and 1 male Wigeon.
Marc Heath was also birding this morning and walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall and back along the embankment. He saw 1 Kingfisher, 1 Eider, 2 Stonechats, 4 Shelduck, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 30 Corn Buntings, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Black Redstart and 5 Sand Martins. He also found 4 Peacock butterflies and 1 Green-veined White.
On a warm and sunny spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and then inland at Reculver. We counted 5 Goldfinches, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Mallard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Stonechats, 4 Shelduck, 1 Wheatear, 4 Shoveler, 6 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 19 Turnstone, 8 Meadow Pipits, 48 Corn Buntings, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Linnets, 1 Blackcap and 1 male Wigeon.
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| Meadow Pipit |
Friday, 29 March 2019
March 29th
We began our walk from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning in fog and hoped that it would clear during our walk. In the event it didn't and so it was a bit of a struggle to see anything. We managed to see or hear 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 4 Redshank, 9 Linnets, 8 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 male Stonechat, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Bramblings, 1 Little Egret, 2 Coot, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Moorhens.
Marc Heath had another Red Kite flying over Reculver School this afternoon.
We began our walk from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning in fog and hoped that it would clear during our walk. In the event it didn't and so it was a bit of a struggle to see anything. We managed to see or hear 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 4 Redshank, 9 Linnets, 8 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 male Stonechat, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Bramblings, 1 Little Egret, 2 Coot, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Moorhens.
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| Little Egret in the fog |
Marc Heath had another Red Kite flying over Reculver School this afternoon.
Thursday, 28 March 2019
March 28th
This morning we had a four hour ringing session south of the railway. It was very quiet and we caught very few birds and only managed to see 5 Chiffchaffs, 86 Corn Buntings, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Song Thrushes, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier flying E.
Birds ringed: Chiffchaff 4
On an increasingly sunny and warm afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 3 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 7 Redshank, 15 Common Scoter, 1 male Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Teal, 2 Swallows (126th), 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Chiffchaff.
This evening I received information about a first year Chiffchaff we ringed at Reculver on 14th September 2017. It had been controlled at Portland Bill, Dorset on 27th March 2019 which is 273 km WSW. It had obviously just returned to the UK having spent the winter further south.
This morning we had a four hour ringing session south of the railway. It was very quiet and we caught very few birds and only managed to see 5 Chiffchaffs, 86 Corn Buntings, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Song Thrushes, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier flying E.
Birds ringed: Chiffchaff 4
On an increasingly sunny and warm afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 3 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 7 Redshank, 15 Common Scoter, 1 male Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Teal, 2 Swallows (126th), 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Chiffchaff.
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| Male and female Shelduck |
This evening I received information about a first year Chiffchaff we ringed at Reculver on 14th September 2017. It had been controlled at Portland Bill, Dorset on 27th March 2019 which is 273 km WSW. It had obviously just returned to the UK having spent the winter further south.
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
March 27th
With access restricted to the seawall for two or three days due to ongoing repairs, this morning we decided to walk from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. We saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 46 Redwings, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Jay, 1 Blackcap, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Song Thrushes, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Lapwings, 14 Linnets W, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Common Scoter, 19 Goldfinches, 1 Snipe, 2 Marsh Harriers, 10 Tufted Duck, 10 Coot, 19 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 singing Mistle Thrushes, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Kestrels, 10 Skylarks and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull flying W.
With access restricted to the seawall for two or three days due to ongoing repairs, this morning we decided to walk from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. We saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 46 Redwings, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Jay, 1 Blackcap, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Song Thrushes, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Lapwings, 14 Linnets W, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Common Scoter, 19 Goldfinches, 1 Snipe, 2 Marsh Harriers, 10 Tufted Duck, 10 Coot, 19 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 singing Mistle Thrushes, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Kestrels, 10 Skylarks and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull flying W.
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
March 26th
This morning Anne and I arrived at Reculver at 0745 and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 9 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Linnets W, 3 Mallard, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Stonechats, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Curlew, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Red Kites flying low west at Coldharbour and along the seawall and beach, 12 Meadow Pipits, 2 Shelduck and 3 Lapwings W.
Matt was out much earlier than us and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. He saw 3 Sand Martins, 104 Meadow Pipits flying W, 8 alba Wagtails W, 2 male Black Redstarts, 40 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Eider, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Rock Pipit, 40 Common Scoter, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 50 Corn Buntings, 1 female Merlin, 4 Song Thrushes, 13 Golden Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 3 Red Kites flying W and 1 Little Owl.
Marc Heath had a further 2 Red Kites fly over Reculver School during the afternoon.
This morning Anne and I arrived at Reculver at 0745 and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 9 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Linnets W, 3 Mallard, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Stonechats, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Curlew, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Red Kites flying low west at Coldharbour and along the seawall and beach, 12 Meadow Pipits, 2 Shelduck and 3 Lapwings W.
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| Red Kite |
Matt was out much earlier than us and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. He saw 3 Sand Martins, 104 Meadow Pipits flying W, 8 alba Wagtails W, 2 male Black Redstarts, 40 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Eider, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Rock Pipit, 40 Common Scoter, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 50 Corn Buntings, 1 female Merlin, 4 Song Thrushes, 13 Golden Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 3 Red Kites flying W and 1 Little Owl.
Marc Heath had a further 2 Red Kites fly over Reculver School during the afternoon.
Monday, 25 March 2019
March 25th
An hour's seawatch at Reculver and then a look at Reculver bushes this morning produced 2 Mediterranean Gulls 1E and 1W, 1 Red-breasted Merganser W, 26 Common Gulls W, 43 Black-headed Gulls W, 2 Red-throated Divers E, 4 Oystercatchers, 7 Great Black-backed Gulls, 52 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards and 3 Chiffchaffs.
We then walked around the Shuart area and recorded 2 singing Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lapwings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Yellowhammer.
Back at Reculver we walked inland and saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mallard, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
A Red Kite flew NW over our garden at Bishopstone at lunchtime.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 3 Common Buzzards, 1 singing male Firecrest, 3 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Gannet, 10 Kittiwakes W, 40 Common Scoter, 6 Turnstone, 3 Redshank, 40 Corn Buntings and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
An hour's seawatch at Reculver and then a look at Reculver bushes this morning produced 2 Mediterranean Gulls 1E and 1W, 1 Red-breasted Merganser W, 26 Common Gulls W, 43 Black-headed Gulls W, 2 Red-throated Divers E, 4 Oystercatchers, 7 Great Black-backed Gulls, 52 Cormorants, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards and 3 Chiffchaffs.
We then walked around the Shuart area and recorded 2 singing Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Lapwings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Yellowhammer.
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| Long-tailed Tit |
Back at Reculver we walked inland and saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mallard, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
A Red Kite flew NW over our garden at Bishopstone at lunchtime.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 3 Common Buzzards, 1 singing male Firecrest, 3 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Gannet, 10 Kittiwakes W, 40 Common Scoter, 6 Turnstone, 3 Redshank, 40 Corn Buntings and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
Sunday, 24 March 2019
March 24th
This morning we walked from Shuart to the sea at Plumpudding and counted 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 Kestrel.
On the way home at Reculver we saw 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kestrel, 200 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Blackcap singing and 2 Mallard.
Marc Heath was also out this morning between 0600 and 0900 walking from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. He saw 1 Little Owl, 19 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher, 22 Meadow Pipits, 8 Reed Buntings, 2 Stonechats, 11 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 immature male Eider, 10 Skylarks, 35 Common Scoter, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Jay, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret and 40 Corn Buntings,
During the afternoon at Bishopstone I recorded 1 Red Kite W, 2 Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawks.
This morning we walked from Shuart to the sea at Plumpudding and counted 1 Blackcap singing, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 Kestrel.
On the way home at Reculver we saw 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Kestrel, 200 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Blackcap singing and 2 Mallard.
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| Robin singing in the sunshine |
During the afternoon at Bishopstone I recorded 1 Red Kite W, 2 Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawks.
Saturday, 23 March 2019
March 23rd
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to the Green Wall and back via Coldharbour. We saw 14 Mallard, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 14 Oystercatchers, 10 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 5 Dunlins, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 1 female Wigeon (125th), 5 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Partridges and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Marc Heath was out between 0600 and 0745 and walked along the seawall and recorded 1 Black Redstart, 1 Merlin, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Shelduck, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Eider, 25 Common Scoter, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 GreenSandpiper and 1 Stonechat.
Chris Tedder visited Reculver today, starting out in the morning, and had a slow walk to Plumpudding and back. Her highlights were 2 Black Redstarts, 3 Wheatears, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E, 4 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Great Skua E, 18 Gannets E, 1 immature male Eider and 42 Common Scoter.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to the Green Wall and back via Coldharbour. We saw 14 Mallard, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 14 Oystercatchers, 10 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 5 Dunlins, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 1 female Wigeon (125th), 5 Grey Herons, 2 Grey Partridges and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Marc Heath was out between 0600 and 0745 and walked along the seawall and recorded 1 Black Redstart, 1 Merlin, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Shelduck, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Eider, 25 Common Scoter, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 GreenSandpiper and 1 Stonechat.
Chris Tedder visited Reculver today, starting out in the morning, and had a slow walk to Plumpudding and back. Her highlights were 2 Black Redstarts, 3 Wheatears, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E, 4 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Great Skua E, 18 Gannets E, 1 immature male Eider and 42 Common Scoter.
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| 2 first winter Mediterranean Gulls - Chris Tedder |
Friday, 22 March 2019
March 22nd
This morning the tide was out as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. It was quieter than the previous two days but we did manage to find 2 Chiffchaffs, 13 Mallard, 7 Redshank, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 immature male Eider, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 male Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 GreenWoodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 singing Blackcap and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
This morning the tide was out as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. It was quieter than the previous two days but we did manage to find 2 Chiffchaffs, 13 Mallard, 7 Redshank, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 immature male Eider, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlews, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 male Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 GreenWoodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 singing Blackcap and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
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| Female Wheatear |
Thursday, 21 March 2019
March 21st
On an overcast but mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw 4 Goldfinches, 17 Mallard, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Skylarks, 3 Coot, 1 Curlew, 16 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 2 Sand Martins W (124th), 6 Corn Buntings, 21 Turnstone, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Wheatears, 2 Stonechats, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 1 Green Woodpecker.
On an overcast but mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw 4 Goldfinches, 17 Mallard, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Skylarks, 3 Coot, 1 Curlew, 16 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 2 Sand Martins W (124th), 6 Corn Buntings, 21 Turnstone, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Wheatears, 2 Stonechats, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Carrion Crow |
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
March 20th
We had a productive, early spring morning's birdwatch today. We parked one car at Shuart and then drove to Reculver and walked back to Shuart. There appeared to have been a small overnight arrival of migrants as we recorded 7 Wheatears, 5 males and 2 females on the seawall, 1 singing Blackcap at Shuart (123rd), 1 Black Redstart at the Stables and 14 Chiffchaffs.
Other birds we saw included 34 Fieldfares flying W, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Linnets, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Red-breasted Merganser W, 1 Gannet E, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtails W, 14 Mallard, 19 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Rock Pipits, 63 Oystercatchers, 48 Meadow Pipits, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 1 immature male Eider. We also recorded a flock of 80 Corn Buntings, 38 Turnstone, 10 Ringed Plovers, 30 Common Scoter, 19 Golden Plovers, 4 Shelduck, 1 Avocet flying W at Coldharbour, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 6 Grey Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 13 Sanderling, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 5 Mute Swans and 2 Goldcrests.
We had a productive, early spring morning's birdwatch today. We parked one car at Shuart and then drove to Reculver and walked back to Shuart. There appeared to have been a small overnight arrival of migrants as we recorded 7 Wheatears, 5 males and 2 females on the seawall, 1 singing Blackcap at Shuart (123rd), 1 Black Redstart at the Stables and 14 Chiffchaffs.
Other birds we saw included 34 Fieldfares flying W, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Linnets, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Red-breasted Merganser W, 1 Gannet E, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 alba Wagtails W, 14 Mallard, 19 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Rock Pipits, 63 Oystercatchers, 48 Meadow Pipits, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 1 immature male Eider. We also recorded a flock of 80 Corn Buntings, 38 Turnstone, 10 Ringed Plovers, 30 Common Scoter, 19 Golden Plovers, 4 Shelduck, 1 Avocet flying W at Coldharbour, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 6 Grey Plovers, 2 Lapwings, 13 Sanderling, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 5 Mute Swans and 2 Goldcrests.
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| Male Wheatear on the seawall |
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
March 19th
Before Matt met us at Reculver this morning he had a walk at Shuart where he saw 1 Brambling W, 1 Siskin W, 10 Chaffinches W, 45 Redwings W, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Common Buzzard.
At Reculver we walked along the seawall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Firecrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Rock Pipits, 4 alba Wagtails W, 14 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 8 Shelduck, 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Pied Wagtails, 16 Common Scoter E, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers W, 5 Redshank, 22 Oystercatchers, 6 Turnstone, 6 Teal, 70 Corn Buntings, 3 Stonechats, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 "continental" Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, 1 Snipe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Curlew, 1 Water Rail, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 4 Mute Swans.
Later in the morning a Red Kite (122nd) flew over Brook Farm and on past Bishopstone and in the afteroon a Raven flew over our garden calling.
Before Matt met us at Reculver this morning he had a walk at Shuart where he saw 1 Brambling W, 1 Siskin W, 10 Chaffinches W, 45 Redwings W, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Common Buzzard.
At Reculver we walked along the seawall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Firecrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Rock Pipits, 4 alba Wagtails W, 14 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 8 Shelduck, 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Pied Wagtails, 16 Common Scoter E, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers W, 5 Redshank, 22 Oystercatchers, 6 Turnstone, 6 Teal, 70 Corn Buntings, 3 Stonechats, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 "continental" Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, 1 Snipe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Curlew, 1 Water Rail, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 4 Mute Swans.
Later in the morning a Red Kite (122nd) flew over Brook Farm and on past Bishopstone and in the afteroon a Raven flew over our garden calling.
Monday, 18 March 2019
March 18th
On a bright morning with a moderate NW wind blowing we arrived at the Towers at 0620 and had a two hour seawatch. It was relatively quiet but we did count 33 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 134 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Gannets E, 25 Red-throated Divers E, 6 alba Wagtails W, 5 Shelduck, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel W out at sea, 1 Fulmar W, 1 Redshank and 11 Great Black-backed Gulls.
After this Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Plumpudding and back via the railway embankment. He saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 3 alba Wagtails W, 60 Meadow Pipits W, 9 Grey Plovers, 4 Dunlin, 30 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 40 Common Scoter, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Curlew, 100 Oystercatchers, 2 Kittiwakes E, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Shelduck, 5 Lapwings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Fieldfare and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
It was a pleasant sunny afternoon as we walked from Reculver to Wantsum outflow. Birds we saw included 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 male Wheatear (121st), 1 immature male Eider, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Oystercatchers, 8 Mallard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 8 Corn Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 11 Turnstone and 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
On a bright morning with a moderate NW wind blowing we arrived at the Towers at 0620 and had a two hour seawatch. It was relatively quiet but we did count 33 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 134 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Gannets E, 25 Red-throated Divers E, 6 alba Wagtails W, 5 Shelduck, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel W out at sea, 1 Fulmar W, 1 Redshank and 11 Great Black-backed Gulls.
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| Third winter Lesser Black-backed Gull |
It was a pleasant sunny afternoon as we walked from Reculver to Wantsum outflow. Birds we saw included 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 male Wheatear (121st), 1 immature male Eider, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Oystercatchers, 8 Mallard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 8 Corn Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 11 Turnstone and 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
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| Immature male Eider |
Sunday, 17 March 2019
March 17th
At last a reasonable morning!
Matt arrived at the Towers at 0630 and spent an hour seawatching and recorded the following flying west: 58 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Red-throated Divers, 8 Gannets, 55 Black-headed Gulls, 62 Meadow Pipits, 5 alba Wagtails, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Great Skua (118th), 1 Avocet (119th), 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 Rock Pipit.
He then met us at Shuart and we walked to Brooksend and Plumpudding before returning to Shuart. We counted 4 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 17 Mute Swans, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 36 Goldfinches, 20 Chaffinches, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 37 Redwings W, 1 Brambling W (120th) and 5 Greenfinches. From Brooksend onwards we saw 5 Grey Herons, 21 Pied Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 3 Jays, 7 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Coot, 2 Marsh Harriers, 16 Skylarks, 28 Turnstone, 18 Redshank and 2 Peregrines hunting over the Marsh.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and between 0600 and 1000 and recorded 155 Meadow Pipits W, 7 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Redshank, 5 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 1 Gannet, 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 8 Reed Buntings, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Turnstone, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Golden Plovers, 1 singing Stonechat, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Great Skuas W, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Red-throated Diver, 35 Common Scoter, 4 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 red-headed Goosanders W, 1 Woodcock in off, 1 Peregrine and 30 Corn Buntings.
At last a reasonable morning!
Matt arrived at the Towers at 0630 and spent an hour seawatching and recorded the following flying west: 58 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Red-throated Divers, 8 Gannets, 55 Black-headed Gulls, 62 Meadow Pipits, 5 alba Wagtails, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Great Skua (118th), 1 Avocet (119th), 9 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 Rock Pipit.
He then met us at Shuart and we walked to Brooksend and Plumpudding before returning to Shuart. We counted 4 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 17 Mute Swans, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 36 Goldfinches, 20 Chaffinches, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 37 Redwings W, 1 Brambling W (120th) and 5 Greenfinches. From Brooksend onwards we saw 5 Grey Herons, 21 Pied Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 3 Jays, 7 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Coot, 2 Marsh Harriers, 16 Skylarks, 28 Turnstone, 18 Redshank and 2 Peregrines hunting over the Marsh.
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| Redshank and Turnstone roosting on the beach at Plumpudding |
Marc Heath was also out this morning and between 0600 and 1000 and recorded 155 Meadow Pipits W, 7 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Redshank, 5 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 1 Gannet, 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 8 Reed Buntings, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Turnstone, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Golden Plovers, 1 singing Stonechat, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Great Skuas W, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Red-throated Diver, 35 Common Scoter, 4 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 red-headed Goosanders W, 1 Woodcock in off, 1 Peregrine and 30 Corn Buntings.
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| 2 red-headed Goosanders - Marc Heath |
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| Woodcock in off the sea - Marc Heath |
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| Snow Bunting - Marc Heath |
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