September 30th
We spent a breezy morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Yellow-browed Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 34 Siskins, 2 Kestrels, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 48 Goldfinches, 25 Song Thrushes flying in high from the east, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 33 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 11 Golden Plovers, 6 Redwings, our first of the autumn,  1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Lesser Redpolls.

Birds ringed: Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 3, Blackcap 1, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 4, Blackbird 4.

"Continental" Song Thrush

Micky Baldock also had a Yellow-browed Warbler in Bishopstone Glen.
Later Matt and I had a walk around Reculver and recorded 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 14 Brent Geese, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Jays, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 12 Mute Swans, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Little Grebes, 5 Mallard, 2 Common Terns and 1 Kingfisher.
This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Potten Street between 0645 and 1000. Birds he saw included 1 Snipe E, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 45 Song Thrushes, 95 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 23 Goldcrests.

September 29th
On another sunny morning with an easterly breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then had a look at Reculver caravan bushes. We saw 2 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Swallows, 16 Chiffchaffs, 26 Chaffinches, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 54 Mallard, 9 Goldfinches, 3 Redshank, 3 Coot, 6 Cormorant, 16 Sandwich Terns E, 24 Linnets, 52 Oystercatchers, 5 Canada Geese, only the second report of the year, 2 Little Egret, 31 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 8 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Blackcaps.

Canada Geese

20 Wigeon and 1 Pintail

This afternoon at Reculver we saw 19 Brent Geese, 1 male Common Scoter E, 1 Gannet E, 1 Mediterranean Gull W, 1 Grey Wagtail and 7 Swallows.

September 28th
In similar weather to yesterday we arrived a bit later than usual at Reculver and walked up to Coldharbour and then around the caravan bushes. We saw 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Black Redstarts, 10 Cormorants, 55 Linnets, 16 Meadow Pipits, 6 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 24 Goldfinches, 2 Stonechats, 43 Mallard, 4 Swallows, 49 Ringed Plovers, 9 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 41 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 1 Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Sandwich Terns E, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldcrest and 4 Siskins W.
This afternoon 40 minutes at the Towers produced 1 Osprey flying W, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Brent Geese and the 2 Black Redstarts.
At Grenham Bay Terry Wilson had 17 Brent flying towards Reculver and also a Hobby at Plumpudding.

September 27th
With a light easterly breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall and round Coldharbour before dropping in at Reculver on the way home. Birds we saw included 9 Mute Swans, 13 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 11 Cormorants, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Siskins, 9 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 3 Wigeon, 69 Mallard, 1 juvenile Pintail (182nd), 5 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Reed Buntings, 9 Redshank, 24 Common Scoter E, 1 Curlew, 1 Lapwing W, 32 Linnets, 33 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 15 Skylarks, 52 Sanderling, 18 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Swallows and 2 Green Sandpipers.

Juvenile Pintail

Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and along the embankment between 0630 and 1200 and saw 1 Raven flying S at Shuart Farm, 55 Starlings W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 4 Stonechats, 1 Rock Pipit, 34 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 15 Goldcrests and 1 Firecrest.
This afternoon he had a look at the Towers and had 2 Black Redstarts and 13 Sanwich Terns, 1 Mediterranean Gull,  2 Little Gulls (183rd) and 1 Great Skua flying E.
Later Chris Gibbard found a calling Yellow-browed Warbler in Bishopstone Glen (184th).

September 26th
On another beautiful morning we walked from Reculver up to the Hog's Fennel at Coldharbour and then around the caravan bushes. Birds we saw included 34 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Siskins, 13 Cormorants, 11 Chiffchaffs, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 12 Little Egrets, 67 Sanderlings, 6 Redshank, 98 Linnets, 33 Ringed Plovers, 5 Turnstone, 1 Stonechat, 16 Mallard, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Mute Swans, 16 Reed Buntings, 11 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Owl, 1 Turtle Dove and 4 Long-tailed Tits.

Meadow Pipit

September 25th
We spent a beautiful early autumn morning ringing at Shuart where there quite a few birds to be seen. Birds recorded included 4 Common Buzzards, 68 Chiffchaffs, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 29 Redpoll W, 51 Siskins, 22 Goldcrests, 42 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 27 Lapwings, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 45 Skylarks W, 1 Peregrine, 23 Goldfinches, 24 Chaffinches, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Crossbills W, 1 Whitethroat, 41 Swallows, 2 Jays, 2 House Martins, 1 Sedge Warbler and 3 Snipe.

Birds ringed: Chiffchaff 20, Goldcrest 6, Wren 2, Blackcap 21, Great Tit 4, Chaffinch 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Robin 1, Dunnock 1, Greenfinch 1, Blackbird 1.

Male Cetti's Warbler

Derek Smith was also out this morning between 0645 and 1030 and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and then along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and Potten Street. He recorded 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, including a flock of 4 flying along the railway embankment, 20 Meadow Pipits W, 140 Chiffchaffs, 14 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Firecrest, 30 Goldcrests, 5 Redpoll W and 23 Siskins W.

September 24th
With a fresh south west wind blowing we managed to walk from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall and railway embankment before the heavens opened. We counted 6 Goldcrests, 13 Chiffchaffs, 236 Swallows W, 390 House Martins W, 5 Sand Martins W, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cetti'sWarblers, 4 Blackcaps, 15 Chaffinches, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Kestrels, 9 Cormorants, 46 Mallard, 13 Meadow Pipits W, 42 Linnets, 9 Oystercatchers, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Wheatear, 5 Siskins W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 3 Coot, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Redpoll W.
Matt was also out this morning and walked at Reculver seeing 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Redstart, 6 Siskins W, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Snipe, 240 House Martins W, 150 Swallows W, 5 Sand Martins W, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Winter plumaged Starling

September 23rd
We spent a mainly sunny but breezy morning ringing at Shuart where there had been an overnight arrival of Chiffchaffs. We saw 131 Siskins W, 3 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 80 Chiffchaffs, 15 Blackcaps, 6 Lesser Redpolls, 8 Goldcrests, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Goldfinches, 9 Swallows, 8 Pied Wagtails, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Herons, 10 House Martins and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Birds ringed 56: Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 38, Blackcap 10, Blue Tit 2, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 1, Song Thrush 1

Spotted Flycatcher

This afternoon we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment and saw 11 Chiffchaffs, 9 Siskins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Little Owl, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatears, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Redshanks, 8 Little Egrets, 7 Cormorants, 2 Stonechats, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Curlew, 3 Kestrels, 6 Mute Swans, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Kingfishers.

September 22nd
Matt was out early in the pouring rain at Reculver and managed to see 9 Chiffchaffs, 4 Sandwich Terns, 6 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 1 Black Redstart and 1 Corn Bunting.
We then dashed down to Dungeness and after a wait in pouring rain managed to get reasonable views of the Acadian Flycatcher.
When we got back to Reculver there was a forecast of a fresh NW wind which did not materialise and all we saw in one hour was 2 Arctic Skuas E, 14 Swallows, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Gannets E and 1 Curlew.
At Grenham Bay Terry Wilson saw 8 Sandwich Terns, 2 Wheatears, 20 Siskins and 4 Little Egrets before the rain arrived.

September 21st  -  The 300th species for Reculver
This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and I found the 300th species for Reculver - a first winter Caspian Gull. I initially thought it was a Yellow-legged Gull but with help from Matt and Barry Hunt I am now happy that it's a Caspian a long overdue record for the area.
Other birds we saw included 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker on the Towers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Black Redstart, 18 Oystercatchers, 8 Mute Swans, 11 Cormorants, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 121 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redshank, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 31 Swallows W,  4 Siskin W, 1 Golden Plover, 82 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Skylarks, 12 Goldfinches, 1 Wheatear and 150 House Martins mainly at the Towers.

First winter Caspian Gull

September 20th
It was a Chiffchaff morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then around Reculver bushes. We first heard Chiffchaffs calling in our garden as we left home and then counted 25+ at Chamber's Wall and 30+ at Reculver. I'm sure there were hundreds in the area.
Other birds seen in the Chamber's Wall area were 68 Linnets, 10 Blackcaps, 1 Goldcrest, 12 Chaffinches, 27 Siskins W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Reed Buntings, 92 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 12 Cormorants, 4 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Wigeon, 13 Swallows W, 26 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal, 1 male Stonechat and 1 Snipe.
At Reculver there were 5 Siskins W, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 18 Goldfinches, 35 Linnets and 1 Kingfisher.
Also this morning Derek Smith, together with Patrick Giles and Kerry McDonnell, walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and along the embankment between 0700 and 1200. They saw 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk in of the sea, 1 Barn Owl, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker W, 120 Starlings W, 4 Snipe W, 8 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sandwich Tern, 70 Meadow Pipits W, 38 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler at the Stables, 8 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 2 Stonechats, 25 Linnets W, 27 Redpoll W, 200+ Siskins W, 57 Chaffinches W and 14 Reed Buntings W. They also found 2 Clouded Yellows.

Common Buzzard - Derek Smith

Clouded Yellow - Derek Smith

September 19th
After the last two days excitement today was a bit of a disappointment. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall and railway embankment and saw 59 Linnets,5 Chiffchaffs, 11 Chaffinches, 3 Kestrels,1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Coot, 28 Meadow Pipits W, 61 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Swallow W, 34 Oystercatchers, 9 Cormorants, 1 Curlew, 5 Pied Wagtails W, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Hobby, 7 Siskin W, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker and 10 Goldfinches.

Redshank

All we could find at Bishopstone Glen on the way home were 3 Chiffchaffs, 10 Siskins, 1 Blackcap and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying W.

September 18th
Westerly passage continued unabated this morning as we dodged the heavy showers at Chamber's Wall and Reculver. In an hour and a half we saw 1,453 Swallows W, 91 Siskins W, 1 Lesser Redpoll W, 615 House Martins W, 4 Sand Martins W and 66 Meadow Pipits W. Other birds counted included 21 Chaffinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Reed Warblers, 7 Mallard, 8 Linnets, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Redshank, 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Hobby chasing hirundines at Reculver and 1 Black Redstart still at the Towers.

Black Redstart at the Towers

Derek Smith birded around the Shuart area between 0700 and 1230 and recorded 5,000+ Swallows W, 300 House Martins W, 60 Sand Martins W, 14 Pied Wagtails W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 215 Meadow Pipits W, 959 Siskins W, 11 Reed Buntings W, 3 Reed Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 20 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 5 Lesser Redpolls W.

 

Grasshopper Warbler - Derek Smith

Siskin - Derek Smith

 

At Grenham Bay Terry Wilson counted 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Wheatear and 12 Little Egrets.

This evening Dave Smith found a Pied Flycatcher in the Glen.



September 17th
We spent a breezy morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 2 Kestrels, 306 Siskins flying W, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 14 Blackcaps, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Willow Warblers, 77 Swallows W, 8 Goldfinches, 6 Grey Wagtails W, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Birds ringed: 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Willow Warblers, 9 Blackcaps, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird.

Willow Warbler

We spent a couple of hours at Reculver between 1130 and 1500 with the highlight being a Balearic Shearwater (180th) flying E out of the Swale and then NE out to sea. Other birds we saw included 413 Meadow Pipits W, 60 Siskins W, 6 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Tree Pipit W, 1 Black Redstart, 10 Gannets, 1 Peregrine, 8 Sandwich Terns, 3 Redshank, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Kestrels, 1 Greenshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Oystercatchers, 52 Mallard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 14 Linnets, 1 Wheatear, 9 Mute Swans, 2 Pied Flycatchers and 1 Reed Warbler.
There was a massive westerly hirundine movement, mainly Swallows, during the last hours of daylight at Bishopstone.

September 16th
This morning was a bit of a wash out. The threatened strong easterly wind was only a fresh breeze and there was not a lot to see. Derek Smith arrived at the Towers early and had only seen 46 Sandwich Terns flying E when we arrived at 0800. We stood at the Towers with him for a while and then walked inland and added another 16 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Curlews, 1 Wigeon W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 8 Goldfinches, 8 Siskin, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays, 6 Mallard, 2 Sand Martins, 5 Swallows and 1 Little Grebe.

September 15th
Forty seven years ago today saw one of the most impressive falls of birds ever at Reculver, but I was in the early stages of birdwatching and probably missed a great deal and also was the only person birding. As I remember, the day started with strong winds and pouring rain and with virtually no birds. The weather cleared after lunch and the wind dropped at which point birds started falling out of the sky. I only birded around Reculver Towers and about one hundred yards along the seawall but had impressive counts of 93 Redstarts, 120 Robins, 70 Wheatears mostly on the beach and around the breakwaters as well as 100+ Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, 11 Garden Warblers and 52 Tree Pipits with smaller numbers of other warblers. Highlights for me were to be found in the allotments of the coastguard cottages which were then where the grass is behind the Towers. Here I found 3 new species for me namely 2 juvenile Bluethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 16 Siskins. I only wish I had been a more experienced birder as I am sure there were other good birds to be found that afternoon.
This morning started wet and windy also with little to be seen. A wet walk around Reculver produced 1 Sandwich Tern W, 8 Swallows W, 9 House Martins W, 7 Pied Wagtails, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Goldfinches.
Later this morning at Bishopstone there was 1 Pied Flycatcher, 18 Siskins W, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Goldcrests.
This afternoon, with the sun shining, we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 10 Swallows W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 62 Siskins W, 3 Kestrels, 43 Mallard, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Redshank, 39 Turnstone, 2 Wheatears, 36 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 55 Ringed Plovers, 30 Sanderling and 1 Sandwich Tern E.

Juvenile Turnstone

Adult Turnstone moulting into winter plumage

September 13th
On an increasingly breezy and showery morning Matt walked around the Reculver Bushes and then we  walked up to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. We saw a good variety of species including 2 Pied Flycatchers, 14 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 247 Siskins W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 3 Kingfishers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1,500 Swallows W, 1 Wheatear, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Teal, 300 Sand Martins W, 9 Cormorants, 5 Little Egrets, 9 Redshank, 42 Ringed Plovers, 30 Goldfinches, 2 Dunlin, 9 Turnstone, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Sanderling, 8 Golden Plovers, 82 Mallard, 2 Swifts W, 3 Curlew, 13 Mute Swans, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whinchats, 4 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Garden Warblers, 44 House Martins W, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Common Sandpipers and 1 Lesser Redpoll W (179th), amazingly our first one of the year.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to the sea and recorded 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 34 Siskins W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Sparrowhawk.

September 13th
On a quiet, dull morning we walked from Chamber's Wall along the seawall and also visited Reculver on the way home. We saw 1 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 36 Swallows W, 5 Cormorants, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Sand Martins W, 2 Grey Partridges, 58 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Reed Buntings, 5 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 male White Wagtail, 19 Mute Swans, 22 Oystercatchers, 73 Mallard, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 18 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 37 Siskins W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 male Common Redstart, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Coot, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Reed Warbler.

Mallard

At Bishopstone, just before the rain arrived at midday, a pulse of House Martins and Swallows numbering about 1,000 of each flew W over our garden. There was also a Garden Warbler and 2 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in our back garden.
Derek Smith spent six hours from 0630 covering the area from Shuart to the sea and along the railway embankment and up to Brooksend. He saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Merlin in off the sea chasing a Siskin, 600 Swallows W, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Common Redstart, 16 Whinchats, 10 Wheatears, 16 Blackcaps, 11 Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 22 Chiffchaffs, 8 Willow Warblers, 4 singing Cetti's Warblers and 248 Siskins W.

 

September 12th
We were in the wrong place this morning because Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and saw 2 Firecrests, 1 Wryneck (177th), 1 Dotterel flying E (178th) and 1 Common Redstart.
We walked the Chamber's Wall/Coldharbour/Green Wall loop in increasingly windy and wet conditions and recorded 2 Chiffchaffs, 48 Siskins W, 14 Linnets, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Blackcap, 77 Swallows W, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Redshank, 16 Oystercatchers, 3 Wheatears, 1 Little Egret, 35 Mallard, 7 Cormorants, 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels and 1 Whitethroat.  
Micky Baldock also had a Dotterel flying W over the cliffs at Reculver which is likely to have been the same bird Derek saw earlier.

Reed Bunting

The full list of Derek's birds seen between Shuart and Plumpudding and on the railway embankment and Brooksend between 0630 and 11000 was as follows: 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Dotterel E, 800 Swallows W, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Wryneck at the Stables, 5 Wheatears, 2 Common Redstarts, 14 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Goldcrests, 2 Firecrests, 30 Long-tailed Tits and 364 Siskins W.

Wryneck - Derek Smith

September 11th
On yet another beautiful morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then walked round Reculver. Birds we counted included 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Kestrels, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 42 Mallard, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 29 Linnets, 5 Siskin, 4 Redshank, 11 Reed Buntings, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Cormorants, 7 Whinchats, 23 Oystercatchers, 31 Ringed Plovers, 11 Teal, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Wheatear.
At Reculver we saw 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Black Redstarts, 31 Goldfinches, 1 Sandwich Tern W, 1 Little Owl and 1 Curlew.

Pied Flycatcher

September 10th
On a beautiful early autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour before walking along the seawall. Birds we saw included 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Robins, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 19 Linnets, 6 Cormorants, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Reed Buntings, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Mute Swans, 4 Redshank, 2 Teal, 1 Ringed Plover, 20 Swallows, 3 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 1 Spotted Flycatcher on the shingle bank at Coldharbour, 19 Oystercatchers, 2 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose W, our first of the autumn, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Siskins, 3 Goldfinches, 4 Coot and 1 Common Buzzard.
Derek and Micky birded the Glen this morning and we had a look this afternoon and between us we saw 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Siskins.

Spotted Flycatcher
 

September 9th
It was relatively quiet at Shuart this morning with no new overnight migrants apparent. We saw 23 Siskins W, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 180 Linnets, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 15 Swallows, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Gadwall and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Birds ringed: Reed Warbler 3, Blackcap 2, Dunnock 3.

Male Blackcap

Derek Smith was out for 5 hours this morning and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall. He counted 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Gannets E, 55 Common Scoter E, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, 13 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 36 Siskins W.
We went out again later and walked around Reculver, Bishopstone and the Oyster Farm. We saw 2 Black Redstarts, 4 Gannets E, 5 Pied Wagtails, 35 Goldfinches, 1 male Common Redstart, 10 Whinchats, 15 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, 3 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern E, 13 Little Egrets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Corn Buntings and 1 Common Sandpiper.



September 9th
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Siskins, 12 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Common Buzzards, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Jay, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldfinches, 30 House Martins, 40 Swallows and 1 Kestrel.

Birds ringed: Long-tailed Tit 3, Wren 1, Willow Warbler 1, Blackcap 7, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2.

Robin - Matt Hindle

After ringing Matt had a walk at Reculver and saw 8 Common Scoter E, 1 Guillemot, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Common Buzzards, 30 Goldfinches, 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Black Redstart.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment and counted 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaffs, 70 House Martins,1 Whitethroat, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 25 Oystercatchers,1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 51 Ringed Plovers, 5 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 1 Teal, 40 Swallows, 1 Kestrel, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Blackcap.

September 7th
There was not much doing on the Marsh south of the railway this morning just 54 Golden Plovers, 36 Siskins W, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 6 Cormorants, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Grass Snake.

Birds ringed: Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Whitethroat 3, Dunnock 2.

This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and Plumpudding and saw 4 Little Egrets, 1 juvenile Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 8 Reed Warblers, 5 Sedge Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs and 102 Siskins W.
This afternoon we had a walk around Reculver and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Goldfinches, 2 Common Terns and 2 Sandwich Terns.

September 6th
With a fresh NW wind blowing this morning it was a toss up as to whether we went to the Towers for a seawatch or ringing at Shuart. We chose Shuart where we saw 1 Raven, 1 Garden Warbler, 26 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 26 Siskins W, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, 15 Swallows, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 15 House Martins, 1 Jay, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Hobby and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Birds ringed: Wren 3, Blue Tit 2, Blackcap 13, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 4, Blackbird 3.

This morning at Grenham Bay Terry Wilson recorded 25 Turnstone, 12 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 20 Siskins W and 1 Wheatear.
During the afternoon Matt covered most of the western half of the area and counted 3 Jays, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Whitethroats, 14 Siskin, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Grey Herons, 3 Reed Warblers, 4 Grey Partridges, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Blackcap, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Little Egrets, 6 Sandwich Terns, 24 Golden Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Wheatears, 1 Teal, 1 Whinchat, 1 Sparrowhawk and 22 Common Scoters.
This evening Dave Smith found a Snow Bunting running about on the promenade at Bishopstone. This is the earliest record for the area beating 16th September in 1972 and 73 by ten days.

September 5th
This morning we walked again from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 7 Cormorants, 1 Black Redstart, 7 Mute Swans, 6 Oystercatchers, 8 Swallows W, 9 Little Egrets, 55 Linnets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 34 Mallard, 1 Little Owl, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot and 1 Little Grebe.

Black Redstart

Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment to Chamber's Wall and Potten Street between 0630 and 1000. Birds he saw included 4 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks N, 3 Kestrels, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hobbies, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Kingfishers, 11 Willow Warblers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sedge Warblers, 6 Reed Warblers, 31 Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 38 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Goldcrests and 243 Siskins W.



September 4th
On another cool morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 22 Swallows W, 6 Little Egrets, 4 Wheatears, 15 Mute Swans, 1 Little Owl, 22 Linnets, 9 Cormorants, 5 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, 15 Mallard, an over optimistic male Sparrowhawk chasing a Turnstone over the sea, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Curlew, 18 House Martins in a tight flock flying W, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Whimbrel and 2 Whinchats.

Whinchat

Micky Baldock spent 5 hours at Reculver today and counted the following mainly flying W; 20 Arctic Skuas,  6 Great Skuas, 15 Sandwich Terns, 14 Gannets and 10 Teal.



September 3rd
With an autumnal feel in the air this morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to Coldharbour. We saw 1 Turtle Dove, 14 Linnets, 10 Cormorants, 109 Swallows W, 4 Mute Swans, 21 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 5 Wigeon W, 1 Redshank, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff and 8 Long-tailed Tits. At Reculver we recorded 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Wheatears and 1 Black Redstart.

Winter plumaged Starling

Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding this morning and counted 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps. 6 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 450 Swallows W.
After this Derek  walked around the Shuart area and recorded 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 10 Willow Warblers, 31 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 5 Goldcrests, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whitethroats, 22 Long-tailed Tits and 18 Siskins W.
At Netherhale and Brooksend he saw 1 Hobby W, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Siskin, 12 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 62 Pied Wagtails in a ploughed field, 2 Grey Wagtails W and 1 Wheatear.

Spotted Flycatcher - Derek Smith

Pied Flycatcher - Derek Smith

September 2nd
On a sunny morning with a gentle NW breeze blowing we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 10 Sand Martins, 25 Oystercatchers, 2 Kestrels, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Owls, 10 Mute Swans, 5 Cormorants, 2 Pied Wagtails, 10 Ringed Plovers, 5 Little Egrets, 6 Redshank, 43 Linnets, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Wheatears, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Curlew, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Swallows W, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat and 2 Turnstone.

Whinchat on Yellow Horned Poppy

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. At Chamber's Wall as we arrived there was a Honey Buzzard (176th) drifting over and giving good views. There was also a large westerly passage of Swallows and in the time we were there about 1,000 flew past. Other birds seen included 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Whitethroats, 20 House Martins, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Reed Warbler, 32 Mallard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Shelduck and 1 Common Buzzard.
Marc Heath came out to see if he could see the Honey Buzzard but instead found an Osprey flying N at Shuart and what was probably the same bird was seen later by Micky Baldock flying in off the sea at Reculver.

September 1st
Matt and I arrived at the Towers at 0700 and had a seawatch for an hour and a quarter. It was pretty slow but we did see 1 Fulmar, 1 Curlew, 1 Guillemot E, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Swifts S, 25 Swallows W, 1 adult Peregrine, 3 Great Skuas W, 1 Arctic Skua W, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Gannet and 10 Dunlin. It was also quiet at the Reculver bushes where we only found 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Wheatear.
We then drove over to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour seeing 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Shelduck, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Mallard, 28 Oystercatchers, 9 Cormorants,1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlins, 1 immature Peregrine harrying the Oystercatcher and Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 1 Reed Warbler, 20 Swallows W, 2 Grey Wagtails W and 1 Siskin W.
Micky Baldock spent a good deal of time at Reculver today and saw 5 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, 50 Common Terns, 15 Sandwich Terns, 2 Little Terns and 1 Roseate Tern flying W.