January 31st
We had a short ringing session this morning by a set aside field near Reculver finishing just as the rain arrived. When Matt arrived at 0645 he found a Barn Owl feeding on a dead rat in the middle of the road. Other birds we saw included 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Yellowhammers, 85 Rooks, 1,165 Cormorants in about 10 flocks moving out from the Stour Valley to the sea, 20 Reed Buntings, 350 Woodpigeons, 36 Stock Doves, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Corn Buntings, 5 House Sparrows, 2 Grey Partridges, 15 Skylarks, 30 Linnets, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Tufted Duck and 4 Coot.
Birds ringed 7: Reed Bunting 3, Robin 1, Dunnock 2, House Sparrow 1.
Sunday 31 January 2016
Saturday 30 January 2016
January 30th
We began this morning with a forty minute seawatch at Minnis Bay where we counted 11 Gannets feeding offshore, 1 Great Northern Diver (115th) flying W, 55 Red-throated Divers W, 38 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 380 Cormorants, 1 Fulmar, 55 Dunlin, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Curlews and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
After this we walked at Brooksend and found 2 Kestrels, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Grey Heron, 52 Mallard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets prospecting a nest hole, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Merlin (116th), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart at the farm, 104 Greylag Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Marsh Harriers, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, 34 Coot and 1 Green Woodpecker.
We began this morning with a forty minute seawatch at Minnis Bay where we counted 11 Gannets feeding offshore, 1 Great Northern Diver (115th) flying W, 55 Red-throated Divers W, 38 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 380 Cormorants, 1 Fulmar, 55 Dunlin, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Curlews and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
After this we walked at Brooksend and found 2 Kestrels, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Grey Heron, 52 Mallard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets prospecting a nest hole, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Merlin (116th), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart at the farm, 104 Greylag Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Marsh Harriers, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, 34 Coot and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Ring-necked Parakeet |
Friday 29 January 2016
Thursday 28 January 2016
January 28th
The male Long-eared Owl was heard again calling at Bishopstone at 0330.
We spent a cold but sunny morning ringing at West Brook Valley where we saw 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail,1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Rooks, 1 Water Rail, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Kestrel.
Birds ringed 9: Chiffchaff 4, Wren 2, Robin 1, Blackbird 2
The male Long-eared Owl was heard again calling at Bishopstone at 0330.
We spent a cold but sunny morning ringing at West Brook Valley where we saw 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 1 Grey Wagtail,1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Rooks, 1 Water Rail, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Kestrel.
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| Retrapped Chiffchaff caught at the same site in February 2015 |
Birds ringed 9: Chiffchaff 4, Wren 2, Robin 1, Blackbird 2
Wednesday 27 January 2016
January 27th
On a foul morning we walked at Reculver and Shuart where there was some shelter from the drizzle and gale force SW wind. We recorded 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Mute Swans, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coot, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 250 Woodpigeons, 1 Stonechat, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shoveler, 1 Water Rail, 1 Fieldfare, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
At Minnis Bay there was little to see other than 550 Cormorants out on the sandbank with about 20 Seals.
On a foul morning we walked at Reculver and Shuart where there was some shelter from the drizzle and gale force SW wind. We recorded 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Mute Swans, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coot, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 250 Woodpigeons, 1 Stonechat, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shoveler, 1 Water Rail, 1 Fieldfare, 18 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
At Minnis Bay there was little to see other than 550 Cormorants out on the sandbank with about 20 Seals.
Tuesday 26 January 2016
Monday 25 January 2016
January 25th
On a bright and mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Kestrel, 16 Chaffinches, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Grey Herons, 787 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Mute Swans, 51 Grey Plovers, 78 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 11 Lapwings.
On a bright and mild morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Kestrel, 16 Chaffinches, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Grey Herons, 787 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Mute Swans, 51 Grey Plovers, 78 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 11 Lapwings.
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| Lapwings |
Sunday 24 January 2016
January 24th
On an overcast but much milder morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Virtually all the local Dark-bellied Brent Geese were in the same field at Coldharbour and an accurate count gave a total of 1,146 birds. Other birds seen included 6 Mute Swans, 72 Cormorants, 88 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 8 Grey Plovers, 9 Redshank, 4 Turnstone, 22 Ringed Plovers, 46 Mallard, 32 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Little Grebes.
In the evening, at 2000, Matt found a Long-eared Owl sitting in a tree beside Reculver Lane.
On an overcast but much milder morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Virtually all the local Dark-bellied Brent Geese were in the same field at Coldharbour and an accurate count gave a total of 1,146 birds. Other birds seen included 6 Mute Swans, 72 Cormorants, 88 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 8 Grey Plovers, 9 Redshank, 4 Turnstone, 22 Ringed Plovers, 46 Mallard, 32 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Little Grebes.
In the evening, at 2000, Matt found a Long-eared Owl sitting in a tree beside Reculver Lane.
Saturday 23 January 2016
January 23rd
We spent the morning on the Marsh south of Reculver and saw 186 Cormorants flying N, 15 Yellowhammers, 45 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15 Mute Swans, 54 Stock Doves, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Tree Sparrows, 3 Goldfinches, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 5 Coot, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.
We spent the morning on the Marsh south of Reculver and saw 186 Cormorants flying N, 15 Yellowhammers, 45 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15 Mute Swans, 54 Stock Doves, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Tree Sparrows, 3 Goldfinches, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 5 Coot, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.
Friday 22 January 2016
January 22nd
Matt was out early and began at Minnis Bay where he found 1 Fulmar, 38 Great Crested Grebes, 720 Cormorants, 120 Oystercatchers, 70 Dunlin, 150 Sanderling, 45 Grey Plovers, 2 Gannets, 4 Red-throated Divers, 24 Turnstone, 17 Redshank and 2 Stonechats.
Later at Bishopstone he counted 6 Grey Partridges, 30 Reed Buntings, 22 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Tree Sparrows and 50 Linnets.
We arrived at Shuart later than normal and recorded 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 400 Woodpigeons, 1 Redwing, 2 Common Buzzards, 7 Snipe, 1 female Hen Harrier (114th), 130 Golden Plovers and 105 Greylag Geese.
Matt was out early and began at Minnis Bay where he found 1 Fulmar, 38 Great Crested Grebes, 720 Cormorants, 120 Oystercatchers, 70 Dunlin, 150 Sanderling, 45 Grey Plovers, 2 Gannets, 4 Red-throated Divers, 24 Turnstone, 17 Redshank and 2 Stonechats.
Later at Bishopstone he counted 6 Grey Partridges, 30 Reed Buntings, 22 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Tree Sparrows and 50 Linnets.
We arrived at Shuart later than normal and recorded 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 400 Woodpigeons, 1 Redwing, 2 Common Buzzards, 7 Snipe, 1 female Hen Harrier (114th), 130 Golden Plovers and 105 Greylag Geese.
Thursday 21 January 2016
January 21st
The day or should I say night started with a big surprise! I awoke at 0300 and heard a male Long-eared Owl (113th) calling 15 or 20 times somewhere behind our back garden at Bishopstone. We have lived here since 1972 and this is the first record and takes our garden total to 141 species.
At a more reasonable hour we met Matt at Reculver and walked to Coldharbour in frosty and calm conditions. We saw 8 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Red-throated Divers, 588 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Mute Swans, 5 Sanderling, 1 Little Owl, 1 Grey Wagtail, 45 Golden Plovers, 4 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck, 1 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Chaffinches, 54 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 13 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Siskin.
The day or should I say night started with a big surprise! I awoke at 0300 and heard a male Long-eared Owl (113th) calling 15 or 20 times somewhere behind our back garden at Bishopstone. We have lived here since 1972 and this is the first record and takes our garden total to 141 species.
At a more reasonable hour we met Matt at Reculver and walked to Coldharbour in frosty and calm conditions. We saw 8 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Red-throated Divers, 588 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 17 Mute Swans, 5 Sanderling, 1 Little Owl, 1 Grey Wagtail, 45 Golden Plovers, 4 Grey Herons, 8 Shelduck, 1 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Chaffinches, 54 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 13 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Siskin.
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| Grey Plover |
Wednesday 20 January 2016
January 20th
We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0800 after another freezing night and counted 9 Common Scoter, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Peregrine, 89 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers and 1 Gannet.
Next we visited Brooksend where we found 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Buzzards, 1 Water Rail, 3 Wigeon (112th), 22 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 30 Coot, 20 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Grebes, 36 Mute Swans, 11 Pink-footed Geese, 105 Greylag Geese, 1 Peregrine and 34 Lapwings.
At Reculver we saw 4 Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 15 Gadwall, 4 Coot, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Common Buzzard.
This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 1,050 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Short-eared Owls, 45 Golden Plovers, 1 Snipe, 1 Stonechat and 1 Corn Bunting.
We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0800 after another freezing night and counted 9 Common Scoter, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Peregrine, 89 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers and 1 Gannet.
Next we visited Brooksend where we found 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Buzzards, 1 Water Rail, 3 Wigeon (112th), 22 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 30 Coot, 20 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Grebes, 36 Mute Swans, 11 Pink-footed Geese, 105 Greylag Geese, 1 Peregrine and 34 Lapwings.
At Reculver we saw 4 Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 15 Gadwall, 4 Coot, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Common Buzzard.
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| Pink-footed Geese |
This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 1,050 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Short-eared Owls, 45 Golden Plovers, 1 Snipe, 1 Stonechat and 1 Corn Bunting.
Tuesday 19 January 2016
January 19th
After a heavy overnight frost on the coldest night so far this winter the morning dawned bright and windless as we arrived at Reculver and walked up to Coldharbour. We recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 217 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Lapwings, 15 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 73 Oystercatchers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Grey Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Sanderling, 1 Curlew, 34 Mallard, 24 Redshank, 1 Stonechat, 4 Little Grebes, 29 Carrion Crows, 32 Linnets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Coot and 1 Chiffchaff.
After a heavy overnight frost on the coldest night so far this winter the morning dawned bright and windless as we arrived at Reculver and walked up to Coldharbour. We recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 217 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Lapwings, 15 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 73 Oystercatchers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Grey Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Sanderling, 1 Curlew, 34 Mallard, 24 Redshank, 1 Stonechat, 4 Little Grebes, 29 Carrion Crows, 32 Linnets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Coot and 1 Chiffchaff.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose |
Monday 18 January 2016
January 18th
On another bright and freezing morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Shuart and Reculver. Birds we saw included 7 Fieldfares, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Redwings, 29 Blackbirds, 61 Cormorants, 185 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Little Grebes, 24 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Shelduck, 23 Mallard, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 349 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Chaffinches, 24 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Jay, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 3 Coot and 1 Chiffchaff.
This afternoon we had a walk at Brooksend and saw 76 Lapwings, 8 Chaffinches, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Jay, 11 Pink-footed Geese (111th) feeding out on the Marsh, 18 Mute Swans, 40 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Kestrels.
On another bright and freezing morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Shuart and Reculver. Birds we saw included 7 Fieldfares, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Redwings, 29 Blackbirds, 61 Cormorants, 185 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Little Grebes, 24 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Shelduck, 23 Mallard, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 349 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Chaffinches, 24 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Jay, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 3 Coot and 1 Chiffchaff.
This afternoon we had a walk at Brooksend and saw 76 Lapwings, 8 Chaffinches, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Jay, 11 Pink-footed Geese (111th) feeding out on the Marsh, 18 Mute Swans, 40 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Kestrels.
Sunday 17 January 2016
January 17th
It was overcast and chilly this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. We saw 432 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 830 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Peregrines, one unsuccessfully chasing a Redshank that ditched in the sea, 26 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers, 11 Goldfinches, 26 Mallard, 21 Oystercatchers, 11 Reed Buntings, 2 Curlew, 7 Shelduck, 2 Little Grebes, 28 Carrion Crows, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Green Sandpipers, 11 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck and 1 Gadwall.
It was overcast and chilly this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. We saw 432 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 830 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Peregrines, one unsuccessfully chasing a Redshank that ditched in the sea, 26 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers, 11 Goldfinches, 26 Mallard, 21 Oystercatchers, 11 Reed Buntings, 2 Curlew, 7 Shelduck, 2 Little Grebes, 28 Carrion Crows, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Green Sandpipers, 11 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck and 1 Gadwall.
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| A chilly Robin |
Saturday 16 January 2016
January 16th
On a cold but bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall before visiting Reculver on the way home. We saw 30 Blackbirds, 20 Redwings, 28 Fieldfares, 12 Cormorants, 546 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Golden Plovers, 15 Mallard, 2 Bearded Tits, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 69 Oystercatchers, 21 Grey Plovers, 44 Carrion Crows, 7 Sanderling, 13 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Water Rail, 9 Tufted Duck and 7 Pochard.
On a cold but bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall before visiting Reculver on the way home. We saw 30 Blackbirds, 20 Redwings, 28 Fieldfares, 12 Cormorants, 546 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Golden Plovers, 15 Mallard, 2 Bearded Tits, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 69 Oystercatchers, 21 Grey Plovers, 44 Carrion Crows, 7 Sanderling, 13 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Water Rail, 9 Tufted Duck and 7 Pochard.
Friday 15 January 2016
January 15th
After a gale force NW wind and near freezing temperatures overnight we arrived at Reculver just as it was getting light for an hour long seawatch. In the event there wasn't a great deal to see just the usual 450 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 481 Cormorants as well as 2 Great Skuas E, 2 Red-throated Divers, 4 Gannets W and 1 Kittiwake.
After this we had a walk along West Brook Valley and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 female Bullfinch (110th), 8 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and 2 Redwings.
Half an hour at the Towers after lunch produced 13 Little Gulls W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 large auk E, 7 Red-throated Divers E and 3 Sanderling.
Today I received ringing details of the colour ringed juvenile Great Black-backed Gull I saw at Reculver on 21st December 2015. It had been ringed as a pullus at Gylteskjaer, Tvedestrand, Aust-Agder, NORWAY on 3rd July 2015. This means that it had flown 942 km SSW.
A significant proportion of Great Black-backed Gulls seen in Kent in the winter originate from Norway.
After a gale force NW wind and near freezing temperatures overnight we arrived at Reculver just as it was getting light for an hour long seawatch. In the event there wasn't a great deal to see just the usual 450 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 481 Cormorants as well as 2 Great Skuas E, 2 Red-throated Divers, 4 Gannets W and 1 Kittiwake.
After this we had a walk along West Brook Valley and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 female Bullfinch (110th), 8 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests and 2 Redwings.
Half an hour at the Towers after lunch produced 13 Little Gulls W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 large auk E, 7 Red-throated Divers E and 3 Sanderling.
Today I received ringing details of the colour ringed juvenile Great Black-backed Gull I saw at Reculver on 21st December 2015. It had been ringed as a pullus at Gylteskjaer, Tvedestrand, Aust-Agder, NORWAY on 3rd July 2015. This means that it had flown 942 km SSW.
A significant proportion of Great Black-backed Gulls seen in Kent in the winter originate from Norway.
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| Great Black-backed Gull (JZ738) |
Thursday 14 January 2016
January 14th
This morning with the tide low we completed the Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS) between Reculver and Herne Bay. Matt counted the section from Reculver to Bishopstone and saw 3 Oystercatchers, 17 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 77 Sanderling, 9 Redshank, 10 Grey Plovers, 289 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 39 Cormorants, 251 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 119 Herring Gulls, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Kittiwakes, 86 Carrion Crows, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipits, 6 House Sparrows and 1 Peregrine (109th).
This morning with the tide low we completed the Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS) between Reculver and Herne Bay. Matt counted the section from Reculver to Bishopstone and saw 3 Oystercatchers, 17 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 77 Sanderling, 9 Redshank, 10 Grey Plovers, 289 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 39 Cormorants, 251 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 119 Herring Gulls, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Kittiwakes, 86 Carrion Crows, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipits, 6 House Sparrows and 1 Peregrine (109th).
Wednesday 13 January 2016
January 13th
We had an away day today at Dungeness where it was sunny if a bit chilly. We saw some nice birds including a smart and tame first winter Caspian Gull and also found a Dartford Warbler with 2 Stonechats in the scrub behind a house called "Pluto" near the road entrance to Dungeness Estate.
We had an away day today at Dungeness where it was sunny if a bit chilly. We saw some nice birds including a smart and tame first winter Caspian Gull and also found a Dartford Warbler with 2 Stonechats in the scrub behind a house called "Pluto" near the road entrance to Dungeness Estate.
Tuesday 12 January 2016
January 12th
On a bright and breezy morning we completed our regular walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 820 Cormorants, 7 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Gannets, 1 Kittiwake, 630 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Sanderling, 9 Mute Swans, 16 Redshank, 19 Ringed Plovers, 6 Grey Plovers, 54 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, 34 Linnets, 2 Ravens on the seawall and then flying out to the Wantsum mussel bed, 22 Carrion Crows, 11 Shelduck, 22 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Lapwing, 4 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Chiffchaff.
On a bright and breezy morning we completed our regular walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 820 Cormorants, 7 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Gannets, 1 Kittiwake, 630 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Sanderling, 9 Mute Swans, 16 Redshank, 19 Ringed Plovers, 6 Grey Plovers, 54 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, 34 Linnets, 2 Ravens on the seawall and then flying out to the Wantsum mussel bed, 22 Carrion Crows, 11 Shelduck, 22 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Lapwing, 4 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Chiffchaff.
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| Ravens |
Monday 11 January 2016
January 11th
We got soaked this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 598 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 181 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Little Grebes, 11 Grey Plovers, 14 Ringed Plovers, 22 Redshank, 4 Sanderling, 81 Oystercatchers, 11 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 21 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Egret and 2 Goldfinches.
We got soaked this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 598 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 181 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Little Grebes, 11 Grey Plovers, 14 Ringed Plovers, 22 Redshank, 4 Sanderling, 81 Oystercatchers, 11 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 21 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Egret and 2 Goldfinches.
Sunday 10 January 2016
January 10th
After overnight rain it was a chilly morning as we walked along the promenade from Minnis Bay. We counted 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Curlews, 63 Oystercatchers, 33 Grey Plovers, 19 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 23 Redshank, 14 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Gannets E, 4 Ringed Plovers, 55 Dunlin, 1 Grey Wagtail and 5 Sanderling.
This afternoon we walked at Reculver and found 4 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Chiffchaffs, 13 Tufted Ducks, 6 Coot, 4 Mute Swans, 7 Pochard, 16 Gadwall, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 1 Stonechat.
During the day Dave Smith had a Mediterranean Gull (108th) fly over his garden at Bishopstone.
After overnight rain it was a chilly morning as we walked along the promenade from Minnis Bay. We counted 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Curlews, 63 Oystercatchers, 33 Grey Plovers, 19 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 23 Redshank, 14 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Gannets E, 4 Ringed Plovers, 55 Dunlin, 1 Grey Wagtail and 5 Sanderling.
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| Little Egret |
This afternoon we walked at Reculver and found 4 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Chiffchaffs, 13 Tufted Ducks, 6 Coot, 4 Mute Swans, 7 Pochard, 16 Gadwall, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 1 Stonechat.
During the day Dave Smith had a Mediterranean Gull (108th) fly over his garden at Bishopstone.
Saturday 9 January 2016
January 9th
This morning we walked round Shuart and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 27 Mute Swans, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 220 Fieldfares, 48 Redwings, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Goldfinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 105 Greylag Geese, 8 Lesser Redpolls, 28 Chaffinches, 26 Blackbirds, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 4 Coot, 8 Gadwall and 1 Chiffchaff.
This morning we walked round Shuart and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 27 Mute Swans, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 220 Fieldfares, 48 Redwings, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Goldfinches, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 105 Greylag Geese, 8 Lesser Redpolls, 28 Chaffinches, 26 Blackbirds, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 4 Coot, 8 Gadwall and 1 Chiffchaff.
Friday 8 January 2016
January 8th
On a wonderful winter's morning with the sun shining brightly we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 544 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 23 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Turnstone, 1 Raven flying E (107th), 179 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 12 Goldfinches, 18 Reed Buntings, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Grey Plover, 43 Carrion Crows, 22 Mallard, 12 Ringed Plovers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Linnets, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Little Owl, 5 Mute Swans and 6 Sanderling.
On a wonderful winter's morning with the sun shining brightly we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 544 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 23 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Turnstone, 1 Raven flying E (107th), 179 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 12 Goldfinches, 18 Reed Buntings, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Grey Plover, 43 Carrion Crows, 22 Mallard, 12 Ringed Plovers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Linnets, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Little Owl, 5 Mute Swans and 6 Sanderling.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
Thursday 7 January 2016
January 7th
With more torrential rain falling this morning we decided to have a seawatch from Minnis Bay. The weather cleared after about an hour and in two hours we managed to see 84 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Goldeneye (102nd), 5 Gannets, 158 Cormorants, 11 Common Scoters, 1 Fulmar (103rd), 20 Red-throated Divers, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (104th), 1 Great Skua 1 Shoveler (105th), 2 Kittiwakes, 1 Black-throated Diver (106th) and 5 large auks.
With more torrential rain falling this morning we decided to have a seawatch from Minnis Bay. The weather cleared after about an hour and in two hours we managed to see 84 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Goldeneye (102nd), 5 Gannets, 158 Cormorants, 11 Common Scoters, 1 Fulmar (103rd), 20 Red-throated Divers, 1 Red-breasted Merganser (104th), 1 Great Skua 1 Shoveler (105th), 2 Kittiwakes, 1 Black-throated Diver (106th) and 5 large auks.
Wednesday 6 January 2016
January 6th
At last a calm dry morning that allowed us to have our first ringing session of 2016 at Reculver. During the morning we saw or heard 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 13 Goldfinches, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Water Rails, 21 Stock Doves, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Tufted Ducks, 8 Pochard, 4 Coot, 22 Gadwall, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 45 Golden Plovers, 11 Redwings, 1 Siskin, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Kingfisher.
Birds ringed 13: Wren 2, Great Tit 2, Robin 1, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.
At last a calm dry morning that allowed us to have our first ringing session of 2016 at Reculver. During the morning we saw or heard 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 13 Goldfinches, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Water Rails, 21 Stock Doves, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Tufted Ducks, 8 Pochard, 4 Coot, 22 Gadwall, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 45 Golden Plovers, 11 Redwings, 1 Siskin, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Kingfisher.
Birds ringed 13: Wren 2, Great Tit 2, Robin 1, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.
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| Robin |
Tuesday 5 January 2016
January 5th
With frequent torrential rain falling we decided to have a seawatch at Minnis Bay where there is some shelter. In about an hour we saw 17 Red-throated Divers, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Kittiwakes (98th), 12 Gannets, 3 Guillemots, 1 Razorbill (99th), 7 Common Scoter (100th), 40 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1 Shelduck.
This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 61 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Coot, 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 35 Cormorants, 28 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 1 Common Buzzard, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Redwing, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (101st), 40 Lapwings and 1 Goldcrest.
With frequent torrential rain falling we decided to have a seawatch at Minnis Bay where there is some shelter. In about an hour we saw 17 Red-throated Divers, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Kittiwakes (98th), 12 Gannets, 3 Guillemots, 1 Razorbill (99th), 7 Common Scoter (100th), 40 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1 Shelduck.
This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 61 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Coot, 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 35 Cormorants, 28 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 1 Common Buzzard, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Redwing, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (101st), 40 Lapwings and 1 Goldcrest.
Monday 4 January 2016
January 4th
With threatening clouds passing to the south of us this morning we walked from Reculver to Coldhabour. Birds we saw included 160 Cormorants, 2 Pied Wagtails, 502 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Mute Swans, 33 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 40 Fieldfares, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Redshank, 1 Great Skua W (97th), 3 Oystercatchers, 15 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sanderling, 12 Reed Buntings, 44 Carrion Crows, 2 Ringed Plovers, 21 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Stonechats, 17 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 2 Curlew, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Gannet, 45 Linnets, 14 Goldfinches and 2 Chiffchaffs.
With threatening clouds passing to the south of us this morning we walked from Reculver to Coldhabour. Birds we saw included 160 Cormorants, 2 Pied Wagtails, 502 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Mute Swans, 33 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 40 Fieldfares, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Redshank, 1 Great Skua W (97th), 3 Oystercatchers, 15 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sanderling, 12 Reed Buntings, 44 Carrion Crows, 2 Ringed Plovers, 21 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Stonechats, 17 Mallard, 6 Shelduck, 2 Curlew, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Gannet, 45 Linnets, 14 Goldfinches and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Sunday 3 January 2016
January 3rd
With the weather deteriorating quickly this morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 580 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Great Black-backed Gulls, 8 Redshank, 27 Cormorants, 14 Mute Swans, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Stonechats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Mallard, 2 Curlew, 7 Goldfinches, 15 Linnets, 33 Carrion Crows, 14 Oystercatchers, 6 Chaffinches, 8 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Turnstone and 2 Pied Wagtails.
With the weather deteriorating quickly this morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 580 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Great Black-backed Gulls, 8 Redshank, 27 Cormorants, 14 Mute Swans, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Stonechats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Mallard, 2 Curlew, 7 Goldfinches, 15 Linnets, 33 Carrion Crows, 14 Oystercatchers, 6 Chaffinches, 8 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Turnstone and 2 Pied Wagtails.
Saturday 2 January 2016
January 2nd
This morning there was a fresh SW wind blowing as we walked around the Shuart area and saw 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 17 Goldfinches, 33 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 6 Corn Buntings, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Common Buzzards, 24 Fieldfares, 5 Redwings and 20 Blackbirds.
Later at Reculver we had a group of 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 59 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Teal and 4 Coot.
This morning there was a fresh SW wind blowing as we walked around the Shuart area and saw 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 17 Goldfinches, 33 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 6 Corn Buntings, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Common Buzzards, 24 Fieldfares, 5 Redwings and 20 Blackbirds.
Later at Reculver we had a group of 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 59 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Teal and 4 Coot.
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| Male Stonechat |
Friday 1 January 2016
January 1st - Happy New Year
As usual Matt and I set out on New Year's Day to see how many species we could find in the Reculver Marshes recording area. We began in the dark at 0700 and were rewarded by hearing 7 calling Grey Partridges and 1 Little Owl. Other birds seen and heard in the area included 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Snipe, 2 Water Rails, 4 Pochard, 62 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Brent Geese, 12 Sanderling, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
As we walked inland we recorded 1 Short-eared Owl at the Oyster Farm, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Siskins, 200 Fieldfares, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Kingfishers, 6 Yellowhammers, 3 Corn Buntings, 5 Redwings and 15 Golden Plovers.
Next we moved on to Shuart where we found 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Siskin, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Redwings, 18 Fieldfares, 2 Common Buzzards, 34 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Bearded Tits and 1 Water Rail.
We drove back home for lunch and met at Minnis Bay at 1400 where we had an excellent hour seeing 110 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 4 Red-throated Divers, 64 Turnstone, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 58 Grey Plovers, 9 Gannets E, 1 Little Egret, 15 Ringed Plovers, 53 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Little Gulls E and 1 Guillemot E.
On our way home we managed to find 15 Tree Sparrows at Bishopstone and finished the day on 88 species.
Julian and Alex Perry and Marc Heath were also out all day and saw 8 species we didn't: Lapwing, Woodcock, Barn Owl, Jay, Rock Pipit, Stonechat, Black Redstart and Greenfinch. This takes the total for the area to 96 species.
As usual Matt and I set out on New Year's Day to see how many species we could find in the Reculver Marshes recording area. We began in the dark at 0700 and were rewarded by hearing 7 calling Grey Partridges and 1 Little Owl. Other birds seen and heard in the area included 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Snipe, 2 Water Rails, 4 Pochard, 62 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Brent Geese, 12 Sanderling, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
As we walked inland we recorded 1 Short-eared Owl at the Oyster Farm, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Siskins, 200 Fieldfares, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Kingfishers, 6 Yellowhammers, 3 Corn Buntings, 5 Redwings and 15 Golden Plovers.
Next we moved on to Shuart where we found 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Siskin, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Redwings, 18 Fieldfares, 2 Common Buzzards, 34 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Bearded Tits and 1 Water Rail.
We drove back home for lunch and met at Minnis Bay at 1400 where we had an excellent hour seeing 110 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlew, 10 Redshank, 4 Red-throated Divers, 64 Turnstone, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 58 Grey Plovers, 9 Gannets E, 1 Little Egret, 15 Ringed Plovers, 53 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Little Gulls E and 1 Guillemot E.
On our way home we managed to find 15 Tree Sparrows at Bishopstone and finished the day on 88 species.
Julian and Alex Perry and Marc Heath were also out all day and saw 8 species we didn't: Lapwing, Woodcock, Barn Owl, Jay, Rock Pipit, Stonechat, Black Redstart and Greenfinch. This takes the total for the area to 96 species.
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