October 31st
It was foggy for most of our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour this morning but the fog cleared just as we started back to the car park. Viewing was obviously hampered but we did manage to see or hear 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Cormorants, 7 Tree Sparrows, 41 Chaffinches, 11 Redwings, 4 Stonechats, 10 Oystercatchers, 13 Linnets, 45 Mallard, 55 Carrion Crows, 13 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 360 Starlings, 15 Reed Buntings, 2 Gadwall, 12 Fieldfares, 12 Blackbirds, 1 Brambling and 2 Bearded Tits.
Monday, 31 October 2016
Sunday, 30 October 2016
October 30th
On another quiet morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall and recorded 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Water Rail, 22 Chaffinches, 5 Goldcrests, 370 Starlings W, 3 Fieldfares, 16 Blackbirds, 12 Redwings, 9 Skylarks, 2 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Stonechats, 29 Goldfinches, 2 Redshank, 10 Meadow Pipits, 39 Mallard, 67 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Curlew, 128 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Cormorants, 3 Turnstone and 18 Reed Buntings.
On an in coming tide at Grenham Bay this morning Terry Wilson saw 8 Little Egrets, 5 Curlews, 15 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 45 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Mute Swan on the sea, 25 Common Scoters, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, 16 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.
Derek Smith was also out this morning for three hours and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. He counted 78 Chaffinches W, 160 Lapwings W, 3 Water Rails, 90 Blackbirds, 8 Fieldfares, 36 Redwings, 35 Song Thrushes, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 750 Starlings W, 6 Pied Wagtails, 6 Redpoll W, 45 Skylarks NW, 6 Bearded Tits and 4 Stonechats.
On another quiet morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall and recorded 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Water Rail, 22 Chaffinches, 5 Goldcrests, 370 Starlings W, 3 Fieldfares, 16 Blackbirds, 12 Redwings, 9 Skylarks, 2 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Stonechats, 29 Goldfinches, 2 Redshank, 10 Meadow Pipits, 39 Mallard, 67 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Curlew, 128 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Cormorants, 3 Turnstone and 18 Reed Buntings.
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| Meadow Pipits |
On an in coming tide at Grenham Bay this morning Terry Wilson saw 8 Little Egrets, 5 Curlews, 15 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 45 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Mute Swan on the sea, 25 Common Scoters, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, 16 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.
Derek Smith was also out this morning for three hours and walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. He counted 78 Chaffinches W, 160 Lapwings W, 3 Water Rails, 90 Blackbirds, 8 Fieldfares, 36 Redwings, 35 Song Thrushes, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 750 Starlings W, 6 Pied Wagtails, 6 Redpoll W, 45 Skylarks NW, 6 Bearded Tits and 4 Stonechats.
Saturday, 29 October 2016
October 29th
On a mild, calm and overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before dropping in at Reculver Bushes on the way home. We saw a good range of species including 1 Kestrel, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 30 Redwings, 29 Cormorants, 3 Tree Sparrows, 1 Kingfisher, 11 Fieldfares, 15 Golden Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 1 Peregrine, 4 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 84 Carrion Crows 13 Mallard, 12 Oystercatchers, 38 Linnets, 4 Bearded Tits, 16 Skylarks, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Goldfinches, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redpoll W, 1 Ring Ouzel beside the Wantsum, 3 Goldcrest and 1 Shorelark, a different bird to the previous two, feeding on the path between the railway and Coldharbour.
On a mild, calm and overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before dropping in at Reculver Bushes on the way home. We saw a good range of species including 1 Kestrel, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 30 Redwings, 29 Cormorants, 3 Tree Sparrows, 1 Kingfisher, 11 Fieldfares, 15 Golden Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 1 Peregrine, 4 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 84 Carrion Crows 13 Mallard, 12 Oystercatchers, 38 Linnets, 4 Bearded Tits, 16 Skylarks, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Goldfinches, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redpoll W, 1 Ring Ouzel beside the Wantsum, 3 Goldcrest and 1 Shorelark, a different bird to the previous two, feeding on the path between the railway and Coldharbour.
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| Shorelark |
Friday, 28 October 2016
October 28th
We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Redpoll, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Green Sandpipers, 5 Siskins, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 6 Redwings, 16 Grey Partridges, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk and 8 Skylarks.
Birds ringed 27: Long-tailed Tit 11, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 3, Wren 1, Reed Bunting 1, Robin 3, Chaffinch 1, Blackcap 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 2.
We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Redpoll, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Green Sandpipers, 5 Siskins, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 6 Redwings, 16 Grey Partridges, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sparrowhawk and 8 Skylarks.
Birds ringed 27: Long-tailed Tit 11, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 3, Wren 1, Reed Bunting 1, Robin 3, Chaffinch 1, Blackcap 1, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 2.
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| Grey Partridges |
Thursday, 27 October 2016
October 27th
The fog came and went and then the sun came out during our ringing session at Shuart this morning. Whilst we were there we saw 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Herons, 75 Redwings, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Little Owl, 6 Fieldfares, 30 Blackbirds, 25 Song Thrushes, 80 Starlings, 93 Lapwings, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Siskins W, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 17 Skylarks, 1 Redpoll W and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 50: Wren 2, Robin 5 , Reed Bunting 1, Meadow Pipit 4, Blue Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Redwing 15, Song Thrush 7, Blackbird 12, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1.
The fog came and went and then the sun came out during our ringing session at Shuart this morning. Whilst we were there we saw 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Herons, 75 Redwings, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Little Owl, 6 Fieldfares, 30 Blackbirds, 25 Song Thrushes, 80 Starlings, 93 Lapwings, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Siskins W, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 17 Skylarks, 1 Redpoll W and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 50: Wren 2, Robin 5 , Reed Bunting 1, Meadow Pipit 4, Blue Tit 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Redwing 15, Song Thrush 7, Blackbird 12, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1.
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| Female Sparrowhawk |
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| Meadow Pipit |
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
October 26th
It began dull and misty but brightened up later as we spent the morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway. We saw 35 Fieldfares W, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Stonechats, 15 Redwings, 2 Grey Partridges, 8 Robins, 380 Starlings W, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Wagtail, 42 Chaffinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Goldcrests, 29 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20 Blackbirds, 5 Siskins, 20 Golden Plovers, 33 Lapwings W and 2 Yellowhammers.
Birds ringed 25: Wren 2, Goldcrest 2, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 6, Stonechat 3, Dunnock 1, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 4.
During the morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour via Plumpudding and Coldharbour. Birds he saw included 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin, 1 Snipe W, 2 Bearded Tits, 32 Skylarks NW, 11 Pied Wagtails W, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 58 Chaffinches W, 19 Siskins W, 11 Redpolls W and 17 Goldfinches W.
It began dull and misty but brightened up later as we spent the morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway. We saw 35 Fieldfares W, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Stonechats, 15 Redwings, 2 Grey Partridges, 8 Robins, 380 Starlings W, 12 Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Wagtail, 42 Chaffinches, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Goldcrests, 29 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 20 Blackbirds, 5 Siskins, 20 Golden Plovers, 33 Lapwings W and 2 Yellowhammers.
Birds ringed 25: Wren 2, Goldcrest 2, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 6, Stonechat 3, Dunnock 1, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 4.
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| Male Stonechat |
During the morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Coldharbour via Plumpudding and Coldharbour. Birds he saw included 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin, 1 Snipe W, 2 Bearded Tits, 32 Skylarks NW, 11 Pied Wagtails W, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 58 Chaffinches W, 19 Siskins W, 11 Redpolls W and 17 Goldfinches W.
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
October 25th
On another beautiful, still morning we arrived at Chamber's Wall just as the sun was rising over Sandwich and walked up to Coldharbour and along the seawall. We recorded 5 Cetti's Warblers. 19 Redwings, 24 Cormorants, 9 Tree Sparrows, 41 Chaffinches, 450 Starlings W, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Stonechats, 15 Goldfinches, 21 Skylarks, 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 1 Great White Egret flying E over Coldharbour and probably the same bird we saw recently at Brooksend, 2 Little Egrets, 71 Carrion Crows, 21 Linnets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Chiffchaff, 34 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 20 Blackbirds, 1 Brambling, 30 Golden Plovers, 46 Mallard, 11 Wigeon, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Fieldfares, 18 Meadow Pipits and 1 Water Rail.
On another beautiful, still morning we arrived at Chamber's Wall just as the sun was rising over Sandwich and walked up to Coldharbour and along the seawall. We recorded 5 Cetti's Warblers. 19 Redwings, 24 Cormorants, 9 Tree Sparrows, 41 Chaffinches, 450 Starlings W, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Stonechats, 15 Goldfinches, 21 Skylarks, 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 1 Great White Egret flying E over Coldharbour and probably the same bird we saw recently at Brooksend, 2 Little Egrets, 71 Carrion Crows, 21 Linnets, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Chiffchaff, 34 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 20 Blackbirds, 1 Brambling, 30 Golden Plovers, 46 Mallard, 11 Wigeon, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Fieldfares, 18 Meadow Pipits and 1 Water Rail.
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| Male Stonechat |
Monday, 24 October 2016
October 24th
On an overcast morning with a light easterly breeze blowing I walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 1 Black Redstart at the Towers, 10 Robins, 24 Cormorants, 1 Curlew, 20 Redshank, 95 Oystercatchers, 21 Ringed Plovers, 7 Turnstone, 1 Common Scoter E, 1 Little Grebe, 101 Carrion Crows, 21 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Linnets, 14 Meadow Pipits, 34 Lapwings, 23 Golden Plovers, 5 Wigeon, 7 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Plovers and 1 Kingfisher.
On an overcast morning with a light easterly breeze blowing I walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 1 Black Redstart at the Towers, 10 Robins, 24 Cormorants, 1 Curlew, 20 Redshank, 95 Oystercatchers, 21 Ringed Plovers, 7 Turnstone, 1 Common Scoter E, 1 Little Grebe, 101 Carrion Crows, 21 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Linnets, 14 Meadow Pipits, 34 Lapwings, 23 Golden Plovers, 5 Wigeon, 7 Goldfinches, 2 Grey Plovers and 1 Kingfisher.
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| Black Redstart |
Sunday, 23 October 2016
October 23rd
On a stunning late autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars and then around Coldharbour and along the seawall. We counted 2 Lapwings, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Goldcrest, 10 Redwings, 35 Golden Plovers, 3 Fieldfares, 12 Chaffinches, 54 Skylarks overhead, 2 Mallard, 3 Grey Herons, 6 Linnets, 20 Redshank, 31 Reed Buntings, 81 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Wigeon, 14 Cormorants, 2 Stonechats, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Chiffchaff.
On a stunning late autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars and then around Coldharbour and along the seawall. We counted 2 Lapwings, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Goldcrest, 10 Redwings, 35 Golden Plovers, 3 Fieldfares, 12 Chaffinches, 54 Skylarks overhead, 2 Mallard, 3 Grey Herons, 6 Linnets, 20 Redshank, 31 Reed Buntings, 81 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Wigeon, 14 Cormorants, 2 Stonechats, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Chiffchaff.
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| Grey Heron |
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| Male Bearded Tit |
Saturday, 22 October 2016
October 22nd
There was a chilly NW breeze blowing but the sun was shining as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning. We recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 35 Oystercatchers, 14 Redshank, 85 Mallard, 17 Wigeon, 10 Turnstone, 11 Ringed Plovers, 24 Cormorants, 84 Carrion Crows, 6 Stonechats, 2 Shorelarks, 1 Kestrel, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little Egret, 13 Skylarks, 112 Lapwings, 1,500 Starlings W, 26 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Peregrine and 1 Goldcrest.
Derek Smith and Kerry McDonnell spent the morning walking from Shuart along the railway embankment and saw 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk with a Woodpigeon, 76 Lapwings W, 4 Snipe, 43 Blackbirds, 27 Fieldfares, 24 Redwings, 55 Skylarks NW, 3 Tree Sparrows, 8 Bearded Tits by the Wantsum, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redpoll W, 1 Siskin W, 3 Greenfinches W, 62 Chaffinches W, 1 Bullfinch W and 26 Goldcrests.
They continued birding this afternoon from Shuart to Brooksend and back to Coldharbour and saw 2 Marsh Harriers, 7 Teal W, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Stonechat, 4 Swallows W, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest.
There was a chilly NW breeze blowing but the sun was shining as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning. We recorded 1 Green Woodpecker, 35 Oystercatchers, 14 Redshank, 85 Mallard, 17 Wigeon, 10 Turnstone, 11 Ringed Plovers, 24 Cormorants, 84 Carrion Crows, 6 Stonechats, 2 Shorelarks, 1 Kestrel, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little Egret, 13 Skylarks, 112 Lapwings, 1,500 Starlings W, 26 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Peregrine and 1 Goldcrest.
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| Fieldfare |
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| Shorelark |
Derek Smith and Kerry McDonnell spent the morning walking from Shuart along the railway embankment and saw 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk with a Woodpigeon, 76 Lapwings W, 4 Snipe, 43 Blackbirds, 27 Fieldfares, 24 Redwings, 55 Skylarks NW, 3 Tree Sparrows, 8 Bearded Tits by the Wantsum, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Redpoll W, 1 Siskin W, 3 Greenfinches W, 62 Chaffinches W, 1 Bullfinch W and 26 Goldcrests.
They continued birding this afternoon from Shuart to Brooksend and back to Coldharbour and saw 2 Marsh Harriers, 7 Teal W, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Stonechat, 4 Swallows W, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest.
Friday, 21 October 2016
October 21st
This morning gradually brightened up as we spent 4 hours at our ringing site at Reculver. During that time we saw 3 Kestrels, 1,997 Starlings W, 137 Chaffinches W, 513 Lapwings W, 34 Skylarks W, 61 Fieldfares W, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Grey Wagtails, 12 Redwings, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Teal, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Siskins, 5 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Jays.
Birds ringed 18: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 6, Robin 3, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 3.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 9 Goldcrests, 167 Chaffinches W, 5,800 Starlings W, 13 Mallard, 29 Redshank, 66 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 57 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 38 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Fieldfares and 1 Kingfisher.
During the day visiting birders saw the increasingly flighty Shorelarks and 1 Snow Bunting (191st).
Derek Smith was out all day and covered the area from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He counted 230 Lapwings W, 26 Golden Plovers, 3 Snipe N, 1 Short-eared Owl W, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin W, 97 Skylarks NW, 1 Swallow E, 14 Fieldfares W, 46 Redwings W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Tree Sparrows W, 48 Goldfinches W, 13 Bramblings W, 27 Siskins W, 19 Linnets W, 1 Redpoll W, 2,296 Chaffinches W, 6 Bearded Tits by the Wantsum, 1,350 Starlings W and 14 Reed Buntings W.
This morning gradually brightened up as we spent 4 hours at our ringing site at Reculver. During that time we saw 3 Kestrels, 1,997 Starlings W, 137 Chaffinches W, 513 Lapwings W, 34 Skylarks W, 61 Fieldfares W, 1 Barn Owl, 3 Grey Wagtails, 12 Redwings, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Teal, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Siskins, 5 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Jays.
Birds ringed 18: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 6, Robin 3, Dunnock 2, Blackbird 3.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 9 Goldcrests, 167 Chaffinches W, 5,800 Starlings W, 13 Mallard, 29 Redshank, 66 Carrion Crows, 1 Rock Pipit, 57 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 38 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Fieldfares and 1 Kingfisher.
During the day visiting birders saw the increasingly flighty Shorelarks and 1 Snow Bunting (191st).
Derek Smith was out all day and covered the area from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He counted 230 Lapwings W, 26 Golden Plovers, 3 Snipe N, 1 Short-eared Owl W, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin W, 97 Skylarks NW, 1 Swallow E, 14 Fieldfares W, 46 Redwings W, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Tree Sparrows W, 48 Goldfinches W, 13 Bramblings W, 27 Siskins W, 19 Linnets W, 1 Redpoll W, 2,296 Chaffinches W, 6 Bearded Tits by the Wantsum, 1,350 Starlings W and 14 Reed Buntings W.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
October 20th
We again arrived early at Reculver for a seawatch but once again there was little moving. In an hour and a half we saw 1 Fieldfare, 4 Gannets, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 4 Shelduck, 33 Wigeon W, 2 Teal W, 24 Dark-bellied Brenmt Geese, 66 Cormorants, 3 Red-throated Divers, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Pintail W and 1 Red-breasted Merganser W.
We then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall and counted 3 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 10 Tree Sparrows, 19 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Bearded Tits, 22 Mallard, 11 Redshank, 72 Carrion Crows, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Stonechats, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Rock Pipit and 6 Long-tailed Tits.
I also met Fran Partridge who had walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and saw 1 Shorelark early on and 1 Black Redstart at Plumpudding Riding Centre.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment between 0900 and 1200 and had a good westerly passage of birds. These included 5 Ringed Plovers, 12 Fieldfares, 37 Redwings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 9 Pied Wagtails, 1,860 Starlings, 59 Meadow Pipits, 2 Tree Sparrows, 13 Siskins, 2 Bramblings, 17 Goldfinches, 849 Chaffinches and 4 Reed Buntings.
This afternoon we had a brief inland walk at Reculver and saw 31 Chaffinches, 3 Redwings, 11 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Ring Ouzel.
We again arrived early at Reculver for a seawatch but once again there was little moving. In an hour and a half we saw 1 Fieldfare, 4 Gannets, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 4 Shelduck, 33 Wigeon W, 2 Teal W, 24 Dark-bellied Brenmt Geese, 66 Cormorants, 3 Red-throated Divers, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Pintail W and 1 Red-breasted Merganser W.
We then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall and counted 3 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 10 Tree Sparrows, 19 Golden Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Bearded Tits, 22 Mallard, 11 Redshank, 72 Carrion Crows, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Stonechats, 20 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Rock Pipit and 6 Long-tailed Tits.
I also met Fran Partridge who had walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and saw 1 Shorelark early on and 1 Black Redstart at Plumpudding Riding Centre.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment between 0900 and 1200 and had a good westerly passage of birds. These included 5 Ringed Plovers, 12 Fieldfares, 37 Redwings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 9 Pied Wagtails, 1,860 Starlings, 59 Meadow Pipits, 2 Tree Sparrows, 13 Siskins, 2 Bramblings, 17 Goldfinches, 849 Chaffinches and 4 Reed Buntings.
This afternoon we had a brief inland walk at Reculver and saw 31 Chaffinches, 3 Redwings, 11 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Ring Ouzel.
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
October 19th
With a brisk WNW wind blowing we arrived at the Towers early but were disappointed by the lack of movement. In 90 minutes we saw 36 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers, 35 Cormorants, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Dunlin, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Common Scoter W.
We then had a look at Reculver bushes and found 1 Redwing, 1 Firecrest, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Kingfisher and 3 Chiffchaffs.
Later at Shuart we saw 2 Grey Herons, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 13 Lapwings, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
We had another attempt at a seawatch at the Towers after lunch and it was even more slow than this morning. The only bird of note was a Shag (190th) feeding off the Towers. However after we had left Derek Smith saw 3 Great Skuas fly W and then back E as well as 1 or 2 Gannets.
After our seawatch Matt had a walk at Reculver and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Redwings, 22 Grey Partridges, 11 Red-legged Partridges, 30 Corn Buntings, 40 Skylarks and 3 Stonechats.
The 2 Shorelarks and the Lapland Bunting have been seen today between Reculver and Coldharbour.
With a brisk WNW wind blowing we arrived at the Towers early but were disappointed by the lack of movement. In 90 minutes we saw 36 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Red-throated Divers, 35 Cormorants, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Dunlin, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Common Scoter W.
We then had a look at Reculver bushes and found 1 Redwing, 1 Firecrest, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Kingfisher and 3 Chiffchaffs.
Later at Shuart we saw 2 Grey Herons, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 13 Lapwings, 6 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
We had another attempt at a seawatch at the Towers after lunch and it was even more slow than this morning. The only bird of note was a Shag (190th) feeding off the Towers. However after we had left Derek Smith saw 3 Great Skuas fly W and then back E as well as 1 or 2 Gannets.
After our seawatch Matt had a walk at Reculver and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Redwings, 22 Grey Partridges, 11 Red-legged Partridges, 30 Corn Buntings, 40 Skylarks and 3 Stonechats.
The 2 Shorelarks and the Lapland Bunting have been seen today between Reculver and Coldharbour.
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
October 18th
On an increasingly breezy morning we spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrines, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper, 550 Starlings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Stock Doves, 1 Sparrowhawk, 46 Linnets and 80 House Martins flying fast W in a tight flock.
Birds ringed 19: Wren 1, Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 9, Robin 2, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 2.
Dave Smith was out early and found the 2 Shorelarks and 1 Lapland Bunting between Reculver and Coldharbour.
I would like to make a plea to visiting birders and photographers who come to see the Shorelarks and Lapland Bunting. Please remain on the seawall to find and observe the birds. This afternoon there were at least seven birders and photographers walking up and down the beach below the seawall trying to see/flush the Shorelarks. All this does is to make the birds more flighty and spoils it for birders coming later. With a bit of patience and some field craft you can get superb views and photographs from the seawall without any disturbance to the birds.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. We saw 2 Kestrels, 18 Redwings, 15 Song Thrushes, 11 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Redshanks, 6 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 58 Mallard, 2 Rock Pipits, 15 Wigeon and 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
This morning Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay towards Reculver and counted 4 Stonechats, 25 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 25 Goldfinches, 1 Short-eared Owl, Meadow Pipits all over the place and the Shorelarks near the washed up red buoy. On the way back he saw a Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit.
Marc Heath found another Yellow-browed Warbler at Reculver this afternoon bringing the total to nine seen in the recording area this autumn.
On an increasingly breezy morning we spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Peregrines, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper, 550 Starlings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Stock Doves, 1 Sparrowhawk, 46 Linnets and 80 House Martins flying fast W in a tight flock.
Birds ringed 19: Wren 1, Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 9, Robin 2, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 2.
Dave Smith was out early and found the 2 Shorelarks and 1 Lapland Bunting between Reculver and Coldharbour.
I would like to make a plea to visiting birders and photographers who come to see the Shorelarks and Lapland Bunting. Please remain on the seawall to find and observe the birds. This afternoon there were at least seven birders and photographers walking up and down the beach below the seawall trying to see/flush the Shorelarks. All this does is to make the birds more flighty and spoils it for birders coming later. With a bit of patience and some field craft you can get superb views and photographs from the seawall without any disturbance to the birds.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. We saw 2 Kestrels, 18 Redwings, 15 Song Thrushes, 11 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Redshanks, 6 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 58 Mallard, 2 Rock Pipits, 15 Wigeon and 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
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| Turnstone |
This morning Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay towards Reculver and counted 4 Stonechats, 25 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 25 Goldfinches, 1 Short-eared Owl, Meadow Pipits all over the place and the Shorelarks near the washed up red buoy. On the way back he saw a Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit.
Marc Heath found another Yellow-browed Warbler at Reculver this afternoon bringing the total to nine seen in the recording area this autumn.
Monday, 17 October 2016
October 17th
We didn't arrive at Chamber's Wall this morning until 0930 where the sun was shining and the temperature was surprisingly mild. We walked up to Coldharbour and then along the seawall to the Oyster Farm. We had a most enjoyable morning and saw some good birds that included 2 Common Buzzards, 9 Redwings, 8 Chaffinches, 12 Tree Sparrows, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 101 Wigeon, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Reed Buntings, 2 Bearded Tits beside the Wantsum, 12 Skylarks W, 156 Carrion Crows, 3 Short-eared Owls arriving in off the sea and hunting at Coldharbour, 21 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 25 Meadow Pipits, 44 Mallard, 12 Linnets, 1 Dunlin, 2 Shorelarks on the beach between the Green Wall and Coldharbour, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Derek Smith was also out this morning between 0800 and 1130 and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He saw 1 Short-eared Owl in off the sea at Minnis Bay, 1 Green Sandpiper, 64 Lapwings W, 18 Meadow Pipits W, 12 Pied Wagtails W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 350 Starlings W, 18 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 10 Stonechats, 16 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Bramblings W, 6 Redpoll W, 48 Chaffinches W, 22 Goldfinches W, 21 Siskins W, 9 Greenfinches W, 20 Reed Buntings W and 1 Corn Bunting.
At Grenham Bay this morning Terry Wilson counted 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone and 10 Sandwich Terns E.
We didn't arrive at Chamber's Wall this morning until 0930 where the sun was shining and the temperature was surprisingly mild. We walked up to Coldharbour and then along the seawall to the Oyster Farm. We had a most enjoyable morning and saw some good birds that included 2 Common Buzzards, 9 Redwings, 8 Chaffinches, 12 Tree Sparrows, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 101 Wigeon, 10 Song Thrushes, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Reed Buntings, 2 Bearded Tits beside the Wantsum, 12 Skylarks W, 156 Carrion Crows, 3 Short-eared Owls arriving in off the sea and hunting at Coldharbour, 21 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 25 Meadow Pipits, 44 Mallard, 12 Linnets, 1 Dunlin, 2 Shorelarks on the beach between the Green Wall and Coldharbour, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Chiffchaffs.
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| Shorelark |
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| Short-eared Owl |
Derek Smith was also out this morning between 0800 and 1130 and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He saw 1 Short-eared Owl in off the sea at Minnis Bay, 1 Green Sandpiper, 64 Lapwings W, 18 Meadow Pipits W, 12 Pied Wagtails W, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 350 Starlings W, 18 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 10 Stonechats, 16 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Bramblings W, 6 Redpoll W, 48 Chaffinches W, 22 Goldfinches W, 21 Siskins W, 9 Greenfinches W, 20 Reed Buntings W and 1 Corn Bunting.
At Grenham Bay this morning Terry Wilson counted 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone and 10 Sandwich Terns E.
Sunday, 16 October 2016
October 16th
After yesterday, today was a disappointment as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour in continual showery rain. We saw 9 Pied Wagtails, 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 34 Meadow Pipits, 12 Cormorants, 1 Little Grebe, 11 Redshanks, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 110 Wigeon, 6 Ringed Plovers, 38 Mallard, 2 Teal, 75 Carrion Crows, 18 Linnets, 1 Grey Heron and half a dozen Dunnocks hopping about on the rocks and walls at the Towers and setting our pulses racing!
After yesterday, today was a disappointment as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour in continual showery rain. We saw 9 Pied Wagtails, 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 34 Meadow Pipits, 12 Cormorants, 1 Little Grebe, 11 Redshanks, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Wagtails, 110 Wigeon, 6 Ringed Plovers, 38 Mallard, 2 Teal, 75 Carrion Crows, 18 Linnets, 1 Grey Heron and half a dozen Dunnocks hopping about on the rocks and walls at the Towers and setting our pulses racing!
Saturday, 15 October 2016
October 15th
On a beautiful, sunny, autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall to Reculver. We recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 52 Golden Plover, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Redwing, 2 Brambling, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Stonechats, 21 Reed Buntings, 22 Redshank, 48 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 24 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipits, 24 Turnstone, 39 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapland Bunting, 14 Cormorants, 1 Water Rail, 1 Sanderling, 90 Linnets, 27 Lapwings, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Teal, 120 Wigeon, 12 Siskins W, 2 Tree Sparrows and 10 Robins.
Marc Heath was out early this morning and recorded 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 Shorelark flying W, 3 Sandwich Terns, 2 Velvet Scoters E (189th), 1 Yellowhammer, 11 Tree Sparrows, 1 Goldeneye W, 1 Red Kite W, 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Stonechats, 100 Sanderling, 20 Wigeon and 1 Green Sandpiper.
On their way back to Chambers Wall, Julian and Alex Perry met up with Marc Heath, and together saw 11 Tree Sparrows, 1 Peregrine and 1 Red Kite. Earlier in the morning, on arrival at Chambers Wall, Julian and Alex also had a ring-tail Hen Harrier fly over.
Dave Smith was also out this morning and covered the western half of the Marsh and saw 1 Shorelark W, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Velvet Scoter E, 1 Red Kite, 33 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling, 11 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Wheatear, 9 Corn Buntings, 6 Tree Sparrows W, 30 Redwings, 30 Song Thrushes, 1 Merlin and a trickle of Swallows and House Martins W.
Chris Sear also found this Lesser Redpoll sunning itself at Chamber's Wall.
On a beautiful, sunny, autumn morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall to Reculver. We recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 52 Golden Plover, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Redwing, 2 Brambling, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Stonechats, 21 Reed Buntings, 22 Redshank, 48 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 24 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipits, 24 Turnstone, 39 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapland Bunting, 14 Cormorants, 1 Water Rail, 1 Sanderling, 90 Linnets, 27 Lapwings, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Teal, 120 Wigeon, 12 Siskins W, 2 Tree Sparrows and 10 Robins.
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| Lapland Bunting |
Marc Heath was out early this morning and recorded 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 Shorelark flying W, 3 Sandwich Terns, 2 Velvet Scoters E (189th), 1 Yellowhammer, 11 Tree Sparrows, 1 Goldeneye W, 1 Red Kite W, 2 Common Buzzards, 6 Stonechats, 100 Sanderling, 20 Wigeon and 1 Green Sandpiper.
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| Tree Sparrow - Alex Perry |
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| Red Kite - Alex Perry |
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| Velvet Scoter - Alex Perry |
On their way back to Chambers Wall, Julian and Alex Perry met up with Marc Heath, and together saw 11 Tree Sparrows, 1 Peregrine and 1 Red Kite. Earlier in the morning, on arrival at Chambers Wall, Julian and Alex also had a ring-tail Hen Harrier fly over.
Dave Smith was also out this morning and covered the western half of the Marsh and saw 1 Shorelark W, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Velvet Scoter E, 1 Red Kite, 33 Fieldfare, 2 Brambling, 11 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Wheatear, 9 Corn Buntings, 6 Tree Sparrows W, 30 Redwings, 30 Song Thrushes, 1 Merlin and a trickle of Swallows and House Martins W.
Chris Sear also found this Lesser Redpoll sunning itself at Chamber's Wall.
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| Lesser Redpoll |
Friday, 14 October 2016
October 14th
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour and then along the seawall. We saw 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Lapwings, 5 Bramblings, 2 Chiffchaffs, 18 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Redwing, 25 Chaffinches, 15 Tree Sparrows, 22 Swallows W, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Stonechats, 38 Mallard, 23 Greylag Geese E, 2 White-fronted Geese E, 15 Song Thrushes, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Golden Plovers, 110 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Redshank, 1 Grey Partridge, 9 Linnets, 1 Rock Pipit, 21 Teal, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Wigeon, 2 Red-throated Divers, 10 Cormorants, 2 Shorelarks, 1 Pintail, 1 Curlew, 3 Sanderling and 14 Ringed Plovers.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour and then along the seawall. We saw 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Lapwings, 5 Bramblings, 2 Chiffchaffs, 18 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Redwing, 25 Chaffinches, 15 Tree Sparrows, 22 Swallows W, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Stonechats, 38 Mallard, 23 Greylag Geese E, 2 White-fronted Geese E, 15 Song Thrushes, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Golden Plovers, 110 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Redshank, 1 Grey Partridge, 9 Linnets, 1 Rock Pipit, 21 Teal, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Wigeon, 2 Red-throated Divers, 10 Cormorants, 2 Shorelarks, 1 Pintail, 1 Curlew, 3 Sanderling and 14 Ringed Plovers.
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| Goldfinch |
Thursday, 13 October 2016
October 13th
We had an enjoyable early morning walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and back via the railway embankment. We saw a good range of species including 1 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, 17 Robins, 16 Redshank, 38 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Mallard, 1 Dunlin, 8 Stonechats, 12 Cormorants, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Shorelarks on the beach between the Green Wall and Coldharbour, 4 White-fronted Geese (188th), 2 adults and 2 juveniles, flying out to sea, 4 Turnstone, 1 Kestrel, 5 Teal, 21 Linnets, 3 Bramblings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Dunnocks hopping about on the seawall, 28 Goldfinches, 52 Carrion Crows, 9 Mute Swans, 40 Ringed Plovers, 7 Skylarks, 10 Gannets E, 9 Wigeon E, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Fieldfares, 4 Tree Sparrows, 11 Golden Plovers, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Pintail, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Redwing and 1 Kingfisher.
Dave Smith was also out early and at Reculver bushes saw 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Bramblings, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This evening at Reculver, Matt found 25 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings and 40 Song Thrushes.
We had an enjoyable early morning walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and back via the railway embankment. We saw a good range of species including 1 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, 17 Robins, 16 Redshank, 38 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Mallard, 1 Dunlin, 8 Stonechats, 12 Cormorants, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Shorelarks on the beach between the Green Wall and Coldharbour, 4 White-fronted Geese (188th), 2 adults and 2 juveniles, flying out to sea, 4 Turnstone, 1 Kestrel, 5 Teal, 21 Linnets, 3 Bramblings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Dunnocks hopping about on the seawall, 28 Goldfinches, 52 Carrion Crows, 9 Mute Swans, 40 Ringed Plovers, 7 Skylarks, 10 Gannets E, 9 Wigeon E, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Curlew, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Fieldfares, 4 Tree Sparrows, 11 Golden Plovers, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Pintail, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Redwing and 1 Kingfisher.
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| Shorelark |
Dave Smith was also out early and at Reculver bushes saw 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Bramblings, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This evening at Reculver, Matt found 25 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings and 40 Song Thrushes.
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
October 12th
We spent the morning ringing out on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 13 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 14 Skylarks, 2 Kestrels, 4 Bramblings, 1 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Grey Wagtails, 25 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackbirds and 30 Meadow Pipits. We also refound the Great Grey Shrike between the railway and the Thanet Way. It is best viewable from the layby on the Thanet Way, 400 metres east of the Roman Galley.
Birds ringed 50: Wren 6, Chiffchaff 2, Blue Tit 3, Robin 6, Reed Bunting 10, Stonechat 2, Chaffinch 1, Meadow Pipit 5, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 5, Blackbird 7.
We spent the morning ringing out on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 13 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 14 Skylarks, 2 Kestrels, 4 Bramblings, 1 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Grey Wagtails, 25 Song Thrushes, 15 Blackbirds and 30 Meadow Pipits. We also refound the Great Grey Shrike between the railway and the Thanet Way. It is best viewable from the layby on the Thanet Way, 400 metres east of the Roman Galley.
Birds ringed 50: Wren 6, Chiffchaff 2, Blue Tit 3, Robin 6, Reed Bunting 10, Stonechat 2, Chaffinch 1, Meadow Pipit 5, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 5, Blackbird 7.
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| Male and female Stonechat |
Terry Wilson was out at Minnis Bay this morning and counted 80 Sanderling, 7 Grey Plovers, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Curlew, 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Stonechats, 80 Starlings and good numbers of Turnstones and Meadow Pipits.
Late this afternoon Mark Chidwick found 2 newly arrived Shorelarks (187th) on the beach just west of Coldharbour. He also saw a funnel cloud.
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| Shorelarks - Mark Chidwick |
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| Funnel cloud - Mark Chidwick |
I received information today about a ringed first year male Blackcap we mist netted at Reculver on September 24th. It had been ringed at Durlston Country Park, Dorset on September 21st and had flown 236 km ENE in three days.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
October 11th
On a mainly sunny and still morning we ringed at Shuart where we saw 2 Kestrels, 24 Redwings, 7 Bramblings, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Stonechats, 1 Water Rail, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 18 Blackcaps, 30 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 60 Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Partridge, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 23 Skylarks, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Lesser Redpoll W, 32 Siskins W, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Lapwings, 30 Meadow Pipits, 17 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 1 acredula type Willow Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Red-legged Partridges.
Birds ringed 66: Goldcrest 2, Chiffchaff 17, Wren 3, Willow Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Robin 8, Blackcap 12, Cetti's Warbler 2, Reed Bunting 7, Song Thrush 9, Redwing 2, Blackbird 2.
Dave Smith highlights this morning were 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap and good numbers of Chiffchaffs at Bishopstone and 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Bramblings at Reculver.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the embankment to Coldharbour and Plumpudding between 0730 and 1200 and counted 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe W, 28 Golden Plovers, 51 Swallows W, 12 House Martins W, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Wheatear, 70 Song Thrushes, 18 Fieldfares, 65 Redwings, 80 Blackbirds, 12 Stonechats, 47 Chiffchaffs, 28 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 46 Goldcrests, 16 Siskins W and 6 Bramblings W.
This morning at Grenham Bay Terry Wilson saw 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Plovers, 12 Ringed Plovers, 14 Turnstone, 1 Curlew and a few Swallows flying W over the sea.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 8 Stonechats, 2 Kestrels, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Song Thrushes, 7 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 14 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 3 Bearded Tits, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Gadwall, 2 Little Egrets, 38 Linnets, 2 Bramblings, 2 Swallows, 6 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 normal Willow Warbler, 20 Chaffinches and 4 Goldcrests.
On a mainly sunny and still morning we ringed at Shuart where we saw 2 Kestrels, 24 Redwings, 7 Bramblings, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Stonechats, 1 Water Rail, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 18 Blackcaps, 30 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 60 Song Thrushes, 1 Grey Partridge, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 23 Skylarks, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Lesser Redpoll W, 32 Siskins W, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Lapwings, 30 Meadow Pipits, 17 Swallows, 7 House Martins, 1 acredula type Willow Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Red-legged Partridges.
Birds ringed 66: Goldcrest 2, Chiffchaff 17, Wren 3, Willow Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Robin 8, Blackcap 12, Cetti's Warbler 2, Reed Bunting 7, Song Thrush 9, Redwing 2, Blackbird 2.
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| Acredula type Willow Warbler |
Dave Smith highlights this morning were 1 Firecrest, 1 Blackcap and good numbers of Chiffchaffs at Bishopstone and 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Bramblings at Reculver.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart along the embankment to Coldharbour and Plumpudding between 0730 and 1200 and counted 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Snipe W, 28 Golden Plovers, 51 Swallows W, 12 House Martins W, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Wheatear, 70 Song Thrushes, 18 Fieldfares, 65 Redwings, 80 Blackbirds, 12 Stonechats, 47 Chiffchaffs, 28 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 46 Goldcrests, 16 Siskins W and 6 Bramblings W.
This morning at Grenham Bay Terry Wilson saw 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Plovers, 12 Ringed Plovers, 14 Turnstone, 1 Curlew and a few Swallows flying W over the sea.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 8 Stonechats, 2 Kestrels, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Song Thrushes, 7 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 14 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 3 Bearded Tits, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Gadwall, 2 Little Egrets, 38 Linnets, 2 Bramblings, 2 Swallows, 6 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 normal Willow Warbler, 20 Chaffinches and 4 Goldcrests.
Monday, 10 October 2016
October 10th
With the sun shining brightly and a cool NE breeze blowing we spent the morning ringing at Reculver. We saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Owl, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler retrapped from 7th, 6 Redwings, 24 Song Thrushes, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Water Rails, 9 Chiffchaffs, 56 Chaffinches, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 2 Bramblings, 1 Firecrest also retrapped from 7th, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 13 Skylarks, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 1 Golden Plover.
Birds ringed 28: Wren 5, Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 6, Robin 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 3, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 1.
After we had finished ringing Matt walked west from Reculver and saw 14 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, 7 alba Wagtails, 28 Grey Partridges, 1 Peregrine, 14 Dunnocks, 1 Whinchat, 44 Skylarks, 80 House Sparrows, 1 Siskin, 23 Corn Buntings, 8 Goldcrests, 23 Song Thrushes, 1 Brambling, 1 Common Redstart, 9 Redwings, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Cetti's Warblers.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall seeing 1 Peregrine, 27 Golden Plovers, 46 Redwings, 35 Song Thrushes, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchafffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler still at the White Poplars, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 63 Goldcrests and 6 Corn Buntings.
He was also out this afternoon and walked from Netherhale to Brooksend and Shuart. The best bird he found was a Great White Egret (186th) at Brooksend, the seventh to be recorded in the area. He also counted 36 Chaffinches W, 4 Bramblings W, 9 Siskins W, 1 Peregrine, 2 Wheatears, 9 Chiffchaffs and 48 Goldfinches.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall and recorded 9 Stonechats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 9 Swallows W, 8 Redwings, 16 Song Thrushes, 6 Tree Sparrows, 5 Teal, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Goldcrests, 28 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 12 Oystercatchers, 64 Carrion Crows, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 juvenile Gannets E, 2 Wheatears, 3 Bramblings, 51 Wigeon, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Pintail, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Grey Partridges and 1 Fieldfare.
With the sun shining brightly and a cool NE breeze blowing we spent the morning ringing at Reculver. We saw 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Owl, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler retrapped from 7th, 6 Redwings, 24 Song Thrushes, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Water Rails, 9 Chiffchaffs, 56 Chaffinches, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 2 Bramblings, 1 Firecrest also retrapped from 7th, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 13 Skylarks, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 1 Golden Plover.
Birds ringed 28: Wren 5, Goldcrest 7, Chiffchaff 6, Robin 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 3, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 1.
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| Goldcrest |
After we had finished ringing Matt walked west from Reculver and saw 14 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, 7 alba Wagtails, 28 Grey Partridges, 1 Peregrine, 14 Dunnocks, 1 Whinchat, 44 Skylarks, 80 House Sparrows, 1 Siskin, 23 Corn Buntings, 8 Goldcrests, 23 Song Thrushes, 1 Brambling, 1 Common Redstart, 9 Redwings, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Cetti's Warblers.
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| Stonechat |
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall seeing 1 Peregrine, 27 Golden Plovers, 46 Redwings, 35 Song Thrushes, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchafffs, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler still at the White Poplars, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 63 Goldcrests and 6 Corn Buntings.
He was also out this afternoon and walked from Netherhale to Brooksend and Shuart. The best bird he found was a Great White Egret (186th) at Brooksend, the seventh to be recorded in the area. He also counted 36 Chaffinches W, 4 Bramblings W, 9 Siskins W, 1 Peregrine, 2 Wheatears, 9 Chiffchaffs and 48 Goldfinches.
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| Great White Egret - Derek Smith |
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall and recorded 9 Stonechats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 9 Swallows W, 8 Redwings, 16 Song Thrushes, 6 Tree Sparrows, 5 Teal, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Goldcrests, 28 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 12 Oystercatchers, 64 Carrion Crows, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 juvenile Gannets E, 2 Wheatears, 3 Bramblings, 51 Wigeon, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Pintail, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Grey Partridges and 1 Fieldfare.
Sunday, 9 October 2016
October 9th
According to the weather forecast on my phone, this morning was going to be dry and cloudy, in the event a continuous stream of heavy and torrential showers arrived from the north east. We spent the first 40 minutes sheltering in our car at Reculver car park but I then decided to brave the elements and walk up to Coldharbour getting soaked in the process. The return walk however was relatively dry. Birds seen included 154 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Common Scoter E, 33 Oystercatchers, 74 Wigeon, 38 Mallard, 12 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 7 Turnstone, 17 Ringed Plovers, 47 Meadow Pipits, 13 Cormorants, 48 Carrion Crows, 1 Brambling, very bedraggled and hopping along the seawall, 2 Teal, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Skylarks, 22 Goldfinches, 75 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Reed Buntings, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Pied Wagtails.
Derek Smith found a newly arrived Yellow-browed Warbler in a bush beside the seawall at Plumpudding and another on the railway embankment. Other birds he recorded as he spent from 0740 to 1330 walking from Shuart to Plumpudding, Coldharbour and the railway embankment included 130 Wigeon, 30 Lapwings E, 1 Woodcock flushed from the Green Wall, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Swallows W, 36 Redwings, 65 Song Thrushes, 2 Wheatears, 12 Stonechats, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 31 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 48 Goldcrests, 6 Bramblings W, 4 Siskins W, 18 Goldfinches W, 28 Corn Buntings and 1 Firecrest.
Marc Heath also found 2 Ring Ouzels near Coldharbour and Barry Wright found a Yellow-browed Warbler at Bishosptone.
According to the weather forecast on my phone, this morning was going to be dry and cloudy, in the event a continuous stream of heavy and torrential showers arrived from the north east. We spent the first 40 minutes sheltering in our car at Reculver car park but I then decided to brave the elements and walk up to Coldharbour getting soaked in the process. The return walk however was relatively dry. Birds seen included 154 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Common Scoter E, 33 Oystercatchers, 74 Wigeon, 38 Mallard, 12 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 7 Turnstone, 17 Ringed Plovers, 47 Meadow Pipits, 13 Cormorants, 48 Carrion Crows, 1 Brambling, very bedraggled and hopping along the seawall, 2 Teal, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Skylarks, 22 Goldfinches, 75 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Reed Buntings, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Pied Wagtails.
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| A wet morning at Reculver |
Derek Smith found a newly arrived Yellow-browed Warbler in a bush beside the seawall at Plumpudding and another on the railway embankment. Other birds he recorded as he spent from 0740 to 1330 walking from Shuart to Plumpudding, Coldharbour and the railway embankment included 130 Wigeon, 30 Lapwings E, 1 Woodcock flushed from the Green Wall, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Swallows W, 36 Redwings, 65 Song Thrushes, 2 Wheatears, 12 Stonechats, 5 Tree Sparrows W, 31 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 48 Goldcrests, 6 Bramblings W, 4 Siskins W, 18 Goldfinches W, 28 Corn Buntings and 1 Firecrest.
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| Yellow-browed Warbler - Derek Smith |
Marc Heath also found 2 Ring Ouzels near Coldharbour and Barry Wright found a Yellow-browed Warbler at Bishosptone.
Saturday, 8 October 2016
October 8th
The best bird of a showery morning was a Great Grey Shrike (184th) found by Dave Smith south of the railway and moving west towards the Roman Galley.
Other birds we saw on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Green Wall included 4 Kestrels, 40 Chaffinches, 8 Redwings, 27 Song Thrushes, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Robins, 132 Wigeon, 3 Stonechat, 55 Mallard, 9 Redshank, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Snipe, 4 Fieldfares, 8 Oystercatchers, 36 Linnets, 2 Wheatears, 1 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 28 Carrion Crows, 1 Water Rail, 2 Ring Ouzels and 10 Golden Plovers.
Dave Smith also counted 2 Lapland Buntings (185th) flying inland over the Oyster Farm, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Bramblings, 5 Swallows, 13 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 30 Goldcrests, 15 Redwings, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Peregrine and 20 Reed Buntings.
Marc Heath also found a Yellow-browed Warbler in Bishopstone Glen.
Derek Smith spent the whole day birding at the eastern end of the Marsh which resulted in some impressive totals. He counted 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrines, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 54 Wigeon, 23 Lapwings S, 62 Swallows E, 60 Blackbirds, 2 Ring Ouzels, 6 Stonechats, 77 Blackcaps, 36 Chiffchaffs, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 42 Goldcrests, 234 Chaffinches W, 21 Siskins W, 6 Bramblings W and 1 Yellowhammer E.
The best bird of a showery morning was a Great Grey Shrike (184th) found by Dave Smith south of the railway and moving west towards the Roman Galley.
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| Distant Great Grey Shrike |
Other birds we saw on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Green Wall included 4 Kestrels, 40 Chaffinches, 8 Redwings, 27 Song Thrushes, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Robins, 132 Wigeon, 3 Stonechat, 55 Mallard, 9 Redshank, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Snipe, 4 Fieldfares, 8 Oystercatchers, 36 Linnets, 2 Wheatears, 1 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 28 Carrion Crows, 1 Water Rail, 2 Ring Ouzels and 10 Golden Plovers.
Dave Smith also counted 2 Lapland Buntings (185th) flying inland over the Oyster Farm, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Bramblings, 5 Swallows, 13 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 30 Goldcrests, 15 Redwings, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Peregrine and 20 Reed Buntings.
Marc Heath also found a Yellow-browed Warbler in Bishopstone Glen.
Derek Smith spent the whole day birding at the eastern end of the Marsh which resulted in some impressive totals. He counted 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Peregrines, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 54 Wigeon, 23 Lapwings S, 62 Swallows E, 60 Blackbirds, 2 Ring Ouzels, 6 Stonechats, 77 Blackcaps, 36 Chiffchaffs, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 42 Goldcrests, 234 Chaffinches W, 21 Siskins W, 6 Bramblings W and 1 Yellowhammer E.
Friday, 7 October 2016
October 7th
We spent an overcast but less windy morning ringing at Reculver. Birds we saw included 2 Bramblings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Mallard, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Chiffchaffs, 13 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Siskins, 1 Water Rail, 10 Blackcaps, 18 Goldcrests, 2 Jays, 10 Robins, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Firecrest, 42 Song Thrushes, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 30 Chaffinches, 1 Little Owl, 8 Redwings and 3 Swallows.
Birds ringed 55: Firecrest 1, Chiffchaff 14, Goldcrest 9, Reed Warbler 1, Robin 9, Blackcap 5, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 12, Blackbird 1.
We spent an overcast but less windy morning ringing at Reculver. Birds we saw included 2 Bramblings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Mallard, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Chiffchaffs, 13 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Siskins, 1 Water Rail, 10 Blackcaps, 18 Goldcrests, 2 Jays, 10 Robins, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Firecrest, 42 Song Thrushes, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 30 Chaffinches, 1 Little Owl, 8 Redwings and 3 Swallows.
Birds ringed 55: Firecrest 1, Chiffchaff 14, Goldcrest 9, Reed Warbler 1, Robin 9, Blackcap 5, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 12, Blackbird 1.
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| Male Firecrest |
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. We saw 3 Stonechats, 20 Chaffinches, 3 Swallows, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cettis Warblers, 270 Golden Plovers, 8 Goldcrests, 2 Blackcaps, 43 Song Thrushes, 5 Redwings, 27 Robins, including one or two on the beach, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Partridge, 10 Redshank, 24 Common Scoter E, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Wigeon, 1 Rock Pipit, 23 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 16 Meadow Pipits, 2 Ravens, 2 Bramblings and 1 Kingfisher.
Thursday, 6 October 2016
October 6th
We managed to find a sheltered spot from the cool easterly wind at Shuart this morning for our ringing session and saw 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 47 Song Thrushes, 5 Redwings, 14 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Blackcaps, 14 Robins, 14 Greylag Geese, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 1 Short-eared Owl W, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler calling a couple of times, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Swallows, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Firecrest.
Birds ringed 27: Goldcrest 8, Chiffchaff 1, Robin 7, Blackcap 4, Song Thrush 5, Blackbird 2.
Dave Smith was also out early this morning at Bishopstone where he found 1 Firecrest, 1 Brambling, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs and 20+ Goldcrests and at Reculver Bushes where he saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 5 Redwings and lots of Song Thrushes.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and found 17 Teal, 107 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 22 Greylag Geese, 6 Stonechats, 7 Chiffchaffs, 35 Song Thrushes, 11 Goldcrests, 76 Golden Plovers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a very dull individual we saw once but were unable to find again, 1 Kestrel, 3 Redwings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Robins, 81 Wigeon, 52 Mallard, 11 Redshank, 2 Swallows, 2 Shelduck, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Razorbill, 2 Turnstone, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Peregrine and 1 Common Redstart.
Derek Smith was out all day and covered the whole eastern half of the Marsh. His totals for birds seen were 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 adult female Peregrine, 6 Common Buzzards, 120 Golden Plovers, 350 Starlings W, 4 Stonechats, 140 Song Thrushes, 36 Redwings, 48 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers and 100+ Goldcrests.
We managed to find a sheltered spot from the cool easterly wind at Shuart this morning for our ringing session and saw 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 47 Song Thrushes, 5 Redwings, 14 Goldcrests, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Blackcaps, 14 Robins, 14 Greylag Geese, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 1 Short-eared Owl W, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler calling a couple of times, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Swallows, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Firecrest.
Birds ringed 27: Goldcrest 8, Chiffchaff 1, Robin 7, Blackcap 4, Song Thrush 5, Blackbird 2.
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| Robin |
Dave Smith was also out early this morning at Bishopstone where he found 1 Firecrest, 1 Brambling, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs and 20+ Goldcrests and at Reculver Bushes where he saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 5 Redwings and lots of Song Thrushes.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and found 17 Teal, 107 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 22 Greylag Geese, 6 Stonechats, 7 Chiffchaffs, 35 Song Thrushes, 11 Goldcrests, 76 Golden Plovers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a very dull individual we saw once but were unable to find again, 1 Kestrel, 3 Redwings, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Robins, 81 Wigeon, 52 Mallard, 11 Redshank, 2 Swallows, 2 Shelduck, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Razorbill, 2 Turnstone, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Peregrine and 1 Common Redstart.
Derek Smith was out all day and covered the whole eastern half of the Marsh. His totals for birds seen were 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 adult female Peregrine, 6 Common Buzzards, 120 Golden Plovers, 350 Starlings W, 4 Stonechats, 140 Song Thrushes, 36 Redwings, 48 Chiffchaffs, 16 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers and 100+ Goldcrests.
Wednesday, 5 October 2016
October 5th
It was a sunny morning but there was a brisk easterly wind blowing as we birded Reculver and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and railway embankment. We counted 21 Goldcrests, 12 Chiffchaffs, 26 Robins, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Snipe, 61 Song Thrushes, 11 Stonechats, 26 Corn Buntings, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Redwing, 113 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 3 Golden Plovers, 71 Mallard, 35 Oystercatchers, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Pintail, 1 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 16 Meadow Pipits, 17 Goldfinches, 1 Little Egret, 1 Ring Ouzel and 1 Jack Snipe (182nd).
In addition Dave Smith found a Yellow-browed Warbler at Reculver bushes and Julian Perry found another one this afternoon at Bishopstone Glen.
We had a seawatch at the Towers for a couple of hours this afternoon and saw some good birds. These included 226 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 32 Common Scoter, 21 Sandwich Terns, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 large auk E, 3 Great Skuas E, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull (183rd) sitting on the sea off the Towers for half an hour before flying E with 2 Little Gulls, 154 Wigeon W, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Arctic Terns E, 3 Little Gulls E, 4 Teal, 8 Pintail W, 1 adult pale phase Pomarine Skua and 1 Arctic Skua.
It was a sunny morning but there was a brisk easterly wind blowing as we birded Reculver and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and railway embankment. We counted 21 Goldcrests, 12 Chiffchaffs, 26 Robins, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Snipe, 61 Song Thrushes, 11 Stonechats, 26 Corn Buntings, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Kestrels, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Redwing, 113 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 3 Golden Plovers, 71 Mallard, 35 Oystercatchers, 31 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Pintail, 1 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 16 Meadow Pipits, 17 Goldfinches, 1 Little Egret, 1 Ring Ouzel and 1 Jack Snipe (182nd).
In addition Dave Smith found a Yellow-browed Warbler at Reculver bushes and Julian Perry found another one this afternoon at Bishopstone Glen.
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| Stonechat |
We had a seawatch at the Towers for a couple of hours this afternoon and saw some good birds. These included 226 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 32 Common Scoter, 21 Sandwich Terns, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 large auk E, 3 Great Skuas E, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull (183rd) sitting on the sea off the Towers for half an hour before flying E with 2 Little Gulls, 154 Wigeon W, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Arctic Terns E, 3 Little Gulls E, 4 Teal, 8 Pintail W, 1 adult pale phase Pomarine Skua and 1 Arctic Skua.
Tuesday, 4 October 2016
October 4th
With an increasing E wind blowing we had a ringing session at Reculver where there had been an overnight arrival of Song Thrushes. Birds we saw during the morning incuded 2 Grey Wagtails 1 Brambling, 60 Song Thrushes, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Lapwings, 60 Linnets, 7 Golden Plovers, 1 Water Rail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 18 Skylarks, 2 Siskins, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Merlin, Mallard, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 23 Goldfinches and 8 Red-legged Partridges.
Birds ringed 23: Chiffchaff 3, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 4, Robin 3, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 9, Blackbird 2.
With an increasing E wind blowing we had a ringing session at Reculver where there had been an overnight arrival of Song Thrushes. Birds we saw during the morning incuded 2 Grey Wagtails 1 Brambling, 60 Song Thrushes, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Lapwings, 60 Linnets, 7 Golden Plovers, 1 Water Rail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 18 Skylarks, 2 Siskins, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 female Merlin, Mallard, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 23 Goldfinches and 8 Red-legged Partridges.
Birds ringed 23: Chiffchaff 3, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 4, Robin 3, Great Tit 1, Song Thrush 9, Blackbird 2.
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| "Continental" Song Thrush |
This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 35 Song Thrushes, 6 Redwings, 1 Brambling, 32 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 60 Mallard, 33 Dark-belled Brent Geese, 11 Sandwich Terns, 2 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, 6 Grey Plovers, 10 Teal, 1 Little Tern, 8 Common Terns, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 1 pale phase adult Pomarine Skua (181st).
Later at Reculver we saw 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Greylag Geese E, 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Teal W, 1 Gannet, 1 Little Egret, 42 Common Scoter sitting on the sea, 4 Pintail E, 15 Song Thrushes, 10 Robin and 4 Chiffchaff.
There were still many Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers in places sheltered from the easterly wind.
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| Migrant Hawker |
Monday, 3 October 2016
October 3rd
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Redwings, 2 Brambling, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrels, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 15 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Grey Herons, 6 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Swallows, 2 Snipe, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Stonechats, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Golden Plover, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Jays, 18 Reed Buntings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Mallard, 15 Skylarks and 1 male Bullfinch.
Birds ringed 42: Chiffchaff 4, Wren 1, Blackcap 12, Robin 1, Whitethroat 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Goldfinch 2, Great Tit 2, Reed Bunting 14, Greenfinch 1, Dunnock 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 1.
Dave Smith was also out early this morning at Reculver and had 1 Redwing, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 8 Chiffchaffs and 120 Golden Plovers.
On a warm afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and found 1 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 4 Rock Pipits, 7 Pintail SW, 45 Goldfinches, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper on the breakwaters at Coldharbour with 2 Turnstone, 1 Peregrine, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 4 Bramblings.
We also found 2 shrews both unfortunately dead on the track between the railway and Coldharbour. The first a Common Shrew had two ticks attached both full of blood and the other was a Water Shrew. I've seen Water Shrews in this area on a number of occasions recently which suggest there's probably a good population.
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Redwings, 2 Brambling, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrels, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 15 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Grey Herons, 6 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Swallows, 2 Snipe, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Stonechats, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Golden Plover, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Jays, 18 Reed Buntings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Mallard, 15 Skylarks and 1 male Bullfinch.
Birds ringed 42: Chiffchaff 4, Wren 1, Blackcap 12, Robin 1, Whitethroat 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Goldfinch 2, Great Tit 2, Reed Bunting 14, Greenfinch 1, Dunnock 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 1.
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| Adult Redwing |
Dave Smith was also out early this morning at Reculver and had 1 Redwing, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 8 Chiffchaffs and 120 Golden Plovers.
On a warm afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and found 1 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 4 Rock Pipits, 7 Pintail SW, 45 Goldfinches, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Purple Sandpiper on the breakwaters at Coldharbour with 2 Turnstone, 1 Peregrine, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 4 Bramblings.
We also found 2 shrews both unfortunately dead on the track between the railway and Coldharbour. The first a Common Shrew had two ticks attached both full of blood and the other was a Water Shrew. I've seen Water Shrews in this area on a number of occasions recently which suggest there's probably a good population.
Sunday, 2 October 2016
October 2nd
We arrived at Reculver Towers at 0630 for a seawatch and were joined by Derek Smith and Dave Smith. During three and a half hours there was a steady trickle of birds mainly flying W. We counted 1 Manx Shearwater that later flew back E, 2 summer plumaged Red-throated Divers, 17 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 17 Cormorants, 208 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Gannets, 14 Sandwich Terns E, 65 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Sooty Shearwater (180th) and 1 large auk.
Later Matt found a Ring Ouzel inland from Reculver.
We arrived at Reculver Towers at 0630 for a seawatch and were joined by Derek Smith and Dave Smith. During three and a half hours there was a steady trickle of birds mainly flying W. We counted 1 Manx Shearwater that later flew back E, 2 summer plumaged Red-throated Divers, 17 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 17 Cormorants, 208 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Gannets, 14 Sandwich Terns E, 65 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Sooty Shearwater (180th) and 1 large auk.
Later Matt found a Ring Ouzel inland from Reculver.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
Saturday, 1 October 2016
October 1st
After heavy overnight rain, this morning was bright and calm but with the threat of more rain later. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 46 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 11 Chiffchaffs, 67 Linnets, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 66 Wigeon S, 41 Reed Buntings, 2 Whinchats, 2 Grey Herons, 102 Mallard, 9 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 19 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 15 Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck, 2 Swallows W, 38 House Sparrows at Coldharbour and 8 Skylarks.
Derek Smith was also out this morning walking from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He saw 7 Cetti's Warblers, 80+ Chiffchaffs, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Green Sandpipers, 56 Wigeon S, 3 Reed Warblers and 22 Blackcaps.
After heavy overnight rain, this morning was bright and calm but with the threat of more rain later. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 46 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 11 Chiffchaffs, 67 Linnets, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 66 Wigeon S, 41 Reed Buntings, 2 Whinchats, 2 Grey Herons, 102 Mallard, 9 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 19 Oystercatchers, 5 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 15 Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck, 2 Swallows W, 38 House Sparrows at Coldharbour and 8 Skylarks.
Derek Smith was also out this morning walking from Shuart and along the railway embankment. He saw 7 Cetti's Warblers, 80+ Chiffchaffs, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Green Sandpipers, 56 Wigeon S, 3 Reed Warblers and 22 Blackcaps.
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