December 30th
On yet another foggy morning we struggled to see or hear much as we walked inland from Reculver, just 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Mute Swans, 10 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 15 Reed Buntings, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 4 Snipe and 1 Green Sandpiper.
Friday, 30 December 2016
Thursday, 29 December 2016
December 29th
On a sunny and frosty morning we parked one car at Shuart and drove the other to Chamber's Wall and then walked back to Shuart along the seawall. The cold weather seemed to have moved one or two birds towards the coast and we saw a good range of species including 5 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 5 Yellowhammers, 41 Fieldfares, 54 Redwings, 76 Mallard, 45 Corn Buntings, 37 Chaffinches, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Mute Swans, 276 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 53 Golden Plovers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Peregrine, 3 Common Buzzards, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 30 Stock Doves, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Carrion Crows, 96 Oystercatchers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Curlew, 2 Grey Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 2 Turnstone, 6 Sanderling, 4 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Goldcrest.
This afternoon we walked along the promenade at Minnis Bay in bright sunshine and immediately saw an immature Long-tailed Duck flying W. Other birds we counted were 29 Sanderling, including one of which showed an array of colour rings whose origin I hope to discover, 21 Ringed Plovers, 323 Oystercatchers returning from their roost, 23 Turnstone, 125 Dunlin, 9 Grey Plover, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Redshank, 1 Little Egret and 1 Pied Wagtail.
On a sunny and frosty morning we parked one car at Shuart and drove the other to Chamber's Wall and then walked back to Shuart along the seawall. The cold weather seemed to have moved one or two birds towards the coast and we saw a good range of species including 5 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 5 Yellowhammers, 41 Fieldfares, 54 Redwings, 76 Mallard, 45 Corn Buntings, 37 Chaffinches, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Mute Swans, 276 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 53 Golden Plovers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Peregrine, 3 Common Buzzards, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 30 Stock Doves, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Carrion Crows, 96 Oystercatchers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Curlew, 2 Grey Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 2 Turnstone, 6 Sanderling, 4 Redshank, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Goldcrest.
This afternoon we walked along the promenade at Minnis Bay in bright sunshine and immediately saw an immature Long-tailed Duck flying W. Other birds we counted were 29 Sanderling, including one of which showed an array of colour rings whose origin I hope to discover, 21 Ringed Plovers, 323 Oystercatchers returning from their roost, 23 Turnstone, 125 Dunlin, 9 Grey Plover, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Redshank, 1 Little Egret and 1 Pied Wagtail.
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| Pied Wagtail |
Wednesday, 28 December 2016
December 28th
After the thick fog and frost of this morning cleared we didn't visit Chamber's Wall until after lunch. We walked around Coldharbour and saw 92 Cormorants, 16 Blackbirds, 35 Redwings, 15 Fieldfares, 39 Corn Buntings, 3 Short-eared Owls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 46 Skylarks, 160 Carrion Crows, 46 Chaffinches, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 86 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Pochard, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Tree Sparrows and 20 Reed Buntings. Marc Heath also had 3 Lapland Buntings at the Oyster Farm.
After the thick fog and frost of this morning cleared we didn't visit Chamber's Wall until after lunch. We walked around Coldharbour and saw 92 Cormorants, 16 Blackbirds, 35 Redwings, 15 Fieldfares, 39 Corn Buntings, 3 Short-eared Owls, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 46 Skylarks, 160 Carrion Crows, 46 Chaffinches, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 86 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Pochard, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Tree Sparrows and 20 Reed Buntings. Marc Heath also had 3 Lapland Buntings at the Oyster Farm.
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| Corn Bunting |
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| Winter plumaged Starling |
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
December 27th
On a stunning winter's morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall and recorded 64 Redwings, 13 Fieldfares, 29 Corn Buntings, 12 Tree Sparrow, 3 Mute Swans, 15 Skylark, 4 Teal, 30 Chaffinches, 160 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Heron, 26 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 4 Red-throated Divers, 304 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sanderling, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Grey Wagtail.
On a stunning winter's morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall and recorded 64 Redwings, 13 Fieldfares, 29 Corn Buntings, 12 Tree Sparrow, 3 Mute Swans, 15 Skylark, 4 Teal, 30 Chaffinches, 160 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Heron, 26 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 4 Red-throated Divers, 304 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sanderling, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Monday, 26 December 2016
December 26th
With the sun shining and a fresh WNW wind blowing I thought I would start the morning with a seawatch at Reculver. In the event it was quite disappointing with 70 minutes of watching producing 272 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 915 Cormorants, 41 Red-throated Divers E, 8 Gannets, 20 Common Scoter, 1 Guillemot E and 22 Golden Plovers W.
After this we had a short walk inland from Reculver and saw 150 Woodpigeons, 8 Corn Buntings, 25 Mute Swans, 1 Snipe and 1 Water Rail.
With the sun shining and a fresh WNW wind blowing I thought I would start the morning with a seawatch at Reculver. In the event it was quite disappointing with 70 minutes of watching producing 272 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 915 Cormorants, 41 Red-throated Divers E, 8 Gannets, 20 Common Scoter, 1 Guillemot E and 22 Golden Plovers W.
After this we had a short walk inland from Reculver and saw 150 Woodpigeons, 8 Corn Buntings, 25 Mute Swans, 1 Snipe and 1 Water Rail.
Sunday, 25 December 2016
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
December 25th
We had an early Christmas morning walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour in mild but blustery conditions and recorded 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Mute Swans, 76 Redwings, 28 Fieldfares, 3 Tree Sparrows, 1 Grey Heron, 60 Skylarks, 118 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 70 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Curlew, 7 Redshank, 110 Carrion Crows, 5 Gannets W, 2 Oystercatchers, 64 Cormorants, 7 Lapland Buntings, 2 Peregrines and 20 Chaffinches.
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| Curlews in Coldharbour |
Saturday, 24 December 2016
December 24th
With limited time on a chilly morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 150 Cormorants, 236 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Owl, 3 Ringed Plovers, 54 Redwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Gannets W, 80 Carrion Crows, 1 Eider, 8 Mute Swans, 32 Common Scoter, 1 Guillemot W and 1 Grey Plover.
We had walked up to the Green Wall with Marc Heath and when we turned back he carried on and added 3 Red-throated Divers, 4 Shelduck, 2 Razorbills, 2 Lapland Buntings, 40 Skylarks, 40 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 30 Redwings, 5 Tree Sparrows, 1 Water Rail, 2 Stonechats and 1 Chiffchaff.
With limited time on a chilly morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 150 Cormorants, 236 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Owl, 3 Ringed Plovers, 54 Redwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Gannets W, 80 Carrion Crows, 1 Eider, 8 Mute Swans, 32 Common Scoter, 1 Guillemot W and 1 Grey Plover.
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| Grey Plover |
We had walked up to the Green Wall with Marc Heath and when we turned back he carried on and added 3 Red-throated Divers, 4 Shelduck, 2 Razorbills, 2 Lapland Buntings, 40 Skylarks, 40 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 30 Redwings, 5 Tree Sparrows, 1 Water Rail, 2 Stonechats and 1 Chiffchaff.
Friday, 23 December 2016
December 23rd
There was a SW breeze blowing this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. The best bird of the morning was a fine male Velvet Scoter sitting on the sea off the Towers before drifting out towards the red buoy. Other birds we saw included 36 Common Scoters, 3 Grey Plovers,107 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 12 Ringed Plovers, 5 Corn Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80 Carrion Crows, 74 Mallard, 20 Mute Swans, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 3 Eider W and 1 Common Buzzard.
There was a SW breeze blowing this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. The best bird of the morning was a fine male Velvet Scoter sitting on the sea off the Towers before drifting out towards the red buoy. Other birds we saw included 36 Common Scoters, 3 Grey Plovers,107 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 12 Ringed Plovers, 5 Corn Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80 Carrion Crows, 74 Mallard, 20 Mute Swans, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Redshank, 3 Eider W and 1 Common Buzzard.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
December 22nd
Although fog threatened early on this morning it turned out to be sunny and still.
We started at Reculver Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 15 Red-throated Divers, 65 Common Scoter, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Rock Pipit, 700 Cormorants, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Stonechats, 140 Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 57 Corn Buntings, 7 Tree Sparrows, 25 Chaffinches, 42 Fieldfares, 2 Gadwall, 40 Reed Buntings, 2 Linnets, 17 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 41 Skylarks, 87 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Eider, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Goldfinches, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel and 1 Black Redstart at the Towers.
Although fog threatened early on this morning it turned out to be sunny and still.
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| View from Coldharbour |
We started at Reculver Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 15 Red-throated Divers, 65 Common Scoter, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Rock Pipit, 700 Cormorants, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Stonechats, 140 Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 57 Corn Buntings, 7 Tree Sparrows, 25 Chaffinches, 42 Fieldfares, 2 Gadwall, 40 Reed Buntings, 2 Linnets, 17 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 41 Skylarks, 87 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Eider, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Goldfinches, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel and 1 Black Redstart at the Towers.
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
December 21st
We began at Reculver Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour on a breezy morning and saw 61 Common Scoter, 357 Cormorants, 39 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 large auk E, 1 Sparrowhawk, 42 Redwings, 40 Fieldfares, 29 Corn Buntings, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 22 Skylarks, 280 Carrion Crows, 46 Chaffinches, 83 Mallard, 2 Curlew, 3 Shelduck, 1 second winter Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.
We began at Reculver Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour on a breezy morning and saw 61 Common Scoter, 357 Cormorants, 39 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 large auk E, 1 Sparrowhawk, 42 Redwings, 40 Fieldfares, 29 Corn Buntings, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 22 Skylarks, 280 Carrion Crows, 46 Chaffinches, 83 Mallard, 2 Curlew, 3 Shelduck, 1 second winter Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.
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| Second winter Yellow-legged Gull |
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
December 20th
On a slightly brighter morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 140 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 184 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Redshank, 17 Oystercatchers, 20 Mute Swans, 5 Corn Buntings, 2 Shelduck, 160 Carrion Crows, 62 Mallard, 2 Curlews, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 29 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin and 4 Wigeon.
The Cattle Egret was still at Marshside in the field opposite the Pink Barn.
On a slightly brighter morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 140 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 184 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Redshank, 17 Oystercatchers, 20 Mute Swans, 5 Corn Buntings, 2 Shelduck, 160 Carrion Crows, 62 Mallard, 2 Curlews, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 29 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin and 4 Wigeon.
The Cattle Egret was still at Marshside in the field opposite the Pink Barn.
Monday, 19 December 2016
December 19th
On another murky morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour recording 36 Chaffinches, 129 Redwings, 32 Fieldfares, 10 Grey Partridges, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 73 Mallard, 150 Carrion Crows, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 7 Redshank, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 2 Ringed Plovers, 55 Corn Buntings, 15 Blackbirds. 1 male Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwings, 1 Gadwall and 1 Jay.
On our way home we dropped in at Marshside and found the Cattle Egret in the winter wheat field behind the brick pump house along Chitty Lane.
Vic and Sue Parker saw 3 Short-eared Owls at the Oyster Farm today.
On another murky morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour recording 36 Chaffinches, 129 Redwings, 32 Fieldfares, 10 Grey Partridges, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 73 Mallard, 150 Carrion Crows, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 7 Redshank, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 2 Ringed Plovers, 55 Corn Buntings, 15 Blackbirds. 1 male Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwings, 1 Gadwall and 1 Jay.
On our way home we dropped in at Marshside and found the Cattle Egret in the winter wheat field behind the brick pump house along Chitty Lane.
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| Cattle Egret |
Vic and Sue Parker saw 3 Short-eared Owls at the Oyster Farm today.
Sunday, 18 December 2016
December 18th
The threatened fog did not materialise this morning so we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. With the tide a long way out we counted 222 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Grey Plovers, 5 Stonechats, 1 Chiffchaff at the Towers, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 10 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 67 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 110 Carrion Crows, 2 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 21 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Jay.
The threatened fog did not materialise this morning so we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. With the tide a long way out we counted 222 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Grey Plovers, 5 Stonechats, 1 Chiffchaff at the Towers, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 10 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 67 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 110 Carrion Crows, 2 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 21 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Jay.
Saturday, 17 December 2016
December 17th
With fog coming and going this morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall. We saw 4 Stonechats, 7 Fieldfares, 51 Redwings, 610 Cormorants flying out to sea, 46 Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, 21 Mute Swans, 38 Corn Buntings, 45 Skylarks, 101 Mallard, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 female Sparrowhawk carrying a Fieldfare it had just caught, 23 Reed Buntings, 124 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 210 Carrion Crows, 16 Oystercatchers, 2 Shelduck, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Lapland Bunting flying over and calling, 6 Linnets and 4 Tree Sparrows.
With fog coming and going this morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall. We saw 4 Stonechats, 7 Fieldfares, 51 Redwings, 610 Cormorants flying out to sea, 46 Chaffinches, 12 Goldfinches, 21 Mute Swans, 38 Corn Buntings, 45 Skylarks, 101 Mallard, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 female Sparrowhawk carrying a Fieldfare it had just caught, 23 Reed Buntings, 124 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 210 Carrion Crows, 16 Oystercatchers, 2 Shelduck, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Lapland Bunting flying over and calling, 6 Linnets and 4 Tree Sparrows.
Friday, 16 December 2016
December 16th
It was quiet and overcast as we spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 8 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Golden Plovers, 50 Redwings, 60 Blackbirds, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Raven flying W, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Partridge, 80 Fieldfares and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Birds ringed 35: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 2, Greenfinch 1, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 27.
This afternoon we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 115 Cormorants, 61 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black Redstart at the car park and Towers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Redshank, 43 Ringed Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Stonechats, 33 Golden Plovers, 1 Short-eared Owl, 70 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 4 Shelduck, 4 Grey Partridges, 1 Chiffchaff and 200 Carrion Crows.
It was quiet and overcast as we spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 8 Greylag Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Golden Plovers, 50 Redwings, 60 Blackbirds, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Raven flying W, 2 Kestrels, 1 Grey Partridge, 80 Fieldfares and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Birds ringed 35: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 1, Dunnock 2, Greenfinch 1, Redwing 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 27.
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| Male Reed Bunting |
This afternoon we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 115 Cormorants, 61 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black Redstart at the car park and Towers, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Redshank, 43 Ringed Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Stonechats, 33 Golden Plovers, 1 Short-eared Owl, 70 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 4 Shelduck, 4 Grey Partridges, 1 Chiffchaff and 200 Carrion Crows.
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
December 14th
We spent a beautiful winter's morning ringing near Chamber's Wall where we saw 98 Fieldfares, 2 Kestrels, 40 Corn Buntings, 7 Tree Sparrows, 55 Redwings, 6 Lapwings S, 2 Yellowhammers, 35 Cormorants S, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 65 Carrion Crows, 18 Chaffinches and 80 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Birds ringed 22: Wren 1, Blue Tit 2, Reed Bunting 6, Dunnock 4, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 7.
On a wonderful sunny and relatively mild winter afternoon we walked at Minnis Bay and counted 250 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 135 Dunlin, 79 Grey Plovers, 2 Mallard, 4 Red-throated Divers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 179 Oystercatchers, 82 Sanderling, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 49 Turnstone, 26 Redshank and 1 Curlew.
On the way home we visited Marshside just as dusk was drawing in and found the Cattle Egret in its usual field.
We spent a beautiful winter's morning ringing near Chamber's Wall where we saw 98 Fieldfares, 2 Kestrels, 40 Corn Buntings, 7 Tree Sparrows, 55 Redwings, 6 Lapwings S, 2 Yellowhammers, 35 Cormorants S, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 65 Carrion Crows, 18 Chaffinches and 80 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Birds ringed 22: Wren 1, Blue Tit 2, Reed Bunting 6, Dunnock 4, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 7.
On a wonderful sunny and relatively mild winter afternoon we walked at Minnis Bay and counted 250 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 135 Dunlin, 79 Grey Plovers, 2 Mallard, 4 Red-throated Divers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 179 Oystercatchers, 82 Sanderling, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 49 Turnstone, 26 Redshank and 1 Curlew.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose |
On the way home we visited Marshside just as dusk was drawing in and found the Cattle Egret in its usual field.
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
December 13th
This morning we began birding at a misty Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall back to Reculver where we arrived just as the drizzle got heavier. Birds we saw included 93 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 830 Cormorants, 5 Shelduck W, 16 Red-throated Divers, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Stonechats, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Fieldfares, 28 Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 42 Corn Buntings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 60 Reed Buntings, 6 Lapland Buntings, 32 Skylarks, 60 Chaffinches, 51 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Redshank, 100 Carrion Crows, 110 Mallard, 2 Oystercatchers, 34 Common Scoter E, 1 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher.
This morning we began birding at a misty Towers and then walked from Chamber's Wall back to Reculver where we arrived just as the drizzle got heavier. Birds we saw included 93 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 830 Cormorants, 5 Shelduck W, 16 Red-throated Divers, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Stonechats, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Fieldfares, 28 Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 42 Corn Buntings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 60 Reed Buntings, 6 Lapland Buntings, 32 Skylarks, 60 Chaffinches, 51 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Redshank, 100 Carrion Crows, 110 Mallard, 2 Oystercatchers, 34 Common Scoter E, 1 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher.
Monday, 12 December 2016
December 12th
We arrived at Reculver at 0800 in bright sunshine but could see a front moving in from the west and finished our walk in cloudy conditions.
Birds we saw included 233 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Common Scoter, 534 Cormorants flying out to sea from the Stour Valley, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 27 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 40 Corn Buntings, 32 Linnets, 110 Carrion Crows, 62 Mallard, 1 first winter Yellow-legged Gull W, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 40 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 3 Goldfinches and 1 Green Woodpecker.
We arrived at Reculver at 0800 in bright sunshine but could see a front moving in from the west and finished our walk in cloudy conditions.
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| Approaching front |
Birds we saw included 233 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Common Scoter, 534 Cormorants flying out to sea from the Stour Valley, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 27 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 40 Corn Buntings, 32 Linnets, 110 Carrion Crows, 62 Mallard, 1 first winter Yellow-legged Gull W, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 40 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 3 Goldfinches and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Common Scoter |
Sunday, 11 December 2016
December 11th
After overnight rain the morning dawned bright and sunny as we birded the western half of the Marsh. We saw 1 Kestrel, 43 Chaffinches, 448 Cormorants, 9 Mute Swans, 36 Redwings, 54 Fieldfares, 27 Corn Buntings, 22 Reed Buntings, 56 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Skylarks, 5 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 1 Little Grebe, 115 Carrion Crow, 32 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Golden Plover.
After overnight rain the morning dawned bright and sunny as we birded the western half of the Marsh. We saw 1 Kestrel, 43 Chaffinches, 448 Cormorants, 9 Mute Swans, 36 Redwings, 54 Fieldfares, 27 Corn Buntings, 22 Reed Buntings, 56 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Skylarks, 5 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 1 Little Grebe, 115 Carrion Crow, 32 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Golden Plover.
Saturday, 10 December 2016
December 10th
It was very overcast and a bit drizzly this morning as we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Plumpudding and counted 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 52 Lapwings, 2 Common Buzzards, 19 Blackbirds, 31 Mute Swans, 45 House Sparrows at the Riding Centre, 3 Pied Wagtails, 37 Oystercatchers, 22 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 4 Sanderling, 13 Goldfinches, 45 Ringed Plovers, 28 Mallard, 6 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 16 Linnets, 99 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Fieldfares, Little Owl and 1 Marsh Harrier.
It was very overcast and a bit drizzly this morning as we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Plumpudding and counted 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 52 Lapwings, 2 Common Buzzards, 19 Blackbirds, 31 Mute Swans, 45 House Sparrows at the Riding Centre, 3 Pied Wagtails, 37 Oystercatchers, 22 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 18 Redshank, 4 Sanderling, 13 Goldfinches, 45 Ringed Plovers, 28 Mallard, 6 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 16 Linnets, 99 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Fieldfares, Little Owl and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Friday, 9 December 2016
December 9th
It was a misty, murky morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 4 Pied Wagtails, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Redshank, 117 Oystercatchers, 26 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 470 Lapwings, 4 Golden Plovers, 147 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 90 Carrion Crows, 6 female Common Scoter, 48 Corn Buntings, 1 Wigeon, 115 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 1 Goldcrest.
This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and recorded 122 Cormorants flying south to roost in the Stour Valley, 5 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Corn Buntings and 1 Coot.
After this, as dusk was approaching, we drove along North Stream at Marshside and refound the Cattle Egret. It hasn't got far to fly to the Reculver recording area!
It was a misty, murky morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 4 Pied Wagtails, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Redshank, 117 Oystercatchers, 26 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 470 Lapwings, 4 Golden Plovers, 147 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 90 Carrion Crows, 6 female Common Scoter, 48 Corn Buntings, 1 Wigeon, 115 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 1 Goldcrest.
This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and recorded 122 Cormorants flying south to roost in the Stour Valley, 5 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Corn Buntings and 1 Coot.
After this, as dusk was approaching, we drove along North Stream at Marshside and refound the Cattle Egret. It hasn't got far to fly to the Reculver recording area!
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| Cattle Egret |
Thursday, 8 December 2016
December 8th
On an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We recorded 75 Cormorants, 17 Mute Swans, 19 Fieldfares, 39 Redwings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 32 Chaffinches, 34 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 110 Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 18 Common Scoter, 87 Mallard, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Coot and 2 Gadwall.
Julian Perry found a Snow Bunting on the beach west of Coldharbour this morning.
This afternoon I walked along under the cliffs at Minnis Bay and counted 44 Turnstone, 90 Oystercatchers, 9 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 8 Grey Plovers, 109 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Little Egret.
On an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We recorded 75 Cormorants, 17 Mute Swans, 19 Fieldfares, 39 Redwings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 32 Chaffinches, 34 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 110 Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 18 Common Scoter, 87 Mallard, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Coot and 2 Gadwall.
Julian Perry found a Snow Bunting on the beach west of Coldharbour this morning.
This afternoon I walked along under the cliffs at Minnis Bay and counted 44 Turnstone, 90 Oystercatchers, 9 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 8 Grey Plovers, 109 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Little Egret.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
December 7th
The weather changed overnight and it was much milder with a SW breeze blowing as we walked along the seawall from Reculver this morning. It was relatively quiet but we did see 86 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Redshank, 5 Stonechats, 5 Oystercatchers, 148 Carrion Crows, 26 Common Scoter, 12 Mallard, 8 Goldfinches, 30 Corn Buntings, 1 Dunlin, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 13 Mute Swans, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 2 Gadwall, 1 Teal and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This afternoon Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. Birds he counted included 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Stonechats, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 37 Mute Swans, 10 Little Grebes, 7 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Coot, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 2 Teal, 10 Grey Partridges and 1 Sparrowhawk.
The weather changed overnight and it was much milder with a SW breeze blowing as we walked along the seawall from Reculver this morning. It was relatively quiet but we did see 86 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Redshank, 5 Stonechats, 5 Oystercatchers, 148 Carrion Crows, 26 Common Scoter, 12 Mallard, 8 Goldfinches, 30 Corn Buntings, 1 Dunlin, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 13 Mute Swans, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 2 Gadwall, 1 Teal and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This afternoon Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. Birds he counted included 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Stonechats, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 37 Mute Swans, 10 Little Grebes, 7 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Coot, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 2 Teal, 10 Grey Partridges and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
December 6th
It was a struggle to see anything this morning in thick fog but we did walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and managed to hear and see 19 Fieldfares, 35 Redwings, 25 Corn Buntings, 53 Chaffinches, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 6 Tree Sparrows, 30 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Partridges, 3 Stonechats and 1 Grey Wagtail.
As Matt was driving home he found a Cattle Egret feeding with Herring Gulls in a winter wheat field 400 metres north of Chislet Church. Hopefully it will fly into the Reculver recording area to become our 303rd species.
It was a struggle to see anything this morning in thick fog but we did walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and managed to hear and see 19 Fieldfares, 35 Redwings, 25 Corn Buntings, 53 Chaffinches, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 6 Tree Sparrows, 30 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Partridges, 3 Stonechats and 1 Grey Wagtail.
As Matt was driving home he found a Cattle Egret feeding with Herring Gulls in a winter wheat field 400 metres north of Chislet Church. Hopefully it will fly into the Reculver recording area to become our 303rd species.
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| Cattle Egret |
Monday, 5 December 2016
December 5th
This afternoon we made a brief visit to Minnis Bay where we saw 9 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Shag and 24 Great Black-backed Gulls.
We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour and counted 89 Fieldfares, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 44 Redwings, 80 Corn Buntings, 45 Chaffinches, 3 Stonechats, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Redshank, 100 Oystercatchers, 39 Golden Plovers, 2 Curlew, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Snipe and 1 Water Rail.
Later Matt was still at Chamber's Wall and had 17 Tundra Bean Geese (195th) fly round the Marsh before departing south over Wagtail Farm and back to the Stour Valley.
This afternoon we made a brief visit to Minnis Bay where we saw 9 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Shag and 24 Great Black-backed Gulls.
We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour and counted 89 Fieldfares, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 44 Redwings, 80 Corn Buntings, 45 Chaffinches, 3 Stonechats, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Redshank, 100 Oystercatchers, 39 Golden Plovers, 2 Curlew, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Snipe and 1 Water Rail.
Later Matt was still at Chamber's Wall and had 17 Tundra Bean Geese (195th) fly round the Marsh before departing south over Wagtail Farm and back to the Stour Valley.
Sunday, 4 December 2016
December 4th
It was a frosty, sunny morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver. We saw 3 Kestrels, 13 Fieldfares, 15 Redwings, 8 Goldfinches, 13 Mute Swans, 25 Chaffinches, 5 Tree Sparrows, 20 Corn Buntings, 75 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 9 Golden Plovers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Skylarks, 51 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 28 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Curlew, 49 Mallard, 122 Carrion Crows, 3 Redshank, 15 Sanderling, 2 Little Egrets, 20 Reed Buntings, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Blackbirds, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal and 2 Coot.
It was a frosty, sunny morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver. We saw 3 Kestrels, 13 Fieldfares, 15 Redwings, 8 Goldfinches, 13 Mute Swans, 25 Chaffinches, 5 Tree Sparrows, 20 Corn Buntings, 75 Cormorants, 3 Stonechats, 9 Golden Plovers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Skylarks, 51 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 28 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Curlew, 49 Mallard, 122 Carrion Crows, 3 Redshank, 15 Sanderling, 2 Little Egrets, 20 Reed Buntings, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Blackbirds, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal and 2 Coot.
Saturday, 3 December 2016
December 3rd
After some overnight rain it dawned sunny as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver on the way home. We counted 318 Cormorants, 15 Fieldfares, 18 Blackbirds, 26 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Redwing, 130 Carrion Crows, 1 Yellowhammer, 36 Corn Buntings, 21 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing, 3 Stonechats, 28 Oystercatchers, 15 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 28 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 13 Redshank, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Skylarks, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Snipe, 2 Gadwall, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Coot and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
After some overnight rain it dawned sunny as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver on the way home. We counted 318 Cormorants, 15 Fieldfares, 18 Blackbirds, 26 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Redwing, 130 Carrion Crows, 1 Yellowhammer, 36 Corn Buntings, 21 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing, 3 Stonechats, 28 Oystercatchers, 15 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 28 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Curlew, 13 Redshank, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Skylarks, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Snipe, 2 Gadwall, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Coot and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
Friday, 2 December 2016
December 2nd
On a dull and overcast morning we walked along the seawall to Coldharbour and back before walking inland, Birds we saw included 40 House Sparrows at Reculver, 146 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Wigeon, 31 Linnets, 19 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 11 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 3 Stonechats, 7 Common Scoter, 44 Corn Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 170 Carrion Crows, 49 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 35 Cormorants, 37 Mute Swans, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall and 2 Teal.
On a dull and overcast morning we walked along the seawall to Coldharbour and back before walking inland, Birds we saw included 40 House Sparrows at Reculver, 146 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Wigeon, 31 Linnets, 19 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 11 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 3 Stonechats, 7 Common Scoter, 44 Corn Buntings, 2 Grey Plovers, 170 Carrion Crows, 49 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 35 Cormorants, 37 Mute Swans, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall and 2 Teal.
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| Female Stonechat |
Thursday, 1 December 2016
December 1st
The month dawned sunny and cold but the wind had moved round to the west as we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour. We saw 650 Cormorants flying out to sea from the Stour Valley at dawn, 8 Mute Swans, 25 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron, 59 Mallard, 12 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 20 Blackbirds, 56 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Skylarks, 23 Wigeon, 1 Golden Plover, 26 Corn Buntings, 3 Redshank, 33 Oystercatchers, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Stonechat, 2 Grey Plovers, 2 Curlew, 110 Carrion Crows, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker.
The month dawned sunny and cold but the wind had moved round to the west as we walked from Chamber's Wall and around Coldharbour. We saw 650 Cormorants flying out to sea from the Stour Valley at dawn, 8 Mute Swans, 25 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Heron, 59 Mallard, 12 Redwing, 3 Fieldfare, 20 Blackbirds, 56 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Skylarks, 23 Wigeon, 1 Golden Plover, 26 Corn Buntings, 3 Redshank, 33 Oystercatchers, 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Stonechat, 2 Grey Plovers, 2 Curlew, 110 Carrion Crows, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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