January 31st
On a misty, murky morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 18 Yellowhammers, 30 Corn Buntings, 28 Reed Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 52 Mallard, 225 Carrion Crows, 45 Oystercatchers, 19 Shelduck, 16 Teal, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 38 Chaffinches, 10 Wigeon, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Shoveler, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 100 Skylarks.
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Monday, 30 January 2017
January 30th
We had an early morning excursion to Milton Creek to see the male Pine Bunting. We were exceptionally lucky because as we walked down the track to the seawall we saw a Kestrel sitting on top of a hawthorn bush down the side track and it was being mobbed by three birds. Two of these were Yellowhammers and the other was the Pine Bunting giving us decent telescope views for about a minute.
After this excitement we were back at Shuart by 0945 where we saw 1 Jay, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Water Rail, 4 Kestrels, 15 Blackbirds, 13 Golden Plovers, 40 Lapwings, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Red Kite (120th) drifting W.
On our arrival home the male Blackcap again showed well in our garden.
We had an early morning excursion to Milton Creek to see the male Pine Bunting. We were exceptionally lucky because as we walked down the track to the seawall we saw a Kestrel sitting on top of a hawthorn bush down the side track and it was being mobbed by three birds. Two of these were Yellowhammers and the other was the Pine Bunting giving us decent telescope views for about a minute.
After this excitement we were back at Shuart by 0945 where we saw 1 Jay, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Water Rail, 4 Kestrels, 15 Blackbirds, 13 Golden Plovers, 40 Lapwings, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Red Kite (120th) drifting W.
On our arrival home the male Blackcap again showed well in our garden.
Sunday, 29 January 2017
January 29th
Early this morning the male Blackcap visited our garden again.
I misread my tide table this morning and arrived at Minnis Bay expecting the tide to be coming in only to find it to be miles out. Nevertheless we had a walk along the promenade and counted 261 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Cormorants, 11 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 5 Curlews, 62 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Turnstone and 1 Little Egret.
At Brooksend we saw 2 Common Buzzards, 21 Mute Swans, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Green Woodpecker and 19 Red-legged Partridges.
Early this morning the male Blackcap visited our garden again.
I misread my tide table this morning and arrived at Minnis Bay expecting the tide to be coming in only to find it to be miles out. Nevertheless we had a walk along the promenade and counted 261 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Cormorants, 11 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 5 Curlews, 62 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Turnstone and 1 Little Egret.
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| Redshank struggling with an Oyster |
At Brooksend we saw 2 Common Buzzards, 21 Mute Swans, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Green Woodpecker and 19 Red-legged Partridges.
Saturday, 28 January 2017
January 28th
With a fresh SW wind blowing it was milder than it has been recently as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 14 Blackbirds, 3 Mute Swans, 28 Yellowhammers, 34 Chaffinches, 6 Tree Sparrows, 71 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harriers, 181 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Skylarks, 160 Carrion Crows, 110 Mallard, 36 Oystercatchers, 15 Shelduck, 43 Teal, 5 Goldfinches, 3 Gadwall, 2 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Stonechat and 1 Goldcrest.
Later this morning we had a male Blackcap in our garden.
With a fresh SW wind blowing it was milder than it has been recently as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 14 Blackbirds, 3 Mute Swans, 28 Yellowhammers, 34 Chaffinches, 6 Tree Sparrows, 71 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harriers, 181 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Skylarks, 160 Carrion Crows, 110 Mallard, 36 Oystercatchers, 15 Shelduck, 43 Teal, 5 Goldfinches, 3 Gadwall, 2 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Stonechat and 1 Goldcrest.
Later this morning we had a male Blackcap in our garden.
Friday, 27 January 2017
January 27th
An early morning rain shower onto frozen ground made conditions treacherous this morning particularly on the minor roads. However we managed to get to Shuart without incident and walked out to Plumpudding lagoon. We saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Herons, 54 Lapwings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 270 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 18 Turnstones, 6 Ringed Plovers, 13 Cormorants, 1 Sanderling, 4 Corn Buntings, 18 Grey Plovers, 106 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 14 Golden Plovers, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Stonechat and 3 Marsh Harriers.
An early morning rain shower onto frozen ground made conditions treacherous this morning particularly on the minor roads. However we managed to get to Shuart without incident and walked out to Plumpudding lagoon. We saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Herons, 54 Lapwings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 270 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 18 Turnstones, 6 Ringed Plovers, 13 Cormorants, 1 Sanderling, 4 Corn Buntings, 18 Grey Plovers, 106 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 14 Golden Plovers, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Stonechat and 3 Marsh Harriers.
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| Oystercatchers |
Thursday, 26 January 2017
January 26th
On a morning where the temperature remained below zero and there was a keen SE breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 36 Corn Buntings, 21 Chaffinches, 220 Carrion Crows, 2 Peregrines, 87 Mallard, 12 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 72 Wigeon, 1 Rock Pipit, 13 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Yellowhammers and 1 Fieldfare.
On a morning where the temperature remained below zero and there was a keen SE breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 36 Corn Buntings, 21 Chaffinches, 220 Carrion Crows, 2 Peregrines, 87 Mallard, 12 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 72 Wigeon, 1 Rock Pipit, 13 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Yellowhammers and 1 Fieldfare.
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
January 25th
An adult Mediterranean Gull (118th) flew around in the fog over our garden at Bishopstone at 0810.
This morning, in the fog at Minnis Bay, Terry Wilson counted 245 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plovers, 20 Redshank, 3 Curlews, 14 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling and 1 Kingfisher.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 2 Marsh Harriers, 11 Yellowhammers, 60 Corn Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 102 Mallard, 8 Redshank, 10 Shelduck, 1 leucistic Egyptian Goose (119th), 4 Stonechats, 75 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Eider, 8 Oystercatchers, 60 Skylarks and 2 Lapland Buntings.
An adult Mediterranean Gull (118th) flew around in the fog over our garden at Bishopstone at 0810.
This morning, in the fog at Minnis Bay, Terry Wilson counted 245 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plovers, 20 Redshank, 3 Curlews, 14 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling and 1 Kingfisher.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 2 Marsh Harriers, 11 Yellowhammers, 60 Corn Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 102 Mallard, 8 Redshank, 10 Shelduck, 1 leucistic Egyptian Goose (119th), 4 Stonechats, 75 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Eider, 8 Oystercatchers, 60 Skylarks and 2 Lapland Buntings.
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
January 24th
On a morning that wasn't frosty or foggy for the first time for a while we walked at Chamber's Wall and saw 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 30 Yellowhammers, 110 Corn Buntings, 15 Tree Sparrows, 60 Chaffinches, 150 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Peregrines, a male a female hunting Woodpigeons together, 2 Water Rails, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Lapwing.
Later at a flat calm Minnis Bay we counted 98 Red-throated Divers on the sea, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Guillemots and 500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Jay, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Kestrels, 1 female Hen Harrier, almost certainly the one we saw this morning, 1 Lapwing and 1 Marsh Harrier.
On a morning that wasn't frosty or foggy for the first time for a while we walked at Chamber's Wall and saw 1 female Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 30 Yellowhammers, 110 Corn Buntings, 15 Tree Sparrows, 60 Chaffinches, 150 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Peregrines, a male a female hunting Woodpigeons together, 2 Water Rails, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Lapwing.
Later at a flat calm Minnis Bay we counted 98 Red-throated Divers on the sea, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Guillemots and 500 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Jay, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Kestrels, 1 female Hen Harrier, almost certainly the one we saw this morning, 1 Lapwing and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Monday, 23 January 2017
January 23rd
It was another freezing, sunny morning but luckily the forecast fog did not materialise. Walking from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall we counted 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Water Rail, 45 Chaffinches, 22 Corn Buntings, 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 15 Blackbirds, 80 Skylarks, 43 Cormorants, 1 Lapland Bunting, 111 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 105 Red-throated Divers, 14 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Reed Buntings, 20 Teal, 1 Snipe, 57 Wigeon, 18 Song Thrushes, 3 Stonechats, 1 Shoveler, 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Goldfinches, 62 Golden Plovers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechats and 2 Kestrels.
It was another freezing, sunny morning but luckily the forecast fog did not materialise. Walking from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall we counted 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Water Rail, 45 Chaffinches, 22 Corn Buntings, 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 15 Blackbirds, 80 Skylarks, 43 Cormorants, 1 Lapland Bunting, 111 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 105 Red-throated Divers, 14 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 20 Reed Buntings, 20 Teal, 1 Snipe, 57 Wigeon, 18 Song Thrushes, 3 Stonechats, 1 Shoveler, 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Goldfinches, 62 Golden Plovers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechats and 2 Kestrels.
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| A freezing Coldharbour |
Sunday, 22 January 2017
January 22nd
The day dawned cold and gradually became foggy. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Merlin, 4 Kestrels, 1 Snipe, 21 Yellowhammers, 2 Fieldfares, 10 Corn Buntings, 4 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 120 Carrion Crows, 2 Tundra Bean Geese , 2 Stonechats, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Lapwing, 1 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swans, 66 Oystercatchers, 1 Gadwall, 17 Redshank, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Turnstone, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Little Owl and 3 Red-throated Divers.
Later, as the fog thickened, we walked inland from Reculver and recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Redshank, 52 Stock Doves, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Green Sandpiper.
The day dawned cold and gradually became foggy. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Merlin, 4 Kestrels, 1 Snipe, 21 Yellowhammers, 2 Fieldfares, 10 Corn Buntings, 4 Tree Sparrows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 120 Carrion Crows, 2 Tundra Bean Geese , 2 Stonechats, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Lapwing, 1 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swans, 66 Oystercatchers, 1 Gadwall, 17 Redshank, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Turnstone, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Little Owl and 3 Red-throated Divers.
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| 2 Tundra Bean Geese |
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| Kestrel |
Later, as the fog thickened, we walked inland from Reculver and recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Redshank, 52 Stock Doves, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Green Sandpiper.
Saturday, 21 January 2017
January 21st
It was cold and sunny again this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 2 Kestrels, 4 Goldfinches, 15 Yellowhammers, 20 Chaffinches, 66 Corn Buntings, 12 Tree Sparrows, 20 Reed Buntings, 81 Mallard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 3 Red-throated Divers E, 2 Stonechats, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 80 Carrion Crows, 2 Gadwall, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 6 Goldfinches.
It was cold and sunny again this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 2 Kestrels, 4 Goldfinches, 15 Yellowhammers, 20 Chaffinches, 66 Corn Buntings, 12 Tree Sparrows, 20 Reed Buntings, 81 Mallard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Egret, 3 Red-throated Divers E, 2 Stonechats, 6 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 1 Green Woodpecker, 80 Carrion Crows, 2 Gadwall, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 6 Goldfinches.
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| Goldfinch |
Friday, 20 January 2017
January 20th
It was bright and frosty again this morning as we walked around the Oyster Farm lagoons and then inland. We saw 1 Little Owl, 7 Redshank, 3 Sanderling, 61 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 80 Carrion Crows, 1 Water Rail, 5 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 52 Mallard, 27 Lapwings, 22 Golden Plovers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Mute Swans, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers and 1 Grey Heron.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Hen Harrier (117th), 4 Goldfinches, 7 Corn Buntings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Common Buzzard and 3 Snipe.
It was bright and frosty again this morning as we walked around the Oyster Farm lagoons and then inland. We saw 1 Little Owl, 7 Redshank, 3 Sanderling, 61 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 80 Carrion Crows, 1 Water Rail, 5 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 52 Mallard, 27 Lapwings, 22 Golden Plovers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Mute Swans, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers and 1 Grey Heron.
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| Purple Sandpiper |
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Hen Harrier (117th), 4 Goldfinches, 7 Corn Buntings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Common Buzzard and 3 Snipe.
Thursday, 19 January 2017
January 19th
On another crisp and bright winter's morning we walked from Chamber's Wall up to Oyster Farm and saw 2 Kestrels, 7 Mute Swans, 22 Yellowhammers, 24 Chaffinches, 102 Corn Buntings, 56 Mallard, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 16 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 46 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, 6 Shelduck, 24 Cormorants, 120 Carrion Crows, 12 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Sanderling, 1 Water Rail, 1 Bearded Tit, 16 Skylarks and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
On another crisp and bright winter's morning we walked from Chamber's Wall up to Oyster Farm and saw 2 Kestrels, 7 Mute Swans, 22 Yellowhammers, 24 Chaffinches, 102 Corn Buntings, 56 Mallard, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 16 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 46 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, 6 Shelduck, 24 Cormorants, 120 Carrion Crows, 12 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Sanderling, 1 Water Rail, 1 Bearded Tit, 16 Skylarks and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
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| Female Bearded Tit |
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
January 18th
With the sun shining brightly and the temperature a -3C we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour before visiting Brooksend on the way home. We saw 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches, 26 Yellowhammers, 92 Corn Buntings, 24 Chaffinches, 20 Reed Buntings, 11 Tree Sparrows, 7 Grey Partridges, 42 Mallard, 1 Fieldfare, 18 Blackbirds, 100 Carrion Crows, 4 Lapwings W, 1 Water Rail, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Curlews, 20 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck, 21 Redshank, 239 Wigeon, 2 Sanderling, 4 Stonechats, 6 Dunnock, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barnacle Goose, 27 Mute Swans and 1 Greylag Goose.
With the sun shining brightly and the temperature a -3C we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour before visiting Brooksend on the way home. We saw 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches, 26 Yellowhammers, 92 Corn Buntings, 24 Chaffinches, 20 Reed Buntings, 11 Tree Sparrows, 7 Grey Partridges, 42 Mallard, 1 Fieldfare, 18 Blackbirds, 100 Carrion Crows, 4 Lapwings W, 1 Water Rail, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Curlews, 20 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck, 21 Redshank, 239 Wigeon, 2 Sanderling, 4 Stonechats, 6 Dunnock, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barnacle Goose, 27 Mute Swans and 1 Greylag Goose.
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| Corn Bunting |
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| One of half a dozen Dunnocks that feed daily along the seawall |
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
January 17th
We spent another morning ringing on the Marsh and then walked out to Coldharbour. Birds we counted included 1 Barn Owl, 1 Water Rail, 433 Cormorants flying out to sea, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Tree Sparrows, 9 Yellowhammers, 60 Corn Buntings, 11 Goldfinches, 20 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 500 Woodpigeons, 1 Peregrine, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Marsh Harriers, 140 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 260 Carrion Crows, 12 Shelduck, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 74 Mallard, 50 Oystercatchers and 24 Wigeon.
Birds ringed 17: Reed Bunting 10, Robin 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1
On a cold but sunny afternoon we walked down a muddy West Brook Valley and saw 22 Rooks already at the rookery, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Woodcock, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 20 Reed Buntings.
We then drove over to Brooksend where we found the Barnacle Goose still in the oilseed rape field with 29 Mute Swans.
This afternoon I received an interesting control of an adult female Reed Bunting we ringed at Shuart on 3/10/16. It was controlled at the Jersey Bird Observatory, CHANNEL ISLANDS on 17/12/16. This is 344 km SW.
We spent another morning ringing on the Marsh and then walked out to Coldharbour. Birds we counted included 1 Barn Owl, 1 Water Rail, 433 Cormorants flying out to sea, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Tree Sparrows, 9 Yellowhammers, 60 Corn Buntings, 11 Goldfinches, 20 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 500 Woodpigeons, 1 Peregrine, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Marsh Harriers, 140 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 260 Carrion Crows, 12 Shelduck, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 74 Mallard, 50 Oystercatchers and 24 Wigeon.
Birds ringed 17: Reed Bunting 10, Robin 1, Dunnock 3, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1
On a cold but sunny afternoon we walked down a muddy West Brook Valley and saw 22 Rooks already at the rookery, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Woodcock, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 20 Reed Buntings.
We then drove over to Brooksend where we found the Barnacle Goose still in the oilseed rape field with 29 Mute Swans.
This afternoon I received an interesting control of an adult female Reed Bunting we ringed at Shuart on 3/10/16. It was controlled at the Jersey Bird Observatory, CHANNEL ISLANDS on 17/12/16. This is 344 km SW.
Monday, 16 January 2017
January 16th
On his way to meet us for a ringing session on the Marsh, Matt had a look and listen for owls and recorded 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl (113th) and 1 Little Owl.
Subsequently whilst we were ringing we saw 37 Greylag Geese, 750 Cormorants flying out to sea, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Grey Partridge, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Water Rail, 1 Brambling (114th), 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 95 Corn Buntings, 30 Chaffinches, 80 Reed Buntings, 30 Yellowhammers, 14 Tree Sparrows, 800 Woodpigeons, 100 Stock Doves, 8 Magpies, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Curlew and 8 Skylarks.
Birds ringed 31: Wren 2, Reed Bunting 21, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1, Tree Sparrow 1, Dunnock 4, Blackbird 2
This afternoon we walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding Lagoon and counted 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Red-throated Divers, 800 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Gannet, 1 Guillemot (115th), 105 Sanderling, 33 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Little Egrets, 72 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (116th), 1 Purple Sandpiper, 90 Grey Plovers, 250 Oystercatchers, 80 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Greylag Goose.
This evening I received information concerning a Reed Warbler we ringed at Shuart on 22/07/16. It was controlled at Terres d'Oiseaux, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Gironde, FRANCE on 11/08/16 which is 691 km SSW.
On his way to meet us for a ringing session on the Marsh, Matt had a look and listen for owls and recorded 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl (113th) and 1 Little Owl.
Subsequently whilst we were ringing we saw 37 Greylag Geese, 750 Cormorants flying out to sea, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Grey Partridge, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Water Rail, 1 Brambling (114th), 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 95 Corn Buntings, 30 Chaffinches, 80 Reed Buntings, 30 Yellowhammers, 14 Tree Sparrows, 800 Woodpigeons, 100 Stock Doves, 8 Magpies, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Curlew and 8 Skylarks.
Birds ringed 31: Wren 2, Reed Bunting 21, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1, Tree Sparrow 1, Dunnock 4, Blackbird 2
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| Tree Sparrow |
This afternoon we walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding Lagoon and counted 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Red-throated Divers, 800 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Gannet, 1 Guillemot (115th), 105 Sanderling, 33 Redshank, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Little Egrets, 72 Turnstone, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (116th), 1 Purple Sandpiper, 90 Grey Plovers, 250 Oystercatchers, 80 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Greylag Goose.
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| Rock Pipit |
This evening I received information concerning a Reed Warbler we ringed at Shuart on 22/07/16. It was controlled at Terres d'Oiseaux, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Gironde, FRANCE on 11/08/16 which is 691 km SSW.
Sunday, 15 January 2017
January 15th
Matt was out early and found 2 Barn Owls and 1 Little Owl. He then drove over to Reculver and we walked up to Coldharbour getting soaked in the process. We managed to count 339 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 12 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper (112th) feeding in the Oyster Farm lagoons, 1 Curlew, 54 Mallard, 20 Oystercatchers, 110 Carrion Crows, 4 Golden Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Kestrel.
Matt was out early and found 2 Barn Owls and 1 Little Owl. He then drove over to Reculver and we walked up to Coldharbour getting soaked in the process. We managed to count 339 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 12 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper (112th) feeding in the Oyster Farm lagoons, 1 Curlew, 54 Mallard, 20 Oystercatchers, 110 Carrion Crows, 4 Golden Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Kestrel.
Saturday, 14 January 2017
January 14th
On a cold and breezy morning we arrived at Reculver at 0745 and spent an hour seawatching before we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour. At Reculver we counted 350 Kittiwakes W, 1 Eider, 12 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Divers W, 360 Herring Gulls W, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 442 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 250 Black-headed Gulls W.
At Chamber's Wall we saw 76 Corn Buntings, 25 Yellowhammers, 30 Reed Buntings, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 12 Shelduck, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Stonechat, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 1 Avocet, 65 Lapwings and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Julian and Alex Perry saw a Fulmar (110th) at Minnis Bay today.
This afternoon Matt walked the Nethergong/Brooksend/Shuart loop and recorded 1 Barnacle Goose (111th), 37 Mute Swans, 950 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Peregrine, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 60 Sanderling, 60 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plovers, 16 Curlew, 200 Oystercatchers, 1 Stonechat, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal and 66 Turnstone.
On a cold and breezy morning we arrived at Reculver at 0745 and spent an hour seawatching before we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out to Coldharbour. At Reculver we counted 350 Kittiwakes W, 1 Eider, 12 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Divers W, 360 Herring Gulls W, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 442 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 250 Black-headed Gulls W.
At Chamber's Wall we saw 76 Corn Buntings, 25 Yellowhammers, 30 Reed Buntings, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Skylarks, 1 Lapland Bunting, 12 Shelduck, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Stonechat, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 1 Avocet, 65 Lapwings and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Julian and Alex Perry saw a Fulmar (110th) at Minnis Bay today.
This afternoon Matt walked the Nethergong/Brooksend/Shuart loop and recorded 1 Barnacle Goose (111th), 37 Mute Swans, 950 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Grey Partridges, 1 Peregrine, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 60 Sanderling, 60 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plovers, 16 Curlew, 200 Oystercatchers, 1 Stonechat, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Teal and 66 Turnstone.
Friday, 13 January 2017
January 13th
We appear to have got off lightly after the overnight wintry weather as there was no lying snow and the temperature was just above freezing. However there was a strong NW wind blowing and it still felt bitterly cold as I spent an hour seawatching at Reculver this morning. The only things that appeared to be moving were gulls moving W and I counted 750 Herring Gulls, 1300 Black-headed Gulls, 59 Kittiwakes, 50 Common Gulls, 10 Great Black-backed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Other birds included the usual 676 Cormorants and 53 Dark-bellied Brent Geese with 2 Red-throated Divers and 1 Shelduck.
We appear to have got off lightly after the overnight wintry weather as there was no lying snow and the temperature was just above freezing. However there was a strong NW wind blowing and it still felt bitterly cold as I spent an hour seawatching at Reculver this morning. The only things that appeared to be moving were gulls moving W and I counted 750 Herring Gulls, 1300 Black-headed Gulls, 59 Kittiwakes, 50 Common Gulls, 10 Great Black-backed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Other birds included the usual 676 Cormorants and 53 Dark-bellied Brent Geese with 2 Red-throated Divers and 1 Shelduck.
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| Black-headed Gulls |
Thursday, 12 January 2017
January 12th
An uneventful morning saw us walking around the Oyster Farm and then inland. We saw 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Corn Buntings, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Carrion Crows, 44 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 3 Lapwings, 500 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 2 Marsh Harriers, 14 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
During the day Tony Swandale found a Purple Sandpiper (109th) at Minnis Bay.
An uneventful morning saw us walking around the Oyster Farm and then inland. We saw 60 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Corn Buntings, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Carrion Crows, 44 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 3 Lapwings, 500 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 2 Marsh Harriers, 14 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
During the day Tony Swandale found a Purple Sandpiper (109th) at Minnis Bay.
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
January 11th
This morning we walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding and recorded 700 Black-headed Gulls feeding offshore, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwakes W (108th), Curlew, 220 Cormorants, 38 Sanderling, 60 Grey Plovers, 160 Oystercatchers, 189 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 50 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Wagtail, 33 Turnstone, 1 Stonechat and 3 Lapwings.
We then had a brief walk at Shuart and saw 1 Jay, 1 Kestrel, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Common Buzzard.
This morning we walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding and recorded 700 Black-headed Gulls feeding offshore, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwakes W (108th), Curlew, 220 Cormorants, 38 Sanderling, 60 Grey Plovers, 160 Oystercatchers, 189 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 50 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Wagtail, 33 Turnstone, 1 Stonechat and 3 Lapwings.
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| Sanderling |
We then had a brief walk at Shuart and saw 1 Jay, 1 Kestrel, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Common Buzzard.
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
January 10th
It was sunny but blustery this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver on the way home. We saw 235 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Blackbirds, 3 Tree Sparrows, 2 Water Rails, 140 Carrion Crows, 12 Mute Swans, 4 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Curlew, 5 Shelducks, 67 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Gannets, 130 Cormorants, 1 Stonechat, 10 Skylarks, 4 Redwings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Corn Buntings, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Jay and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Julian Perry had a male Blackcap (107th) visit his garden at Bishopstone.
It was sunny but blustery this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver on the way home. We saw 235 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Blackbirds, 3 Tree Sparrows, 2 Water Rails, 140 Carrion Crows, 12 Mute Swans, 4 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Curlew, 5 Shelducks, 67 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Gannets, 130 Cormorants, 1 Stonechat, 10 Skylarks, 4 Redwings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 25 Corn Buntings, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Jay and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Julian Perry had a male Blackcap (107th) visit his garden at Bishopstone.
Monday, 9 January 2017
January 9th
The morning began with a bit of excitement. We had just arrived at Reculver when I received a call from Matt who was driving over to meet us to say that he had found a flock of 145 Greylag Geese in a winter wheat field by St Nicholas roundabout and that there were 2 Bean Geese (1 Taiga and 1 Tundra) as well as 1 Pink-footed Goose in with them. We drove over to see them still in the field but walking away from us but found the three birds of interest and it was immediately obvious the size difference of the "taiga" compared to the Pink-foot and "tundra" which were about the same size as each other and smaller. We managed to take some very distant photographs before the whole flock took off and flew over the Thanet Way into Reculver air space making 105th and 106th species for the year and onto Netherhale and Brooksend before flying back south.
After this we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Eider, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Redshank, 26 Yellowhammers, 4 Redwings, 65 Corn Buntings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 45 Chaffinches, 5 Lapland Buntings, 30 Skylarks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Curlew, 3 Shelduck, 1 Stonechat, 70 Mallard, 1 Gannet and 24 Reed Buntings.
The morning began with a bit of excitement. We had just arrived at Reculver when I received a call from Matt who was driving over to meet us to say that he had found a flock of 145 Greylag Geese in a winter wheat field by St Nicholas roundabout and that there were 2 Bean Geese (1 Taiga and 1 Tundra) as well as 1 Pink-footed Goose in with them. We drove over to see them still in the field but walking away from us but found the three birds of interest and it was immediately obvious the size difference of the "taiga" compared to the Pink-foot and "tundra" which were about the same size as each other and smaller. We managed to take some very distant photographs before the whole flock took off and flew over the Thanet Way into Reculver air space making 105th and 106th species for the year and onto Netherhale and Brooksend before flying back south.
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| "Tundra" Bean Goose "Taiga" Bean Goose and Pink-footed Goose |
After this we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Eider, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Redshank, 26 Yellowhammers, 4 Redwings, 65 Corn Buntings, 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 45 Chaffinches, 5 Lapland Buntings, 30 Skylarks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Curlew, 3 Shelduck, 1 Stonechat, 70 Mallard, 1 Gannet and 24 Reed Buntings.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
January 8th
An early morning text informed me that Marc Heath had a Tawny Owl (102nd) at Shuart.
We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0800 and walked to Netherhale and recorded 2 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 600 Cormorants, 111 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Pied Wagtails, 16 Sanderling, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Dunlin, 19 Redshank, 32 Turnstone, 1 Shelduck, 30 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Little Grebes, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Mallard, 1 Jay, 1 Woodcock, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Next we drove to Reculver and walked east along the seawall to see an Avocet (103rd) found by Marc Heath earlier. Other birds counted included 283 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Lapwing, 1 Stonechat, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 12 Corn Buntings, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers W (104th), 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Eider, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Gannet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Stonechats.
An early morning text informed me that Marc Heath had a Tawny Owl (102nd) at Shuart.
We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0800 and walked to Netherhale and recorded 2 Goldcrests, 2 Common Buzzards, 600 Cormorants, 111 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Pied Wagtails, 16 Sanderling, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Dunlin, 19 Redshank, 32 Turnstone, 1 Shelduck, 30 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Little Grebes, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Mallard, 1 Jay, 1 Woodcock, 2 Goldcrests and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Next we drove to Reculver and walked east along the seawall to see an Avocet (103rd) found by Marc Heath earlier. Other birds counted included 283 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Lapwing, 1 Stonechat, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 12 Corn Buntings, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers W (104th), 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Eider, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Gannet, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Stonechats.
Saturday, 7 January 2017
January 7th
On a thoroughly damp and drizzly morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Reculver via Coldharbour. We saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 27 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Redwings, 15 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Corn Buntings, 3 Tree Sparrows, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Wigeon, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 38 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 50 Chaffinches, 6 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 80 Carrion Crows, 3 Turnstone, 2 Stonechats and 1 Red-throated Diver.
Marc Heath who was also out this morning added Water Rail (101st) to the species recorded so far this year.
On a thoroughly damp and drizzly morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Reculver via Coldharbour. We saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 27 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Redwings, 15 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Corn Buntings, 3 Tree Sparrows, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Wigeon, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 38 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 50 Chaffinches, 6 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 80 Carrion Crows, 3 Turnstone, 2 Stonechats and 1 Red-throated Diver.
Marc Heath who was also out this morning added Water Rail (101st) to the species recorded so far this year.
Friday, 6 January 2017
Thursday, 5 January 2017
January 5th
After yesterday's drizzle and gloom today dawned sunny and cold so we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall to the Oyster Farm before visiting Reculver on the way home. Birds we saw included 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Yellowhammers, 22 Blackbirds, 37 Corn Buntings, 23 Mute Swans, 7 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Merlin (97th), 10 Lapland Buntings, 541 Cormorants, 4 Shelduck, 86 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 4 Redshank, 81 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Oystercatchers, 165 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 1 Gannet E, 5 Dunlin, 13 Skylarks, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Plover, 30 Sanderling 1 Peregrine (98th), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Gadwall and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This afternoon Marc Heath saw a Short-eared Owl (99th) at the Oyster Farm.
After yesterday's drizzle and gloom today dawned sunny and cold so we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the seawall to the Oyster Farm before visiting Reculver on the way home. Birds we saw included 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Yellowhammers, 22 Blackbirds, 37 Corn Buntings, 23 Mute Swans, 7 Goldfinches, 18 Chaffinches, 1 Merlin (97th), 10 Lapland Buntings, 541 Cormorants, 4 Shelduck, 86 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 4 Redshank, 81 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Oystercatchers, 165 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 1 Gannet E, 5 Dunlin, 13 Skylarks, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Plover, 30 Sanderling 1 Peregrine (98th), 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Gadwall and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Male Stonechat feeding on the seawall |
This afternoon Marc Heath saw a Short-eared Owl (99th) at the Oyster Farm.
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
January 4th
With a fresh WNW wind blowing we started the morning at Minnis Bay but did not see a great deal just 750 Cormorants, 22 Grey Plover, 4 Curlew, 1 Red-throated Diver, 50 Oystercatchers, 20 Dunlin and 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
On our way home we had a walk at Netherhale and Brooksend and recorded 9 Grey Partridges, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Blackbirds, 39 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose (96th), 2 Moorhens, 2 Teal, 1 Goldcrest, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Coot, 3 Wigeon, 4 Red-legged Partridges and 1 Grey Heron.
With a fresh WNW wind blowing we started the morning at Minnis Bay but did not see a great deal just 750 Cormorants, 22 Grey Plover, 4 Curlew, 1 Red-throated Diver, 50 Oystercatchers, 20 Dunlin and 300 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
On our way home we had a walk at Netherhale and Brooksend and recorded 9 Grey Partridges, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Blackbirds, 39 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose (96th), 2 Moorhens, 2 Teal, 1 Goldcrest, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Coot, 3 Wigeon, 4 Red-legged Partridges and 1 Grey Heron.
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
January 3rd
On a cold morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 404 Dark-bellied Brent Goose including a Pale-bellied x Dark-bellied hybrid, 10 Mute Swans, 15 Redshank, 2 Little Owls (93rd), 27 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Sanderling, 3 Marsh Harriers, 28 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin (94th), 1 Snipe, 4 Corn Buntings, 6 Linnets, 2 Shelduck, 54 Mallard, 3 Goldfinches, 50 Cormorants, 175 Carrion Crows, 3 Curlew, 1 Grey Partridge (95th) and 1 Black Redstart.
On a cold morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 404 Dark-bellied Brent Goose including a Pale-bellied x Dark-bellied hybrid, 10 Mute Swans, 15 Redshank, 2 Little Owls (93rd), 27 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Sanderling, 3 Marsh Harriers, 28 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin (94th), 1 Snipe, 4 Corn Buntings, 6 Linnets, 2 Shelduck, 54 Mallard, 3 Goldfinches, 50 Cormorants, 175 Carrion Crows, 3 Curlew, 1 Grey Partridge (95th) and 1 Black Redstart.
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| Pale-bellied x Dark-bellied Brent Goose |
Monday, 2 January 2017
January 2nd
On a cold and bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Kestrel, 45 Corn Buntings, 6 Tree Sparrows, 25 Chaffinches, 38 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 12 Mute Swans, 84 Mallard, 1 Stonechat, 14 Skylarks, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 213 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 40 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 160 Carrion Crows, 2 Great Skuas W (90th) over the seawall at Coldharbour, 3 Gadwall, 2 Redshank and 20 Reed Buntings.
This afternoon we walked at Reculver and Shuart trying to add a few new species to our 2017 list. In the event we saw 7 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Greenfinch (91st ), 7 Mallard, 10 Teal, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Sparrowhawk (92nd).
On a cold and bright and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Kestrel, 45 Corn Buntings, 6 Tree Sparrows, 25 Chaffinches, 38 Redwings, 7 Fieldfares, 12 Mute Swans, 84 Mallard, 1 Stonechat, 14 Skylarks, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 213 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 40 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 160 Carrion Crows, 2 Great Skuas W (90th) over the seawall at Coldharbour, 3 Gadwall, 2 Redshank and 20 Reed Buntings.
This afternoon we walked at Reculver and Shuart trying to add a few new species to our 2017 list. In the event we saw 7 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Greenfinch (91st ), 7 Mallard, 10 Teal, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Sparrowhawk (92nd).
Sunday, 1 January 2017
January 1st
We began birding in the dark in our quest to see as many species as possible to start 2017. The morning was damp and overcast but the first good bird seen was a Woodcock coming in to its daytime roost near Reculver.
At Shuart we recorded 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Redwings, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Fieldfares, 10 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
We then returned to Reculver where we had a seawatch and then walked inland. Birds we saw included 175 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 8 Gannets, 60 Common Scoter, 1 Gadwall, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black Redstart at the Towers and 1 Rock Pipit. Inland we found 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Mute Swans, 1 Wigeon, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Snipe, 1 Jay and 1 Green Sandpiper.
We finished the morning by walking from Chamber's Wall to Reculver in the drizzle seeing 5 Yellowhammers, 5 Redwings, 12 Fieldfares, 8 Corn Buntings, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Lapland Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 2 Teal, 150 Carrion Crows, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 26 Ringed Plovers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Snipe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Lapwings and 1 Grey Heron.
Our morning's work produced 76 species.
Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry were also out all day and saw 13 species we did not: Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Curlew, Turnstone, Barn Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Tree Sparrow taking the day's total for the Marsh to 89 species.
We began birding in the dark in our quest to see as many species as possible to start 2017. The morning was damp and overcast but the first good bird seen was a Woodcock coming in to its daytime roost near Reculver.
At Shuart we recorded 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Redwings, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Fieldfares, 10 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Teal and 2 Ring-necked Parakeets.
We then returned to Reculver where we had a seawatch and then walked inland. Birds we saw included 175 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 8 Gannets, 60 Common Scoter, 1 Gadwall, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black Redstart at the Towers and 1 Rock Pipit. Inland we found 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Mute Swans, 1 Wigeon, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Snipe, 1 Jay and 1 Green Sandpiper.
We finished the morning by walking from Chamber's Wall to Reculver in the drizzle seeing 5 Yellowhammers, 5 Redwings, 12 Fieldfares, 8 Corn Buntings, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Lapland Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 2 Teal, 150 Carrion Crows, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 26 Ringed Plovers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Snipe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Lapwings and 1 Grey Heron.
Our morning's work produced 76 species.
Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry were also out all day and saw 13 species we did not: Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Curlew, Turnstone, Barn Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Tree Sparrow taking the day's total for the Marsh to 89 species.
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