April 30th
There was a blustery SE wind blowing this morning as we began with a walk at Reculver before driving to Chamber's Wall and walking to Coldharbour and then returning along the seawall. We saw 7 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank, 36 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns, 5 Fulmars, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 1 male Channel Wagtail, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Gannet, 1 Guillemot, 1 Curlew, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wheatear, 3 Swifts, 3 Grey Herons, 20 Whitethroats, 2 Lapwings, 11 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Swallows W, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 26 Oystercatchers, 2 Knot (161st), 7 Redshank, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and in addition to what we saw recorded 1 Nightingale, 2 Turtle Doves, 10 Little Egrets, 1 Merlin E, 2 Tree Pipits W and 4 Wheatears.
We spent 90 minutes at Minnis Bay this afternoon in the hope that some of the south coast skuas might creep round Thanet. In the event we saw 35 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9 Gannets, 15 Knot, 1 Common Tern, 8 Dunlin, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Fulmars, 1 Kestrel and 1 Grey Heron in off, 2 Common Sandpipers and 3 Mediterranean Gulls.
Saturday, 29 April 2017
April 29th
On a much warmer and sunny morning we covered the Marsh from Shuart and Plumpudding to the Oyster Farm. Our total counts were 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Lapwings, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 21 Sand Martins W, 5 Willow Warblers, 58 Whitethroats, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Hobby, 2 Greenshank, 1 Raven, 3 Cuckoos, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Tree Pipit W, 18 Sanderling, 31 Swallows W, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Shoveler, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plovers, 5 Wheatears, 1 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Oystercatchers and 1 Blackcap.
Derek Smith was also out early and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and Plumpudding and counted 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Raven, 3 Wheatears, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Nightingale, 5 Ring Ouzels, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 3 Corn Buntings.
Marc Heath walked from Reculver and recorded 1 Nightingale, 12 Common Sandpipers, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Wheatears and 2 Marsh Harriers.
Julian and Alex Perry also saw a Short-eared Owl resting in the grass.
On a much warmer and sunny morning we covered the Marsh from Shuart and Plumpudding to the Oyster Farm. Our total counts were 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Lapwings, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 21 Sand Martins W, 5 Willow Warblers, 58 Whitethroats, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Hobby, 2 Greenshank, 1 Raven, 3 Cuckoos, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Tree Pipit W, 18 Sanderling, 31 Swallows W, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Shoveler, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plovers, 5 Wheatears, 1 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Oystercatchers and 1 Blackcap.
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| Whimbrel |
Derek Smith was also out early and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and Plumpudding and counted 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Peregrine, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Raven, 3 Wheatears, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Nightingale, 5 Ring Ouzels, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 3 Corn Buntings.
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| Male Ring Ouzel - Derek Smith |
Marc Heath walked from Reculver and recorded 1 Nightingale, 12 Common Sandpipers, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Wheatears and 2 Marsh Harriers.
Julian and Alex Perry also saw a Short-eared Owl resting in the grass.
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| Short-eared Owl - Alex Perry |
Friday, 28 April 2017
April 28th
Matt was out at dawn this morning and visited various sites in the Reculver area and recorded 2 Cuckoos, 1 Nightingale (159th), 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Tree Pipit W (160th), 2 Whimbrels W, 6 Whitethroats and 1 Willow Warbler.
We met him at Chamber's Wall and we then walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. We saw 17 Whitethroats, 21 Mallard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lapwings, 13 Linnets, 14 Swallows W, 2 Ringed Plovers, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 5 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchats, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Lesser Whitethroats.
Later at Shuart we found 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Swallows W, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warblers, 1 Red-legged Partridge and 1 Raven.
Matt was out at dawn this morning and visited various sites in the Reculver area and recorded 2 Cuckoos, 1 Nightingale (159th), 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Tree Pipit W (160th), 2 Whimbrels W, 6 Whitethroats and 1 Willow Warbler.
We met him at Chamber's Wall and we then walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. We saw 17 Whitethroats, 21 Mallard, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lapwings, 13 Linnets, 14 Swallows W, 2 Ringed Plovers, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 5 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchats, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Lesser Whitethroats.
Later at Shuart we found 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Swallows W, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warblers, 1 Red-legged Partridge and 1 Raven.
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| Male Yellow Wagtail singing from Alexanders |
Thursday, 27 April 2017
April 27th
On a chilly but sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 2 Blackcaps, 30 Linnets, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Little Owl, 7 Swallows W, 9 Whitethroats, 14 Mallard, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 13 Oystercatchers, 1 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 House Martins W, 7 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Goldfinches.
On a chilly but sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 2 Blackcaps, 30 Linnets, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Little Owl, 7 Swallows W, 9 Whitethroats, 14 Mallard, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 13 Oystercatchers, 1 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 House Martins W, 7 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Goldfinches.
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| Ringed Plover with very abraded plumage |
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
April 26th
The wind was just as cold and blustery as yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Wheatears, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 80 Carrion Crows, 3 Swallows W, 1 Pied Wagtail, 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 6 Linnets, 13 Yellowhammers, 1 Green Woodpecker and 9 Mute Swans.
The wind was just as cold and blustery as yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Wheatears, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 80 Carrion Crows, 3 Swallows W, 1 Pied Wagtail, 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 6 Linnets, 13 Yellowhammers, 1 Green Woodpecker and 9 Mute Swans.
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| Chiffchaff |
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
April 25th
Although it was sunny this morning there was a totally different feel to the weather with a fresh NNW wind blowing straight down from the Arctic. In eye-watering conditions we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 34 Swallows and 14 House Martins flying W, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Whitethroats, 3 Whimbrel W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 7 Linnets, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 3 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plovers, 16 Mallard, 75 Carrion Crows, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Cuckoo, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Green Woodpecker.
This afternoon, in much more benign conditions, we walked around Shuart and recorded 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Lapwings, 1 Kestrel and 1 Raven calling repeatedly over by Netherhale.
Although it was sunny this morning there was a totally different feel to the weather with a fresh NNW wind blowing straight down from the Arctic. In eye-watering conditions we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 34 Swallows and 14 House Martins flying W, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Whitethroats, 3 Whimbrel W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 7 Linnets, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 3 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plovers, 16 Mallard, 75 Carrion Crows, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Cuckoo, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Female Wheatear |
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| Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel |
This afternoon, in much more benign conditions, we walked around Shuart and recorded 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Lapwings, 1 Kestrel and 1 Raven calling repeatedly over by Netherhale.
Monday, 24 April 2017
April 24th
On a bright and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons before returning along the Green Wall. We counted 22 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 14 Mallard, 61 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Greenshank, 11 Linnets, 1 Grey Partridge calling, 8 Mediterranean Gulls flying over and calling continuously, 2 Lapwings, 85 Carrion Crows, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Oystercatchers, 8 Shelduck, 3 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Ringed Plovers, 8 Wheatears, 3 Swallows W, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 19 Mute Swans, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Shoveler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 13 Corn Buntings.
Derek Smith was out east of us and between 0600 and 1000 walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and back via Plumpudding. He saw 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harriers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Ringed Plover W, 38 Turnstone, 7 Wheatears, 35 alba Wagtails W, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 11 Reed Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 44 Sedge Warblers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 4 Cetti's Warblers.
Mark Chidwick was out this evening and had 3 Whinchats (158th), 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Cuckoo and 9 Wheatears.
On a bright and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons before returning along the Green Wall. We counted 22 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 14 Mallard, 61 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Greenshank, 11 Linnets, 1 Grey Partridge calling, 8 Mediterranean Gulls flying over and calling continuously, 2 Lapwings, 85 Carrion Crows, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Oystercatchers, 8 Shelduck, 3 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Ringed Plovers, 8 Wheatears, 3 Swallows W, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 19 Mute Swans, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Shoveler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 13 Corn Buntings.
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| Displaying Oystercatchers |
Derek Smith was out east of us and between 0600 and 1000 walked from Shuart and along the embankment to Chamber's Wall and back via Plumpudding. He saw 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harriers, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Ringed Plover W, 38 Turnstone, 7 Wheatears, 35 alba Wagtails W, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 11 Reed Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 44 Sedge Warblers, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 4 Cetti's Warblers.
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| Grasshopper Warbler - Derek Smith |
Mark Chidwick was out this evening and had 3 Whinchats (158th), 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Cuckoo and 9 Wheatears.
Sunday, 23 April 2017
April 23rd
We had another interesting morning's birding beginning at Reculver where Matt saw and heard our first Garden Warbler (155th), 8 Mediterranean Gulls W and 2 Whimbrel W.
We then met at Chamber's Wall and walked around Coldharbour where we recorded 5 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Lapwings, 8 Mallard, 2 Mediterranean Gull E, 7 Shelduck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Wheatears, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Hobby W (156th), 1 Little Egret, 1 Dotterel flying SE over Coldharbour towards Shuart where it appeared to land, 1 Redshank, 1 Shoveler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Partridges and 6 Corn Buntings.
Next we visited Shuart to unsuccessfully look for the Dotterel and saw 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Shoveler and 2 Canada Geese (157th).
Marc Heath was also out this morning and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 3 Ring Ouzels, 2 Cuckoos, 13 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Wheatears, 6 Common Scoter, 9 Greylag Geese, 1 Hobby W, 14 Turnstone, 6 Shelduck, 10 Whitethroats, 18 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrels.
We had another interesting morning's birding beginning at Reculver where Matt saw and heard our first Garden Warbler (155th), 8 Mediterranean Gulls W and 2 Whimbrel W.
We then met at Chamber's Wall and walked around Coldharbour where we recorded 5 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Lapwings, 8 Mallard, 2 Mediterranean Gull E, 7 Shelduck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Wheatears, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Hobby W (156th), 1 Little Egret, 1 Dotterel flying SE over Coldharbour towards Shuart where it appeared to land, 1 Redshank, 1 Shoveler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Grey Partridges and 6 Corn Buntings.
Next we visited Shuart to unsuccessfully look for the Dotterel and saw 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Shoveler and 2 Canada Geese (157th).
Marc Heath was also out this morning and walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 3 Ring Ouzels, 2 Cuckoos, 13 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Wheatears, 6 Common Scoter, 9 Greylag Geese, 1 Hobby W, 14 Turnstone, 6 Shelduck, 10 Whitethroats, 18 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrels.
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| Purple Sandpiper - Marc Heath This bird has a shorter bill than the one photographed yesterday and is probably a female whilst yesterday's bird is a male |
Saturday, 22 April 2017
April 22nd
In cloudy and drizzly conditions we had an excellent morning's birding. There had obviously been new arrivals in overnight as Matt walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall. We met him and we all walked round Coldharbour and up to the Oyster Farm. The morning's totals were 28 Common Whitethroats, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 2 Grasshopper Warblers reeling (151st), 16 Mallard, 3 Kestrels, 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Wheatear, 69 Sedge Warblers, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 9 Stock Doves, 12 Reed Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 65 Carrion Crows, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Redstart (152nd), 1 Little Tern (153rd), 20 Turnstones, 3 Ringed Plovers, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 18 Oystercatchers, 20 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Grey Plover and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits E, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Shelduck, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 29 Sanderling, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Common Terns E (154th), 9 Swallows W, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 alba Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldcrest and 47 Corn Buntings.
In addition, this afternoon, Marc Heath saw a Raven at Shuart.
In cloudy and drizzly conditions we had an excellent morning's birding. There had obviously been new arrivals in overnight as Matt walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall. We met him and we all walked round Coldharbour and up to the Oyster Farm. The morning's totals were 28 Common Whitethroats, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 2 Grasshopper Warblers reeling (151st), 16 Mallard, 3 Kestrels, 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Wheatear, 69 Sedge Warblers, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, 9 Stock Doves, 12 Reed Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 65 Carrion Crows, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Redstart (152nd), 1 Little Tern (153rd), 20 Turnstones, 3 Ringed Plovers, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harriers, 18 Oystercatchers, 20 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Grey Plover and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits E, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 5 Shelduck, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 29 Sanderling, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Common Terns E (154th), 9 Swallows W, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 alba Wagtail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldcrest and 47 Corn Buntings.
In addition, this afternoon, Marc Heath saw a Raven at Shuart.
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| Purple Sandpiper in the rain |
Friday, 21 April 2017
April 21st
We had another early morning ringing session this morning this time on the Marsh south of the railway. Whilst there we saw 2 Greylag Geese, 10 Swallows W, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Corn Buntings, 5 Mallard, 3 Greenshank W, 3 Lapwings, 18 Lapwings, 7 House Martins W, 1 Fieldfare and 3 alba Wagtails W.
Birds ringed 16: Wren 3, Sedge Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 1, Linnet 4, Great Tit 2, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1.
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall to the Oyster Farm lagoons. Birds we saw included 9 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Swift W (150th), 145 Stock Doves, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warblers, 29 Yellow Wagtails W, 1 Lapwing, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 136 Carrion Crows, 5 Little Egrets, 12 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 16 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 18 Swallows W, 1 Peregrine, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Linnets, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Shoveler and 1 Blackcap.
We had another early morning ringing session this morning this time on the Marsh south of the railway. Whilst there we saw 2 Greylag Geese, 10 Swallows W, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Corn Buntings, 5 Mallard, 3 Greenshank W, 3 Lapwings, 18 Lapwings, 7 House Martins W, 1 Fieldfare and 3 alba Wagtails W.
Birds ringed 16: Wren 3, Sedge Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 1, Linnet 4, Great Tit 2, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 1.
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| Male Linnet |
This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall to the Oyster Farm lagoons. Birds we saw included 9 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Swift W (150th), 145 Stock Doves, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warblers, 29 Yellow Wagtails W, 1 Lapwing, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 136 Carrion Crows, 5 Little Egrets, 12 Mallard, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 16 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 18 Swallows W, 1 Peregrine, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Linnets, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Shoveler and 1 Blackcap.
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| Distant Great Northern Diver |
Thursday, 20 April 2017
April 20th
We arrived at Reculver early for our first spring ringing session of the year and saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 11 Mallard, including a female and 3 ducklings being harassed by a mink, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Mute Swans, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Shelduck, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches and 5 Sand Martins.
Birds ringed 16: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 4, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blue Tit 2, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.
This afternoon we completed the Chamber's Wall/Green Wall/Coldharbour loop and recorded 8 Whitethroats, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Linnets, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Corn Buntings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Little Egret, 8 Oystercatchers, 13 Mallard, 2 Grey Partridges, 171 Carrion Crows, 2 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
We arrived at Reculver early for our first spring ringing session of the year and saw 3 Chiffchaffs, 11 Mallard, including a female and 3 ducklings being harassed by a mink, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Mute Swans, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Shelduck, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 8 Goldfinches and 5 Sand Martins.
Birds ringed 16: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 4, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blue Tit 2, Dunnock 2, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 3.
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| Female Mallard and ducklings trying to avoid a Mink |
This afternoon we completed the Chamber's Wall/Green Wall/Coldharbour loop and recorded 8 Whitethroats, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Linnets, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Corn Buntings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Little Egret, 8 Oystercatchers, 13 Mallard, 2 Grey Partridges, 171 Carrion Crows, 2 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
April 19th
The strong winds had abated this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm in bright sunshine. We counted 17 singing Whitethroats, 5 Goldfinches, 3 singing Reed Warblers, 9 Linnets, 4 singing Chiffchaffs, 4 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 singing Blackcaps, 2 Lapwings, 13 Mallard, 72 Carrion Crows, 26 singing Sedge Warblers, 6 Shelduck, 1 Greenshank (149th) in Coldharbour, 10 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 13 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 21 Turnstone, 5 Wheatears, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Shoveler, 2 Dunlin and 1 Yellowhammer.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Raven, 4 Lapwings and 1 Common Buzzard. We also saw our first dragonfly of the year in the shape of a Hairy Dragonfly hunting along Shuart Drove.
The strong winds had abated this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm in bright sunshine. We counted 17 singing Whitethroats, 5 Goldfinches, 3 singing Reed Warblers, 9 Linnets, 4 singing Chiffchaffs, 4 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 singing Blackcaps, 2 Lapwings, 13 Mallard, 72 Carrion Crows, 26 singing Sedge Warblers, 6 Shelduck, 1 Greenshank (149th) in Coldharbour, 10 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 13 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 21 Turnstone, 5 Wheatears, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Shoveler, 2 Dunlin and 1 Yellowhammer.
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| Common Whitethroat |
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Raven, 4 Lapwings and 1 Common Buzzard. We also saw our first dragonfly of the year in the shape of a Hairy Dragonfly hunting along Shuart Drove.
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
April 18th
Although it was sunny this morning there was a force 7 NNE wind blowing making it difficult to walk along the seawall to Coldharbour. There was not much to be seen but we did record 11 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 1 Shoveler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 84 Carrion Crows, 4 Wheatears, 1 Swallow W, 2 Whimbrel E, 3 Linnets, 1 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets and 1 male Ring Ouzel found earlier by Dave Smith.
In addition to the Ring Ouzel Dave had 3 Dotterel (148th) flying W between Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour.
Although it was sunny this morning there was a force 7 NNE wind blowing making it difficult to walk along the seawall to Coldharbour. There was not much to be seen but we did record 11 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 1 Shoveler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 84 Carrion Crows, 4 Wheatears, 1 Swallow W, 2 Whimbrel E, 3 Linnets, 1 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets and 1 male Ring Ouzel found earlier by Dave Smith.
In addition to the Ring Ouzel Dave had 3 Dotterel (148th) flying W between Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour.
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| Male Northern Wheatear |
Monday, 17 April 2017
April 17th
The weather was unpleasant this morning with the chilly north wind driving in showers. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm and saw 5 Whitethroats, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 9 Redshank, 9 Mallard, 14 Swallows W, 75 Carrion Crows, 11 Oystercatchers, 21 Turnstone, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding offshore, 2 Linnets, 1 male Shoveler, 2 Dunlin and 2 Reed Warblers.
The weather was unpleasant this morning with the chilly north wind driving in showers. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm and saw 5 Whitethroats, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 9 Redshank, 9 Mallard, 14 Swallows W, 75 Carrion Crows, 11 Oystercatchers, 21 Turnstone, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding offshore, 2 Linnets, 1 male Shoveler, 2 Dunlin and 2 Reed Warblers.
Sunday, 16 April 2017
April 16th
On an unpleasant morning with a brisk, cold, WNW wind blowing we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm. We saw 3 Whitethroats, 26 Goldfinches W, 2 Reed Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 11 Linnets W, 13 Mallard, 14 Shelduck, 29 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Redshank, 16 Swallows W, 72 Carrion Crows, 10 Oystercatchers, 13 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Sedge Warblers, 8 Sand Martins W, 1 Lapwing and 1 Yellowhammer.
We met Derek Smith, who had walked from Shuart along the railway embankment, at the Chamber's Wall crossing and walked up to Coldharbour with him before he continued back via Plumpudding. He recorded 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Shoveler, 1 House Martin W, 42 Swallows W, 3 Yellow Wagtails W, 34 Meadow Pipits W, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Whitethroats, 24 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
On an unpleasant morning with a brisk, cold, WNW wind blowing we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm. We saw 3 Whitethroats, 26 Goldfinches W, 2 Reed Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 11 Linnets W, 13 Mallard, 14 Shelduck, 29 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Redshank, 16 Swallows W, 72 Carrion Crows, 10 Oystercatchers, 13 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Sedge Warblers, 8 Sand Martins W, 1 Lapwing and 1 Yellowhammer.
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| Male Linnet |
We met Derek Smith, who had walked from Shuart along the railway embankment, at the Chamber's Wall crossing and walked up to Coldharbour with him before he continued back via Plumpudding. He recorded 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Shoveler, 1 House Martin W, 42 Swallows W, 3 Yellow Wagtails W, 34 Meadow Pipits W, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Whitethroats, 24 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
Saturday, 15 April 2017
April 15th
We arrived at Chamber's Wall after the overnight showers had past through and did our usual walk up to the Oyster Farm in cloudy conditions with a chilly westerly breeze blowing. We counted 12 Goldfinches, 3 Whitethroats, 21 Linnets, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Shelduck, 20 Mallard, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Swallows W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Sand Martin W, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Redshank, 67 Carrion Crows, 15 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Egrets, 3 male Wheatears, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Turnstone, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Shoveler and 2 Blackcaps.
Dave Smith was also out today and his highlights were 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a steady trickle of Swallows with the odd Sand Martin and 1 House Martin, He also had good numbers of Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats.
We arrived at Chamber's Wall after the overnight showers had past through and did our usual walk up to the Oyster Farm in cloudy conditions with a chilly westerly breeze blowing. We counted 12 Goldfinches, 3 Whitethroats, 21 Linnets, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Shelduck, 20 Mallard, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Swallows W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Sand Martin W, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Redshank, 67 Carrion Crows, 15 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Egrets, 3 male Wheatears, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Turnstone, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Shoveler and 2 Blackcaps.
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| Ringed Plover |
Dave Smith was also out today and his highlights were 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a steady trickle of Swallows with the odd Sand Martin and 1 House Martin, He also had good numbers of Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats.
Friday, 14 April 2017
April 14th
Derek Smith was out from 0600 to 1130 and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back along the seawall and on to Netherhale. His undoubted highlight was to pick up an Alpine Swift (146th) flying west over the railway embankment until lost to sight towards Reculver. It is highly likely that this was the same bird that Barry Matlock reported over Margate Station earlier this morning. This is the sixth record for the Reculver Marshes area but the first since 2nd May 1993.
In addition Derek had added Reed Warbler (144th) and Cuckoo (145th) to the year list as well as seeing 2 Ravens , 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Green Sandpiper E, 2 Grey Partridges, 26 Stock Dove E, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 63 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Wheatear, 8 Swallows W, 5 Blackcaps, 12 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 41 singing Sedge Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 7 Cetti's Warblers and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier.
We covered the other half of the Marsh from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm but did not see such good birds and missed the swift by a couple of minutes. Birds we saw included 9 Whitethroats, 39 Linnets W, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 10 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 12 Oystercatchers, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Shelduck, 29 Meadow Pipits W, 5 Dunlin and 29 singing Sedge Warblers.
A short stroll at Reculver this afternoon produced 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Mute Swans, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Partridge and 1 "purring" Turtle Dove (147th).
Derek Smith was out from 0600 to 1130 and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back along the seawall and on to Netherhale. His undoubted highlight was to pick up an Alpine Swift (146th) flying west over the railway embankment until lost to sight towards Reculver. It is highly likely that this was the same bird that Barry Matlock reported over Margate Station earlier this morning. This is the sixth record for the Reculver Marshes area but the first since 2nd May 1993.
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| Alpine Swift - Derek Smith |
In addition Derek had added Reed Warbler (144th) and Cuckoo (145th) to the year list as well as seeing 2 Ravens , 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Green Sandpiper E, 2 Grey Partridges, 26 Stock Dove E, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 63 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Wheatear, 8 Swallows W, 5 Blackcaps, 12 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 41 singing Sedge Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 7 Cetti's Warblers and a ring-tailed Hen Harrier.
We covered the other half of the Marsh from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm but did not see such good birds and missed the swift by a couple of minutes. Birds we saw included 9 Whitethroats, 39 Linnets W, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 10 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 12 Oystercatchers, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Shelduck, 29 Meadow Pipits W, 5 Dunlin and 29 singing Sedge Warblers.
A short stroll at Reculver this afternoon produced 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Mute Swans, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Grey Partridge and 1 "purring" Turtle Dove (147th).
Thursday, 13 April 2017
April 13th
Although still sunny there had been an overnight increase in the chilly westerly breeze as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 8 Whitethroats, 11 Mallard, 1 Blackcap, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 36 Linnets, 2 Goldfinches, 5 Willow Warblers, 4 Lapwings, 26 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 5 Mute Swans, 16 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Swallows W, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Egrets, 3 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Turnstone, 2 Wheatears, 1 Grey Plover, 18 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Common Buzzard.
Although still sunny there had been an overnight increase in the chilly westerly breeze as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 5 Chiffchaffs, 8 Whitethroats, 11 Mallard, 1 Blackcap, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 36 Linnets, 2 Goldfinches, 5 Willow Warblers, 4 Lapwings, 26 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 5 Mute Swans, 16 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Swallows W, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Egrets, 3 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Turnstone, 2 Wheatears, 1 Grey Plover, 18 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Common Buzzard.
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| Male Common Whitethroat |
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
April 12th
With a chilly westerly breeze blowing, the first half of our walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm was in sunshine but it clouded over later. It was a "wagtail" morning with 3 Pied Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails and 6 unidentified alba Wagtails flying W as well as 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 male Channel Wagtail (Blue-headed x Yellow hybrid).
Other birds seen included 3 newly arrived Whitethroats, 34 Linnets W, 16 Goldfinches W, 16 Sedge Warblers, 5 Willow Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 6 Meadow Pipits W, 62 Carrion Ctows, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Swallows W, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Redshank, Little Egrets, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Shelduck, 9 Sand Martins W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 6 Corn Buntings and 23 Yellowhammers.
Marc Heath spent a couple of hours at Reculver from 1000 where he walked down to Coldharbour and back in cloudy conditions. There was not much to report but he did see 18 Swallows W, 2 Pied Wagtails, 5 Meadow Pipits, 24 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Shelduck, 3 Reed Buntings, 6 Mallard, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Turnstone, 2 Skylarks, 8 Sand Martins W, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 male Wheatear at Coldharbour, 1 House Martin W, 2 Redshank, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Grey Heron.
With a chilly westerly breeze blowing, the first half of our walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm was in sunshine but it clouded over later. It was a "wagtail" morning with 3 Pied Wagtails, 4 White Wagtails and 6 unidentified alba Wagtails flying W as well as 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 male Channel Wagtail (Blue-headed x Yellow hybrid).
Other birds seen included 3 newly arrived Whitethroats, 34 Linnets W, 16 Goldfinches W, 16 Sedge Warblers, 5 Willow Warblers, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 6 Meadow Pipits W, 62 Carrion Ctows, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Swallows W, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Redshank, Little Egrets, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Shelduck, 9 Sand Martins W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 6 Corn Buntings and 23 Yellowhammers.
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| Male White Wagtail |
Marc Heath spent a couple of hours at Reculver from 1000 where he walked down to Coldharbour and back in cloudy conditions. There was not much to report but he did see 18 Swallows W, 2 Pied Wagtails, 5 Meadow Pipits, 24 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Shelduck, 3 Reed Buntings, 6 Mallard, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Turnstone, 2 Skylarks, 8 Sand Martins W, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 male Wheatear at Coldharbour, 1 House Martin W, 2 Redshank, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Grey Heron.
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| Male Wheatear |
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
April 11th
In continuing sunny weather we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars, Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 4 Blackcaps, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 35 Linnets W, 12 Sedge Warblers, 22 Goldfinches, 7 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 14 Mallard, 1 Grey Partridge, 6 Lapwings, 64 Carrion Crows, 6 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 8 Ringed Plovers, 27 Oystercatchers, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 male Wheatears, 4 Swallows W, 6 Shelduck, 27 Turnstone, 30 Meadow Pipits W, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Dunlin, 1 Shoveler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 11 Corn Buntings and 2 Sand Martins.
In continuing sunny weather we walked from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars, Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 4 Blackcaps, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 35 Linnets W, 12 Sedge Warblers, 22 Goldfinches, 7 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 14 Mallard, 1 Grey Partridge, 6 Lapwings, 64 Carrion Crows, 6 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 8 Ringed Plovers, 27 Oystercatchers, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 male Wheatears, 4 Swallows W, 6 Shelduck, 27 Turnstone, 30 Meadow Pipits W, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Dunlin, 1 Shoveler, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 11 Corn Buntings and 2 Sand Martins.
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| Male Wheatear |
Monday, 10 April 2017
April 10th
There had been a change in the weather overnight with the warm air blown away and a chilly NW breeze in its place. We completed our usual walk from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars and then on to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm. We counted 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 6 Linnets, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Sedge Warblers, 62 Carrion Crows, 13 Redshank, 16 Mallard, 17 Shelduck, 29 Oystercatchers, 4 Grey Plovers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little Egrets, 7 Turnstone, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 4 Swallows W, 1 Sanderling, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunlin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Goldfinches and 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing.
We met Marc Heath on the seawall where his highlights had been 1 Whimbrel (143rd) landing in the Oyster Farm, 4 Grey Partridges and 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls.
There had been a change in the weather overnight with the warm air blown away and a chilly NW breeze in its place. We completed our usual walk from Chamber's Wall to the White Poplars and then on to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm. We counted 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 6 Linnets, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Sedge Warblers, 62 Carrion Crows, 13 Redshank, 16 Mallard, 17 Shelduck, 29 Oystercatchers, 4 Grey Plovers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little Egrets, 7 Turnstone, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 4 Swallows W, 1 Sanderling, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunlin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Goldfinches and 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing.
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| Displaying Shelduck |
We met Marc Heath on the seawall where his highlights had been 1 Whimbrel (143rd) landing in the Oyster Farm, 4 Grey Partridges and 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls.
Sunday, 9 April 2017
April 9th
The fantastic spring weather continues. We arrived at Chamber's Wall and walked along the railway embankment and then on to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw a good range of species including 3 Blackcaps, 18 Linnets, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 13 migrant Song Thrushes, 9 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 71 Carrion Crows, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Mallard, 14 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 34 Oystercatchers, 1 Avocet W and then back E, 8 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding offshore, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Ringed Plover in one of the lagoons and then flying W calling, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (140th) our equal earliest with 1988 and 2014, 6 Ringed Plovers, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Yellowhammer.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0700 and 1100 walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and back along the seawall. He saw 1 Fulmar W, 4 Curlew, 18 Oystercatchers, 48 Sanderling, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Swallow, 1 male Wheatear, 14 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat (141st), 4 Blackcaps, 18 Sedge Warblers and 7 Cetti's Warblers.
Also this morning Chris Sear saw a male Ring Ouzel (142nd) at Plumpudding as well as 3 Cetti's Warblers.
This afternoon over our garden at Bishopstone we had 10 Swallows and 20 Sand Martins flying over and later an adult Mediterranean Gull calling loudly.
The fantastic spring weather continues. We arrived at Chamber's Wall and walked along the railway embankment and then on to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw a good range of species including 3 Blackcaps, 18 Linnets, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 13 migrant Song Thrushes, 9 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 71 Carrion Crows, 3 Mute Swans, 14 Mallard, 14 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 34 Oystercatchers, 1 Avocet W and then back E, 8 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding offshore, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Ringed Plover in one of the lagoons and then flying W calling, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (140th) our equal earliest with 1988 and 2014, 6 Ringed Plovers, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Yellowhammer.
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| Avocet |
Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0700 and 1100 walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and back along the seawall. He saw 1 Fulmar W, 4 Curlew, 18 Oystercatchers, 48 Sanderling, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Swallow, 1 male Wheatear, 14 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat (141st), 4 Blackcaps, 18 Sedge Warblers and 7 Cetti's Warblers.
Also this morning Chris Sear saw a male Ring Ouzel (142nd) at Plumpudding as well as 3 Cetti's Warblers.
This afternoon over our garden at Bishopstone we had 10 Swallows and 20 Sand Martins flying over and later an adult Mediterranean Gull calling loudly.
Saturday, 8 April 2017
April 8th
On yet another glorious spring morning we parked at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We recorded 5 Goldfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Sedge Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 3 Blackcaps, 13 Linnets, 1 Lesser Redpoll W (139th) surprisingly the first record of the year, 14 Mallard, 11 Mute Swans, 1 Lapwing, 19 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 42 Carrion Crows, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Fulmar, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 5 Shelduck, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 51 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Peregrine.
On yet another glorious spring morning we parked at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We recorded 5 Goldfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Sedge Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shoveler, 3 Blackcaps, 13 Linnets, 1 Lesser Redpoll W (139th) surprisingly the first record of the year, 14 Mallard, 11 Mute Swans, 1 Lapwing, 19 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 42 Carrion Crows, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Fulmar, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 5 Shelduck, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 51 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Peregrine.
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| Purple Sandpiper |
Friday, 7 April 2017
April 7th
Once again Matt met us at Chamber's Wall after walking out to the sea from Shuart and seeing 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sedge Warblers, 35 Linnets, 5 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron and 16 Turnstone.
Our walk from Chambers Wall to Coldharbour via the Green Wall produced 11 Goldfinches, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 40 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 4 Grey Partridges, 6 Sedge Warblers, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Sand Martins W, 2 Mediterranean Gulls W, 5 Shelduck, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Swallows W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Turnstone, 28 Redshank, 1 Gannet, 2 Ringed Plovers, 20 Mallard, 2 Wheatears, 1 Great Northern Diver (138th) feeding on a crab off the Wantsum outflow, 1 Sandwich Tern E, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Meadow Pipits W, 19 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 48 Carrion Crows and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Once again Matt met us at Chamber's Wall after walking out to the sea from Shuart and seeing 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Sedge Warblers, 35 Linnets, 5 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron and 16 Turnstone.
Our walk from Chambers Wall to Coldharbour via the Green Wall produced 11 Goldfinches, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 40 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap, 4 Grey Partridges, 6 Sedge Warblers, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Sand Martins W, 2 Mediterranean Gulls W, 5 Shelduck, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 Swallows W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Turnstone, 28 Redshank, 1 Gannet, 2 Ringed Plovers, 20 Mallard, 2 Wheatears, 1 Great Northern Diver (138th) feeding on a crab off the Wantsum outflow, 1 Sandwich Tern E, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Meadow Pipits W, 19 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 48 Carrion Crows and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Male Yellow Wagtail |
Thursday, 6 April 2017
April 6th
Matt arrived at Shuart early and recorded 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Jays, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying S, 1 Brambling, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Snipe.
He then met us at Chamber's Wall and we walked out to the Green Wall before returning via Coldharbour and then visiting Reculver on the way home. Birds we saw included 10 Goldfinches, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Mallard, 18 Linnets, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Marsh Harriers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Shelduck, 11 Sedge Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Fulmar W, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Sand Martins W, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 22 Redshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Red Kites W, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Swallow W, 61 Carrion Crows, 1 Pied Wagtail, 15 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Mute Swans, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Common Buzzards.
Marc Heath also had at least 2 more Red Kites flying W as well as 1 House Martin (137th).
Matt arrived at Shuart early and recorded 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Jays, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying S, 1 Brambling, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Snipe.
He then met us at Chamber's Wall and we walked out to the Green Wall before returning via Coldharbour and then visiting Reculver on the way home. Birds we saw included 10 Goldfinches, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Mallard, 18 Linnets, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Marsh Harriers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Shelduck, 11 Sedge Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Fulmar W, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Sand Martins W, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 22 Redshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Red Kites W, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Swallow W, 61 Carrion Crows, 1 Pied Wagtail, 15 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 5 Mute Swans, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Common Buzzards.
Marc Heath also had at least 2 more Red Kites flying W as well as 1 House Martin (137th).
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| Sedge Warbler |
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
April 5th
At Reculver and Shuart this morning there were 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Swallows, 2 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Long-tailed Tits.
Today Terry Wilson walked from Plumpudding to Coldharbour along railway embankment and recorded 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker and 4 Chiffchaffs. Along seawall on the way back he counted 2 Turnstones, 2 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 12 Sanderlings and 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
This afternoon a walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour produced 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Ravens flying W, 4 Linnets, 16 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 10 Oystercatchers, 42 Carrion Crows an the mussel beds, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 singing Yellowhammer.
As we arrived home a Red Kite flew W along the coast at Bishopstone. Later Marc Heath saw 2 Red Kites flying W near the Roman Galley.
At Reculver and Shuart this morning there were 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Swallows, 2 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Long-tailed Tits.
Today Terry Wilson walked from Plumpudding to Coldharbour along railway embankment and recorded 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker and 4 Chiffchaffs. Along seawall on the way back he counted 2 Turnstones, 2 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 12 Sanderlings and 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
This afternoon a walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour produced 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Ravens flying W, 4 Linnets, 16 Mallard, 6 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 10 Oystercatchers, 42 Carrion Crows an the mussel beds, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 singing Yellowhammer.
As we arrived home a Red Kite flew W along the coast at Bishopstone. Later Marc Heath saw 2 Red Kites flying W near the Roman Galley.
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
April 4th
It was overcast and drizzly this morning when we met up with Matt at Chamber's Wall after he had walked there from Shuart. We all then walked up to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm before returning along the railway embankment. Birds we saw included 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Harriers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Merlin W, 6 Blackcaps, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 97 Meadow Pipits W, 3 alba Wagtails, 70 Sanderling, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warblers, 2 Swallows W, 1 Sandwich Tern W (136th), 4 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Song Thrushes, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Mute Swans, 13 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Turnstone, 6 Redshank, 39 Oystercatchers, 6 Shelduck, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Linnets and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Later at Reculver we recorded 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Grey Partridges and 1 Kestrel.
It was overcast and drizzly this morning when we met up with Matt at Chamber's Wall after he had walked there from Shuart. We all then walked up to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm before returning along the railway embankment. Birds we saw included 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Harriers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Merlin W, 6 Blackcaps, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 97 Meadow Pipits W, 3 alba Wagtails, 70 Sanderling, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Sedge Warblers, 2 Swallows W, 1 Sandwich Tern W (136th), 4 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Song Thrushes, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Mute Swans, 13 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Turnstone, 6 Redshank, 39 Oystercatchers, 6 Shelduck, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Linnets and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
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| Purple Sandpiper |
Later at Reculver we recorded 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Grey Partridges and 1 Kestrel.
Monday, 3 April 2017
April 3rd
The morning began foggy but soon turned into a beautiful early spring day. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along to the Oyster Farm and saw 2 Willow Warblers, 18 Linnets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Mute Swans, 26 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 18 Oystercatchers, 18 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 first winter Yellow-legged Gull (135th), 4 Little Egrets, 1 singing male Stonechat, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Shoveler, 1 Swallow W, 2 Dunlin, 8 Corn Buntings, 3 Goldfinches and 12 Chaffinches.
Later at Reculver we saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot, 11 Mallard and 1 Willow Warbler.
The morning began foggy but soon turned into a beautiful early spring day. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along to the Oyster Farm and saw 2 Willow Warblers, 18 Linnets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Mute Swans, 26 Mallard, 5 Shelduck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Snipe, 18 Oystercatchers, 18 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 first winter Yellow-legged Gull (135th), 4 Little Egrets, 1 singing male Stonechat, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Shoveler, 1 Swallow W, 2 Dunlin, 8 Corn Buntings, 3 Goldfinches and 12 Chaffinches.
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| First winter Yellow-legged Gull |
Later at Reculver we saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot, 11 Mallard and 1 Willow Warbler.
Sunday, 2 April 2017
April 2nd
On a bright and sunny morning with a light NW breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Goldfinches, 5 Chiffchaffs, 6 Linnets, 3 Mute Swans, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Swallows W (133rd), 18 Mallard, 2 Dunlin, 1 Little Egret, 18 Oystercatchers, 19 Carrion Crows, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 26 Turnstone, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Blackcap and 1 Marsh Harrier.
On our way home we dropped in at Reculver where we saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Goldfinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Golden Plover, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard and 1 Grey Heron.
Marc Heath was out at 0630 and recorded 2 Blackcaps, 11 Shelduck, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Stonechat, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Yellow Wagtail W (134th), 1 Brambling, 5 Sedge Warblers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 1 Little Owl.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back recording 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Little Egrets, 26 Sanderling, 17 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Sedge Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
Dave Smith covered most of the Marsh and his highlights were 8 Common Scoter E, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Swallow and 2 Short-eared Owls.
On a bright and sunny morning with a light NW breeze blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Goldfinches, 5 Chiffchaffs, 6 Linnets, 3 Mute Swans, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Swallows W (133rd), 18 Mallard, 2 Dunlin, 1 Little Egret, 18 Oystercatchers, 19 Carrion Crows, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 26 Turnstone, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Blackcap and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Singing Chiffchaff |
On our way home we dropped in at Reculver where we saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Goldfinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Golden Plover, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard and 1 Grey Heron.
Marc Heath was out at 0630 and recorded 2 Blackcaps, 11 Shelduck, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Stonechat, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Yellow Wagtail W (134th), 1 Brambling, 5 Sedge Warblers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 1 Little Owl.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back recording 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Little Egrets, 26 Sanderling, 17 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Sedge Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
Dave Smith covered most of the Marsh and his highlights were 8 Common Scoter E, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Swallow and 2 Short-eared Owls.
Saturday, 1 April 2017
April 1st
The month began as I was eating breakfast when a female Brambling made a fleeting visit to our bird feeders.
After this we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked along the railway embankment and then out to Coldharbour. We recorded 9 Goldfinches, 16 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Blackcap, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Linnets, 2 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Sedge Warblers, 2 Redshank, 20 Carrion Crows, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 12 Chaffinches.
We then walked inland from Reculver and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Mallard, 3 Mute Swans, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Kestrel and 1 Goldcrest.
Derek Smith was also birding this morning and between 0630 and 0930 walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He counted 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Little Ringed Plover flying W, 12 Sanderling, 14 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 11 Sedge Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
Julian and Alex Perry found the Avocet and the wintering Common Sandpiper in the Oyster Farm lagoons.
The month began as I was eating breakfast when a female Brambling made a fleeting visit to our bird feeders.
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| A through the window photo of the female Brambling |
After this we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked along the railway embankment and then out to Coldharbour. We recorded 9 Goldfinches, 16 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Blackcap, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Linnets, 2 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Sedge Warblers, 2 Redshank, 20 Carrion Crows, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 12 Chaffinches.
We then walked inland from Reculver and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Siskin, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Mallard, 3 Mute Swans, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Kestrel and 1 Goldcrest.
Derek Smith was also birding this morning and between 0630 and 0930 walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He counted 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Little Ringed Plover flying W, 12 Sanderling, 14 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 11 Sedge Warblers and 6 Cetti's Warblers.
Julian and Alex Perry found the Avocet and the wintering Common Sandpiper in the Oyster Farm lagoons.