May 25th
On a very warm and sunny morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 1 Blackcap, 6 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 4 Linnets, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Redshank, 3 Swifts, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egrets, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Fulmar, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Cuckoos, 25 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 2 Lapwings and 1 Little Owl.
Thursday, 25 May 2017
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
May 24th
We spent a very warm morning ringing at Shuart where, between 0815 and 0945, we saw 13 Red Kites moving W.
Other birds seen included 2 Grey Herons, 2 singing Turtle Doves, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Linnets, 1 Oystercatchers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lapwings, 12 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Swifts and 1 Hobby.
Birds ringed 25: Wren 1, Blue Tit 10 pullus, Whitethroat 3, Reed Warbler 8, Sedge Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1.
Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay along railway embankment to Coldharbour and back along the seawall and saw 11 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite W, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Turnstone, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Sanderling, 3 Ringed Plovers and 1 Cuckoo heard.
We spent a very warm morning ringing at Shuart where, between 0815 and 0945, we saw 13 Red Kites moving W.
Other birds seen included 2 Grey Herons, 2 singing Turtle Doves, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Linnets, 1 Oystercatchers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lapwings, 12 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Swifts and 1 Hobby.
Birds ringed 25: Wren 1, Blue Tit 10 pullus, Whitethroat 3, Reed Warbler 8, Sedge Warbler 1, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 1.
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| One of the Red Kites of which most, if not all, were first year birds moulting their inner primaries |
Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay along railway embankment to Coldharbour and back along the seawall and saw 11 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite W, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Turnstone, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Sanderling, 3 Ringed Plovers and 1 Cuckoo heard.
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
May 23rd
It was another lovely morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm where we found the star bird of the morning. It was another Stone-curlew following on from the one we discovered on 2nd May. This one was very flighty and flew out of the dried up Oyster Farm lagoons before doing a couple of circuits and then flying west. It seems possible that these are Norfolk birds migrating north overnight and reaching Reculver first thing in the morning to have a rest and feed.
Other birds seen included 16 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Oystercatchers, 6 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Scoter W, 10 Turnstone, 2 Swifts W, 1 Wheatear, 2 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Shelduck, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Blackcap.
We also found 1 Wall Brown, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue and 6 Red-eyed Damselflies.
Ron Dubbins also walked around the Oyster Farm this morning and in addition to what we saw found the Short-eared Owl.
It was another lovely morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm where we found the star bird of the morning. It was another Stone-curlew following on from the one we discovered on 2nd May. This one was very flighty and flew out of the dried up Oyster Farm lagoons before doing a couple of circuits and then flying west. It seems possible that these are Norfolk birds migrating north overnight and reaching Reculver first thing in the morning to have a rest and feed.
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| Stone-curlew |
Other birds seen included 16 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Oystercatchers, 6 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Scoter W, 10 Turnstone, 2 Swifts W, 1 Wheatear, 2 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Shelduck, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Blackcap.
We also found 1 Wall Brown, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue and 6 Red-eyed Damselflies.
Ron Dubbins also walked around the Oyster Farm this morning and in addition to what we saw found the Short-eared Owl.
Monday, 22 May 2017
May 22nd
We spent a pleasant morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 10 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Common Buzzard, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Mallard, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Shelduck, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap.
Birds ringed 18: Dunnock 2, Linnet 3, Cetti's Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 3 (we also retrapped the French ringed individual we caught on 17th), Whitethroat 2, Reed Warbler 4, Blackcap 1 and Chaffinch 2.
We then drove to Shuart to ring 3 nest boxes of Blue Tits and during which time we saw or heard 4 Blackcaps, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 22 pullus Blue Tits.
We spent a pleasant morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 10 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Common Buzzard, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Mallard, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Shelduck, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap.
Birds ringed 18: Dunnock 2, Linnet 3, Cetti's Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 3 (we also retrapped the French ringed individual we caught on 17th), Whitethroat 2, Reed Warbler 4, Blackcap 1 and Chaffinch 2.
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| Reed Warbler |
We then drove to Shuart to ring 3 nest boxes of Blue Tits and during which time we saw or heard 4 Blackcaps, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 22 pullus Blue Tits.
Sunday, 21 May 2017
May 21st
On a beautiful spring morning we decided on a change from our usual walk and instead walked from Shuart to the sea. We saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Turtle Doves, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Mallard, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Lapwings, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Goldfinches, 11 Oystercatchers, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 9 Long-tailed Tits.
On a beautiful spring morning we decided on a change from our usual walk and instead walked from Shuart to the sea. We saw 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Turtle Doves, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Mallard, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Lapwings, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Goldfinches, 11 Oystercatchers, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 9 Long-tailed Tits.
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| Turtle Dove |
Saturday, 20 May 2017
May 20th
On a pleasant but ornithologically quiet morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm via Coldharbour. We saw 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Cuckoos, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 21 Mallard, 2 Mute Swans, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, 3 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows W, 2 Common Terns, 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Lapwings.
On a pleasant but ornithologically quiet morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm via Coldharbour. We saw 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Cuckoos, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 21 Mallard, 2 Mute Swans, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, 3 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows W, 2 Common Terns, 1 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Lapwings.
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| Male and female Mute Swan |
Friday, 19 May 2017
May 19th
After 18mm of overnight rain this morning was cooler and overcast as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we recorded included 1 Blackcap, 3 Pied Wagtails, 16 Swifts W, 17 Swallows W, 10 House Martins W, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Little Owls, 8 Ringed Plovers, 11 Turnstone, 22 Oystercatchers, 8 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 15 Mallard, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Lapwings, 3 Wheatears, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
After 18mm of overnight rain this morning was cooler and overcast as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we recorded included 1 Blackcap, 3 Pied Wagtails, 16 Swifts W, 17 Swallows W, 10 House Martins W, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Little Owls, 8 Ringed Plovers, 11 Turnstone, 22 Oystercatchers, 8 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 15 Mallard, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Lapwings, 3 Wheatears, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
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| Male Pied Wagtail |
Thursday, 18 May 2017
May 18th
After the overnight rain it was very humid this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 13 Whitethroats, 16 Mallard, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, 15 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Sandwich Terns, 3 Wheatears, 2 Lapwings, 7 Turnstone, 9 Shelduck, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
After the overnight rain it was very humid this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 13 Whitethroats, 16 Mallard, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, 15 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Sandwich Terns, 3 Wheatears, 2 Lapwings, 7 Turnstone, 9 Shelduck, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
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| Turnstone |
Wednesday, 17 May 2017
May 17th
After the early morning rain had moved through we had a ringing session on the Marsh south of the railway. Birds we saw included 12 Whitethroats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 8 Sedge Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 10 Swallows N and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Birds ringed 54: Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 6, Whitethroat 9, Linnet 2, Sedge Warbler 2, Chaffinch 2, Blue Tit 25 pullus, Great Tit 6 pullus, Dunnock 1.
We also controlled a French ringed Sedge Warbler.
After the early morning rain had moved through we had a ringing session on the Marsh south of the railway. Birds we saw included 12 Whitethroats, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Mallard, 1 Kestrel, 8 Sedge Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 10 Swallows N and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Birds ringed 54: Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 6, Whitethroat 9, Linnet 2, Sedge Warbler 2, Chaffinch 2, Blue Tit 25 pullus, Great Tit 6 pullus, Dunnock 1.
We also controlled a French ringed Sedge Warbler.
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| French ringed Sedge Warbler |
Tuesday, 16 May 2017
May 16th
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where it was pretty quiet. We saw 8 Blackcaps, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. There were also one or two Azure Damselflies on the wing.
Birds ringed 17: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 2, Blue Tit 1, Blackcap 3, Linnet 1, Reed Warbler 1, Chaffinch 2, Whitethroat 1, Dunnock 3, Blackbird 2.
On an unexpectedly hot and humid afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 5 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Mallard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 pairs of Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Oystercatchers, 30 Sanderling and 1 Chiffchaff.
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where it was pretty quiet. We saw 8 Blackcaps, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. There were also one or two Azure Damselflies on the wing.
Birds ringed 17: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 2, Blue Tit 1, Blackcap 3, Linnet 1, Reed Warbler 1, Chaffinch 2, Whitethroat 1, Dunnock 3, Blackbird 2.
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| Azure Damselfly |
On an unexpectedly hot and humid afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 5 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Mallard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 pairs of Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Oystercatchers, 30 Sanderling and 1 Chiffchaff.
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| Male and female Yellow Wagtail |
Monday, 15 May 2017
May 15th
On another showery and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 1 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroats, 6 Linnets, 6 Sand Martins W, 7 House Martins W, 51 Swallows W, 1 Swift W, 2 Little Owls, 3 Little Egrets, 17 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plovers, 12 Mallard, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Terns, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel and 1 Cuckoo.
On another showery and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 1 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroats, 6 Linnets, 6 Sand Martins W, 7 House Martins W, 51 Swallows W, 1 Swift W, 2 Little Owls, 3 Little Egrets, 17 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plovers, 12 Mallard, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Terns, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel and 1 Cuckoo.
Sunday, 14 May 2017
May 14th
At Shuart this morning Matt saw 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Common Terns and at the Roman Galley we heard the Nightingale and saw a Turtle Dove.
It was a showery morning with a SW breeze blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and back via Coldharbour. We counted 18 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 46 Swallows W, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 5 Shelduck, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 House Martin W, 2 Sand Martins W, 13 Mallard, 3 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 2 Swifts W, 3 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint and 1 Lapwing.
At Shuart this morning Matt saw 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Common Terns and at the Roman Galley we heard the Nightingale and saw a Turtle Dove.
It was a showery morning with a SW breeze blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and back via Coldharbour. We counted 18 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 46 Swallows W, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 5 Shelduck, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 House Martin W, 2 Sand Martins W, 13 Mallard, 3 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 2 Swifts W, 3 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint and 1 Lapwing.
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| Salsify |
Saturday, 13 May 2017
May 13th
It was another quiet morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 4 Corn Buntings, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Whitethroats, 3 Turtle Doves, a pair nest building and another singing male, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 15 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Linnets, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Mute Swans and 25 Sand Martins.
It was another quiet morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then dropped in at Reculver on the way home. We saw 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 4 Corn Buntings, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Whitethroats, 3 Turtle Doves, a pair nest building and another singing male, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 15 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Linnets, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Mute Swans and 25 Sand Martins.
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| Turtle Dove |
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| Cuckoo |
Friday, 12 May 2017
May 12th
This morning was a disappointment. With an increase in the temperature, overnight showers and a southerly breeze I had hoped for an arrival of migrants at Reculver but little had changed from yesterday. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm and recorded 3 Wheatears, 9 Linnets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 18 Whitethroats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 male Cuckoo, 14 Mallard, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Shelduck, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Terns, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese W and 12 Chaffinches.
This morning was a disappointment. With an increase in the temperature, overnight showers and a southerly breeze I had hoped for an arrival of migrants at Reculver but little had changed from yesterday. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm and recorded 3 Wheatears, 9 Linnets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 18 Whitethroats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 male Cuckoo, 14 Mallard, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Shelduck, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Terns, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese W and 12 Chaffinches.
Thursday, 11 May 2017
May 11th
It was a bit warmer as we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons this morning. It was relatively quiet but we did see 20 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove, 7 Linnets, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 27 Mallard, including two groups of ducklings, 6 Shelduck, 188 Carrion Crows, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 Greenshank, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Gannets E, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 second calendar year Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Cuckoo.
This afternoon we walked around Shuart and recorded 1 Cuckoo, 7 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Raven and 4 Mallard. We also saw our first 3 Small Heaths of the year.
It was a bit warmer as we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons this morning. It was relatively quiet but we did see 20 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove, 7 Linnets, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 27 Mallard, including two groups of ducklings, 6 Shelduck, 188 Carrion Crows, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 Greenshank, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Gannets E, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 second calendar year Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Cuckoo.
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| Female Wheatear |
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| Gannets |
This afternoon we walked around Shuart and recorded 1 Cuckoo, 7 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Raven and 4 Mallard. We also saw our first 3 Small Heaths of the year.
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
May 10th
On another beautiful spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm and back along the railway embankment. We saw 22 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 14 Linnets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 25 Swallows, 1 Swift, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 14 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sand Martins, 4 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat and 1 Green Woodpecker.
This morning Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay to Coldharbour and recorded 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 6 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 12 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Plovers and good numbers of Swallows.
On another beautiful spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm and back along the railway embankment. We saw 22 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 14 Linnets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 25 Swallows, 1 Swift, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 14 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sand Martins, 4 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat and 1 Green Woodpecker.
This morning Terry Wilson walked from Minnis Bay to Coldharbour and recorded 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 6 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 12 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Plovers and good numbers of Swallows.
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| Male and female Shoveler |
Tuesday, 9 May 2017
May 9th
At last a relatively calm and sunny morning meant that we could go ringing at Reculver. Although we caught a range of warblers the highlight was a fly over Serin (168th). This has been a bogey species for me at Reculver and this was a new species for me for the area after 54 years of trying!
Other birds we saw included 6 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 15 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mallard, 18 Swallows N, 7 Corn Buntings, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite W, 1 Hobby, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Common Buzzards.
Birds ringed 15: Chiffchaff 2, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 1, Whitethroat 2, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 2.
On a beautiful afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 2 Wheatears, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 11 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Lapwing, 9 Mallard, 120 Carrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Tern, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Chiffchaff.
This morning Terry Wilson saw 5 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Wheatear at Minnis Bay.
At last a relatively calm and sunny morning meant that we could go ringing at Reculver. Although we caught a range of warblers the highlight was a fly over Serin (168th). This has been a bogey species for me at Reculver and this was a new species for me for the area after 54 years of trying!
Other birds we saw included 6 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 15 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mallard, 18 Swallows N, 7 Corn Buntings, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite W, 1 Hobby, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Common Buzzards.
Birds ringed 15: Chiffchaff 2, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 1, Reed Bunting 1, Whitethroat 2, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Cetti's Warbler 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 2.
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| Male Common Whitethroat |
This morning Terry Wilson saw 5 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Wheatear at Minnis Bay.
Monday, 8 May 2017
May 8th
On yet another revolting morning with a cold northerly wind blowing in drizzle off the sea we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back around the Green Wall. We managed to see 2 Turtle Doves, 41 Swifts W, 1 Eider, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Whitethroats, 85 Carrion Crows, 11 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 11 Oystercatchers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 3 House Martins W, 2 Wheatears, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Linnets and 1 Yellow Wagtail. The Nightingale was also singing near the Roman Galley this morning.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 4 Gannets distantly flying E along the seawall, 56 Swifts feeding over the fields, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 11 House Martins, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Green Woodpecker. A Hobby flew over as we arrived home at Bishopstone.
On yet another revolting morning with a cold northerly wind blowing in drizzle off the sea we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back around the Green Wall. We managed to see 2 Turtle Doves, 41 Swifts W, 1 Eider, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 13 Whitethroats, 85 Carrion Crows, 11 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 11 Oystercatchers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 3 House Martins W, 2 Wheatears, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Linnets and 1 Yellow Wagtail. The Nightingale was also singing near the Roman Galley this morning.
This afternoon we walked around the Shuart area and recorded 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 4 Gannets distantly flying E along the seawall, 56 Swifts feeding over the fields, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 11 House Martins, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Green Woodpecker. A Hobby flew over as we arrived home at Bishopstone.
Sunday, 7 May 2017
May 7th
There was a slightly lighter wind this morning as we walked at Reculver and then at Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and the railway embankment. We saw 3 Blackcaps, 18 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Swallows W, 12 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Lapwing, 80 Carrion Crows, 2 Peregrines, 7 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Grey Plovers, 62 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fulmar W, 4 Swifts, 3 Ring Ouzels, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Greenland Wheatears, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Hobby and 4 Corn Buntings.
In addition Marc Heath who we met had seen 1 Whinchat, 39 Swallows W, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Grey Partridges, 28 Swifts, 2 Common Terns, 2 Whimbrel and 10 House Martins.
This afternoon in almost still conditions we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and back. We saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 purring Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo, 10 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Whinchats, Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Ravens, 1 Sparrowhwak and 1 Goldcrest.
There was a slightly lighter wind this morning as we walked at Reculver and then at Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and the railway embankment. We saw 3 Blackcaps, 18 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Swallows W, 12 Mallard, 8 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Lapwing, 80 Carrion Crows, 2 Peregrines, 7 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Grey Plovers, 62 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fulmar W, 4 Swifts, 3 Ring Ouzels, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Greenland Wheatears, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Hobby and 4 Corn Buntings.
In addition Marc Heath who we met had seen 1 Whinchat, 39 Swallows W, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Grey Partridges, 28 Swifts, 2 Common Terns, 2 Whimbrel and 10 House Martins.
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| Summer plumaged Grey Plover |
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| Male Ring Ouzel |
This afternoon in almost still conditions we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and back. We saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 purring Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo, 10 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Whinchats, Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Ravens, 1 Sparrowhwak and 1 Goldcrest.
Saturday, 6 May 2017
May 6th
On an even more blustery morning, but thankfully with no rain, we began the morning with a bird watch at Reculver and saw 2 Bullfinches (167th), 42 Sandwich Terns E, 4 Common Terns E, 1 Gannet E, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 1 male Black Redstart, 3 Whitethroats and 1 Swift.
After this we visited Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning along the Green Wall and railway embankment. We recorded 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mallard, 19 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 7 Swifts, 4 Shoveler, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 1 second summer Yellow-legged Gull E, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 1 male Greenland Wheatear, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 138 Carrion Crows, 1 Kestrel and 1 Tree Pipit.
In addition Marc Heath also saw 1 Nightingale, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Fulmars, 5 Gannets, 4 Common Scoter and 7 Grey Plover.
On an even more blustery morning, but thankfully with no rain, we began the morning with a bird watch at Reculver and saw 2 Bullfinches (167th), 42 Sandwich Terns E, 4 Common Terns E, 1 Gannet E, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 1 male Black Redstart, 3 Whitethroats and 1 Swift.
After this we visited Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning along the Green Wall and railway embankment. We recorded 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mallard, 19 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 7 Swifts, 4 Shoveler, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 1 second summer Yellow-legged Gull E, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 1 male Greenland Wheatear, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 138 Carrion Crows, 1 Kestrel and 1 Tree Pipit.
In addition Marc Heath also saw 1 Nightingale, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Fulmars, 5 Gannets, 4 Common Scoter and 7 Grey Plover.
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| Male Greenland Wheatear |
Friday, 5 May 2017
May 5th
As we left the house this morning a Hobby zipped across the road and over the houses. We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked up to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning along the Green Wall. Although still windy the weather was better than the last couple of days and the sun even shone for half an hour. We counted 4 Goldfinches, 19 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Whinchat, 5 Shelduck, 84 Carrion Crows, 6 Linnets, 11 Mallard, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Gannets E, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Swallows W, 7 Grey Plovers E, 3 Sanderling E, 3 Sandwich Terns, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 5 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting on the beach, 2 Turnstone, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Swift.
As we left the house this morning a Hobby zipped across the road and over the houses. We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked up to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning along the Green Wall. Although still windy the weather was better than the last couple of days and the sun even shone for half an hour. We counted 4 Goldfinches, 19 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Whinchat, 5 Shelduck, 84 Carrion Crows, 6 Linnets, 11 Mallard, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Gannets E, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Swallows W, 7 Grey Plovers E, 3 Sanderling E, 3 Sandwich Terns, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 5 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls E, 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting on the beach, 2 Turnstone, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Swift.
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| Whinchat |
Thursday, 4 May 2017
May 4th
The morning began with heavy showers but they had stopped by the time we arrived at Reculver. After a walk here, we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked back to the Oyster Farm and recorded 1 Blackcap, 1 Fulmar E, 6 Shelduck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Gannets E, 8 Linnets, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 9 Whitethroats, 5 Lapwings, 7 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Swallows, 8 Sandwich Terns E, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Stint E (166th), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
Dave Smith was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and found a Wryneck (165th) on the railway embankment. He also recorded 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper.
The morning began with heavy showers but they had stopped by the time we arrived at Reculver. After a walk here, we drove to Chamber's Wall and walked back to the Oyster Farm and recorded 1 Blackcap, 1 Fulmar E, 6 Shelduck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Gannets E, 8 Linnets, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 9 Whitethroats, 5 Lapwings, 7 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Swallows, 8 Sandwich Terns E, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Stint E (166th), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
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| Sandwich Tern |
Dave Smith was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and found a Wryneck (165th) on the railway embankment. He also recorded 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
May 3rd
On a thoroughly unpleasant morning with a fresh northerly wind blowing in rain and drizzle we walked from Chamber's Wall to Colharbour and then looked at Reculver on the way home. We only managed to find 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldfinches, 11 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Linnets, 16 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Greenshank, 2 Shovelers, 3 Swallows W, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Gannets and 1 Greylag Goose.
On a thoroughly unpleasant morning with a fresh northerly wind blowing in rain and drizzle we walked from Chamber's Wall to Colharbour and then looked at Reculver on the way home. We only managed to find 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldfinches, 11 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Linnets, 16 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Greenshank, 2 Shovelers, 3 Swallows W, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Gannets and 1 Greylag Goose.
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
May 2nd
It was calm and bright with no wind this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour with no one else in sight. I disturbed the star bird of the morning, a Stone-curlew (164th), from the beach half way to Coldharbour. It took off from the beach where it had obviously been roosting and flew out to sea before turning west and flying over the Oyster Farm lagoons. This is only the fourth bird of this species to be recorded at Reculver.
Other birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Linnets, 26 Oystercatchers, 4 Pied Wagtails, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Spotted Redshank (163rd), 6 Little Egrets, 5 Shelduck, 6 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 2 Grey Herons, 13 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 2 Common Terns, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Cuckoo.
Charlie Vint had a Nightingale singing at Bishopstone Glen.
It was calm and bright with no wind this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour with no one else in sight. I disturbed the star bird of the morning, a Stone-curlew (164th), from the beach half way to Coldharbour. It took off from the beach where it had obviously been roosting and flew out to sea before turning west and flying over the Oyster Farm lagoons. This is only the fourth bird of this species to be recorded at Reculver.
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| Stone-curlew |
Other birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Linnets, 26 Oystercatchers, 4 Pied Wagtails, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Spotted Redshank (163rd), 6 Little Egrets, 5 Shelduck, 6 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 2 Grey Herons, 13 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 2 Common Terns, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Cuckoo.
Charlie Vint had a Nightingale singing at Bishopstone Glen.
Monday, 1 May 2017
May 1st
May dawned cool and showery as Matt arrived at Shuart early where he was rewarded by a Great White Egret (162nd) flying N at Netherhale. This is only the ninth bird of this species recorded in the area. Other birds he saw included 9 Common Sandpipers, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sandwich Terns, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shoveler, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 5 Turnstone, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 4 Shelduck.
We met him at Chamber's Wall and we then walked along the railway embankment to the Green Wall and Coldharbour. We saw 16 Mallard, 5 Chiffchaffs, 25 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove, 5 Linnets, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 2 Kestrels, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Wheatear, 3 Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ringed Plovers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Turnstone, 12 Oystercatchers, 4 White Wagtails, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Dunlin, 155 Carrion Crows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
Derek Smith was also out and between 0630 and 0930 walked from Shuart to Netherhale and then on to Plumpudding. He recorded 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Knot, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 28 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 13 Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 7 Corn Buntings.
May dawned cool and showery as Matt arrived at Shuart early where he was rewarded by a Great White Egret (162nd) flying N at Netherhale. This is only the ninth bird of this species recorded in the area. Other birds he saw included 9 Common Sandpipers, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sandwich Terns, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Shoveler, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 5 Turnstone, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 4 Shelduck.
We met him at Chamber's Wall and we then walked along the railway embankment to the Green Wall and Coldharbour. We saw 16 Mallard, 5 Chiffchaffs, 25 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove, 5 Linnets, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 male Ring Ouzel, 2 Kestrels, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Wheatear, 3 Redshank, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ringed Plovers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Turnstone, 12 Oystercatchers, 4 White Wagtails, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Dunlin, 155 Carrion Crows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
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| Summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit |
Derek Smith was also out and between 0630 and 0930 walked from Shuart to Netherhale and then on to Plumpudding. He recorded 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Knot, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 28 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 13 Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 7 Corn Buntings.
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| Whinchat in the rain |
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