January 31st
January ended on a wet and windy note as we walked at Shuart and Reculver this morning. Most the birds seemed to be keeping a low profile as all we saw were 4 Grey Herons, 23 Mute Swans, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 30 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Tuesday, 30 January 2018
January 30th
On a sunny, frosty and still morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 1 Little Owl calling repeatedly from behind the café, 3 Redshank, 439 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 1 Goldfinch, 13 Sanderling, 1 Stonechat, 7 Mute Swans, 36 Mallard, 1 Corn Bunting, 19 Shelduck, 2 Red-throated Divers E, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Oystercatchers, 55 Carrion Crows, 2 Ravens flying W, 6 Snow Buntings and 1 Pied Wagtail.
We met Bob Hinge on the seawall and he had seen a Short-eared Owl (105th) at Minnis Bay and this afternoon Bob Dean found a Black Redstart (106th) on the rocks near the Oyster Farm and he also saw a male Marsh Harrier..
On a sunny, frosty and still morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 1 Little Owl calling repeatedly from behind the café, 3 Redshank, 439 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 1 Goldfinch, 13 Sanderling, 1 Stonechat, 7 Mute Swans, 36 Mallard, 1 Corn Bunting, 19 Shelduck, 2 Red-throated Divers E, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Oystercatchers, 55 Carrion Crows, 2 Ravens flying W, 6 Snow Buntings and 1 Pied Wagtail.
We met Bob Hinge on the seawall and he had seen a Short-eared Owl (105th) at Minnis Bay and this afternoon Bob Dean found a Black Redstart (106th) on the rocks near the Oyster Farm and he also saw a male Marsh Harrier..
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| A family of Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
Monday, 29 January 2018
January 29th
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Kestrels, 1,200 Cormorants, 7 Mute Swans, 45 Linnets, 71 Carrion Crows, 2 Grey Partridges, 46 Mallard, 35 Corn Buntings, 20 Reed Buntings, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 95 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Shelduck, 73 Sanderling, 1 Wigeon, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Turnstone, 1 adult male Peregrine, 22 Chaffinches, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Common Buzzard.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Kestrels, 1,200 Cormorants, 7 Mute Swans, 45 Linnets, 71 Carrion Crows, 2 Grey Partridges, 46 Mallard, 35 Corn Buntings, 20 Reed Buntings, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 95 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Shelduck, 73 Sanderling, 1 Wigeon, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Turnstone, 1 adult male Peregrine, 22 Chaffinches, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Common Buzzard.
Sunday, 28 January 2018
January 28th
This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Minnis Bay and saw 19 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200 Cormorants, 176 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Red-throated Divers, 12 Mute Swans, 60 Lapwings, 42 Redshank, 31 Ringed Plovers, 50 Turnstone, 8 Stonechats, 11 Grey Plovers, 54 Carrion Crows, 31 Shelduck, 157 Oystercatchers, 34 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 75 Common Scoter, 6 Curlew, 81 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 5 Egyptian Geese (104th) flying W and 1 Rock Pipit.
This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Minnis Bay and saw 19 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200 Cormorants, 176 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Red-throated Divers, 12 Mute Swans, 60 Lapwings, 42 Redshank, 31 Ringed Plovers, 50 Turnstone, 8 Stonechats, 11 Grey Plovers, 54 Carrion Crows, 31 Shelduck, 157 Oystercatchers, 34 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 75 Common Scoter, 6 Curlew, 81 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 5 Egyptian Geese (104th) flying W and 1 Rock Pipit.
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| Egyptian Geese flying west at Minnis Bay |
Saturday, 27 January 2018
January 27th
It was a beautiful sunny, winter's morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. Birds we saw included 1 Grey Heron, 17 Mute Swans, 45 Mallard, 29 Chaffinches, 65 Corn Buntings, 40 House Sparrows, 4 Gadwall, 5 Yellowhammers, 20 Reed Buntings, 44 Carrion Crows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 29 Oystercatchers, 33 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Linnets, 1 Curlew, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Stonechats.
It was a beautiful sunny, winter's morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then inland at Reculver. Birds we saw included 1 Grey Heron, 17 Mute Swans, 45 Mallard, 29 Chaffinches, 65 Corn Buntings, 40 House Sparrows, 4 Gadwall, 5 Yellowhammers, 20 Reed Buntings, 44 Carrion Crows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 29 Oystercatchers, 33 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Linnets, 1 Curlew, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 2 Stonechats.
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| Corn Buntings |
Friday, 26 January 2018
January 26th
We had our first ringing session of 2018 this morning on the Marsh south of the railway line and saw 2 Yellowhammers, 30 Corn Buntings, 8 Mute Swans, 60 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge calling, 32 Chaffinches, 32 Fieldfares, 115 Woodpigeons, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kestrel, 130 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Golden Plovers.
Birds ringed 26: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 19, Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Yellowhammer 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2.
We had our first ringing session of 2018 this morning on the Marsh south of the railway line and saw 2 Yellowhammers, 30 Corn Buntings, 8 Mute Swans, 60 Reed Buntings, 1 Grey Partridge calling, 32 Chaffinches, 32 Fieldfares, 115 Woodpigeons, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Kestrel, 130 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Golden Plovers.
Birds ringed 26: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 19, Chaffinch 1, Blue Tit 1, Yellowhammer 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 2.
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| First year male Yellowhammer |
Thursday, 25 January 2018
January 25th
After a light early morning shower this morning was bright and sunny with a chilly, light SW breeze blowing. We walked from Chamber's Wall and along the Green Wall to Coldhabour and recorded 2 Goldcrests, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80 Corn Buntings, 1 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Little Grebes, 11 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, 28 Shelduck, 52 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 57 Mallard, 45 Common Scoter, 1 Little Egret, 65 House Sparrows, 60 Reed Buntings, 32 Chaffinches, 6 Gadwall, 4 Yellowhammers and 140 Lapwings.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Netherhale and counted 110 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, Buzzards, 71 Collared Doves, 16 Goldfinches, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Owl calling, 1 Firecrest and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets.
After a light early morning shower this morning was bright and sunny with a chilly, light SW breeze blowing. We walked from Chamber's Wall and along the Green Wall to Coldhabour and recorded 2 Goldcrests, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 80 Corn Buntings, 1 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Little Grebes, 11 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, 28 Shelduck, 52 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 57 Mallard, 45 Common Scoter, 1 Little Egret, 65 House Sparrows, 60 Reed Buntings, 32 Chaffinches, 6 Gadwall, 4 Yellowhammers and 140 Lapwings.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Netherhale and counted 110 Chaffinches, 4 Greenfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, Buzzards, 71 Collared Doves, 16 Goldfinches, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Owl calling, 1 Firecrest and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets.
Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
January 23rd
It was very blustery this morning with rain in the air as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Peregrine, 23 Corn Buntings, 6 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 151 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Reed Buntings, 3 Redshank, 21 Shelduck, 20 Oystercatchers, 6 Grey Plovers, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 120 Cormorants, 6 Snow Buntings, 2 Stonechats, 40 Common Scoter and 24 Chaffinches.
This evening we received information about two birds we recently ringed.
The first was a first year Lesser Redpoll we ringed at Shuart on 1st November 2017 that was controlled 6 days later on 7th November 2017 at Jardin, La Neuville, Nord, France which is 160 km SE.
The second was a first year Sedge Warbler we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 6th August 2017 that was controlled on 24th August 2017 at Sandouville, Seine-Maritime, France 219 km SSW.
It was very blustery this morning with rain in the air as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Peregrine, 23 Corn Buntings, 6 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 151 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Reed Buntings, 3 Redshank, 21 Shelduck, 20 Oystercatchers, 6 Grey Plovers, 60 Carrion Crows, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 120 Cormorants, 6 Snow Buntings, 2 Stonechats, 40 Common Scoter and 24 Chaffinches.
This evening we received information about two birds we recently ringed.
The first was a first year Lesser Redpoll we ringed at Shuart on 1st November 2017 that was controlled 6 days later on 7th November 2017 at Jardin, La Neuville, Nord, France which is 160 km SE.
The second was a first year Sedge Warbler we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 6th August 2017 that was controlled on 24th August 2017 at Sandouville, Seine-Maritime, France 219 km SSW.
Monday, 22 January 2018
January 22nd
On a relatively calm morning with the tide out we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 265 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Redshank, 13 Mute Swans, 8 Sanderlings, 14 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 7 Stonechats, 24 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Curlew, 1 Corn Bunting, 28 Shelduck, 33 Mallard, 55 Carrion Crows, 5 Grey Plovers, 30 Lapwings, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Coot and 1 Jay.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and counted 1 Goldcrest, 130 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 29 Mute Swans, 1 Raven, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 34 Chaffinches, 1 female Brambling, 55 Collared Doves, 24 Pied Wagtails, 6 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Goldfinches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
On a relatively calm morning with the tide out we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and saw 265 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Redshank, 13 Mute Swans, 8 Sanderlings, 14 Turnstone, 3 Dunlin, 7 Stonechats, 24 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Curlew, 1 Corn Bunting, 28 Shelduck, 33 Mallard, 55 Carrion Crows, 5 Grey Plovers, 30 Lapwings, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Coot and 1 Jay.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and counted 1 Goldcrest, 130 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 29 Mute Swans, 1 Raven, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 34 Chaffinches, 1 female Brambling, 55 Collared Doves, 24 Pied Wagtails, 6 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Goldfinches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Sunday, 21 January 2018
January 21st
Although it was overcast this morning there was no wind or rain as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back. We counted 46 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Fieldfares, 41 Linnets, 35 Chaffinches, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Gadwall, 39 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Grey Partridges, 68 House Sparrows, 75 Reed Buntings, 332 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 91 Carrion Crows, 30 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 6 Snow Buntings, 60 Common Scoter, 21 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Stonechats, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Little Egret, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Although it was overcast this morning there was no wind or rain as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back. We counted 46 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Fieldfares, 41 Linnets, 35 Chaffinches, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Gadwall, 39 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Grey Partridges, 68 House Sparrows, 75 Reed Buntings, 332 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 91 Carrion Crows, 30 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 6 Snow Buntings, 60 Common Scoter, 21 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Stonechats, 1 Green Woodpecker. 1 Little Egret, 7 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Male Snow Bunting |
Saturday, 20 January 2018
January 20th
This morning we had a brief but very wet walk at Shuart where we saw 1 Water Rail, 24 Lapwings, 2 Ravens (103rd), 2 Stonechats and 1 Grey Heron.
Recently a wintering Turtle Dove (102nd) has been seen with Collared Doves in a private garden at the eastern end of the Marsh. We identified it from a photograph.
This morning we had a brief but very wet walk at Shuart where we saw 1 Water Rail, 24 Lapwings, 2 Ravens (103rd), 2 Stonechats and 1 Grey Heron.
Recently a wintering Turtle Dove (102nd) has been seen with Collared Doves in a private garden at the eastern end of the Marsh. We identified it from a photograph.
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| Turtle Dove |
Friday, 19 January 2018
January 19th
It was a beautiful, sunny, winter's morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall back to Shuart. We counted 13 Yellowhammers, 66 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 4 Gadwall, 17 Linnets, 2 Fieldfares, 25 Reed Buntings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 45 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Stonechats, 16 Redshank, 1 Sanderling, 55 Oystercatchers, 60 Common Scoter offshore, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greylag Goose 1W, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Marsh Harrier.
It was a beautiful, sunny, winter's morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall back to Shuart. We counted 13 Yellowhammers, 66 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 4 Gadwall, 17 Linnets, 2 Fieldfares, 25 Reed Buntings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 45 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Stonechats, 16 Redshank, 1 Sanderling, 55 Oystercatchers, 60 Common Scoter offshore, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greylag Goose 1W, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
Thursday, 18 January 2018
January 18th
On a stormy morning we walked along at Minnis Bay but most of the birds were keeping their heads down and we only saw 4 Curlew, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Oystercatchers and 55 Dunlin.
Next we walked at sheltered sites at both Shuart and Reculver and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
On a stormy morning we walked along at Minnis Bay but most of the birds were keeping their heads down and we only saw 4 Curlew, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Oystercatchers and 55 Dunlin.
Next we walked at sheltered sites at both Shuart and Reculver and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Greenfinches, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
Wednesday, 17 January 2018
January 17th
There was a gale force westerly wind blowing this morning so we parked one car at Chamber's Wall and then drove to Reculver and walked back along the seawall with the wind behind us to Chamber's Wall. We managed to record 1 Kittiwake W, 9 Redshank, 2 Sanderling, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 39 Ringed Plovers, 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Dunlin, 6 Oystercatchers, 170 Herring Gulls flying W, 27 Shelduck, 68 Carrion Crows, 28 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 43 Golden Plovers, 2 Yellowhammers, 60 Reed Buntings, 60 House Sparrows, 40 Chaffinches, 42 Corn Buntings, 150 Starlings, 1 Redwing, 3 Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Coot, 7 Mute Swans and 1 Green Sandpiper.
Terry Wilson was also out this morning at Plumpudding and counted 60 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone, 35 Dunlin, 7 Curlew, 32 Ringed Plovers, 10 Lapwings, 200 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Stonechats.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and recorded 38 Lapwings, 3 Common Buzzards, 60 Chaffinches, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Redwings, 3 Shoveler, 5 Pochard (101st), 12 Pied Wagtails feeding amongst the sheep, 8 Goldfinches, 7 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 7 Song Thrushes and 15 Long-tailed Tits.
There was a gale force westerly wind blowing this morning so we parked one car at Chamber's Wall and then drove to Reculver and walked back along the seawall with the wind behind us to Chamber's Wall. We managed to record 1 Kittiwake W, 9 Redshank, 2 Sanderling, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 39 Ringed Plovers, 1 Rock Pipit, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Dunlin, 6 Oystercatchers, 170 Herring Gulls flying W, 27 Shelduck, 68 Carrion Crows, 28 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 43 Golden Plovers, 2 Yellowhammers, 60 Reed Buntings, 60 House Sparrows, 40 Chaffinches, 42 Corn Buntings, 150 Starlings, 1 Redwing, 3 Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Coot, 7 Mute Swans and 1 Green Sandpiper.
Terry Wilson was also out this morning at Plumpudding and counted 60 Sanderling, 20 Turnstone, 35 Dunlin, 7 Curlew, 32 Ringed Plovers, 10 Lapwings, 200 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 3 Stonechats.
This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and recorded 38 Lapwings, 3 Common Buzzards, 60 Chaffinches, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Redwings, 3 Shoveler, 5 Pochard (101st), 12 Pied Wagtails feeding amongst the sheep, 8 Goldfinches, 7 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 7 Song Thrushes and 15 Long-tailed Tits.
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
January 16th - 100th species for the year
On a totally different day to yesterday we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall in bright sunshine. We recorded 28 Corn Buntings, 24 Chaffinches, 27 Linnets, 36 Reed Buntings, 6 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 26 Shelduck, 53 Mallard, 56 Carrion Crows, 3 Wigeon, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Turnstones, 48 Cormorants, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Stonechats, 1 Sanderling, 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper (100th) and 2 Coot.
On a totally different day to yesterday we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall in bright sunshine. We recorded 28 Corn Buntings, 24 Chaffinches, 27 Linnets, 36 Reed Buntings, 6 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 26 Shelduck, 53 Mallard, 56 Carrion Crows, 3 Wigeon, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Turnstones, 48 Cormorants, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Stonechats, 1 Sanderling, 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Green Sandpiper (100th) and 2 Coot.
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| First winter Cormorant |
Sunday, 14 January 2018
Saturday, 13 January 2018
January 13th
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall and back via the Green Wall. We saw 6 Gadwall, 22 Chaffinches, 12 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 20 Reed Buntings, 28 Linnets, 77 Carrion Crows, 7 Shelduck, 58 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 36 Wigeon, 43 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Stonechat, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Marsh Harrier.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then along the seawall and back via the Green Wall. We saw 6 Gadwall, 22 Chaffinches, 12 Corn Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer, 20 Reed Buntings, 28 Linnets, 77 Carrion Crows, 7 Shelduck, 58 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Redshank, 6 Mute Swans, 36 Wigeon, 43 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Stonechat, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Friday, 12 January 2018
January 12th
It was calm and a bit misty this morning as we walked from Minnis Bay to Coldharbour lagoon. We saw 59 Redshank, 36 Turnstone, 81 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Pied Wagtails, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 66 Oystercatchers, 109 Sanderling, 122 Dunlin, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 4 Corn Buntings, 22 Ringed Plovers, 7 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. He counted 12 Red-throated Divers, 9 Grey Herons, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 58 Redshank, 36 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 86 Sanderling, 6 Jays (96th), 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 160 Fieldfares, 60 Chaffinches, 40 Goldfinches, 8 Greenfinches, 1 Brambling (97th), 12 House Sparrows, 14 Goldcrests and 2 Corn Buntings.
Later in the afternoon he saw 3 Greylag Geese (98th), 8 Grey Herons, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Owl and 3 Water Rails (99th).
It was calm and a bit misty this morning as we walked from Minnis Bay to Coldharbour lagoon. We saw 59 Redshank, 36 Turnstone, 81 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Pied Wagtails, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 66 Oystercatchers, 109 Sanderling, 122 Dunlin, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 4 Corn Buntings, 22 Ringed Plovers, 7 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Cetti's Warbler.
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| Redshank and Turnstone |
Derek Smith was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. He counted 12 Red-throated Divers, 9 Grey Herons, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, 58 Redshank, 36 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 86 Sanderling, 6 Jays (96th), 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 160 Fieldfares, 60 Chaffinches, 40 Goldfinches, 8 Greenfinches, 1 Brambling (97th), 12 House Sparrows, 14 Goldcrests and 2 Corn Buntings.
Later in the afternoon he saw 3 Greylag Geese (98th), 8 Grey Herons, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Owl and 3 Water Rails (99th).
Thursday, 11 January 2018
January 11th
We didn't arrive at Reculver until 1000 on a wet and murky morning. We then walked along the seawall up to Coldharbour and counted 44 Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Sanderling, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 20 Shelduck, 5 Stonechats, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 6 Snow Buntings, 84 Carrion Crows, 32 Mallard, 1 Teal and 1 Common Buzzard.
We didn't arrive at Reculver until 1000 on a wet and murky morning. We then walked along the seawall up to Coldharbour and counted 44 Ringed Plovers, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Sanderling, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 20 Shelduck, 5 Stonechats, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 6 Snow Buntings, 84 Carrion Crows, 32 Mallard, 1 Teal and 1 Common Buzzard.
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
January 10th
On a slightly milder and brighter morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 2 Kestrels, 71 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 76 Carrion Crows, 24 Chaffinches, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Redshank, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Stonechats, 28 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 2 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Reed Buntings, 5 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Little Grebe and 7 Lapwings.
On a superb winter's afternoon we walked around Shuart and recorded 113 Fieldfares, 1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets.
On a slightly milder and brighter morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 2 Kestrels, 71 Corn Buntings, 2 Yellowhammers, 76 Carrion Crows, 24 Chaffinches, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Redshank, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Stonechats, 28 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 2 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Reed Buntings, 5 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Little Grebe and 7 Lapwings.
On a superb winter's afternoon we walked around Shuart and recorded 113 Fieldfares, 1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets.
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
January 9th
At last a calm morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour along the seawall. We saw 59 Lapwings, 1 Goldcrest, 130 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Fulmar E (93rd), 27 Shelduck, 14 Redshank, 1 Goldfinch, 31 Ringed Plovers, 5 Stonechats, 21 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 54 Wigeon, 24 Mallard, 3 Curlews, 9 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 4 Red-throated Divers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 111 Carrion Crows, 1 second winter Yellow-legged Gull (94th), 18 Golden Plovers and 60 Corn Buntings.
This afternoon we had a stroll inland at Reculver and saw 40 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 2 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Grey Wagtail (95th).
At last a calm morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour along the seawall. We saw 59 Lapwings, 1 Goldcrest, 130 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Fulmar E (93rd), 27 Shelduck, 14 Redshank, 1 Goldfinch, 31 Ringed Plovers, 5 Stonechats, 21 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 54 Wigeon, 24 Mallard, 3 Curlews, 9 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 4 Red-throated Divers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 111 Carrion Crows, 1 second winter Yellow-legged Gull (94th), 18 Golden Plovers and 60 Corn Buntings.
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| Record shot of the second winter Yellow-legged Gull |
This afternoon we had a stroll inland at Reculver and saw 40 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 2 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Grey Wagtail (95th).
Monday, 8 January 2018
January 8th
It was very dull and overcast this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 43 Cormorants, 128 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, 11 Mute Swans, 4 Lapwings, 16 Corn Buntings, 22 Shelduck, 27 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 56 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Curlew, 95 Golden Plovers, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 female Merlin chasing Fieldfares, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Goldfinches, 5 Linnets, 4 Yellowhammers, 12 Blackbirds, 2 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 12 Blackbirds.
It was very dull and overcast this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 43 Cormorants, 128 Fieldfares, 4 Redwings, 11 Mute Swans, 4 Lapwings, 16 Corn Buntings, 22 Shelduck, 27 Mallard, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 56 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Curlew, 95 Golden Plovers, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 female Merlin chasing Fieldfares, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Goldfinches, 5 Linnets, 4 Yellowhammers, 12 Blackbirds, 2 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 12 Blackbirds.
Sunday, 7 January 2018
January 7th
With a NE gale blowing I arrived at Reculver at 0740 for a two hour seawatch. In the event it was relatively slow and all I saw were 2 Fieldfares, 225 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Oystercatchers, 165 Cormorants, 17 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Great Skua W (91st), 21 Kittiwakes E (92nd), 1 Common Scoter E, 4 Redshank and 5 Sanderling.
With a NE gale blowing I arrived at Reculver at 0740 for a two hour seawatch. In the event it was relatively slow and all I saw were 2 Fieldfares, 225 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Oystercatchers, 165 Cormorants, 17 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Great Skua W (91st), 21 Kittiwakes E (92nd), 1 Common Scoter E, 4 Redshank and 5 Sanderling.
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| Juvenile Kittwake |
Saturday, 6 January 2018
January 6th
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 41 Reed Buntings, 10 Chaffinches, 5 Yellowhammers, 25 Corn Buntings, 2 Bearded Tits (88th), 42 Linnets, 4 Mute Swans, 77 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 1 Golden Plover (89th), 4 Goldfinches, 112 Carrion Crows, 60 Oystercatchers, 1 Redwing, 54 Cormorants, 2 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 56 Lapwings. We met Marc Heath at Chamber's Wall and he had seen similar birds to us but had added 2 Little Owls (90th) earlier on at Shuart.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 41 Reed Buntings, 10 Chaffinches, 5 Yellowhammers, 25 Corn Buntings, 2 Bearded Tits (88th), 42 Linnets, 4 Mute Swans, 77 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Little Egret, 1 Golden Plover (89th), 4 Goldfinches, 112 Carrion Crows, 60 Oystercatchers, 1 Redwing, 54 Cormorants, 2 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 56 Lapwings. We met Marc Heath at Chamber's Wall and he had seen similar birds to us but had added 2 Little Owls (90th) earlier on at Shuart.
Friday, 5 January 2018
January 5th
This morning we walked at Shuart and got back to our car just as the heavens open. It was relatively quiet but we did manage to see 2 Kestrels, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches (87th), 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 10 Chaffinches, 55 Linnets, 3 Song Thrushes, 11 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Woodcock.
A walk inland at Reculver this afternoon produced 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot and 34 Mute Swans.
This morning we walked at Shuart and got back to our car just as the heavens open. It was relatively quiet but we did manage to see 2 Kestrels, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches (87th), 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 10 Chaffinches, 55 Linnets, 3 Song Thrushes, 11 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Woodcock.
A walk inland at Reculver this afternoon produced 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot and 34 Mute Swans.
Thursday, 4 January 2018
January 4th
After a morning of heavy rain we ventured out after lunch on a very blustery afternoon and walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. Birds we saw included 5 Red-legged Partridges, 7 Goldfinches, 1 Guillemot E, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Shag E (85th), 14 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Stonechat, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin (86th), 42 Mallard, 14 Chaffinches and 1 Woodcock.
After a morning of heavy rain we ventured out after lunch on a very blustery afternoon and walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. Birds we saw included 5 Red-legged Partridges, 7 Goldfinches, 1 Guillemot E, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Shag E (85th), 14 Turnstone, 4 Sanderling, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Stonechat, 6 Snow Buntings, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin (86th), 42 Mallard, 14 Chaffinches and 1 Woodcock.
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| Turnstone |
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
January 3rd
For a change we visited a very windy Dungeness today. Highlights of our trip included a second winter Iceland Gull, a Long-tailed Duck, a Long-eared Owl, 7 Egyptian Geese and a Black-throated Diver.
While we were away Marc Heath walked along the seawall from Reculver and counted 1 Goldcrest, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Ringed Plovers, 9 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 20 Sanderling, 16 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 22 Corn Buntings, 19 Shelduck, 4 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Stonechat and 1 Grey Plover.
For a change we visited a very windy Dungeness today. Highlights of our trip included a second winter Iceland Gull, a Long-tailed Duck, a Long-eared Owl, 7 Egyptian Geese and a Black-throated Diver.
While we were away Marc Heath walked along the seawall from Reculver and counted 1 Goldcrest, 400 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Ringed Plovers, 9 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 30 Turnstone, 20 Sanderling, 16 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 1 Curlew, 22 Corn Buntings, 19 Shelduck, 4 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Stonechat and 1 Grey Plover.
Tuesday, 2 January 2018
January 2nd
This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then back around the Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 106 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Red-throated Divers, 19 Shelduck, 19 Turnstones, 36 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 5 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Plover, 32 Mallard, 19 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 92 Carrion Crows, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 Peregrine (83rd), 45 Linnets, 1 red-head Goosander (84th) flying out to sea over the Oyster Farm, 1 Redwing and 1 Rock Pipit.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out this morning and found the 6 Snow Buntings at Coldharbour.
This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then back around the Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 106 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Red-throated Divers, 19 Shelduck, 19 Turnstones, 36 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 5 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Plover, 32 Mallard, 19 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 92 Carrion Crows, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 19 Corn Buntings, 1 Peregrine (83rd), 45 Linnets, 1 red-head Goosander (84th) flying out to sea over the Oyster Farm, 1 Redwing and 1 Rock Pipit.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out this morning and found the 6 Snow Buntings at Coldharbour.
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| Snow Buntings - Alex Perry |
Monday, 1 January 2018
January 1st
To start the year we attempted to see as many species in the recording area as we could. We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0700 and drove to Reculver and then Shuart where we walked via Plumpudding lagoon back to Minnis Bay. We saw 2 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Grey Herons, 4 Corn Buntings, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Stonechats, 30 Skylarks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 38 Mute Swans, 25 Redshank, 230 Oystercatchers, 70 Grey Plovers, 7 Little Egrets, 17 Curlews, 75 Sanderling, 50 Dunlin, 16 Red-throated Divers, 24 Turnstone, 27 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Rock Pipit, 82 Common Scoters, 1 Guillemot, 2 Gannets, 5 Little Grebes, 28 Mallard, 5 Teal, 5 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler.
It began pouring with rain at 1100 so we went home for lunch before returning to Chamber's Wall and getting soaked walking out to Coldharbour. We did however manage to see 3 Redwings, 11 Fieldfares, 4 Yellowhammers, 42 Corn Buntings, 55 Reed Buntings, 60 House Sparrows, 8 Gadwall, 6 Snow Buntings, 15 Shelduck, 24 Wigeon and 1 Little Egret.
We ended the day having seen 78 species.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out and in addition saw 5 Woodcocks, 2 Grey Partridges, 23 Lapwings and 6 Ringed Plovers taking the day's total to 82 species.
To start the year we attempted to see as many species in the recording area as we could. We arrived at Minnis Bay at 0700 and drove to Reculver and then Shuart where we walked via Plumpudding lagoon back to Minnis Bay. We saw 2 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Grey Herons, 4 Corn Buntings, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 6 Stonechats, 30 Skylarks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warblers, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 38 Mute Swans, 25 Redshank, 230 Oystercatchers, 70 Grey Plovers, 7 Little Egrets, 17 Curlews, 75 Sanderling, 50 Dunlin, 16 Red-throated Divers, 24 Turnstone, 27 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Rock Pipit, 82 Common Scoters, 1 Guillemot, 2 Gannets, 5 Little Grebes, 28 Mallard, 5 Teal, 5 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler.
It began pouring with rain at 1100 so we went home for lunch before returning to Chamber's Wall and getting soaked walking out to Coldharbour. We did however manage to see 3 Redwings, 11 Fieldfares, 4 Yellowhammers, 42 Corn Buntings, 55 Reed Buntings, 60 House Sparrows, 8 Gadwall, 6 Snow Buntings, 15 Shelduck, 24 Wigeon and 1 Little Egret.
We ended the day having seen 78 species.
Julian and Alex Perry were also out and in addition saw 5 Woodcocks, 2 Grey Partridges, 23 Lapwings and 6 Ringed Plovers taking the day's total to 82 species.