December 31st - 199 species for the year
On an overcast morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 134 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 21 Mute Swans, 1 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Turnstone, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Oystercatchers, 32 Lapwings, 46 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank, 3 Little Grebes and 1 Kestrel.
Sunday, 30 December 2018
December 30th
On a much brighter morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 35 Meadow Pipits, 2 Mute Swans, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 60 Corn Buntings, 8 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 7 Linnets, 2 Oystercatchers, 55 Carrion Crows, 18 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sanderling, 34 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 27 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 immature male Eider.
Marc Heath did the same walk but earlier and saw in addition 1,325 Cormorants, 75 Oystercatchers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Shelduck, 1 Great Northern Diver and 1 Black-throated Diver.
This afternoon as we drove towards Thanet we had 2 Waxwings (199th) sitting on wires by the Roman Galley near Reculver.
This morning at Grenham Bay, Terry Wilson saw 50 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and the Great Northen Diver.
On a much brighter morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 35 Meadow Pipits, 2 Mute Swans, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 60 Corn Buntings, 8 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 7 Linnets, 2 Oystercatchers, 55 Carrion Crows, 18 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sanderling, 34 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 27 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 immature male Eider.
Marc Heath did the same walk but earlier and saw in addition 1,325 Cormorants, 75 Oystercatchers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Shelduck, 1 Great Northern Diver and 1 Black-throated Diver.
This afternoon as we drove towards Thanet we had 2 Waxwings (199th) sitting on wires by the Roman Galley near Reculver.
This morning at Grenham Bay, Terry Wilson saw 50 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and the Great Northen Diver.
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| Little Egret - Terry Wilson |
Saturday, 29 December 2018
December 29th
On another overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 58 Redwings, 4 Mute Swans, 10 Chaffinches, 16 Blackbirds, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 18 Fieldfares, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Coot, 22 Mallard, 32 Carrrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 12 Reed Buntings, 14 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Goldfinches.
Matt was also out this morning and walked around Shuart where he saw 10 Redwings, 20 Blackbirds, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 78 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret and 2 Ring necked Parakeets.
Later at Reculver he recorded 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Gannets and 1 Eider.
On another overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 58 Redwings, 4 Mute Swans, 10 Chaffinches, 16 Blackbirds, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 18 Fieldfares, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Coot, 22 Mallard, 32 Carrrion Crows, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 12 Reed Buntings, 14 Oystercatchers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Goldfinches.
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| Little Egret |
Matt was also out this morning and walked around Shuart where he saw 10 Redwings, 20 Blackbirds, 5 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 78 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret and 2 Ring necked Parakeets.
Later at Reculver he recorded 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Gannets and 1 Eider.
Friday, 28 December 2018
December 28th
It was overcast this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 103 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 11 Mute Swans, 3 Wigeon W, 10 Redshank, 19 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 2 Grey Plovers, 56 Corn Buntings, 1 Great Northern Diver diving offshore, 1 Stonechat, 14 Mallard, 54 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 14 Meadow Pipits and 1 Grey Heron. Marc Heath did the same walk about ten minutes ahead of us but walked inland as well and in addition saw 2 Snow Buntings flying high W, 1 Yellowhammer, 70 Redwings and 50 Fieldfares.
This afternoon we had a walk at Grenham Bay where we saw 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 103 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 26 Grey Plovers and 8 Ringed Plovers. We then continued on to Epple Bay, which is not in the Reculver recording area, and found 3 pairs of prospecting Fulmars as well as a Great Northen Diver 50 metres offshore feeding in the rock pools.
It was overcast this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 103 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 11 Mute Swans, 3 Wigeon W, 10 Redshank, 19 Ringed Plovers, 4 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 2 Grey Plovers, 56 Corn Buntings, 1 Great Northern Diver diving offshore, 1 Stonechat, 14 Mallard, 54 Carrion Crows, 1 Curlew, 14 Meadow Pipits and 1 Grey Heron. Marc Heath did the same walk about ten minutes ahead of us but walked inland as well and in addition saw 2 Snow Buntings flying high W, 1 Yellowhammer, 70 Redwings and 50 Fieldfares.
This afternoon we had a walk at Grenham Bay where we saw 26 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 103 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 26 Grey Plovers and 8 Ringed Plovers. We then continued on to Epple Bay, which is not in the Reculver recording area, and found 3 pairs of prospecting Fulmars as well as a Great Northen Diver 50 metres offshore feeding in the rock pools.
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| Fulmars |
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| Great Northern Diver |
Thursday, 27 December 2018
December 27th
On a cold and calm morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 63 Redwings, 8 Goldfinches, 24 Reed Buntings, 18 Blackbirds, 21 Fieldfares, 19 Corn Buntings and 1 Short-eared Owl sitting on a post in the sheep field before being disturbed by the local Carrion Crows. We also saw 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Coot, 21 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Stonechats, 2 Little Grebes, 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 62 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 11 Meadow Pipits, 2 Snow Buntings and 10 Chaffinches.
On a cold and calm morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 63 Redwings, 8 Goldfinches, 24 Reed Buntings, 18 Blackbirds, 21 Fieldfares, 19 Corn Buntings and 1 Short-eared Owl sitting on a post in the sheep field before being disturbed by the local Carrion Crows. We also saw 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Coot, 21 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Stonechats, 2 Little Grebes, 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 62 Carrion Crows, 4 Redshank, 11 Meadow Pipits, 2 Snow Buntings and 10 Chaffinches.
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| Short-eared Owl |
Wednesday, 26 December 2018
December 26th
It was milder this morning so we had a ringing session on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 1 Barn Owl, 4 Yellowhammers, 20 Redwings, 13 Blackbirds, 30 Corn Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Fieldfares, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Mute Swans, 35 Reed Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Chaffinches and 1 Chiffchaff.
Birds ringed 31: Chiffchaff 1, Reed Bunting 20, Robin 2, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 5.
A walk along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour this afternoon produced 1 Stonechat, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 14 Curlew, 3 Short-eared Owls, 1 Great Northern Diver at the Wansum outflow and 1 red-head Goosander.
It was milder this morning so we had a ringing session on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 1 Barn Owl, 4 Yellowhammers, 20 Redwings, 13 Blackbirds, 30 Corn Buntings, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Fieldfares, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Mute Swans, 35 Reed Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Chaffinches and 1 Chiffchaff.
Birds ringed 31: Chiffchaff 1, Reed Bunting 20, Robin 2, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 5.
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| Chiffchaff |
Tuesday, 25 December 2018
December 25th
On a frosty and sunny Christmas morning I had an hour's walk along the seawall at Reculver. With the tide out I counted 1 Common Buzzard, 116 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Skylarks, 7 Sanderling, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Redshank, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Linnets, 2 Stonechats, 6 Oystercatchers and 2 Ringed Plovers.
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
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| Reculver Towers |
Monday, 24 December 2018
December 24th
Today dawned bright and sunny after overnight rain so we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 73 Redwings, 32 Reed Buntings, 12 Corn Buntings, 26 Fieldfares, 14 Blackbirds, 24 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Magpies in a group, 4 Coot, 7 Redshank, 17 Mallard, 248 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Chaffinches, 21 Meadow Pipits, 1 Curlew, 31 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 6 Linnets, 6 Goldfinches, 36 Carrion Crows and 1 Stonechat.
Today dawned bright and sunny after overnight rain so we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 73 Redwings, 32 Reed Buntings, 12 Corn Buntings, 26 Fieldfares, 14 Blackbirds, 24 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Magpies in a group, 4 Coot, 7 Redshank, 17 Mallard, 248 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Chaffinches, 21 Meadow Pipits, 1 Curlew, 31 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 6 Linnets, 6 Goldfinches, 36 Carrion Crows and 1 Stonechat.
Sunday, 23 December 2018
December 23rd
On a damp morning I had a short walk at Reculver and recorded 7 Goldfinches, 150 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 1 Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swans, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Coot, 1 Redwing and 1 Common Buzzard.
This morning Terry Wilson found a Black-necked Grebe (198th) close in at Grenham Bay.
On a damp morning I had a short walk at Reculver and recorded 7 Goldfinches, 150 Woodpigeons, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 1 Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swans, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Coot, 1 Redwing and 1 Common Buzzard.
This morning Terry Wilson found a Black-necked Grebe (198th) close in at Grenham Bay.
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| Black-necked Grebe |
Saturday, 22 December 2018
December 22nd
It was sunny and breezy this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We saw 27 Cormorants, 39 Sanderling, 16 Meadow Pipits, 22 Linnets, 18 Mute Swans, 4 Redshank, 44 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Turnstone, 7 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 31 Carrion Crows, 14 Mallard, 26 Ringed Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Common Buzzards.
Matt was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Plumpudding before returning to Shuart and recorded 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Goldcrests, 43 Goldfinches, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Jays, 1 Common Buzzard, 30 Chaffinches, 36 Pied Wagtails, 4 Teal, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Peregrine, 2 Crossbills W at Minnis Bay, 40 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Corn Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
It was sunny and breezy this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We saw 27 Cormorants, 39 Sanderling, 16 Meadow Pipits, 22 Linnets, 18 Mute Swans, 4 Redshank, 44 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Turnstone, 7 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 31 Carrion Crows, 14 Mallard, 26 Ringed Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Common Buzzards.
Matt was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Plumpudding before returning to Shuart and recorded 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Goldcrests, 43 Goldfinches, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Jays, 1 Common Buzzard, 30 Chaffinches, 36 Pied Wagtails, 4 Teal, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Peregrine, 2 Crossbills W at Minnis Bay, 40 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Corn Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
Friday, 21 December 2018
December 21st
Once again the overnight rain had cleared through as it got light this morning but there was a strong and blustery SW wind blowing although it was much milder. We walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding and recorded 24 Cormorants, 3 Gannets, 26 Common Scoter W, 169 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Lapwings, 9 Turnstone, 18 Carrion Crows, 21 Mute Swans, 2 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 95 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 1 Rock Pipit and 14 Great Black-backed Gulls.
Once again the overnight rain had cleared through as it got light this morning but there was a strong and blustery SW wind blowing although it was much milder. We walked from Minnis Bay to Plumpudding and recorded 24 Cormorants, 3 Gannets, 26 Common Scoter W, 169 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Lapwings, 9 Turnstone, 18 Carrion Crows, 21 Mute Swans, 2 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 95 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 1 Rock Pipit and 14 Great Black-backed Gulls.
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| Rock Pipit |
Thursday, 20 December 2018
December 20th
The overnight rain had just cleared through as we arrived at Reculver this morning and the sun soon appeared. We walked up to Coldharbour and recorded 358 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Mute Swans, 14 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 21 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Plover, 36 Ringed Plovers, 6 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 55 Oystercatchers, 1 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 35 Carrion Crows, 4 Mallard and 2 Stonechats.
During the late afternoon we had a walk on the Marsh south of the railway where the farm has left unharveted six metre margins of wheat to attract wintering finches and buntings. We counted 1 Common Buzzard, 115 Redwings, 57 Corn Buntings, 62 Chaffinches, 15 Fielfares, 1 Peregrine, 8 Yellowhammers, 40 Reed Buntings and 1 Marsh Harrier.
The overnight rain had just cleared through as we arrived at Reculver this morning and the sun soon appeared. We walked up to Coldharbour and recorded 358 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Mute Swans, 14 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 21 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Plover, 36 Ringed Plovers, 6 Redshank, 1 Red-throated Diver, 55 Oystercatchers, 1 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 35 Carrion Crows, 4 Mallard and 2 Stonechats.
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| Redshank |
During the late afternoon we had a walk on the Marsh south of the railway where the farm has left unharveted six metre margins of wheat to attract wintering finches and buntings. We counted 1 Common Buzzard, 115 Redwings, 57 Corn Buntings, 62 Chaffinches, 15 Fielfares, 1 Peregrine, 8 Yellowhammers, 40 Reed Buntings and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Wednesday, 19 December 2018
December 19th
On a morning with heavy showers we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 162 Redwings, 4 Mute Swans, 64 Fieldfares, 2 Redshank, 18 Mallard, 4 Snow Buntings, 350 Dark-belled Brent Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Curlew, 2 Shelduck, 3 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Little Egret and 138 Oystercatchers.
On a morning with heavy showers we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 162 Redwings, 4 Mute Swans, 64 Fieldfares, 2 Redshank, 18 Mallard, 4 Snow Buntings, 350 Dark-belled Brent Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Curlew, 2 Shelduck, 3 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Little Egret and 138 Oystercatchers.
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
December 18th
It was windy and overcast this morning on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We counted 79 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 16 Blackbirds, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 pairs of Mute Swans having a territorial dispute in Coldharbour, 2 Redshank, 1 Stonechat, 26 Grey Plovers, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Curlew, 124 Oystercatchers, 4 Snow Buntings, 7 Coot and 10 Reed Buntings.
It was windy and overcast this morning on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We counted 79 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 16 Blackbirds, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 pairs of Mute Swans having a territorial dispute in Coldharbour, 2 Redshank, 1 Stonechat, 26 Grey Plovers, 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Curlew, 124 Oystercatchers, 4 Snow Buntings, 7 Coot and 10 Reed Buntings.
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| Snow Buntings |
Monday, 17 December 2018
December 17th
On another beautiful winter's morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 37 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Sanderling, 18 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 31 Ringed Plovers, 23 Mute Swans, 9 Redshank, 3 Goldfinches, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Turnstone, 2 Grey Plovers, 8 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Little Egret and 1 Green Woodpecker.
This morning Mike Roser refound the 4 Snow Buntings at Coldharbour and this evening Mark Chidwick saw 3 Short-eared Owls at the Oyster Farm.
On another beautiful winter's morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We saw 37 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Sanderling, 18 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 31 Ringed Plovers, 23 Mute Swans, 9 Redshank, 3 Goldfinches, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Turnstone, 2 Grey Plovers, 8 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Little Egret and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Meadow Pipit |
Sunday, 16 December 2018
December 16th
After yestreday's foul weather today dawned sunny, cold and still. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Golden Plovers, 140 Redwings, 18 Blackbirds, 34 Fieldfares, 37 Chaffinches, 6 Corn Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 1 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Mute Swans, 23 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Oystercatchers, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Snow Buntings, 5 Redshank and 4 Coot. In addition Marc Heath found a Short-eared Owl in the Oyster Farm.
After yestreday's foul weather today dawned sunny, cold and still. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Golden Plovers, 140 Redwings, 18 Blackbirds, 34 Fieldfares, 37 Chaffinches, 6 Corn Buntings, 1 Little Egret, 1 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Mute Swans, 23 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Oystercatchers, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Snow Buntings, 5 Redshank and 4 Coot. In addition Marc Heath found a Short-eared Owl in the Oyster Farm.
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| Snow Bunting |
Saturday, 15 December 2018
December 15th
With the temperature close to zero and a bitter SE wind blowing this morning we braved the seawall. We didn't see a great deal just 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 288 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 21 Mute Swans, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 2 Linnets and 8 Cormorants. In addition Marc Heath saw 2 Snow Buntings at Coldharbour.
With the temperature close to zero and a bitter SE wind blowing this morning we braved the seawall. We didn't see a great deal just 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 288 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 21 Mute Swans, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 2 Linnets and 8 Cormorants. In addition Marc Heath saw 2 Snow Buntings at Coldharbour.
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| First winter and adult winter plumaged Common Gulls |
Friday, 14 December 2018
December 14th
It was cold and overcast this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 136 Redwings, 25 Blackbirds, 16 Chaffinches, 10 Reed Buntings, 29 Fieldfares, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Mute Swans, 22 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 42 Golden Plovers, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Turnstone, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Sanderling and 2 Coot.
It was cold and overcast this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 136 Redwings, 25 Blackbirds, 16 Chaffinches, 10 Reed Buntings, 29 Fieldfares, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Mute Swans, 22 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 42 Golden Plovers, 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Turnstone, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Sanderling and 2 Coot.
Thursday, 13 December 2018
December 13th
On a cold and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 9 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 13 Blackbirds, 1 Kestrel, 210 Redwings, 25 Fieldfares, 48 Corn Buntings, 15 Chaffinches, 7 Cooyt, 3 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 49 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Oystercatchers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 250 Woodpigeons.
At about 1100 Matt found a Slavonian Grebe drifting west off the car park at Reculver.
This afternoon a walk around Shuart produced 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Chiffchaff, 39 Fieldfares, 108 Redwings, 33 Blackbirds, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Red-legged Partridges.
At Plumpudding lagoon, Terry Wilson saw 25 Golden Plovers, 7 Lapwings, 3 Stonechats and 100 Dark-bellied Brent Geese,
On a cold and sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 9 Mute Swans, 1 Green Woodpecker, 13 Blackbirds, 1 Kestrel, 210 Redwings, 25 Fieldfares, 48 Corn Buntings, 15 Chaffinches, 7 Cooyt, 3 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 49 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Oystercatchers, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 250 Woodpigeons.
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| Female Stonechat |
This afternoon a walk around Shuart produced 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Chiffchaff, 39 Fieldfares, 108 Redwings, 33 Blackbirds, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Red-legged Partridges.
At Plumpudding lagoon, Terry Wilson saw 25 Golden Plovers, 7 Lapwings, 3 Stonechats and 100 Dark-bellied Brent Geese,
Wednesday, 12 December 2018
December 12th
It was still sunny but chilly this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 130 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 35 Oystercatchers, 26 Mute Swans, 9 Linnets, 13 Redshank, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 2 Grey Plovers, 14 Sanderling, 21 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Snipe, 2 Stonechats, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Coot.
Terry Wilson was also out this morning and walked along the railway embankment from Plumpudding to the Wantsum and saw lots of Fieldfares and Redwings and also 1 Kestrel and 1 Snipe. At Coldhrbour there were 2 Snow Buntings and at Grenham Bay, 5 Curlew, 25 Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 28 Grey Plovers, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Turnstones.
It was still sunny but chilly this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 130 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 35 Oystercatchers, 26 Mute Swans, 9 Linnets, 13 Redshank, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 2 Grey Plovers, 14 Sanderling, 21 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Snipe, 2 Stonechats, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Coot.
Terry Wilson was also out this morning and walked along the railway embankment from Plumpudding to the Wantsum and saw lots of Fieldfares and Redwings and also 1 Kestrel and 1 Snipe. At Coldhrbour there were 2 Snow Buntings and at Grenham Bay, 5 Curlew, 25 Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 28 Grey Plovers, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Turnstones.
Tuesday, 11 December 2018
December 11th
It was sunny and cold this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 4 Mute Swans, 4 Goldfinches, 83 Redwings, 26 Fieldfares, 12 Blackbirds, 1 Yellowhammer, 6 Skylarks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Grebe, 18 Mallard, 7 Corn Buntings, 16 Reed Buntings, 27 Redshank, 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Grebes, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Linnets and 14 Chaffinches.
It was sunny and cold this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 4 Mute Swans, 4 Goldfinches, 83 Redwings, 26 Fieldfares, 12 Blackbirds, 1 Yellowhammer, 6 Skylarks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Little Grebe, 18 Mallard, 7 Corn Buntings, 16 Reed Buntings, 27 Redshank, 18 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Grebes, 29 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Linnets and 14 Chaffinches.
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| Fieldfare |
Monday, 10 December 2018
December 10th
On a dry, cool and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. With the tide low we saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 249 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Redshank, 32 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Curlew, 41 Oystercatchers, 8 Linnets, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Turnstone, 24 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sparrowhawks and 1 Grey Heron.
This morning Julian Perry disturbed a Woodcock from beside the Green Wall.
On a dry, cool and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. With the tide low we saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 249 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Redshank, 32 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Curlew, 41 Oystercatchers, 8 Linnets, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Turnstone, 24 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Sparrowhawks and 1 Grey Heron.
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| Redshank |
Sunday, 9 December 2018
December 9th
This afternoon we walked around Shuart and saw 30 Cormorants flying S, 28 Blackbirds, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Mute Swans, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrrier, 1 Little Egret, 43 Redwings, 19 Fielfares, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 10 Golden Plovers.
This morning at Bishopstone Marc Heath had a Great Northern Diver fly W.
This afternoon we walked around Shuart and saw 30 Cormorants flying S, 28 Blackbirds, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Mute Swans, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrrier, 1 Little Egret, 43 Redwings, 19 Fielfares, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 10 Golden Plovers.
This morning at Bishopstone Marc Heath had a Great Northern Diver fly W.
Saturday, 8 December 2018
December 8th
On a sunny and windy morning we walked the Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Green Wall loop and recorded 26 Mute Swans, 24 Blackbirds, 49 Redwings, 33 Fieldfares, 2 Coot, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Mallard, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Redshank, 6 Oystercatchers, 20 Cormorants, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Golden Plovers and 16 Lapwings.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and between 0830 and 1100 walked from Reculver to Plumpudding. He counted 250 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Razorbill E, 36 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 1 Shag W, 1 Golden Plover, 50 Oystercatchers, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Eider E, 3 Shelduck, 25 Mallard, 6 Turnstone, 14 Sanderling, 70 Grey Plovers, 100 Dunlin, 30 Common Scoter E, 1 Gannnet and 1 Little Egret.
On a sunny and windy morning we walked the Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Green Wall loop and recorded 26 Mute Swans, 24 Blackbirds, 49 Redwings, 33 Fieldfares, 2 Coot, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Mallard, 6 Reed Buntings, 2 Redshank, 6 Oystercatchers, 20 Cormorants, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Golden Plovers and 16 Lapwings.
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| Reed Bunting |
Friday, 7 December 2018
Thursday, 6 December 2018
December 6th
Although it was still dull and overcast this morning at least it wasn't raining. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 1 Pied Wagtail, 33 Mute Swans, 84 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Short-eared Owl, 11 Meadow Pipits, 6 Redshank, 29 Ringed Plovers, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 13 Mallard, 1 Lapwing, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Kingfisher.
Although it was still dull and overcast this morning at least it wasn't raining. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and saw 1 Pied Wagtail, 33 Mute Swans, 84 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Short-eared Owl, 11 Meadow Pipits, 6 Redshank, 29 Ringed Plovers, 8 Oystercatchers, 3 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 13 Mallard, 1 Lapwing, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Plover and 1 Kingfisher.
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
December 4th
We spent a beautiful sunny winter's morning ringing at Shuart where we recorded 8 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Jay, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 67 Fieldfares W, 1 Goldcrest, 53 Redwings, 18 Mute Swans, 70 Blackbirds, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 46 Lapwings, 12 Skylarks, 17 Pied Wagtails, 12 Song Thrushes, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 15 Chaffinches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 57: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 13, Meadow Pipit 2, Goldfinch 1, Robin 3, Redwing 9, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 25.
We spent a beautiful sunny winter's morning ringing at Shuart where we recorded 8 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Jay, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 67 Fieldfares W, 1 Goldcrest, 53 Redwings, 18 Mute Swans, 70 Blackbirds, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 46 Lapwings, 12 Skylarks, 17 Pied Wagtails, 12 Song Thrushes, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 15 Chaffinches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds ringed 57: Wren 1, Reed Bunting 13, Meadow Pipit 2, Goldfinch 1, Robin 3, Redwing 9, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 25.
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| Redwing |
Monday, 3 December 2018
December 3rd
It was more quality rather than quantity this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 15 Cormorants, 99 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Redshank, 18 Ringed Plovers, 10 Turnstone, 6 Pink-footed Geese flying inland, 16 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlews, 9 Mallard, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding off the Wantsum outflow, 1 Little Egret and 12 Meadow Pipits.
It was more quality rather than quantity this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 15 Cormorants, 99 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Redshank, 18 Ringed Plovers, 10 Turnstone, 6 Pink-footed Geese flying inland, 16 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlews, 9 Mallard, 1 Great Northern Diver feeding off the Wantsum outflow, 1 Little Egret and 12 Meadow Pipits.
Sunday, 2 December 2018
December 2nd
The overnight rain had moved through by about 0745 so we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour on an increasingly bright but windy morning. We counted 15 Mallard, 68 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Gannets, 31 Mute Swans, 339 Cormorants, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Redshank, 47 Ringed Plovers, 112 Sanderling, 31 Turnstone, 44 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Plovers, 46 Oystercatchers, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Little Grebe and 12 Goldfinches.
The overnight rain had moved through by about 0745 so we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour on an increasingly bright but windy morning. We counted 15 Mallard, 68 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 10 Gannets, 31 Mute Swans, 339 Cormorants, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Redshank, 47 Ringed Plovers, 112 Sanderling, 31 Turnstone, 44 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Plovers, 46 Oystercatchers, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Little Grebe and 12 Goldfinches.
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| Grey Plover |
Saturday, 1 December 2018
December 1st
It was yet another unpleasant day with frequent rain and a strong southerly wind. The only birding I managed today was at Minnis Bay this afternoon where the tide was out and I only saw 1 Red-throated Diver W, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 26 Oystercatchers and 7 Common Scoter feeding offshore.
It was yet another unpleasant day with frequent rain and a strong southerly wind. The only birding I managed today was at Minnis Bay this afternoon where the tide was out and I only saw 1 Red-throated Diver W, 11 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 26 Oystercatchers and 7 Common Scoter feeding offshore.
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| Adult Dark-bellied Brent Geese |