May 28th
After heavy overnight showers it was cool and breezy this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We counted 3 Little Egrets, 2 Whitethroats, 1 immature Common Gull W, 2 Fulmars W, 2 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 7 Linnets, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 House Martins W, 3 Swallows W, 6 Ringed Plovers, 13 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Matt also walked up to Coldharbour earlier than us but then came back along railway embankment and Green Wall and recorded 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Sanderling, 3 Stonechats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Swifts, 4 Gannets W, 10 Shelduck and 1 immature male Eider.
Tuesday, 28 May 2019
Monday, 27 May 2019
May 27th
It was cooler this morning with a chilly westerly breeze blowing as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 10 Linnets, 3 Whitethroats, 8 Skylarks, 3 Little Egrets, 1 House Martin W, 4 Swallows, 6 Sand Martins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 21 Mallard, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Shelduck, 1 Common Tern, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Sandwich Terns W and 1 immature male Eider.
It was cooler this morning with a chilly westerly breeze blowing as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 10 Linnets, 3 Whitethroats, 8 Skylarks, 3 Little Egrets, 1 House Martin W, 4 Swallows, 6 Sand Martins, 6 Ringed Plovers, 21 Mallard, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 13 Shelduck, 1 Common Tern, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Sandwich Terns W and 1 immature male Eider.
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| Turnstone |
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| Common Tern |
Sunday, 26 May 2019
May 26th
It was cloudy and humid this morning as we walked around Shuart and then on to the sea. It was very quiet but we did manage to count 1 Jay, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Swallows, 6 Linnets, 8 Reed Warblers and 3 Sedge Warblers.
It was cloudy and humid this morning as we walked around Shuart and then on to the sea. It was very quiet but we did manage to count 1 Jay, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Swallows, 6 Linnets, 8 Reed Warblers and 3 Sedge Warblers.
Saturday, 25 May 2019
May 25th
On a cooler morning with the odd shower about we walked the Chamber's Wall-Coldharbour-Green Wall loop. Birds we saw included 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Tern, 5 Linnets, 12 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ringed Plovers, 6 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Mallard, 2 pairs of Grey Partridges, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Goldfinches and 1 Blackcap.
Derek Smith was out between 0500 and 0800 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and on to Shuart before returning via Plumpudding.He counted 10 Little Egrets W, 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Turtle Doves, 16 Swifts W, 2 Cuckoos, 6 Cetti's Warblers and 3 Lesser Whitethroats.
On a cooler morning with the odd shower about we walked the Chamber's Wall-Coldharbour-Green Wall loop. Birds we saw included 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Tern, 5 Linnets, 12 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ringed Plovers, 6 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Mallard, 2 pairs of Grey Partridges, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Goldfinches and 1 Blackcap.
Derek Smith was out between 0500 and 0800 and walked from Shuart along the railway embankment and on to Shuart before returning via Plumpudding.He counted 10 Little Egrets W, 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Turtle Doves, 16 Swifts W, 2 Cuckoos, 6 Cetti's Warblers and 3 Lesser Whitethroats.
Friday, 24 May 2019
May 24th
On another sunny morning with a cool north breeze blowing we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 2 Pied Wagtails, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Swallows, 11 Oystercatchers, 11 Linnets, 1 Wheatear, 7 Sand Martins, 5 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 9 Mallard, 14 Shelduck, 1 Common Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Cuckoo. We also found a Clouded Yellow butterfly.
On another sunny morning with a cool north breeze blowing we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 2 Pied Wagtails, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Swallows, 11 Oystercatchers, 11 Linnets, 1 Wheatear, 7 Sand Martins, 5 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 9 Mallard, 14 Shelduck, 1 Common Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Cuckoo. We also found a Clouded Yellow butterfly.
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| Clouded Yellow |
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| Rabbit sunning itself |
Thursday, 23 May 2019
May 23rd
It was a warm and sunny morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 4 Linnets, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Tern, 5 Little Egrets, 2 adult Shelduck with 10 young ducklings, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Swift W, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Tufted Duck, 6 Sanderling, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mallard and 10 Mute Swans.
This afternoon we visited Reculver to count the Sand Martin holes at the colony. There were 169 in use.
It was a warm and sunny morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 4 Linnets, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Tern, 5 Little Egrets, 2 adult Shelduck with 10 young ducklings, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Swift W, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Tufted Duck, 6 Sanderling, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mallard and 10 Mute Swans.
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| Male Yellow Wagtail |
This afternoon we visited Reculver to count the Sand Martin holes at the colony. There were 169 in use.
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| Sand Martin colony at Reculver |
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
May 22nd - Northern France
We've just got back from a day visit to various sites in Northern France. Having had a very early start we arrived at Calais and drove to Oye Plage before moving on to Romelaire and Foret de Nieppe. The weather was very good and we saw some excellent birds including 1 Black-necked Grebe, 7 Serins, 19 Spoonbills, 5 Icterine Warblers, 1 Cattle Egret, 6 Kentish Plovers, 2 Crested Tits, 2 White Storks, a pair of Honey Buzzards, a pair of Golden Orioles and 11 Short-toed Treecreepers.
We've just got back from a day visit to various sites in Northern France. Having had a very early start we arrived at Calais and drove to Oye Plage before moving on to Romelaire and Foret de Nieppe. The weather was very good and we saw some excellent birds including 1 Black-necked Grebe, 7 Serins, 19 Spoonbills, 5 Icterine Warblers, 1 Cattle Egret, 6 Kentish Plovers, 2 Crested Tits, 2 White Storks, a pair of Honey Buzzards, a pair of Golden Orioles and 11 Short-toed Treecreepers.
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
May 21st
We spent a warm and sunny morning ringing on Reculver Marshes south of the railway line. Ringing was a disappointment but in the five hours we recorded some excellent birds. We saw 2 Kestrels, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Whitethroats, 11 Sand Martins, 1 Cuckoo, 1 female/immature Golden Oriole flying W at 0730 (161st), 1 Blackcap, 1 Mallard, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (162nd), and at 0845 a Black Kite (163rd) drifting slowly S and being harassed by a Carrion Crow. Other birds we counted included 23 Corn Buntings, 5 Common Buzzards, 4 Red Kites W and 1 male Marsh Harrier.
Birds ringed 10: Reed Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 2, Linnet 1, Whitethroat 2, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1.
We spent a warm and sunny morning ringing on Reculver Marshes south of the railway line. Ringing was a disappointment but in the five hours we recorded some excellent birds. We saw 2 Kestrels, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Whitethroats, 11 Sand Martins, 1 Cuckoo, 1 female/immature Golden Oriole flying W at 0730 (161st), 1 Blackcap, 1 Mallard, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (162nd), and at 0845 a Black Kite (163rd) drifting slowly S and being harassed by a Carrion Crow. Other birds we counted included 23 Corn Buntings, 5 Common Buzzards, 4 Red Kites W and 1 male Marsh Harrier.
Birds ringed 10: Reed Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 2, Linnet 1, Whitethroat 2, Chaffinch 1, Robin 1.
Monday, 20 May 2019
May 20th
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Shelduck, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Mallard, 1 Jay, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 8 Reed Warblers and 2 Sedge Warblers.
Birds ringed 22: Long-tailed Tit 8, Chiffchaff 1, Goldfinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Reed Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3, Chaffinch 1, Swallow 1, Dunnock 1.
At 1150 a Red Kite flew W over our garden at Bishopstone and another flew over at 1600.
This afternoon we spent half an hour at Shuart and saw 4 Red Kites moving W, 4 Common Buzzards and 12 Swifts hunting for insects over one of the grass field.
Matt was also out this afternoon and walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 6 Red Kites W, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Gannets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 8 Corn Buntings.
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kestrel, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Shelduck, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Mallard, 1 Jay, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 8 Reed Warblers and 2 Sedge Warblers.
Birds ringed 22: Long-tailed Tit 8, Chiffchaff 1, Goldfinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Reed Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3, Chaffinch 1, Swallow 1, Dunnock 1.
At 1150 a Red Kite flew W over our garden at Bishopstone and another flew over at 1600.
This afternoon we spent half an hour at Shuart and saw 4 Red Kites moving W, 4 Common Buzzards and 12 Swifts hunting for insects over one of the grass field.
Matt was also out this afternoon and walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 6 Red Kites W, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Gannets, 2 Stonechats, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 8 Corn Buntings.
Sunday, 19 May 2019
May 19th
It was quiet and overcast this morning as we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm. We saw 5 Whitethroats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Mallard, 10 Mute Swans, 5 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Swallows, 2 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Terns, 2 Redshank, 1 Cuckoo and 2 Tufted Duck.
It was quiet and overcast this morning as we completed our regular walk from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm. We saw 5 Whitethroats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Mallard, 10 Mute Swans, 5 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Swallows, 2 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Terns, 2 Redshank, 1 Cuckoo and 2 Tufted Duck.
Saturday, 18 May 2019
May 18th
The chilly easterly breeze had dropped overnight and it felt much milder as we walked from Shuart to the sea this morning. It was pretty quiet but birds we saw included 3 Cuckoos, 3 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Green Woodpeckers. 4 Swallows, 2 Mallard, 5 Whitethroats, 7 Reed Warblers, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Linnets, 1 immature male Eider, 4 Sandwich Terns W and 2 Lapwings.
The chilly easterly breeze had dropped overnight and it felt much milder as we walked from Shuart to the sea this morning. It was pretty quiet but birds we saw included 3 Cuckoos, 3 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Green Woodpeckers. 4 Swallows, 2 Mallard, 5 Whitethroats, 7 Reed Warblers, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Linnets, 1 immature male Eider, 4 Sandwich Terns W and 2 Lapwings.
Friday, 17 May 2019
May 17th
Although there was an overnight change in the weather to overcast and drizzly there was very little change in what was to be seen this morning. We walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and counted 5 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gannets E, 8 Oystercatchers, 12 Mute Swans, 1 Turnstone, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 2 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Common Tern.
Although there was an overnight change in the weather to overcast and drizzly there was very little change in what was to be seen this morning. We walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and counted 5 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Gannets E, 8 Oystercatchers, 12 Mute Swans, 1 Turnstone, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 2 Redshank, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Common Tern.
Thursday, 16 May 2019
May 16th
On another sunny, late spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 8 Whitethroats, 6 Swallows W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Tern, 14 Mallard, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Redshank and 10 Mute Swans, including a family of 2 adults with 8 cygnets of which 2 were of the "polish morph". Other birds seen were 8 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Swifts W, 4 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Gannets E, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Blackcap, 4 Corn Buntings and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
On another sunny, late spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. We counted 8 Whitethroats, 6 Swallows W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Tern, 14 Mallard, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Redshank and 10 Mute Swans, including a family of 2 adults with 8 cygnets of which 2 were of the "polish morph". Other birds seen were 8 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Swifts W, 4 Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Gannets E, 1 immature male Eider, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Blackcap, 4 Corn Buntings and 3 Yellow Wagtails.
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| Mute Swan family with two "polish morph" cygnets |
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| A pair of Greylag Geese looking for a nest site |
Wednesday, 15 May 2019
May 15th
It was sunny again this morning and the easterly wind had dropped compared to yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. It's still relatively quiet but we did manage to count 9 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Goldfinches, 10 Swallows W, 1 Common Tern, 11 Mallard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, 13 Oystercatchers, 26 Sanderling, 7 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Stonechats, 2 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Cuckoo.
During the day 2 Red Kites flew W over our garden at Bishopstone, one at 1200 and one at 1500.
Chris Tedder had a walk from Chamber's Wall to Shuart. Though it was quiet for birds there were good numbers of damselflies and she recorded a lot of Azures, a couple of Blue-tailed and Common Blue, several Red-eyed and a number of Variable Damselflies. She also recorded 8 Hairy Dragonflies and her first Small Heath butterfly of the year.
It was sunny again this morning and the easterly wind had dropped compared to yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm lagoons. It's still relatively quiet but we did manage to count 9 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Goldfinches, 10 Swallows W, 1 Common Tern, 11 Mallard, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Shelduck, 2 Redshank, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, 13 Oystercatchers, 26 Sanderling, 7 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Stonechats, 2 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Cuckoo.
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| Sanderling and Turnstone moulting into summer plumage ready to fly north to their breeding grounds |
During the day 2 Red Kites flew W over our garden at Bishopstone, one at 1200 and one at 1500.
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| First year Red Kite |
Chris Tedder had a walk from Chamber's Wall to Shuart. Though it was quiet for birds there were good numbers of damselflies and she recorded a lot of Azures, a couple of Blue-tailed and Common Blue, several Red-eyed and a number of Variable Damselflies. She also recorded 8 Hairy Dragonflies and her first Small Heath butterfly of the year.
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| Variable Damselfly - Chris Tedder |
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
May 14th
On another sunny morning with an easterly breeze blowing we walked up to Coldharbour and back. Birds we counted included 11 Swallows W, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Goldfinches, 10 Linnets, 17 Oystercatchers, 5 Stonechats, 10 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull E, 1 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Marsh Harrier.
On another sunny morning with an easterly breeze blowing we walked up to Coldharbour and back. Birds we counted included 11 Swallows W, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Goldfinches, 10 Linnets, 17 Oystercatchers, 5 Stonechats, 10 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull E, 1 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Ringed Plover |
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| Female Mallard |
Monday, 13 May 2019
May 13th
This morning Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then on to Reculver and recorded 4 Swifts, 32 Swallows W, 1 Common Tern, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Shelduck, 25 Sanderling, 8 Stonechats, including a male and female with 4 juveniles, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Cuckoo. 1
This morning Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then on to Reculver and recorded 4 Swifts, 32 Swallows W, 1 Common Tern, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Shelduck, 25 Sanderling, 8 Stonechats, including a male and female with 4 juveniles, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Cuckoo. 1
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| Whinchat |
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| Male Wheatear |
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| Male Reed Bunting |
Sunday, 12 May 2019
May 12th
We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver and saw 7 Blackcaps, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Jays, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 4 Swallows, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Sand Martins and 1 Kestrel.
Birds ringed 14: Long-tailed Tit 1, Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 4
We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver and saw 7 Blackcaps, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Jays, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 4 Swallows, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Sand Martins and 1 Kestrel.
Birds ringed 14: Long-tailed Tit 1, Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 3, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 4
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| Reed Warbler |
Saturday, 11 May 2019
May 11th
This morning was overcast as we walked around the Shuart area and on to the sea. We counted 6 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 singing male Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Common Buzzards, 13 Swallows W, 14 Reed Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Mallard, 1 Cuckoo and 2 Jays.
This morning was overcast as we walked around the Shuart area and on to the sea. We counted 6 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 singing male Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Common Buzzards, 13 Swallows W, 14 Reed Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Mallard, 1 Cuckoo and 2 Jays.
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| Greylag Geese |
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| Immature male Eider |
Friday, 10 May 2019
May 10th
On a sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 22 Sand Martins, 7 Ringed Plovers, 13 Swallows W, 4 Common Terns, 11 Oystercatchers, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Linnets, 3 Little Egrets and 7 Stonechats, including the local pair feeding their four juveniles. Other birds we saw were 22 Corn Buntings, 15 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 2 male Wheatears, 1 House Martin W and and a Hobby speeding down to the Sand Martin colony.
At 0600 this morning Bob Hinge found the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart railway crossing and also saw 2 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Common Sandpiper along the seawall.
On a sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 22 Sand Martins, 7 Ringed Plovers, 13 Swallows W, 4 Common Terns, 11 Oystercatchers, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Linnets, 3 Little Egrets and 7 Stonechats, including the local pair feeding their four juveniles. Other birds we saw were 22 Corn Buntings, 15 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 2 male Wheatears, 1 House Martin W and and a Hobby speeding down to the Sand Martin colony.
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| Juvenile Stonechat |
At 0600 this morning Bob Hinge found the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart railway crossing and also saw 2 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Common Sandpiper along the seawall.
Thursday, 9 May 2019
May 9th
On a sunny but increasingly cloudy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and then inland at Reculver. We recorded 3 Blackcaps, 8 Goldfinches, 8 Swallows W, 12 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 35 Common Scoter off Coldharbour, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Tern, 7 Sedge Warblers, 6 Linnets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Lapwings, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler and 2 Red-legged Partridges.
This morning while he was at Plumpudding lagoon Terry Wilson recorded 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mallard, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 12 Sanderling, 3 Grey Herons, 8 Swallows W and 1 Marsh Harrier.
On a sunny but increasingly cloudy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and then inland at Reculver. We recorded 3 Blackcaps, 8 Goldfinches, 8 Swallows W, 12 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 35 Common Scoter off Coldharbour, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Tern, 7 Sedge Warblers, 6 Linnets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Lapwings, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler and 2 Red-legged Partridges.
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| Female Yellow Wagtail |
This morning while he was at Plumpudding lagoon Terry Wilson recorded 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Mallard, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 12 Sanderling, 3 Grey Herons, 8 Swallows W and 1 Marsh Harrier.
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
May 8th
After this morning's heavy rain we didn't venture out until after lunch when we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour in sunshine and showers. We counted 21 Swifts W, 21 Swallows W, 7 Linnets, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 3 House Martins W, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Stonechats, 3 Mallard, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull W, 4 Common Terns W and 1 Wheatear.
After this morning's heavy rain we didn't venture out until after lunch when we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour in sunshine and showers. We counted 21 Swifts W, 21 Swallows W, 7 Linnets, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 3 House Martins W, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Shelduck, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Stonechats, 3 Mallard, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull W, 4 Common Terns W and 1 Wheatear.
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
May 7th
We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver south of the railway where we saw 2 Willow Warblers, 18 Whitethroats, 4 Mallard, 1 Cuckoo, 40 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Swifts W, 10 Swallows W, 2 Kestrels, 5 Linnets, 5 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps and 1 Tree Pipit flying W. Matt also found our first Hairy Dragonfly of the year.
Birds ringed 23: Willow Warbler 1, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 10, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 3, Goldfinch 2, Linnet 1.
I received a very interesting recovery from the BTO this afternoon. It concerned a first year Dunnock we ringed at Reculver on 18th October 2018 that was found dead having hit a window at Nodebo, Fredensborg, HovedStaden, Frederiksborg, DENMARK on 2nd May 2019. This site is 895 km ENE of Reculver.
Previous records of foreign ringed or controlled Dunnocks in Kent concern four in Norway and one in Germany.
We spent a sunny morning ringing at Reculver south of the railway where we saw 2 Willow Warblers, 18 Whitethroats, 4 Mallard, 1 Cuckoo, 40 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Swifts W, 10 Swallows W, 2 Kestrels, 5 Linnets, 5 Sedge Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps and 1 Tree Pipit flying W. Matt also found our first Hairy Dragonfly of the year.
Birds ringed 23: Willow Warbler 1, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Whitethroat 10, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 3, Goldfinch 2, Linnet 1.
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| Lesser Whitethroat |
I received a very interesting recovery from the BTO this afternoon. It concerned a first year Dunnock we ringed at Reculver on 18th October 2018 that was found dead having hit a window at Nodebo, Fredensborg, HovedStaden, Frederiksborg, DENMARK on 2nd May 2019. This site is 895 km ENE of Reculver.
Previous records of foreign ringed or controlled Dunnocks in Kent concern four in Norway and one in Germany.
Monday, 6 May 2019
May 6th
On a bright and breezy morning Matt walked from Bishopstone to Chamber's Wall where we met him and then we all walked along the seawall to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. Between us we counted 10 Mallard, 4 Blackcaps, 40 Whitethroats, 17 Corn Buntings, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Little Egrets, 55 Swallows, 24 Sedge Warblers, 16 Reed Warblers, 36 Yellow Wagtails W, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 6 Ringed Plovers, 60 Common Scoter, 46 Sand Martins, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Linnets, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Grey Wagtail (160th), 6 Goldfinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelduck and 1 Green Sandpiper.
We met Philip Goacher on the railway embankment and after he left us he heard the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart crossing.
On a bright and breezy morning Matt walked from Bishopstone to Chamber's Wall where we met him and then we all walked along the seawall to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. Between us we counted 10 Mallard, 4 Blackcaps, 40 Whitethroats, 17 Corn Buntings, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Little Egrets, 55 Swallows, 24 Sedge Warblers, 16 Reed Warblers, 36 Yellow Wagtails W, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 6 Ringed Plovers, 60 Common Scoter, 46 Sand Martins, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Linnets, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Grey Wagtail (160th), 6 Goldfinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelduck and 1 Green Sandpiper.
We met Philip Goacher on the railway embankment and after he left us he heard the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart crossing.
Sunday, 5 May 2019
May 5th
On another unpleasant, blustery and cold morning we met Matt who had walked from Shuart at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 2 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Nightingale still singing by the Shuart crossing, 1 Lapwing, 6 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 20 Corn Buntings, 1 male Wheatear, 1 House Martin W, 10 Linnets and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Marc Heath was also out between 0530 and 0830 walking from Chamber's Wall to Reculver and back. He recorded 6 Blackcaps, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Cuckoo, 15 Whitethroats, 12 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, 12 Cormorants. 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Buntings, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Skylarks, 40 Swallows, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Linnets, 2 Lapwings, 2 Common Swifts W, 40 Sand Martins and 11 Mallard.
After work Chris Tedder walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and her highlights were 2 Common Terns, 9 Stonechats, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl and 2 Grey Partrdges.
On another unpleasant, blustery and cold morning we met Matt who had walked from Shuart at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 2 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Nightingale still singing by the Shuart crossing, 1 Lapwing, 6 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 20 Corn Buntings, 1 male Wheatear, 1 House Martin W, 10 Linnets and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Marc Heath was also out between 0530 and 0830 walking from Chamber's Wall to Reculver and back. He recorded 6 Blackcaps, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Cuckoo, 15 Whitethroats, 12 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, 12 Cormorants. 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Reed Buntings, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Skylarks, 40 Swallows, 1 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Linnets, 2 Lapwings, 2 Common Swifts W, 40 Sand Martins and 11 Mallard.
After work Chris Tedder walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and her highlights were 2 Common Terns, 9 Stonechats, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl and 2 Grey Partrdges.
Saturday, 4 May 2019
May 4th
There were unpleasant conditions at Reculver this morning where, although it was sunny, there was a strong, cold and blustery northerly wind blowing. Matt started at Reculver where he recorded 5 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Fulmar, 13 Gannets E, 26 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Kittiwakes and 2 Grey Partridges at the bushes.
We then met him at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning via the Green Wall. We counted 2 Blackcaps, 17 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 3 Shelduck, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 immature male Eider, 9 Corn Buntings, 8 Linnets, 5 Swallows, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Jays.
During the morning David Smith saw a Common Swift (159th).
There were unpleasant conditions at Reculver this morning where, although it was sunny, there was a strong, cold and blustery northerly wind blowing. Matt started at Reculver where he recorded 5 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Fulmar, 13 Gannets E, 26 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Kittiwakes and 2 Grey Partridges at the bushes.
We then met him at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm before returning via the Green Wall. We counted 2 Blackcaps, 17 Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 3 Shelduck, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 immature male Eider, 9 Corn Buntings, 8 Linnets, 5 Swallows, 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Jays.
During the morning David Smith saw a Common Swift (159th).
Friday, 3 May 2019
May 3rd
It was overcast and showery this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and recorded 14 Whitethroats, 88 Swallows W, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Shelduck, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Wheatears, 3 Gannets E, 4 Mallard, 5 Linnets, 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Sand Martins W, 2 Grey Herons, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Sanderling, 1 Hobby, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Blackcap.
After we met Anthea Skiffington and Bob Dewire on the track beside the Wantsum and they reported seeing 2 Grey Partridges, they walked on and saw a further 2 near Coldharbour. The drake Eider was visible nearer to Plumpudding. They also counted a flock of 45 Sanderlings, 3 Turnstones, 2 Ringed Plovers and around 75 Swallows and 12 House Martins.
It was overcast and showery this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm and recorded 14 Whitethroats, 88 Swallows W, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Shelduck, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Wheatears, 3 Gannets E, 4 Mallard, 5 Linnets, 2 Grey Plovers, 4 Sand Martins W, 2 Grey Herons, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Sanderling, 1 Hobby, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Blackcap.
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| Female Wheatear |
After we met Anthea Skiffington and Bob Dewire on the track beside the Wantsum and they reported seeing 2 Grey Partridges, they walked on and saw a further 2 near Coldharbour. The drake Eider was visible nearer to Plumpudding. They also counted a flock of 45 Sanderlings, 3 Turnstones, 2 Ringed Plovers and around 75 Swallows and 12 House Martins.
Thursday, 2 May 2019
May 2nd
There was a gentle NW wind blowing this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and this prompted a moderate westerly passage of hirundines. We counted 59 Swallows, 12 House Martins, 8 Sand Martins and best of all a Red-rumped Swallow (158th) the sixth bird of this species to be recorded in the area.
Other birds we counted included 17 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Linnets, 3 Lapwings, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sandwich Terns W, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Plovers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Ringed Plovers, 42 Sanderling, 1 Whimbrel W and a family of four Stonechats (a pair and 2 recently fledged juveniles) that have successfully bred beside the seawall.
Terry Wilson heard the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart crossing.
There was a gentle NW wind blowing this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and this prompted a moderate westerly passage of hirundines. We counted 59 Swallows, 12 House Martins, 8 Sand Martins and best of all a Red-rumped Swallow (158th) the sixth bird of this species to be recorded in the area.
Other birds we counted included 17 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Linnets, 3 Lapwings, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sandwich Terns W, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Plovers, 1 immature male Eider, 2 Ringed Plovers, 42 Sanderling, 1 Whimbrel W and a family of four Stonechats (a pair and 2 recently fledged juveniles) that have successfully bred beside the seawall.
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| The "rubicola" male of the breeding pair |
Terry Wilson heard the Nightingale still singing near the Shuart crossing.
Wednesday, 1 May 2019
May 1st
The new month began calm and cloudy as we walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to the seawall. Birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 11 Whitethroats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 14 Reed Warblers, 9 Sedge Warblers and 1 Nightingale (157th) singing on the embankment close to the Shuart railway crossing. This is a species that was not recorded in the area last year. Other birds we saw were 2 Swallows, 6 Goldfinches, 13 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 2 Fulmars W, 11 Linnets and 1 Grey Heron.
The new month began calm and cloudy as we walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to the seawall. Birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 11 Whitethroats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Cuckoo, 14 Reed Warblers, 9 Sedge Warblers and 1 Nightingale (157th) singing on the embankment close to the Shuart railway crossing. This is a species that was not recorded in the area last year. Other birds we saw were 2 Swallows, 6 Goldfinches, 13 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 2 Fulmars W, 11 Linnets and 1 Grey Heron.
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