December 15th
This morning Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and then back via Brooksend and Netherhale. His highlights were a Great White Egret on the fields at Netherhale and a Red Kite that flew slowly west over Brooksend. Other birds seen included 34 Blackbirds, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Goldcrests, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Firecrest, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, 118 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Common Buzzards, 9 Corn Buntings, 8 Greenfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels, 72 Brent Geese, 70 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret, 11 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Pied Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets.
As Anne and I drove along the Thanet Way, just as the sun was rising, a Woodcock flew across the road and landed behind the old Chez Laurie site. We continued on to Chamber's Wall where we walked up to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm. We recorded 19 Mute Swans, 18 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Chaffinches, 12 Coot, 82 Mallard, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 14 Corn Buntings, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 286 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 10 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank and 3 Redwings.