January 31st
On a milder and cloudy morning we walked from Shuart to the sea and back via Brooksend and Netherhale Farm. We counted 5 Moorhens, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Jays, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Corn Buntings, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Turnstone, 2 Curlew, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Great White Egret, 43 Mallard, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 7 Coot, 3 Grey Herons, 10 Tufted Duck, 4 Teal, 1 male Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Mute Swans, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 20 Chaffinches and 48 Goldfinches.
Friday 31 January 2020
Thursday 30 January 2020
January 30th
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Green Wall and back along the seawall. We recorded 45 Mute Swans, 16 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 7 Yellowhammers, 46 Reed Buntings, 68 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 24 Ringed Plovers, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 8 Oystercatchers, 88 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret and 1 Green Woodpecker.
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Green Wall and back along the seawall. We recorded 45 Mute Swans, 16 Chaffinches, 1 Kestrel, 7 Yellowhammers, 46 Reed Buntings, 68 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 24 Ringed Plovers, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 8 Oystercatchers, 88 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 7 Shelduck, 2 Curlews, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Mallard, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Egret and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Redshank |
Wednesday 29 January 2020
January 29th
On another chilly morning with the tide out we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 70 House Sparrows, 870 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Meadow Pipits, 5 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 15 Oystercatchers, 7 Grey Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 85 Corn Buntings, 4 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 7 Turnstone, 17 Reed Buntings, 5 Chaffinches, 23 Ringed Plovers, 1 Purple Sandpiper and 6 Cormorants.
On another chilly morning with the tide out we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and recorded 70 House Sparrows, 870 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Meadow Pipits, 5 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 15 Oystercatchers, 7 Grey Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 85 Corn Buntings, 4 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 7 Turnstone, 17 Reed Buntings, 5 Chaffinches, 23 Ringed Plovers, 1 Purple Sandpiper and 6 Cormorants.
Tuesday 28 January 2020
January 28th
Although the sun was shining this morning there was an eyewateringly cold west wind blowing as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. There was not a great deal to be seen but we did count 920 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Curlew, 35 Ringed Plovers, 17 Oystercatchers, 9 Cormorants, 3 Shelduck, 11 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 12 Grey Plovers and 3 Stonechats.
Although the sun was shining this morning there was an eyewateringly cold west wind blowing as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. There was not a great deal to be seen but we did count 920 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Redshank, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Curlew, 35 Ringed Plovers, 17 Oystercatchers, 9 Cormorants, 3 Shelduck, 11 Turnstone, 7 Mallard, 12 Grey Plovers and 3 Stonechats.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
Sunday 26 January 2020
January 26th
On a much brighter start to the morning than the weather forecast had suggested we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow. We counted 30 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers,42 Mute Swans, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 76 Corn Buntings, 1 Lapwing, 2 Stonechats, 13 Mallard, 14 Mallard, 8 Redshank, 380 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 male Shoveler, 2 Coot, 1 Little Egret and 8 Skylarks.
On a much brighter start to the morning than the weather forecast had suggested we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow. We counted 30 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warblers,42 Mute Swans, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 76 Corn Buntings, 1 Lapwing, 2 Stonechats, 13 Mallard, 14 Mallard, 8 Redshank, 380 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 male Shoveler, 2 Coot, 1 Little Egret and 8 Skylarks.
Friday 24 January 2020
January 24th
It was still cloudy this morning but brighter than yesterday as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We recorded 135 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Redshank, 96 Corn Buntings, 23 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Yellowhammers, 5 Tree Sparrows, 44 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Fulmar flying E, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Peregrines, 1 adult and 1 immature, 1 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Stonechat, 30 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
It was still cloudy this morning but brighter than yesterday as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. We recorded 135 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Redshank, 96 Corn Buntings, 23 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Yellowhammers, 5 Tree Sparrows, 44 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Fulmar flying E, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Peregrines, 1 adult and 1 immature, 1 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Stonechat, 30 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
Thursday 23 January 2020
January 23rd
For a change of scenery this morning we walked from Shuart to Minnis Bay and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. We counted 1 Woodcock, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 singing Mistle Thrushes, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Jays, 150 Cormorants flying out to sea, 1 Kestrel, 13 Mallard, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Little Egrets, 8 Redshank, 35 Corn Buntings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Oystercatchers, 8 Sanderling, 9 Teal, 40 Grey Plovers and 2 Curlews. On our way back from Minnis Bay we saw 1 adult Peregrine, 12 Mute Swans, 4 Golden Plover, 12 Greylag Geese, 30 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 130 Lapwings, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 98 Goldfinches in 2 flocks, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Red-legged Partridges and 1 female Merlin.
For a change of scenery this morning we walked from Shuart to Minnis Bay and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. We counted 1 Woodcock, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 singing Mistle Thrushes, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Common Buzzards, 2 Jays, 150 Cormorants flying out to sea, 1 Kestrel, 13 Mallard, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Little Egrets, 8 Redshank, 35 Corn Buntings, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 85 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 26 Oystercatchers, 8 Sanderling, 9 Teal, 40 Grey Plovers and 2 Curlews. On our way back from Minnis Bay we saw 1 adult Peregrine, 12 Mute Swans, 4 Golden Plover, 12 Greylag Geese, 30 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 130 Lapwings, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 98 Goldfinches in 2 flocks, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Red-legged Partridges and 1 female Merlin.
Wednesday 22 January 2020
January 22nd
Visibility was poor this morning with wet mist hanging over the seawall as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour.
Birds we managed to see included 4 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Turnstone, 67 Ringed Plovers, 60 Corn Buntings, 33 Reed Buntings, 492 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 28 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Shelduck, 45 House Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 7 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin and 1 immature Shag fishing off the Towers where it caught two small flat fish before coming in to roost on one of the rocks.
This morning Julian Perry had a Fulmar (113th) flying along the cliffs between Bishopstone and Reculver.
Visibility was poor this morning with wet mist hanging over the seawall as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour.
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| A misty Coldharbour |
Birds we managed to see included 4 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Turnstone, 67 Ringed Plovers, 60 Corn Buntings, 33 Reed Buntings, 492 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 28 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Shelduck, 45 House Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 7 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin and 1 immature Shag fishing off the Towers where it caught two small flat fish before coming in to roost on one of the rocks.
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| Immature Shag showing off its diagnostic pale feet and legs |
This morning Julian Perry had a Fulmar (113th) flying along the cliffs between Bishopstone and Reculver.
Tuesday 21 January 2020
January 21st
On a glorious, frosty, winter's morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 5 Shelduck, 42 Ringed Plovers, 8 Sanderling, 12 Redshank, 23 Lapwings, 5 Mute Swans, 57 Corn Buntings, 6 Turnstone, 1 adult male Peregrine hunting along the tideline, 2 Stonechats, 1,013 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Meadow Pipits, 4 Yellowhammers, 60 House Sparrows and 30 Reed Buntings.
On a glorious, frosty, winter's morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 5 Shelduck, 42 Ringed Plovers, 8 Sanderling, 12 Redshank, 23 Lapwings, 5 Mute Swans, 57 Corn Buntings, 6 Turnstone, 1 adult male Peregrine hunting along the tideline, 2 Stonechats, 1,013 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 22 Meadow Pipits, 4 Yellowhammers, 60 House Sparrows and 30 Reed Buntings.
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| Male House Sparrow at the King Ethelbert |
Monday 20 January 2020
January 20th
The morning began near Shuart Lane when we had a Raven fly over being pursued by the local Rooks. We then walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons on a lovely winter's morning. We recorded 44 Mute Swans, 1 Little Owl calling, 82 Corn Buntings, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Yellowhammers, 46 Reed Buntings, 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Little Egret, 592 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Coot on the sea at Coldharbour, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers, 16 Dunlin, 9 Turnstone, 84 Ringed Plovers, 3 Sanderling, 75 House Sparrows, 2 Shelduck and 2 Lapland Buntings feeding in the grass fields and flying up into bushes with Corn and Reed Buntings.
Also during the morning Dudley Cox saw 3 Short-eared Owls and 4 Tree Sparrows at the Oyster Farm lagoons.
Derek Smith was out birding between 1500 and 1715 at Shuart and recorded 14 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Water Rail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Firecrest and 12 Corn Buntings.
The morning began near Shuart Lane when we had a Raven fly over being pursued by the local Rooks. We then walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons on a lovely winter's morning. We recorded 44 Mute Swans, 1 Little Owl calling, 82 Corn Buntings, 10 Chaffinches, 6 Yellowhammers, 46 Reed Buntings, 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Little Egret, 592 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Coot on the sea at Coldharbour, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers, 16 Dunlin, 9 Turnstone, 84 Ringed Plovers, 3 Sanderling, 75 House Sparrows, 2 Shelduck and 2 Lapland Buntings feeding in the grass fields and flying up into bushes with Corn and Reed Buntings.
Also during the morning Dudley Cox saw 3 Short-eared Owls and 4 Tree Sparrows at the Oyster Farm lagoons.
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| Lapland Bunting |
Derek Smith was out birding between 1500 and 1715 at Shuart and recorded 14 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Water Rail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Firecrest and 12 Corn Buntings.
Sunday 19 January 2020
January 19th
Although it was sunny this morning birding conditions were unpleasant with a cold and fresh NNW wind blowing. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and managed to record 1,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the grass fields, 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 46 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone, 1 adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull W with about 200 Herring Gulls, 36 Corn Buntings, 12 Mallard and 103 Oystercatchers flying E towards Minnis Bay from their overnight roost at Shellness.
Although it was sunny this morning birding conditions were unpleasant with a cold and fresh NNW wind blowing. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and managed to record 1,000+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the grass fields, 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 46 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck, 4 Turnstone, 1 adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull W with about 200 Herring Gulls, 36 Corn Buntings, 12 Mallard and 103 Oystercatchers flying E towards Minnis Bay from their overnight roost at Shellness.
Saturday 18 January 2020
January 18th
On a cold and sunny morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and had brief flight views of 2 Lapland Buntings early on flying inland and calling near the Green Wall. Other birds we saw included 1 Kingfisher, 6 Mute Swans, 363 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Ringed Plovers, 10 Turnstone, 2 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 32 Reed Buntings, 60 Corn Buntings, 5 Stonechats, 1 male Peregrine, 2 Shelduck, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 80 House Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 male Marsh Harrier.
Julian and Alex Perry also found 8 Tree Sparrows.
On a cold and sunny morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and had brief flight views of 2 Lapland Buntings early on flying inland and calling near the Green Wall. Other birds we saw included 1 Kingfisher, 6 Mute Swans, 363 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Ringed Plovers, 10 Turnstone, 2 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 32 Reed Buntings, 60 Corn Buntings, 5 Stonechats, 1 male Peregrine, 2 Shelduck, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 80 House Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 male Marsh Harrier.
Julian and Alex Perry also found 8 Tree Sparrows.
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| Male Stonechat |
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| Tree Sparrow - Alex Perry |
Friday 17 January 2020
January 17th
We began our walk to Coldharbour this morning in light rain but it soon cleared and brightened up. We saw 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Egyptian Geese W out by the red buoy (112th), 7 Redshank, 6 Shelduck, 1 adult male Peregrine, 514 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 1 female Merlin, 1 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, 9 Turnstone, 46 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 9 Oystercatchers, 70 House Sparrows, 60 Corn Buntings, 24 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Kingfisher.
We began our walk to Coldharbour this morning in light rain but it soon cleared and brightened up. We saw 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Egyptian Geese W out by the red buoy (112th), 7 Redshank, 6 Shelduck, 1 adult male Peregrine, 514 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 Cormorants, 1 female Merlin, 1 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, 9 Turnstone, 46 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 9 Oystercatchers, 70 House Sparrows, 60 Corn Buntings, 24 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Kingfisher.
Thursday 16 January 2020
January 16th
On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Plumpudding lagoon in the hope of refinding yesterday's Shorelark but without any luck. We did however record 450 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Owl, 12 Redshank, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Lapland Buntings early on calling and flying high inland, 6 Turnstone, 20 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 41 Corn Buntings, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Shelduck, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 76 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Curlews, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Snipe, 12 Cormorants and 1 Sparrowhawk.
On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Plumpudding lagoon in the hope of refinding yesterday's Shorelark but without any luck. We did however record 450 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Owl, 12 Redshank, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Lapland Buntings early on calling and flying high inland, 6 Turnstone, 20 Ringed Plovers, 3 Stonechats, 41 Corn Buntings, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Shelduck, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 76 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Curlews, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Snipe, 12 Cormorants and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Wednesday 15 January 2020
January 15th
The foul weather of yesterday continued until 1330 this afternoon when the clouds moved away to the east and the sun came out. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 1,000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese feeding on the grass fields, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 16 Corn Buntings, 10 Cormorants, 4 Mute Swans, 10 Turnstone, 58 Ringed Plovers, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Sanderling, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Mallard and 20 Oystercatchers.
At Shuart, Matt counted 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Herons, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Also this afternoon Bob Hinge cycled from Minnis Bay to Reculver and found a Shore Lark (110th) on the beach between Plumpudding lagoon and Coldharbour before it flew off west. He also saw 30 Ringed Plovers and 1 Knot (111st).
The foul weather of yesterday continued until 1330 this afternoon when the clouds moved away to the east and the sun came out. We walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 1,000 Dark-bellied Brent Geese feeding on the grass fields, 1 Kestrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 16 Corn Buntings, 10 Cormorants, 4 Mute Swans, 10 Turnstone, 58 Ringed Plovers, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 6 Sanderling, 1 Lapland Bunting, 2 Little Egrets, 18 Mallard and 20 Oystercatchers.
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| Purple Sandpiper |
At Shuart, Matt counted 4 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Herons, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Also this afternoon Bob Hinge cycled from Minnis Bay to Reculver and found a Shore Lark (110th) on the beach between Plumpudding lagoon and Coldharbour before it flew off west. He also saw 30 Ringed Plovers and 1 Knot (111st).
Tuesday 14 January 2020
January 14th
With the tide a long way out we managed a walk from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning before the rain and gale force winds arrived. We couldn't find the Lapland Buntings but we did see 176 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 59 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 5 Redshank, 2 Marsh Harriers, 28 Reed Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Mallard, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Tree Sparrows, 20 Corn Buntings, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone and 14 Meadow Pipits.
With the tide a long way out we managed a walk from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning before the rain and gale force winds arrived. We couldn't find the Lapland Buntings but we did see 176 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 59 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 5 Redshank, 2 Marsh Harriers, 28 Reed Buntings, 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Mallard, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Tree Sparrows, 20 Corn Buntings, 15 Ringed Plovers, 1 Turnstone and 14 Meadow Pipits.
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| Male Reed Bunting |
Monday 13 January 2020
January 13th
On a sunny but increasingly windy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 2 Kestrels, 608 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Mute Swans, 16 Oystercatchers, 16 Cormorants, 9 Redshank, 15 Ringed Plovers, 82 Corn Buntings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 60 House Sparrows, 24 Reed Buntings, 7 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 10 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Turnstone and 12 Meadow Pipits.
We also met Chris White who had earlier seen the 5 Lapland Buntings feeding on the shingle before they flew inland to the grass fields.
On a sunny but increasingly windy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 2 Kestrels, 608 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Mute Swans, 16 Oystercatchers, 16 Cormorants, 9 Redshank, 15 Ringed Plovers, 82 Corn Buntings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 60 House Sparrows, 24 Reed Buntings, 7 Shelduck, 1 Curlew, 10 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Turnstone and 12 Meadow Pipits.
We also met Chris White who had earlier seen the 5 Lapland Buntings feeding on the shingle before they flew inland to the grass fields.
Sunday 12 January 2020
January 12th
With a strong SW wind blowing this morning we walked in more sheltered sites at Shuart and Reculver. We saw 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Jays, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron and 4 Yellowhammers.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding between 1440 and 1700 and recorded 16 Grey Herons in a field near Brooksend, 1 Great White Egret flying E over Shuart, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrels, 1 Water Rail, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Firecrest.
With a strong SW wind blowing this morning we walked in more sheltered sites at Shuart and Reculver. We saw 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Jays, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron and 4 Yellowhammers.
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Plumpudding between 1440 and 1700 and recorded 16 Grey Herons in a field near Brooksend, 1 Great White Egret flying E over Shuart, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrels, 1 Water Rail, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Firecrest.
Saturday 11 January 2020
January 11th
On a breezy and cool morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 28 Mute Swans, 1 Kestrel, 68 Corn Buntings, 8 Chaffinches, 2 Marsh Harriers, 10 Blackbirds, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redshank, 1,130 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 54 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 male Lapland Bunting, 42 Oystercatchers, 8 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 1 Little Egrets and 8 Goldfinches.
We met with Julian and Alex Perry at the Lapland Bunting and after we left them, on their walk back to Reculver, they saw a Peregrine and also 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with 30 Ringed Plovers.
On a breezy and cool morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 28 Mute Swans, 1 Kestrel, 68 Corn Buntings, 8 Chaffinches, 2 Marsh Harriers, 10 Blackbirds, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redshank, 1,130 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 54 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 male Lapland Bunting, 42 Oystercatchers, 8 Meadow Pipits, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Ringed Plovers, 8 Turnstone, 1 Little Egrets and 8 Goldfinches.
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| Male Lapland Bunting |
We met with Julian and Alex Perry at the Lapland Bunting and after we left them, on their walk back to Reculver, they saw a Peregrine and also 1 Purple Sandpiper roosting with 30 Ringed Plovers.
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| Purple Sandpiper - Alex Perry |
Friday 10 January 2020
January 10th
With a fresh NW wind blowing we had an uneventful one and a half hour seawatch at the Towers with Chris Tedder. All we managed to count were 18 Red-throated Divers, 417 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Common Scoter E, 21 Grey Plover W and 4 Great Crested Grebes.
After this we had a walk out onto the Marsh and recorded 1 Redwing, a scarce bird here at the moment, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, a flock of 26 Linnets and 1 Chiffchaff.
Also this morning, Mike Roser found 2 Lapland Buntings still near Coldharbour.
Today I received information about a first year Sedge Warbler we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 26th August 2019. It was controlled at Tour aux Moutons, Donges, Loire-Atlantique, France on 8th September 2019 and had flown 508 km SSW.
With a fresh NW wind blowing we had an uneventful one and a half hour seawatch at the Towers with Chris Tedder. All we managed to count were 18 Red-throated Divers, 417 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 9 Common Scoter E, 21 Grey Plover W and 4 Great Crested Grebes.
After this we had a walk out onto the Marsh and recorded 1 Redwing, a scarce bird here at the moment, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, a flock of 26 Linnets and 1 Chiffchaff.
Also this morning, Mike Roser found 2 Lapland Buntings still near Coldharbour.
Today I received information about a first year Sedge Warbler we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 26th August 2019. It was controlled at Tour aux Moutons, Donges, Loire-Atlantique, France on 8th September 2019 and had flown 508 km SSW.
Thursday 9 January 2020
January 9th
On a very windy and drizzly morning we walked from Reculver to Coldarbour with Ray O'Reilly. On our way back the rain gradually stopped but the wind still made birding difficult. We managed to record 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull E, 14 Mute Swans, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Shelduck, 22 Ringed Plovers, 14 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 28 Dunlin, 11 Sanderling and 1 Redshank.
On a very windy and drizzly morning we walked from Reculver to Coldarbour with Ray O'Reilly. On our way back the rain gradually stopped but the wind still made birding difficult. We managed to record 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull E, 14 Mute Swans, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Shelduck, 22 Ringed Plovers, 14 Mallard, 8 Turnstone, 28 Dunlin, 11 Sanderling and 1 Redshank.
Wednesday 8 January 2020
January 8th
This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Minnis Bay in unseasonably mild conditions. We recorded 2 Common Buzzards, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 75 Ringed Plovers, 46 Turnstone, 9 Shelduck, 1 female Goosander flying E, 41 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 7 Grey Plovers, 80 Corn Buntings, 114 Oystercatchers, 5 Lapland Buntings flying to and from the grass fields, 12 Mallard, 7 Curlew, 4 Coot, 6 Stonechats, 18 Reed Buntings, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Gannets, 4 Sanderling and 3 Red-throated Divers.
This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Minnis Bay in unseasonably mild conditions. We recorded 2 Common Buzzards, 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 5 Mute Swans, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 75 Ringed Plovers, 46 Turnstone, 9 Shelduck, 1 female Goosander flying E, 41 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 7 Grey Plovers, 80 Corn Buntings, 114 Oystercatchers, 5 Lapland Buntings flying to and from the grass fields, 12 Mallard, 7 Curlew, 4 Coot, 6 Stonechats, 18 Reed Buntings, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Gannets, 4 Sanderling and 3 Red-throated Divers.
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| Some record shots of the Lapland Buntings |
Tuesday 7 January 2020
January 7th
Matt dropped in to Shuart on his way to meet us at Reculver and saw 1 Barn Owl and heard 1 Little Owl.
We then walked up to Coldharbour and counted 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Little Grebe, 34 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 45 Golden Plovers, 9 Dunlin, 11 Redshank, 11 Mute Swans, 60 Corn Buntings, 15 Grey Plovers, 3 Yellowhammers, 5 Stonechats, 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 116 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Curlews, 31 Linnets, 1 Wigeon, 6 Gannets, 16 Reed Buntings and 1 Sanderling.
Matt dropped in to Shuart on his way to meet us at Reculver and saw 1 Barn Owl and heard 1 Little Owl.
We then walked up to Coldharbour and counted 550 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Little Grebe, 34 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 45 Golden Plovers, 9 Dunlin, 11 Redshank, 11 Mute Swans, 60 Corn Buntings, 15 Grey Plovers, 3 Yellowhammers, 5 Stonechats, 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 8 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 116 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Curlews, 31 Linnets, 1 Wigeon, 6 Gannets, 16 Reed Buntings and 1 Sanderling.
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| Adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose with 3 juveniles |
Monday 6 January 2020
January 6th
We had an excellent winter's morning birdwatch and saw some excellent birds. We completed our usual walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and inland and counted 1 Kestrel, 202 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 immature Shags, 1 Redshank, 36 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 3 Mute Swans, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Stonechats, 72 Oystercatchers, 16 Cormorants, 1 Black-throated Diver on the sea at Coldharbour, 2 Coot, 23 Corn Buntings, 4 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 5 Curlew, 2 Lapland Buntings flying over the seawall at the Wantsum outflow calling, 1 Little Egret, 2 Ravens (109th) calling repeatedly as they flew low past us along the seawall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Jays, 1 Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Redwing, 6 Lapwings and 1 Grey Heron.
We had an excellent winter's morning birdwatch and saw some excellent birds. We completed our usual walk from Reculver to Coldharbour and inland and counted 1 Kestrel, 202 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 immature Shags, 1 Redshank, 36 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 3 Mute Swans, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Stonechats, 72 Oystercatchers, 16 Cormorants, 1 Black-throated Diver on the sea at Coldharbour, 2 Coot, 23 Corn Buntings, 4 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 5 Curlew, 2 Lapland Buntings flying over the seawall at the Wantsum outflow calling, 1 Little Egret, 2 Ravens (109th) calling repeatedly as they flew low past us along the seawall, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Jays, 1 Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Redwing, 6 Lapwings and 1 Grey Heron.
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| Ringed Plovers |
Sunday 5 January 2020
January 5th
While Anne and I spent the day birding at Dungeness, Marc Heath walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the embankment this morning. He recorded 2 Snipe, 4 Skylarks, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Barn Owl, 8 Grey Partridges, 15 Mute Swans, 6 Pheasants, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 45 Cormorants, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Water Rail, 57 Corn Buntings, 44 Reed Buntings, 5 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 133 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, 11 Turnstone, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 3 Curlew, 5 Grey Plovers, 56 Sanderling, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 30 Linnets, 35 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapland Bunting near Coldharbour (108th), 2 Yellowhammers, 7 Tree Sparrows and 1 Black-throated Diver.
While Anne and I spent the day birding at Dungeness, Marc Heath walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the embankment this morning. He recorded 2 Snipe, 4 Skylarks, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Barn Owl, 8 Grey Partridges, 15 Mute Swans, 6 Pheasants, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 45 Cormorants, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Water Rail, 57 Corn Buntings, 44 Reed Buntings, 5 Coot, 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 133 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, 11 Turnstone, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 3 Curlew, 5 Grey Plovers, 56 Sanderling, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 30 Linnets, 35 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapland Bunting near Coldharbour (108th), 2 Yellowhammers, 7 Tree Sparrows and 1 Black-throated Diver.
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| Tree Sparrow - Marc Heath |
Saturday 4 January 2020
January 4th
It was cooler but sunny this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 4 Turnstone, 582 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 46 Ringed Plovers, 6 Mute Swans, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 male Goosander flying E, 28 Corn Buntings, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 6 Skylarks, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Sanderling, 135 House Sparrows, 2 Stonechats, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Redshank and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Marc Heath began this morning at Shuart where he recorded 1 Little Owl, he then walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the embankment. He counted 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Robins, 300 Dark-belleid Brent Geese, 7 Oystercatchers, 10 Stock Doves, 37 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Red-throated Divers, 6 Turnstone, 58 Ringed Plovers, 5 Meadow Pipits, 5 Redshank, 32 Reed Buntings, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Snipe (107th), 50 Corn Buntings, 9 Tree Sparrows, 4 Shelduck, 1 Shag W, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 18 Linnets, 3 Skylarks, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 17 Mute Swans, 12 Yellowhammers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Sanderling, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Purple Sandpiper.
It was cooler but sunny this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 4 Turnstone, 582 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 46 Ringed Plovers, 6 Mute Swans, 41 Reed Buntings, 1 male Goosander flying E, 28 Corn Buntings, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Plover, 12 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 6 Skylarks, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Sanderling, 135 House Sparrows, 2 Stonechats, 2 Tree Sparrows, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Redshank and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Marc Heath began this morning at Shuart where he recorded 1 Little Owl, he then walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the embankment. He counted 4 Common Buzzards, 3 Robins, 300 Dark-belleid Brent Geese, 7 Oystercatchers, 10 Stock Doves, 37 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Red-throated Divers, 6 Turnstone, 58 Ringed Plovers, 5 Meadow Pipits, 5 Redshank, 32 Reed Buntings, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Snipe (107th), 50 Corn Buntings, 9 Tree Sparrows, 4 Shelduck, 1 Shag W, 2 Grey Plovers, 7 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 18 Linnets, 3 Skylarks, 18 Red-legged Partridges, 17 Mute Swans, 12 Yellowhammers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Sanderling, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Purple Sandpiper.
Friday 3 January 2020
January 3rd
After a drizzly start it became a bit brighter this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Green Wall and back via Coldharbour. We counted 2 Kestrels, 27 Mute Swans, 34 Chaffinches, 2 Moorhens, 2 Chiffchaffs, 36 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 140 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Tree Sparrows, 14 Reeed Buntings, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstone, 18 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard and 3 Coot.
Marc Heath was also out birding at Reculver before walking to Coldharbour. He saw 4 Robins, 13 Meadow Pipits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 19 Lapwings, 27 Cormorants, 30 Mute Swans, 9 Corn Buntings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Chiffchaff, 24 Reed Buntings, 2 immature Shags, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Stock Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Little Grebes, 420 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Shelduck, 18 Mallard, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Stonechats, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Black-throated Diver and 1 Red-throated Diver.
Marc then had a seawatch at the Towers between 1130 and 1420 and recorded 21 Red-throated Divers, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Wigeon, 1 Gannet, 1 Curlew and 1 Slavonian Grebe (106th) drifting west past the Towers at 1420. It was later seen at 1500 at Swalecliffe.
After a drizzly start it became a bit brighter this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Green Wall and back via Coldharbour. We counted 2 Kestrels, 27 Mute Swans, 34 Chaffinches, 2 Moorhens, 2 Chiffchaffs, 36 Corn Buntings, 3 Yellowhammers, 140 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Tree Sparrows, 14 Reeed Buntings, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstone, 18 Mallard, 3 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard and 3 Coot.
Marc Heath was also out birding at Reculver before walking to Coldharbour. He saw 4 Robins, 13 Meadow Pipits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 19 Lapwings, 27 Cormorants, 30 Mute Swans, 9 Corn Buntings, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Chiffchaff, 24 Reed Buntings, 2 immature Shags, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Stock Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Little Grebes, 420 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 19 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Shelduck, 18 Mallard, 1 Yellowhammer, 2 Stonechats, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Black-throated Diver and 1 Red-throated Diver.
Marc then had a seawatch at the Towers between 1130 and 1420 and recorded 21 Red-throated Divers, 25 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Wigeon, 1 Gannet, 1 Curlew and 1 Slavonian Grebe (106th) drifting west past the Towers at 1420. It was later seen at 1500 at Swalecliffe.
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| Slavonian Grebe - Marc Heath |
Thursday 2 January 2020
January 2nd
On an overcast morning we walked from Reculver along the seawall to Coldharbour. We counted 24 Mute Swans, 305 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Red-throated Divers, 1 Kingfisher (102nd), 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Curlew, 21 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 15 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Stonechats, 1 Yellowhammer, 38 Ringed Plovers, 15 Redshank, 6 Turnstone, 12 Mallard, 2 Teal, 3 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Gannet (103rd), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sanderling, 1 Red Kite (104th) and 1 immature Shag fishing off Reculver.
Later in the day Chris Tedder saw a Peregrine (105th) at Reculver.
On an overcast morning we walked from Reculver along the seawall to Coldharbour. We counted 24 Mute Swans, 305 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6 Red-throated Divers, 1 Kingfisher (102nd), 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Curlew, 21 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 15 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Stonechats, 1 Yellowhammer, 38 Ringed Plovers, 15 Redshank, 6 Turnstone, 12 Mallard, 2 Teal, 3 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Gannet (103rd), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sanderling, 1 Red Kite (104th) and 1 immature Shag fishing off Reculver.
Later in the day Chris Tedder saw a Peregrine (105th) at Reculver.
Wednesday 1 January 2020
January 1st - 101 species
As usual we spent the first day of a new year birding on the Marsh to see how many species we could see and ended as it was getting dark on 90 species. Conditions were ideal as it was a windless day that began with early sunshine but then turned cloudy.
The first bird of the day was quite a rarity for the area. As Matt drove over to pick me up he stopped at Reculver and heard a Tawny Owl calling.
We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out onto the Marsh as it began to get light and counted 2 Water Rails, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Yellowhammers, 4 Tree Sparows, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Linnets, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Teal, 4 Corn Buntings and 2 Fieldfares.
Our next stop was Reculver where we had a look at the sea and then walked inland. We saw 1 Black-throated Diver sitting offshore, a species we didn't record at all last year, 6 Red-throated Divers, 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Green Sandpipers, 12 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 female Goosander, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
We spent the next couple of hours walking from Shuart to the sea and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. Species we recorded here included 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jays, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Gadwall, 3 Marsh Harriers, 31 Corn Buntings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Stonechat, 40 Golden Plovers, 2 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great White Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 1 male Goosander, 1 Shelduck, 4 Little Grebes, 50 Lapwings, 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Barn Owl being mobbed by 4 Jays and 1 Firecrest.
This aftenoon was a bit of a struggle having seen so many species in the morning but we did manage to see 21 Shelduck, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Shag, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Rock Pipit.
Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry were also out all day and their highlights included 1 Woodcock, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Tree Sparrows, 13 Yellowhammers, 1 Merlin, 1 male Goosander, 1 Great White Egret, 4 Short-eared Owls, 65 White-fronted Geese flying N at Brooksend, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier and 3 Firecrests.
I met Chris Tedder at Reculver in the afternoon and during the day she had seen Sparrowhawk, Redwing, Pochard, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Little Owl, species that we had not recorded taking the days total for all seven of us to an impressive 101 species.
As usual we spent the first day of a new year birding on the Marsh to see how many species we could see and ended as it was getting dark on 90 species. Conditions were ideal as it was a windless day that began with early sunshine but then turned cloudy.
The first bird of the day was quite a rarity for the area. As Matt drove over to pick me up he stopped at Reculver and heard a Tawny Owl calling.
We then drove to Chamber's Wall and walked out onto the Marsh as it began to get light and counted 2 Water Rails, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Yellowhammers, 4 Tree Sparows, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Linnets, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Teal, 4 Corn Buntings and 2 Fieldfares.
Our next stop was Reculver where we had a look at the sea and then walked inland. We saw 1 Black-throated Diver sitting offshore, a species we didn't record at all last year, 6 Red-throated Divers, 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Green Sandpipers, 12 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Jay, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 female Goosander, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
We spent the next couple of hours walking from Shuart to the sea and back via Brooksend and Netherhale. Species we recorded here included 6 Common Buzzards, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jays, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Gadwall, 3 Marsh Harriers, 31 Corn Buntings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Stonechat, 40 Golden Plovers, 2 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great White Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 1 male Goosander, 1 Shelduck, 4 Little Grebes, 50 Lapwings, 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Barn Owl being mobbed by 4 Jays and 1 Firecrest.
This aftenoon was a bit of a struggle having seen so many species in the morning but we did manage to see 21 Shelduck, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Shag, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Rock Pipit.
Marc Heath and Julian and Alex Perry were also out all day and their highlights included 1 Woodcock, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Tree Sparrows, 13 Yellowhammers, 1 Merlin, 1 male Goosander, 1 Great White Egret, 4 Short-eared Owls, 65 White-fronted Geese flying N at Brooksend, 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier and 3 Firecrests.
I met Chris Tedder at Reculver in the afternoon and during the day she had seen Sparrowhawk, Redwing, Pochard, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Little Owl, species that we had not recorded taking the days total for all seven of us to an impressive 101 species.
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| Sunrise at Chamber's Wall |
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