April 30th
It was blustery and showery this morning on our daily walk and we saw 1 Cuckoo, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Curlew, 10 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Sanderling, 1 Grey Plover, 2 pairs of Stonechat, 21 Shelduck including 15 flying E, 12 Swallows W, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Swift W, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Common Terns, 8 Greylag Geese, 3ad + 5juv, 1 Sand Martin W, 2 House Martins W, 4 Sandwich Terns W, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Fulmar. We also recorded 130 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 28 Turnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper (155th), 3 Wheatears, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Little Egret, 2 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Merlin W, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest singing, 16 Whitethroats, 10 Sedge Warblers, 6 Skylarks, 10 Reed Warblers, 3 Goldfinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 6 Oystercatchers, 8 Ringed Plovers, 2 Coot, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Blackcap and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
April 29th
This morning dawned with sunny periods and the odd light shower early on. During our walk we recorded 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whimbrels W, 1 Curlew, 1 Greenshank W, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 8 Dunlin, 2 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Short-eared Owl, 37 Turnstone, 6 Shelduck, 28 Oystercatchers E, 28 Swallows W, 2 Common Terns, 3 Grey Plovers E, 9 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 14 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Little Egrets, 75 House Martins W, 2 Sand Martins W, 1 Grey Partridge, 11 Swifts W, 2 Fulmars, 65 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 1 Hobby W, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Sanderling, 2 Blackcaps, 13 Reed Warblers, 10 Skylarks, 14 Whitethroats, 2 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Sedge Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Linnets W, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Coot, 2 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and between 0545 and 0915 walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. He saw 3 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 9 Whitethroats, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 18 Oystercatchers, 5 Reed Buntings, 6 Sedge Warblers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 5 Shelduck, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 13 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dark-bellied Brent Geese E, 5 Linnets, 8 Mallard, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Pheasants, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 38 Corn Buntings, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechat, 7 Skylarks, 3 Greylag Geese, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Shoveler, 1 Wheatear, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Dunlin, 2 Mediterranean Gulls W, 50 House Martins, 6 Swifts, 20 Swallows, 1 Greenshank, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Common Terns and 3 Redshank.
A Red Kite flew E at Bishopstone at 1320 just before the rain arrived.
This morning dawned with sunny periods and the odd light shower early on. During our walk we recorded 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whimbrels W, 1 Curlew, 1 Greenshank W, 11 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 8 Dunlin, 2 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Short-eared Owl, 37 Turnstone, 6 Shelduck, 28 Oystercatchers E, 28 Swallows W, 2 Common Terns, 3 Grey Plovers E, 9 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plovers, 14 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Little Egrets, 75 House Martins W, 2 Sand Martins W, 1 Grey Partridge, 11 Swifts W, 2 Fulmars, 65 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 1 Hobby W, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Sanderling, 2 Blackcaps, 13 Reed Warblers, 10 Skylarks, 14 Whitethroats, 2 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Sedge Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Linnets W, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Coot, 2 Reed Buntings and 1 Kestrel.
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| Turnstone moulting into summer plumage |
Marc Heath was also out this morning and between 0545 and 0915 walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. He saw 3 Blackcaps, 1 Kestrel, 9 Whitethroats, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 18 Oystercatchers, 5 Reed Buntings, 6 Sedge Warblers, 3 Meadow Pipits, 5 Shelduck, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 13 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 7 Dark-bellied Brent Geese E, 5 Linnets, 8 Mallard, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Pheasants, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 38 Corn Buntings, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechat, 7 Skylarks, 3 Greylag Geese, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Shoveler, 1 Wheatear, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Dunlin, 2 Mediterranean Gulls W, 50 House Martins, 6 Swifts, 20 Swallows, 1 Greenshank, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Common Terns and 3 Redshank.
A Red Kite flew E at Bishopstone at 1320 just before the rain arrived.
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
April 28th
There had been a sigmificant change in the weather overnight and this morning was rainy with a chilly NE wind blowing. Birds seen on a very wet walk included 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing along seawall, 4 Mediterranean Gulls flying W, 1 Whimbrel E, 8 Swallows E, 2 Fulmars, 2 Shoveler,3 Greylag Geese, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Stonechat, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits E and 1 large auk E.
This afternoon we saw 4 House Martins (153rd), 4 Swifts (154th), 30 Swallows, 8 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
There had been a sigmificant change in the weather overnight and this morning was rainy with a chilly NE wind blowing. Birds seen on a very wet walk included 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing along seawall, 4 Mediterranean Gulls flying W, 1 Whimbrel E, 8 Swallows E, 2 Fulmars, 2 Shoveler,3 Greylag Geese, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Stonechat, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits E and 1 large auk E.
This afternoon we saw 4 House Martins (153rd), 4 Swifts (154th), 30 Swallows, 8 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits.
Monday, 27 April 2020
April 27th
This morning we saw 5 Blackcaps, 11 Skylarks, 13 Reed Warblers, 3 Mallard, 16 Whitethroats, 15 Sedge Warblers, 2 Swallows, 10 Reed Buntings, 12 Linnets, 2 Chaffinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Redshank, 1 Shelduck, 23 Sand Martins, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 2 Meadow Pipits, 29 Mute Swans, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 4 Coot, 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Gadwall, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Alex Perry also heard the Grasshopper Warbler and saw 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
Bob Hinge also saw 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit.
This morning we saw 5 Blackcaps, 11 Skylarks, 13 Reed Warblers, 3 Mallard, 16 Whitethroats, 15 Sedge Warblers, 2 Swallows, 10 Reed Buntings, 12 Linnets, 2 Chaffinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Redshank, 1 Shelduck, 23 Sand Martins, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 2 Meadow Pipits, 29 Mute Swans, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 4 Coot, 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Gadwall, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Sparrowhawk.
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| Male Gadwall |
Alex Perry also heard the Grasshopper Warbler and saw 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
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| Sedge Warbler - Alex Perry |
Bob Hinge also saw 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit.
Sunday, 26 April 2020
April 26th
With the fine sunny weather continuing we completed our regular walk and recorded 11 Blackcaps, 1 Turtle Dove (150th), 9 Whitethroats, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Skylarks, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Mallard, 10 Reed Warblers, 39 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Sand Martins, 7 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Mediterranean Gulls NW, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hobby (151st), 14 Swallows, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 2 Wheatears, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Sedge Warblers, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Mistle Thrushes.
Marc Heath walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall between 0545 and 0930. Birds he saw included 3 Chiffchaffs, 12 Whitethroats, 3 Little Egrets, 30 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Kingfisher, 11 Stock Doves, 19 Sedge Warblers, 4 Shelduck, 4 Meadow Pipits, 15 Linnets, 4 Redshank, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Whimbrel, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Avocet E, 4 Pheasants, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Jay, 2 Bullfinches (152nd), 10 Corn Buntings, 10 Reed Warblers, 8 Mallard, 6 Reed Buntings, 29 Turnstone, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Shoveler, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Swallows, 1 Fulmar and 3 Ringed Plovers.
A Red Kite flew W at Bishopstone at 1310.
With the fine sunny weather continuing we completed our regular walk and recorded 11 Blackcaps, 1 Turtle Dove (150th), 9 Whitethroats, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Skylarks, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Mallard, 10 Reed Warblers, 39 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Sand Martins, 7 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Mediterranean Gulls NW, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hobby (151st), 14 Swallows, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kestrel, 2 Wheatears, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Sedge Warblers, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Mistle Thrushes.
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| Turtle Dove |
Marc Heath walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall between 0545 and 0930. Birds he saw included 3 Chiffchaffs, 12 Whitethroats, 3 Little Egrets, 30 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Kingfisher, 11 Stock Doves, 19 Sedge Warblers, 4 Shelduck, 4 Meadow Pipits, 15 Linnets, 4 Redshank, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Whimbrel, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Avocet E, 4 Pheasants, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Jay, 2 Bullfinches (152nd), 10 Corn Buntings, 10 Reed Warblers, 8 Mallard, 6 Reed Buntings, 29 Turnstone, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Shoveler, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Swallows, 1 Fulmar and 3 Ringed Plovers.
A Red Kite flew W at Bishopstone at 1310.
Saturday, 25 April 2020
April 25th
On an overcast morning with a chilly NE wind blowing we completed our walk and recorded 2 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 5 Swallows, 4 Goldfinches, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Skylarks, 10 Mallard, 8 Linnets, 5 Chaffinches, 15 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Kestrels, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 8 Shelduck, 44 Carrion Crows, 1 Raven flying E and 1 Corn Bunting singing.
On an overcast morning with a chilly NE wind blowing we completed our walk and recorded 2 Blackcaps, 14 Whitethroats, 5 Swallows, 4 Goldfinches, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Skylarks, 10 Mallard, 8 Linnets, 5 Chaffinches, 15 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Kestrels, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 8 Shelduck, 44 Carrion Crows, 1 Raven flying E and 1 Corn Bunting singing.
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| Reed Bunting collecting nesting material |
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| Hoary Cress aka Thanet Weed |
Friday, 24 April 2020
April 24th
With the fine weather continuing this morning our walk produced 14 Skylarks, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Moorhens, 8 Reed Warblers, 6 Reed Buntings, 12 Linnets, 12 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 24 Sedge Warblers, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Mallard, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Shoveler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 38 Carrion Crows, 2 Coot, 3 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Swallows W, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Marc Heath was out early and between 0545 and 0915 walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. He saw 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Blackcaps, 21 Whitethroats, 5 Pheasants, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 10 Stock Doves, 26 Linnets, 7 Cormorants, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Meadow Pipits, 8 Mallard, 9 Skylarks, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Shelduck, 29 Sedge Warblers, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Gadwall, 1 Reed Bunting, 14 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 7 Greylag Geese, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Cuckoo (149th), 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Corn Buntings, 6 Swallows, 7 Sand Martins, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Marsh Harrier.
A Red Kite flew W over our garden at Bishopstone at 1300 whilst 2 flew S over David Elliott's garden at Hillborough at 1400. He had also seen 5 Common Buzzards during the morning.
With the fine weather continuing this morning our walk produced 14 Skylarks, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Moorhens, 8 Reed Warblers, 6 Reed Buntings, 12 Linnets, 12 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 24 Sedge Warblers, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Mallard, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Shoveler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 38 Carrion Crows, 2 Coot, 3 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Swallows W, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.
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| Male Yellow Wagtail |
Marc Heath was out early and between 0545 and 0915 walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall. He saw 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Blackcaps, 21 Whitethroats, 5 Pheasants, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 10 Stock Doves, 26 Linnets, 7 Cormorants, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Kestrel, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Meadow Pipits, 8 Mallard, 9 Skylarks, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Shelduck, 29 Sedge Warblers, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Gadwall, 1 Reed Bunting, 14 Turnstone, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 7 Greylag Geese, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Cuckoo (149th), 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Corn Buntings, 6 Swallows, 7 Sand Martins, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Marsh Harrier.
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| Male Marsh Harrier - Marc Heath |
A Red Kite flew W over our garden at Bishopstone at 1300 whilst 2 flew S over David Elliott's garden at Hillborough at 1400. He had also seen 5 Common Buzzards during the morning.
Thursday, 23 April 2020
April 23rd
On a beautiful calm spring morning we completed our walks and recorded 6 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (148th), 1 male Common Redstart, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 Greenshank, 1 Knot, 2 Stonechats, 1 Lapwing, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 45 Corn Buntings, 13 Swallows, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chaffinches, 6 Skylarks, 14 Reed Warblers, 34 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Mallard, 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Coot. 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Sand Martins, 9 Linnets, 13 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 1 Moorhen and 1 Common Buzzard.
We also saw our first Hairy Dragonfly of the year.
This afternoon at 1500, 3 Red Kites drifted W behind our gardens at Bishopstone.
On a beautiful calm spring morning we completed our walks and recorded 6 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Firecrest, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (148th), 1 male Common Redstart, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 Greenshank, 1 Knot, 2 Stonechats, 1 Lapwing, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 45 Corn Buntings, 13 Swallows, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chaffinches, 6 Skylarks, 14 Reed Warblers, 34 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Mallard, 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Coot. 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Sand Martins, 9 Linnets, 13 Cormorants, 1 Kestrel, 1 Wheatear, 1 Moorhen and 1 Common Buzzard.
We also saw our first Hairy Dragonfly of the year.
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| Wheatear |
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| Common Whitethroat |
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| Hairy Dragonfly |
This afternoon at 1500, 3 Red Kites drifted W behind our gardens at Bishopstone.
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| Two of the three Red Kites at Bishopstone - Alex Perry |
Wednesday, 22 April 2020
April 22nd
The wind had dropped somewhat on yet another sunny morning. Birds we saw included 8 Goldfinches, 8 Chaffinches, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Whitethroats, 8 Skylarks, 14 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Sand Martins, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot, 2 Mallard, 25 Mute Swans, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits (147th), 2 Whimbrel, 3 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns, 5 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Shoveler, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Shelduck, 11 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 8 Cormorants, 8 Stock Doves and 1 Jay.
Marc Heath was out at Reculver and walked to Chamber's Wall recording 1 Common Buzzard, 1 male Hen Harrier flying W out at sea, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Oystercatchers, 9 Mallard, 6 adult Mediterranan Gulls E, 16 Stock Doves, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Little Egret, 6 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 19 Sedge Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 10 Whitethroats, 5 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Linnets, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Tern, 2 Grey Partridges, 9 Turnstone, 5 Reed Warblers, 25 Corn Buntings, 4 Reed Buntings, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Skylarks, 3 Shoveler, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Redshank, 7 Swallows, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mute Swans and 1 Whimbrel.
The wind had dropped somewhat on yet another sunny morning. Birds we saw included 8 Goldfinches, 8 Chaffinches, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Whitethroats, 8 Skylarks, 14 Reed Warblers, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Sand Martins, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot, 2 Mallard, 25 Mute Swans, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits (147th), 2 Whimbrel, 3 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns, 5 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Shoveler, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Shelduck, 11 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 8 Cormorants, 8 Stock Doves and 1 Jay.
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| Cormorant in breeding plumage |
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| Stock Dove |
Marc Heath was out at Reculver and walked to Chamber's Wall recording 1 Common Buzzard, 1 male Hen Harrier flying W out at sea, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Oystercatchers, 9 Mallard, 6 adult Mediterranan Gulls E, 16 Stock Doves, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Little Egret, 6 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 19 Sedge Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 10 Whitethroats, 5 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Linnets, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Tern, 2 Grey Partridges, 9 Turnstone, 5 Reed Warblers, 25 Corn Buntings, 4 Reed Buntings, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Skylarks, 3 Shoveler, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Redshank, 7 Swallows, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mute Swans and 1 Whimbrel.
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
April 21st
The weather and the birds were similar to yesterday on our walk this morning. We recorded 13 Linnets, 6 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whitethroats, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Jay, 11 Reed Warblers, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Coot, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 3 Chaffinches, 4 Skylarks, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Sand Martins, 3 Reed Buntings and 1 Common Buzzard.
The weather and the birds were similar to yesterday on our walk this morning. We recorded 13 Linnets, 6 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whitethroats, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Jay, 11 Reed Warblers, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Coot, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 3 Chaffinches, 4 Skylarks, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Sand Martins, 3 Reed Buntings and 1 Common Buzzard.
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| A bank of Greater Stitchwort |
Monday, 20 April 2020
April 20th
It was another sunny morning but the chilly NE wind had increased in strength even more resulting in a relatively limited list of birds seen. We counted 3 Chaffinches, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Skylarks, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Mallard, 3 Mute Swans, 6 Linnets, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 35 House Sparrows, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipits and 1 Mistle Thrush.
It was another sunny morning but the chilly NE wind had increased in strength even more resulting in a relatively limited list of birds seen. We counted 3 Chaffinches, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Skylarks, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Mallard, 3 Mute Swans, 6 Linnets, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 35 House Sparrows, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipits and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Sunday, 19 April 2020
April 19th
The morning started with a nice surprise. As we walked up our driveway at 0750 on our way out the local gulls went ballistic and an Osprey flew over W (144th).
On our usual walk we counted 5 Whitethroats, 5 Chaffinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Reed Warblers, 25 Mute Swans, 6 Blackcaps, 10 Swallows flying W, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Mallard, 2 Coot, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Skylarks, 2 Moorhens, 11 Linnets, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Kestrel, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 11 Cormorants, 1 Gannet E, 76 Carrion Crows, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying NW, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and saw 1 Greenshank (145th), 2 Common Terns (146th) and 2 Grey Partrdges.
The morning started with a nice surprise. As we walked up our driveway at 0750 on our way out the local gulls went ballistic and an Osprey flew over W (144th).
On our usual walk we counted 5 Whitethroats, 5 Chaffinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Reed Warblers, 25 Mute Swans, 6 Blackcaps, 10 Swallows flying W, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Mallard, 2 Coot, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Skylarks, 2 Moorhens, 11 Linnets, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Kestrel, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 11 Cormorants, 1 Gannet E, 76 Carrion Crows, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 4 Goldfinches, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying NW, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Marc Heath was also out this morning and saw 1 Greenshank (145th), 2 Common Terns (146th) and 2 Grey Partrdges.
Saturday, 18 April 2020
April 18th
Overnight we had our first rain so far in April and this morning it was still showery with a cool NE breeze blowing and thunder rumbling in the distance. We recorded 9 Blackcaps, 1 Skylark, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 17 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Cormorants, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnets, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Greenfinch and 2 Shelducks.
Overnight we had our first rain so far in April and this morning it was still showery with a cool NE breeze blowing and thunder rumbling in the distance. We recorded 9 Blackcaps, 1 Skylark, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 17 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Cormorants, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnets, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Greenfinch and 2 Shelducks.
Friday, 17 April 2020
April 17th
On a bright and brezzy morning we completed our regular walk and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Chaffinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 11 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Kestrels, 3 Skylarks, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Gannet E, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Common Redstart, a stunning bird flycatching from a log, 6 Goldfinches and 1 Mistle Thrush.
On a bright and brezzy morning we completed our regular walk and saw 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Chaffinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 11 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Kestrels, 3 Skylarks, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Gannet E, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 male Common Redstart, a stunning bird flycatching from a log, 6 Goldfinches and 1 Mistle Thrush.
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| Reculver Church at Hillborough |
Thursday, 16 April 2020
April 16th
The twenty fourth day of the Covid-19 lockdown began with another beautiful, sunny morning after some early mist. We completed our usual walk and recorded 9 Skylarks, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Linnets, 12 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches, 6 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting, 21 Mute Swans, 1 Wheatear, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 2 Jays and 1 Sedge Warbler.
The twenty fourth day of the Covid-19 lockdown began with another beautiful, sunny morning after some early mist. We completed our usual walk and recorded 9 Skylarks, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Linnets, 12 Goldfinches, 7 Chaffinches, 6 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Reed Bunting, 21 Mute Swans, 1 Wheatear, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 2 Jays and 1 Sedge Warbler.
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| Early Hawthorn flowers |
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
April 15th
After an early frost there was bright sunshine this morning and it soon warmed up. There had been a small arrival of birds overnight and our walk produced 4 Chaffinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Tufted Duck, 17 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Skylarks, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 60 Sand Martins, 2 Meadow Pipits, 21 Linnets, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Mallard, 2 Reed Buntings, 8 Goldfinches, 4 Shelduck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Sandwich Terns flying E, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Jays, 1 Greenfinch and 1 Mistle Thrush.
After an early frost there was bright sunshine this morning and it soon warmed up. There had been a small arrival of birds overnight and our walk produced 4 Chaffinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Tufted Duck, 17 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Skylarks, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 60 Sand Martins, 2 Meadow Pipits, 21 Linnets, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Mallard, 2 Reed Buntings, 8 Goldfinches, 4 Shelduck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Sandwich Terns flying E, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Jays, 1 Greenfinch and 1 Mistle Thrush.
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| Male Wheatear |
Tuesday, 14 April 2020
April 14th
Although yesterday's wind had abated this morning it was still chilly as we completed our regular walk. We recorded 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 14 Mute Swans, 4 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Skylarks, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Goldfinches, 9 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (143rd ) and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Although yesterday's wind had abated this morning it was still chilly as we completed our regular walk. We recorded 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 14 Mute Swans, 4 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Skylarks, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Goldfinches, 9 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (143rd ) and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
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| Little Egret |
Monday, 13 April 2020
April 13th
The threatened NE gale arrived overnight and our walk this morning was a bit of a struggle. We managed to see 7 Chaffinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Coot, 12 Cormorants, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sandwich Terns E (142nd), 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E and 2 Oystercatchers.
The threatened NE gale arrived overnight and our walk this morning was a bit of a struggle. We managed to see 7 Chaffinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Coot, 12 Cormorants, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sandwich Terns E (142nd), 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E and 2 Oystercatchers.
Sunday, 12 April 2020
April 12th
It soon warmed up during our walk this morning and we saw 6 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Mallard, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 24 Mute Swans, 17 Skylarks, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 5 Linnets, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Moorhen, 7 Reed Buntings, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Mistle Thrush.
This morning we had 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls fly E over our garden at Bishopstone calling frequently and this afternoon a Red Kite flew W.
It soon warmed up during our walk this morning and we saw 6 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Mallard, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 24 Mute Swans, 17 Skylarks, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Coot, 5 Linnets, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Moorhen, 7 Reed Buntings, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinches, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Mistle Thrush.
This morning we had 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls fly E over our garden at Bishopstone calling frequently and this afternoon a Red Kite flew W.
Saturday, 11 April 2020
April 11th
The fine weather continues but I think we're in for a shock on Monday when the weather is forecast to change to a strong, cold, north easterly wind. This morning we recorded 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Swallows, 30 Sand Martins, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Shelduck, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Stonechats, 19 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whimbrel flying W (141st), 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Grey Partridges, 8 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Mallard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Moorhens, 13 Mute Swans, 3 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 6 Skylarks, 1 Common Buzzard, 84 Carrion Crows, 8 Linnets, 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E and calling repeatedly, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank and 1 Reed Bunting.
The fine weather continues but I think we're in for a shock on Monday when the weather is forecast to change to a strong, cold, north easterly wind. This morning we recorded 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Swallows, 30 Sand Martins, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Shelduck, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Stonechats, 19 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whimbrel flying W (141st), 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Grey Partridges, 8 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Mallard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Moorhens, 13 Mute Swans, 3 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 6 Skylarks, 1 Common Buzzard, 84 Carrion Crows, 8 Linnets, 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E and calling repeatedly, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 12 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank and 1 Reed Bunting.
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| Corn Bunting |
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| Male Reed Bunting |
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| Male and female Tufted Duck |
Friday, 10 April 2020
April 10th
We completed our walk this morning on another fantastic spring day. There didn't seem to be a lot new in but we still ended up with some good sightings. Birds we recorded included 8 Chaffinches, 7 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 22 Linnets, 1 Peregrine, 2 Goldfinches, 1 singing Corn Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Jay.
We also saw our first Speckled Wood butterfly of the year.
Bob and Tessa Hinge were also out this morning and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Swallows and 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
We completed our walk this morning on another fantastic spring day. There didn't seem to be a lot new in but we still ended up with some good sightings. Birds we recorded included 8 Chaffinches, 7 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 22 Linnets, 1 Peregrine, 2 Goldfinches, 1 singing Corn Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Jay.
We also saw our first Speckled Wood butterfly of the year.
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| Male and female Ring Ouzel |
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| Male Ring Ouzel |
Bob and Tessa Hinge were also out this morning and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Swallows and 3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Thursday, 9 April 2020
April 9th
On another beatuiful spring morning our walk produced 15 Blackcaps, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Gannets W, 1 Stonechat, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Snipe, 1 Lesser Redpoll W (140th), 30 Sand Martins, 1 Swallow, 11 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Scoter, 12 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Skylarks, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Mallard, 42 Stock Doves, 2 Reed Buntings, 14 Linnets, 14 Corn Buntings, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Song Thrushes.
On another beatuiful spring morning our walk produced 15 Blackcaps, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Gannets W, 1 Stonechat, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Snipe, 1 Lesser Redpoll W (140th), 30 Sand Martins, 1 Swallow, 11 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Scoter, 12 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Skylarks, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Mallard, 42 Stock Doves, 2 Reed Buntings, 14 Linnets, 14 Corn Buntings, 9 Goldfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Song Thrushes.
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| Linnet |
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
April 8th
This morning on our walk we recorded 10 Skylarks, 2 Yellowhammers, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Sand Martin, 1 male Eider W, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Swallows, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Bunting, 7 Mallard, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Peregrine, 1 Shoveler, 1 Jay, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kestrel and 1 Pied Wagtail.
This morning on our walk we recorded 10 Skylarks, 2 Yellowhammers, 12 Goldfinches, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Sand Martin, 1 male Eider W, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Swallows, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Bunting, 7 Mallard, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 1 Peregrine, 1 Shoveler, 1 Jay, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kestrel and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Tuesday, 7 April 2020
April 7th
On a stunning spring morning we completed our regular walk and recorded 7 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Jay, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 4 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 4 Reed Buntings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, newly arrived and singing from an Alexander patch, (139th), 3 Song Thrushes, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 27 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Grey Partridges and 2 Mistle Thrushes.
On a stunning spring morning we completed our regular walk and recorded 7 Chaffinches, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Jay, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Buzzard, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Coot, 4 Mallard, 5 Skylarks, 4 Reed Buntings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, newly arrived and singing from an Alexander patch, (139th), 3 Song Thrushes, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 White Wagtails, 1 Grey Wagail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 27 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 4 Grey Partridges and 2 Mistle Thrushes.
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| Sunrise at Reculver |
Monday, 6 April 2020
April 6th
The threatened rain did not really materialise this morning as we completed our now regular exercise walk. We saw 10 Chaffinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Skylarks, 7 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Jays, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 3 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Coot, 1 Barn Owl, 5 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat (136th), 1 Swallow W, 2 Yellow Wagtails (137th), 2 Willow Warblers,4 Greylag Geese, 5 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 3 Linnets, 1 Reed Bunting, 44 Corn Buntings, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Song Thrushes, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Grey Heron.
Mike Longdon found a male Common Redstart (138th) on the track between Netherhale and Shuart this afternoon.
The threatened rain did not really materialise this morning as we completed our now regular exercise walk. We saw 10 Chaffinches, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Skylarks, 7 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Jays, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 3 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Coot, 1 Barn Owl, 5 Sedge Warblers, 1 Whitethroat (136th), 1 Swallow W, 2 Yellow Wagtails (137th), 2 Willow Warblers,4 Greylag Geese, 5 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 3 Linnets, 1 Reed Bunting, 44 Corn Buntings, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Song Thrushes, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Grey Heron.
Mike Longdon found a male Common Redstart (138th) on the track between Netherhale and Shuart this afternoon.
Sunday, 5 April 2020
April 5th
One of the advantages of doing a regular walk over the same area is that it becomes quickly apparent if there has been an overnight arrival. This morning there were a number of new birds to be seen including 1 Tree Pipit W (130th), 2 male Ring Ouzels (131st), 2 Willow Warblers (132nd), 3 Sand Martins (133rd) and 1 Sedge Warbler (134th). Other birds recorded included 6 Goldfinches, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 5 Mallard, 3 Song Thrushes, 5 Mute Swans, 6 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 35 Corn Buntings, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Redwings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 16 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Wheatear, 3 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Pied Wagtail.
We also saw a couple of Peacock butterflies.
Alex Perry saw 2 Swallows (135th) at Bishopstone this morning.
On his cycle ride from Minnis Bay to Reculver Bob Hinge recorded 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Swallows at the Towers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 200 Sanderling on the beach west of Coldharbour, 5 Curlew and 2 Oystercatchers.
One of the advantages of doing a regular walk over the same area is that it becomes quickly apparent if there has been an overnight arrival. This morning there were a number of new birds to be seen including 1 Tree Pipit W (130th), 2 male Ring Ouzels (131st), 2 Willow Warblers (132nd), 3 Sand Martins (133rd) and 1 Sedge Warbler (134th). Other birds recorded included 6 Goldfinches, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 5 Mallard, 3 Song Thrushes, 5 Mute Swans, 6 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 35 Corn Buntings, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Redwings, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 16 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Wheatear, 3 Jays, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Pied Wagtail.
We also saw a couple of Peacock butterflies.
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| Male Ring Ouzels |
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| Peacock |
Alex Perry saw 2 Swallows (135th) at Bishopstone this morning.
On his cycle ride from Minnis Bay to Reculver Bob Hinge recorded 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Swallows at the Towers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 200 Sanderling on the beach west of Coldharbour, 5 Curlew and 2 Oystercatchers.
Saturday, 4 April 2020
April 4th
On our walk this morning early mist cleared soon to leave it sunny and mild. Birds we saw included 6 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Greylag Geese, 30 Magpies, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Mute Swans, 15 Skylarks, 9 Cormorants, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 migrant Long-eared Owl in a bush before being flushed by the local Magpies (129th), 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Kestrel.
Today from our garden at Bishopstone we counted 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 singing male Blackcaps moving W along the back hedge and 3 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Brimstone butterfly.
On our walk this morning early mist cleared soon to leave it sunny and mild. Birds we saw included 6 Chaffinches, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Greylag Geese, 30 Magpies, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Mute Swans, 15 Skylarks, 9 Cormorants, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 migrant Long-eared Owl in a bush before being flushed by the local Magpies (129th), 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Kestrel.
Today from our garden at Bishopstone we counted 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 singing male Blackcaps moving W along the back hedge and 3 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Brimstone butterfly.
Friday, 3 April 2020
April 3rd
On our early morning, local walk we recorded 9 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 6 Chiffchaffs, 62 Black-headed Gulls in two flocks, 46N and 16E, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Coot, 8 Cormorants, 9 Greylag Geese W, 2 Mallard, 3 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Red Kite flying NW, 1 Jay and 2 Sparrowhawks.
On our early morning, local walk we recorded 9 Chaffinches, 10 Goldfinches, 6 Chiffchaffs, 62 Black-headed Gulls in two flocks, 46N and 16E, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Coot, 8 Cormorants, 9 Greylag Geese W, 2 Mallard, 3 Skylarks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Kestrel, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Song Thrushes, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Red Kite flying NW, 1 Jay and 2 Sparrowhawks.
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| Marsh Marigold |
Thursday, 2 April 2020
April 2nd
This morning our walk produced 14 Chaffinches, 34 Carrion Crows, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Blackcap, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Ravens, 1 Coot, 5 Skylarks, 1 Moorhen, 2 Goldfinches, 44 Corn Buntings, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Jay, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Linnets and 1 Mistle Thrush.
A Red Kite flew W over my garden at Bishopstone at 1225.
We spent most of the day in the garden but the White-tailed Eagle seems to have drifted past south of us.
This morning our walk produced 14 Chaffinches, 34 Carrion Crows, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Blackcap, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Ravens, 1 Coot, 5 Skylarks, 1 Moorhen, 2 Goldfinches, 44 Corn Buntings, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Jay, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Linnets and 1 Mistle Thrush.
A Red Kite flew W over my garden at Bishopstone at 1225.
We spent most of the day in the garden but the White-tailed Eagle seems to have drifted past south of us.
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| Red Kite |
Wednesday, 1 April 2020
April 1st
On a sunny morning we completed our walk and saw 2 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 7 Skylarks, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Chaffinches, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Jays, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Cormorants, 2 Shelduck, 2 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Pied Wagtails amd 3 Yellowhammers.
On a sunny morning we completed our walk and saw 2 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, 7 Skylarks, 7 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Chaffinches, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Jays, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Cormorants, 2 Shelduck, 2 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Pied Wagtails amd 3 Yellowhammers.