April 30th

On another chilly and bright morning there were a great many singing birds but little had changed from from the previous few days. On our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Green Wall we counted 13 Reed Warblers, 31 Whitethroats, 29 Sedge Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 20 Linnets, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Goldfinches, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 8 Sand Martins, 8 Swallows W, 4 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greenshank, 2 Grey Partrdges and 1 Cuckoo.

Male Linnet

April 29th

Although the sun was shining this morning there was a chilly wind blowing in off the sea as we walked from Shuart to the sea and back by way off Brooksend and Netherhale. We counted 10 Blackcaps, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Reed Warbler, 16 Goldfinches, 2 Lapwings, 7 Sedge Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 15 Linnets, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Mallard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Tufted Duck, 24 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 6 Greylag Geese, 6 Coot, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Greenfinch, 1 male Wheatear, 2 Jays, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Common Buzzard.

Male Yellow Wagtail

Singing male Sedge Warbler

April 28th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Reculver and back. We saw 19 Whitethroats, 8 Goldfinches, 6 Cetti's Warblers,11 Reed Warblers, 33 Linnets, 3 Swallows, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Mallard, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank, 4 Shelduck, 6 Oystercatchers, 24 Sedge Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Turnstone, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Coot and 1 Grasshopper Warbler, a different bird to yesterday below the seawall near Coldharbour that I could even hear!

Singing Meadow Pipit

April 27th

At last the wind had dropped as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. It even warmed up and turned out to be a beautiful spring morning. We recorded 1 Blackcap, 10 Goldfinches, 26 Whitethroats, 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 34 Swallows flying W, 39 Sedge Warblers, 22 Linnets, 1 Curlew, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Whimbrel flying S, 8 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Oystercatchers, 22 Turnstone, 1 female Wheatear, 2 Stonechats, 4 Ringed Plovers, 5 Sand Martins W, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Terns, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Female Wheatear

During the day, Chris Tedder found 5 Lesser Whitethroats (162nd) along the railway embankment and saw 2 Barnacle Geese flying W out at sea.

April 26th

On another overcast, cold and windy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and back along the Green Wall and counted 5 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Whitethroats, 22 Linnets, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 29 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, 4 Swallows W, 8 Mallard, 4 Oystercatchers, 40 Turnstone, 2 Stonechats, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Gannet E and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Summer plumaged male Bar-tailed Godwit

Matt was also out during the morning and walked the Shuart, Neterhale and Brooksend loop. He recorded 7 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Redpolls W, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 30 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 20 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls feeding behind a tractor, a Greylag Goose family, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Whitethroats, 1 male Shoveler, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sedge Warblers and 1 Reed Warbler.

April 25th

This morning dawned completely different to yesterday with a cold and blustery NE wind blowing making birding unpleasant. Matt started at Minnis Bay where in half an hour he counted 42 Sandwich Terns flying E, 6 Common Scoter and 1 Great Crested Grebe. He then met us at Chamber's Wall from where we all walked to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. We recorded 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Whitethroats, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 15 Sedge Warblers, 5 Swallows W, 17 Linnets, 6 Mallard, 6 Oystercatchers, 1 Greenshank, 7 Turnstone, 9 Whimbrel on the shingle by the seawall before flying W, 1 Stonechat, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Derek Smith was also out birding walking from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. He saw 4 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 2 Lapwings, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Swifts flying E (161st), 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaffs and 6 Blackcaps.

April 24th

We had an excellent morning's birdwatch with Matt walking inland from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and Anne and me walking the Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall circuit. Between us we totalled 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 40 Whitethroats, 19 Reed Warblers, 39 Sedge Warblers, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Jays, 3 Kestrels, 1 Wheatear, 2 Yellowhammers, 3 Grey Partridges, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Swallows, 8 Song Thrushes, 6 Tufted Ducks, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Stonechats, 12 Sand Martins, 2 Common Gulls, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Common Redstarts, 2 males and 1 female, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Greenshank, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Redshank, 30 Linnets, 6 Oystercatchers, 34 Turnstone, 2 Grey Plovers, 180 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin and 1 Grasshopper Warbler.

Male Yellow Wagtail - Matt Hindle

Grey Plover - Matt Hindle

Turnstone with a Dunlin - Matt Hindle

 Derek Smith was also out and between 0600 and 1130 walked from Shuart along the embankment and on to to Coldharbour then back via Plumpudding and Brooksend. He saw 1 Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Common Buzzards, 8 Green Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Yellow Wagtails,   1 Tree Pipit W (160th) , 1 Stonechat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 male Redstart, 42 Whitethroats, 36 Sedge Warblers, 7 Reed Warblers, 12 Blackcaps and 14 Chiffchaffs.

Ring Ouzel - Derek Smith

In addition Julian Perry heard 2 Grasshopper Warblers, there are now at least 3 birds on the Marsh, and  Bob Hinge saw 3 Short-eared Owls.

April 23rd

Matt was out between 0530 and 1015 and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to Reculver returning along the railway embankment. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour where we met up with him and between us we saw 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 50 Sedge Warblers, 48 Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Jays, 3 Greylag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 2 Lapwings, 1 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Tufted Ducks, 4 Stonechats, 2 Common Terns and 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers. We also saw 4 Common Scoter, 4 Whimbrel, 19 Turnstone, 305 Sanderling, 95 Linnets, 2 Sandwich Terns, 3 Grey Plovers, 23 Sand Martins, 1 Little Owl, 6 Swallows, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Willow Warblers, 4 Coot, 10 Corn Buntings, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 female Common Redstart, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Greenfinch.

Corn Bunting

Sanderling

Julian Perry and Mike Longdon had a Cuckoo (158th) calling from the Oyster Farm this morning.

This afternoon we walked inland at Reculver and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 28 Mallard, made up from 2 family parties, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Coot, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 14 Sand Martins and 2 Turtle Doves  flying E over the railway (159th).

A Short-eared Owl was also seen in the Oyster Farm this evening.

April 22nd

We had a change of scenery this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back by way of Chamber's Wall and Potten Street Road. We counted 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 8 Mallard, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Whitethroats, 21 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Reed Warblers, 16 Sedge Warblers, 12 Goldfinches, 37 Linnets, 1 Corn Buntings, 4 Sandwich Terns on the red buoy at Minnis Bay, 1 male Stonechat, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Turnstone, 10 Redshank, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Swallow flying W, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 24 Chaffinches, 1 singing Goldcrest, 3 Common Buzzards, 15 Rooks' nests with young birds at Wade House and 1 Kestrel.

Roosting Redshank

April 21st

With thick fog coming and going on a chilly NE breeze this morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We saw or heard 2 Swallows, 11 Mallard, 20 Sedge Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Partridges, 6 Whitethroats, 7 Linnets, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plovers and 12 Skylarks.

Dave Smith had an early morning walk from Shuart to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment and recorded 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Willow Wablers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Whitethroats, 30+ Sedge Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Snipe, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Turnstone, 30+ Sanderling, 7 Oystercatchers and 4 Redshank.

April 20th

It was foggy this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldhabour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. We managed to record a reasonable range of species including 4 Whitethroats, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Sedge Warblers, 2 Fieldfares, 3 Redwings, 1 Chiffchaff, 15 Linnets, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Redshank, 2 Stonechats, 6 Turnstone, 2 Sandwich Terns, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Grey Plovers, 2 Sanderling and 1 Dunlin.

An afternoon walk inland from Reculver produced 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Mallard, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Coot, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Sand Marins, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare and 2 Grey Herons.

April 19th

On a dull, chilly and relatively calm morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and on to Chamber's Wall before returning along the Green Wall. We counted 2 Wheatears, 38 Linnets, 1 Song Thrush flying high in off the sea, 19 Mallard, 21 singing Sedge Warblers, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Swallow W, 54 Turnstone, 5 Grey Plovers, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Turnstone, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Redshank, 4 Coot, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 singing Skylarks and 1 Reed Warbler.

Female Wheatear

April 18th

We spent another sunny and chilly morning birding on the Marsh and recorded 6 Whitethroats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Mallard, 22 Sedge Warblers, 11 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Goldcrest, 17 Linnets, 1 Long-eared Owl flying along a hedge, 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Plover, 76 Turnstone, 4 Swallows, 23 Oystercatchers, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 1 "continental" Song Thrush, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Stonechat, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Blackcap.

A migrant Song Thrush sunning itself in the early morning sunshine

A wander inland at Reculver this afternoon produced 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Common Buzzard, 12 Sand Martins, 1 Coot, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Reed Warbler.

April 17th

It was still sunny this morning but the chilly NE breeze had strengthened a bit overnight as we completed the Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall circuit. Birds we counted included 6 Whitethroats, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 20 singing Sedge Warblers, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Greylag Geese, 1 Mallard, 4 Oystercatchers, 66 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 10 Linnets, 5 Redshank, 8 adult summer plumaged Mediterranean Gulls flying E in a flock, 1 Snipe, 4 Corn Buntings, 3 Shelduck and 2 Yellowhammers.

Greylag Goose

Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0630 and 1000 walked from Shuart along the railway embankment to Coldharbour and then back via Plumpudding and Netherhale. He counted 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck W, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 13 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying E, including one flock of 11, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Whitethroats, 26 Sedge Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs and 2 Corn Buntings.

April 16th

This morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment and we walked the Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall circuit. Between us we recorded 3 Greylag Geese, 29 Sedge Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 1 Stonechat, 72 Turnstone, 5 Grey Plover, 23 Corn Buntings, 1 Curlew, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Sandwich Terns, 13 Sanderling, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Tufted Ducks, 4 Coot, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Swallows, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Little Egret, 2 Shelduck, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 22 Linnets, 4 Song Thrushes, 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Sedge Warbler

Today we received an interesting recovery of an adult Willow Warbler that we ringed on Reculver Marshes on 4th August 2020. It was found freshly dead at Shammerbaun, Kilkelly, Mayo, EIRE on 16th April 2021. Kilkelly is 735 km WNW of Reculver. 

April 15th

We had "an away day" today and went to see the White-throated Sparrow at Barcombe in Sussex. It was a superb looking bird that gave excellent views and occasonally sang. On our way home we dropped in at Ashdown Forest and managed to find 2 Stonechats, 1 singing Woodlark and 1 Dartford Warbler even though it was an overcast, breezy and chilly afternoon.

April 14th

On a sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps. 10 Chaffinches, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Goldfinches, 26 Linnets, 2 Chiffchffs, 8 Sedge Warblers, 11 Mallard, 4 Oystercatchers, 5 Grey Plovers, 9 Corn Buntings, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Swallows flying W, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Whimbrel flying W (157th), 1 Stonechat, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 8 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Ravens flying E, 1 Green Woodpecker and Yellow Wagtail.

Common Whitethroat

Matt was out before us and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and returned via Plumpudding. He saw 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Coot, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Sedge Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fulmar, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker.

April 13th

On a sunny and frosty morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. He saw 1 Little Owl, 1 Little Egret, 5 Yellow Wagtails flying W, 7 Shelduck, 4 Stonechats, 13 Sedge Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Snipe, 4 Grey Plovers, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 13 Sandwich Terns, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Plumpudding, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Swallow W, 7 Sand Martins W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Short-eared Owl and 4 Canada Geese.

Canada Geese - Matt Hindle

April 12th

On another chilly morning we completed our regular walks on the Marsh and counted 147 Meadow Pipits flying W, 99 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 12 Sedge Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers, 1 Shelduck, 28 Corn Buntings, 5 Greylag Geese, 40 Turnstone, 7 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Swallows W, 10 Common Scoter, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 males and 1 female, 6 Coot, 2 Sandwich Terns, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Wheatear and 1 Snipe. 

Male Tufted Duck

April 11th

Although there was bright sunshine this morning there was also a strong, chilly northrly wind blowing in off the sea. Matt walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall before returning along the Green Wall and we completed our usual walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Between us we recorded 2 Stonechats, 4 Sedge Warblers 1 male Ring Ouzel (156th), 1 female Merlin, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Ravens, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel and 11 Linnets. 

Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend between 1130 and 1500 and recorded 3 pairs of Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Lapwings, 33 Swallows flying W, 1 male Common Redstart, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs and 1 singing Goldcrest.

Male Common Redstart - Derek Smith

April 10th

There had been a change in the weather overnight and this morning there was a chilly NE wind blowing in drips and drops of rain. We completed our regular walks and managed to see 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Ravens flying E, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Gannet, 8 Linnets, 7 Mallard, 2 Moorhens, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstones and 2 Ringed Plovers.

Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0630 and 1000 walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Netherhale. He counted 28 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Ducks, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs and 4 Goldcrests.

Yellow Archangel - Derek Smith

April 9th

It was a glorious spring morning with quite a few birds to be seen as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. Matt was also out and from first light had walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back before he met up with us on the seawall. Between us we recorded 124 Meadow Pipits flying W, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the Oyster Farm (154th), 13 Sedge Warblers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Redshank, 11 Grey Plovers, 3 male Shoveler W, 115 Linnets, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Redpoll W, 2 Stonechats, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 9 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 35 Common Scoter, 22 Swallows W, 2 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Marsh Harriers, 12 Sandwich Terns, 24 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins W, 3 Ravens flying W, 3 Black Redstarts, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Coot, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Buzzard, 60 Turnstone, 74 Sanderling, 2 Wheatears, 1 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 7 Corn Buntings and 1 Common Tern (155th). 

Willow Warbler - Matt Hindle

Black Redstart - Matt Hindle

April 8th  -  A New Species for Reculver

At last the wind had dropped and this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the Green Wall. Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment, meeting us at Coldhabour. 

As we began walking back along the seawall towards Reculver, Matt noticed a very small and very pale grey harrier flying along over a wheat field beside the White Poplars about 250 metres away and he immediately said that it was a male PALLID HARRIER (153rd). As we looked at it through our binoculars it landed briefly on a muddy farm track before continuing flying and gliding towards the Green Wall and Oyster Farm. As we watched it we could see the diagnostic small black wedge of feathers in its primaries and were struck by its small size and very pale plumage and buoyant flight. It landed once more out of sight but then continued flying W before disappearing over the Green Wall. We did not see it again. This is the 309th species recorded for Reculver.

Other birds we saw this morning included 1 Merlin flying W, 1 male Eider, 2 Kestrels, 2 Little Owls, 2 Stonechats, 1 Little Egret, 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Teal, 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Yellow Wagtail flying W, 5 Sandwich Terns, 12 Sanderling,  3 Common Buzzards, 1 Siskin flying W, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Coot, 3 Goldfinches, 8 Sedge Warblers, 27 Linnets, 10 Meadow Pipits, 20 Redshank, 35 Common Scoter, 1 Mallard, 2 Wheatears, 57 Turnstone, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Marsh Harriers and 3 Swallows.

April 7th

On another chilly, bright and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Matt also walked on to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. Between us we saw 1 male Eider feeding on crabs off the Towers, 1 Peregrine, 2 Little Owls, 113 Linnets mainly flying W, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flying W, 3 Wheatears, 6 Corn Buntings, 9 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying W, 1 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 30 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Plovers, 41 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 22 Goldfinches, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Swallows flying W, 3 Stonechats and 2 Shelduck. 

Male Wheatear

 

April 6th

There was a bitterly cold WNW wind blowing this morning as we walked the Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall loop. Matt was also out and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back along the seawall. Between us we recorded 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Coot, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 154 Linnets, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Mallard, 4 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Swallows, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Firecrest at Plumpudding.

 April 5th

With a gale force northerly blowing in wintry showers we decided to find shelter spots at Reculver and Shuart and managed to see 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 1 Common Buzzard, 13 Cormorants, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Matt braved the weather with a visit to Minnis Bay and then a seawatch at Reculver. He counted 1 House Martin flying W (152nd), 1 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter W, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Fulmar, 4 Gannets W, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Shelduck and 15 Common Gulls W.

 April 4th

On a much quieter morning, weatherwise,  Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment and we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. Between us we recorded 1 male Red-breasted Merganser flying E, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Sedge Warblers, 73 Turnstone, 4 Curlew, 1 Wheatear, 2 Avocets in Coldharbour then flying east (150th), 45 Corn Buntings, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greylag Geese, 30 Common Scoter, 10 Grey Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 30 Redshank, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 100 Sanderling, 1 Grey Wagtail flying W, 1 Firecrest, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Blackcap, 7 Coot, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat (151st), 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying W, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Linnets, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Bearded Tit and 1 Stonechat.

Corn Bunting

April 3rd

On another cold and blustery morning we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Jay, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Linnets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Moorhen, 1 male Common Redstart (149th), 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 5 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Coot, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet and 1 first year Mediterranean Gull.

April 2nd

Matt had an early look at Reculver where he saw 3 Dark-belled Brent Geese, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Willow Warbler (148th) and 1 Sedge Warbler. 

He then met us at Shuart and we walked up to the sea at Pumpudding and back via Brooksend. We counted 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Chiffchaffs, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelduck, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Partridges, 24 Mallard, 33 Linnets, 8 Redshank, 14 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 13 Swallows, 2 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Buzzards, 2 Coot, 12 White Wagtails, 47 Pied Wagtails, 4 Greenfinches and 1 Blackcap.

 April 1st

There had been a major change in the weather overnight and this morning dawned overcast with a fresh and chilly NE wind blowing. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 6 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Shelduck, 43 Corn Buntings, 7 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Coot, 1 first year Mediterranean Gull flying W, 1 male Stonechat and 1 Swallow flying W.

Matt was also out this morning and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment and saw 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Shelduck, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Lapwings, 2 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 2 Teal and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull. 

An hour at Minnis Bay this afternoon produced 1 Fulmar E, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Swallow W, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Sandwich Terns (147th), 1 Red-throated Diver E, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.