October 9th

The undoubted highlight of the day was when Dave Smith found a superb Arctic Warbler (186th) in sycamores beside the railway at the Shuart crossing. This is only the second one seen in the recording area following one at Bishopstone Glen from October 1st-8th 1996 and is only the sixth record for Kent. Other birds seen in the same trees were 1 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Siskins and 2 Bramblings.

Arctic Warbler - Dave Smith

Arctic Warbler - Marc Heath

 In addition to seeing this excellent bird we spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Grey Wagtails, 14 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Merlin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20 Mallard, 6 Jays, 6 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 25 Linnets, 15 Meadow Pipits, 8 Siskins, 1 Firecrest, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Blackcap, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Buzzards and 6 Song Thrushes.

Birds ringed 25: Chiffchaff 8, Wren 1, Firecrest 1, Robin 6, Cetti's Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Blackcap 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbirds 4.

Male Firecrest

 

Arctic Warbler - Barry Wright

Arctic Warbler - Barry Wright

Arctic Warbler - Barry Wright

Arctic Warbler - Barry Wright

Arctic Warbler - Barry Wright

On their walk back to Shuart, Derek Smith and Barry Wright saw 2 Short-eared Owls.

Short-eared Owl - Barry Wright