August 31st

On another windy morning with the tide going out we walked along the seawall and then inland at Reculver and counted 10 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Wigeon W, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Lapwing, 2 Kestrels, 8 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Sand Martins. We also saw a Clouded Yellow beside the seawall.

Dave Smith was out for his usual walk early this morning and recorded 2 Mute Swans, 4 Mallard, 5 Stock Doves, 1 Turtle Dove, 11 Oystercatchers, 2 Golden Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 1 Turnstone, 15 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Tern, 55 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warblers, 6 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Whinchats, 1 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtails and 3 Meadow Pipits.

Marc Heath arrived at the Towers late this morning and stayed there until early afternoon. He saw 20 Sandwich Terns, 6 Arctic Skuas, 29 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Great Skua (178th) and 8 Dunlin.

We sat at the Towers from 1400 to 1500 but only managed 2 Arctic Skuas and 23 Sandwich Terns.

August 30th

With a fresh NE wind blowing we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 3 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Goldfinches, 3 Mallard, 8 Redshank, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 9 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Chiffchaff, 15 Linnets and 20 Golden Plovers.

Two distant Turtle Doves still at Chamber's Wall

Dave Smith was out at 0548 in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding areas for nearly three hours. He saw 3 Mute Swans, 9 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Turtle Doves, 47 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 30 Golden Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Swallows, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Whinchats, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Pied Wagtail.

August 29th

There had been little change from yesterday as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour this morning. We saw 8 Swallows, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 13 Linnets, 2 Greenfinches, 11 Goldfinches, 6 Mute Swans, 6 Coot, 3 Whitethroats, 43 Golden Plovers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Fulmar E, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Common Buzzard.

We had a walk at Reculver this afternoon and saw 1 Sand Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Egrets and a Little Ringed Plover flying over calling.

August 28th

It was bright and breezy this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. We saw 1 Greenfinch, 14 Goldfinches, 9 Linnets, 7 Swallows, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Coot, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 42 Mallard, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Redshank, 6 Teal, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Turtle Dove and 8 Mute Swans. 

Little Ringed Plover

 Dave Smith completed his regular walk at Shuart and Plumpudding and recorded 3 Mute Swans, 2 Stock Doves, 21 Oystercatchers, 18 Golden Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Turnstone, 5 Sanderling, 7 Redshank, 6 Great Black-backed Gulls, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Common Buzzards, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels, 5 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Chaffinch and 2 Corn Buntings.

August 27th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and got absolutely soaked! A heavy black cloud that had been hovering over the sea off Coldharbour decided to make landfall just as we arrived there drenching us for about 20 minutes. It was very quiet with few warblers in evidence but we did manage to see 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Swallows, 16 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, 45 Golden Plovers, 6 Linnets, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Mallard, 3 Reed Warblers, 3 Coot, 1 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still in Coldharbour, 7 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Blackcap.

Black-tailed Godwit in the rain.

This afternoon Matt and Marion walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and recorded 34 Sandwich Terns, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 22 Sanderling, 24 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 90 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Stonechats.

August 26th

We had intended to ring out on the Marsh this morning but it dawned quite breezy from the north so we ringed at Reculver instead where it is more sheltered. During our time there we saw 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Curlew, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Raven, 1 first year Common Redstart, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Jay, 6 Sand Martins, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 25 Teal, 1 Lapwing, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whimbrel W and 1 Little Egret.

Birds ringed 13: Reed Warbler 5, Blackcap 3, Common Redstart 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Blue Tit 1, Robin 1.

First year male Common Redstart

 Dave Smith was out for three and a half hours in the Plumpudding and Minnis Bay areas and recorded 4 Shelduck, 10 Oystercatchers, 26 Golden Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Sandwich Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroats, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechats, 1 Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtails.

August 25th

With thunderstorms forecast Dave Smith was out early at Reculver and in just over three hours counted 18 Teal W, 4 Common Scoter E, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Arctic Skuas W (177th), 1 Kittiwake, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 39 Sandwich Terns E, 8 Gannets W, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel and 1 Wheatear.

Matt was also out early this morning and walked around the Reculver area and recorded 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Whinchat, 52 Mallard, 21 Teal, 1 eclipse male Garganey, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Kestrels, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas W, 1 Wheatear, 4 Golden Plover, 9 Redshank, 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Coot, 1 Curlew, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 House Martins W and 2 Ravens.

Juvenile Little Ringed Plover - Matt Hindle

August 24th

We spent a humid morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 3 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Greenfinches, 1 Golden Plover, 20 Reed Warblers, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Whitethroats, 6 Sedge Warblers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 14 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 15 Swallows, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Mallard, 38 Lapwings and 2 Common Buzzards.

Birds ringed 30: Willow Warbler 1, Wren 1, Reed Warbler 15, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 5, Whitethroat 4, Reed Bunting 1, Greenfinch 1.

First year Willow Warbler

August 23rd

On a breezy morning we ringed at Reculver where we saw a good range of species. The morning began when Matt heard and saw a Dotterel flying NW at 0640 (176th). After this we saw 2 Kestrels, 45 Mallard, 13 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Ravens, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Hobby, 30 Linnets, 20 Goldfinches, 12 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Greenshank flying W, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 1 eclipse male Garganey, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Sand Martins and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Birds ringed 18: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 1, Robin 2, Blackcap 3, Reed Warbler 3, Linnet 1, Pied Flycatcher 1, Blue Tit 1, Chaffinch 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Song Thrush 2, Blackbird 1.

First year Pied Flycatcher

August 22nd

We spent a warm and sunny morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 3 Green Woodpecker, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Kestrels, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Tree Pipits, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 30 Reed Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 10 Whitethroats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 35 Goldfinches, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Swallow, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Willow Warblers, 42 Lapwings, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

Birds ringed 66: Wren 1, Willow Warbler 4, Reed Warbler 27, Grasshopper Warbler 2, Blackcap 4, Goldfinch 6, Whitethroat 7, Cetti's Warbler 3, Tree Pipit 1, Linnet 3, Sedge Warbler 2, Reed Bunting 3, Blue Tit 1, Blackbird 1, Green Woodpecker 1. 

We also controlled a first year Sedge Warbler that had originally been ringed at Squire's Down, Dorset on August 7th and had flown 255 km E to reach Shuart.

Tree Pipit

Dave Smith was out for three and a half hours from 0600 in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding areas. He counted 2 Scaup flying E close inshore (175th), 8 Red-legged Partridges, 26 Oystercatchers, 90 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 1 Jay, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 13 Swallows, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 20 Whitethroats, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tree Pipit heard and 4 Corn Buntings.

Matt found a Pied Flycatcher at Reculver bushes this evening.

August 21st

We spent another morning ringing, this time on the Marsh south of the railway, where we saw 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 15 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 17 Swallows, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 16 Reed Warblers, 10 Sedge Warblers and 3 Swifts.

Birds ringed 46: Willow Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 10, Whitethroat 13, Cetti's Warbler 1, Robin 2, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 12, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 3.

Grasshopper Warbler

 While we were ringing Dave Smith was out in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding areas for just over three hours. His highlights were 5 Mute Swans, 12 Oystercatchers, 26 Lapwings, 119 Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 45 Turnstone, 7 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 47 Swallows W, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 18 Whitethroats, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Greenfinches and 57 Corn Buntings.

This evening a pleasant walk inland at Reculver produced 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Sand Martins and 3 Mallard.

August 20th

We spent a somewhat cooler morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 1 Jay, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Ravens, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Sand Martins, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers,2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Moorhens and 1 Turtle Dove.

Birds ringed 27: Willow Warbler 2, Wren 4, Long-tailed Tit 2, Reed Warbler 3, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Robin 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Cetti's Warbler 2, Blue Tit 5, Song Thrush 4, Blackbird 2.

First year Spotted Flycatcher

This afternoon Matt and Marion walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 6 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sandwich Terns, 12 Golden Plovers, 1 Gannet, 1 Snipe, 1 Swift and 20 Swallows.

August 19th

This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver and saw 2 Wheatears, 3 Kestrels, 12 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Pied Wagtails, 9 Little Egrets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 9 Mallard, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Swallows flying W, 2 Stonechats and 1 Kingfisher.

Wheatear

August 18th

On a hot and humid morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and recorded 3 Swallows, 21 Goldfinches, 8 Whitethroats, 10 Linnets, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Coot, 11 Reed Warblers, 4 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Sandwich Terns, 3 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechat, 2 Ravens, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff.

Common Sandpiper

 Dave Smith birded in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding area for two and a half hours from 0540. Birds he saw included 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwings, 26 Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 4 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 6 Sandwich Terns, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallows, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 18 Whitethroats, 2 Whinchats, 2 Stonechats, 4 Yellow Wagtails and 9 Corn Buntings.

August 17th

After overnight showers we arrived at Reculver where there was a Wheatear to greet us in the car park and a flock of 10 Whimbrel flying W offshore. We then walked to Coldharbour and recorded 4 Oystercatchers, 11 Mediterranean Gulls sitting on the beach and then flying E, 1 Kingfisher, 17 Black-tailed Godwits, a flock of 16 flying E and the bird still in Coldharbour, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Sandwich Terns, 17 Goldfinches, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Shoveler, 7 Redshank, 5 Coot, 5 Stonechats, 9 Linnets, 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Common Gulls, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Mallard and 3 Turnstone.

August 16th

I was out later than normal this morning not arriving at Chamber's Wall until 1030. It was overcast but still warm as I walked up to Coldharbour and I even got soaked in ten minute shower as I walked back. The best bird I saw was the fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still in Coldharbour that looks as if it is probably an "islandica" bird. 

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit

Other birds I saw included 12 Goldfinches, 1 Swallow, 4 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker flying along the railway line, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Coot, 4 Pied Wagtails, 6 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Sedge Warbler. 

Dave Smith was out in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding area for almost three hours from 0545. He recorded 12 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Turtle Doves, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Gannet, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 27 Swallows W, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 21 Whitethroats, 11 Yellow Wagtails and 8 Corn Buntings.

August 15th

It was much less hot and humid this morning and we even had two or three drops of rain as we walked from Reculver to the Wantsum outflow. We counted 12 Swallows W, 1 House Martin W, 2 Sand Martins W, 15 Goldfinches, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Little Egrets, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Kestrels, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 11 Linnets, 71 Golden Plovers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Stonechats, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Meadow Pipits and 1 Common Gull.

Meadow Pipit

Dave Smith was out in the Minnis Bay and Plumpudding area for nearly three hours from 0515. He recorded 1 Grey Partridge calling, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 17 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Whinchat, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Chaffinches and 10 Corn Buntings.

 August 14th

On another steamy morning with the temperature reaching 26℃ by 0800 we were out early and walked at Chamber's Wall and Reculver. It was much quieter than yesterday but we did manage to see 28 Goldfinches, 11 Reed Warblers, 2 Skylarks, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 59 Linnets, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Swallows, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ravens, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Sedge Warbler.

Skylark

August 13th

It was even hotter this morning so we were out early and walked at Chamber's Wall from the farm to the railway line. We saw 24 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Reed Warblers, 4 Skylarks, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Swallows, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 11 Linnets, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Pied Flycatcher (174th), 1 Golden Plover and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Derek Smith was out this morning between 0540 and 0940 and covered most of the eastern half of the Marsh from Shuart to Brooksend and Coldharbour. He recorded 4 Common Buzzards, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Green Sandpipers, 16 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 7 Cetti's Warblers and 14 Corn Buntings.

Dave Smith was also out from 0510 for five hours and covered the Shuart and Plumpudding area. He saw 1 Turtle Dove, 10 Golden Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 7 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 20 Whitethroats, 1 Song Thrusk, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchats, 1 Stonechat, 7 Yellow Wagtails and 10 Corn Buntings.

Pied Flycatcher

 Last evening I received information about the colour-ringed Mediterranean Gull we saw on the beach at Reculver on July 25th. It had originally been ringed at Antwerp in Belgium as a third calendar year bird on 12th May 2019. In the intervening time it had been seen on a number of occasions at Icklesham in East Sussex in 2020 and 2021 and on 17th March 2020 at Newton on the Isle of Wight. However on 20th December 2021 it was observed at Ria A Coruna, Santa Cruz de Oleiros, A Coruna, Galicia, Spain which is 1,144 km SW of Reculver.

Mediterranean Gull 3HK3

August 12th

It was even hotter and more humid this morning as I walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds I saw included 17 Reed Warblers, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 13 Whitethroats, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Linnets, 39 Goldfinch, 1 Hobby, 6 Mallard, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Sedge Warblers, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Swallow.

Redshank in Coldharbour

August 11th

An early morning walk from Reculver to Coldharbour avoiding the worst of the heat produced 3 Little Egrets, 31 Linnets, 3 Turnstone, 7 Oystercatchers, 6 Sandwich Terns, 11 Goldfinches, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Grey Heron and 22 newly arrived Golden Plover on a recently harvested wheat field. Other birds seen included 24 Ringed Plovers, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Redshank, 5 Coot, 2 Stonechats, 3 Whitethroats and 2 Wheatears. 

Wheatear at the Towers

Reculver Towers

 Dave Smith was out early and covered Minnis Bay and Plumpudding and saw 2 Mute Swans, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Gull, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 13 Whitethroats, 4 Common Redstarts (173rd) on the railway embankment and 17 Corn Buntings.

August 10th

On our walk this morning from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour we saw 8 Yellow Wagtails, 42 Goldfinches, 14 Linnets, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 6 Reed Warblers, 9 Swallows, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Coot, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sand Martins, 5 Redshank, 7 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunlin, 5 Sandwich Terns, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Turtle Dove still at Chamber's Wall.

Sandwich Tern

August 9th

There was a pleasant easterly breeze this morning although it remained very warm on our walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we counted included 1 Swallow, 13 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Sedge Warblers, 16 Goldfinches, 10 Reed Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 51 Linnets, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Pied Wagtails, 11 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 11 Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 7 Mute Swans.

Whimbrel at Coldharbour

August 8th

We spent an increasingly warm morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 1 Hobby, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Water Rail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Ravens, 20 Sand Martins, 14 Sedge Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 3 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Blackcaps, 15 Reed Warblers, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Curlew.

Birds ringed 33: Willow Warbler 2, Wren 2, Reed Warbler 9, Chaffinch 1, Whitethroat 4, Sedge Warbler 4, Blackcap 3, Robin 1, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Blue Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1, Blackbird 1, Kingfisher 1.

Lesser Whitethroat

Kingfisher

August 7th

It became increasingly warm as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour this morning. There were a few more birds to be seen and we managed to count 17 Linnets, 29 Goldfinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Sedge Warblers, 9 Whimbrel, 1 Turtle Dove calling at Chamber's Wall, 16 Reed Warblers, 15 Whitethroats, 3 Coot, 3 juvenile Dunlin in Coldharbour, 4 Redshank, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Little Ringed Plover in Coldharbour, 5 Swallows, 1 Greenshank W, 31 Corn Buntings, 1 Stonechats, 5 Little Egrets and 1 Kestrel.

Juvenile Dunlin

August 6th

On another sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 25 Goldfinches, 33 Linnets, 4 Whitethroats, 7 Reed Warblers, 15 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 9 Sedge Warblers, 4 Coot, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Redshank, 14 Ringed Plovers, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Whimbrel, 13 mainly juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Turnstone, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper and 8 Corn Buntings. 

Redshank

Dave Smith was out at Minnis Bay and Plumpudding from 0525 and recorded 1 Cuckoo, 3 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 7 Ringed Plovers, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Kittiwakes E, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 1 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull E, 5 Sandwich Terns, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egrets, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Wheatears, 8 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Pied Wagtail.

August 5th

After overnight showers it was sunny this morning with a chilly northerly breeze blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. It was relatively quiet but we did see 10 Linnets, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Kestrels, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 16 Mediterranean Gulls, including 13 juveniles, 9 Oystercatchers, 12 Swallows, 4 Coot and 6 Reed Warblers.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull

August 4th

This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 28 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Linnets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warblers, 4 Coot, 24 Corn Buntings, 200 Starlings, 1 juvenile Common Gull, 8 Ringed Plovers, 87 Mediterranean Gulls on the beach at Coldharbour, 8 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Little Ringed Plover in Coldharbour, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Green Woodpeckers.

An evening walk inland at Reculver produced 1 Jay, 3 Kestrels, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Ravens, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Sand Martins, 44 Stock Doves, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Willow Warbler.

Reculver - Anne Hindle

August 3rd

We spent another warm and breezy morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Hobbies, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Ravens, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Kestrels, 30 Goldfinches, 40 Linnets, 35 Sand Martins, 5 Whimbrel flying W, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Jays, 1 Little Egret and 2 Red Kites.

Birds ringed 24: Wren 2, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 5, Reed Warbler 7, Blackcap 4, Whitethroat 2, Garden Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, Blackbird 1.

First year Garden Warbler

First year Whitethroat

August 2nd

It was warm and breezy this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver and then inland. Birds we saw included 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Pied Wagtails, 14 Sand Martins, 7 Little Egrets, 18 Linnets, 10 Stonechats, including at least 5 juveniles, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Kestrels, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 juvenile Cuckoos, 2 Ravens, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Mallard and 1 Willow Warbler.

This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 adult and 2 juveniles, 140 Mediterranean Gulls on beach at Coldharbour,  3 Common Sandpipers, 6 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Rock Pipit, 20 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 2 Stonechats, 3 Corn Buntings and 2 Kestrels.

August 1st

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where there had been an overnight arrival of warblers. We recorded 80 Reed Warblers, 30 Sedge Warblers, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 16 Whitethroats and 1 Grasshopper Warbler. Other birds seen included 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Greenfinches, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Goldfinches, 6 Mallard and 1 Jay.

Birds ringed 119: Willow Warbler 3, Wren 2, Chiffchaff 1, Reed Warbler 63, Sedge Warbler 16, Blackcap 10, Cetti's Warbler 6, Whitethroat 11, Chaffinch 1, Goldfinch 2, Great Tit 1, Reed Bunting 1, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Blackbird 1.

Willow Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler

Dave Smith was also out early this morning and at Minnis Bay and Plumpudding saw 3 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 juvenile Cuckoo, 10 Oystercatchers, 9 Ringed Plovers, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Whimbrel, 10 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Swallows, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroats and 3 Yellow Wagtails.