October 19th

We arrived at Reculver at 0645 and spent an enjoyable three hours seawatching at the Towers. We were joined by Derek and Dave Smith for some of the time and between us we counted 1,883 Dark-bellied Brent Geese flying W, 12 Redwings and 1 Song Thrush in off the sea, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Arctic Skua E, 2 Mediterranean Gulls E, 16 Little Egrets E, 2 Brambling in off the sea, 39 Wigeon W, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 66 Common Scoter, 19 Gannets, 1 Common Sandpiper on the rocks, 92 Oystercatchers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 3 Chaffinches, 9 Skylarks, 9 Curlew, 6 Teal W, 1 Kestrel, 3 Razorbills E, 11 Little Gulls E, 2 Goosanders E, 4 Kittiwakes E, 21 Sanderling, 3 Siskins and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier in off the sea near Bishopstone.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese

 Afterwards we had a walk inland and saw 59 Redwings, 12 Goldfinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest, 26 Mute Swans, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Grey Heron.

Whilst we were seawatching, Dave birded inland at Reculver and recorded 11 Mute Swans, 16 Lapwings, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfares, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

This morning David Elliott found a Snow Bunting on the beach between Coldharbour and Plumpudding lagoon.

During the afternoon Dave Smith found 2 Dartford Warblers along the track at Chamber's Wall.

After leaving the Towers Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend and back via Minnis Bay. He recorded 17 Gannets E, 120 Dark-bellied Brent Geese  W, 33 Common Scoter E, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 1,300 Redwings flying SW, 6 Fieldfare W, 3 Song Thrushes W, 8 Siskins, 1 Rock Pipit and 4 Chiffchaffs.