January 1st

As usual on January 1st we spent the day trying to record as many species as possible in the Reculver Marshes Recording Area. Matt and I started at Reculver in the dark and after an hour's birding we went our separate ways meeting after lunch at Minnis Bay for a seawatch. Our highlights included 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Firecrests, 8 Bewick's Swans, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Bearded Tits, 2 Barn Owls, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwakes, 1 Wigeon and 1 Great Skua. We ended the day with 85 species recorded.

Derek Smith was also out today and counted 71 species including seven species we didn't see and taking the grand total for the day to 92 species. He walked from Shuart to Brooksend and Plumpudding returning via Coldharbour and the railway embankment. His highlights included Sparrowhawk, 10 Grey Herons, 42 Stock Doves, 8 Little Egrets, Greylag Geese (86th), 40+ Corn Buntings, 2 Marsh Harriers, Greenfinch (87th), 1 Merlin at Brooksend (88th), Chiffchaff, 33 Tufted Duck, Grey Plover (89th), Ringed Plover (90th), Dunlin (91st) ,1 Peregrine, 8 Bewick's Swans and 5 Bar-tailed Godwits flying W (92nd).