May 31st

On an absolutely foul morning with a near gale force northerly wind blowing in showers we had a wander inland at Reculver and saw 23 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Mute Swans, 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Hobby, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs and 1 Whitethroat.

Dave Smith had a seawatch at Reculver for nearly three hours from 0645. He counted 1 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 8 Common Scoter, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 1 Black-headed Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 12 Common Terns, 13 Sandwich Terns, 3 Fulmars, 64 Gannets and 1 Little Egret.

May 30th

It was cloudy this morning with a fresh  NW wind blowing so we walked around at Reculver and recorded 6 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 8 Swallows, 4 Goldfinches, 3 Cetti's Warblers,  3 Linnets, 2 pairs of Grey Partridges, 4 Blackcap, 5 Sand Martins, 5 Swifts, 6 Tufted Duck, 26 Mallard, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Gadwall, 4 Coot and 1 Jay.

 May 29th

It was still breezy but sunnier this morning as we walked at Reculver and recorded 1 Kestrel, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 9 Mute Swans, 12 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Sand Martins, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Swift.

Greylag Goose family

 A Turtle Dove was seen feeding near the Roman Galley.

May 28th

With a blustery southerly wind blowing and rain threatening we walked inland at Reculver. We saw 6 Whitethroats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 29 Mallard, 4 Greylag Geese, 7 Mute Swans, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Coot, 1 male Pochard (165th) and 8 Long-tailed Tits.

Male Pochard

May 27th

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and counted 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Swallows W, 11 Whitethroats, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Sand Martins, 1 Little Egret, 2 House Martins W, 11 Linnets, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 27 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 7 Avocets and 3 Swifts W. In addition the Pyramidal Orchids near Coldharbour were beginning to flower.

Dave Smith was out at Reculver at 0445 and spent five hours birding most of the Marsh. His early start rewarded him with an adult Rose-coloured Starling flying W at 0540 (164th). This is the first one to be seen in Kent this year and only the third record for Reculver Marshes following single birds in 2008 and 2018. Other birds he recorded included 5 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Cuckoos, 153 Swifts W, 25 Oytsercatchers, 3 Avocets, 1 summer plumaged Grey Plover, 4 Ringed Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 3 Sanderling, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Hobbies, 1 Raven, 6 Sand Martins W, 36 Swallows W, 21 House Martins W, 2 Lesser Whitehroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Stonechats.

Derek Smith was also birding this morning and walked from Shuart and along the embankment and back via Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He saw 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Lapwings, 7 Avocets, 3 Cuckoos, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 18 House Martins W, 12 Sand Martins W, 6 Swifts W, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Stonechats, including 2 juveniles, and 3 Lesser Whitethroats. He also found a good number of Bee Orchids and Southern Marsh Orchid.

Southern Marsh Orchid at Plumpudding - Derek Smith

Bee Orchid near Shuart - Derek Smith

May 26th

We made two visits to Reculver today, one this morning and one this afternoon. We counted 9 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 17 Sand Martins, 2 Greenfinches, 4 Goldfinches, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Tufted Ducks, 24 Mallard, 2 adult Greylag Geese with 2 young, 1 Gadwall, 2 adult Mute Swans with 5 young, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes. We also saw half a dozen newly emerged Black-tailed Skimmers.

Mute Swan family

May 25th

It was a beautiful May morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 4 Coot, 12 Whitethroats, 14 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Skylarks, 3 Reed Buntings, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Linnets, 2 Cuckoos, 17 Reed Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Goldfinches 2 Avocets, 5 Mallard, 4 Mediterranean Gulls flying E, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Lapwing.

Male Yellow Wagtail

Salsify, Goatsbeard and hybrid

May 24th

We spent a warm and sunny morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 3 Cuckoos, 3 Mallard, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Whitethroats, 20 Reed Warblers, 2 Kestrels, 1 Blackcap, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Swallows, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Greenfinches and 1 Marsh Harrrier.

Birds ringed 24: Chiffchaff 1, Whitethroat 3, Reed Warbler 15, Cetti's Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat 2, Blackbird 1

Derek Smith was also out between 0500 and 0900 and saw 5 Grey Herons, 7 Shelducks E, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Avocets, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Swifts W, 1 Bearded Tit, 2 Stonechats and 3 Lesser Whitethroats.

Hairy Dragonfly - Derek Smith

May 23rd

On a bright and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and counted 6 Cetti's Warblers, 42 Swifts flying W, 35 Swallows flying W, 27 House Martins flying W, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Cuckoo, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 18 Linnets, 18 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 6 Oystercatchers, 11 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Owl, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Avocets, 1 Whimbrel flying W, 4 Sanderling, 3 Dunlin and 2 Pied Wagtails.

Sedge Warbler

Nesting Oystercatcher

 May 22nd

On a cloudy morning with a moderate west wind blowing Matt was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back whilst we arrived later and met him at Coldharbour. The westerly wind and cloudy conditions prompted an early morning movement of Swifts and hirundines flying west and we counted 232 Swifts, 91 House Martins, 73 Swallows and 1 Sand Martin. Other birds we saw included 8 Chiffchaffs, 4 Common Sandpipers, 4 Sanderling, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Stonechats, 1 Common Tern, 4 Cuckoos, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 4 Avocets, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Fulmar and 2 Grey Herons.

May 21st

We walked out onto the Marsh this morning just before heavy rain arrived from the south east. Birds we saw included 2 Grey Partridges,  4 Whitethroats, 8 Goldfinches, 8 Sand Martins, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Ravens, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 36 Mallard, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Coot, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Sparrowhawk. We then spent twenty minutes at Reculver just as the rain arrived and counted 5 Swallows flying W, 3 adult Kittiwakes flying W and 1 Fulmar flying along the coast.

 May 20th

There was a brisk and cool, north-easterly breeze blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour this morning. We saw 8 Goldfinches, 4 Skylarks, 2 Lapwings, 8 Linnets, 21 Mallard, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Oystercatchers, 5 Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Swallows, 4 Avocets, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Hobby, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Blackcap, 4 Chaffinches, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 7 Coot. We also looked in at Reculver on the way home and counted 9 Swallows W, 1 first summer Mediterranean Gull W and 12 Gannets E.

Coot family

May 19th

We had an uneventful morning's ringing at Reculver although we did manage to ring our first juvenile Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Robin of the year. Birds we saw during our stay included 5 Blackcaps, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Sand Martins, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Common Tern, 1 Shelduck, 1 Jay, 6 Red Kites moving W, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Ravens.

Birds ringed 7: Chiffchaff 4, Blackcap 1, Robin 1, Cetti's Warbler 1.

Dave Smith was out at 0445 and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Coldharbour and back along the embankment. He counted 1 Canada Goose, 3 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 3 Cuckoos, 3 Swifts, 3 Avocets, 6 Oystercatchers, 16 Ringed Plovers, 5 Lapwings, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl, 6 Swallows, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (163rd) and 1 Stonechat.

Derek Smith was out for a shorter walk than normal from Shuart to Brooksend and Plumpudding and back. He recorded 6 Greylag Geese with young, 1 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Cuckoos, 6 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Cetti's Warblers and 6 singing Corn Buntings.

Male Long-horned Bee at Bishopstone this afternoon

May 18th

It was cloudy and cool this morning as we walked at Netherhale and Reculver. At Netherhale we counted 1 Whitethroat, 6 Goldfinches, 4 Mallard, 6 Linnets, 3 Swallows, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Red-legged Partridge and 1 Cuckoo and at Reculver we saw 8 Sand Martins, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Owl, 1 Lapwing, 5 Swallows W and 1 Little Egret.

Little Owl

Derek Smith was out at Shuart at 0535 and walked to Brooksend and Minnis Bay and on to Coldharbour before returning along the railway embankment. He counted 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese and 1 hybrid, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Plover W, 3 Avocets, 18 Turnstone, 32 Sanderling, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Cuckoos, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Chiffchaffs, 4 Lesser Whitethroats and 7 Corn Buntings.

This afternoon Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Plumpudding and saw 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Lapwings, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Avocets, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Cuckoos, 7 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Blackcap, 1 Redshank and 2 Common Terns.

May 17th

After yesterday's washout this morning dawned sunny, still and increasingly warm as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We counted 10 Whitethroats, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Linnets, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Chiffchaff, 24 Mallard, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Cuckoos, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Turnstone, 2 Avocets, 1 Redshank, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Sandwich Terns E, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 female Wheatear, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Stonechats.

Male Whitethroat surrounded by flies

May 16th

On a showery afternoon Derek Smith was out from 1230 to 0700 and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back via Coldharbour and Plumpudding. His highlights included 1 summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Avocets, 23 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Common Tern, 2 Marsh Harriers, 8 Yellow Wagtails and 4 singing Lesser Whitethroats. He also saw Variable and Azure Damselflies on the railway embankment and Red-eyed Damselflies at the River Wantsum.

Bar-tailed Godwit - Derek Smith

 May 15th

On a dull and increasingly humid morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 7 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Pied Wagtails, 12 Whitethroats, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Oystercatchers, 16 Mallard, 2 Cuckoos, 12 Linnets, 1 Stonechat, 2 Gadwall, 1 female Wheatear, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Avocets, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Sandwich Terns W, 2 Common Terns, 1 Swallow, 2 Sand Martins and 1 Grey Heron.

Female Stonechat

 Matt was also out this morning and walked from Shuart to Brooksend and on to Plumpudding. He recorded 5 Blackcaps, 40 Stock Doves, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egrets, 16 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Corn Buntings, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Common Buzzards, 21 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose with 2 hybrids, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Coot, 10 Mallard, 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 immature Spoonbills W, 1 Stonechat, 1 House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 70 Sanderling, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Wheatear, 10 Swifts, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Terns and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Dave Smith walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour and recorded 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Shelduck, 20 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Cuckoo, 12 Swifts W, 2 Avocets, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 4 Whimbrel, 1 summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiers, 11 Turnstone, 70 Sanderling, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Spoonbills W, 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 Hobby, 6 Swallows, 3 Sand Martins, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Stonechat and 1 Wheatear.

May 14th

The rain soon arrived this morning as Matt completed his regular walk from Reculver to Plumpudding and back. His highlights included 3 Cuckoos, 7 Common Sandpipers, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Shelduck, 5 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Wheatear, 20 Sanderling, 30 Turnstone, 3 Avocets, 4 Common Terns, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Stonechats, 2 Sandwich Terns and 6 Swallows.

Dave Smith was also out early and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back. He counted 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Cuckoos, 3 Avocets, 13 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 12 Lapwings, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 27 Sanderling, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Hobby, 1 Swallow and 4 Lesser Whitethroats.

May 13th

Matt was out early and had an excellent morning. He walked from Shuart to Brooksend and back via the seawall to Chamber's Wall. He recorded 3 Corn Buntings, 2 Marsh Harriers, 8 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 6 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Lapwings, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Coot, 2 Canada Geese and 1 hybrid, 13 Greylag Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose (158th), 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Swift, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Cuckoos and 1 first summer Montagu's Harrier flying E over Plumpudding Stables (159th). He also saw 5 Common Sandpipers, 5 Red Kites W, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Stone Curlew flying W along the seawall (160th), 3 Avocets, 3 Kestrels, 1 Stonechat, 3 Common Terns, 4 Shelduck, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Ringed Plovers, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Redshank and 1 Hobby.

Matt also found an acrocephalus warbler singing in the thick foliage by the River Wantsum at Chamber's Wall car park. It sang intermittently but only gave fleeting views and it was only later in the afternoon that Dave Smith managed to get a record shot that proved that it was a very early Marsh Warbler (161st).

Marsh Warbler - Dave Smith

Anne and I walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and recorded 2 Blackcaps, 2 Pied Wagtails, 7 Whitethroats, 7 Cetti's Warblers,  11 Red Kite W, 10 Linnets, 2 Swallows, 2 Stonechats, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Hobby, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Oystercatchers, 20 Mallard, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Avocets, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Lapwings, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Sand Martin.

Avocet

This evening Dave Smith found a summer plumaged Knot on the beach (162nd).

May 12th

On another sunny morning we walked inland from Reculver and recorded 5 Blackcaps, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 12 Reed Warblers, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Sand Martins, 7 Skylarks, 2 Grey Partridges, 12 Tufted Duck, 3 Common Sandpipers, 9 Whitethroats, 2 Gadwall, 1 Corn Bunting, 16 Mallard, 1 Swallow, 8 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Goldfinches, 1 Stonechat. 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Shelduck and 1 male White Wagtail being hassled by the local breeding pair of Pied Wagtails.

 May 11th

With the sun shining and a easterly breeze blowing we walked along a busy seawall to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 9 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 14 Whitethroats, 1 Sand Martin, 20 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Swallows, 4 Ringed Plovers, 15 Linnets, 8 Reed Warblers, 5 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Stonechats, 2 males and 3 juveniles, 3 Avocets, 17 Turnstone, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret and 2 Mediterranean Gulls.

May 10th

We spent a sunny morning ringing on the Marsh south of the railway where we saw 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Mallard, 10 Whitethroats, 2 Cuckoos, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Common Terns, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Sedge Warblers, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Jay and 2 Reed Warblers.

Birds ringed 23: Wren 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap 2, Sedge Warbler 6, Whitethroat 4, Linnet 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 2, Chaffinch 1, Dunnock 3.

Derek Smith was also out early this morning and walked from Shuart, along the embankment and on to Coldharbour and Plumpudding. He counted 6 Grey Herons, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Greylag Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Avocets, 1 Curlew, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Cuckoos, 1 male Bearded Tit, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 18 Cett's Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs and 5 Lesser Whitethroats.

May 9th

On a glorious, sunny morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. We recorded 1 Blackcap, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 6 Reed Warblers, 6 Oystercatchers, 25 Swallows W, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Mallard, 3 juvenile Stonechats, 2 Gadwall, 1 House Martin W, 3 Cuckoos, 3 Little Egrets, 12 Turnstone, 2 Shelduck, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Sandipers, 2 Avocets, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Lapwings, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Tufted Ducks and 1 Curlew. We also saw 3 Wall Browns.

This morning Marc Heath had 7 Red Kites flying over Hillborough.

May 8th

On an overcast morning we walked at Chamber's Wall where we saw 3 Cuckoos, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Swallow, 4 Sedge Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 7 Whitethroats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Mallard, 3 Skylarks and 3 Greylag Geese.

Male Yellow Wagtail

A Red Kite flew W at Bishopstone this afternoon.

We received an interesting control of a Sedge Warbler today showing the speed of spring migration. We ringed it at Reculver on Sunday 5th May and it was controlled the next day, Monday 6th May, at Wintersett Reservoir, Wakefield, West Yorkshire and had flown 306 km NW overnight.

May 7th

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back with a chilly NE wind blowing. It was relatively quiet for migrants but we did count 10 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Whitethroats, 16 Linnets, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Sandwich Tern, 7 Oystercatchers, 14 Mallard, 3 Reed Warblers, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 14 Swallows W, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Avocets, 1 Shelduck, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Lapwings, 7 Gannets E and 2 Ringed Plovers.

May 6th

Although it was overcast this morning the threatened rain did not materialise at we walked around the Reculver area. We recorded 6 Chiffchaffs, 7 Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 11 Reed Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Sand Martins, 15 Coot, 15 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Goldfinches, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Swallow W and 2 Gannets E.

Tree Mallow

Matt was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the embankment. He counted 4 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Stonechats, 1 Grey Plover, 16 Shelduck, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Common Terns, 3 Greylag Geese, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Avocets, 2 Cuckoos, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 22 Turnstone, 12 Swallows W, 1 Lesser Redpoll W, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Lapwings, 3 Sanderling and 21 Corn Buntings.

Dave Smith was also out early and walked from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. Birds he saw included 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Moorhens, 1 Coot, 2 Avocets, 30 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Common Terns, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Swallows, 3 Lesser Whitethoats, 1 Stonechat and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Derek Smith arrived at Shuart at 0545 and walked to Brooksend and then walkedback to Coldharbour returning along the railway embankment. He saw 2 Little Egrets, 7 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 summer plumaged Grey Plovers E, 33 Turnstone, 2 Avocets, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoos, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Stonechats, 18 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Chiffchaffs and 4 Corn Buntings.

May 5th

On a bright sunny morning it was relatively quiet as we spent the morning ringing at Reculver. We saw 6 Sand Martins, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Tufted Duck, 15 Coot, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Mallard, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 3 Gadwall, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Buzzards, 1 Lesser Redpoll W and 2 Long-tailed Tits.

Birds ringed 7: Long-tailed Tits 2, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Song Thrush 1

Sedge Warbler

 Derek Smith was out between 0530 and 1030 and walked from Shuart along the embankment to Coldharbour and back by way of Brooksend. He saw 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Egyptian Goose W, 2 Shelduck, 10 Tufted Ducks, 8 Lapwings, 2 Avocets, 4 Turnstone, 3 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Stonechat, 1 Bearded Tit, 32 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Corn Buntings singing.

May 4th

On a glorious spring morning with the sun shining and the sea like a mill pond Matt was out early and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and along the embankment back to Coldharbour where we met him and Dave Smith. The totals for the morning were 4 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Stonechats, 8 Tufted Duck, 19 Shelduck, 4 Common Terns, 7 Dunlin, 13 Ringed Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Sandwich Terns, 3 Cuckoos, 19 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 2 Avocets, 17 Lapwings, 1 Little Ringed Plover flying W, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Curlew, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 120 Sanderling, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Bearded Tit, 2 Little Terns, 8 Gannets, 3 Swallows, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Common Buzzard.

Common Terns

Dave Smith was out at 0515 and walked from Shuart to Minnis Bay and on to Coldharbour and Plumpudding, His highlights were 2 Greylag Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 9 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Avocets, 7 Ringed Plovers, 14 Lapwings (4 pairs with young), 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Turnstone, 120 Sanderling, 2 Little Terns, 2 Common Terns, 3 Sandwich Terns,  6 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 21 Whitethroats and 1 Whinchat (157th) at Plumpudding.

May 3rd

This morning was mainly wet and breezy as we walked at Reculver and recorded 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Corn Bunting singing, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Fulmar W, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great White Egret flying W at sea, 15 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Reed Warblers and 1 Great Crested Grebe.

After our walk we seawatched at Reculver from 0850 to 1010 and counted 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 43 Sandwich Terns W, 2 Ringed Plovers. 1 Grey Plover, 3 Mediterranean Gulls W and 1 Whimbrel W.

Matt was out at 0550 and had a seawatch at Minnis Bay for an hour where he saw 20 Gannets W, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Sandwich Terns W, 2 Common Terns W, 2 Ringed Plovers and Swallows.

He then walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and counted 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Shelduck, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 Dunlin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Lapwings, 2 Swifts, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Avocets, 120 Sanderling, 51 Sandwich Terns W, 1 Great White Egret flying W, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Corn Buntings, 3 Little Terns flying W, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 4 Common Terns W and 3 Mediterranean Gulls W.

May 2nd

After overnight thunder with little rain we walked at a very quiet Reculver and Shuart this morning. Altogether we saw 9 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Tufted Duck, 1 Shelduck, 30 Mallard, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Gadwall, 4 Coot, 15 Reed Warblers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 18 Oystercatchers, 1 Swallow, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Goldfinches.

Dave Smith was out this morning and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and Plumpudding. He recorded 2 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Avocet, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 6 Lapwings, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Turnstone, 70 Sanderling, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Gannets E, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 5 Lesser Redpolls W.

Mike Watts saw 2 Little Terns (156th) flying W and a Wheatear.

May 1st

The month began with a mild, sunny and still morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back. Birds we saw included 1 Blackcap, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shelduck, 19 Oystercatchers, 17 Linnets, 12 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Mallard, 10 Whitethroat, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Stonechats, 2 Cuckoos, 13 Sedge Warblers, 8 Reed Warblers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Avocets, 11 Sanderling, 26 Turnstone, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Lawings, 1 Greylag Goose, 6 Skylarks, 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Meadow Pipits, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 1 Grey Heron.

Winter plumaged Sanderling

Dave Smith was out for just over three hours from 0518 and completed his regular walk from Shuart to Coldharbour and back via Plumpudding. His highlights included 1 Canada Goose, 7 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Coot, 2 Avocets, 17 Oystercatchers, 6 Grey Plovers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 10 Lapwings, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 27 Sanderling, 6 Sandwich Terns, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great White Egrets flying E (155th), 1 Grey Heron, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Jays, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Tree Pipit W and 1 Lesser Redpoll.