October 25th

This morning Matt walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to Reculver before walking back along the embankment. Birds he saw included 13 Goldcrests, 7 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Chiffchaffs, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 57 Mallard, 13 Stonechats, 2 Dartford Warblers, 40 Reed Buntings, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 40 Turnstone, 2 Kingfishers, 30 Ringed Plovers, 2 Firecrests, 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 24 Skylarks, 1 Red-throated Divers, 2 Siskins, 80 Oystercatchers, 8 Curlew, 45 Linnets, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Shelduck, 13 Corn Buntings, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Matt also found an interesting Stonechat, 400 metres east of the Towers and just south of the seawall. It was a pale female showing some of the characteristics of Eastern Stonechat (maura). It was wary and it was difficult to get close views so all the necessary crucial features could not be seen. From the photos the pale plumage and unmarked throat are clear and it appears the have black underwing coverts. It was last seen in the late morning but could not be seen subsequently.

Possible Eastern Stonechat - Matt Hindle