April 15th

We had "an away day" today and went to see the White-throated Sparrow at Barcombe in Sussex. It was a superb looking bird that gave excellent views and occasonally sang. On our way home we dropped in at Ashdown Forest and managed to find 2 Stonechats, 1 singing Woodlark and 1 Dartford Warbler even though it was an overcast, breezy and chilly afternoon.

April 14th

On a sunny morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall. Birds we saw included 3 Blackcaps. 10 Chaffinches, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Goldfinches, 26 Linnets, 2 Chiffchffs, 8 Sedge Warblers, 11 Mallard, 4 Oystercatchers, 5 Grey Plovers, 9 Corn Buntings, 1 Greylag Goose, 3 Swallows flying W, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Whimbrel flying W (157th), 1 Stonechat, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 8 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Ravens flying E, 1 Green Woodpecker and Yellow Wagtail.

Common Whitethroat

Matt was out before us and walked from Shuart and along the railway embankment and returned via Plumpudding. He saw 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Coot, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 9 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Sedge Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Fulmar, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Lapwings, 1 Snipe, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker.

April 13th

On a sunny and frosty morning Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. He saw 1 Little Owl, 1 Little Egret, 5 Yellow Wagtails flying W, 7 Shelduck, 4 Stonechats, 13 Sedge Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Snipe, 4 Grey Plovers, 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 13 Sandwich Terns, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Plumpudding, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 4 Chiffchaffs, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Swallow W, 7 Sand Martins W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Short-eared Owl and 4 Canada Geese.

Canada Geese - Matt Hindle

April 12th

On another chilly morning we completed our regular walks on the Marsh and counted 147 Meadow Pipits flying W, 99 Linnets, 1 Little Egret, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 12 Sedge Warblers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Stonechats, 7 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers, 1 Shelduck, 28 Corn Buntings, 5 Greylag Geese, 40 Turnstone, 7 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Swallows W, 10 Common Scoter, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 males and 1 female, 6 Coot, 2 Sandwich Terns, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Wheatear and 1 Snipe. 

Male Tufted Duck

April 11th

Although there was bright sunshine this morning there was also a strong, chilly northrly wind blowing in off the sea. Matt walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall before returning along the Green Wall and we completed our usual walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour. Between us we recorded 2 Stonechats, 4 Sedge Warblers 1 male Ring Ouzel (156th), 1 female Merlin, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Ravens, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel and 11 Linnets. 

Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Brooksend between 1130 and 1500 and recorded 3 pairs of Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Lapwings, 33 Swallows flying W, 1 male Common Redstart, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaffs and 1 singing Goldcrest.

Male Common Redstart - Derek Smith

April 10th

There had been a change in the weather overnight and this morning there was a chilly NE wind blowing in drips and drops of rain. We completed our regular walks and managed to see 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Stonechat, 8 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Ravens flying E, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 3 Tufted Ducks, 3 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Gannet, 8 Linnets, 7 Mallard, 2 Moorhens, 1 Wheatear, 1 Grey Plover, 5 Turnstones and 2 Ringed Plovers.

Derek Smith was also out this morning and between 0630 and 1000 walked from Shuart to Plumpudding and Netherhale. He counted 28 Mute Swans, 3 Tufted Ducks, 7 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs and 4 Goldcrests.

Yellow Archangel - Derek Smith

April 9th

It was a glorious spring morning with quite a few birds to be seen as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons. Matt was also out and from first light had walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back before he met up with us on the seawall. Between us we recorded 124 Meadow Pipits flying W, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the Oyster Farm (154th), 13 Sedge Warblers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 19 Redshank, 11 Grey Plovers, 3 male Shoveler W, 115 Linnets, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Redpoll W, 2 Stonechats, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 9 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 35 Common Scoter, 22 Swallows W, 2 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Marsh Harriers, 12 Sandwich Terns, 24 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins W, 3 Ravens flying W, 3 Black Redstarts, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Coot, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Buzzard, 60 Turnstone, 74 Sanderling, 2 Wheatears, 1 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 7 Corn Buntings and 1 Common Tern (155th). 

Willow Warbler - Matt Hindle

Black Redstart - Matt Hindle

April 8th  -  A New Species for Reculver

At last the wind had dropped and this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and along the Green Wall. Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment, meeting us at Coldhabour. 

As we began walking back along the seawall towards Reculver, Matt noticed a very small and very pale grey harrier flying along over a wheat field beside the White Poplars about 250 metres away and he immediately said that it was a male PALLID HARRIER (153rd). As we looked at it through our binoculars it landed briefly on a muddy farm track before continuing flying and gliding towards the Green Wall and Oyster Farm. As we watched it we could see the diagnostic small black wedge of feathers in its primaries and were struck by its small size and very pale plumage and buoyant flight. It landed once more out of sight but then continued flying W before disappearing over the Green Wall. We did not see it again. This is the 309th species recorded for Reculver.

Other birds we saw this morning included 1 Merlin flying W, 1 male Eider, 2 Kestrels, 2 Little Owls, 2 Stonechats, 1 Little Egret, 8 Grey Plovers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Teal, 4 Greylag Geese, 1 Yellow Wagtail flying W, 5 Sandwich Terns, 12 Sanderling,  3 Common Buzzards, 1 Siskin flying W, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Chiffchaffs, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Coot, 3 Goldfinches, 8 Sedge Warblers, 27 Linnets, 10 Meadow Pipits, 20 Redshank, 35 Common Scoter, 1 Mallard, 2 Wheatears, 57 Turnstone, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Marsh Harriers and 3 Swallows.

April 7th

On another chilly, bright and breezy morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and Matt also walked on to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment. Between us we saw 1 male Eider feeding on crabs off the Towers, 1 Peregrine, 2 Little Owls, 113 Linnets mainly flying W, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flying W, 3 Wheatears, 6 Corn Buntings, 9 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying W, 1 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 30 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Plovers, 41 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 22 Goldfinches, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Swallows flying W, 3 Stonechats and 2 Shelduck. 

Male Wheatear

 

April 6th

There was a bitterly cold WNW wind blowing this morning as we walked the Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall loop. Matt was also out and walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and back along the seawall. Between us we recorded 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Coot, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 154 Linnets, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Mallard, 4 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Goldfinches, 6 Swallows, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Firecrest at Plumpudding.

 April 5th

With a gale force northerly blowing in wintry showers we decided to find shelter spots at Reculver and Shuart and managed to see 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Mistle Thrush singing, 1 Common Buzzard, 13 Cormorants, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Mallard, 4 Mute Swans, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coot, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Goldfinches, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Matt braved the weather with a visit to Minnis Bay and then a seawatch at Reculver. He counted 1 House Martin flying W (152nd), 1 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter W, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Fulmar, 4 Gannets W, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls W, 2 Shelduck and 15 Common Gulls W.

 April 4th

On a much quieter morning, weatherwise,  Matt walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment and we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. Between us we recorded 1 male Red-breasted Merganser flying E, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Sedge Warblers, 73 Turnstone, 4 Curlew, 1 Wheatear, 2 Avocets in Coldharbour then flying east (150th), 45 Corn Buntings, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Greylag Geese, 30 Common Scoter, 10 Grey Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 30 Redshank, 10 Cetti's Warblers, 100 Sanderling, 1 Grey Wagtail flying W, 1 Firecrest, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Blackcap, 7 Coot, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat (151st), 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying W, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Linnets, 6 Ringed Plovers, 1 Bearded Tit and 1 Stonechat.

Corn Bunting

April 3rd

On another cold and blustery morning we walked inland at Reculver and saw 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Jay, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Greenfinches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 22 Linnets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Moorhen, 1 male Common Redstart (149th), 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 5 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Coot, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet and 1 first year Mediterranean Gull.

April 2nd

Matt had an early look at Reculver where he saw 3 Dark-belled Brent Geese, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Willow Warbler (148th) and 1 Sedge Warbler. 

He then met us at Shuart and we walked up to the sea at Pumpudding and back via Brooksend. We counted 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Chiffchaffs, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelduck, 23 Mute Swans, 2 Lapwings, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Partridges, 24 Mallard, 33 Linnets, 8 Redshank, 14 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 13 Swallows, 2 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Buzzards, 2 Coot, 12 White Wagtails, 47 Pied Wagtails, 4 Greenfinches and 1 Blackcap.

 April 1st

There had been a major change in the weather overnight and this morning dawned overcast with a fresh and chilly NE wind blowing. We walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and the Oyster Farm lagoons and recorded 6 Cetti's Warblers, 15 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Shelduck, 43 Corn Buntings, 7 Mallard, 5 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Coot, 1 first year Mediterranean Gull flying W, 1 male Stonechat and 1 Swallow flying W.

Matt was also out this morning and walked from Reculver to Plumpudding and back along the railway embankment and saw 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Shelduck, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Lapwings, 2 Gadwall, 2 Coot, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret, 2 Teal and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull. 

An hour at Minnis Bay this afternoon produced 1 Fulmar E, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Swallow W, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 5 Sandwich Terns (147th), 1 Red-throated Diver E, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.