Wednesday 30 April 2014

April 30th
With only limited time this morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver to the Green Wall and back. We saw 6 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 5 Grey Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 3 Redshank, 9 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 66 Black-headed Gulls W, 1 Common Tern, 1 Little Owl, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Swallows W, 4 Sand Martins, 1 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroats and 8 Linnets.

Tuesday 29 April 2014

April 29th
On a dreary and overcast morning we met Matt at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and on to the Oyster Farm. Birds we saw included 4 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 12 Cormorants,  1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 18 Turnstone, 16 Bar-tailed Godwits 2 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 1 Nightingale singing by the Thanet Way bridge,  1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling 400 metres E of the railway crossing, 6 Reed Warblers, 20 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 11 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Linnets.

Meadow Pipit

Monday 28 April 2014

April 28th
Matt was out early again this morning and walked from Reculver to Chamber's Wall and back. Birds he saw included 12 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 21 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, 4 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 8 Redshank, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 5 Common Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns,  1 Kingfisher, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Wheatears, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 16 Reed Warblers, 31 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 44 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs and 6 Corn Buntings.
Later he had a walk at Shuart and recorded 3 Common Buzzards, 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 4 Chiffchaffs.
Terry Wilson was also out and walked the railway embankment and seawall to Minnis Bay and saw 6 Shelduck, 1 Fulmar, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher and lots of Whitethroats and Chiffchaffs.
This afternoon on our drive to Chamber's Wall we heard a Nightingale singing at May Street. In addition to what Matt saw this morning we added 1 Gannet E, 1 Little Egret, 70 Sanderling, 2 Common Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns E and 4 Guillemots W.

Corn Bunting


Sunday 27 April 2014

April 27th
On an overcast morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the seawall and saw 4 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Cormorants, 1 Gannet E, 1 Little Egret, 1 male Hen Harrier, 13 Oystercatchers, 14 Turnstone, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 66 Sanderling, 7 Sandwich Terns E, 2 Cuckoos, 2 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 4 Wheatears, 3 Reed Warblers, 14 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Linnets and 9 Corn Buntings.

A pair of Shelduck in Coldharbour

Derek Smith was out between 0630 and 0930 walking from Shuart and then along the railway embankment and he saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Grey Partridges, 3 Cuckoos, 20 Swallows, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Reed Warbler, 19 Sedge Warblers, 1 Nightingale singing along
Shuart Drove, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 28 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps and 5 Chiffchaffs.
Marc Heath was also out early and his highlights were a ring-tail Hen Harrier at the Oyster Farm, 5 Little Terns E at Plumpudding, a Nightingale singing at Wagtail bridge and the Grasshopper Warbler beside the Wantsum

Saturday 26 April 2014

April 26th
On a wet and breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to the Wantsum outflow and recorded 4 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 6 Cormorants, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 29 Tunstone, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 137 Sanderling, 1 Cuckoo, 3 alba Wagtails W, 3 Wheatears, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling beside the Wantsum, 2 Reed Warblers, 11 Sedge Warblers, 10 Whitethroats and 4 Linnets.

Northern Wheatear

This afternoon at Reculver we saw 2 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 4 Common Scoter E, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Curlew, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs.


Friday 25 April 2014

April 25th
There had been a change in the weather overnight so that when we arrived at Reculver this morning for a walk to Coldharbour it was overcast with a cool, brisk, NE wind blowing. We saw 3 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 7 Cormorants, 2 Fulmars E, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 10 Turnstone, 1 Redshank, 3 Whimbrel W, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit W, 1 Dunlin, 135 Sanderling, 2 first year Mediterranean Gulls E, 4 Common Terns W, 1 Sandwich Tern E, 30 Swallows W, 1 House Martin E, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 Wheatear, 9 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats and 7 Linnets. We also found a large Slow-worm on the Green Wall.

Preening Ringed Plover

Thursday 24 April 2014

April 24th
On a warm and still morning we walked from Chamber's Wall up to the seawall and recorded 3 Shelduck, 9 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Cormorants, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 10 Turnstone, 4 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 157 Sanderling, 2 Sandwich Terns, 5 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, 5 Reed Warblers, 22 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff and 7 Linnets.


Sanderling and Turnstone moulting into breeding plumage

This afternoon we had a walk at Reculver and found a very early Spotted Flycatcher on the dead elms near the cafe. This is only four days later than our earliest record in 1975 and our 150th species for the year. Other birds we saw included 2 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Willow Warbler.



Wednesday 23 April 2014

April 23rd
Once again Matt was out early and began by hearing the Nightingale at May Street. He then walked around Reculver on a sunny morning and saw a good range of species including 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 Shelduck, 20 Mallard, 1 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Ringed Plovers, 20 Turnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin, 158 Sanderling, 2 Sandwich Terns,  2 Swallows, 3 Sand Martins, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Wheatears, 15 Sedge Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 37 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting.
Later we drove over to Shuart and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Barry Hunt was also out in the area this morning and added Garden Warbler to our year's list seeing it at Potten Street and Terry Wilson saw 4 Wheatears on the seawall as he walked backed to Minnis Bay.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

April 22nd
Matt was out early again and walked from Chamber's Wall to Reculver and back. He counted 3 Shelduck, 19 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Ringed Plovers, 19 Tursnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Swallows, 1 alba Wagtail, 57 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Ring Ouzels, 2 Wheatears, 13 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 28 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 male Yellowhammer.
On his way home he stopped off at May Street and heard a Nightingale singing in the scrub.
This afternoon we walked around Shuart and recorded 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swift, 20 Swallows, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thushes, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff and 3 Corn Buntings. We also saw 2 Hairy Dragonflies.

Monday 21 April 2014

April 21st
This morning Matt birded from Shuart to Plumpudding and on to Coldharbour before returning along the railway embankment. He saw a good range of species including 17 Shelduck E, 19 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 40 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls E, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 25 Swallows W, 5 Sand Martins, 1 House Martin W, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 alba Wagtails W, 5 Song Thrushes, 2 Wheatears, 19 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroats, 16 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs and 2 Corn Buntings.
In addition Terry Wilson saw a Common Tern at Coldharbour.

Sunday 20 April 2014

April 20th
Matt was out early at Reculver and recorded 11 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 11 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 8 Coot, 2 Grey Partridges,  1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel, 18 Sand Martins,  4 Swallows, 1 male Redstart, 3 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler. Later at Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour we saw 2 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 1 Corn Bunting.
Marc Heath was out as well and in addition saw 1 Little Tern and 1 Ring Ouzel which was the 144th species so far this year.
Derek Smith was also birding between 0730 and 1030 walking from Shuart along the railway embankment to Chamber's Wall and Potten Street and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 22 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 18 Whitethroats, 10 Blackcaps and 1 Corn Bunting.

Shelduck

Saturday 19 April 2014

April 19th
This morning we walked round the bushes at Reculver and Shuart and saw 6 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Friday 18 April 2014

April 18th
This morning we completed the same walk as yesterday but with a brisk, cool northerly breeze blowing. We saw 9 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 20 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Kestrel, 10 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Swallows, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Linnets and 12 Corn Buntings.

Robin

This evening Matt walked from Shuart to the seawall and then along to White Post Hole. He recorded 2 Shoveler, 1 Gannet, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Terns E, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Chiffchaff.


Thursday 17 April 2014

April 17th
This morning we arrived at a sunny Chamber's Wall and walked across the field to the White Poplars before walking back up to Coldharbour. We added a Cuckoo to the Reculver list making the 2014 total of species seen up to 141. Other birds seen included 11 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 16 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 12 Cormorants flying S, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Partridges, 10 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches and 16 Linnets.

A pair of Tufted Duck looking for a nesting site

Terry Wilson was out at Wade Marsh and saw a Short-eared Owl with a bank vole being chased by a female Hen Harrier. He also saw 3 Marsh Harriers and lots of Whitethroats.


April 16th
I was unable to get out today but Marc Heath visited Shuart and added 2 Reed Warblers to the 2014 Reculver list. He also saw 3 Hairy Dragonflies.

Tuesday 15 April 2014

April 15th
We didn't arrive at Chamber's Wall until 1000 and then completed the Coldharbour and Green Wall walk. Although it was sunny there was still a chilly north wind blowing but we saw 1 Mute Swan, 6 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Ringed Plover, 8 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7 Skylarks, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Linnets, 1 Yellowhammer and 32 Corn Buntings.

First year Great Black-backed Gull


Monday 14 April 2014

April 14th
We arrived at Chamber's Wall later than usual this morning and although the sun was shining there was a fresh and cool eye-watering WNW wind blowing as we walked up to and along the seawall. We recorded 4 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Oystercatchers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plovers, 5 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 5 Sanderling, 25 Black-headed Gulls W, 4 Swallows W, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtails W, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wheatears, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinches and 11 Linnets.


Summer and winter plumaged Dunlin

At dusk this evening we walked from Shuart to the sea and saw 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 32 Corn Buntings thinking about going to roost.



Sunday 13 April 2014

April 13th
There was a brisk and cool west wind blowing as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour this morning. There were not as many birds as yesterday but we did see 2 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 11 Cormorants, 2 Fulmars W, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 16 Turnstone, 9 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 adult Little Gull E, 9 Swallows W, 3 Sand Martins W, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldfinches W, 20 Linnets and 1 Corn Bunting.

First year Herring Gull

This morning Derek Smith walked from Shuart to the railway embankment between 0700 and 1000 and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Marsh Harriers, 30 Swallows, 2 Yellow Wagtails W, 2 Whitethroats, 6 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaffs.
In addition Marc Heath had a male Common Redstart at Chamber's Wall and Barry Hunt saw a Greenshank at the Oyster Farm and a Little Ringed Plover flying over Reculver cliffs. This brings the Reculver area list to 139 species so far this year.
This afternoon we had walked at Chamber's Wall and inland at Reculver trying to avoid the Sunday afternoon crowds. We saw 10 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 16 Tufted Duck, 10 Coot, 2 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Common Redstart, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps and 3 Chiffchaffs.

Saturday 12 April 2014

April 12th
On another lovely morning there had been a minor arrival of spring migrants between Chamber's Wall and the Green Wall but the highlight of the morning was refinding the Shorelark just west of the Wantsum outflow. Summer migrants were as follows: 2 Swallows W, 17 Sand Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Nightingale singing by the White Poplars, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 7 Chiffchaffs. Other birds seen included 9 Mute Swans, 7 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 14 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Lapwings, 4 Ringed Plovers, 13 Turnstone, 7 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 22 Sanderling, 6 Skylarks, 18 Linnets and 2 Goldfinches W.
Marc Heath was also out and added another two species to the Reculver year list seeing 6 Sandwich Terns at Plumpudding and a ring-tail Hen Harrier at the Oyster Farm. This brings the total so far to 136


Shorelark

Friday 11 April 2014

April 11th
There was a cool north breeze blowing this morning as we walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour and then birded inland. We saw 8 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 9 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 13 Cormorants, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Common Buzzard flying out to sea, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Coot, 10 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 5 Tunstone, 6 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Swallows W, 2 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipits W, 2 Jays, 1 Wheatear, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 16 Goldfinches W and 31 Linnets W.

Wheatear
Mute Swan on nest



April 10th
On another fine morning we did our usual walks and recorded 10 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 13 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 5 Little Egrets, 10 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Mediterranean Gull E, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 6 Skylarks, 1 Swallow W, 2 Pied Wagtails, 26 Meadow Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldfinches and 27 Linnets W.

Male Reed Bunting

April 9th
On a sunny spring morning we completed our usual walk from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall before visiting Reculver on the way home. There were a few new migrants to be seen with a Lesser Whitethroat calling by the White Poplars being the earliest record for the area, equal with 1988, a Tree Pipit was flying W along the seawall whilst a Sedge Warbler was seen earlier by Marc Heath at Shuart.
Other birds we saw were 7 Mute Swans, 3 Greylag Geese, 10 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Coot, 4 Oystercatchers, 12 Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstone, 7 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, one in full summer plumage and one still in winter plumage, 266 Sanderling roosting on the beach, 10 Skylarks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sand Martin W, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldfinches and 30 Linnets.

Male Yellow Wagtail
Male Tufted Duck

Tuesday 8 April 2014

April 8th
Although it was sunny this morning there was a fresh and chilly WNW wind blowing as we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the seawall before visiting Reculver on the way home. We saw a good range of birds including 15 Mute Swans, 6 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, 1 female Marsh Harrier W out at sea, 2 Merlins chasing each other, 10 Coot, 6 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 44 Turnstone, 8 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 155 Sanderling, 2 Skylarks, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Swallows, 1 House Martin W, 4 Sand Martins, 2 Wheatears, 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Chaffinches, 1 Goldfinch and 5 Linnets.

Sanderling roost at Coldharbour

Monday 7 April 2014

 April 7th
On an increasingly wet morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then inland, but unfortunately there was no sign of yesterday's Shorelark. We saw 13 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 16 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebes, 11 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egrets, 10 Coot, 14 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plovers, 15 Turnstone, 11 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 7 Pied Wagtails, 9 Swallows W, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs and 30 Linnets.

Ringed Plover

Sunday 6 April 2014

April 6th
The highlight of this morning's walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour was finding a Shorelark on the beach near to the Wantsum outflow. It was quite flighty, calling frequently and was last seen flying along the beach towards Reculver.
Other birds seen on our walk and at Reculver included 14 Mute Swans, 7 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 24 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebes, 6 Cormorants, 1 Peregrine hunting Woodpigeons, 10 Coot, 10 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Sand Martin W, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinches and 23 Linnets.


Shorelark

This afternoon we walked at Shuart and recorded 2 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Lapwings, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs and 38 Linnets.


Saturday 5 April 2014

April 5th
On yet another beautiful spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and round Coldharbour before visiting Reculver on the way home. We saw a good variety of birds including 24 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 8 Cormorants,  2 Red Kites flying E,  1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Coot, 14 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 8 Redshank, 5 Mediterranean Gulls E, 1 Jay, 1 Sand Martin W, 8 Skylarks, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Wheatear, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches, 12 Linnets and 21 Corn Buntings.
Also Marc Heath saw 5 Yellow Wagtails - an addition to our year list and bringing the total to 129 species so far this year.
Later I had a call from Micky Baldock to say he had 2 Red Kites circling over the Towers. Probably the 2 seen earlier returning west. Fifteen minutes later one of them flew over our house at Bishopstone.

Male Wheatear
Red Kite pursued by Carrion Crow

Friday 4 April 2014

April 4th
Matt was out early this morning and walked from Shuart to Plumpudding. He saw 19 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 8 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 39 Cormorants N, 7 Little Egrets E, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 13 Meadow Pipits W, 1 Fieldfare, 21 Redwings W, 1 Blackcap, 1 singing Whitethroat, two days earlier than the previous record in 2010, 4 Chiffchaffs and 18 Corn Buntings.
Later in the Reculver area he saw 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Swallows W, 1 House Martin W, 1 Blackcap and 5 Chiffchaffs.
We met Matt at Chamber's Wall and walked to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall and railway embankment. Birds we recorded included 18 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Black-throated Divers W, 15 Cormorants, 1 Marsh Harriers, 2 Grey Partridges, 14 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 10 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcaps and 1 Chiffchaff. We also saw a sable coloured Mink running along the path at Chamber's Wall.  
This afternoon we walked from Reculver along the seawall to the Green Wall and back. We saw 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, 9 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 3 Curlew, 1 Pied Wagtail and 5 Swallows W.

Woodpigeon on the rocks at Reculver




Thursday 3 April 2014

April 3rd
We couldn't get down to Reculver until after lunch when we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then had a look at Reculver. The highlight of the afternoon was when a Whimbrel flew W at Coldharbour. This is the earliest date for a Whimbrel in the area beating the previous record in 1992 by two days.
Other birds seen included 3 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebes, 12 Cormorants, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Coot, 4 Oystercatchers, 9 Turnstone, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 3 Skylarks singing, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinch, 9 Linnets and 2 Reed Buntings.

Male Reed Bunting

Wednesday 2 April 2014

April 2nd
This morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and then visited Reculver on the way home. It was relatively quiet but we did see 10 Mute Swans, 4 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebes, 10 Coot, 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 Skylarks, 12 Magpies, 16 Meadow Pipits, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Chaffinches and 9 Linnets.

Mute Swans flying out of Coldharbour

Tuesday 1 April 2014

April 1st
April dawned sunny and warm so we decided to walk from Shuart to the sea. We recorded 7 Mute Swans, 15 Dark-bellied Brent Geese feeding up on winter wheat, 4 Mallard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, 3 Redshank, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Pied Wagtails, 8 Meadow Pipits, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 singing Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 17 Linnets and 2 Corn Buntings.

Meadow Pipit



Meadow Pipit



On the way home we dropped in at Reculver and saw 3 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebes, 10 Coot, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Goldfinches.
A Swallow flew N over our garden at Bishopstone this morning.
This afternoon we had a walk around Reculver bushes and the Towers and saw 2 Mallard, 1 adult male Peregrine inspecting the Towers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Pied Wagtails, 5 Chiffchaffs and 4 Goldfinches.