Friday 31 October 2014

October 31st
The last day of October was fine and bright with a good range of species to be seen. We recorded 295 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Rock Pipits, 12 Redshank 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 23 Cormorants, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Wheatear, 81 Meadow Pipits, 5 Stonechats, 5 Oystercatchers, 7 Pied Wagtails, 11 Skylarks, 1 Kingfisher, 42 Golden Plovers, 1 Lapland Bunting flying W and calling, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Merlin, 3 Snow Buntings, 2 Curlew, 22 Mallard, 1 Shelduck, 2 Redwings, 12 Song Thrushes, 3 Tree Sparrows, 67 Chaffinches, 1 Snipe, 5 Little Grebes, 4 Ringed Plovers, 300 Starlings, 2 Kestrels, 1Brambling, 1 Peregrine and 7 Clouded Yellows

Thursday 30 October 2014

October 30th
On a mild, bright morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver towards Coldharbour and saw 21 Mute Swans, 767 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 6 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 5 Skylarks, 2 Pied Wagtails, 45 Meadow Pipits, 1 Jay and 2 Black Redstarts.

Black Redstart

Tuesday 28 October 2014

October 28th
This morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver and saw 614 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied  Brent Goose, 1 Kestrel, 1 Redshank, 18 Meadow Pipits, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 male Stonechat and 2 Goldfinches.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose

 
Derek Smith walked from Shuart to Chamber's Wall this morning and his highlight was a Yellow-browed Warbler at Shuart. Other birds he saw included 2 Bullfinches S at Shuart Farm, 2 Siskins S, 9 Chiffchaffs, 60 Blackbirds, 35 Redwings S, 38 Skylarks S, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Yellowhammer.

Yellow-browed Warbler - Derek Smith





Sunday 26 October 2014

October 26th
A brief walk around the Towers this morning produced 276 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Kestrels, 17 Mute Swans, 2 Pied Wagtail, 6 Lapwings, 27 Cormorants, 22 Meadow Pipits and 1 Grey Plover.
This morning at Grenham Bay, Terry Wilson had 2 Grey Wagtails and 1 male Snow Bunting.
Matt had a surprise visitor to his garden near Tilmanstone while he was ringing this morning, in the shape of a Yellow-browed Warbler.

Yellow-browed Warbler - Matt Hindle

Saturday 25 October 2014

October 25th
We spent a quiet morning ringing at Reculver and saw 1 Tree Sparrow W, 1 Redwing, 1 Brambling, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Water Rail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Goldfinches, 17 Siskins, 22 Chaffinches, 1 Jay, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper and 8 Skylarks.

Redwing

Friday 24 October 2014

October 24th
This morning Matt walked from Reculver and saw 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 529 Brent Geese, 4 Shelduck, 55 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Rock Pipits, 18 Redshank, 15 Oystercatchers, 70 Linnets, 26 Reed Buntings, 1 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 45 Golden Plovers, 1 Kestrel, 96 Mallard, 1 Water Rail, 20 Goldfinches 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Wigeon.
Terry Wilson birded Grenham Bay this morning and recorded 120 Brent Geese, 6 Turnstone, 2 Pied Wagtails and 8 Meadow Pipits.

Thursday 23 October 2014

Oct 23rd
We spent the morning ringing at Reculver where we saw 2 Goldcrests, 2 Redwings, 22 Siskins W, 7 Mute Swans, 31 Chaffinches, 3 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, 1 Gadwall, 3 Coot, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Water Rail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 10 Song Thrushes, 3 Goldfinches, 6 Jays, 8 Robins,29 Skylarks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Bramblings.
During his morning's walk round the Oyster Farm, Julian Perry saw 13 Mute Swans, 500 Brent Geese, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin hunting Skylarks, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshanks, 3 Turnstones, 4 Stonechats, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails, 9 Goldfinches and 85 Linnets.
This afternoon a walk from Chamber's Wall to Plumpudding and Coldharbour produced 553 Chaffinches W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Kestrels, 1 Marsh Harrier, 240 Brent Geese, 11 Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 1 Wheatear, 16 Turnstone, 25 Grey Plover, 80 Oystercatchers, 45 Linnets, 1 Water Rail, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Little Egret, 2 Stonechats, 11 Corn Buntngs, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Siskin.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese

Wednesday 22 October 2014

October 22nd
After an hour seawatching at the Towers where virtually nothing flew by Matt walked along the seawall. He saw 136 Brent Geese, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Stonechats, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kittiwake, 11 Ringed Plovers, 5 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 4 Little Egrets, 90 Golden Plover and 1 Little Grebe.
There was also a Swallow at Minnis Bay.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

October 21st
On a stormy morning with the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo crossing the country Matt and Anne walked along the seawall from Reculver to Coldharbour. Birds they saw included 1 Swallow, 1 Shorelark on the beach 200 metres east of the Towers, 6 Little Egrets, 30 Ringed Plovers, 58 Golden Plovers, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Stonechat, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Turnstone, 1 Lapland Bunting W (180th) 100 Mallard, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 88 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 45 Linnets, 30 Meadow Pipits.
This afternoon Matt had a Grey Phalarope (181st) fly W past the Towers and land on the sea by the red buoy. He also saw a Black Redstart on the Roman wall.

Sunday 19 October 2014

October 19th
Derek Smith spent the morning walking from Shuart to Coldharbour and Chamber's Wall. He counted 17 Mute Swans on the sea at Minnis Bay, 75 Song Thrushes, 45 Blackbirds, 30 Redwings, 4 Ring Ouzels, 75 Skylarks W, 40 Meadow Pipits, 1 Tree Sparrow W, 1 Swallow, 3 Wheatears, 480 Starlings W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stonechats, 6 Greenfinches W, 172 Chaffinches W and 2 Siskins W.

Saturday 18 October 2014


October 18th
On another bright and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver towards Coldharbour and saw 1 Jay, 176 Chaffinches W, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Pied Wagtails, 20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Lapwings W, 6 Skylarks W, 2 Redshank, 8 Cormorants, 18 Brent Geese, 4 Goldfinches, 8 Mute Swans, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Kestrel.


Starling and Goldfinches

Friday 17 October 2014

October 17th
On a bright and breezy morning we walked along the seawall from Reculver towards Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 4 Oystercatchers 8 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kestrel, 5 Goldfinches, 45 Meadow Pipits W, 6 Skylarks, 8 Mute Swans, 11 Cormorants, 70 Brent Geese, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 96 Chaffinches W, 1 Kingfisher, 13 Linnets, 3 Swallows W, 16 House Martins W and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Ten minutes after we left the car park Derek Smith and Patrick Giles had 3 Ravens flying W. Other birds they saw as they covered most of the Marsh between 0700 and 1300 were 2 Sparrowhawks E, 52 Golden Plover, 1 Kingfisher, 25 Skylarks W, 27 Meadow Pipits W, 22 alba Wagtails W, 44 House Martins W, 21 Swallows W, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Wheatears, 12 Stonechats, 6 Bearded Tits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 33 Chiffchaffs, 14 Goldcrests, 380 Chaffinches WE, 22 Goldfinches W, 18 Reed Buntings W and 1 Corn Bunting W.
Mike and Maria Longdon had an Osprey flying in off the sea at Coldharbour towards St. Nicholas-at-Wade. They also saw 2 Swallows and Chaffinches moving W as well as 2 Clouded Yellows.
This afternoon a brief visit to Chamber's Wall produced 1 Merlin, 1 Stonechat and 26 Chaffinches W.

Thursday 16 October 2014

October 16th
Matt was out again this morning walking from Reculver to Coldharbour and back and recorded 5 Bramblings, 3 Redwings, 5 Siskins, 27 Skylarks, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Stonechats, 63 Meadow Pipits, 2 Sparrowhawks, 8 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Little Egret, 12 Redshanks, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Dunlin, 48 Ringed Plovers, 1 Sanderling, 3 Wheatears, 7 Tree Sparrows, 35 Reed Buntings, 40 Linnets, 54 Brent Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 9 Long-tailed Tits, 73 Golden Plovers, 2 Kestrels, 53 Chaffinches, 8 alba Wagtails and 1 Water Rail.



Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit and Wheatear - Matt Hindle

Mickey Baldock found a Yellow-browed Warbler in Bishopstone Glen.
Derek Smith walked from Chamber's Wall to Plumpudding this morning and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Wheatears, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Ring Ouzel, 8 Stonechats, 37 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Cetti's Warblers and 1 Yellowhammer W.

Wednesday 15 October 2014

October 15th
We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where we saw 62 Redwings, 10 Blackcaps, 1 Siskin, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Snipe, 38 Song Thrushes, 4 Kestrels, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Bramblings, 1 Redpoll, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Goldcrests, 8 Robins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Grey Heron, 71 Lapwings, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Corn Buntings, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 2 Yellowhammers.
Derek Smith was also out this morning at Chamber's Wall, Coldharbour and Green Wall and recorded 115 Redwings SW, 7 Ring Ouzels, 35 Blackbirds, 65 Song Thrushes, 48 Skylarks, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 6 Swallows E, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 16 Chiffchaffs, 60 Reed Buntings, 1 Water Rail, 1+Bearded Tits and 16 Stonechats.
Later, whilst walking along the railway embankment from Shuart, Derek heard and saw a Dusky Warbler (179th) in the trackside bushes. This is the ninth Dusky Warbler to be found on the Marsh. Although it was constantly calling both Derek and Matt only got brief views of the bird as it moved through the bushes. Matt however managed to get the proverbial record shot.




Comma and Dusky Warbler - Matt Hindle

At Grenham Bay this morning Terry Wilson saw 58 Brent Geese, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Wheatear and 1 Grey Heron.
This afternoon Matt visited Reculver and recorded 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Wheatear, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechats, 20 Skylarks, 36 Goldfinches, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Blackcap, 17 Song Thrushes and 6 Redwings.

Tuesday 14 October 2014


October 14th
Matt had a productive walk from Reculver to Chamber's Wall this morning. He saw 160 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 34 Robins, 36 Chiffchaffs, 55 Song Thrushes, 4 Jays, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 15 Stonechats, 3 Kingfishers, 10 alba Wagtails, 43 Chaffinches, 5 Oystercatchers, 5 Wheatears, 2 Grey Herons, 4 Turnstone, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Little Egrets, 74 Reed Buntings, 1,101 Brent Geese E, 56 Golden Plovers,. 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Kestrels, 14 Redshank, 3 Rock Pipits, 37 Ringed Plovers, 3 Snipe, 60 Skylarks, 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Curlew, 19 Mallard, 100 Linnets, 1 Teal, 710 Starlings W, 3 Redwings, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Goldcrests, 8 House Martins, 4 Swallows, 41 Goldfinches, 6 Ring Ouzels, 2 Bramblings and 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.



Robin and Ring Ouzels - Matt Hindle
 
This afternoon a walk round Shuart produced 2 Grey Wagtails, 15 Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Marsh Harriers, 25 Song Thrushes, 24 Skylarks, 1 Swallow, 1 Gannet, 3 Redwings, 6 Sanderling, 1 Blackcap, 300 Brent Geese, 4 House Martins, 9 Ring Ouzels and 1 Common Buzzard.
October 13th
Matt was out at Reculver this morning and saw 29 Brent Geese, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Blackcap, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 3 Wheatears, 1 Snipe, 125 Gannets E, 12 Great Skuas E, 9 Teal, 27 Lapwings, 12 Little Egrets, 36 Little Gulls, 11 Common Scoter, 4 House Martins, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Swallows, 17 Song Thrushes, 1 Red-throated Diver and 1 Ring Ouzel.


Wheatear - Matt Hindle

October 12th
Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour this morning and saw 1 Grey Partridge, 62 Golden Plover, 21 Robins, 2 Goldcrests, 18 Wrens, 16 Chiffchaffs, 3 Kestrels, 18 Blackbirds, 9 Song Thrushes, 2 Little Owls, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Grey |Herons, 35 Chaffinches 1 Water Rail, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 13 Stonechats, 4 Rock Pipits, 55 Mallard, 3 Curlews, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Ringed Plovers, 4 Dunlin, 12 Brent Geese, 4 Wheatears, 1 Little Grebe, 10 Oystercatchers, 10 Redshank, 13 Swallows, 14 alba Wagtails, 30 Meadow Pipits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Grey Wagtails, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jays, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 3 House Martins and 1 Kingfisher.
This afternoon Matt spent three and a half hours seawatching from the Towers and counted 6 Great Skuas, 169 Brent Geese, 2 Red-throated Divers, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Shelducks, 16 Skylarks, 1 Shag, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 11 Little Gulls, 1 Gadwall, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Gannet, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Arctic Skuas and 1 Guillemot.
October 11th
This morning Derek Smith birded at Chamber's Wall between 1000 and 1200 and recorded 1 Snipe, 57 Lapwings S, 300 Starlings, 30 Song Thrushes, 85 Blackbirds, 205 Chaffinches, 7 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 8 Stonechats and 1 Yellowhammer.
October 10th
Derek Smith spent 2 hours on the Marsh this morning and saw 3 Snipe, 20 Song Thrushes, 40 Blackbirds, 23 Magpies SW, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 16 Chiffchaffs, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Stonechats.

Thursday 9 October 2014

October 9th
We didn't do much birding this morning as we tried to avoid the showers. From the Towers we saw 18 Meadow Pipits 101 Chaffinches W, 1 Wheatear, 6 Pied Wagtails and 14 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

October 8th
This morning at Minnis Bay Matt saw 1 male Eider, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Egrets, 1 Rock Pipit, 60 Oystercatchers, 5 Brent Geese and 1 Curlew. He then drove to Reculver and saw 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 35 Meadow Pipits, 3 Stonechats, 15 alba Wagtails, 1 Wheatear, 3 Swallows, 2 Little Egrets and 3 Brent Geese. This afternoon between Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour he saw 4 Chiffchaffs, 8 Stonechats and 35 Mallard.

Tuesday 7 October 2014

October 7th
After an early morning downpour it was not too bad when we arrived at Reculver this morning. There was not a great deal to see, just 8 Pied Wagtails, 30 Chaffinches , 1 Kestrel, 5 Mute Swans, 1 Wheatear, 19 Meadow Pipits, 2 Brent Geese, 10 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 9 Swallows and 1 Redshank.


Meadow Pipit

This afternoon Matt and Anne walked from Shuart to the sea and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 4 Kestrels, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Brent Goose, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 23 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers and 3 Stonechats.
This evening Mark Chidwick found a Black Redstart by the Towers and refound the Snow Bunting along the beach.


Meadow Pipit and Sanderling




Monday 6 October 2014

October 6th
With rain threatening Matt was out early and walked from Chamber's Wall to Reculver where we met him. Between us we saw 7 Kestrels, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Song Thrushes, 4 Stonechats, 3 Sparrowhawks, 20 Golden Plovers, 16 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Grey Plover, 46 Mallard, 13 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 80 Linnets, 1 Rock Pipit, 7 Greenshank, 60 Carrion Crows, 3 Sanderling, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 41 Ringed Plovers, 3 Turnstone, 3 Little Egrets, 21 Chaffinches, 8 Pied Wagtails, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatears, 20 Meadow Pipits, 29 Swallows, 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Jay, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Brent Geese and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Sunday 5 October 2014

October 5th
Although it started cold this morning it developed into a fantastic sunny day. We spent the morning ringing near Reculver and saw 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Siskin W, 14 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 10 Song Thrushes, 5 Blackbirds, 3 Goldcrests, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Little Owls, 16 Jays W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Water Rail, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Teal, 30 Mallard, 57 Skylarks, 2 Kestrels, 1 Marsh Harriers, 10 Magpies and 2 Short-eared Owls seen out on the marsh later.

Saturday 4 October 2014

October 4th
I walked along the seawall at Reculver this morning for the first time for while and saw 14 Swallows, 11 Pied Wagtails, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Grey Heron, 66 Meadow Pipits on the seawall and beach, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Cormorants, 9 Chaffinches W, 5 Wheatears, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Redshank, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull W, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret and 7 Great Tits around the Towers.

Meadow Pipit

Friday 3 October 2014

October 3rd
Terry Wilson was out again today and saw 30 Turnstones, 12 Sanderlings, 20 Ringed Plovers, 2 Curlews, 10 Redshanks, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Brent Goose and a Peregrine trying to take a Sanderling.

Thursday 2 October 2014

October 2nd
Derek Smith birded most of the Marsh this morning and his highlights were 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin1 Arctic Skua E, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 35 Skylarks S, 24 Magpies W, 45 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 12 Whinchat and 14 Stonechats.

Arctic Skua

Wednesday 1 October 2014

October 1st
Derek Smith walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and Plumpudding this morning and saw 36 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 8 Stonechats, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 58 alba Wagtails W, 47 Meadow Pipits W, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 37 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 9 Reed Buntings.
At Grenham Bay Terry Wilson found 3 Little Egrets, 6 Turnstone, 1 Kingfisher and 10 Meadow Pipits and at Reculver Marc Heath found the Snow Bunting and 2 Wheatears.
September 30th
Matt spent the morning ringing at Shuart where he saw 10 Song Thrushes, 6 Ring-necked Parakeets, 8 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrests, 1 Tree Pipit W, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Clouded Yellow.
This morning Derek Smith completed his regular walk from Shuart to Chamber's Wall and recorded 7  Common Buzzards, 28 alba Wagtails W, 30 Meadow Pipits W, 66 Chaffinches W, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 72 Chiffchaffs, 2 Stonechats and 2 Corn Buntings.
This afternoon at Reculver, Matt saw 4 Common Buzzards, 5 Kestrels, 11 Chiffchaffs, 20 House Martins, 30  Swallows and 2 Wall Browns.