Reculver Sightings - March

138 species have been recorded in the area so far this year

If you visit Reculver please email your observations to

christopherhindle@hotmail.com

March 31st 

We began a walk along the seawall at Reculver but soon "chickened out" because there was a westerly gale blowing, it was raining and cold. We therefore visited one or two more sheletered sites on the Marsh and saw 19 Mute Swans, 4 Mallard, 16 Shoveler, 24 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Coot, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

March 30th 

Marc Heath had a walk from the Towers to Coldharbour this morning before work in cloudy conditions which turned to heavy rain on his return walk. Birds he noted were 45 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 11 Linnets, 18 Oystercatchers, 7 Meadow Pipits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Shelducks and 24 Mute Swans. The highlight was 3 male Yellow Wagtails, one flew W and 2 were on the beach showing well, but the weather did not allow the camera out. Other bits were 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Swallows and  3 Shoveler.

A quick look from the car after work at Reculver produced 12 Swallows W, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Turnstones.

March 29th 

This morning we met Matt at Shuart at 0800 and walked to the sea and then along the seawall to Coldharbour before returning along the railway embankment. We saw 51 Mute Swans, 4 Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 6 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 37 Oystercatchers, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 19 Redshank, 18 Sanderling, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 male Ring Ouzel disturbed by a passing train, 1 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 singing Sedge Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest, 32 Linnets and 1 Corn Bunting.

March 28th 

With only a few hours birding this morning, Marc Heath made a visit to Shuart to see if any migrants were on offer. He walked almost down to the sea before returning back and noted the following. As he walked down the main path near the crossing he glanced over to view a dyke and was amazed to see the back end of a bird vanishing into the reeds. He got into a better position and had superb views of a Bittern, a rare bird in the area. It was always pretty well hidden but for 20 minutes he was able to view from close range, being joined by Matt Hindle to share the experience. Whilst here, a small warbler dropped into the reeds and started singing and showed occasionally. He was pleased to confirm the first Sedge Warbler of the year. Other birds noted today were 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Long tailed Tits, 6 Red legged Partridges, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Skylarks, 2 Redwings S, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Barn Owl hunting, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 Canada Geese towards Brooksend. There were also 3 Goldfinches, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

After seeing the Bittern Matt continued birding in the Shuart area and added the following to what Marc had seen: 8 Greylag Geese, 6 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 1 Woodcock, 2 White Wagtails, 5 Fieldfares, 1 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaffs and 2 Corn Buntings.

He then visited Reculver where he saw 1 Shelduck, 5 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 33 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Sand Martin and 3 Chiffchaffs.

We managed to avoid all the excitemnet as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back round the railway embankment! All we saw was 61 Mute Swans, 10 Greylag Geese W, 7 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Oystercatchers, 16 Redshank, 16 Turnstone,1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff.

March 27th 

On a beautiful spring morning we walked from Shuart to the sea meeting Chris Solly in the process. Between us we saw 2 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Little Owl calling, 1 Jay, 2 Swallows W, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 5 White Wagtails, 5 Pied Wagtails and 4 Chiffchaffs.

On our way home we dropped in at Reculver and found 4 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 36 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Little Grebes, 6 Coot, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Ross Crates found a few birds in the Reculver area this morning. He walked from Bishopstone around the Oyster Farm and back. In the bushes near the blue house with the tower at Bishopstone was a Firecrest and a singing Willow Warbler, our first of the year. There were at least 4 Sand Martins towards the Reculver end of the cliffs, and a smart male Ring Ouzel was in the bushes in the Oyster Farm, but flew it off west. There were also 2 Swallows W and a Sparrowhawk was hunting round the Towers.

Marc Heath arrived at Bishopstone Glen to the sound of the dawn chorus at 0515, noting the common species in song plus 1 Goldcrest singing, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Shelduck E and a few Meadow Pipits W. He then opted for Chambers Wall where he walked the Green Wall to the Towers before walking along the sea wall and back. It was quite hard going but a few good species made it into the notebook. Highlights were 1 singing Firecrest which showed well at times, 1 male Ring Ouzel in bushes at Chambers Wall near the railway crossing and 1 Little Ringed Plover which flew W over the Oyster Farm calling. Other birds noted were 7 Skylarks, 10 Linnets, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Teal, 7 Shelduck, 9 Oystercatcher, 18 Redshank and 4 Little Grebes. There were also 59 Mute Swans, 1 Swallow W, 23 Turnstone, 8 Ringed Plover, 5 Reed Buntings and 15 Meadow Pipits. He then spent 45 minutes raptor watching from Shuart which was quite productive with 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel and 1 ring tail Hen Harrier noted.

March 26th 

It was very quiet, ornithologically, this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back round the Green Wall. We only saw 35 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, 12 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 14 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Turnstone, 2 Swallows E, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinches, 16 Linnets and 14 Reed Buntings.

March 25th 

It was dul and showery this morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and back along the railway embamkment and Green Wall. We saw 55 Mute Swans, 3 Greylag Geese, 15 Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 13 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Grey Partridges, 22 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Golden Plover, 15 Turnstone, 21 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 32 Carrion Crows, 1 Sand Martin W, 1 Wheatear, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff.

David and June Elliott walked from Hillborough to Coldharbour along the railway and then back along seawall to Bishopstone. They saw 2 Mistle Thrushes, 82 Mute Swans, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Moorhens, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Coot, 25 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebes, 5 Pochard, 5 Redshank, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Pheasants, 4 Chiffchaffs, 12 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 16 Skylarks, 15 Blackbirds, 6 Meadow Pipits and 1 Cetti's Warbler. A damp but enjoyable walk.

March 24th 

On a bright and mild morning we walked from Shuart to the sea and saw 2 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 6 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 2 Redshank, 11 Sanderling, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Long-tailed Tits, including a pair nest building, 5 Pied Wagtails, 1 White Wagtail, 1 male Blackcap singing, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest and 8 Goldfinches.

Later at Brook we saw 5 Mallard, 6 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 28 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Coot, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 3 Chiffchaffs singing.

Derek Smith spent the morning at Reculver and found a Wheatear on the rocks by the car park, 3 Swallows flying W, 2 Scandinavian Rock Pipits, 1 female Blackcap and 2 Chiffchafffs.

Later he joined Tim Hodge at Shuart where a walk round the farm produced 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 11 Song Thrushes.

March 23rd 

This morning we arrived at Reculver just as the fog was clearing and for a while it was bright and sunny but as we returned to Reculver clouds blew in from the south east. We walked up to Coldharbour and back via the railway embankment and saw 79 Mute Swans, 1 Greylag Goose, 19 Brent Geese, 8 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 18 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 9 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 26 Redshank, 1 first winter Mediterranean Gull, 42 Carrion Crows, 2 Swallows flying W, 1 Black Redstart on the rocks at Reculver and 41 Linnets.

Derek Smith walked from Reculver to Plumpudding Stables, this morning, meeting Tim Hodge and Colin Osborne on the way. They saw 1 Common Buzzard, 13 Golden Plover, 56 Sanderling, 3 Swallows flying E, 3 Sand Martins flying E, 2 Black Redstarts, 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest.

March 22nd 

This morning we had an enjoyable walk in pleasant conditions. From Shuart we walked east to Brooksend and then north to the sea and back by way of Shuart drove. We saw a good range of species including 3 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 5 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Red Kites flying S at Brooksend, 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 8 Lapwings, 6 Golden Plover, 3 Snipe, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jays, 12 Pied Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Swallow flying NW, 5 Redwings, 13 Chiffchaffs, 45 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling flying W and 8 Goldfinches.

A brief stop at Reculver on the way home produced 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 32 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 7 Coot, 2 Jays and 2 Chiffchaffs.

March 21st 

Marc Heath started out at Shuart this morning at 0530 where the commoner species were logged in the dawn chorus. As he left 10 Redwings flew S, 3 Red legged Partridges were seen and 1 Little Grebe was in the Chambers Wall dyke. 1 Chiffchaff called near Brook on his way to Reculver where he walked to Coldharbour and back in drizzly conditions. Birds noted were 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plovers, 66 Mute Swans, 11 Turnstone, 1 Little Egret, 15 Meadow Pipits, 4 Wheatears, 3 together in the newly ploughed field near Coldharbour and 1 Rock Pipit. There were also 7 Oystercatchers, 8 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Plover, 10 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 14 Golden Plover and 1 Great Crested Grebe offshore. A text from Chris had him driving to Brooksend to scan for 2 Canada Geese which after a few minutes were heard and seen briefly in flight before landing out of view. Also here was 1 Ring necked Parakeet, 2 Marsh Harriers, a mixed flock of about 60 Fieldfares and Redwings, 1 Skylark and 1 Red legged Partridge.

We did the same walk from 0800 and added 22 Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 1 Fulmar, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Spotted Redshank and 53 Carrion Crows to what Marc had seen previously.

Matt was also out early at Shuart and found 2 Canada Geese, an unusual sight on the Marsh, 7 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Golden Plover, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Fieldfares, 68 Redwings, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Firecrests and 2 Corn Buntings.

Next he visited the Reculver area where he saw 3 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Chiffchaffs and 2 Firecrest.

March 20th 

Marc Heath arrived at Bishopstone Glen at 0515 to the sound of the dawn chorus already in full swing. Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks and Woodpigeons were making for a good start to the day. He had a brief walk around noting 4 singing Chiffchaffs, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Sparrowhawks. He then drove to Reculver and walked to Coldharbour and back, mostly in cloudy conditions with a stiff breeze. Birds he noted were 3 Chiffchaffs, 35 Brent Geese, 3 Curlews, 19 Pied Wagtails, 57 Meadow Pipits W, 10 Chaffinches, 76 Mute Swans, 1 Red-throated Diver W, 9 Golden Plover, 17 Oystercatchers, 8 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plover, 5 Grey Plover, 10 Redshank and approximately 130 Black headed Gulls offshore. There were also 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Ringed Plover W calling, 17 Linnets, 4 Dunlin, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Mallard, 7 Shelduck, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Sand Martins flying low W, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Skylark, 1 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 1 Siskin in the Caravan Park and 2 Black Redstarts, one near the Towers and one on rocks below Bishopstone.

Knowing Marc was walking along the seawall from Reculver this morning we decided to walk in from Chamber's Wall and along the railway embankment and Green Wall. We did not see very much for our troubles, just 68 Mute Swans, 11 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebes, 4 Coot, 16 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 9 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 32 Carrion Crows, 3 White Wagtails, 6 Great Tits W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Linnets W and 11 Chaffinches.

Overnight there was a movement of Redwings over Bishopstone.

March 19th 

This morning I received an early morning text from March Heath to say that he had found 2 Wheatears at Reculver. We arrived just after he had left and walked to Coldharbour and between us we saw 53 Mute Swans, 80 Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Partridges, 22 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Grey Plover, 14 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Dunlin, 9 Sanderling, 22 Carrion Crows, 2 Rock Pipits, including 1 Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 9 "alba" Wagtails, 8 Wheatears, 5 males and 3 females, and 2 Chiffchaffs singing in the bushes beside the seawall.

This afternoon as it began to drizzle we visited Reculver caravan bushes and Brook and Shuart Farms. We saw 21 Mute Swans, 3 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 29 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 6 Coot, 2 Chiffchaffs and 14 Goldfinches.

March 18th 

There were one or two summer migrants to be seen this morning. Before we drove to Shuart we had a quick look at Reculver and found both a Black Redstart and a Chiffchaff sitting on the fence below the Towers.

We then drove to Shuart and walked to the sea and saw 2 Brent Geese, 4 Mallard, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Coots, 8 displaying Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 12 "alba" Wagtails flying W and a newly arrived Chiffchaff singing by the seawall.

On our arrival home there was a pristine Comma sunning itself on our back door step.

Even though it was still relatively mild this afternoon there was an increasingly blustery southerly wind as we walked from Chamber's Wall and round the ralway embankment to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 23 Mute Swans, 2 Brent Geese, 13 Shelduck, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 male Marsh Harrier, 22 Golden Plover, 9 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 64 Black-headed Gulls flying NW in a tight flock, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Linnets W and 12 Chaffinches.

March 17th 

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour in hazy sunshine and saw 59 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 86 Brent Geese, 10 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Sparrowhawk, 29 Oystercatchers, 8 Ringed Plover, 450 Golden Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 14 Turnstone, 12 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling and 2 Rock Pipits.

March 16th 

On another beautiful spring morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and around the Green Wall to Coldharbour. There was very little moving and most birds seemed to be those we had seen in the last few days. There were 47 Mute Swans, 51 Brent Geese, 8 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Oystercatchers, 460 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Turnstone, 11 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Woodpecker, 41 Carrion Crows at the Wantsum outflow, 2 Stonechats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 42 Starlings flying W.

March 15th 

On a beautiful sunny spring morning we walked from Shuart to the sea. There were a few birds moving W and these included 3 "alba" Wagtails, 3 Jackdaws, 6 Siskins, 8 Goldfinches, 102 Chaffinches and 2 Yellowhammers. Other birds we saw were 110 Brent Geese, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 8 displaying Lapwings, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 11 Long-tailed Tits and 10 Redwings.

Later at Reculver we saw 88 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Coot and 1 Green Woodpecker.

March 14th 

We have just returned from a brief visit to Ibiza to see our daughter where the weather is just the same as here but a bit damper. The cold conditions are hampering migration and those hirundines and warblers we saw looked very sorry for themselves and there were even one or two Sand Martins that had succumbed to the cold conditions. It seems that it will be a while before any numbers of migrants will arrive here. Having said that, as we waited at some roadworks at Bishopstone this morning, a Blackcap was in full song in a bush next to the car.

At Reculver we walked from the Towers to Coldharbour and saw 52 Mute Swans, 54 Brent Geese, 10 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 3 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 17 Oystercatchers, 8 Ringed Plover, 520 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 4 Turnstone, 14 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Stonechats and 3 Snow Buntings.

There was frog spawn in the pond in our garden at Bishopstone this morning.

March 13th 

Marc Heath arrived at Reculver at 0600 where he hoped there might be a migrant Black Redstart or Wheatear in the area but despite a good search, this proved to be negative. He walked from the Towers to Coldharbour and back and noted 22 Ringed Plover, 21 Redshank, 7 Grey Plover, 10 Shelduck, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Oystercatchers, 12 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 4 Turnstone, 80 Golden Plover, 1 Fulmar W, 1 Wigeon W, 1 Grey Heron and 3 Greylag Geese out to sea. There were also 30 Sanderling, 1 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 70 Mute Swans in the area, 1 Stonechat, 140 Brent Geese, 1 Common Buzzard E along the coast, a few small groups of Chaffinch W and 3 singing Skylark.

A brief visit to Shuart for some raptor watching produced 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. Other birds here were 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Ring necked Parakeets, 1 Jay and a few Chaffinches moving W.

March 9th 

The bitter east wind was still blowing as we walked around the Oyster Farm lagoons this morning. We saw 42 Mute Swans, 31 Brent Geese, 4 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 3 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-throated Divers E, 1 Great Crested Grebe E, 1 Little Egret, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier, 12 Oystercatchers, 12 Redshank, 3 Snipe and 7 Fieldfares.

March 8th 

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and met Matt who had walked in from Chamber's Wall. Between us we saw 56 Mute Swans, 120 Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 12 Oysterctachers, 8 Ringed Plover, 52 Golden Plover, 32 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 11 Sanderling, 1 Rock Pipit, 9 Fieldfares and 2 Stonechats.

This afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and at Netherhale Farm we saw the palest Buzzard I have ever seen, sitting in a conifer tree. At first glance and at a range of 400 metres it could have been mistaken for a white Gyr! It was completely white except for a pale ginger tail and grey/black primaries and secondaries. I'm not sure of the proportions of pale birds to dark ones in the UK but we appear to have more than our fair share of very pale birds on the Marsh. Other birds we saw included 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 18 Corn Buntings.

March 7th 

The strength of the wind had dropped a bit this morning and was from an easterly direction but today the sun shone as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour. There is still not much to be seen and our walk produced 55 Mute Swans, 168 Brent Geese, 14 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 10 Ringed Plover, 7 Grey Plover, 31 Redshank, 7 Dunlin, 47 Sanderling, 7 Fieldfares, 2 Stonechats and 1 Snow Bunting still on the beach near Reculver.

With only a couple of hours out birding this morning, Marc Heath arrived at a frosty Shuart at 0545 and wandered down to the sea and back. A good selection of birds was noted including 2 Long-eared Owls, 4 Little Grebes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Greylag Goose, 130 Cormorant out to sea, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 13 Mute Swans and 9 Linnets. He noted a distant Barn Owl hunting near Chambers Wall and as he neared the sea, a little later, 1 ring-tail Hen Harrier was mobbing the same or another Barn Owl. The owl flew by allowing lovely views and a few shots were taken in the early morning light. Other birds were 2 Kestrels, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Fieldfares, 4 Golden Plover, 6 Long tailed Tits, 6 Song Thrushes, 1 Jay, 1 Ring necked Parakeet, 5 Red legged Partridges, 1 singing Skylark and as he drove up the lane 1 Woodcock flew low towards the small wood.

March 6th 

There was not much to be seen this morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour in a very fresh and chilly northerly wind. All we saw were 74 Mute Swans, 16 Brent Geese, 8 Shelduck, 9 Mallard, 7 Little Grebes, 1 Kestrel, 5 Turnstone, 7 Redshank and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler on the railway embankment.

Marc Heath arrived at a chilly Reculver at 0630 where a stiff NNE wind was blowing. He had a quick look from the Towers that produced very little except 1 Curlew and a few Cormorants and Oystercatchers. He walked down to Coldharbour not seeing much on the way except 21 Redshank, 7 Shelduck, 1 Stonechat, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Tufted Ducks and a steady movement of Herring and Common Gulls. He then walked inland to Chambers Wall seeing not much again but 2 Skylarks, but on returning to the coast the tide had receded and waders were starting to appear. Birds noted were 10 Oystercatchers, 36 Sanderling, 12 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 Knot, 20 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 4 Grey Plover and 200 Brent Geese. He ended up driving to the Shuart layby to scan for raptors. Birds noted were 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels and 1 Green Woodpecker.

March 5th 

Even though it was sunny this morning as we walked along the seawall to Coldharbour there was a chilly, eye-watering westerly breeze. Birds we saw included 41 Mute Swans, 173 Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 23 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plover, 32 Golden Plover, 5 Grey Plover, 2 Turnstone, 15 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 12 Dunlin, 41 Sanderling, 11 Fieldfare and 2 Snow Buntings.

Roger Thomson and Chris Solly had a look at the sea at Minnis Bay from 0800 for an hour or so. They saw at least 150 Red-throated Divers, and singles of Great Northern Diver and Black-throated Divers that were feeding offshore. A couple of large auks headed E and on the edge of the rocks there were 180 Dunlin, 84 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit with a handful of Redshanks and Turnstone. On the sandbanks there were 60 seals and an estimated 110 Cormorants.

Derek Smith spent a couple of hours late morning walking to the Riding Stables from Shuart and seeing the following: 4 Marsh Harriers, 4 Kestrels, 1 Peregrine, 12 Fieldfares, 3 Snow Buntings and large numbers of waders flying W, mostly Sanderling, Oystercatchers, Turstone and Ringed Plover, with a few Redshank, Grey Plover, Dunlin and a singles of Bar-tailed Godwit and Knot, presumably going to roost at White Post Hole after being displaced from Minnis Bay.  

Later Derek had a walk along West Brook Valley which was mostly quiet but there were 6 Chiffchaffs feeding actively in the warm sun trap along the valley.

March 4th 

This morning we walked along Brook Valley and saw 31 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 28 Moorhens, 9 Coot, 800 Woodpigeons, 36 nest at the rookery with 74 birds in the area, 3 wintering Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldfinches and 1 Bullfinch.

March 3rd 

This morning we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour with the tide a long way out and saw 55 Mute Swans, 241 Brent Geese, 12 Shelduck, 19 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 1 adult Peregrine sitting in a field, 20 Oystercatchers, 6 Ringed Plover, 46 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Turnstone, 13 Redshank, 5 Dunlin and 1 Stonechat.

Julie Childs saw a Red Kite fly across the Thanet Way towards Reculver during the morning.

This afternoon we walked from Shuart to the sea and saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 6 Fieldfares and 5 Corn Buntings.

March 2nd 

I spent the morning at my ringing site near Reculver where I saw 12 Mallard, 22 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 2 displaying Sparrowhawks, 12 Coot, 800 Woodpigeons, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler.

March 1st 

Today's weather could not have been more different to yesterday's awful conditions. It was a sunny early spring morning as we walked from Reculver to Coldharbour and then back inland. We saw 36 Mute Swans, 388 Brent Geese, 18 Shelduck, 6 Mallard, 11 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 24 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Grey Partridges, 9 Coot, 16 Oystercatchers, 100 Lapwings, 15 Ringed Plover, including 3 pairs displaying, 85 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 25 Turnstone, 52 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 23 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Sanderling, 350 Woodpigeons, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 3 Stonechats and 4 Goldfinches.

On a beautiful afternoon we walked from Shuart to Brooksend and found 2 Grey Herons, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 11 Red-legged Partridges, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Fieldfares and 6 Goldfinches.