Sep2010

September 30th

Matt and I spent this morning ringing at Shuart during which time we saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Grey Partridges, a flock of 20 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin and 4 Sanderling flying S, 23 Lapwings, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Snipe, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 21 Skylarks, 18 Swallows W, 2 House Martins W, 1 Tree Pipit W, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Redwing, 36 Song Thrushes, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcaps, 13 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Brambling W, 214 Chaffinches W, 31 Siskin W, 35 Goldfinches and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Whilst we were ringing Anne walked round the Bishopstone area and found 2 Kestrels, 6 Swallows W, 6 House Martins W, 8 Blue Tits, 6 Chiffchaffs and 1 Willow Warbler.

Derek Smith was also out early this morning and saw 6 Chiffchaffs at Reculver and 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 20 Chiffchaffs and 1 Brambling at Chamber's Wall.

Brambling © Derek Smith

September 29th

This morning it was overcast and drizzly, but there were lots of birds about. The undoubted highlight, for us, was a Hawfinch flying south low over the Chamber's Wall car park just after we had arrived. Other birds we saw as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Plumpudding Stables and back were 1 Shelduck, 9 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 7 Curlew Sandpipers W, 2 Ruff E, 1 Short-eared Owl roosting in Coldharbour, 24 Skylarks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 46 Meadow Pipits, 34 Swallows, 25 House Martins, 15 Song Thrushes, 1 Redwing, 3 Stonechats, 1 Common Redstart, 20 Robins, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 21 Chiffchaffs, 1 Firecrest, 35 Starlings W, 18 Goldfinches, 45 Linnets, 5 Bramblings, 30 Reed Buntings and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Also this morning Mark Ashton saw about 35 Brent Geese flying W at Reculver.

This afternoon we walked along the clifftop from Reculver towards Bishopstone before walking inland and returning behind the caravan park. We saw 11 Brent Geese W, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Grey Partridges, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 110 Swallows W, 20 House Martins W, 50 Meadow Pipits, 1 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaffs, 137 Chaffinches W and 1 Lapland Bunting.

September 28th

I thought there would be some migrants in the bushes this morning in overcast, drizzly conditions, but I was disappointed. We walked from Shuart to the sea and round the Plumpudding Riding Centre bushes but only saw 1 Marsh Harrier, 19 Golden Plover, 4 Swallows, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 14 Robins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 16 Reed Buntings.

As is often the way at Reculver different areas and groups of bushes have different amounts of birds and Derek Smith had much more success than we had when he birded Chamber's Wall and the surrounding area. He found 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 6 Stonechats, 5 Common Redstarts, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 26 Chiffchaffs and 2 Corn Buntings.

Female Common Redstart © Derek Smith

Later at Reculver we saw 1 Brent Goose flying W and disturbed a Short-eared Owl from beside the seawall and also saw a Grey Wagtail flying W.

During the day Colin Osborne found a Greenshank and a Little Stint in the Oyster Farm lagoons.

Mickey Baldock was also out birdwatching at Bishopstone and Reculver and saw 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Common Redstarts, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Paul Kerry was at the Towers from 0700 to 1100 until 3 coach loads of school children turned up!. He had a flock of 65 Common Scoter, 47 Brent Geese, 1 Bar tailed Godwit and 20 Wigeon flying past. There was also 1 Wheatear and 1 Grey Wagtail on the beach between the car park and the Towers and 3 Siskins in the bushes next to the caravan site. At least 40 Swallows passed over and 15+ Meadow Pipits fed on the grassy areas. He didn't however see the Snow Bunting unfortunately!

September 27th

It felt completely different this morning, with the sun shining and with no wind, as we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the Green Wall meeting Derek Smith on the way back. Birds we saw included 21 Mallard, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Oystercatchers, 1 Grey Plover, 6 Redshank, 2 Swallows, 21 Meadow Pipits, 2 Reed Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 14 Chiffchaffs and 17 Linnets.

Derek Smith's totals for his walk around Chambers Wall this morning were 2 Bramblings, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Kingfisher, 460 Starlings W and around Shuart, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Brambling © Derek Smith

Francis Tusa did a largely abortive sea watch from 0835 to 1130. It was very quiet. Meadow Pipits flew W constantly, and he must have seen well over 300 in groups of 4-8 over the time he was there. A steady stream, too of Swallows, with two bursts of about 50 House Martins. Highlights of the sea watch were 1 Black-throated Diver W, 1 Red-throated Diver W, 1 diver sp W, 1 Black Tern W and 1 Arctic Skua E.

During the day Colin Osborne found a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl on the Marsh.

This afternoon we walked round Reculver bushes and found 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Swallows, 1 Redwing, 1 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat , 3 Whinchats and 9 Great Tits, 8 Blue Tits, 14 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest in a flock.

September 26th

Rather than spend another freezing session seawatching at the Towers we decided to see what we could find in the bushes at Reculver, Brook, Chamber's Wall and Shuart. In the event it was rather quiet and we only saw 2 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 134 Coot, 1 Kingfisher, 8 unhappy looking Swallows feeding in the lee of the bushes at Chamber's Wall and 5 Chiffchaffs.

Marc Heath did brave the conditions and arrived at a very windy Reculver at 0600 and slowly made his way to the Towers for yet another seawatch. He only had a couple of hours but in that time there was a steady trickle of birds, mainly W, to keep the interest up. Birds noted were 44 Wigeon, 84 Gannets, 5 Great Skuas, 14 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 20 Dunlin, 17 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Tern, 4 Pintail, 2 Grey Plover, 35 Knot, 1 Snipe and 5 Swallows.

Derek Smith also watched from the Towers from 0730 to 1030, along with around 8 other birders, and though it was slow for the first hour, there ended up a steady movement of Great Skuas and Gannets and a few other bits all moving W: 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull 0945, 45 Great Skuas, 12 Arctic Skuas, 120 Gannets, 49 Wigeon, 42 Tea,l 4 Pintail, 2 Golden Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 20 Knot, 2 Curlew, 25 Dunlin and 1 Peregrine.

After Derek had left Stephen Message remained at the Towers until 1230 and added a second Sabine's Gull in the company of 2 Black Terns at 1105, 4 Little Gulls, 3 juveniles and 1 adult, 7 Brent Geese, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 3 Arctic Skuas, 11 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Terns, 8 Sandwich Terns, 5 Shelduck and the male Snow Bunting.

Great Skua © Marc Heath

September 25th

I arrived at the Towers even before Marc this morning and we were soon joined by other birders hoping for a repeat of yesterday afternoon's movement. Numbers of birders soon built up to about 40, but unfortunately it was much quieter than yesterday. In four and a half hours from 0615 we saw the following: 4 Shelduck W, 2 Teal W, 2 Pintail W, 23 Wigeon W, 48 Common Scoter, 1 Black-throated Diver, 3 Red-throated Divers, 146 Gannets, 1 Sooty Shearwater W, 1 Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 4 Golden Plover S, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits W, 22 Dunlin W, 6 Grey Phalaropes, including a party of 5 birds seen by Lee Evans in flight and sitting on the sea, 5 Arctic Skuas, 52 Great Skuas, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 juvenile Little Gull, 3 Common Terns and 11 Sandwich Terns. The male Snow Bunting was seen again and there were at least 8 Chifchaffs sunning themselves in Reculver caravan bushes.

We then spent half an hour at Minnis Bay and saw 60 Gannets W, 1 Grey Phalarope W, 6 Great Skuas W, 12 Sandwich Terns and 1 Brambling flying over calling.

September 24th

This morning we walked from Shuart to the sea and west along the seawall to Coldharbour and then back along the railway embankment. Birds we saw included 18 Mallard, 6 Grey Herons, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Kestrels, 36 Coot, 27 Golden Plover, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 18 Swallows, 20 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 42 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 2 Lapland Buntings seen and heard twice over the fields between Coldharbour and Minnis Bay.

For a change the weather forecast was correct! When we arrived at Reculver for a seawatch at 1345 there was a freshening NNW wind, which over the next hour, increased to gale force with heavy showers. During the next four hours about 15 birders witnessed a very good and varied seabird movement . Birds seen included 2 Brent Geese W, the first of the autumn, 54 Wigeon W, 1 Teal, 1 Pintail E, 35 Common Scoter, 3 Black-throated Divers, 151 Gannets, 9 Manx Shearwaters, 13 Sooty Shearwaters, 1 Leach's Petrel W, 70 Great Skuas, 1 juvenile Pomarine Skua W, 17 Arctic Skuas, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull W, 1 juvenile Little Gull W, 66 Kittiwakes, 2 Black Terns, 1 Arctic Tern W, 16 Common Terns, 7 Sandwich Terns, 1 Guillemot and 2 Razorbills W.

The male Snow Bunting was also seen around the Towers.

September 23rd

The promised rain did not materialise and so we spent another morning ringing at Shuart. We saw 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Kestrel, 52 Lapwings, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 18 Swallows S, 6 House Martins S, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 23 Chiffchaffs and 4 Siskins W.

Grasshopper Warbler © Chris Hindle

This afternoon we walked along the cliffs from Reculver towrds Bishopstone and then inland to Brook before returning across the fields to Reculver. We saw 63 Mute Swans, 4 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 6 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrels, 80 Swallows, 40 House Martins, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs and 1 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Spotted Flycatcher in the clifftop bushes.

September 22nd

On another warm September morning Matt and I ringed at Shuart between 0630 and 1030. During this time we saw 10 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrels, 39 Lapwings, 5 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 3 Mistle Thrushes W, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 20 Blackcaps, 40 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest and 5 Siskins flying W.

Juvenile male Sparrowhawk © Chris Hindle

Derek Smith birded the Chamber's Wall area and the railway embankment, this morning, and found 1 Grey Wagtail W, 40+ Blue Tits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Blackcaps and 32 Chiffchaffs.

Marc Heath arrived at Reculver at 0715 where he spent 45 minutes walking around the Towers and caravan park. He hoped to connect with the Snow Bunting which after some searching was located on the footpath behind the Towers. It then flew up onto the caravan roofs where it spent some time in the morning sunshine allowing a few shots. Other birds seen were 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Black-tailed Godwit W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Teal W, 14 Swallows and 1 Mistle Thrush.

Male Snow Bunting © Marc Heath

Mickey Baldock was also out and had 24 Grey Herons flying SW and 6 Mistle Thrushes flying W. Ben Ring managed to photograph the Grey Herons and also saw at least 2 Kingfishers.

24 Grey Herons © Ben Ring

This afternoon we walked to Coldharbour and saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 26 Ringed Plovers, 9 Golden Plovers, 16 Turnstone, 21 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 13 Sanderling, 4 Sandwich Terns, 3 Wheatears and 5 Chiffchaffs.

September 21st

On a beautiful early autumn morning we walked from Reculver round Coldharbour and back. We found 2 Shelduck, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Little Egrets, 4 Oystercatchers, 97 Ringed Plovers, 23 Tunstone, 1 Snipe, 21 Redshank, 14 Sandwich Terns, 55 Meadow Pipits, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 42 Linnets and the male Snow Bunting still on the path leading up to the Towers.

Wheatear and male Snow Bunting © Chris Hindle

September 20th

On a cloudy, drizzly morning with a SW breeze blowing we had an uneventful walk from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back along the railway embankment. We saw 2 Shelduck, 77 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 12 Ringed Plovers, including a dark C.h.tundrae type bird, 1 Golden Plover, 5 Turnstone, 19 Redshank, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 35 House Martins W, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs and 25 Linnets.

Alan Cooke found a male Snow Bunting near the Towers this morning, the first of the autumn.

This morning we walked south from Reculver to the railway line and then on to the Green Wall before returning back along the seawall. We saw 49 Mute Swans, 7 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 4 Kestrels, 134 Coot, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 11 Little Gulls W, 8 Sandwich Terns, 1 Sand Martin W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 11 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.

With only a couple of hours available for birding this morning, Marc Heath arrived at Reculver just after 0600 where he walked down to Coldharbour and back. There was quite a covering of cloud early on but on the way back the sun at last come out. Birds he noted this morning were 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrels, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Cormorants, 5 Chiffchaffs, 500+ Black headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 47 Ringed Plovers, 6 Turnstone, 21 Redshank, 6 Grey Plovers E, 4 Bar tailed Godwits W, 2 Kingfishers chasing each other along the beach, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier which flushed 13 Little Egrets from the Oyster Farm, 8 Mallard and 4 Meadow Pipits. There were also 5 Stock Doves, 1 Peregrine chasing a small wader offshore which after a short chase ended in misery for the wader, 7 Pied Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, 13 Swallows, 2 Shelduck, 2 Dunlin, 80+ Linnets, 7 Golden Plovers, 4 Teal, 1 Goldcrest at Coldharbour on the beach and 2 Sandwich Terns.

I spent the morning ringing near Reculver and saw 42 Mute Swans, 6 Mallard, 13 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 8 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 119 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Blackcaps, 14 Chiffchaffs and 5 Goldcrest.

Marc Heath arrived at Reculver at 0600 with Phil Parker already there!! They had a brief look at the Towers which was very quiet with the only highlight being 5 Pink footed Geese flying W at sea at 0645. They then moved on to Chambers Wall where Derek Smith had found a Spotted Flycatcher but despite a look, they could not find it again. There were 6 Chiffchaffs in the car park and 1 Peregrine flew over. Phil decided on a trip to Oare and Marc went to Shuart where he spent a few hours wandering to the sea and back. Birds he noted were 6 Common Terns, 6 Meadow Pipits, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 31 Mallard, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Kestrels, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Corn Buntings, 51 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Pied Wagtails, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Hobby, 16 Swallows and a few Reed Buntings.

Derek Smith made a 0700 start at Chambers Wall, followed by a slow walk up to Coldharbour, along the shingle ridge, back to the crossing and up to the Green Wall and back at 1100. He saw 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Redshank at Coldharbour, 1 Greenshank also at Coldharbour, 4 Curlew, 2 Shelduck, 35 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Stonechats, 1 Spotted Flycatcher at the car park, 1 Rock Pipit and 1 Lapland Bunting calling flying S over Coldharbour.

A Leach's Petrel reported flying W past the Towers was seen by Francis Tusa at 0700. He writes "having turned up at Reculver just after 0700 (a 0500 start from Camden Town!) I saw it heading purposefully, diagonally from the NE in towards the shore, and at its closest was c150m. The white rump and wing bars were both seen clearly. Utterly fortuitous!" Other birds he saw included 12 Great Skuas (10 W, 2E), 16 Arctic Skuas (13 W, 3 E) and 1 Black Tern E.

This afternoon we walked round Shuart and found a group of buzzards flying up from the trees, thermalling to a good height and then drifting S. The group was made up of 10 Common Buzzards and 2 Honey Buzzards, an adult and a juvenile. Other birds we saw included 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.

Matt and I arrived at Shuart at 0640 with the intention of ringing, but it was too windy so we decided to do a seawatch instead. We arrived at the Towers at 0715 to find Derek Smith had already been there for half an hour with a few other birders. Although there was only a trickle of birds moving through there was good variety that kept us there until 0900. We saw 27 Pink-footed Geese flying NW, (10 + 10 + 7), 6 Wigeon W, 16 Common Scoter W, 1 diver sp, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater W, 5 Gannets, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Ruff, 3 Arctic Skuas W, 4 Great Skuas, 2 Black Terns W, 2 Common Terns W and 12 Sandwich Terns W. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua was also reported flying W during the morning.

We then had a look at Reculver caravan bushes and saw 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Reed Warbler and 2 Chiffchaffs before returning to Shuart bushes were we found 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 60 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 2 Jays, 20 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 18 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.

Derek Smith birded the Chamber's Wall and Coldharbour area and found 2 Pintails flying W, 30 Sandwich Terns and 11 Chiffchaffs.

We spent the morning ringing at Shuart where there had been a decent overnight arrival of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. We saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin, 2 Kestrels, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Swift W, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 200 Swallows W, 50 House Martins W, 20 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 60 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 35 Chiffchaffs and 1 Goldcrest.

Derek Smith started birding at Shuart around 0700 and walked the hedges up to the Stables, then back along the embankment to the Green Wall and on to the Chamber's Wall hedges and returned along Potten Street Road at round 1100. He saw 6 Kestrels, 1 Peregrine, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 29 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 Tree Sparrow with the House Sparrow flock at the Stables, 2 Swifts W, 250 Swallows W, 350 House Martins W, 55 Meadow Pipits W and 2 Corn Buntings.

He then had a two hour seawatch from the Towers which was slow but there was a trickle of birds and he recorded 13 Gannets W, 15 Great Skuas W, 11 Arctic Skuas W, 1 Grey Heron W and 1 Osprey in off the sea S over the Oyster Farm.

This afternoon we did the Chamber's Wall - Coldharbour - Green Wall loop and saw 4 Shelduck, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrels, 6 Ringed Plovers, 9 Turnstone, 7 Redshank, 2 Great Skuas in from the sea that climbed higher before drifting inland towards Pegwell Bay, 1 Sandwich Tern, 8 Chiffchaffs and 45 Linnets.

We completed a similar walk to yesterday between 0800 and 0930 in bright but cooler conditions. We saw 2 Shelduck, 5 Mallard, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Hobby, 3 Kestrels, 12 Oystercatchers, 22 Ringed Plovers, 1 Golden Plover, 24 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Whitethroats and 20 Chiffchaffs. As we returned home a Hobby flew over Bishopstone.

On a blustery morning we walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and back via the Green Wall. We saw 68 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 2 Hobbies, 3 Kestrels, 9 Oystercatchers, 4 Turnstone, 3 Curlew, 21 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 115 Swallows W, 146 House Martins W, 1 Sand Martin W, 30 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Whitethroats, 11 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 35 Linnets.

This morning we had an enjoyable two hour walk from Reculver, along the Green Wall to the railway and then west to Oar Farm and back along the footpath to Reculver. We saw a good range of species including 36 Mute Swans, 1 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 13 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Honey Buzzard flying W down West Brook Valley, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 119 Coot, 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 7 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Sand Martins, 250 Swallows W, 18 alba Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaffs and 2 Lapland Buntings flying W over the Towers calling repeatedly.

During our walk we met Derek Smith who had been out in the Chamber's Wall area since 0630 and had seen 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Peregrine, 2 Hobbies hunting at Chamber's Wall, 6 Kestrels, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 9 Sedge Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 16 Chiffchaffs and 3 Tree Sparrows W.

Dave Sutton was out in the Shuart area this morning and found 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Whitethroats, 150 Swallows W with only a handful of House Martins, 3 Little Grebes, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 28 Mallard, 56 Coot and 6 Green Sandpipers.

On a sunny morning with a westerly breeze we walked from Chamber's Wall, along the railway embankment and Green Wall to Coldharbour. We saw 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels, 6 Turnstone, 11 Redshank, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs and 40 Linnets.

Derek Smith birded the Chamber's Wall area from 0630 to 0930 and recorded 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Common Redstart, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 24 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Whitethroats and 1 Cetti's Warbler. He then walked from Shuart to Brooksend where he saw 2 Common Buzzards, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Common Redstarts and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

This evening we walked round Shuart and saw 13 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin, 16 Red-legged Partridges, 30 Lapwings, 1 Greenshank W, 1 Jay, 12 Long-tailed Tits and 5 Chiffchaffs.

We had an uneventful walk from Shuart to the sea this morning and saw 3 Marsh Harriers, 5 Kestrels, 1 Swift W, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 40 Swallows W, 110 House Martins W, 2 Jays, 3 Blackcaps and 5 Chiffchaffs.

Dave Sutton birded in the Shuart area and saw 4 Marsh Harriers, including one with a white tag on each wing, 3 Buzzards, 5 Kestrels, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 220 Swallows W, 175 House Martins W, 85 Sand Martins W, 2 Swifts W, 6 Little Grebes, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank and his first Spotted Flycatcher this year.

Matt and I spent another morning ringing at Shuart and saw 24 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harriers, 4 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 70 Long-tailed Tits, 415 House Martins W, 30 Swallows W, 4 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroats, 16 Blackcaps, 5 Willow Warblers, 15 Chiffchaffs and 1 Corn Bunting.

Tim Hodge birded at Minnis Bay and saw 1 Merlin, 1 Hobby, 240 Golden Plover, 1 Knot, 6 Dunlin, 1 Ruff W, 1 Spotted Redshank W, 2 Turtle Doves, 250 Swallows W, 1,450 House Martins W, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Wagtails W, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whitethroats, 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest and 40 Reed Bunting.

While we were ringing Anne visited Bishopstone and had 1,950 House Martins flying W in one hour, 3 Wheatears, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Chiffchaffs.

This afternoon we walked from Chamber's Wal to Coldharbour and round the Green Wall and on to Reculver and saw 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 12 Little Grebes, 11 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 95 Coot, 11 Turnstone, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Swift flying SW, 3 Wheatears, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers. I also found a smart Privet Hawk Moth caterpillar on a small ash tree by the entrance gate at Chamber's Wall.

Matt and I spent the morning ringing at Shuart during which time we saw 19 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit W, 1 Jay, 2 Common Redstarts, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Leser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 13 Blackcaps, 6 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs and 16 Corn Buntings.

For a change, this afternoon, we walked from Reculver, along the cliffs to Bishopstone and then inland to Brook Farm, birding the hedges, before taking the footpath back to Reculver. We saw a good range of species including 4 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 female Peregrine, 93 Coot, 23 Grey Partridges, a flock of 39 Bar-tailed Godwits with 2 Knot flying W along the cliffs, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Whinchats, 2 Reed Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs and 2 Spotted Flycatchers.

There was a fresh NE breeze blowing this morning, with drizzle in the air, as we walked from Chamber's Wall and round Coldharbour. We saw 2 Shelduck, 1 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 18 Oystercatchers, 1 Golden Plover, 8 Turnstone, 34 Redshank, 40 Swallows, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Whitethroat and 2 Lapland Buntings.

With the forecast promising light drizzle this afternoon Derek Smith walked from Shuart to the Stables, west to Coldharbour and back along the embankment between 1130 and 1500, and not a drop of rain fell! It was quiet and below is the list for his walk: 7 Whinchats, 7 Wheatears, 1 Stonechat, 2 Common Redstarts, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 12 Corn Buntings, 2 Shelduck, 2 Greenshank, 85 Golden Plover, 1 Kingfisher and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

This morning we walked from Shuart to the sea and saw 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Golden Plover, 22 Turnstone, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 15 Turnstone, 1 Wheatear, 5 Whinchats, 4 Common Redstarts, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps and 2 Willow Warblers.

Tim Hodge walked from Netherhale to Brooksend and then on to Minnis Bay and Chamber's Wall between 0600 and 1030. Birds he saw included 6 Pochard, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 4 Sparrowhawks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Kestrels, 2 Peregrines, 4 Common Buzzards, soaring together over Chamber’s Wall, 2 Dunlin, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Minnis Bay, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits. 1 Knot, 2 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Grey Wagtail W, 1 male Common Redstart, 15 Wheatears, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 25 Whitethroats, 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Lapland Bunting at Minnis Bay and 17 Corn Buntings.

Derek Smith had quite an entertaining morning walking from 0630 to 1030 up to Coldharbour and then west to the Oyster Farm. Highlights were as follows: 2 Lapland Buntings flushed from the scrub on the shore just west of Coldharbour, 22 Corn Buntings dotted along bushes on the road up to the car park early morning, 16 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatears, 17 Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Grasshopper Warblers in scrub inside the sea wall, 19 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Goldcrests, 14 Golden Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin E and 4 Common Buzzards together that Tim had also seen.

This afternoon I walked to Coldharbour and found one of the Lapland Buntings that Derek had found this morning. It was feeding in with a group of pipits and wagtails. Other birds seen included 26 Turnstone, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 first winter Mediterranean Gull, 6 Little Terns, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 32 Meadow Pipits, 3 Wheatears and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Marc Heath also came down to see the bunting this evening and added 7 Oystercatchers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 23 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin, 2 Little Terns W, 11 Yellow Wagtails and 7 Whitethroats to what I had seen earlier.

On a breezy morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and round Coldharbour and found 70 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Golden Plover, 4 Turnstone, 14 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 16 Sandwich Terns, 1 Turtle Dove, 45 Swallows, 2 Wheatears, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaffs, 62 Linnets and 1 Corn Bunting.

This morning we walked from Shuart to Plumpudding Stables and round the bushes. We saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 adult male Peregrine, 3 Kestrels, 6 Sand Martins, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Jay, 8 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Redstarts, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Red-backed Shrike and 130 House Sparrows.

Marc Heath birded the cliffs and bushes at Beltinge arriving at 0600 before the dog walkers were around. Birds seen were 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Dunlin, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Linnets, 1 Snipe, 1 Grasshopper Warbler which showed well, 3 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whinchat and 1 Stonechat. He then made a visit to Reculver where he spent an hour walking around the bushes near the Towers and caravan park. Birds seen were 2 Snipe, 1 Sparrowhawk causing havoc and eventually getting its reward, 1 Kestrel, 11 Pied Wagtails, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatears including one which he was able to study and photograph down to 2 metres, 2 Common Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Fulmar and 9 Goldfinches.

Derek Smith birded the Chamber's Wall area between 0600 and 0830 and saw 2 Marsh Harriers, 38 Golden Plover flying E, 2 Whinchats, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Spotted Flycatcher. He then visited West Brook Valley where the only bird of note he saw was a Pied Flycaycher.

This evening we walked inland from Reculver as far as Oar Farm and saw 2 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 10 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Sandpiper, 16 Sand Martins and 2 Chiffchaffs.

While we were doing this Matt walked from Chamber's Wall to Coldharbour and saw 3 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 31 Lapwings, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Terns on the beach, 6 Sandwich Terns, 3 Turtle Doves and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

On another beautiful morning we walked from Chamber's Wall and along the Green Wall to Coldharbour and saw 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 42 Ringed Plovers, 21 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 13 Sandwich Terns, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats, 23 Whitethroats and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Derek Smith did a similar walk to us but started at 0600 and found 5 Grey Herons, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 70 Golden Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Sandwich Terns, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, 7 Whinchats, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 14 Reed Warblers, 16 Sedge Warblers, 37 Whitethroats, 6 Lesser Whitethroats and 5 Willow Warblers.

Later at Shuart he saw 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

In addition, in the Shuart area, Dave Sutton saw 6 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 54 Coot, 41 Lapwings, 2 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Turtle Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 50+ Swallows.

Marc Heath was out and about at 0545 and he saw 2 Little Owls together near Shuart. He then met up with Phil Parker and walked down to the sea and along the embankment. Birds noted in lovely sunny conditions were 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Barn Owl flushed from bushes, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 2 Kestrels, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Long tailed Tits, 2 Whinchats and 1 Willow Warbler. After searching unsuccessfully at first for the shrike they eventually located the Red-backed Shrike near the railway crossing where it showed very well at times although on occasions it would vanish into the bushes. This allowed the camera to get in some action. Other birds noted were 2 Common Redstarts, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Corn Buntings, 20+ Swallows, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Wheatears on the sea wall, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard and a few Reed Buntings and Reed and Sedge Warblers.

An extremely quiet morning's ringing at Old Barns was enlivened at 0740 by a Dotterel that was heard flying over calling. It was heard again ten minutes later when it was seen flying W high over Reculver Lane and then appeared to land in the fields between Hillborough Church and Bishopstone. Other birds we saw included 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Wheatear, 8 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Spotted Flyctacher.

This afternoon Matt refound the Red-backed Shrike at the Shuart railway crossing where we joined him. Other birds we saw included 30 Swallows, 20 House Martins, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Whinchats, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff and 150 House Sparrows.

This evening Marc Heath visited Shuart to see the shrike and saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Whitethroats.

This morning we arrived at Shuart just after 0600 for a morning's ringing. We saw 49 Mallard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Tree Pipit W, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 18 Sedge Warblers, 10 Reed Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 11 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Corn Bunting.

Derek Smith and Tim Hodge covered the eastern half of the Marsh this morning and found 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 1 Common Redstart, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 42 Whitethroats, 8 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 25 Sedge Warblers, 12 Reed Warblers, 90 House Sparrows, and 1 Corn Bunting. Tim also found a immature/female Red-backed Shrike near Plumpudding Stables.

This afternoon we birded the western half of the Marsh and saw 1 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 13 Little Grebes, 5 Little Egrets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Pergrine, 72 Coot, 52 Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits flying W together, 1 Dunlin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Wheatears, 1 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaffs.

During the afternoon Colin Osbourne saw a Common Redstart between Hillborough and Reculver.

The month began with a beautifully sunny morning as we walked from Chamber's Wall along the Green Wall to Coldharbour. Birds we saw included 6 Mallard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 13 Oystercatchers, 5 Ringed Plovers, 16 Turnstone, 27 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 16 Whitethroats and 52 Linnets. We also found a second winter Herring Gull on the beach with an orange ring "VHOT" on its left leg and a metal ring on its right.

This evening we walked south from Reculver and saw 3 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Ducks, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 11 Little Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 72 Coot, 1 Hobby, 8 Long-tailed Tits and 2 Chiffchaffs.