Thursday, 22 November 2018

Grey Plovers - Bishopstone to Reculver 22/11/18

There was a strong south westerly wind blowing today so I thought I would have a walk from Bishopstone to Reculver as for most of the way I would be sheltered by the cliffs. When I arrived it was too windy to make it worth walking round the Glen so I made my way straight down to the shore. The tide was heading out so there was no problem walking round to Reculver.

The first birds I saw were an adult and juvenile Herring Gull. The youngster was begging constantly but Mum was in complete ignore mode.

Adult and juvenile Herring Gull

 Out to sea a single Great-crested Grebe was fishing off shore. It was a bit too far away for a photo but it makes a nice memory shot. 

Great Crested Grebe

I headed along to the point and heard a bunting call as it flew over and managed to get a view of it as it disappeared round the point. It was a Snow Bunting which was a really nice surprise. I hoped to catch up with it again but unfortunately did not manage to.

I saw at least 8 Grey Plover during the afternoon. One of them, presumably a juvenile, was very well marked indeed and a lovely little bird. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them as I made my way towards Reculver.

Grey Plover in flight

Grey Plover in flight

Grey Plover

Grey Plover yawning

Grey Plover

Grey Plover

Grey Plover

Grey Plover

A single Curlew and a Brent Goose flew past going west as I cleared the point. 8 Sanderling were feeding along the shore line. I love watching them and was pleased to also get a shot of one in flight. 

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling in flight

Good numbers of Ringed Plover and a several Turnstone were also amongst the shorebirds. One of the Carrion Crows had whitish flight feathers. I tried for a photo but it was not having any of it. There appeared to be about 60 Carrion Crow along the cliffs and feeding along the shore.

I enjoyed my walk and finished with a Little Egret as I headed towards Reculver car park. I might not have seen a huge variety but enjoyed watching the ones I did see.

Birds seen this visit included: Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 8 Grey Plover, 8 Sanderling, 32 Ringed Plover, 12 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snow Bunting, Carrion Crows, Robin, 1 Curlew, 1 Brent Goose, 2 Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipits

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