A Red-breasted Merganser - Reculver 06/01/19

I had a late afternoon walk along the sea wall today, after work. It was a dull, overcast day but it was nice not to have any strong wind. I was really hoping to catch up with a Short-eared Owl but despite trying really hard I did not have any luck.

The sea appeared to be very quiet and I could only see some Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls resting on the water and I had a single Shelduck flying west. There was still a Common Gull on the grass by the towers.

I had 2 Little Grebes in one of the dykes on the oyster farm and tried for some photos even though the light was so bad. They are lovely little birds and full of character. There were some Mute Swans in the far fields but I could not see the Black Swan today.

Little Grebe

I had a walk up as far as the green bank. There was not any sign of owls or birds of prey. A couple of Redshank alarm called and one flew over and landed on the shore. As the tide fell a tiny speck of land was exposed and a pair of Oystercatcher had quite a squabble over it. I saw a bird flying east and grabbed some shots and was chuffed to see that I had a female Red-breasted Merganser (72).

Red-breasted Merganser

I walked back as it was getting dark. The glow from Thanet Earth looks quite spooky, giving a deep orange glow. I did try for some photos but they do not really do it justice. Still, it does make a memory shot. I also saw a pair of Mute Swan again, in the same dyke that I had seen the Little Grebe.

Thanet Earth

Mute Swans

I was pleased to have had at least a little time out, even if I had not managed to see very much, it was good to have a walk.

Birds I saw this visit included: Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, Blackbird, Starling, House Sparrow, 3 Redshank, 8 Mute Swan, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 15 Linnet, 1 Shelduck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, Robin, Kestrel