Pipit on the Rocks - Reculver 03/03/19

As there was just enough time for a short visit to Reculver, after work, I decided to head up to the towers and see if there was anything moving out to sea. There was a strong south westerly wind so it seemed unlikely but you never know. The sea appeared quiet with just a single Great Crested Grebe on it and apart from a few Herring Gulls there was nothing passing the towers. I am still trying to get to grips with using burst mode for birds in flight so I practiced on anything that flew past but I have a lot to learn and have not done very well with them. The bird in the last couple of photos had a very well defined tail band. I still find ageing and sometimes even telling if it actually is a Herring Gull or something else quite difficult. I certainly need a lot more practice with gulls.

Herring Gull

2nd to 3rd Year Herring Gull

2nd to 3rd year Herring Gull

2nd to 3rd Year Herring Gull

2nd Year Herring Gull

2nd Year Herring Gull

I had a Carrion Crow flying below me so tried for a photo as that is not a view I normally see.

Carrion Crow

I had a look down onto the rocks below and saw a small bird fly over and land. It stayed distant but I was pleased to see that it was a Rock Pipit (107). It was very active and in poor light but I tried for some photos.

Rock Pipit

Rock Pipit - head on

Rock Pipit

I walked along the sea wall for a little way but it certainly wasn't easy in the wind. I sheltered at the base of the wall for a while and just enjoyed watching whatever came my way. Large numbers of Cormorants were coming in off the sea and presumably heading towards Stodmarsh. I saw close to 1000 in the time I was watching. Once again, I tried for some photos.

Cormorants out at sea

Cormorants overhead

Cormorants

Herring Gulls were still passing every now and then.

Adult Herring Gull - underwings

Adult Herring Gull - upperwing

Adult Herring Gull - underwing

I finished off with a passing Ringed Plover before making my way back. If anything the wind had increased, but it may just have been that I was facing into it now.

Ringed Plover

I was pleased that I had a chance to get out and well chuffed at finally having caught up with a Rock Pipit for the year.