Egyptian Geese and a Hungry Redwing - Shuart 30/12/20

I was only able to have a short wander at Shuart late morning today but it was nice to be out and I enjoyed watching a Common Buzzard as it flew over as I made my way along the track. I could hear a couple of Water Rail calling and a Cetti's Warbler was as loud as ever as I approached one of the breaks in the hedgerow.

I paused to have a scan round could see a distant male Marsh Harrier hunting at the back of the far fields. Lapwing were also up in the distance and a single Golden Plover called. I caught sight of a couple of birds flying east and though still a long way off they were clearly a couple of Egyptian Geese which came as a very nice surprise. I hoped that they would keep heading my way and luckily for me they did, giving some good views before turning and heading away.

Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Geese

I lost view of them behind the trees and wondered if they were making their way towards Stodmarsh. However, only moments later they reappeared over the trees and headed back past me before carrying on east north easterly. They are striking birds and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them.

Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Geese

Egyptian Geese

I continued down the track and could hear another Water Rail calling. A couple of Fieldfare flew from the back of the hedge and a couple of Song Thrush and Blackbirds were making the most of the berries. On reaching the end of the Hedgerow I could see that the Egyptian Geese had come down in the field behind the Mute Swan field. 

I finished the short visit enjoying watching a Redwing tucking into berries.

Redwing

Redwing

Redwing

A Distant Bean Goose and Ring-tailed Hen Harrier - Shuart 29/12/20

I haven't had a chance to be out for a little while so it was nice to be able to have a short wander this morning at Shuart even if it was pretty cold and very overcast. I watched for a little while to see if I could see a Barn Owl hunting but did not have any luck. 

A Red-legged Partridge called as I started out and a couple of Green Woodpeckers were vocal as I made my way along the track. I could hear Blackbirds, and Great together with Blue Tits, alarm calling and the cause became clear when a Common Buzzard lifted off lazily from the back of the hedgerow, rising briefly into view before spotting me and dropping down and disappearing from sight, then moving off parallel to and behind the hedge. I could see a ring-tailed Hen Harrier hunting over the far fields before it too dropped down and reappeared much further off.

Coming up to a gap in the hedgerow a single distant goose was near the back of one of the fields. I was expecting it to be a White-front but was really pleased to see it was a Bean Goose. One had been seen in the area earlier in the month so it seemed likely that this was the same bird. The light levels were abysmal and the goose was really was too far off for a photo but I gave it a go and though I could only manage a very poor photo it makes a nice memory shot. The Bean Goose seen earlier in the month had been a Tundra but I wasn't sure if this one was actually a Taiga. Not having much experience with Bean Geese. I checked my books when I got home but still could not be sure so I sent a photo to Chris who confirmed it is Tundra so presumably is the same bird that has been seen previously. I was really pleased to catch up with it and it made getting frozen well worthwhile.

Tundra Bean Goose

Good numbers of Blackbird were around as I made my way down the track and two small flocks of Fieldfare were in the hedgerow together with a couple of Redwing. A Stonechat gave a nice splash of colour as I reached the end of the hedgerow. I decided to start making my way back and a Cetti's Warbler was extremely vocal as I headed back. The walk back was fairly quiet but I enjoyed watching a small charm of Goldfinches. Coming up to one of the gaps in the hedgerow I could see a distant flock of 75 Lapwing, and even though they were a fair way away, they are always an attractive sight, and it made a nice end to the visit.

Lapwing

Birds seen this visit included: 1 Red-legged Partridge, 14 Mute Swan, Herring Gulls, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 38 Blackbird, Blue Tits, Great Tits, 7 Chaffinch, Wood Pigeons, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 2 Wren, 1 Pheasant, Carrion Crows, 1 Tundra Bean Goose, 14 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Magpie, 75 Lapwing, 2 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Goldfinch 

Russian White-fronted Geese, Barnacle Geese and a Hungry Merlin - Shuart to Reculver 10/12/20

It was very overcast as I headed to Shuart this morning but it was good to be out particularly as it was likely to be my last chance for coming bird watching until the end of December. Though it appeared to be fairly quiet over all I enjoyed hearing and seeing what I could as I made my way along the track and caught up with most of the usual jobs. I paused to watch a mixed flock of Tits, captivated as always by the antics of the Long-tailed Tits. A Water Rail called and coming to one of the gaps in the hedgerow I could see a flock of 152 Russian White-fronted Geese making the most of one of the harvested Sweetcorn fields.

Russian White-fronted Geese

I could see both a Marsh Harrier and a Common Buzzard up over the far fields and a Golden Plover that had been disturbed flew over calling. A couple of Brent Geese flew over before heading back towards the sea. Some of the White-fronts were surprisingly close to the path and allowed some very good views through the various gaps in the hedgerow. There was something very special about being able to see them so close and so many. 

Russian White-fronted Geese

Russian White-fronted Geese

The geese were moving to various areas of the fields, sometimes in smaller groups, sometimes a large number of them moving at once. As I came to the end of the hedgerow some of them were surprisingly close to the path and I was worried about disturbing them but as it turned out they seemed to be totally unconcerned by anyone passing by on the path. Several dog walkers headed past but the most the geese would do would be to raise their heads and have a look before resuming feeding again. As I carried on along the path I was treated to some of the best views of White-fronted Geese I have ever had. The day was proving to be quite an experience.

Russian White-fronted Geese

A single Brent Goose was also in the field with them but was keeping to itself at the side.

Brent Goose

It was nice to be able to catch up with the two Barnacle Geese again and they also seemed remarkably unconcerned by any activity on the path enabling some great views of them.

Barnacle Geese

Barnacle Geese

Barnacle Geese

It was time to make a move but hard to tear myself away. There is something magical about the sight and sounds of so many geese. Five Redshank flew past and settled down into the same field as the geese, near some standing water. 

Redshank

A Stonechat popped up as I came up to the railway line and I could see some Red-legged Partridge along the back edge of one of the fields. Heading past the stables it was surprisingly quiet apart from a couple of vocal Dunnocks and a few Starling and House Sparrows. A Pied Wagtail flew over as I came up onto the sea wall and a Little Egret was on the shore with a couple of Redshank and a Sanderling. It remained fairly quiet out to sea as I made my way towards Coldharbour with 2 Red-throated Divers east and 104 Mallard and 18 Common Scoter a good ways off shore. Cormorants had collected on the various rocks and were moving back to the water as the tide went out.

Cormorant

Cormorant

Three Great Crested Grebes were off shore and I came across a small mix of waders as I made my along.

Great Crested Grebes

Coldharbour was very quiet apart from a single Redshank who was throwing a clear reflection but who was looking pretty much as cold as I felt.

Redshank

On nearing the green wall a male Merlin was trying for a Skylark and a couple of times I thought it was going to catch it but each time the Skylark evaded it. It was amazing watching them and seeing how much effort and energy the Merlin had to put into trying to catch it, coming at it from all angles and the speed of the chase. In the end the Merlin had to admit defeat and headed off to try its luck elsewhere.
 

Merlin and Skylark

Merlin and Skylark

Merlin and Skylark

The lone Brent Goose was investigating the rocks near the towers as I reached Reculver. 

Brent Goose

Coming up past the towers a hovering Kestrel dropped to make a successful catch before flying off with it and bringing the visit to a close.

Kestrel

Kestrel with prey

Birds seen this visit included: Great Tits, Blue Tits, Wood Pigeons, 3 Wren, 6 Chaffinch, 29 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 4 Ring-necked Parakeet, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Moorhen, 1 Golden Plover, 6 Magpie, 2 Pheasant, 152 White-fronted Geese, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 1 Water Rail, 380 Brent Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Mute Swan, 2 Common Buzzard, Carrion Crows, 5 Stonechat, 2 Reed Bunting, 10 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Dunnock, 5 Pied Wagtail, Starlings, House Sparrows, 1 Little Egret, 14 Oystercatcher, Cormorants, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sanderling, 9 Redshank, 2 Red-throated Diver east, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Kestrel, 104 Mallard, 18 Common Scoter, 3 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Plover, 11 Turnstone, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Merlin, Skylarks, 1 Short-eared Owl 

Russian White-fronted and Barnacle Geese, Snow Buntings and Black Redstarts - Shuart to Reculver 05/12/20

A pair of Ring-necked Parakeet were calling loudly as I arrived at Shuart and my progress down the first part of the track was greeted by groups of Wood Pigeons flying off noisily through the trees causing a nearby Great Spotted Woodpecker to fly, from the top of one of the trees, alarm calling like mad. I enjoyed watching a Goldcrest that was in with a mixed flock of Tits and Finches. Overhead a Little Egret flew over followed a short while later by a single Russian White-fronted Goose. As I approached a gap I could see another 26 Russian White-fronted Geese in the distance with a couple of Barnacle Geese tucked in at the end.

Russian White-fronted Geese and Barnacle Geese

A flock of 25 Lapwing and another flock of 35 had flown up from the fields as I carried on down the track and a couple of GreenWoodpecker called.

Lapwing

With each gap I came to in the hedgerow there were flocks of White-fronted Geese moving between the various harvested Sweetcorn fields. In total there appeared to be 114 with the 2 Barnacle Geese tagged on. They make an impressive sight as they fly round and the air was alive with their calls. It was lovely to be able to see so many geese.

Russian White-fronted Geese

As I came to the end of the hedgerow a flock of 12 Pied Wagtail were catching insects around one of the puddles of water in  the field and I could see the pair of Barnacle Geese tucked in by some more water at the back of the harvested Sweetcorn field with the White-fronted Geese spread around in that and the neighbouring field. These fields have proved to really attractive to a good range of birds since they have been harvested.

Barnacle and Russian White-fronted Geese

Russian White-fronted Geese

I had a wander along the railway embankment for a little ways and it was nice to be able to see the pair of Barnacle Geese a little better. I enjoyed watching some White-fronts that were close to the other side of the railway line and they appeared to be totally unconcerned by the passing trains.

Barnacle Geese

Russian White-fronted Geese

A single Redshank was also in the field and I paused to watch the antics of a pair of Little Grebe on the river. They may be little but they are full of character. A low flying and noisy helicopter spooked the geese and all of them took off wheeling round towards the sea wall before gaining height and coming back over the railway line and landing in the back fields and out of sight.

Russian White-fronted and Barnacle Geese

Russian White-fronted Geese

As I came past the stables there was a single Redshank and a Little Egret on the standing water in one of the paddock and a few Blackbirds dotted around. 11 Corn Bunting were calling from the bushes. A Common Buzzard was making the most of a man-made perch before moving over to the trees and showing the markings on its upperwings and tail beautifully as it alighted.

Common Buzzard

Common Buzzard

On reaching the sea wall the tide was still a fair way out but coming in quite fast and the sea was very calm. As I made my way towards Plumpudding I caught up with a good range of waders either on the shore or as they made their way to a wader roost.

Plumpudding Island was quiet apart from a couple of Pied Wagtail and a Redshank. Good numbers of Sanderling and Ringed Plover were settling down to roost as I made my way towards Coldharbour.

Sanderling and Ringed Plover

Sanderling and Ringed Plover

Coldharbour was quiet with just a couple of Redshank and a Little Grebe and off shore there was a single Shelduck and a few Mallard. I sat and watched out to sea for a while but it remained quiet with just 1 Gannet east and a few Brent Geese on the move. As I carried on towards Reculver I was pleased to catch sight of the four Snow Buntings on the beach. Unfortunately so did a dog walkers dog who proceeded to chase them before turning its attention to chasing waders instead. The owners genuinely did not appear to understand when I spoke with them but they did at least call the dog back up onto the sea wall. A little further along I came across the Snow Buntings again and at least they got a little while to feed in peace this time.

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

A Marsh Harrier was up at the back as I carried on towards Reculver and a Merlin moved out to sea. I had another sit on the sea wall but apart from a couple more Gannet east and a Great Crested Grebe off shore it remained quiet out to sea. A Grey Seal popped its head up briefly before disappearing under water again.

Grey Seal

On nearing Reculver a couple of Mute Swan gave a close fly past. They are always an impressive sight and I love the sound of their wings, their impressive wing span, and the curl of their flight feathers at their wing tips. They are quite a show stopper with many people on the sea wall pausing to watch them as they come past.

Mute Swans

Mute Swans

I finished my visit with a Black Redstart on one of the groynes, probably the same bird as yesterday, and another on the rocks by the car park. The one on the rocks did not get much respite from the resident Robin chasing it each time it settled on the rocks. It was great to see the Black Redstarts though, as they are always a pleasure to watch, and they made a good end to an enjoyable visit.

Black Redstart

Birds seen this visit included: 2 Ring-necked Parakeet, 4 Magpie, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tits, 10 Robin, 7 Wren, 36 Blackbird, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Little Egret, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Great Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Pied Wagtail, 114 White-fronted Goose, 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Goldcrest, 60 Lapwing, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Redshank, 3 Kestrel, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Meadow Pipit, House Sparrows, Starlings, 91 Corn Bunting, 44 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 6 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Stonechat, 7 Brent Geese, 9 Mallard, 1 Moorhen, 43 Ringed Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Turnstone, 3 Gannet east, 96 Sanderling, 2 Golden Plover, Skylarks, 1 Merlin, 8 Dunlin, 1 Shelduck, 4 Snow Bunting, 2 Black Redstart