Raven and a Tundra Bean Goose - Reculver to Shuart 07/01/21

I paid an early morning visit to Reculver this morning and aimed for a walk through to Shuart. It will be my last visit for quite a while so I thought I would try and make the most of it this morning. A Robin was in its usual spot on the rocks by the car park when I arrived and the morning was showing the promise of being fine. I had a scan out to sea from the towers but all appeared to be pretty quiet and I could not manage to pick up any divers.

Meadow Pipits and 3 Pied Wagtails were flitting between the sea wall and the shore as I made my way past the oyster farm. I heard the unmistakeable sound of a Raven calling and scanning I could see one flying towards me over the oyster farm. They are impressive birds and this one flew strongly straight past and headed past the towers. I lost my balance trying for a photo but thoroughly enjoyed the encounter. It certainly livened up the morning.

Raven

Raven

Raven

Raven

Over on the oyster farm a pair of Collared Doves were on the buildings before moving back towards the old caravan park. A Kingfisher was a welcome sight as it flashed brilliant blue as the sunlight caught its plumage while flying over the lagoons. A Stonechat peeped round at stem at me and its mate was busily flycatching a little further along.

Stonechat

It was remaining quiet out to sea with only a single Shelduck heading west. Sixteen Black-headed Gulls had collected on the water on the lee side of the rocks and appeared to be picking food items from the surface of the sea.

Black-headed Gulls

As I neared the green wall I could see a single Yellowhammer sharing a bush with a couple of Reed Bunting and a few House Sparrows. More House Sparrows were behind and I had a scan through in case I was lucky enough to see a Tree Sparrow but couldn't find one amongst them. On the sea side small flocks of Brent Geese were flying in and settling on the sea near the shore.

Brent Geese

I had a sit on the sea wall at Coldharbour and watched out to sea for a while. It remained quiet but I enjoyed watching a distant group of 27 Common Scoter.

Common Scoter

Coldharbour itself was quiet with just a few Black-headed Gulls and the odd Redshank. A Marsh Harrier was up at the back near the railway embankment and further along I could see a Common Buzzard lazily gaining height. Carrying on towards Plumpudding Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Sanderling were all present along the shore. A couple of Carrion Crow flew past with one carrying a newly opened shell.

Carrion Crows

Brent Geese were strung along the sea close to shore with small numbers regularly taking off and heading inland to settle on the fields. It gave a good opportunity to try for some flight photos in good light. Their plumage showed up beautifully in the light. The photos do not do them justice but I enjoyed trying for them.

Brent Goose

Brent Goose

Brent Geese

Brent Goose

Plumpudding had a few Redshank present and a couple of Pied Wagtail. 38 Oystercatchers and 5 Curlew were on the wader roost behind Plumpudding. A Snipe disappeared into cover on one of the islands. It remained quiet as I carried on to the stables. At the stables a couple of Pied Wagtail were in one of the Horse Paddocks and 10 Linnet and 8 Corn Bunting were in the bushes. A sleepy House Sparrow was enjoying the sunshine opening its eye regularly to check around.

House Sparrow

As I made my way along to Shuart I came across 4 Red-legged Partridge hunched down in the grass and almost evenly spaced.

Red-legged Partridge

I finished with a nice surprise when I caught sight of the Tundra Bean Goose in the same field that I saw it back on 29th December. I still couldn't manage much of a photo as it was a good way away but at least this time it was in some decent light. 

Tundra Bean Goose

It was unexpected bonus and made a very nice end to the visit. I will miss coming to Reculver but felt very lucky to have been able to come today and to have some very welcome sunshine with some good new birds for the year.