Jet-propelled Sanderling, a Wheatear and Swift - Shuart to Reculver 25/04/21

It was cool, overcast and with a brisk north easterly wind when I started out from Shuart this morning. The usual jobs were around the car park area and I paused to enjoy the song of 2 singing Willow Warblers. A sound that is always lovely to hear and all the more amazing when I think of the distance that they have travelled to get here. A Water Rail called as I made my way down the track and a Cetti's Warbler was singing loudly but staying out of sight. A Lapwing was giving any passing Carrion Crow a hard time until they moved on and it relaxed until the next one. Otherwise, overall it remained fairly quiet. As I neared the railway crossing a male Kestrel was perched in one of the bushes and gave some very nice views as I came past. Though it was clearly aware of my presence it appeared settled and making the most of some cover from the wind.

Kestrel

Kestrel

It remained quiet, apart from a very vocal Cetti's Warbler, as I came past the stables and once on the sea wall the wind did not make for a particularly pleasant walk but, still, it was good to be out. 5 Gannet flew east out to sea and I could see 6 Curlew at roost behind Plumpudding. A Snipe flew across from the edge at Plumpudding Island and settled into cover on one of the islands. 18 Redshank were roosting out of the wind on the lee side of another of the islands. I passed a very quiet Coldharbour before settling down for a seat on the sea wall. A large flock of 229 Sanderling flew in before settling down to roost.

Sanderling

Late arrivals gave some very good views as they came in to join the others. They really are beautiful little waders and always very attractive in flight. The wind was not making for a particularly comfortable sit on the wall but views of these little fellas more than made up for it. 

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

I carried on towards Reculver and had a couple of Sandwich Terns flying east. Keeping the camera steady was proving to be somewhat problematic in the wind but through luck rather than anything else I did manage to keep them in the viewfinder for the odd shot. Not good ones by any means but an enjoyable reminder of the walk.

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern

Another sit on the sea wall didn't turn up anything more out to sea but a few more passing Sanderling gave the opportunity for some really nice views. Flying into the strong wind was slowing them just enough to enable me to track them a bit better. Real little beauties.

Sanderling

Sanderling

Sanderling

The morning was brightening as the sun managed to break through at times and the wind seemed to be more easterly now although remained brisk. A couple of Stonechat were swaying on their perches as they sortied for insects. A Ringed Plover was making the most of the little bit of shelter from the wind afforded by some flotsum on the beach.

Ringed Plover

I couldn't see any sign of a Short-eared Owl today. Out to sea 2 Whimbrel flew east. A Black-headed Gull lifted off from the beach amidst a shower of shingle as a wave broke on the shore.

Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull

They might be birds I see every time I come out but they are still a beautiful sight in full breeding plumage, particularly in flight.

Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull

As I neared the towers a single Swift flew west and as my first Swift of the year it was a welcome sight.

Swift

Despite a fair few people up at the towers a male Wheatear was at the back of the grassy area and taking advantage of even the limited height afforded by the mole hills. It has taken me a long time to catch up with a Wheatear this spring and made a nice finish to the mornings birding

male Wheatear

male Wheatear

Later in the afternoon I had a short walk along the embankment at Shuart. Whitethroat and Cetti's Warbler were singing away and a Green Sandpiper was at edge of a flooded area in one of the fields.

Green Sandpiper

 A Greylag Goose tucked down amongst the grass was keeping a wary eye out. 

Greylag Goose

It was time to head for home and as I made my way back I glanced sideways to find myself eye to eye with a passing male Marsh Harrier flying low beside the embankment. It was only visible for a moment before disappearing behind the hedge but made a memorable end to the visit.

 

Birds seen this visit included: 2 Robin, 3 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 8 Chaffinch, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Water Rail, 6 Lapwing, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, 2 Pheasant, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Blackbird, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 6 Pied Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 2 Corn Bunting, 10 Linnet, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Gannet east, 6 Curlew, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 18 Redshank, 2 Mallard, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Stonechat, Sanderling 237, 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Marsh Harrier

A Cracking Kestrel - Shuart to Chambers Wall 23/04/21

I had a wander through from Shuart but unfortunately forgot to take my voice recorder and didn't keep a list of the birds I saw today. So I just took photographs of some of the highlights. As I neared the railway crossing a pair of Greylag Geese were in one of the fields.

Greylag Geese

On the way to Plumpudding 5 Sandwich Tern were off shore and ahead I could see a Kestrel hunting over Plumpudding. It dropped down, presumably onto prey as it remained down for a while. Coming back up it settled on the fence giving some nice views.

male Kestrel

After a couple of minutes it lifted off and moved over to hover very close to me allowing some cracking views.

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

Those views were great but I couldn't believe it when it dropped down a level and then began to hover right in front of me and just below eye level. What an absolute beauty. I felt so incredibly lucky to experience the best views of a hovering Kestrel I have ever had and from an angle I do not usually see it from. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

male Kestrel

After hovering for a while it settled back onto one of the fence posts before moving off and trying its luck elsewhere. What a great encounter with a beautiful bird.

Kestrel

When I reached Coldharbour the pair of Shelduck were busily feeding. A couple of Black-headed Gulls were having a disagreement but otherwise it was quiet.

Shelducks

A pair of Tufted Duck were on the river as I made my way up to Chambers Wall bringing the visit to a close. The memories, though, of watching the Kestrel will stay with me for a long time. What a beautiful encounter.

male and female Tufted Ducks

male Tufted Duck

Spring Song, Black Redstart and a Lone Brent Goose - Shuart to Chambers Wall 09/04/21

It was a beautifully fine morning when I arrived at Shuart and the air was alive with bird song and it was lovely to be able to just spend time listening to the sheer beauty of it as various songs intermingled, some loudly competing, some dominating with bursts of vigorous singing, other melodies sweetly coming to the fore as various other singers paused before recommencing. April is a great month as more and more singers join the ensemble with new arrivals making their presence known and I love to be able to enjoy the beauty of their song once again. The pair of Ring-necked Parakeet didn't perhaps sound particularly musical as their strident calls cut through the air but they made up for it with the bright flash of colour as they appeared briefly above the trees. A Grey Squirrel was clearly enjoying the warmth from the sunshine as it sunbathed on a branch.

Grey Squirrel

As I made my way along the track another Willow Warbler was singing sweetly away and a couple of Blackcap appeared to be in competition with each other. 3 Cetti's Warblers at various points burst into explosive song but still only gave tantalisingly brief views. A couple of Peacock butterflies were on the wing while Chiffchaff and many of the usual jobs were busily working their way through the hedgerow. A Grey Heron soaring high overhead showed signs of moult in some of its flight feathers.

Grey Heron

Sedge Warbler song followed me as I neared the railway line and 3 Yellow Wagtail flew west. Another Cetti's Warbler burst into song as I arrived at the stables. I was pleased to see a Black Redstart fly up from one of the paddocks but it only settled for a moment before flying to behind the hedge as a furore started up with the arrival of opposing dog walkers whose dogs definitely did not want to be friends. By the time the dogs had stopped barking and the owners had stopped yelling, the Black Redstart must have been happy where it had moved to as, though I waited a little while, it did not reappear in the open. Hopefully I'll catch up with it again as it is certainly a good spot for them.

I had a wander along the sea wall towards Plumpudding and a Redshank and 28 Oystercatchers were dotted along the shore. A flock of 30 Linnet flew west. Plumpudding held another 27 roosting Redshank and 4 Pied Wagtail. A Cetti's Warbler was on the other side of the sea wall and a male Marsh Harrier was up hunting over towards the embankment. A single Brent Goose stood out in one of the fields, as I headed towards Coldharbour, before it flew west. It may well be the last one I see until later in the year.

Brent Goose

Brent Goose

Eighteen Common Scoter were off shore and a single Shelduck flew west as I made my way to Coldharbour. At Coldharbour a Rock Pipit flew over and settled on the sea wall. Coldharbour itself was quiet with a few Black-headed Gulls and a Mute Swan.

Rock Pipit

Rock Pipit

I had a sit on the sea wall for a while. 2 Sandwich Tern were a long way off shore but otherwise it appeared quiet. A small flock of 9 Grey Plover flew east.

Grey Plover

A person walking along the shore flushed a flock of c200 roosting Sanderling together with 5 Dunlin and a 6 Turnstone. They flew out to sea before turning and streaming past me as they came into settle further along the shore.

Sanderling, Turnstone and Dunlin

Sanderling, Turnstone and Dunlin

I decided to come off the sea wall and head for Chambers Wall. Another couple of Cetti's Warbler were singing loudly as I made my way to the embankment and 3 small flocks of Swallows flew west. Skylarks were singing away with Reed Bunting and Sedge Warblers joining in. Suddenly there was a short flurry of warning calls and then total silence as a female Sparrowhawk shot through. Once the coast was clear song started up once again. From the embankment I could see a Short-eared Owl hunting briefly before settling down again.

Short-eared Owl

A singing Willow Warbler together with singing Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Chaffinch made for a pleasant walk up to the pick up point. Another Cetti's Warbler was belting out its song. Unfortunately it remained skulky but a singing Wren was much more obliging. It always amazes me that so much sound can come from such a little bird. It made a nice end to the visit.

Wren

Birds seen this visit included: 2 Ring-necked Parakeet, Jackdaws, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 5 Chaffinch, 12 Goldfinch, 3 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, Great Tits, Blue Tits, 6 Wren, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stock Dove, Wood Pigeons, 4 Blackbird, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Magpie, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Common Buzzard, 8 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Mute Swan, 9 Reed Bunting, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Black Redstart, 30 Linnet, 15 Meadow Pipit, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Curlew, 28 Oystercatcher, 28 Redshank, 12 Corn Bunting, 3 Mallard, 2 Coot, 7 Pied Wagtail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 15 Turnstone, 1 Brent Goose, 18 Common Scoter, 1 Shelduck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sandwich Tern, 200 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 9 Grey Plover, Skylarks, 13 Swallow west, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Stonechat, 1 Short-eared Owl, 

A Hungry Eider and a Miss - Reculver 08/04/21

It was good to get the chance of paying a short visit to Reculver this morning and it started well with a very handsome adult male Eider off shore. 

male Eider

It was busily fishing for crabs and proved to be very adept at it. Having caught the crab it would hold it by the crab's pincers, and/or legs, and thrash it back and fore through the water until the leg came away. It would then quickly retrieve the crab and go through the process again until most of the appendages were broken off and it could swallow the crab whole. It did appear that at least a couple of the crabs got away as on a couple of occasions the Eider failed to be able to retrieve it after breaking a leg off. I felt very lucky to be able to watch the Eider and it was an absolute pleasure to see although I couldn't help feeling sorry for the crab.

male Eider

male Eider

He had been fishing in peace for a while when it drew the unwelcome attention of a couple of passing Herring Gulls who promptly started to hassle it. The Eider responded by immediately diving and surfacing a little way away. Moments later it was running full pelt on the water before the lift of its wing beats was enough to enable it to lift off from the surface of the sea. Once airborne it carried on west.

A small flock of Linnet were amongst the vegetation on the shingle as I started along the sea wall. Out to sea appeared to be very quiet with just a few passing Herring and Black-headed Gulls and a single Great Black-backed Gull east. It was a beautiful morning with very little wind and every few steps there appeared to be a singing and/or displaying Meadow Pipit. I received a text from Matt Hindle to say that they had had a sub adult male Pallid Harrier but unfortunately I had missed it. I kept a lookout, as I carried on, just in case I was lucky enough for it to come back through. What a great find by Matt, Chris and Anne.  

Small numbers of waders were dotted here and there and out to sea a flock of 24 Common Scoter flew first west then east before settling back down onto the sea.

Common Scoter

Common Scoter

Common Scoter

A couple of smart breeding plumage Cormorants flew west with the back bird looking particularly striking.

Cormorants

I decided to head for Coldharbour and could see a distant Greylag Goose in one of the fields. As I scanned the next field I could see a bird shaped bump which appeared to be a single Golden Plover.

Golden Plover

Golden Plover

I needed to get back as I had an appointment and finished with a Mute Swan that had taken exception to a male Mallard and was pursuing it up the river.

Mute Swan and Mallard

Though I did not manage to catch up with the Pallid Harrier the great thing with bird watching is you never know, I might yet be lucky that it comes back through when I am out. I can but hope anyway.

Birds seen this visit included: 1 male Eider, 10 Linnet, 1 Kestrel, 2 Blackbird, House Sparrows, Wood Pigeons, Cormorants, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 18 Meadow Pipit, 11 Oystercatcher, 3 Swallow, 11 Mallard, 2 Sedge Warbler, 11 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 7 Turnstone, 38 Corn Bunting, 5 Reed Bunting, 24 Common Scoter, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Little Egret, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Stonechat, 1 Marsh Harrier