Reculver Calls!

With the migration season seemingly starting at Reculver with a few Black Redstart arriving in the past few days, the added bonus of Short eared Owls hunting late afternoon and a Barnacle Goose in with the Brent Goose flock, I made a visit to the area after work. Since having my Canon 7d, I think this is about the first time I have used it on the birds so it may take me a few sessions to get used to it and produce something of good quality. Arriving in clear sunny conditions about 4.20pm I walked up to the towers and took a good look at the rocks which produced my first Black Redstart of the year. I spent about 15 minutes trying to get a few shots, most not turning out that well but I ended up with the shot below which is not too bad, slightly over exposed but its a start.

Black Redstart

Moving on to the seawall I saw a few Oystercatcher, Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Curlew and a Ringed Plover. Along the seawall I met up with Dave Barnes who had seen a Short eared Owl hunting over the Oyster farm. We had a chat whilst scanning and I soon picked up the Owl as it quartered over the far side and dived down. When it appeared again there were 2 Short eared Owls and they briefly spiraled before going their own way. I walked on in the hope of getting some kind of shot but at this point the sun had gone in and was soon covered by descending mist. As I walked around the Oyster Farm, it made a few passes but always quite distant but I took a few shots anyway.

Short eared Owl

Moving on it or an other one was seen perched on a post and I was able to take a few shots but again, the light was not good at all.

Short eared Owl

In the fields behind the Oyster Farm were c600 Dark bellied Brent Geese and they took flight together producing a lovely spectacle of noise as they flew over my head back to the sea. As I scanned I picked out the Barnacle Goose and I managed a quick shot before it was lost in the large flock.

Barnacle Goose with Dark bellied Brent Geese

It was also pleasing to see c40 Golden Plover as well as singing Skylarks, Reed Buntings and a flock of c20 Linnet. There were c20 Corn Bunting in a bush in the middle of the Oyster Farm and a single Grey Heron flew up. Only about an hours birding but nonetheless, a pleasant session and great to be back out birding. Not long now until the first Wheatear's arrive, any day now I reckon!