Just Nice to Get Out!

After another busy week at work and little if any time to go birding It was nice to have the morning out birding with Phil Parker at Reculver where we walked down the seawall to Coldharbour and back. Earlier in the darkness I had seen 2 Woodcock flying over the car in the headlights. After parking up and our usual chat about the world we walked up to the towers checking the rocks where 2 Rock Pipits were busily feeding. One on them had a 2 rings, a silver on the left leg and a yellow on the right leg. I tried for a few distant shots in the dull light but I never got anything clear enough to read the number, I would be interested to know if this bird hangs around and if anyone can get the ring number. It was generally a dull morning but with little wind the conditions were not too bad. Birds we noted included 4 Rock Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Curlew, 15 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Bewick's Swans, 2 adults and 1 juvenile could be seen inland with c20 Mute Swans, c120 Linnet, 1 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, c100 Brent Geese, 3 Little Egret and 2 Pied Wagtail. There were 18 Ringed Plover, 1 Kingfisher, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Stonechat, 3 Grey Plover, 10 Reed Bunting, 1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel and c400 Lapwing. We tried on our return to find the ringed Rock Pipit but could only find an unringed bird and with the light slightly better than when we passed earlier, gave us a few photo opportunities of a shot or two. Last call was a walk inland to get better views of the 3 Bewick's Swans which gave Phil another photo opportunity and nearby were c30 Gadwall and 1 Wigeon. Not the greatest selection of birds seen today but with a few weeks to go until it all starts again, hopefully something good will descend upon Reculver, preferably at the weekend when I can get out!

Rock Pipit