After another very busy week at work it was nice to see a good forecast and light winds forecast for Saturday so just before sunrise I drove over to Reculver and parked up at the towers where I then completed the seawall, Chambers Wall, embankment walk before walking back the way I had come. The sun did indeed shine and it ended up being a very nice session with some quality birds seen in the area. Birds noted were 6 Shelduck, c250 Dark bellied Brent Geese including 1 Pale bellied Brent Goose, 2 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, c150 Cormorant, 2 Curlew, 21 Redshank, c10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Reed Bunting, 1 Red throated Diver east, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Turnstone and near Coldharbour I come across a flock of 14 Snow Bunting which gave me a few photo opportunities in the sunshine.
Snow Bunting
As they took off there appeared to be more but it was hard to count but after telling Chris and Anne Hindle where they were Chris managed to count 21 Snow Bunting a little later. Moving on I noted 13 Corn Bunting, 2 Great crested Grebe, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Rock Pipit, c40 Golden Plover, 24 Fieldfare and 2 Goldcrest. As I walked back towards the railway crossing at Chambers Wall I was surprised to see a fine male Hen Harrier which stayed distant but gave nice views for a minute or so before moving off towards the Oyster farm area. This is only the second ever male I have seen at Reculver so was very pleased to see this bird here. Walking back on the seawall I heard a Raven call and picked it out as it flew from a field and flew off high south east towards Shuart. Thankfully Chris and Anne were nearby and also got onto this bird, still a scarce bird here but records seem to be increasing slowly. My last bit of the walk yielded only 4 Stonechat and 11 Lapwing but overall, a nice session in good weather with some quality birds seen. Back to work tomorrow, more dark mornings and evenings so probably another week to wait until I get out again, how depressing!
Snow Bunting
Beautiful Snow Bunting Marc, another bird I'm waiting for.
ReplyDeleteYou might not get out much in the darker months Marc, but you see more quality birds than I do when you do get out :-) Nice images again mate.
ReplyDeleteAnother week Marc, I thought that you had taken up night time birdwatching.
ReplyDeleteIts the only time I can really get out Derek, keeps the shutter button finger exercised!
DeleteAmazing snow buntings, great sharpness! The second one is my favourite!
ReplyDeleteGr. John
Greetings from Dubai! Really enjoyed going through your blog.Love your shots of the snow buntings!! Have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteShantana
Geeee!
ReplyDeleteNot only those pictures are beautiful but this is a bird I would love to see once!
I'll have to make a plan to come and see you!! :)
Well done again Marc!