I left for Reculver this morning at 9.15am where upon arrival, the last of the bright weather was just starting to disappear. I then spent the next 3 hours walking down to Coldharbour in windy and rainy conditions before walking inland to Chambers Wall car park before checking the bushes on my way back. Although the weather made for a tough session, I did manage to see 1 male Black Redstart at the towers which was still in full song and spent most of its time this morning sheltered from the elements below the cliff face. I decided to sit in an area where it kept returning too and before the rain set in, managed a few reasonable shots of it singing.
Black Redstart
Moving on, I noted 5 Swallow, 2 Peregrine over the towers, 7 Sand Martin, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Scandinavian Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Egret, 4 White Wagtail and a trickle west of Linnet, Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit. As I neared Coldharbour, 2 Raven appeared having been on the deck and flew west towards me before flying out over the fields and then cutting back and carrying on flying up the seawall towards the towers. By now, it was raining and pretty windy and with dark skies and a dark bird and the camera back in the bag, I didn't expect much of a shot but I think you can get enough to see what it is.
Raven
Other birds noted today were 1 Brent Goose, 7 Corn Bunting, 1 Whitethroat, 3 male Wheatear proving very wary and almost impossible to get near, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Great crested Grebe and 1 Great Northern Diver offshore before flying west with 2 Cormorant.
Wheatear
Back at the towers and still soaked, the weather started to brighten up a little so after having a quick drink and snack, I soon found the Black Redstart again which was still singing and settled in for 15 minutes. It wasn't too long until he landed on one of the posts and with better light for photos, I probably took the best shot of the day of this species.
Black Redstart
Despite the weather, a nice session with a few bits of quality seen and a few photos as well. Now to dry it all off before the next session!
Hi Marc.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking Post,your first image is my favourite,followed by the Wheatear.
Hope to see more Sunshine.
John.
Many thanks John. Some sunshine would be nice.
DeleteSpectacular bird observations. I got my observation shortlist the common chaffinch today.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Anne. Just wish I could have had some sunshine to set it off a bit better.
DeleteHave to be honest with you here Marc....It's good to see you birding again and adding your excellent images too, though your odonata studies and illustrations were, and will no doubt continue to be exceptional.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards.
Many thanks Pete. I'm almost blushing!!! Great to be out today, just need a bit more sun and I will be happier. Still drying clothes out from today!
DeleteI gave up this morning Marc! Maybe if Black Redstart or Raven had appeared it would have spurred me on! You did well with the camera though, considering the light and distant birds :-)
ReplyDeleteWasn't the best of days was it but on the coast the rain sometimes grounds birds. A few White and Yellow Wagtails did this.
DeleteWorth a soaking Marc! Lovely to see & hear migrants sing like that too.
ReplyDeleteIt was now i'm dry but at the time, I wasn't best pleased. Hopefully a few more goodies in the next few days.
DeleteBeautiful birds Marc, lovely newcomers.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob.
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