The day started dry with some brightness but heavy rain soon spread in and lasted most of the day, mild with moderate SW breeze.
Grove Ferry 07:00 - 09:20
As the day dawned on a new year a Tawny Owl called from the trees north of the river and a Water Rail squealed from the reeds. Two male Hen Harriers left their roost but didn’t hang around.
At least 4 Water Pipits were seen around the reserve and a Green Sandpiper took flight from an area of cut reeds. Two Peregrines flew over calling noisily as they did, a Great White Egret was seen by other birders but I managed to miss it.
Foreness Point 10:00 - 10:30
I judged the tides wrong and the rocks that the Purple Sandpipers usually feed on were all ready covered so no chance of seeing them. A Rock Pipit was feeding on the cliffs and 2 pairs of Fulmars have all ready taken up residence. Off shore a few Red-throated Divers, Gannets, Kittywakes and a single Common Scoter passed through.
Ramsgate Harbour 10:50 - 11:15
A quick visit here soon saw the 1st Winter Iceland Gull, which with the help of some bread gave great views, shame that the light was so poor and the heavens opened up.
Reculver 11:50 - 13:45
Ŵith the rain still falling I walked up to the Lagoon looking for the Snow Buntings, on the way up 2 Stonechats were feeding by the path and couple of Corn Buntings were singing. A covey of 8 Grey Partridges was nice to see and on the way back I found a group of 7 Snow Buntings feeding close to the path
Oare Marshes 14:30 - 16:00
With the rain. finally easing I set off around reserve, which was a bit of a disappointment, no Green-winged Teal and no Dowitcher, in fact due to the high water levels there were no waders on East Flood. The last bird of the day was a hunting Barn Owl on Sheppy by Harty Ferry.
90 species seen on the day not to bad considering the awful conditions.
Grove Ferry 07:00 - 09:20
As the day dawned on a new year a Tawny Owl called from the trees north of the river and a Water Rail squealed from the reeds. Two male Hen Harriers left their roost but didn’t hang around.
At least 4 Water Pipits were seen around the reserve and a Green Sandpiper took flight from an area of cut reeds. Two Peregrines flew over calling noisily as they did, a Great White Egret was seen by other birders but I managed to miss it.
Foreness Point 10:00 - 10:30
I judged the tides wrong and the rocks that the Purple Sandpipers usually feed on were all ready covered so no chance of seeing them. A Rock Pipit was feeding on the cliffs and 2 pairs of Fulmars have all ready taken up residence. Off shore a few Red-throated Divers, Gannets, Kittywakes and a single Common Scoter passed through.
Ramsgate Harbour 10:50 - 11:15
A quick visit here soon saw the 1st Winter Iceland Gull, which with the help of some bread gave great views, shame that the light was so poor and the heavens opened up.
Reculver 11:50 - 13:45
Ŵith the rain still falling I walked up to the Lagoon looking for the Snow Buntings, on the way up 2 Stonechats were feeding by the path and couple of Corn Buntings were singing. A covey of 8 Grey Partridges was nice to see and on the way back I found a group of 7 Snow Buntings feeding close to the path
Oare Marshes 14:30 - 16:00
With the rain. finally easing I set off around reserve, which was a bit of a disappointment, no Green-winged Teal and no Dowitcher, in fact due to the high water levels there were no waders on East Flood. The last bird of the day was a hunting Barn Owl on Sheppy by Harty Ferry.
90 species seen on the day not to bad considering the awful conditions.
Now that is the way to kick start your yearlist! Here we are on 10th Jan and I'm only on 67! A sign that life is way too busy. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, have only just seen your comment so apologies for the tardy response. I do enjoy getting out on New Years Day and getting the year of to a good start. Birding for me will have to take a back seat for the next couple of weeks as need to do some decorating.
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