All a bit distant!

Swallows, Sand Martins House Martins by the observatory

 Arctic Skua

Another morning of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Hirundines with an attendant Hobby. A good number made their way into the nets to be ringed at the observatory. Though ringing came to an abrupt end as news of a Beluga Whale in the Thames at Gravesend broke. I probably should have joined the others and gone, but when I see one I want it to be in the Arctic. (If it's still around tomorrow I might crack)

13.30-16.30 from the fishing boats with AJG who kindly collated the numbers, joined by MH & ML.
Brent Goose: 3W
Pintail: 2W
Common Scoter: 32W
Red-throated Diver: 1E
Black-necked Grebe:1 around but distant
Gannet: 47W
Oystercatcher: 1E
Grey Phalarope: 1 present all afternoon but distant, a different bird from the weekend.
Arctic Skua: 12W
Mediterranean Gull: 8W
Kittiwake: 5 around
Sandwich Tern: 31W
Common Tern: 2W
Guillemot: 1 around
Swallow: 351 out
Harbour Porpoise: 5+

 1cy Black-necked Grebe, I did say it was distant

1cy Grey Phalarope Honest! even more distant

Late afternoon at the ARC from Hanson Hide, 60+ Golden Plover,2 Ruff, 2 Dunlin all among c200 Lapwing, also seen there a Cattle Egret, 2 Great White Egrets, a Hobby, a Merlin, a Water Rail and the usual wild fowl including an albino Egyptian Goose. While there around 18.00hrs I got a call from Marcus Lawson letting me know that he was watching the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the back of Scotney in Sussex.. I immediately headed off to Scotney, when I was about 100yds from him the rescue helicopter based at Lydd flew over flushing everything, fortunately after a few minutes for me Marcus picked it out again, also there  a Little Stint, Common Snipe, c15 Dunlin, 3+ Ruff and a Greenshank. Out by the wind turbines as sun set 100s possibly 1,000s of Hirundines were swarming over a Maize field presumably preparing to roost.   

 Carrying on the rubbish distant images, spot the Buff-breasted Sandpiper!