Little Gull Surprise!

A wander down to The Patch this morning saw of note 12 Red-throated Divers moving east, a handful of Gannets and a 1w Mediterranean Gull, on the beach Great Black-backed Gull JC782 a regular bird here.

At the lighthouse with OL a Marsh Harrier flew out to sea, also another Harrier sp flew high out to sea. 

Another disappointing wander among the fishing boats and up towards the lifeboat station, just 2 Skylarks of any note.

 Skylarks on the beach behind the fishing boats

 On the reserve mid morning there were lots of Gulls for a change even in front of Firth Hide, 2 new colour rings were recorded with the help of Pete B. Unfortunately the wardens chose this morning to take the boat out on the lake which put an abrupt end to any more Gull watching. Just to make sure the Gulls wouldn't return a Peregrine landed on one of the islands and had a bath.
At Cockles Bridge at least 2 Bewick Swans still, also a Great White Egret there.

Tree Sparrow at Scotney

Late morning/early afternoon at Scotney the usual feral Geese including 180 Barnacle Geese, the Common Sandpiper was still present round the main lake, by the farm 10+ Tree Sparrows, a Black Redstart and Little Owl, at the back of the farm the 2 Whooper Swans still with the Mute Swans, 100s of Golden Plovers, Lapwings, Teal and Wigeon, 2 each of Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier.

Late afternoon back at the reserve from Makepiece very few Gulls still, though a 1w Little Gull was a surprise visitor in the gloom.