Caspians!

1w Caspian Gull on the beach early morning

The sea was fairly quiet first thing this morning, a few each of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Kittiwake all making their way down channel, while on the sea a few Great-crested Grebes and Guillemots. The highlight being a 1w Caspian Gull that has been around for a few days near the fishing boats.

On the reserve the Ring-necked Duck was still showing well on Cooks Pool, but the Long-eared Owl was missing again today. On Burrowes 2 red head Smew were of note as was a Chiffchaff at Makepiece. Between Scott and Denge Marsh at least 6 Song Thrushes were nice to see also a Great Spotted and 2 Green Woodpeckers, a Stonechat and a couple of unseen Cetti's Warblers calling.

Behind Denge Marsh the usual Lapwings, Golden Plover, Stock Doves and Linnets, also 3 Great White Egrets, a Common Buzzard, 2+ Marsh harriers and a Peregrine. At the back of Hookers Bearded Tits, Cetti's Warblers, a Bittern, Reed Buntings, 2 Stonechats and a Common Snipe were all noted.

At Scotney I was unable to locate the Black-throated Diver. Around the main pit the usual feral Geese, 100s of Wigeon along with usual diving ducks, Cormorants and Herring Gulls littered the islands and a ring tail Hen Harrier cruised along the bank at the back of the pit. In the distance by the wind turbines countless Lapwing, Golden Plover and Starlings filled the sky.

On Walland 100s each of Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbirds, a few more Song Thrushes, 4 Mistle Thrushes and 4 Common Buzzards. At the feeding station 20+ Tree Sparrows and a Yellowhammer of note. 

17 Bewick Swans at Horesesbones Farm (What3words App:  blackouts.shades.narrowest)

Back at the beach this afternoon 135 Brent Geese flew up channel and a new 1w Caspian Gull was by the Fish Hut.

 The new 1w Caspian Gull

 Squaring up to a Great Black-Backed Gull

J6XT Herring Gull at the Fish Hut today.

Late afternoon at the ARC a couple of Marsh harriers flew through as I arrived flushing the Gulls and Duck leaving a single Great White Egret.