Woodlark!

Woodlark at Pigwell this morning (image courtesy of Andy Luckhurst)

First thing this morning I went looking for a Hooded Crow that was seen in Lydd Camp yesterday afternoon by GP. I thought I'd try Pigwell as there is some good rough ground there, full of Rabbits and finches that may attract the Rough-legged Buzzard. As soon as I arrived a party of 18 Bewick Swans flew over, then 2 Marsh Harriers cruised over followed a Common Buzzard. A large party of finches and Meadow Pipits were feeding around Teasels and Thistles when something spooked them, as they took to the air I heard the distinctive call of a Woodlark, which I managed to pick out quite easily in flight due to it's distinctive broad winged and short tailed appearance, it landed again quite near but out of site over a ridge, after a few minutes it took flight again but landed behind the ridge out of sight again, next time it alighted on some overhead wires but along way off for the camera, the images I got were very poor, when it took flight again it landed back behind the ridge out of sight. Fortunately Andy Luckhurst came along, as he has far more patience than me he managed to get some good shots of it. As for the Hooded Crow and Rough-legged Buzzard, I'll try again another day. 

Little Grebe from Firth

5 more Bewick Swans could be seen from Cockles Bridge. Late morning on Burrowes 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Caspian Gull but otherwise disappointing. 2 Cattle Egrets were at the far end of Cook's Pool with Great White Egret. 

Adult Yellow-legged Gull from Firth

Early afternoon at the fishing boats the calm sea was littered with 100s of Cormorants, a minimum of  186 Great-crested Grebes and c200 Guillemots, also at least 14 Red-throated Divers feeding with them, while further out a large feeding flock of Kittiwakes with a few Gannets, nothing appeared to be moving. 

This injured young Herring Gull has been around the fishing boats for a few days, they must be incredibly tough to suffer such a horrific injury and carry on as normal. Perhaps they don't feel pain in their legs and feet, as I see many with leg and foot injuries.

Clearly shows the snapped bone sticking out the side of it's leg

Wood Pigeons enjoying the seaside sun this afternoon

Mid afternoon back at Burrowes another adult Caspian Gull. 2 Norwegian ringed Great Black-backed Gulls and 2 Pitsea Gulls.