The southerly wind continues with varying strengths over the past 3 days. The 10th was a calm warm morning with 2 Marsh Harriers and 3 Red Kites the highlights of my walk around the patch. All 3 Kites and one of the Marsh Harriers headed South and out to sea bizarrely. I wish I understood why!
3 Brimstones, a Comma,3 Peacocks and a few Whites were also taking advantage of the mild and still weather as were the local Wall Lizard population.
3 White Wagtails along the cliffs, c50 Siskin a single Greenfinch, c100 Chaffinch, single Brambling and a Black Redstart were noted on the 11th aswell as a jump in Stonechat numbers (7) and some continental looking males while this morning’s efforts were aimed at the Sea where c750 Brent Geese were counted between 7am and 9ish. flying East some at great distance and others abit closer. 26 Red–throated divers also East.
One of the closer flocks contained a lone Pale–Bellied Brent bringing up the rear. A bird was reported from Reculver later in the day. I wonder if it could be the same bird?
The winds dropped mid afternoon and I broke from working on the house to check the headland quickly for a Wheatear. Alas it was not to be but 2 Firecrests on Foxhill down and a pocket of 3 ChiffChaffs along the fence on Reach Road were welcomed migrants to look at.
PERDIX BIRDER 