Daily coverage but still nothing to write home about. Cool Northerly winds dominate and it generally feels like early spring rather than mid May. Notable birds since last posting have been a Common Crane on the 11th, picked up by Nige Jarman coming in over the cliffs at the monument, I saw it fly over st Maragrets and continue West. The same day I had 3 Willow Warblers in Langdon hole, A Hobby and a Marsh Harrier flew in off the sea on the 12th, a Merlin did the same at dawn today (16th) and was briefly chased by a Peregrine.
A large number of Gulls were on Shakey beach midweek, seemingly feeding on sprats/mackerel and loafing on the beach. Amoung them was this beautiful Razorbill which hauled out onto the shingle and allowed some close views, its not every day you see an auk’s iris in south east Kent. A Grey Plover also joined the gulls on the beach and a 2cy Shag was fishing under Shakey Cliff.
Some promise at the end of next week in the form of warm continental air, fingers crossed.
PERDIX BIRDER 