Ducks, harriers and an Iceland Gull

Lade - 0730hrs - mild, dry and sunny, sw 3 - Started the day on the pits with the monthly WeBS count. Predictably numbers were down on last month, although four Shelducks were new. Still no sign of any spring migrants.
Dungeness - Just as we`d finished the count news came through from TG and DR of an Iceland Gull flying past the seawatch hide heading for the Patch. By the time we arrived on site the 1st winter bird was flying over the boil and occasionally landing on the sea amongst hundreds of commoner gulls. Eventually it settled on the beach amongst the throng which gave me time to catch up and have a natter with David Roche who`s been staying locally for a few days.
Two groups of 50 Brents went up-Channel and the Ravens were active over the power station. On the beach opposite Jarman`s Black Redstart, Skylark and Stonechat noted.

                                          Barn Owl, Walland Marsh


 Walland Marsh - Joined Marshman this afternoon for the last of the winter harrier roost counts  where 13 Marsh Harriers came in at two separate reed-bed sites. A Barn Owl showed well as we watched it catch and devour a small rodent. Also noted six Ruff, three Buzzards, 20 Fieldfares, 15 Reed Buntings, a flyover Great White Egret, Sparrowhawk and Snipe, plus calling Water Rail and Cetti`s Warbler.
The day finished with a fine sunset and a mink sighting on way home.