Tuesday 29 March 2011

Serin Saga

Dungeness - 0900 - dry, hazy, mild, se2 - We joined Marshman and Wealdman at the end of the boardwalk for an hours seawatch in pleasant conditions. A decent up-Channel passage of 200 Common Scoters, 80 Brents, 10 Red-throated Divers, 5 mergansers, 6 Guillemots, 6 Shoveler, 4 Shelducks, 4 Teal, Fulmar, plus floating Gannets and Sandwich Terns. On the land, half a dozen Black Redstarts including  some showy cock birds around the old light, plus a sprinkling of Wheatears, Stonechats, Chiffchaff, Skylark, Goldcrest, Linnets and Mipits. Apparently, the Serins were seen and photographed by someone while us and about ten other birders were also searching for them (and within shouting distance), but news didnt filter through until early afternoon, mmm...

                                          Goldcrest, Dungeness

RSPB - 1145hrs A circuit of the reserve with Fair Weather Birder turned up our first Willow Warblers of the year, also 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Stonechats and good views of a Cetti`s Warbler. Drew a blank on the Christmas Dell Firecrests. Plenty of harrier activity at Dengemarsh.
Dungeness - 1500hrs A return to the point and brief flight views of the Serins as they headed inland. More Goldcrests and Black Redstarts around West Beach gorse.
Walland Marsh - 1830hrs A harrier roost produced 8 Marsh Harriers to roost. Also, calling Water Rail, Bearded Tit and Little Owl.
                                           Singing Black Redstart

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