Weird Weather

Lade - 0800hrs - The morning started with a thick cloak of fog over the Peninsula and a light ground frost. By 8am a warm, southerly airflow cleared the murk and the sun broke through rapidly elevating the temperature into the `teens`. Associated with the warmth was a fresh, summery type smell, amazing.
Being as it was WeBS count day checked through all the ducks without much of note. A brown Merlin sunbathing on the wall `mirror` ramp attracted the attention of several Magpies, while 3 foxes were also enjoying the sunshine. Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel hunting over the back, plus 3 Water Rails and 2 Chiffchaffs around the willows.
Walland Marsh - 1530hrs Accompanied CP to count one of the harrier roosts on a fabulous afternoon with light airs and a blood red sunset. As the temperature dropped a rolling mist spookily enveloped us - simply stunning. Oh, yes, the birds! Highlights were 15 Marsh Harriers to roost, while a Short-eared Owl put in a late appearance. Once again there was no sign of any Barn Owls on what was a perfect evening for them to be out and about.
It was a busy day on the bird reserve with Glossy Ibis and Pallas`s Warbler near Christmas Dell, plus 2 Great White Egrets, Long-tailed Duck and Dartford Warbler elsewhere around the site. Another GWEgret was reported from Hamstreet and the Roughie remained faithful to Nickoll`s Quarry, West Hythe.

                                          Walland Marsh