Local Patch

Lade - 1000hrs - mild, sunny, sw 4 - Once the rain band cleared it was sunshine all the way, along with a positively warmish wind off the Atlantic; at least when compared to last weeks easterly. However, after a day in London yesterday on grandparent duties the local patch received the full treatment this morning. On south pit a drake Smew and 3 redheads were the star birds, plus a flyover Bittern, 6 Goldeneyes on the water and a Great White Egret in the reedbed by the `mirrors`. Most of the ducks were sheltering from the stiff breeze amongst the willows where 2 Marsh Harriers were on patrol. Also noted 2 Water Rails, plenty of winter thrushes, including Mistle and Song Thrushes, Green Woodpecker and a tit flock that attracted a Chiffchaff.
Romney Salts - A quick scan from the ramp by the school yielded 50 Curlews and a large flock of gulls roosting out the high tide, plus hundreds of Woodpigeons, Stock Doves, Lapwings and Goldies. Also noted more thrushes, 10 Skylarks and winter thrushes.

                                Curlew, Romney Salts

Littlestone - The 2 Snow Buntings were in the Varne car park before being flushed by walkers towards the sand dunes, Offshore hundreds of Great Crested Grebes and a single group of 20 Red-throated Divers.
RSPB - 1430hrs - A spin round the bird reserve revealed all the usual stuff including, 8 Smew, 6 Goldeneyes and 3 Great White Egrets on ARC/New Diggings, plus hundreds of Wigeon, Goldies, Lapwings, Curlews, Common Gulls, winter thrushes, 3 Barnacle Geese and 3 Marsh Harriers on the fields at Boulderwall.