Purple Sandpipers

Hythe - 0930hrs - cold, overcast, e 5 - Bitterly cold along the promenade this morning; but for a Purple Sandpiper used to living in Arctic latitudes and on the splash zone, no problem. The sea defence blocks at Stade Court and the Hythe Imperial held 3 each of these stunning little waders as they roosted out the high tide. Also noted several Turnstones and 2 Kittiwakes offshore.

                                          Purple Sandpipers, Hythe Seafront

Littlestone Beach - 1200hrs - Another look for the Snow Buntings in the Varne car park drew a blank although they were seen earlier. However, the beach was full of waders of all 10 regular wintering species including counts of 155 Knot, 300 Sanderling and 200 Dunlin. In the dunes several Song Thrushes and a Reed Bunting.
ps: A flock of grey geese over St Mary`s-in-the-Marsh around noon, heading towards Hythe, comprised 105 White-fronts and 2 Bean Geese (CP).
pps: A tripod was found at Lade Pits today and is in my possession. Anyone having lost one please contact me via e-mail or phone (details on the website).