Rough-legged Buzzard

Lade - cold, showery, n 2 -5 -  A thoroughly nasty day weather wise with a raw-bone wind delivering a number of heavy showers. However, bird of the day number-wise was the humble Blackbird which seemed to be everywhere following an overnight drop-in. Birds were seen in coastal gardens, across the shingle  scrub and around the willow swamp; at one stage a party of eight and three came in high off the bay, plus 10 Fieldfares. Also of note, a flock of 15 Goldeneyes that flew across south lake before disappearing towards the bird reserve.
  An early afternoon phone call from Dave Bunney told of a Rough-legged Buzzard that had just passed over Long Pits heading towards Lade. I nipped round to Hull Road and scanned towards the pits where the Roughie was tussling with a couple of Marsh Harriers! Further investigation during the afternoon failed to relocate the bird, so I assume it continued its journey northwards.
Dungeness - From Hanson hide a wader flock of six Redshanks and two Dunlins was on the islands amongst a scattering of common dabbling ducks including eight Pintails and 12 Shelducks. More Blackbirds were noted from the Willow Trail and along the access road where Buzzard, Kestrel and Marsh Harrier present. On Burrowes PB located an adult Caspian Gull amongst the throng while a Black-necked Grebe was seen from Scott hide (P&PB). A Peregrine also put in an appearance.