New Year`s Day +1

Cool, dry and sunny, NW 2 - Due to the wind and rain of NYD we delayed our traditional outing until today in far more favourable weather conditions. Commencing, as usual, in the Wealden woods near Appledore all the expected common woodland species were logged including several hooting Tawny Owls, a screeching Barn Owl, the two woodpeckers, Goldcrests, Nuthatches and Treecreepers. A drive along Moor Lane yielded a few winter thrushes, at least 50 Yellowhammers and lesser numbers of Linnets and Meadow Pipits. Moving down onto the flatlands and along the RMCanal between Kennardington and Warehorne, Kingfisher, Bullfinch and Peregrine went onto the day list. The Marsh farmland was relatively quiet with the highlights being 32 distant Bewick`s Swans near Newlands farm and three Green Sandpipers in a flooded field at Midley. Seven Cattle Egrets were seen along the airport road and a Little Owl at Pigwell. Scotney pits saw the day list fly past the 50 mark due to a host of common wetland birds, plus a Greenshank and a Black-necked Grebe, while the long-staying Great Northern Diver and Long-tailed Duck were ticked off on New Diggings. Conditions were unsuitable for a midday seawatch but we gave it a go from the boats and eventually, after an hour, managed a respectable tally of regular seabirds, plus an east-bound passage of 300 Brents and a Red-necked Grebe on the sea that flew into the bay. Next stop the Tavern viewpoint overlooking the sands on a falling tide and with bright sunshine behind us - what perfect timing! Eleven species of beach waders included 10 Black-tailed and 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 100 Knots, 20 Grey and 19 Ringed Plovers and our only Shelduck of the day on the sea. Our final port of call was on the bird reserve where a Lesser-black Backed Gull was number 100 and a `pinging` Bearded Tit at 105 in a blazing sunset.

                                  Green Sandpipers, Midley

                                 Little Owl, Lydd

And so concluded a great day in the field, birding from dawn to dusk in fine company. Many thanks to Chris for driving the 56 mile route and Phil for keeping the list of the 105 species we ended up recording.