Cool, dry and sunny, NE 3 - The relentless wind off the North Sea continues, although with less bite than of late. Yesterday our Ted walk took in the farmland north of New Romney where the only bird of note was a calling Cuckoo along with a few singing Reed and Sedge Warblers, Lesser and Common Whitethroats. The walk along the New Cut produced three Painted Ladies and several Red Admirals, Peacocks and Small Whites.
It was back to the coast for today`s Ted walk commencing early on the local patch at Lade where the aim was to carry out a full breeding bird survey. However, after an hour or so that was kicked into touch as it became apparent that waders were on the move as indicated by a flock of 35 Dunlins and five Greenshanks over north and south lakes respectively, plus several Whimbrels, Little Ringed and Grey Plovers overhead calling unseen. With a rising tide we then nipped round to the Tavern viewpoint where 30 Curlews and 120 Oystercatchers were already on the move along with 25 Bar-tailed Godwits and 100 mixed flock of Dunlins, Grey Plovers, Sanderlings and Knots (mostly Dunlin). Next stop Kerton quarry where more Grey Plovers and Whimbrels flew over calling and a pair of the former dropped in to join 90 roosting Oystercatchers. Two Little Ringed Plovers (more were seen on ARC this morning) were soon chivvied away by the resident pair of Ringed Plovers while at least six Common Sandpipers flitted around the margins. The main island had plenty of Redshank, Oystercatcher and Lapwings activity with several well-grown chicks of the latter species noted. It was then onto the point for a seawatch from the hide (1030-1200hrs) which was slow going but did include: 45 Barwit, 12 Whimbrel, two Knot, two Grey Plover, 16 Kittiwake, 20 Common Tern and a Pomarine Skua. The best of the wader tribe was yet to come though as a Curlew Sandpiper (a scarce passage migrant here in spring) had been reported by Kev E back at the quarry, necessitating a return visit on the way home that duly delivered a cracking adult bird in russet, summer plumage. Many more passage waders were reported across the peninsula today, but it made me wonder how many more went over unseen...
Beautiful series of photos! Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDelete