A total of 164 species so far this year

167 species by this time last year

26th

Sunny and calm. There were two Red-throated Divers and three Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper on the beach off the Obs on the outgoing tide and the Grey Plover. Bird of the day was undoubtedly the Little Auk that flew east close inshore at 11.38 am. Our first since 5th November 2021. Other birds noted included the Snow Bunting, Kingfisher, and a Chiffchaff in the churchyard.

25th

After two days of gales and heavy rain, calm returned today, albeit with a bit of drizzle. Bird of the day was a Slavonian Grebe close inshore by the tidal ponds. Only our second report of the year. The Snow Bunting and Dartford Warbler were seen and there was another sighting of Kingfisher.

22nd

A group from the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory paid a visit today enjoying the “bitterly cold westerly winds”. Amongst the birds seen were seven Teal, a Shoveler, five Common Scoters and a drake Red-breasted Merganser. Waders included one Purple Sandpiper and a Grey Plover. Other birds of note included the Snow Bunting, two Rock Pipits and a Grey Wagtail, four Stonechats, a Chiffchaff and two Firecrests.

21st

A drake Goldeneye and a drake Goosander, which flew west over the sea, were both additions to the year list. The Dartford Warbler, last reported on 10th, was seen again as was the Snow Bunting.

20th

Sunny, cold (0-5 C), moderate NW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, a duck Teal and a duck Shoveler on the Marsh Pool, and a Little Grebe in the brook by the sluice. A steady movement of waders heading west over the sea included 22 Golden Plovers and c90 Knot. Also one Purple Sandpiper, the Grey Plover and 38 Sanderlings were also noted. Thrushes were also on the move with 22 Fieldfares and 33 Redwings west early morning and, towards midday, a flock of 16 Fieldfares dropped into the bushes opposite the Obs, them moved on west, and five Redwings joined the Starlings in these bushes. Also noted were the Snow Bunting on the beach, four Rooks on the beach and a single Goldfinch.

18th

Sunny, cool, calm. There was a Red-throated Diver offshore, a group of nine Great Crested Grebes by the tidal ponds and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. Six Shelducks flew west. Waders included the Grey Plover, tmoderate NW wind. wo Lapwings on the tidal ponds and 24 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. There were eight adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and the tidal ponds with one feeding on an auk close inshore by the skate park. One Kittiwake flew west. Other birds of note included a Snow Bunting and a Dartford Warbler, last seen over a week ago so questions as to whether they are the same birds, and a Firecrest near the changing rooms.

16th

Cloudy, light westerly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Gannets flew west, 67 Brent Geese were on the beach and a Little Grebe was in the brook below the sluice. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers on the shingle ridge at high tide, the Grey Plover and the juvenile Purple Sandpiper, 30 Snipe flushed from the Marsh Pool by two microlights, and 24 Redshanks also on the pool. Other birds noted included three Stock Doves in a flock of Woodpigeons, also flushed by the microlights, a Kingfisher, and a Chiffchaff at the Obs.

14th

Cloudy then sunny, light northerly wind. A Red-throated Diver, four Gannets and four Shelducks flew east and three Pintail (a drake and two ducks) flew west. Waders included 21 Oystercatchers, 24 Sanderlings, a Purple Sandpiper and a Dunlin on the beach, 33 Curlews heading towards the Studd Hill roost, 15 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and a flock of 14 Lapwings flying NW. Other birds noted included a female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, three Skylarks, a pair of Stonechats in the scrub, and a Goldcrest.

13th

Cloudy, light NE wind. One Red-throated Diver flew east, five Great Crested Grebes flew west, another was offshore and 165 Cormorants headed west in one straggly line. Two Teal flew west and, later, there were two ducks on the Marsh Pool. 36 Curlews flew towards the Studd Hill roost. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, a pair of Stonechats, 30 Chaffinches flew west amongst which a Brambling was heard.

12th

Sunny periods and showers with a strong NE wind. c50 Gannets, three Shelducks and 18 Kittiwakes flew west, seven Common Scoters flew west, and another three flew east, in a 90-minute seawatch, late morning.

11th

Sunny, cooler, light NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, another five flew west, and 13 Gannets flew west. Waders included 40 Sanderlings on the beach, ten Snipe on the Marsh Pool and the flagged and colour-ringed Curlew, seen previously on October 24th, on the beach. Other birds noted included three Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail, the pair of Stonechats and a Reed Bunting west.

The Curlew was captive-reared at Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey. It was released on the 14th July, subsequently observed on the South Sale on 9th September before the two sightings on the beach. Rearing and releasing Curlews at Elmley is part of a programme to encourage this species to breed in lowland Britain.

10th

A Great Northern Diver and a flock of eight Velvet Scoters (a high count for this species) flew east. A Knot was present on the eastern end of the beach, Lapwing was noted and a juvenile Purple Sandpiper was seen. The Dartford Warbler was seen again but there was no sign of the Snow Bunting.

9th

Cloudy and calm. A Great Northern Diver and nine Great Crested Grebes were offshore, three Gannets and five Wigeon flew west and the duck Wigeon was again on the Marsh Pool before flying inland with Mallard. A Golden Plover flew west low over the sea. A Sandwich Tern was offshore and a Guillemot was close inshore by the Obs. Other birds noted included a single Swallow, a Chiffchaff calling at the Obs, a Firecrest along the east bank, six Chaffinches and 70 Goldfinches west and the male Snow Bunting was still present.

A Great Black-backed Gull, born in 2013 and ringed at the Pitsea landfill site on 14 March 2014, was seen in the far north of Norway in May 2017, where it was presumably breeding. It was seen at Swalecliffe in October last year and has reappeared on the beach today.

8th

The Snow Bunting and the Purple Sandpiper were both present but the Dartford Warbler was not seen. A Razorbill was seen distantly on the sea.

Cloudy and calm.

7th

Cloudy, misty, light SE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore and four Gannets flew east. There were 160 Brent Geese on the beach which included our first juvenile of the year. A duck Wigeon and a duck Teal were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper. There was one Mediterranean Gull offshore and nine Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present and other birds noted included two Swallows, two Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest at the Obs with 12 Long-tailed Tits, and a male Blackcap in the bushes opposite the Obs. A Jay flew over the scout hut carrying an acorn in its bill.

6th

Cloudy, misty, calm. A Red-throated Diver was offshore and a Teal was along the shoreline. Waders included a Grey Plover with an injured leg, presumably the bird present last winter, two Purple Sandpipers, including a juvenile bird, a flock of 60 Sanderlings on the spit opposite the Obs and eight Snipe along the shoreline. A Mediterranean Gull and two Sandwich Terns were offshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present and other birds noted included five Swallows, a Grey Wagtail, two Fieldfares west, 15 Linnets on the beach and a flock of Siskins.

5th

A Great Northern Diver was offshore and four Red-breasted Mergansers were close inshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present.

4th

Cloudy and calm. There was a Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and c10 Great Crested Grebes offshore, 180 Brent Geese on the beach, four Shelducks, a flock of 30 Pintail and a pair of Eiders flew west, two Common Scoters flew east and another west. Waders included six Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach and seven Snipe and 25 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. An Arctic Skua was chasing gulls offshore, there were 19 Great Black-backed Gulls, with only three immatures, on the beach and four Sandwich Terns offshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler remain in residence, five Swallows flew east, a roaming tit flock at the Obs included a Chiffchaff, three Goldcrests and two Firecrests and a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling were also noted.

3rd

Snow Bunting still present.

2nd

The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler are still present.

1st

Cloudy with a light westerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, one Great Northern Diver and three Great Crested Grebes offshore, five Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and 132 Brent Geese resting close inshore at high tide. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and 37 Dunlin roosting between the groynes. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew east and there were four adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. The male Snow Bunting was again on the beach and the Dartford Warbler in the grassland bushes. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher in the brook below the sluice, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, two Stonechats, 35 Redwings heading west in the early morning, and 60 Goldfinches west.

A total of 104 species during the month compares with an ten-year average of 109.8 species. However, there were some interesting birds seen. A Sabine’s Gull on 2nd was only our second record for the site, after one in September 2014. Although this species is regularly seen along the North Kent coast in stormy autumnal conditions. A Yellow-browed Warbler is another autumn specialist and one on 3rd was the seventh record for the site. A Dartford Warbler on 22nd was the fifth, record and another from 30th, the sixth. Finally, a Hawfinch that flew west on 22nd was also only our second record after one in June 2002.

A total of 160 species so far this year

164 species by this time last year

31st

A flock of 50 White-fronted Geese flew high west at 11.05 am. The Snow Bunting was seen again on the beach. Also noted were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Gannets east and a single Dunlin.

30th

Sunny periods and light to moderate SW wind. A Snow Bunting, on the beach by the caravan park early morning, was our first of the year. A second Dartford Warbler of the month, and year, was in the scrub and a Firecrest was along the middle brook. Late morning, two Fieldfares flew north, another addition to the year list. A Great Northern Diver, seen briefly offshore, was the first returning bird, a Red-throated Diver flew east and, later, one was close inshore. 40 Brent Geese flew west and another 20 were close inshore at high tide. One Shelduck flew west and there were 27 Mallard on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 95 Ringed Plovers, 107 Dunlin and 11 Sanderlings on the beach and 15 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included three Sandwich Terns offshore, seven Swallows west, the Cetti’s Warbler heard again in the scrub by Lang Court, and a flock of 40 Siskins west over the Obs.

28th

Sunny periods, light to moderate SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and about 12 Gannets offshore, fishing, and all but one an adult. There were 24 Brent Geese on the beach whilst waders included the Purple Sandpiper, a single Dunlin and 21 Sanderlings amongst the Ringed Plovers and Turnstones on the beach. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west. Other birds noted included two Stonechats in the scrub, a Chiffchaff at the Obs and a light westerly movement of Chaffinches.

26th

Light cloud, a shower and a light southerly wind. There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore and 28 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 12 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A second winter Mediterranean Gull flew west, there were four adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and only one Sandwich Tern offshore. A male Sparrowhawk picked a rodent out of the grass by the Obs. Also noted were a Little Grebe in Coot Strait, a Kingfisher, a single Swallow west, a Chiffchaff, a Jay carrying acorns into the scrub, three Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting.

24th

Sunny and calm. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper on the spit off the Obs, eight Snipe visible in the marsh and a Curlew on the beach, colour-ringed and flagged, which hopefully will provide an interesting history. There were three Sandwich Terns offshore. A Kingfisher, seen several times during the course of the morning, was our first since late September. An indication of the state of the brook when the rains bring down much silt presumably from the house building further upstream. Also noted were two Stonechats, three Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, a Rook and another Greenfinch, heading west.

23rd

Sunny, light SW wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Common Scoters flew east. A Little Grebe was on the Marsh Pool, two adult Mediterranean Gulls and two Sandwich Terns were seen offshore. A Cetti’s Warbler, heard calling neat the chalets, was our first of the year although, in recent years birds have lingered for months and may have bred last year. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, four Chiffchaffs, a Brambling amongst a westerly movement of Chaffinches, a juvenile Greenfinch in the churchyard, our first for many months, and four Reed Buntings.

22nd

A Hawfinch, that flew west at 9.15 am, was only the second record for the site. The first was in June 2002! At 9.30 am, a Dartford Warbler was found near the Obs. This was only the fifth record for the site. Both rare birds here but if they were going to turn up, this is the time of the year to expect them. Also noted were a Great White Egret flying west at 1.26 pm, our third of the year but only the ninth in total. In addition, the Purple Sandpiper continues to show regularly and a Goldcrest was seen along the east bank.

20th

A flock of Egyptian Geese flying west at 9.45 am were most likely the flock of nine seen earlier at Seasalter flying east at 8 am.

19th

Cloudy, rainy periods, light SW wind. A juvenile Red-throated Diver close inshore and 11 Great Crested Grebes offshore, including a raft of ten. Waders included 30 Redshanks along the tideline which relocated to the Marsh Pool at high tide, five Snipe on the Marsh Pool and two Curlews on the beach. There were also 33 Mallard and a Teal on the Marsh Pool and eight Little Egrets there at high tide. Eight Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included seven adults and there were 11 Sandwich Terns offshore. Steady vis mig inncluded c200 Swallows and c250 Chaffinches and three Goldfinches heading west. Also noted one female Stonechat, a Chiffchaff, at least six Blackbirds including four black-billed immature males in the bushes opposite the Obs and an immature male Sparrowhawk in scrubland trees.

17th

Sunny, mild, light SW wind. After overnight storms with heavy rain, the brook finally broke through the shingle ridge to flow into the sea. A Red-throated Diver flew east, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, a juvenile Pomarine Skua offshore landed on the sea, a Tufted Duck flew west at 10.25 am and a Short-eared Owl, new for the year, flew west low over the sea at 11 am. Two juvenile Mute Swans also flew west and three Arctic Terns, resting on the spit early morning, were also new for the year. Waders included a single Sanderling along the shoreline and five Snipe and 19 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were 11 Sandwich Terns offshore, two Song Thrushes in the scrub and an increase in the number of Blackbirds.

16th

Sunny, very warm (21.5 C on leaving), Calm. A Black-necked Grebe was drifting west on a flat calm sea early morning. Our second of the year but only our eight in total. A single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe were also offshore, two Gannets flew west whilst 120 Brent Geese on the beach included no juveniles. This strongly suggests a very poor breeding season in Siberia. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and six Snipe and 24 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a duck Wigeon on the Marsh Pool, Redwing arriving in off the sea, small numbers of Chaffinches heading west and three Reed Buntings.

Speckled Wood and Small White butterflies continue to show.

11th

Sunny, cool, calm. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two more flew west, and there were six Little Egrets and 22 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper, first seen on 1st, on the groynes, three Sanderlings, a Dunlin and a Curlew on the beach, and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Little Grebe along Coot Strait, six Sandwich Terns offshore, ten Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail, four Stonechats, a Blackcap and three Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest at the Obs, our first Coal Tit for two years, in the churchyard, and three Reed Buntings.

Small White and Speckled Wood butterflies were joined by a male Common Blue near the Obs.

10th

Cloudy, some light rain, moderate NW wind. Northerly winds failed to produce a sea watching event. There were c20 Gannets offshore, including many juveniles, a lone Pintail, four Arctic Skuas, three Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Kittiwake and three Sandwich Terns flew west and three Common Scoters flew east. Waders included 73 Ringed Plovers and a Sanderling roosting between the groynes. Also noted were a Blackcap calling at the Obs and 12 Linnets.

9th

Sunny periods with a light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Gannets flew east, 38 Brent Geese were on the beach and 44 Mallard on the newly-reflooded Marsh Pool. Waders included a single Curlew and 58 Turnstones on the beach. There was an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach and also an adult Common Tern there, our first for some time. Other birds of note included a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, a Rock Pipit on the beach, a pair of Stonechats, two female Blackcaps and c10 Chiffchaffs, a Jay and our first Redpoll of the year that flew west by the Obs.

7th

Sunny with a light SE wind. A summer plumage Red-throated Diver and six Great Crested Grebes were offshore and there were five Brent Geese on the beach. There were also two Little Grebes in the brook. Waders included a Snipe in the Marsh and 21 Redshanks on the shoreline on the incoming tide. 23 Sandwich Terns also gathered on the beach on the incoming tide. Other birds noted included a single Skylark south, a westerly movement of Swallows and House Martins late morning, two pairs of Stonechats, about 15 Chiffchaffs, mainly in the churchyard, six Chaffinches and a Goldfinch west and a Reed Bunting in the grassland.

A Speckled Wood burtterfly was also noted.

5th

A Red-throated Diver and three Great Crested Grebes were offshore, five Gannets flew east and three Mute Swans flew west. A single Grey Heron was at the eastern end of the beach and nine Sandwich Terns were settled on the spit amongst the Oystercatchers. A Ring-necked Parakeet, heard in the sewage works, was our second of the year and a Redwing in flight was our first of the autumn. Other birds noted included 50+ Swallows, a few House Martins, a single Sand Martin and Skylark heading west, and another Brambling was heard.

4th

A Brambling in the churchyard was our first of the autumn, and the year as well!

3rd

A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen near the entrance to the sewage works between 8.16 and 8.40 am. This is the seventh record for the site but our first for five years. All records have been between 24th September and 15th October. Two Little Grebes were seen in the brook by the sluice.

2nd

Cloudy, showers and a light northerly wind. A fairly quiet start to the morning with a highlight of a Firecrest seen briefly amongst a tit flock in the churchyard. However, movement over the sea began to pick up. 20 Gannets and 20 Common Scoters flew east, 140 Brent Geese, 30 Wigeon, two Teal and a party of 11 Pintail flew west. A Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas flew west but the real highlights came later with a Puffin east at 11.50 am and a Sabine’s Gull east at 12.47 pm. Although fairly regularly seen along this coast during autumn storms, the Sabine’s Gull was only our second at this site after one on 10th September 2014! Other birds noted included a Common Sandpiper at the eastern end of the beach, an adult Kittiwake east, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a flock of ten Skylarks east, a Grey Wagtail, an elusive Redstart calling loudly in the churchyard and a male Stonechat.

1st

Cloudy with a moderate SW wind. A Great Crested Grebe, eight Brent Geese, a Wigeon and six Teal flew west, one Sandwich Tern flew east and a Little Grebe was in the middle brook. A Purple Sandpiper, with Turnstones between the groynes, was probably our earliest autumn bird. Other birds noted included a Stock Dove, three Swallows, a male Stonechat, a Blackcap and six Chiffchaffs, a Jay and two Chaffinches.

September, like August, was well below par in terms of the number of species recorded. An total of 92 species recorded during the month compares with a ten-year average of 104.1 species. There were eight additions to the year list during the month. Three species: Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua on 5th and Pomarine Skua on 27th related to strong northerly winds, a Black-necked Grebe on 3rd and a Black Tern on 9th flew west over the sea in calmer conditions. Two Whinchats and a Spotted Flycatcher on 6th and a Wryneck on 12th to 16th were also additions. The Black-necked Grebe was the seventh record for the site and, with another on 20th and 21st, a total of six Wrynecks for the site. It has been a good month for Redstarts with four individuals seen but a poor month for the more regular Wheatear with only three singles reported.

As most of the summer visitors have now left, it seems likely that we will not record Turtle Dove this year. Also, most unusually, we have not recorded any Reed Warblers this autumn and the only Whinchats were the two birds on 6th.

A total of 147 species so far this year

154 species by this time last year

30th

Cloudy, milder, freshening SW, nine wind. A rare afternoon visit produced two Red-throated Divers and 18 Common Scoters east and nine Brent Geese west. Waders included 31 Oystercatchers on the beach, four Redshanks in the remnant brook, two Snipe in the Marsh Pool and two Dunlin west. Three Stock Doves dropped onto the beach, three Swallows flew west and two male Stonechats spiralled into the sky above the wooden bridge.

Recent rains have begun to put some water back onto the Marsh Pool.

28th

Sunny, cool, light NW wind. Eight Gannets flew east and there were two Sandwich Terns on the beach. A Goldcrest along the east bank was our first of the autumn, a female Redstart was in the churchyard and other birds noted included a Buzzard, a Kingfisher, c20 Chiffchaffs and five Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting flew west.

Speckled Wood and Small White butterflies wee also noted.

27th

Freshening NW winds brought many seabirds into the Swale in the afternoon. On site, two adult Pomarine Skuas flew west close inshore, there were also 30+ Arctic Skuas and nine Great Skuas. There were also 12 Little Gulls and 34+ Kittiwakes, and a Red-throated Diver flew east.

26th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were c10 Gannets offshore. Waders included a single Dunlin roosting between the groynes and a Redshank in the remnant brook. There were three Sandwich Terns offshore and a Kingfisher flew downstream towards the brook.

A Speckled Wood butterfly was noted.

25th

Cloudy, calm, some light rain. A summer plumage Red-throated Diver flew east and three Brent Geese flew west. Three Sandwich Terns and three Common Terns were offshore. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Grey Wagtail, a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub, six Blackcaps and c20 Chiffchaffs and a Jay.

24th

There were three Sanderlings, a Wheatear at the eastern end of the beach and the now regular Kingfisher.

23rd

Three Great Crested Grebes, eight Brent Geese and four Wigeon flew west and there were 11 Little Egrets on the beach. A Hobby flew over the estate and other birds noted included a Kingfisher and a few Sand Martins and a Reed Bunting west.

22nd

A Great White Egret was our second of the year.

21st

A Little Grebe along the middle brook was our first of the autumn. Waders included a single Dunlin. The Wryneck was present in the s crub for a second day. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Yellow and Grey Wagtails and Chaffinch.

20th

There was one Great Crested Grebe. A Pintail flew east, two Teal flew west and two Wigeon were also seen. Waders included our first Curlew of the month on the beach and a single Dunlin. A Wryneck in the scrub and four days since the previous sightings, was thought to be a second bird. Our sixth record and two in a year for the first time. Also noted were Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Chaffinch.

19th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. Seven Brent Geese flew west and 11 Teal circled around the beach. Waders included 45 Oystercatchers, 126 Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin on the beach. A female/immature Redstart was in the churchyard and also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying east over the area and two Yellow Wagtails near the car park.

18th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. Six Gannets flew east, five Brent Geese, a Teal and 21 Common Scoters flew west and there were 37 Mallard in the brook. Waders included 35 Oystercatchers on the beach and 60 Ringed Plovers and a single Dunlin roosting between the groynes. A Redstart was seen briefly in the bushes opposite the Obs and also noted were a Grey Wagtail, 14 Pied Wagtails on the football pitch and 24 Long-tailed Tits along the east bank.

17th

A Red-throated Diver flying east was our first reported returning bird. Three Great Crested Grebes flew east, five Brent Geese, three Wigeon, a Teal , 22 Common Scoters and an Arctic Skua flew west.

16th

Cloudy, sunny later, light northerly wind. Two Great Crested Grebes flew west, there were c20 Gannets offshore, six Wigeon flew east and two Common Scoters flew west. Waders included 23 Oystercatchers, a Dunlin, and a Redshank on the beach. There were 12 Sandwich Terns offshore. The Wryneck was still present and other birds noted included a Kingfisher, 35 House Martins west in two pulses and a single Chaffinch.

Butterflies noted were Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Green-veined and Large White.

15th

The Wryneck was present for its fourth day and Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker were also noted.

14th

There were 35+ Mallard, two Redshanks and a Sandwich Tern. The Wryneck was still present and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted. Other birds noted included noted a Kingfisher, three Sand Martin west, a Willow Warbler and a Jay.

13th

The Wryneck was present for its second day and a male Stonechat was our first of the autumn.

12th

Sunny, cool, light westerly wind. What was looking like a quiet morning was interrupted when Arnie found our fifth Wryneck for the site along the east bank. In a similar circumstances to the fourth, four years ago, showing in the long grass at the edge of the football pitch. Three Bar-tailed Godwits flew west close inshore. Three Sand Martins flew west, there were eight Pied Wagtails on the promenade and the football pitch, a Grey Wagtail and a Wheatear, a Hobby, and a Reed Bunting which flew west by the Obs was our first of the autumn.

11th

Sunny, cool, moderate westerly wind. Four Gannets and a single Arctic Skua flew east. Waders included only our second Green Sandpiper of the year, three Dunlin, with two flying west, and 63 Ringed Plovers and 140 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Other birds noted included four Sand Martins west, a Grey Wagtail, and five Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

Butterflies noted were Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small and Green-veined Whites.

10th

Waders included 130+ Turnstones and a group of 7+ Sanderlings. Also noted were a Hobby flying west over the sea, a Skylark by the wooden bridge and a Willow Warbler.

9th

Cloudy, cool, fresh NW wind. Not a great deal of movement in these promising winds but a Black Tern flying west close inshore was new for the year, a drake Wigeon flew west and five Gannets flew east. Also two Sanderlings and three Sandwich Terns flew west. Hirundines were on the move with four Sand Martins, 48 Swallows and 34 House Martins (in two pulses) flew west. A flock of 16 Long-tailed Tits were moving along the east bank.

7th

Cloudy and calm. A Great Crested Grebe was present offshore. Waders included 16 Oystercatchers and a single Dunlin as well as good numbers of Ringed Plover and Turnstones. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the churchyard, possibly the bird of yesterday or maybe not. A Kingfisher, which flew downstream under the Brook Road wooden bridge, was only our third of the year after singles in April and June. A regular visitor in most years with birds typically present from July or August until the new year. However, for much of the time this year, the brook has been unfishable, possibly because run-off from building works upstream.

Coincidentally, a shoal of Grey Mullet were observed in the brook above the sluice. Too big for a Kingfisher, I think.

Butterflies noted were Red Admiral, Peacock, Small White and Small Heath and a Yellow Shell moth was seen in the scrub.

6th

None of the regulars could make it today. A pity as casual visitor, Steve Arthur, arriving at 9.30 am, noted two Whinchats in the grassland bushes and a Spotted Flycatcher along the east bank, which were both additions to the year list. A Garden Warbler in brambles near the Obs was our first of the autumn and a Yellow Wagtail flew west.

5th

Cloudy, fresh to strong NE wind. With the first strong onshore winds of the autumn, hopes were raised. A Manx Shearwater flew east at 8.10 am, later four Arctic Skuas flew east (both new for the year) and 39 Gannets flew east during the morning. A bit disappointing! One Teal flew westand two were later on the beach.

4th

Cloudy and calm. Bird of the day was a Black-necked Grebe which flew west close inshore at 9.45 am. Our seventh record for the site. Two Gannets and three Sandwich Terns flew east. The female/immature Redstart was again present in the scrub but could be elusive. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, five species of warbler including single Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.

A Common Seal pup was along the shoreline but soon swam out into the sea. Unusual to see an apparently healthy individual on the beach.

The work on the outflow appears to be finished but what will happen to the flower meadow that never was?

3rd

There were five Grey Herons on the Hampton flats and a Redstart was seen and heard briefly in the scrub.

2nd

Cloudy with a light southerly wind. Much better autumnal feel to the birding today. A Greenshank flew west and another was on the beach late morning. A Ruff came in from the west with two Turnstones, dropping out of sight on the back of the tidal ponds. There were three Shovelers within the tidal ponds, which flew off west, and three Teal landed by the ponds. Two Redshanks were on the beach early morning and another seven appeared later. Also noted were four Common Scoters east, at least four Sand Martins with Swallows flying west and a Lesser Whitethroat in the Elm Wood.

1st

Sunny with a moderate NE wind. A very quiet start to the month. 30 Gannets and six Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were a Grey Wagtail which flew into the sewage works and a Wheatear in the scrub.

August was an exceptional month. Exceptionally poor with only 73 species recorded compared with a ten-year average of 89.8 and the lowest within that period of 82 in 2017. However, the year total of 139 is not far off the average of 141.6 species. Only three species were added to the year list during the month, Green Sandpiper and Pied Flycatcher on 12th and Great Skua on 31st. The immature Shag made it into the month with its 25th and last day on 1st. As to be expected, wader numbers increased during the month with peaks of 153 Turnstones on 25th and 102 Ringed Plovers on 28th. Unfortunately, the Marsh Pool finally dried out just when it might have attracted a few more waders.

A total of 139 species so far this year

148 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, light rain at first, fresh NE wind. The first significant northerly blow of the autumn was rather disappointing. A Great Skua drifted west at 9.50m am, whilst new for the year, was our only significant seabird. Two Gannets flew east and a Teal resting on the shoreline, eventually flew off west. Waders noted included two Sanderlings and a Common Sandpiper on the beach. 12 Sandwich Terns flew east.

29th

Sunny, warm, light SW wind. A bit of wader movement today with six Black-tailed Godwits, four Redshanks and a flock of 22 Whimbrels close inshore, all heading west. Also noted were two Yellow Wagtails west, two Whitethroats flying catching from bushes on the edge of the scrub and six Long-tailed Tits in the Elm Wood.

28th

Sunny, warm, light southerly wind. There was a single Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Gannets flew east and a string of ten Grey Herons flew west low over the sea. Waders included 102 Ringed Plovers, with two Sanderlings and a Common Sandpiper and many Turnstones, roosting between the groynes. Also noted were a single Yellow Wagtail, a female Pied Wagtail with three juveniles on the football pitch, a Willow Warbler along the east bank and a Pied Flycatcher, our second of the autumn, which appeared briefly bathing in the brook by the sewage works entrance.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Small heath. A Fox moth caterpillar trundled across the path by the sluice.

Slightly off topic, an unusual ship was spotted on the horizon. Research revealed that it was a replica 16th century Spanish Galleon, the Andalucia, which has been travelling the World. That morning it had left Southend and was due at Cowes on the Isle of Wight next week.

27th

Waders included 58 Ringed Plovers, 87 Turnstones and a Common Sandpiper. Three Sandwich Terns flew east and two Sand Martins and three Swallows flew west.

On this date in 1990, a juvenile Golden Oriole was present in scrub which is now part of the sewage works. The only autumn record for the site.

26th

Sunny with a light southerly wind. Only a few days left to rescue this month from oblivion! No strong northerly winds for sea watching, no significant easterlies for falls of passerines. Today, no movement over the sea (except three Gannets), no vis mig (except for a trip of eight Swallows) and no migrants in the bushes (without exception). Waders were the only exception with 87 Ringed Plovers on the beach, with one Dunlin, three Sanderlings west close inshore and 85 Turnstones roosting between the groynes.

Passed the time with a little phone photography along the east bank. An I-phone 14 through a KOWA TSN88.

19 millimetres of rain fell (nearby) on Saturday but this was insufficient to replenish the dried-out Marsh Pool.

25th

Sunny with a light southerly wind, after a very windy Friday and wet Saturday (19mm of rain fell that day). Two immature Gannets flew west. An influx of waders included 66 Ringed Plovers on the beach and 153 Turnstones roostting between the groynes. A party of five Whimbrel landed briefly on the beach before heading off west and a further single was also noted. An adult male Pied Wagtail was feeding a freshly-fledged juvenile on the football pitch.

22nd

Cloudy, freshening SW wind. A Great Crested Grebe was offshore, there were seven Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and 35 Mallard were in flight over the area. Waders included six Oystercatchers and c30 Ringed Plovers on the beach and a Common Sandpiper in the brook. Also noted was an adult Mediterranean Gull west, many fewer now than in the immediate post-breeding period, 12 Swallows west and two Yellow Wagtails west, one coming off the beach.

21st

Sunny with a light westerly wind. A flock of 11 Little Egrets flew west by the tidal ponds and, alter, there were six on the dried-out Marsh Pool. Waders included one Whimbrel west and a Common Sandpiper by the mouth of the brook. Also noted were a Green Woodpecker calling by the Obs (a juvenile was seen at the Obs on July 24th and one has been seen or heard on several occasions since). There were 13 Swallows west, one Yellow Wagtail and two Grey Wagtails feeding along the shoreline.

19th

Sunny, with Canadian dust, light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore was our first here since July 10th. There were four Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. Waders included five Oystercatchers, 42 Ringed Plovers and 36 Turnstones, two Dunlin west and four Sanderlings briefly on the spit off the Obs. Two Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were 27 Swallows west, a Yellow Wagtail and our first Grey Wagtail, by the sluice, since March. Six Long-tailed Tits at the Obs were the first since June (where do they go?) and there were also two Jays by the Obs.

17th

Sunny with a light NW wind. A Fulmar flew east. There were two Sandwich Terns offshore and 15 Swallows flew west.

15th

Sunny with a light southerly wind. There were 37 Mallard along the shoreline early morning. A Common Sandpiper was on the beach. One Sandwich Tern flew east and two parties of Common Terns, c40 in total, flew west. Also noted were six Swallows and two Yellow Wagtails west.

14th

Sunny, warm, light SW wind. A Hobby was hunting south of the caravan park. Waders noted were three Oystercatchers on the beach, three Whimbrels west, one resting on the beach, one Common Sandpiper in the brook, 47 Ringed Plovers on the beach and 73 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls with three juveniles were on the beach and one Sandwich Tern flew east. Also noted were a single Yellow Wagtail west and 15 Pied Wagtails in the field between the caravan park and the coastguard cottages.

12th

Sunny, very warm, light SE wind. A very busy morning, well compared to recent visits. A Green Sandpiper, in the remnant brook early morning, was our first of the year. A Teal, eight Pochard and two Gadwall flew west. A Pied Flycatcher, which flew into the trees by the Obs, was another addition to the year list. Two Gannets flew east, waders included four Oystercatchers on the beach, one Whimbrel west, 20 Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin on the beach and 30 Turnstones . One Sandwich Tern flew east, five Common Terns flew east and ten flew west. Unusual at this time of the year, three Rooks flew over the Scout Hut.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined White, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue, a Common Darter dragonfly and another Jersey Tiger moth.

9th

An adult Cattle Egret flew west by the Obs, there were two summer plumage Dunlins on the beach and single Whimbrel and Swift flew west.

8th

A Common Sandpiper along the brook and a Jay along the east bank.

7th

A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew out of the sewage works.

6th

Sunny, light SW wind. Six Common Scoters flew east. There were nine Oystercatchers, 15 Ringed Plovers and 29 Turnstones on the beach and a Common Sandpiper in the brook. One Sandwich Tern flew east. Two Swifts and two Swallows were noted, a Sedge Warbler was in the scrub and a Willow Warbler was along the east bank.

Butterflies included a Common Blue by the Obs and a Jersey Tiger was seen again along the front fence of the sewage works.

5th

Sunny, warm with a light SW wind. One Gannet flew east. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers, six Ringed Plovers, four Whimbrel, including two resting on the tidal ponds, a Common Sandpiper and 18 Turnstones. Also seen were a Sand Martin and 11 Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail west and two Willow Warblers along the east bank.

Butterflies noted included another Wall.

4th

The Green Woodpecker was noted again. Two Yellow Wagtails flew west and, later, there were two on the Marsh Pool.

3rd

Cloudy, light SW wind. A Gannet flew west, and two flew east, and there were six Little Egrets, including three flying west and five Sandwich Terns flew east. A summer plumage Dunlin was with six Ringed Plovers on the beach, there were nine Whimbrel, three Common Sandpipers and two Redshanks along the shoreline and a Greenshank flew west. A gathering of 28 Mediterranean Gulls on the beach included four juveniles. Also noted, four Swifts and 15 Swallows flew west and a Lesser Whitethroat was in the scrub.

Butterflies noted were Gatekeeper, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood and a Jersey Tiger moth was new for the year.

2nd

One Snipe flew west, there was a summer plumage Dunlin amongst Ringed Plovers, 23 Common Terns flew east and a Lesser Whitethroat was seen.

A Common Blue butterfly was seen around the Obs.

1st

Cloudy, spots of rain, light NE wind. The immature Shag was present for its 25th day (but was not seen again). One Common Scoter flew east. Waders noted were three Oystercatchers and three Turnstones and a Whimbrel. There were two adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the tidal ponds and three Sandwich Terns, including one juvenile, offshore. A Sedge Warbler was in the a scrub.

The total of 76 species for the month exceeded the ten -year average of 73.6. There were four additions to the year list with Shag on 8th, still present at the end of the month, and our first summer record. Little Tern on 9th, Green Woodpecker on 24th and Great White Egret on 25th. A ringtail Hen Harrier on 10th was also unusual, again our first summer record. As was to be expected, the early signs of return migration were mostly of waders. An early Common Sandpiper was present on 6th, there were 25 Turnstones on 15th, 58 on 29th, five Ringed Plovers on 18th and 21 on 29th and seven Sanderlings on 28th. Also unusual was the presence of one or two Avocets on the Marsh Pool regularly throughout the month. A Sedge Warbler on 17th and a Garden Warbler on 26th were both early for these species.

A total of 136 species so far this year

140 species seen by this time last year

31st

Sunny with a light NE wind. A Fulmar flew west, two Gannets flew east and the immature Shag was present for its 24th day. An Avocet flew west, a Common Sandpiper was noted and there were ten Turnstones on the groynes. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls with three fledged juveniles were on the beach.

30th

A female Common Scoter flew east and a flock of nine Whimbrels headed west. Also noted were 12 Swallows, two Yellow Wagtails and a Jay.

29th

The Shag was still present. Waders noted were an Avocet west, two Common Sandpipers, a Redshank heard and 21 Ringed Plovers and 58 Turnstones roosting between the groynes.

28th

The Shag continues its residence, there were five Little Egrets and five Common Scoters. A party of seven Sanderlings, still in summer plumage, were our first returning birds. Other waders noted were four Oystercatchers, four Whimbrel, two Curlews and six Turnstones. An increase in the number of terns with 27 Sandwich Terns and 14 Common Terns.

27th

Sunny, warm, light NW wind. The immature Shag was perched on the groynes again. There were five Little Egrets on the beach and waders noted were two Oystercatchers, an Avocet on the Marsh Pool but flew off east and west, a Redshank heard and seven Turnstones. An adult Common Gull, a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls with two juveniles and 22 juvenile Herring Gulls were on the beach. An adult Great Black-backed Gulls was on the tidal ponds and a Sandwich Tern flew west. A Green Woodpecker flew along the east bank calling loudly.

Butterflies noted included Comma, Essex Skipper and Green-veined White.

26th

A single Brent Goose was on the beach. Although the vast majority of Brents left for Siberia in March, odd birds have been seen here in all of the last four months. The Shag was again on the groynes and a Garden Warbler, along the east bank, was early for a returning migrant.

25th

Cloudy, light SW wind. A Great White Egret flew west along the shoreline at 8am. Our first of the year and our eight in total. The first record was in November 2011, second in April 2019 and then it has been seen annually since 2021. An adult Gannet and a Grey Heron flew west and the immature Shag was offshore. Waders noted included two Avocets on the beach early morning, ten Ringed Plovers and a Common Sandpiper. Five Common Gulls included four flying west and the pair of resident adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the tidal ponds. Also noted were 125 Swifts, most have left the country now, and seven Sand Martins.

24th

Cloudy, light SE wind. The immature Shag continues in residence. There were 10 Redshanks along the shoreline early morning which flew off east and 17 Turnstones between the groynes. A juvenile Green Woodpecker flew into the trees by the Obs; new for the year.

Butterflies included our second Painted Lady of the year.

22nd

Cloudy, moderate SW wind. The Shag was resting on the “dome” and the groynes. There were five Little Egrets in the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were three Common Sandpipers along the shoreline, four Oystercatchers, two Ringed Plovers, five Whimbrels and four Turnstones. Two Red Kites soaring over the estate were the first recorded here in July. Other birds noted included 14 Swifts, three Sand Martins, two Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail west.

Butterflies included our first Wall of the year at the Obs.

20th

Sunny, very warm, light NW wind. The immature Shag was present for its 11th day, there were six Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and a Grey Heron, on the tidal ponds, flew off inland. There were three Common Sandpipers along the shoreline and four Turnstones on the beach. Two adults and two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flew est. Two Red Kites soaring over the estate was an unusual record here in mid-summer. Also noted were 14 Swifts, three Sand Martins and two Swallows flying west.

Amongst eight species of butterfly were all three whites, Essex Skipper, Comma and Peacock.

18th

Light cloud, light SW wind. Three Gannets flew east, the immature Shag was resting on the spit and the groynes, a Grey Heron flew west and there were six Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. A flock of 15 Common Scoters flew east. An Avocet was on the Marsh Pool and five Ringed Plovers and a Greenshank paused briefly on the shoreline. There were five Mediterranean Gulls on the Marsh Pool and two Common Terns offshore.

17th

Sunny, light NW wind. There were eight Little Egrets, one Avocet and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 12 Turnstones on the groynes. Three Great Black-backed Gulls, included one adult, and there were two Sandwich Terns offshore. Birds of the day, however, were a Raven flying west at 6.18 am and a Sedge Warbler seen and heard singing briefly in the scrub.

Butterflies noted included Essex Skipper, Marbled White and Small Heath and a Shaded Broad-bar moth was seen in the scrub.

16th

The immature Shag showed very well on the groynes. Two Avocets and eight Little Egrets were on the Marsh Pool, two Common Sandpipers flew west and 22 Turnstones were also present. A significant increase in the number of terns, on the beach and offshore, with 36 Sandwich Terns, including 12 juveniles, and 46 Common Terns, including four juveniles. 12 Mediterranean Gulls were also on the beach.

15th

Sunny, calm. The immature Shag was still present, one Gannet flew east and three Mute Swans circled the area. Waders noted were three Oystercatchers west, two Avocets and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and c25 Turnstones on the groynes. Also noted were two Mediterranean Gulls and two Sandwich Terns.

14th

The immature Shag was present for its fifth day. Waders noted were the Avocet, our first returning Whimbrel, three Common Sandpipers along the shoreline and eight Turnstones. Other birds noted included a Buzzard over the church, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a House Martin.

13th

Cloudy, cool, light WNW wind. The immature Shag was again on the sea off the Obs and resting on the spit, in the absence of any outflow islands. A flock of 40 Common Scoters flew west. Waders noted were a single Oystercatcher and an Avocet again on the Marsh Pool. Three Mediterranean Gulls flew west including our first juvenile of the year. Other birds noted included 31 Swifts and 39 Sand Martins west.

11th

Sunny, light northerly wind. The immature Shag returned to the outflow islands. A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew west over the sea at 8.45 am and an adult Cattle Egret flew west at 10 am. Waders noted were four Oystercatchers, the Avocet on the Marsh Pool, a Curlew west and Greenshanks, probably two, heard calling.

A good day for butterflies with 12 species recorded including our first Gatekeepers.

10th

Sunny periods, moderate SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore and the immature Shag reappeared on the out flow islands. Two Avocets were n the Marsh Pool, a Curlew was on the beach and another flew west and there were two Oystercatchers on the beach. There were c25 Mediterranean Gulls around the tidal ponds as well as four Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns. Surprise of the day went to a ringtail Hen Harrier which flew west low over the sea, at 9.35 am, before circling around and being lost to view. There have been no previous records here in the period between April and August.

An Essex Skipper brought our butterfly total to 18 species for the year.

9th

A Little Tern which flew east with Sandwich and Common Terns was new for the year although this species has been seen a number of times feeding with other terns to the west off the Street. Flocks of 14 and 18 Common Scoters were also noted.

8th

Sunny, light SW wind. An immature Shag was seen on the sea off the Obs and rested on the “outflow islands” for about 75 minutes before being pushed off by the incoming tide. A party of 12 Oystercatchers flew west, there were three Redshanks along the shoreline and the Avocet reappeared on the Marsh Pool. A party of nine Mediterranean Gulls flew west and there were four Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns offshore. A Marsh Harrier flew west and also noted were four Sand Martins and a Swallow also flying west.

Butterflies noted included a Comma by the scout hut and the Common Seal was again hauled up on the tidal ponds.

7th

Unusually, a Common Seal was seen basking on the tidal ponds.

6th

Sunny periods, strong westerly wind. There were nine Little Egrets on the beach. An early returning Common Sandpiper was on the Marsh Pool. A group of seven adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west and another was on the Marsh Pool. 13 Sandwich Terns and one Common Tern flew west. Also noted were 13 Swifts flying west.

4th

Cloudy at first then sunny, moderate westerly wind. Six Mute Swans flew SE over the area then back west over the Obs. One Oystercatcher was seen and four Curlews flew west. One Sandwich Tern flew east.

Butterflies noted were Meadow Brown, Small and Large Skipper, Small and Large White, Marbled White and Red Admiral.

3rd

Cloudy with a light SW wind. One Gannet flew west and five Common Scoters flew east. There were five Little Egrets and the Marsh Pool where the Avocet was still present.

2nd

The Avocet was on the Marsh Pool but flew out east over the sea.

1st

Cloudy and cool at first, sunny and warmer later. Light NW wind. One Grey Heron west and there were five Little Egrets. The Avocet was again on the Marsh Pool, two Curlews flew west and two Turnstones were on the groynes. Two Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flew east. Also noted were 85 Swifts, a Sand Martins and two Swallows flew west.

Butterflies included our first Painted Lady of the year, Small and Large Skippers, Small and Green-veined Whites, Meadow Brown and Marbled White.

A total of 74 species for the month compared with the ten-year average of 69.9 species. The first month this year to better the ten-year average. However, the total number for the year so far of 132 species is the lowest since 2018. The highlight of the month was the first recorded attempt by a pair of Oystercatchers to nest. First noted sitting on a nest on the shingle ridge on 12th and last noted on 18th. With the amount of routine disturbance on the beach, it was always a slim hope that they would be successful, but it does illustrate the possibilities if that problem could be eliminated. Two new species were added to the year list, a drake Pochard on the shoreline on 25th and a party of c10 Black-tailed Godwits that flew west on 27th. Other birds of note included a singing Sedge Warbler in the Scout Wood on 22nd, an Avocet on the Marsh Pool from 26th and only our second Kingfisher of the year on 27th.

A total of 132 species so far this year

139 species by the same time last year

29th

Sunny, calm and warm. An Oystercatcher offshore, two Curlews west and the Avocet was present on the Marsh Pool from 7.45 to 10 am, at least. Other birds noted included five Great Black-backed Gull, one adult, a Sandwich Tern east, five Swifts and two Swallows. There were 51 Carrion Crows on the beach.

A better morning for butterflies with a Small Tortoiseshell, our first Comma since April, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Small Skipper, Marbled White and Small White.

27th

Light cloud and a light SW wind. A flock of eight Little Egrets flew west early morning and there were three on the Marsh Pool. Two Curlews flew west, a flock of c10 Black-tailed Godwits which flew west were new for the year and the Avocet was present again on the Marsh Pool from mid-morning. A Kingfisher ,which flew from the wooden bridge towards Coot Strait, was early for a post-breeding bird. Only the second recorded here in the month of June and only the second record this year, due to the condition of the brook.

26th

Cloudy, light NE wind. Four Gannets flew east, one flew west and two Common Scoters flew east. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers, two Curlews west and an Avocet on the Marsh Pool from midday. Four Mediterranean Gulls and three Sandwich Terns were seen offshore.

Butterflies included Red Admiral and Holly Blue.

25th

A drake Pochard, which came in over the caravan park and settled along the shoreline, was our first of the year.

24th

Sunny with a light westerly wind. There were four Little Egrets along the shoreline, three Mute Swans swam west offshore and one Oystercatcher was seen. Other birds noted were a single Sandwich Tern and three Lesser Whitethroats along the upper brook.

Butterflies included out first Marbled White of the year, Small Skipper, Small White, Small Heath, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown.

22nd

Cloudy, light SW wind. One Curlew which flew west was the only wader of the day. Five adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls circled over the estate and there were three Sandwich Terns offshore. Surprise of the day was a Sedge Warbler singing in the Scout Wood. Only recorded once before in June, in 2008, in contrast to Reed Warbler which has been recorded in eight of the last ten Junes. Also noted were four Swifts and a Swallow.

21st

Sunny after early morning mist, calm. There were two Shelducks on the Marsh Pool and two Teal flew over the area early morning. A Greenshank could be heard in the Therwasearly mist and one Oystercatcher was seen. There were four Sandwich Terns offshore. Also noted were three Swifts, two Sand Martins flew west and two Swallows were feeding over the football pitch.

Butterflies noted included Red Admiral, Small Heath and Holly Blue.

20th

A Grey Heron was on the beach at dawn.

19th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. There were c20 Gannets offshore and two Common Scoters flew east. The Oystercatchers were still present but showed no interest in the nest site. Possibly as a result of yesterday’s disturbances or other disturbance risks. Two Lapwings and two Redshanks were disturbed from the Marsh Pool and 14 Curlews flew west. Nine Kittiwakes flew west and a large auk sp flew west. Also noted were a Hobby flying NW low over the sea, there were two Swifts, two Skylarks flew south by the Obs and there were three House Martins.

18th

A Fulmar flew west over the Obs and an Avocet flew east. The Oystercatchers were still nesting but the laying of the new pipe and drones were causing them much agitation.

17th

Sunny, warmer with a light westerly wind. A flock of 24 Common Scoters flew west and three broods of Mallard ducklings were noted in the brook (eight full-size, seven large and two small). The Oystercatchers continue nesting, two Curlews rested on the outflow islands before flying off west and a Turnstone was on the beach. A Cuckoo flew west along the promenade (our fourth sighting of the year). Three Lesser Whitethroats along the east bank suggests a successful breeding attempt.

A Large Skipper in the scrub was our 13th butterfly species of the year. Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Small and Green-veined Whites were also seen.

15th

Sunny but clouding west, over and rain from 10.15 am. Moderate SW wind. There were ten Gannets offshore. The pair of Oystercatchers continue to nest. There were 14 Sandwich Terns offshore. Other birds noted included a single Buzzard, surprisingly the first since April, 50 Swifts west and one Swallow. A juvenile Robin was in the Elm Wood and a Goldfinch sang from a TV aerial in the caravan park.

14th

One Great Crested Grebe offshore and a Little Egret on the Marsh Pool. The Oystercatchers were still nesting and 12 Turnstones were seen. Sandwich Terns were feeding offshore, there were two Swifts and six Swallows flew west.

13th

Sunny, light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe flew east, three Little Egrets included one flying west and there were three Gadwalls west.The pair of Oystercatchers were still nesting but they were regularly disturbed. Two Sandwich Terns were offshore and also noted were 11 Swifts and three Swallows west, a count of 64 Carrion Crows on the beach and a Meadow Pipit in song and display flight; not seen since April 30th.

Small White and Holly Blue were the only butterflies noted.

12th

Cloudy, light NE wind. One Little Egret was on the Marsh Pool. Broods of seven and two Mallard ducklings were resting on the mud just below the sluice. Also noted were eight Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and at least two juvenile Long-tailed Tits in the Elm Wood and along the east bank.

Highlight of the day was a pair of Oystercatchers with one bird sitting (on a nest) on the shingle ridge. Displaying Oystercatchers have been present in recent years but this is the first occasion that nesting has been observed. The incubation period for this species is between 24 and 27 days but the level of disturbance on the beach, primarily by dog walkers but others as well, makes the chances of success seem slim. The notice boards request dog walkers to keep off the beach but this is routinely ignore by some. As well as direct danger of the nest being trampled upon, it would be very difficult to see the nest, disturbance of a sitting bird may lead to the eggs becoming cold and infertile and also allow predation by crows or gulls. However, with the help of some sympathetic dog walkers, it is hoped that disturbance can be limited.

11th

A Little Egret and two Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool. There were two Oystercatchers and a Mediterranean Gull was heard.

9th

A Meadow Brown butterfly, near the marsh this morning, was our 12th species for the year.

8th

Two Great Crested Grebes, two Little Egrets, two Swifts and two Swallows were noted.

7th

There were five Little Egrets, five Mute Swans at the eastern end of the beach, one Oystercatcher and four Swallows noted.

6th

Sunny with a light NW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Shelduck on the tidal ponds. Two Oystercatchers and a Turnstone were the only waders recorded. Also noted was a Reed Warbler singing in the bushes opposite the Obs.

5th

Sunny, light NW wind. A pair of Shelducks and two Oystercatchers were on the Marsh Pool. There were six Turnstones on the groynes. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls joined the gull feeding frenzy offshore and there were six Great Black-backed Gulls, including two adults, on the beach. Also noted were 10 Swifts, nine Swallows, a Great Spotted Woodpecker along the upper brook, our first Song Thrush since April, a Lesser Whitethroat and two Jays in the churchyard.

4th

Cloudy, light SW wind. A Brent Goose was seen amongst feeding gulls of the Street. Two Oystercatchers flew east, one flew west and there were nine Turnstones on the groynes. One Swift and five Swallows flew west.

3rd

Two Avocets flew west at 6.38 am.

2nd

Two Fulmars flew west together, two Canada Geese flew SE, a Lapwing was over the marsh and two Stock Doves were on the beach.

1st

Cloudy, cool, fresh NNW wind. A Fulmar flew east, three Gannets flew west and ten flew east, and ten Common Scoters flew west and nine flew east.

The total of 80 species for the month was below the ten-year average of 83.5 and the year total of 130 species was below the ten-year average of 133. A cold month dominated by northerly winds. Surprises included unseasonal occurrences of Black Redstart on 23rd and Black-throated Diver on 30th. Neither has been recorded here before in May. No Turtle Doves or Spotted Flycatchers were seen this month.

A total of 130 species so far this year

138 species by this time last year

30th

Cloudy, cool, moderate SW wind. A big surprise this morning was a Black-throated Diver flying high eastwards at 8.20 am. Our first May record of this the scarcest of this winter visitor family of divers. A Fulmar flew west then east, two Gannets flew east and two Shelducks flew west. A Mallard duck with eight fully-grown, if not fledged, ducklings were resting on the mud below the sluice. Not seen for a long time and presumably have been further up the brook. There were 18 Turnstones on the beach, three adult Kittiwakes flew west and there were six Sandwich Terns offshore. Other birds noted included nine Swifts, eight Swallows, four House Martins and two Yellow Wagtails. More activity than we’ve had for some time this May.

29th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Oystercatchers and 13 Turnstones and 28 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included only one adult. Also noted were one Swift and one Sand Martin west.

Butterflies noted included a female Holly Blue at the Obs.

28th

There were two summer plumage Sanderlings on the beach early morning and 23 Turnstones were counted.

27th

Sunny, light westerly wind. Three Oystercatchers and three Turnstones were noted, 17 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included only one adult and two Sandwich Terns flew west. Also noted were two Stock Doves and eight Swifts, one Sand Martin, two Swallows and three House Martins west.

25th

Sunny, light westerly wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore. Two Oystercatchers flew east and there were six Turnstones. A second calendar year Mediterranean Gull flew east. Other birds noted included three Swifts, two Skylarks south over the area and two Sand Martins east.

23rd

Sunny periods, light WNW wind. Two Great Crested Grebes and a Gannet were offshore. A flock of 23 Sanderlings landed on one of the “outflow” islands where they remained until pushed off by the rising tide, and 22 Turnstones w48 ere between the groynes. One second calendar year Mediterranean Gull, a second calendar year Common Gull and an adult Kittiwake flew west, there were 21 Great Black-backed Gull on the beach and one Sandwich Tern offshore. Surprise of the was an adult male Black Redstart which flew west by the Obs. Our first of the year and our first ever May record. Other birds noted included 10 Swifts, one Sand Martin, 48 Swallows, six House Martins and a Yellow Wagtail west. A Reed Warbler was singing in the vegetation behind the eastern promenade, a Lesser Whitethroat was seen along the upper brook and a Willow Warbler along the east bank.

Butterflies noted were Holly Blue, Green-veined White and our first two Small Heaths of the year. our 11th species for the year.

22nd

Cloudy, light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore, six Gannets flew west and 11 flew east whilst a drake Eider which landed close inshore was a new species for the year. Two Grey Plovers flew west and two Common Sandpipers were in the brook and on the beach. 24 Great Black-backed Gulls, including only one adult, were on the beach and 13 Sandwich Terns flew west. More vis mig today with our third sighting of Cuckoo for the year, with one west at 6.40 am, 80 Swifts, two Sand Martins, 140 Swallows, 38 House Martins, two Yellow Wagtails and six Goldfinches, all flying west.

20th

Cloudy, cool, light NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe and one Gannet flew west, five Oystercatchers and two Mediterranean Gulls flew east. There were 28 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Other birds noted included 26 Swallows and two House Martins west.

19th

A Cuckoo flew west, circled the area and then flew back east.

18th

Cloudy, cool, light NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Fulmar and 30 Gannets, including one flock of 24, flew east, a Greylag Goose came in from the west over the sewage works, and the drake Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool. One Oystercatcher flew east, a Common Sandpiper was on one of the islands created by the work on a new outflow, and there were six Turnstones. There were 25 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and three Sandwich Terns offshore. Other birds noted included three Swallows west and a male and two juvenile Pied Wagtails on the grass by the chalets.

17th

A Cuckoo flying west was our first of the year. 15 Common Scoters flew east and there were two Sandwich Terns on the 8 knot buoy.

16th

A Common Sandpiper was in the brook and on the Marsh Pool.

15th

Cloudy, light SE wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Gannets flew east, a Grey Heron came in off the sea and flew SE and the pair of Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool. Amongst the five raptor species recorded were a Marsh Harrier and a Hobby both flying south. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers east, five Sanderlings along the shoreline on the outgoing tide, four Bar-tailed Godwits circling over the beach and a Common Sandpiper in Coot Strait. Two Mediterranean Gulls flew west, a second calendar year Common Gull was offshore and there were 23 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach including only one adult. Other birds noted included two Skylarks west and four Yellow Wagtails on the shingle ridge. A count of Carrion Crows on the beach came to 50. It seems to have stabilised around that number.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined Whites and two Silver Y moths were also seen.

13th

Sunny, calm. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, a Gannet flew east, two Canada Geese flew SE over the caravan park, three Gadwall were on the sea and the pair of Shelducks was on the Marsh Pool. One Turnstone was the only wader noted. there were 19 Great Black-backed Gulls, including two adults, on the beach. Vis mig included five Swifts, five Swallows, a Yellow Wagtail and a Corn Bunting west. There was a Wheatear on the shingle ridge and three Greenfinches flew over the sewage works.

Butterflies noted were Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Green-veined White.

12th

A Garden Warbler, singing along the east bank and then in the bushes opposite the Obs, was our first of the year.

11th

Sunny, with some mist offshore, light NE wind. Two Gannets flew east and the drake Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were one Oystercatcher, seven Bar-tailed Godwits east and four Whimbrel west, a Greenshank heard calling and three Common Sandpipers. There were 11 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and an adult Kittiwake flew east.

Small and Green-veined White butterflies noted.

9th

Sunny, warm, with a light SE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Little Egrets flew west and the pair of Shelducks were on the beach and the Marsh Pool. Three Oystercatchers flew east and a Sanderling was roosting on the groynes with nine Turnstones. There were three immature Great Black-backed Gulls, and a Hobby and a Yellow Wagtail were also noted.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined Whites, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Peacock.

8th

Cloudy, cool, light NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were an Oystercatcher, a Curlew, a Whimbrel flying across the area towards Studd Hill and six Turnstones. One Common Tern flew east and other birds noted included a Stock Dove, and five Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail west. The pair of Mallard seen with 12 ducklings on 6th only had two surviving ducklings today.

7th

A Sanderling and two Whimbrel were on the beach and three Swifts (a very late first record of the year) flew west.

6th

Cloudy, light ENE wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, two Gannets flew east and west, and 15 Common Scoters flew east. A pair of Mallard with 12 newly-hatched ducklings were by the sluice. A single Whimbrel was noted, there were nine immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and two Common Terns offshore. Also noted were two Sand Martins east and 11 Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail west. Also a pair of Mallard, with the drake unusually in attendance, and 12 newly-hatched ducklings by the sluice.

4th

Sunny, light SE wind. 11 Gannets flew east and two Shelducks west. A group of seven Common Sandpipers were on the beach early morning and 38 Turnstones roosted between the groynes. There were 16 Great Black-backed Gulls, an adult and 15 immatures, on the beach and eight Sandwich Terns were offshore. Other birds noted included a single Skylark and two Yellow Wagtails and our first Reed Warbler of the year in song in the Scout Wood and along the upper brook.

2nd

Cloudy, light SE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, nine Gannets flew west, the Brent Goose was again on the beach and a pair of Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were 13 Oystercatchers flying west, a Common Sandpiper in Coot Strait and 12 Turnstones. Five Mediterranean Gulls flew west, there were two second calendar year Common Gulls and six Great Black-backed Gulls included one adult. A Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern flew west and a large auk species flew east. Five Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail flew west and a Sedge Warbler, singing intermittently along the brook, was a new bird for the year.

1st

Sunny, warmer, calm then light SE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, 19 Gannets and seven Common Scoters flew west and a Brent Goose, with an injured wing, was on the beach. Waders noted were six Oystercatchers, a Whimbrel west, three Common Sandpipers and 13 Turnstones. Two Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns were offshore. Other birds noted included, a Skylark, a Sand Martin and two Swallows west.

Small White and Green-veined butterflies were also noted.

The total of 91 species for the month was below the ten-year average of 94.9 species and the year list of 121 species is also below the average of 125.5 species, and 11 behind last year’s total. No great surprises this month; the Long-tailed Duck was last seen on 6th and additions to the year list included Redstart on 5th, Ring Ousel on 15th, Firecrest on 18th and Velvet Scoter on 29th.

A total of 121 species so far this year

132 species by the same time last year

30th

Sunny, light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and four Egyptian Geese were on the beach. Waders included a Grey Plover, that appeared to drop onto the beach, and four Whimbrel. A Hobby that came in-off the sea and headed south and two Ring-necked Parakeets that flew west over the sewage works were both new for the year. Other birds noted included seven Common Terns east and two Yellow Wagtails west.

29th

Sunny, warmer, light southerly wind. Bird of the day was a drake Velvet Scoter which, accompanied by a female Common Scoter, came in from the east and landed off the Obs. There have only been two later records of Velvet Scoter in spring, in May 1991 and 1992! They bathed and dived but were soon lost to sight. Three Great Crested Grebes were offshore, a Gannet flew west, a vocal Canada Goose came in from the west, remaining on the sea for a short while and then continuing east. Two Mute Swans, an adult and an immature drifted west along the shoreline then flew west. Presumably, the same birds were seen at Seasalter later that morning. A single Oystercatcher and 29 Turnstones were on the beach. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west and a pair of Sandwich Terns were mating on one of the 8 knot buoys. Other birds noted included ten Swallows and two House Martins, two Wheatears, and a Willow Warbler singing by the Obs.

27th

Cloudy, cool, moderate easterly wind, rain until 8 am. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, three Gannets flew east and 12 flew west. Waders included one Oystercatcher on the beach, a male summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwit on the Hampton flats and singles of Whimbrel and Curlew. Other birds noted included a Peregrine west over the beach, eight Swallows west and a flock of 15 Goldfinches briefly in trees along Swalecliffe Court Drive.

26th

There were two Whimbrel on the beach, c20 Common Terns offshore and a Red Kite flew west at 10.15 am.

25th

Cloudy, cool, light SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Gannet and three Shelducks flew west, an immature Mute Swan flew east, four Greylag Geese flew east and then returned west and another flew west inland. There was a trickle of vis mig with two Sand Martins, three Swallows, three House Martins and two Yellow Wagtails west.

24th

Sunny, cold, fresh NW wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes on the sea by the tidal ponds. Waders noted were a Bar-tailed Godwit and three Whimbrel west and a single Turnstone. Two Mediterranean Gulls flew east, 12 Swallows flew west and a Lesser Whitethroat sang in the bushes opposite the Obs.

23rd

A Marsh Harrier flew north.

22nd

Sunny, cool, light northerly wind. A Fulmar and three Gannets flew east, there were two Egyptian Goose and a Little Egret was on the beach. Waders included an Oystercatcher and a Curlew on the beach, four Dunlin in transitional plumage along the shoreline on the incoming tide and 19 Turnstones between the groynes. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east. Other birds noted included five Swallows and three House Martin, and a Yellow Wagtail west.

20th

A Fulmar flew NW over the Obs.

19th

A Brent Goose and two Whimbrel flew west. 44 Swallows and 18 Yellow Wagtails flew west, two Wheatears showed well on the shingle ridge and a Willow Warbler was along the east bank.

18th

Sunny, cool, fresh NNW wind. 18 Gannets flew east, eight Mediterranean Gulls flew west and a pair of Shelducks and a Redshank were on the Marsh Pool. A Firecrest which showed briefly near the entrance of the sewage works was new for the year. Other birds noted included four Swallows, a Yellow Wagtail and two singing Lesser Whitethroats.

17th

Sunny periods, cool, fresh NW wind. Seven Gannets flew east, a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool flew east, and a duck Mallard with nine ducklings were in the middle brook. Waders noted included our first three Whimbrel of the year west, two Curlews west, two Oystercatchers and two Redshanks and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Eight Mediterranean Gull and seven adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew west. Visible migration included two Sand Martins, 11 Swallows and six House Martins, five Yellow Wagtails, 96 Goldfinches and six Siskins.

Butterflies appeared in sheltered sunny spots and included our first Green-veined White of the year, Speckled Wood, Peacock and Orange-tip.

15th

Cloudy, cooler, showers, fresh SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron and four Shelducks flew west and a Little Egret was on the Marsh Pool. Waders on the beach were four Oystercatchers, a Sanderling and a Redshank and 37 Turnstones. Eight adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west and there were seven immature Great Black-backed Gulls and two Sandwich Terns on the beach. Also noted were a Red Kite west, five Swallows west, a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the bushes opposite the Obs, a Willow Warbler singing in the NW corner of the sewage works and 18 Goldfinches and two Corn Buntings west.

14th

Our first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was in the churchyard.

13th

Sunny, warm, with a light SW wind. Bird of the day was a male Ring Ousel which flew into the trees at the front of the sewage works at 7.25 am, then crossed the area, pausing briefly in a tree within the caravan park, before typically disappearing. Our first since October 2022 but recorded in six of the previous ten years. Other birds noted included a male Marsh Harrier west low over the sea, ten Oystercatchers and a Dunlin on the beach, a Swallow and 55 Goldfinches west.

A good butterfly morning with seven species including our first Holly Blue of the year, Orange-tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Brimstone.

11th

Cloudy, light westerly wind. Four Great Crested Grebes were offshore and three Shelducks flew west. Three immatures Mute Swan resting in the shallows by the tidal ponds drifted west (later were off the pumping station at Seasalter). Waders included three Oystercatchers and four Redshanks were on the beach. Other birds included two Ravens flying south beyond the estate, two Stock Doves in the grassland, two Swallows west and a Willow Warbler singing in the bushes opposite the Obs.

10th

Sunny, calm. Two Great Crested Grebes and a flock of eight Common Scoters were offshore, six Gannets flew west, returning east about an hour later, and one Mute Swan and a Shelduck flew west. Waders included 115 Turnstones, four Sanderlings and three Dunlin roosting between the groynes, a Snipe and seven Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 15 Curlews west. Other birds noted included six adult Mediterranean Gulls west, a Red Kite and five Buzzards, a Sand Martin and two Swallows west, and ten Goldfinches, a Siskin and a Reed Bunting west.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Orange-tip.

8th

Sunny periods, light SW wind. A Red-throated Diver and six Gannets flew east, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Egyptian Geese, our first of the year, flew north over the sewage works, and a party of five Canada Geese and a Greylag Goose circled over the area. Two Gadwall flew west and there was a brood of eight Mallard ducklings on the Marsh Pool. Waders included our first Bar-tailed Godwit flying west amongst a flock of Curlews, three Sanderlings, three Dunlin and six Redshanks on the beach whilst one Snipe was visible on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included our first Yellow Wagtail of the year, west, two Swallows west, three Wheatears on the shingle ridge and our first Whitethroat in song in the scrub.

6th

Cloudy, warm, strong southerly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Gannets and one Common Scoter flew east and a single Brent Goose was on the beach. A Greenshank hunkered down on the tidal ponds, was our first of the year and the earliest for the site. It flew off west at 7.52 am as the tide rose. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls and seven Sandwich Terns flew west. Other birds noted included a Sand Martin, three Swallows and our first two House Martins of the year, two Wheatears on the shingle ridge, two Rooks south Siskin amongst a strong westerly movement of 105 Goldfinches.

Small White and Brimstone butterflies were noted.

5th

A local resident found, and photographed, a male Common Redstart in his garden.

4th

Sunny, with some light rain and a moderate SW wind. Two Great Crested Grebes were offshore, three Gannets flew west, two Pintail and two Common Scoters flew east. The Long-tailed Duck appeared offshore late morning. Waders included five Oystercatchers, a Sanderling and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach and five Snipe and six Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Three second calendar year Common Gulls and five Sandwich Terns flew west and eight Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. A Redwing along the east bank was only our second this year. Also noted were three Swallows and three Rooks flying west.

3rd

Cloudy; light rain, light SW wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, a single Brent Goose was on the beach and two Shelducks and a pair of Shovelers flew west. The Long-tailed Duck was again offshore from 8.35 am. Waders included seven Oystercatchers, a Ringed Plover, six Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpipers and 40 Turnstones on the beach. There were nine Great Black-backed Gulls, three adults and six immatures, on the beach. Also noted was a single Swallow west.

2nd

Two Canada Geese flew north and six Pintail flew east. Waders included a single Ringed Plover and 60 Sanderlings. Also noted were a Stock Dove, a Willow Warbler singing in the sewage works and a Jay.

1st

Sunny, light SW wind. There was a single Red-throated Diver and four Great Crested Grebes offshore, nine Brent Geese on the beach, three Shelducks flew east, a pair on the Marsh Pool earlier, four Shovelers flew west and a Common Scoter flew east. Waders included an Avocet east and eight Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach. A Marsh Harrier flew west and three adult Mediterranean Gulls circled over the Obs. Other birds noted included a Jay, two Rooks and a Corn Bunting on the grassland bushes which flew high to the west.

Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were at the Obs.

Statistically, it was a very average month with 85 species recorded (ten-year average 84.6) and the a three-month total of 104 species (ten-year average 103.1). A total of 15 species were added during the month including our third ever Red-legged Partridge on 9th, two Ravens and a Kingfisher on 18th, our earliest ever Willow Warbler on 20th and a Long-tailed Duck from 26th.

A total of 104 species so far this year

109 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, cool with a light SE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Shelducks flew east, another west, and the Long-tailed Duck dropped in in front of the Obs at 9.20 am. Five of the larger auk species flew east.

30th

Cloudy, calm. There were four Red-throated Divers and ten Great Crested Grebes offshore and the Long-tailed Duck was offshore all morning at least. Waders included a Grey Plover (not the injured bird that wintered here) and 11 Curlews on the Hampton flats. Three adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west and other birds noted included two Buzzards, two Stock Doves and three Siskins that flew south over the upper brook.

29th

The Long-tailed Duck was reported again and there three Sandwich Terns offshore in the afternoon.

28th

Sunny, freshening SW wind. One Red-throated Diver flew east, another was offshore with two Great Crested Grebes. Four Brent Geese flew west and two Shelducks flew east and west and the Long-tailed Duck was again present offshore. Waders included nine Oystercatchers, eight Sanderlings, eight Dunlin and 22 Turnstones on the beach, six Curlews and seven Redshanks on Hampton flats and two Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west. A Grey Wagtail was along the middle brook by the sluice.

27th

The Long-tailed Duck was still present.

26th

Sunny, calm. There were four Red-throated Divers and seven Great Crested Grebes offshore. A Long-tailed Duck offshore was the first of the year. One was seen regularly from early November until 23rd December, and then off the Tankerton slopes until 6th January, and one has been recorded regularly in the Swale off Elmley and Murston up to the present. It has not been clear how many individuals were involved but there are at least two birds present. Nine Shelducks flew west. Waders included a Sanderling and nine Dunlin, nine Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 26 Turnstones between the groynes. Other birds noted included three Buzzards and three Chiffchaffs were singing.

25th

A Red Kite over the caravan park was new for the year.

23rd

Two Swallows, six Stock Doves, a flock of 15 Jackdaws and our first two Siskins of the year were noted.

21st

Cloudy and calm. There were three Red-throated Divers offshore, a Shelduck flew west and there were 57 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 15 Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper and ten Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. A Great Spotted Woodpecker in trees south of the caravan park was only our second of the year. A Blackcap was singing in the Elms Wood and five Greenfinches flew overhead.

20th

Sunny, warm, calm. There were c25 Red-throated Divers offshore and a single Great Northern Diver. 5 Greylag Geese flew SE in off the sea, a Shelduck, a Pintail and a Common Scoter flew west and there were 44 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 112 Sanderlings roosting between the groynes and the Purple Sandpiper. A Willow Warbler, singing in the bushes opposite the Obs, was our earliest recorded here. Other birds noted included our first Swallow of the year, a Stock Dove, a Blackcap and five Chiffchaffs and a Reed Bunting.

Two Peacock butterflies were also seen.

19th

Two Avocets flew west. Another addition to the year list. Five Pintail and two Shovelers flew east. An increase in Sanderling, with a total of 73 birds, suggests a passage movement. Also some evidence of vis mig with 16 Stock Doves and 60 Goldfinches flying west.

18th

Sunny, warmer, light SW wind. There were four Red-throated Divers offshore, two Shelducks flew west whilst waders included 17 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Of particular note were our first two Ravens of the year, which flew SE over the caravan park, and Kingfisher, not seen previously this winter because of the soil-laden state of the brook; a combination of heavy rains the housing estates being built along its course. Also noted were six adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach, three Chiffchaffs, and another year tick in the form of a Greenfinch heading west over the Obs.

Butterflies noted included two Brimstones, Peacock and Small White.

16th

Sunny and calm. There were four Red-throated Divers and three Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, five Canada Geese, five Greylag Geese and two Shelducks flew east, six Shovelers flew west and there were 28 Brent Geese along the shoreline. Waders included a single Ringed Plover, eight Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Other birds noted included a female Blackcap along the upper brook, our first of the year, three Chiffchaffs an two Rooks in-off the sea and south over the Obs.

Peacock and Small White butterflies were noted.

15th

A Great Northern Diver and three Red-breasted Mergansers were noted offshore.

14th

Cloudy, mild (up to 13 degrees C), light SW wind. A Cattle Egret which flew west with a Little Egret low over the sea, was a first for the year. Two Canada Geese and flocks of eight and 25 Pintail flew east, a Shelduck flew west and there were eight Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Other birds noted included an adult Mediterranean Gull, three Skylarks, two Reed Buntings and two Corn Buntings west and nine Linnets on the coastal path.

13th

Cloudy, milder with a moderate SW wind. There were four Red-throated Divers, eight Great Crested Grebes and five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. 87 Brent Geese scattered along the shoreline and a Teal flew west. Waders included two Lapwings west low over the sea, three Sanderlings and 30 Dunlin. Nine Mediterranean Gulls flew west. Other birds noted included three Meadow Pipits, including one in display flight over the coastal path, a Chiffchaff and two Reed Buntings.

12th

A Wigeon flew west, waders included six Ringed Plovers, a Grey Plover and the Purple Sandpiper a Little Gull flew east.

11th

Cloudy, murky, light NW wind. A Red-throated Diver flew east, a Great Crested Grebe offshore, a drake Common Scoter flew west and there were 20 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 12 Oystercatchers the beach and ten Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds included a Mediterranean Gull west, two Stocks Doves on the beach and a Song Thrush in song in the bushes opposite the Obs.

9th

Sunny, light SE wind. Two Red-throated Divers, a Gannet and 20 Common Scoters flew east, three Shelducks flew west, a drake Shoveler was on the sea west of the tidal ponds, and a pair were later off the Obs, and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were on the tidal ponds with a drake off the Obs. Surprise of the day, however, was a Red-legged Partridge which flew west in front of the Obs, appearing to drop onto the beach, but was not seen again in the face of the oncoming park run! This was only the third live record of this species after birds recorded in April 2004 and 2006. A dead bird was found on the beach several years ago. Other birds recorded included three Ringed Plovers, a Jay in the Elm Wood and two Rooks in-off the sea and heading south by the Obs.

7th

A quiet morning. Birds noted included a Stock Dove, a Skylark flying south over the foot ball pitch, two Long-tailed Tits and a Reed Bunting.

6th

Cloudy, calm. There were c20 Red-throated Divers and c15 Great Crested Grebes offshore and 14 Shelducks and four Pintail flew east. Waders included four Ringed Plovers, 15 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Other birds noted included four adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls in flight over the area, three Meadow Pipits and a Jay.

5th

A Great Northern Diver was on the sea, a Knot was on the beach and the Purple Sandpiper was on the groynes.

4th

Sunny and calm. There were ten Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, a duck Shelduck was on the sea close inshore and there were four Little Egrets on the beach. The Purple Sandpiper was in the bay but only four Ringed Plovers were seen. Other birds included two Skylarks, west and south, and six Linnets.

A Red Admiral briefly at the Obs was our first butterfly of the year.

2nd

Cloudy with showers and a fresh southerly wind. One Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebes and seven Red-breasted Mergansers were noted offshore. A Marsh Harrier west close inshore at 9.40 am was only our second of the year.

1st

A Fulmar flying west at 7.10 am was our first of the year, Red-breasted Mergansers were noted offshore and the Purple Sandpiper was still present at the east end of the beach.

A total of 71 species was well below the ten-year average for the month of 77 species. Also, the year total of 89 species was below the ten-year average of 92.6 species. The Red-necked Grebe was seen on and off up to 17th, a Slavonian Grebe was reported on 15th, a Corn Bunting and a Merlin were seen on 22nd, a high count of ten Common Buzzards, including a flock of seven circling together, on 24th and the Purple Sandpiper was present throughout.

A total of 89 species so far this year

100 species by this time last year

29th

Cloudy, light southerly wind. There were two Red-throated Divers, seven Great Crested Grebes and five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. One Greylag Goose flew west and there were six Little Egrets on the tidal ponds.

28th

One Shelduck flew west and there were five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. There were four Little Egrets and a Grey Heron and the Grey Plover was again on the beach.

27th

Sunny, cool, light NE wind. One Red-throated Diver flew east, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, two redhead Red-breasted Mergansers landed on the sea by the tidal ponds and there were two Shelducks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Jay along the east bank and a Chaffinch in song along the upper brook.

24th

Sunny, cold, calm. There were three Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, 10 Great Crested Grebes and five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and c200 Brent Geese along the shoreline. Waders included 45 Oystercatchers, eight Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach. Seven Buzzards circled over Studd Hill together at 11 am, with another three at 11.45 am. Other birds noted included the pair of Stonechats in the scrub, a Chiffchaff along the east bank with snatches of song heard and a Jay in the Scout Wood.

23rd

An adult Gannet flew east, there were five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and a Chiffchaff, down the brook, was the first recorded this month.

22nd

Cloudy, drizzle then rain, moderate southerly wind. A Corn Bunting, bush-hopping through the grassland, waas our first of the year, as was a Merlin which came in off the sea and headed SE over the caravan park. Two adult Gannets flew east and other birds noted included an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach and 12 Linnets over the grassland.

19th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were six Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper on the groynes and 40 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool.

17th

Cloudy, light southerly wind. The Red-necked Grebe, c10 Great Crested Grebes, three Red-throated Divers and six Red-breasted Mergansers wee offshore. A Grey Heron flew west over the sea, our first of the month, and six adult Mediterranean Gulls were three on the beach and three flying west. The Purple Sandpiper was present in the bay.

15th

Cloudy, mild with a light southerly wind. The Red-necked Grebe, c10 Great Crested Grebes and six Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and a Slavonian Grebe was reported by Alan Wells. Waders included the Grey Plover on the beach and there was also an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach. Other birds noted included the male Stonechat, and a Jay in the Scout Wood.

14th

Cloudy, rain showers, light southerly wind. The Red-necked Grebe was offshore, eight days after it had last been seen here. One Red-throated Diver and a Shelduck flew west, there were six Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, and a Little Grebe and an adult Mediterranean Gull were on the beach. Other birds noted included the male Stonechat and 12 Linnets.

12th

Sunny, light westerly wind. Two Mute Swans came in off the sea, returning and flying off west, and there were six Red-breasted Merganser offshore. Other birds noted included an adult Mediterranean Gull flying west, a Skylark and eight Goldfinches.

10th

Sunny and calm, then cloudy with a light southerly wind. A flock of 40 Red-throated Divers flew west, with many more on the sea. Two Shelduck flew east, six Common Scoters flew west and one drake Red-breasted Merganser was offshore. Waders included 50 Oystercatchers on the beach at high tide and the Purple Sandpiper on the concrete platform. Other birds noted included an adult Mediterranean Gull west, the pair of Stonechats, a Jay and two Rooks flying west.

7th

There was no sign of the Red-necked Grebe but a drake Gadwall was on the sea drifting west late morning.

6th

Cloudy, fresh SW wind. The Red-necked Grebe was present for its seventh day. A Greylag Goose flew NW over the area, a Teal flew west and there were four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included six Golden Plovers west over the sea and the Purple Sandpiper and 77 Sanderlings in the bay at the eastern end of the beach. Other birds noted included a Mediterranean Gull on the football pitch and a Grey Wagtail by the sluice.

5th

There were three Rooks on our beach. Our first of the year.

3rd

Sunny with a light SW wind. The Red-necked Grebe continued its stay, there were 144 Brent Geese on the beach, four Shelducks flew east, and three flew west and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and 73 Sanderlings in the bay at the eastern end of the beach. A Jay was present in the Elm Wood and a Chaffinch sang at Lang Court.

2nd

The Red-necked Grebe was still present.

1st

Sunny, light NW wind. The Red-necked Grebe was present for its second day. There were 112 Brent Geese on the beach, three Shelducks flew west but only one drake Red-breasted Merganser was seen offshore. Waders included the Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper on the beach and three Knot flying west close inshore. Other birds of note included our first Reed Bunting of the year, a male, a Skylark and a Grey Wagtail.