An early start again meeting Marc in a quiet lay by to start the New Year off with a LONG EARED OWL. Heathy had earlier "cruised" the lanes in search of a Barn Owl but was unsuccessful. Arriving at a very gloomy and overcast Reculver Towers rafts of duck were sitting happily on the sea, mainly Wigeon but a few Mallard were interspersed. A group of 12 Shelduck were noted as 20 Ringed Plover, c40 Dunlin and 20 Grey Plover were feeding on the beach. On our walk we found a group of 5 SNOW BUNTINGS feeding happily and approaching Cold Harbour the 3 SHORELARKS were spotted allowing Marc the opportunity to take some photographs. The long staying HOODED CROW was sighted feeding with approximately 10 Carrion Crows on the beach at Cold Harbour. A single Eider flew past and over 50 Red Throated Divers sped high westwards in groups of c20. Walking inland a single LAPLAND BUNTING called and was seen flying over the Oyster Farm. Approaching the Railway Crossing 3 Waxwings were seen in a tree, which made Marc's day only to be very disappointed as he approached for the obligatory photographs for a Sparrowhawk to send them fleeing quickly towards the Sea Wall. I did point out to Heathy that a Sparrowhawk didn't understand English or swearing. Hoping to find Fieldfare inland we had to make do with just a Greenfinch. Matt and Chris Hindle joined us on the Green Wall and SPOTTED REDSHANK, 4 TREE SPARROWS and c6 BEARDED TITS made the notebook.
After lunch a quick look at Brook enabled us to add Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mistle Thrush and Chaffinch which made the total up to 70 for the day. A quick trip along the Thanet Way gave us the opportunity to add Rook, Long-Tailed Tit and sadly Feral Pigeon. The rain and gloom finally got the better of us and we finished the day at approximately 2.00 p.m. with a decent total of 73 species - with some glaring errors notably Wren! A really good day despite the miserable conditions.
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