BACK TO BLACK.

Arriving at a dismal Reculver this morning at 5.45a.m. Heathy pulled into the lay-by a few moments later.  As we walked to the Towers we could hear the cries of Sandwich Tern and saw that the tide was far out and we talked hopefully of perhaps adding Crossbill but little else.  How wrong we were !  As we walked to Cold Harbour in very heavy showers there was a noticeable movement of Whimbrel with c65 noted during the morning.  Incredibly around the lagoon c50 - c60 Yellow Wagtail were present with smaller groups of Meadow Pipits and Linnets.  A single Common Sandpiper sped West along the tide line and a few Sand Martin and Swallow skipped over our heads.  There were c 30 Ringed Plover on the beach with Dunlin, Turnstone and a single Sanderling also.  We walked inland in driving rain and tried to take shelter.  A single saturated Turtle Dove sat miserably on a fence and we decided to return along the seawall accompanied by smaller groups of Golden Plover.  We met Matt and Chris Hindle and a small group of waders passed us which included 2 Knot.  About 9.10 a.m. Heathy alerted me to a single bird which initially seemed to be a Scoter.  However, in flight and shape it seemed far more auk like.  Marc then said 'BLACK GUILLEMOT!'  I followed it past the Towers until it dropped down onto the sea.  Fortunately, Marc had hastily snapped a number of record shots which Chris and Matt looked at.  We continued to search for it on the sea and managed to also find TWO BLACK TERNS and 1 LITTLE GULL.  Contacting Murray Wright and Geoff Burton to let them know that the bird seemed to be travelling West.  We finished the day extremely satisfied adding a new bird for Kent for both of us.  Enjoy your Magners tonight Marc you've earned it!