SPITS AND SWALLOWS!

With early inclement weather and rather a large number of Hirundines I thought today's heading was apt.I arrived at Chamber's Wall car park just after Marc This morning and he was smiling contentedly to himself as the first bird he had seen was a stunning male REDSTART.We were soon enjoying good but fleeting views of the bird which unfortunately disappeared as soon as Julian Perry arrived, although he did re-find the bird again later.A stroll down to the railway embankment added more year ticks in the shape of Swallow, a very vocal Kingfisher and two Whitethroats.As we reached the embankment a Red -Legged Partridge waddled past us and two Marsh Harriers swooped overhead calling. The number of singing Sedge Warblers had increased and we counted five possibly six birds.Perhaps a second Kingfisher whizzed along the channel and at Cold Harbour we found a solitary Green Sandpiper.Two Great Crested Grebes were sitting on the sea and small groups of Swallows passed us with a few Sand Martins interspersed as we drank our coffee.A single Yellow Wagtail flew calling overhead and a fairly distant Wheatear sat on the seawall.On our return a Redpoll added to my year list and on meeting Chris and Anne and Phil Goatcher,a large female Sparrowhawk drifted over.We found a  solitary Willow Warbler but couldn't find  the Long- Eared Owl disturbed by the Hindles.We managed to relocate the REDSTART and then ensued a game of hide and seek for the next 30 minutes trying very unsuccessfully to photograph it. The second highlight came at the end of the session when a TREE PIPIT flew overhead calling. An excellent session adding eight new birds for the year.