Mike and Junes’s sightings – 27th Oct and 3rd Nov

3rd November

Wind S. 1-3 slight. Overcast at first, still very mild, improving mid-morning.

As we had a late tide the Waders were rather few, however, still good numbers of Lapwing, and Golden Plover.  Starling numbers are steadily increasing as are Teal, although we only managed to see about 40 or so Wigeon.  Hopefully some of the Stonechat will stay with us, we saw roughly 6.  Out by Southfleet we had quite a number of Meadow Pipit, a flock of about 15, probably more.  1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Snipe, c40 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, and 40+ Curlew.  Brent Geese were showing well, with young, which was good to see.  One young Peregrine was sitting on the track outside Southfleet, and we had plenty of Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard action.

The day felt like Summer, reached 21c!! On way back, rounded off with a Merlin out by Rose Cottage, and heard Cetti’s again, thought that was it, but two Barn Owls made and end to a good day.  Shirtsleeves, Elmley, end of October, incredible!!!

27th October

9.30-18.00. Wind S.W. Slight 4-6. Last day of BST today!

Cloud cover during the morning, Sun broke through with the high tide.  c150 Brent Geese, Wigeon c90, Teal c2500, Shelduck 8, Little Grebe 12, Grey Heron 7, Little Egret 6, Marsh Harrier 9, Sparrowhawk 1, Buzzard 9, Kestrel 5, Merlin 1, Peregrine 1, Water Rail 1 (Heard), Ringed Plover 5, Golden Plover 500+, Lapwing 550+, Dunlin 5, Snipe 8, Black-tailed Godwit 56, Curlew 100+, Green Sandpiper 1, Turnstone 1, Barn Owl 2, Skylark 10+, Meadow Pipit 26+, Stonechat 5, Redwing 1, Cetti’s Warbler 1 (Heard), Bearded Tit 3, Starling c1500, Reed Bunting 1.

Weather still mild for the time of year, Wader numbers are building, albeit slowly, still await the Wigeon, although the Teal are in good numbers. Sad to say the Long-eared Owls seem to have departed, hopefully not through disturbance by any of us!  We had a few Red Admiral Butterflies, and there were reports of Whinchat still around Wellmarsh area.  There is a Marsh Harrier with green wing tags, a Norfolk Bird we are told, and the one with white and yellow is one of ours from 2011. A few (presumably) Migrant Hawkers still on the wing. The Redwing was in the orchard, and once again the two pale Buzzards are making folks think of Rough-leg, confusing, but will keep us on our ID toes!!

All in all a splendid day.