Pett Level
Even in the shelter of the valleys, the raw E wind was keeping the small birds quiet – very low numbers of Blue & Great Tits and just 1 Goldcrest – and the exposed cliffline was almost birdless but for Blackbirds which are more robust and remain numerous.
Large flocks of Tree Sparrows and Reed Buntings continue to profit from the fields of birdfood, along with 60 Stock Doves and 200 Woodpigeons.
81 Shovelers were sheltering on the reedy pools of the Pannel Valley, where there was also a pair of Pochard – a scarce species at this site.
Along the RM Canal were 4 Little Egrets, 3 Stonechats and a Water Pipit.
Out on the level, the combination of low tide and wet fields kept the waders widely scattered. Less common species included 90 Golden Plover, 3 Ruff and a Bar-tailed Godwit.
At one point, everything flew up and the Lapwings stayed high in a tight cloud, suggesting the presence of a marauding falcon. In fact, they had every reason to be nervous, for a group of 3 Peregrines tumbled through east, diving and calling. This is the first time I’ve seen more than 2 here.
8 White-fronted Geese, found by Andrew Grace on Friday have been joined by others until today there were 20, scattered amongst 50 Canadas, 14 Greylags & 1 Barnacle Goose.
I met Pete Rouse, who had seen a Merlin and picked out an exceptionally large group of c40 Eiders along near Cliff End. I saw 17 last week, but it’s been a long time since they were in double figures here. There are GC Grebes, Common Scoters and RT Divers out to sea but, with cold rain sweeping in, today was not a good day to see them.
To the west of the Pools, though, we did disturb 6 Snow Buntings from the seawall and at Toot Rock, I found a Firecrest in brambles beside the canal.
