On a moody evening, a single Marsh Harrier, 300+ Fieldfares and 26 Pied Wagtails came into roost in the reedbed. A female Merlin and a Woodcock were also seen in fading light. Earlier there was a marked increase in Snipe numbers with 19 around the reserve and 82 Shoveler was a high count.Â
Early flowers seem to be a little later this year. I have noticed two “firsts” recently. Yesterday, Common Whitlowgrass growing in Camber Castle, and today, Coltsfoot growing in the shingle at Cliff End. Coltsfoot is one of the few plants that flower before the leaves appear.
There is much activity of Fulmars along the sandstone cliffs at Cliff End, about 10 “pairs” today. The birds are very confiding, sitting on their inaccessible ledges, and they allow close views from the beach without disturbing them.
A bittern is still being seen regularly from Scott hide and smew are present in good numbers. Four males and 14 females could be seen from the Visitor Centre today, along with four female goosanders. A firecrest has been present in the scrub between Makepeace hide and Scott hide since last Wednesday. There are now two Slavonian grebes on site, one on Burrowes pit and one on New Excavations.
At least 300 Black Headed and 6 Mediterranean Gull were at Ternery Pool this morning. Two Merlin were present around Flat Beach, and a Peregrine flushed 300 Lapwing off Harbour Farm. On the Long Pit, Slavonian Grebe, 5 Goldeneye (1 drake), 3 Smew (2 drake), 62 Pochard and 35 Tufted Duck were present. .        Â