Pett- Winchelsea
15th March 2006, WednesdayAgainst a high undulating cloud base, Woodpigeons and Stock Doves were on the move, mostly northwards. The first pigeons I noticed, though, were flying very high SE, out across the sea. As I watched them, a flock of (I guess) Chaffinches crossed my field of view, going North.
No Meadow Pipits though or, more surprisingly, Little Egrets or Stonechats.
Plenty of dabbling ducks at the flood, while on the scrape are at least 11 Pintail. Tufted Duck, which in winter are confined to the lakes, have moved out onto the canal and into ditches, and a lone Pochard growls over, always a scarcity at the back of the marsh.
On the canal itself are a Green Sandpiper and a pair of piping Kingfishers.
The Pink-footed Goose is still with the Greylags, and can be picked out from the Canal path.
The air is full of BH Gull cries and then, nearer the Pannel, yelps from several Med Gulls.
At Winchelsea, the Rookery is in full cry, Jackdaws are nesting in the ruins of Newgate and on Pewis Marsh are Mallard, Teal, Shoveler and Curlew. There’s a fine thrush chorus coming from the tall trees, made up of Song & Mistle Thrush, Blackbird & Redwing.
On my return at dusk I saw Barn Owl & Woodcock.
