RXwildlife Sightings

A Swallow seen over Fairlight at midday today flying to and fro for about 20 minutes.
Peter Whitcomb

0850-1150: 54sp

Both Phil Newton & Mike Prince had reported 4 Buzzards together at Doleham this week, and from mid-morning, 3 were sailing in the updraft over Stonelink Farm. Later on, they were joined by another and, for a few minutes, a fifth bird came up over the crest to glide with them against big rolling clouds, a criss-cross of vapour trails and the glinting forms of fat planes turning towards the capital. Although I have now got fairly used to seeing them around here, the call still takes me back to Lake District holidays of my youth.

Earlier, a chocolaty f Marsh Harrier – the same one that has been at Pett and Rye - had been harried by a gang of crows. “Local” harriers obviously patrol an area that takes in marshes and river valleys, but I wonder how far east their wandering take them? And where do they roost?

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Highlights this morning, 6 Red-throated Diver, 2 Velvet Scoter and 100+ Common Scoter were close inshore early morning, 38 Ringed Plover and 60 Dunlin were feeding along the shore, a Merlin gave good views along Shore Ridges. Flat Beach contiues to attract a good selection waders, high tide being the most productive time when birds are looking for safe places to feed and roost.