Pett Level
30th December 2008, Tuesday
The number of Blackbirds scouring our frosty garden has risen to 12. On the meadow beyond, the Common Gulls coming in from their roost in the bay do not march about as usual but lie down quietly before flying on into the Weald. In the trees beyond that, Greenfinches are dismembering Ash keys, having discovered that the sunflower seeds have run out in the feeders. Overhead, lines of Lapwings are heading off SW to avoid the approaching cold weather.
The shallow waters of the various ponds is mostly frozen, dense crowds of ducks gathered around any open water and the flowing sections of the canal are attended by Redshanks, Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher. Out on the white fields, some Whitefronted Geese are still mixed in with the Greylags and Canadas, while two large birds hunched up next to a flock of Common Gulls turn out to be Marsh Harriers.
The golden reeds are lively with dozens of Reed Buntings and several Stonechats. As the sun thaws Wickham Cliff, a wintering Chiffchaff flits through the yellow incrustations of lichen on Elder scrub and a dozen Song Thrushes join Blackbirds searching the turf.
At the western end of the marsh I could hear a Spotted Redshank calling several times. They occasionally winter in this area on the Rother but not recently at Pett.
The low midwinter sun shows up historic earthworks, where c1940 (England v Germany) defensive positions have been dug into the landward side of the parapet of the c1810 (England v France) Royal Military Canal, just near the c1400 (England v France again) Winchelsea New Gate.