New Year Kite and supporting cast
1st January 2011, SaturdayThis morning Bob Greenhalf and I couldn’t resist the traditional Jan 1st tally-hunt. My 26th species was a Red Kite cruising slowly overhead at Houghton Green, finally passing Playden Church on its way south-west. In the past would I ever have imagined my first raptor of the year to be a Red Kite? Seven species later we were enjoying superb views of a very close Peregrine perched in a tree on the SSSI, with Marsh Harrier in the background. The Castle Water hide provided all the usual wildfowl plus a fine view of a Bittern, then at home during lunch a Grey Wagtail briefly at our garden pond in Rye was completely unexpected. My day total of 60 was exactly the same as a year ago and, as then, many common species were missed. With Pett Level, Rye Harbour and Rye Hill included, 80-90 species should be possible locally on New Year, but it would be a lot to squeeze into the short daylight hours. Best wishes to all for 2011.