Birding and other distractions

A lovely sunny day, and quite mild so hearing of the (presumably returning) Richard's Pipit I walked north across the marsh from Swigshole, seeing winter thrushes on route, with at least 100 Fieldfare and 50 Redwing. A pair of Stonechat typically showed well. The pipit had been reported just west of Egypt Bay on the new reserve created by a 700m breach of the sea wall. Having reached this area I fortunately soon heard the distinctive flight call of the bird ahead of me. It landed about 50m away on the marsh side of the sea wall and perched up for a short time on some dead weeds. The pictures below are huge crops so little more than record shots. The bird showed a couple more times but only in flight as it was very wary. On one occasion it stayed in the air for 20-30 seconds calling several times, then hovered briefly before landing, reminding me that this is a characteristic of the species. On the way back a nice flock of 20 Corn Bunting flew over the marsh.

In this attractive area of Kent four Tundra Bean Geese are present in a field of winter wheat, together with a family of Mute Swan. There are two adults and two first-winter birds, the geese first being reported the previous weekend. I also checked the area near the church where a Hawfinch had been previously seen, though unfortunately there was no sign today.  A nice flock of Redwings though feeding on berries.