Birding and other distractions

Rain conveniently stopped just after parking near Allens Hill. Another mild day though it stayed overcast. Walking down Allens Hill path a flock of Long-tailed Tit typically showed well, and with them I glimpsed what I thought was a warbler.  Shortly after the warbler revealed itself to be a Firecrest, which then gave relatively good views. A Blackcap nearby was heard only. Walking on towards the river we turned right on reaching the seawall to where a dead Fin Whale had washed up on the shore. The unfortunate animal had been found a couple of days earlier. Very interesting to view the whale at such close range, and appreciate the baleen feeding structure. One of the tail fins had been almost completely severed, the injury probably being instrumental in death of the whale. Firecrest  Fin Whale

A mostly overcast day with occasional glimpses of sunshine and fairly mild. Starting on Walland Marsh with large flocks of Fieldfare along the roads, plus a single Tree Sparrow also found. We found the flock of Bewick's Swan near Hawthorn Corner, 44 birds in total. Two adult Whooper Swan were initially with them, but then flew off towards Midley Cottages. Then at the RSPB reserve there were two Great Northern Divers and a Black-throated on Burrows Pit. The latter was seen at close range from within the visitor centre. A pair of Goldeneye were also present. On the way back we checked out Faversham Creek following a report of three Waxwings nearby. KC briefly saw the birds though I missed them, instead enjoying two Yellowhammers. Whooper Swans Black-throated Diver As above  Great Northern Diver