Allhallows - week 2

A bright and sunny day on the North Kent Coast - the decision aided by a huge traffic jam which made travel via the A2 impossible in any direction!

Strolling towards the seawall was great with male Marsh Harrier hunting, a Raven 'cronking' and a Kestrel hovering.

Marsh Harrier

As the tide was rising it was a race to get to the Egypt Bay roost before it was too late, but we did pretty well, with large numbers of duck - mainly Shelduck and Wigeon - Brent Geese, Grey Heron and Cormorant.

Raven

With the tide nearing its zenith waders started to move and there were huge flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit with Redshank, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher and Turnstone mixed in.

Rock Pipit fed along the waters edge, at least three pairs of Stonechat were noted along the seawall, long with Linnet and Meadow Pipit.

Rock Pipit

After a quick lunch (sheltered from the wind) the tide was dropping and a return to Allhallows seemed the best option.   As the shallow water quickly receded, there were large flocks of waders, ducks and geese gathering on the beach below the caravan park, so we headed off to see if we could add to our days sightings.

Mixed Waders

Not long to wait as the birds were feeding frantically on the newly uncovered sand.   Curlew, at least ten Ringed Plover, a few Avocet and yet more Knot were mixed in with increasing numbers of mixed waders and waterfowl.