Baird's Sandpiper at Reculver

We decided on a trip to Reculver this morning despite knowing we could encounter trouble with the M20 being closed. We set off at 5am and arrived at Reculver towers around 6.30am. With a pound in the pay and display we set off along the sea wall for the mile or so walk to Coldharbour Lagoon.

Little Stint and Dunlin

Little Stint

As we reached the pool three birders had already set up and were watching the Baird's as it mingled at close range with a Little Stint and two Dunlin. The four birds entertained us for the next couple of hours ignoring the stream of birders, dog walkers and cyclists. The Little Stint at times stealing the show as it came even closer than the Baird's which was in itself far from shy and retiring.

Baird's Sandpiper at Reculver

Baird's Sandpiper

As we walked along the footpath we had a surprise late year tick with four Whimbrel and noticed a single Wheatear, two Common Sandpipers, three Sanderling along with a large group of Turnstone and Ringed Plover. Both Pied and Yellow Wagtail numbers were building.

Whimbrel

After a successful twitch we headed over to Dunge where a drive down Gallaways delivered good views of six plus of Whinchat and Wheatear. Another Wheatear was seen along the road to Dunge and another on the beach so numbers are picking up. Things were quiet with reports of Wood Sand and a Glossy Ibis on the reserve the main highlights. A Kestrel posed for the camera before we left with the year list nudged along to 263.

Whinchat

Kestrel