Bird Walk at Seaview, 7th December 2019

Eight members met in Bluett Avenue, Seaview for a circular walk in the area. We started off with a sea watch. Although the sea was calm and the tide about half way no divers or grebes were spotted. However, later we did see two Great Crested Grebes. On the breakwater near Hersey Reserve we noted a Turnstone and a Mediterranean Gull, the latter was one of a number seen during the course of the morning. A few Brent were on the sea and Cormorant further out. Other gulls seen: Black-headed, Common and Herring. A Kingfisher was very obliging and flew from one post to another and finally flying over to Hersey Reserve where we again had good views. In the Nature Reserve we saw or heard Crow, Rook and Jackdaw, Magpie, Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit, Green Woodpecker. The solo Greenshank was in his usual spot on the mud spit and a Little Egret too. We also saw Coot, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Little Grebe, 2 male and one female Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck and plenty of Mallard. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen in a tree as were two Buzzard. We then continued our walk and saw a Pied Wagtail and a Black Redstart on the corner house at the bottom of Oakfield Road. The feral flock of Barnacle Geese (about 133), with one Snow Goose and Swan Goose were seen on the usual field off Nettlestone Hill. The only other birds heard or seen were Wren and a flock of mixed tits which included Long-tailed Tit with David seeing a Great Tit when he made his way back to his car. In all 38 species were recorded. Jackie Hart