January 2008
Sandwich and Seasalter.
25/01/08
2 Dunlin at Seasalter this afternoon.
I had a couple of hours this morning at Sandwich Bay, to have another go at photographing the 4 Lapland Buntings. On arrival, like the last time I visited, there were traps out, and obvious attempts at trapping and ringing these birds. I waited until the trappers got fed up and left, and grabbed a couple of photo’s, avoiding the one sporting the manacle to its leg, evidence of the trappers partial success. Sky Larks and Corn Buntings were seen whilst waiting for the Lapland Buntings to appear. I had to go to Maidstone at lunch time, so on the way back I called into Seasalter, and walked from the Sportsman pub up to Castle Coote and back. It was very quiet, and most of the time was spent observing the antics of 5 Snow Buntings by the White post. At least 60 Turnstones were noted and several flocks of Dunlin were seen. A shabby looking female Marsh Harrier disturbed the Lapwing in the field opposite the pub, as I got back into the car to leave for home.