Sea-watching from 06.50-09.50, observers: JFC, DRC and AQ. RE was covering the birding sites at Birling. With misty conditions out to sea, numbers were on the low side, but still an enjoyable watch in warm conditions with the highlight being a transitional plumage Slavonian Grebe. After the sea-watch we covered Shooters Bottom and the Old Trapping Area, very few migrants seen but the highlight was 4 Red Kites which came in over the cliffs at the Old Trapping Area and immediately headed inland until lost to view.
Red-throated Diver 17, (16 E and 1 on the sea), Slavonian Grebe 1 in transitional plumage on the sea off Birling @ 08.00 and later seen moving W (JFC, DRC, AQ, RE)., Gannet 1 E, Shag 2 E both appeared to be adults, Canada Goose 2 E, Brent Goose 33 E, Shelduck 6 (2 E and 4 W), Common Scoter 48 E, Red Kite 4 appeared to come in over the cliffs and quickly departed inland between 11.00 and 11.20. photos. (AQ, JFC, DRC), Curlew 1 E, Mediterranean Gull 3 E, Black-headed Gull 12 E, Common Gull 14 E, Kittiwake c50 E, Sandwich Tern 58 E, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Birling, Rock Pipit 2 Birling, Wheatear 1 Birling area, Raven 2,
