550 Cormorant went out fishing before it was barely light. 7 Sanderling were on the beach very early with Purp & Turnstone still with us. Offshore southbound 3 Shelduck & 2 Red-throated Diver with northbound 4 Red-throat & a Curlew. Additional Song Thrush on site & 7 Meds were cleaning up any bait left by anglers on the beach mid-pm.
Glorious sunny frosty start with a cracking moon. At least 110 Black-headed Gull came in from the north then up the various rivers although, it is suspected, that in calm conditions they roost on the sea off Cobbald's Point. Just 128 Cormorant headed out fishing. 2 Sanderling & 2 Ringed Plover were on the shore very early. On the point the regular 2 Purps & whilst down there a Great Northern Diver went overhead heading towards the river Stour having, presumably been out to sea fishing. Late morning thick fog arrived to dampen the spirits.
Glorious winters start to the day although the Cormorants can go out when its barely light with a bright moon and sometimes sneak out low along the river. Early risers can see Sanderling on the beach with 7 this morning but they don't stay long after the first punters get out there - are they feeding at night in the small hours when very few dog walkers on the beach? On the point 2 Purps & Turnstone present & accounted for.
484 Cormorant headed out fishing first thing on a dull murky morning. Otherwise its the usual birds in the usual places.
A rummage around the observatory buildings revealed one of the hibernating Buttoned Snout plus 15 Herald Moths still present from last year.
Another glorious sunny, frosty, calm morning. No migrants seen. Very much same old same old. Just the one Purp on the point.