THE END OF THE YEAR SHOW

It has been three weeks since my last post as there has not been much to write about, just more of the same really.
The closure of the Prince of Wales pier is now imminent and will happen before the 4th of January if my information is correct,so make the most of new years day and give the pier a rousing send off.
The Merganser remains in the Wellington Dock and has been joined by a couple of Little Grebes.The recent gales have brought a few Guillemots into the harbour and plenty of Gannets can be seen just outside the western entrance,the Shag can still be seen pestering the anglers and Kittiwake numbers are increasing.

LITTLE GREBE

SHAG

GUILLEMOT

Last week, before the railway troubles at Shakespear closed the line, the Cathedrals Express came through Samphire Hoe pulled by the LMS locomotive 45407  LANCASHIRE FUSILIER at full steam.

Yesterday I went to Stodmarsh again in the hope of catching up with the HEN HARRIERS coming in to roost at last at the fourth attempt I got lucky with a female arriving at the marsh hide while I was there and a male coming in just before dusk seen from the Lampen Wall.Apologies for the poor quality pics but it was pretty gloomy.

MALE HEN HARRIER.
So the sun sets on another year and we welcome in 2016 - time to start a new notebook.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

ON THE CREST OF A WAVE

 Another stroll around locally  found this FIRECREST in Bushy Ruff................

 ...........it is sporting a fresh looking ring,the number cannot be read unfortunately.

 Moving over to Kearsney Abbey a small flock of REDWING were feasting on yew berries.

LITTLE GREBE

 GOLDCREST a close relative of the Firecrest but less striking in appearance.

 COOT at Stodmarsh.

 While waiting for HMS KENT to arrive the tug DAUNTLESS showed off its manoueverability by performing doughnuts off the POW Pier.

 HMS KENT at the eastern entrance.

 PHOENIX in the harbour,it recently starred in the film "In the Heart of the Sea"

BLACK REDSTART -One of two on the POW Pier.

 About a dozen GREAT CRESTED GREBES in the harbour.
There now follows a sequence of shots of a male GOOSANDER on the Royal Military Canal....

 GREY WAGTAIL-Kearsney Abbey.

 And last but definitely not least a handsome male BEARDED TIT showed himself off to good advantage from the LAMPEN WALL at STODMARSH on Wednesday afternoon.