Monday 31st
January 2005 Worth & Grove FerryA beautiful sunny morning
started off with a pair of Pheasant in my garden in Worth followed by
a GS Woodpecker and finally a close view of a Firecrest. This
inspired Ian Hodgson and myself to take a ride out to Grove Ferry. Before we
had even arrived we noted 4 Marsh Harriers in the sky with a
Common Buzzard. This increased to 7 Marsh Harriers an hour or so
later again with the Buzzard. A Bittern also flew over the
reeds. Very impressive flights of Lapwing and Teal but not
counted. The Pintail numbered 21 though. An excellent couple of hours
considering it is still January. (John van der Dol)
Monday 31st January 2005 Pegwell
Bay
Watched the incoming tide this afternoon. Quite a lot of lapwings
(9300) and good numbers of Ruff with 36 birds present amongst the
Lapwing and 3880 Golden Plover. The Wildfowl/Wader counts turned
up: 4 Brent, 61
Shelduck, 175 Mallard,1 Pintail,180 Wigeon, 97
Teal, 2 Shoveler, 810 Oystercatcher, 250 Curlew,
7 Blackwit, 230 Barwit,180 Knot,1160 Dunlin,91
Sanderling,5 Snipe and 1 Spotted Redshank as well as
good numbers of Grey Plover etc. A flock of 21 Twite flew
s/east over the hide plus single Sparrowhawk and Peregrine
showed before I left at 2.30pm. (Phil M, Tim Hodge and "The Hair.")
Monday 31st
January 2005 Wye, near Ashford.
We went
across to Wye in the hope that we would be able to get some pics of the
Whooper Swan that Ian Pritchard had reported on Saturday. A Common
Buzzard flew over the A28 as we neared Bilting and, after a bit of
searching, we located a flock of swans between Naccolt and Wye.
Parking on the verge of a minor road, we were able to scan the group and
managed to locate the Whooper amidst 37 of its' Mute Swan
cousins. (OS map reference TR 043454) The light was excellent and we
were both able to record some nice images of the bird. Plenty of Skylarks
in the surrounding fields and a Cetti's Warbler scolded us from a
vegetated ditch alongside the road. Job done and many thanks to Ian for
sending us the information. (Gadget & Dylan)
Monday 31st January 2005 Oare Marshes
As the Whooper Swan had been so co-operative, we decided to spend
some time at Oare. We concentrated our efforts around the East Flood, doing
the circuit at a very leisurely pace. 2 Stonechat were on the
roadside fence as we drove down to the carpark. The tide was not
particularly favourable and, as such, the majority of the waders were
feeding way out on the mud in the Swale. A Kingfisher posed
wonderfully on a reedmace, alas neither of us had our camera gear to hand!
Plenty of wildfowl on the flood. Greylag Geese, Pintail, Shoveler,
Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Tufted Duck being noted. A party of 9
Fieldfare flew over our heads towards Sheppey and another 2 birds
were watched feeding on Hawthorn berries beside Faversham Creek as we walked
along the seawall. A group of 13 Avocets were disturbed by an
overflying Marsh Harrier and a female Kestrel peched up on a
fence post allowing great views. Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew,
Oystercatcher, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit were all seen
from the seawall as we walked towards the interpretation centre from the
"new" hide. A few Meadow Pipits and Reed Buntings flitted from
the banking as we passed and a scan of a small group of gulls revealed a
Common Gull with a BTO ring, but nothing more exciting. As we getting
ready to leave 2 Marsh Harriers soared up over Nagden on the far side
of the Creek, a nice end to a pleasant session in the very spring-like
conditions. (Gadget & Dylan)
Sunday 30th January 2005
Roaring
Gutter & Pegwell Bay
A morning look at Roaring
Gutter (Worth Marshes) produced 3 Water Pipits, 1 Cetti’s Warbler
and 10 grey geese in the distance, whilst a look at Pegwell from
15:00 to 16:30 included 5 Ruff, 5,900 Lapwings, 3,600
Golden Plovers, 1,500+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Spotted Redshank,
46 Common Scoter S, 2 G C Grebes, 8 Pintail, 4
Shoveler, 142 Teal, 78 Wigeon, 3 Brent Geese, 1
Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Fieldfare
and 4 Corn Buntings. (Tim Hodge)
Sunday 30th January 2005 Ash Levels
Took a slight diversion from our usual Patch walk this
morning to try & locate the lone Bewick's Swan on the Levels, but
although we found the herd of some 60 Mutes, we dipped on the
'target'! Must take the 'scope' next time! Otherwise, there was plenty of
common bird activity, with evidence of territorial jostling, particularly
amongst Robins & a small group of 4 Mistle Thrush who were far
more concerned with each other than us standing 8 feet away! Encountered a
large flock of several hundred Fieldfare on the Levels whilst looking
for the Swans, & a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Green also
heard but not seen. Closer to home, upwards of a hundred Lapwing were
resting in the ploughed fields at Weddington, with 6 Red Legged Partridge
on the edge. A Kingfisher was also seen at the entrance of the Manor
House in a low branch of the tree. Felt almost spring like with what with
the bird song & the new plants coming through -Daffodils ,Snowdrops, &
Crocus all in evidence. (Ben Ring)
Saturday 29th January 2005 Whooper Swan
There is a Whooper Swan just off the back road
from the William Harvey hospital to Wye road. Take the last right turn
before reaching Wye and it is with 8 Mutes on the RHS by the sharp bend.
(Ian Pritchard)
Saturday 29th January 2005
Pegwell Bay
1 Peregrine, 1 Hen Harrier,
111 Teal, 4500+ Lapwing, 3000+ Golden Plover, 23
Twite, 21 Snow Bunting, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 12
Snipe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 3 G C Grebe, 3
R T Diver, 1 Stonechat, 30 Skylark, 12 Brent Goose,
(Tim Hodge)
Friday 28th January 2005 Minster Marshes
I parked by the Station and walked the track, south, towards the Sewage
Treatment Plant and then right, along the river for a mile, or so, before
heading back north to the Abbott's Wall and making my way back to the car.
Given the conditions, bright but chilly, birds were surprising scarce. 5
Redshank were feeding on the muddy fringe of the main dyke that runs
alongside the track from the station. The bushes around the Sewage Works
held a Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaff and 3 Redwing, much to
my relief. Goldfinches were present in good numbers with 3 separate
groups seen on my ramble, the total number being around 50 birds. A
Sparrowhawk circled over the Ash Levels, causing Lapwings to
swirl up into the air before dropping back down into the winter wheat. 2
Grey Partridge flushed from a grassy bank and I found a large flock
(200+) of Fieldfare, feeding on a water meadow. The adjoining field
had been ploughed and held a nice mixed flock of 35 Chaffinch, 17
Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting and a female Yellowhammer. At
least 5 Stonechats were encountered along my route and a large number
of Lapwing and Golden Plover were moving west as I headed back
to the car, assumedly the result of the incoming tide at Pegwell? (Dylan)
Friday 28th January 2005 Old Park and area,
Canterbury 16.30-17.30
Went out late afternoon to try and get Woodcock on my local list for the
year, managed to get a couple of nice ticks. 1 Kingfisher on pond,
first record at this site. 15 Redwing flying over, Green
Woodpecker (of course), 5 Yellowhammer, whilst trying to bin them
in the rain became aware of a Firecrest singing /calling from a
nearby tree, saw it briefly in flight and then on another bush before a dog
and its walker flushed it into the gloom. Unable to count the Magpies,
as they were (sensibly) low down sheltering from the rain. 1 Woodcock,
in flight, then 2 together, calling at dusk over the wooded valley.
Finally, 7 Grey Partridge flew overhead. (Dan C)
Friday 28th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
62 RT Diver (42 S, 20 N) 12 G C Grebe,
15 Cormorant, 1 C Scoter, 2 Grey Heron , 8 Brent
Goose , 62 Teal ,95 Wigeon, 104 Mallard , 60
Shelduck , 820 Oystercatcher , 5 Ruff, 4 Black-tailed
Godwit , 215 Bar-tailed Godwit 4800 Lapwing, c3000
Golden Plover , 15 Snipe , 225 S Wood Pigeon,1
Stonechat , 11 Twite , 2 Fieldfare (Tim Hodge)
Thursday 27th January 2005 Oare Marshes
Just had time for a brief trip across to
Oare Marshes on my way home this afternoon. As I arrived I bumped into Ray
Baker, and a few mates, who told that they had failed to see the
Green-winged Teal at Grove, this morning, but had been entertained by a
nice Bittern flying close to the Ramp. Knowing that time was short
and with the, ever present, threat of rain I opted for the relative comfort
of the hide, overlooking the East Flood. Plenty to see with good numbers of
Pintail, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Pochard. A flock of 290+
Black-tailed Godwits were roosting in two groups on the islands and I
managed to pick out 2 birds with colour ring combinations. From a quick
check with Euring, one is from Iceland and the other from Farlington
Marshes, although both projects are linked. Details will be posted when I
get them. A Merlin flew along the bank of Faversham Creek and a
Kingfisher was perched on the sluice as I walked around to view the
birds along the creek, on the falling tide. 65 Avocet were feeding
along the waters edge with Ringed & Grey Plover, Redshank,
Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Curlew also present. I flushed a
Little Egret from the salt marsh and a couple of Bearded Tits
called from the reeds just inside the seawall. Just one last scan as the
rain started to fall revealed the presence of an Avocet with a single
green ring on its' right leg. I couldn't see any code or any other rings and
have only been able to find a Dutch project that is marking Avocets
in this manner. 3 Stonechats and a couple of Meadow Pipits
were on the fence as I reached my car, the rain becoming heavier by the
minute. Still it was a very pleasant, if chilly, way to spent 90 minutes
after an early shift in the factory. (Dylan)
Wednesday 26th January 2005 A walk from Dumpton to Ash
Being aware that work commitments, on Thursday, would curtail my
birding somewhat, I decided to give it my best shot today. I walked from
my home in Dumpton to my parents house, in Ash. The winds had subsided
and, although still chilly, there was none of the rawness to accompany the
frequent squalls of sleet and snow. I left home at 09.05hrs and by
complete fluke, my timings coincided with the tide at Pegwell Bay and as
such, I saw just about all that I had hoped for. Ramsgate Harbour had
the usual winter mix of gulls and Cormorants with the adult Shag
and 2 Kingfishers providing the highlights. 2 Eider were off
shore from the undercliff with a bunch of 5 Linnets feeding on the
beach by the Port entrance. Pegwell contained all the common waders that
are to be expected in the winter. Oystercatcher, Curlew, Grey Plover,
Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and
Golden Plover all making it into my notebook. Moving on to
Weatherlees, a magnificent female Peregrine was perched high up on
the rim of the rear cooling tower, within the Power Station compound.
Walking along the main track revealed a flock of 15 Bullfinch -
mega numbers for this area, plus 2 Water Rail squealing messages
from their position deep within the thick reeds and brambles that line the
trackside ditches. I flushed a couple of Pheasants and a Grey
Wagtail flew overhead, calling loudly as it passed. Reaching the Ash
Levels at 12.35hrs, a glance at my notebook revealed that my total species
count already stood at 58. I spent the remainder of the day wandering
around the "best" local patch in East Kent. I scoured the water
meadows, set-a-sides and hedgerows, checking all the nooks and crannies
that I knew from the days when I used to bird the area daily. Much to my
relief I found that many of the special Ash Levels birds were still
present. 33 Corn Bunting, 61 Skylark, 13 Yellowhammer,
3 Green Sandpiper, 1000+ Fieldfare (but no Redwing?), 106 Mute
Swan, with an adult Bewick's for company, Merlin and Sparrowhawk
were all recorded as I walked the various tracks and droves. On the down
side, I failed to find a single Tree Sparrow in an area that, in
1994, had a wintering flock of 500+. How times have changed. A Little
Owl had "delusions of grandeur", as it flushed from a Barn
Owl nest box, and a smart pair of Stonechats bounced ahead of
me as I walked along a fence line. Common Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Stock
Dove and Little Grebe all found their way into my notebook and
added to the enjoyment of a fabulous day out. Oh yeah, total for the
day was 78 species. (Dylan)
Wednesday
26th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
On arrival this afternoon Slim was already holding station in front of the
bird hide claiming all sorts of nonsense ... 4 Black-T Godwits, 20 Snow
Buntings and he "heard 11 Twite" apparently. (think
about it) Mind you 4 Black-T Godwits did eventually show when I (as
top man in the area) was present but I put this down more to pure
coincidence than Slims identification skills. A double figure group of Snow
Buntings were across on Shellness plus a few sightings of Twite
eventually ensued with a mid 20 flock the biggest group
we saw though Slim Still insisted they only sounded like 11.He's more
mental that I thought he was. Mind you best way if you watch at Peggers I
suppose? As the tide dropped all the normal stuff showed which included
808 Oystercatcher (Slims count not mine) 2000+ Lapwing, 2600
Golden Plover (my count - not Slims) etc also a Peregrine
and an adult Yellow-Legged gull
showed while we were looking between bouts of endless yakking. Still very
poor birdwise considering the weather were having at the minute. Dave
Feast and John Veal found 3 Bullfinch in Stonelees and 20-30 Greenfinch
around the Country Park. (Phil M and Tim (Slim) Hodge)
Wednesday 26th January 2005 Foreness
2 Snow Buntings and a Peregrine at
Foreness – only a few Gulls, couldn’t make my mind up as to
whether they were loafing or loitering! (F Solly)
Wednesday 26th January 2005 St Peters Cemetery
09-30to 10-45hrs
My wife had to go to St Peters, Broadstairs and, as I
would have to wait for her, I decided to have a look around the Cemetery.
The place was full of activity, with birds all around. A small flock of Greenfinches
were very mobile and in the Cemetery I observed the following; 14
Goldfinch, 23 Greenfinch, 38 Blackbird, 14 Mistle Thrush, 5 Song Thrush, 5
Dunnock, 12 Blue Tit, 8 Great Tit, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Robin, 2 Great
spotted Woodpecker, 8 Ring-necked Parakeet, and 22 Collared Dove. At
the top end of the cemetery you can look over the fields towards Sacketts
Hill where I noted 8 Magpies, 26 Carrion Crows, 7 Meadow Pipits, 200+
Black-headed Gulls and 40+ Herring Gulls. It was well worth the
visit. (Gadget)
Tuesday
25th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
Spent the early part of the afternoon watching the outgoing tide. These
northerlies seem to have shifted very few birds though there was an
interesting group of Duck sitting on the sea offshore which may
have been Scaup? Unfortunately the distance and the waves made it
impossible to identify them. A slight increase in Brent (46) also
16 new Pintail. The wader /wildfowl counts turned up: 29 Shelduck,
60 Mallard, 90 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 264 Knot, 920 Oystercatcher,
218 Bar-T Godwit, 5 Black-T Godwit, c300 Lapwing, 800
Golden Plover, 290 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover etc.
21 Twite flew in towards the bird hide across from Shellness where
there were 24 Snow Bunting showing most of the afternoon.
Raptorwise - 1 Peregrine and a Merlin which I think caught
one of the Snow Buntings? Also 8 Corn Bunting on the Country
Park and 61 Divers passed south offshore. (Phil M)
Tuesday 25th
January 2005 Foreness
After dropping Bev at her office, I drove across to Foreness just to
see what I could find. The strong northerly wind meant that I had trouble
looking out to sea, as the wind was directly in my face, causing my eyes
to water continuously! Divers (100% Red-throats - as I
could id) were passing the headland in good numbers and I recorded
271 east and 93 west in little more than 30 minutes. The few auks I
saw were all moving east with exception of a lone Guillemot sitting
on the sea just off shore of the pumping station. A pair of Common
Scoter whizzed east, showing wonderfully in the watery, winter
sunshine. Gulls were restricted to two groups of birds loafing
on the clifftop and Palm Bay playing field. OK numbers for a "gull
nut", like me, but very little to stir the imagination. 3
"intermedius / graellsii" Lesser Black-backs and 2 adult
winter Mediterranean Gulls (incl. white OHA) were the pick of the
crop. A female Sparrowhawk caused a commotion when it appeared
overhead only to be chased off back towards Northdown Park by a rather
irate Herring Gull. (Dylan)
Tuesday 25th
January 2005 BlackSand Scrape & Green Wall in Sandwich
I managed to dodge most of the hail and sleet showers, and recorded a
few bits, including 1 Spotted Redshank on Backsand Scrape (with the
same or another on saltings nearby), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk,
1 Kestrel, 10 Golden Plover, 1 Stonechat, 32 Shelduck,
5 Teal, 2 Mute Swans, 7 Grey Partridge, 2 Pheasants,
32 Curlew, 38 Linnet, 42 Stock Doves, 8 Reed
Bunting, 8 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 6 Little Grebes,
4 Rock Pipits, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Song Thrushes
and 3 Shoveler. I didn’t see the Dartford Warbler, though.
There were 4 Bearded Tits, 32 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Herons,
220 Golden Plover and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
around the Green Wall in Sandwich, whilst Stonar held 91 Tufted Ducks,
10 Pochard and 3 Shoveler. (Tim Hodge)
Monday
24th January 2005 Ramsgate Harbour & Sandwich Bay
An hour’s seawatch from Ramsgate this morning in cold northerly winds
was pretty unproductive, but included a few birds moving north, including
1 Eider, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Wigeon, 1 Teal,
4 Brent Geese, 42 Kittiwakes, 8 Auks and 18 Red-throated
Divers. I popped over to Sandwich Bay in the late morning, where there
was a flock of c15 grey geese on the marshes behind Mary Bax’s
stone. At least 8 of the birds were Tundra Bean Geese, and the rest
may well have been, although they were some way away and keeping their
heads down. (Tim Hodge)
Monday
24th January 2005 Old Park and area, Canterbury
Went out for an hour and a half from midday today, cold
and bright, started off going along the Stour valley walk towards Fordwich.
3 Reed Buntings, several Meadow pipits and 1 female Stonechat
in the field near the park and ride, Blackbird the commonest
species seen so far. Saw Kestrel before heading back up the hill.
Still cold and windy, didn't see that much until the gorse behind the
barracks where a small grey bird flitting across the path drew my
attention. Another brief flight view confirmed it to me as Dartford
Warbler (seems to be a good day for them!), first I've seen for a few
years now. On the way down saw 2 Grey Partridge and a couple of Green
Woodpeckers. (Dan C.)
Monday
24th January 2005 Late News
2
Smew - Pegwell on 23rd (Francis Solly)
16 White Fronted Geese -Pegwell west on 23rd (Tim Hodge)
Waxwing 1 in Stonelees on 17th (Pete Forrest) He flushed it
apparently and it flew off strongly, I only found out about this
today off Tim who was at Pegwell today . he also had one flyover Waxwing
(south) near the bird hide on Wednesday 19th (Phil M)
Monday
24th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
Did a short mid afternoon session on the dropping tide seeing: 1 Eider,
750 Oystercatcher, 3 Black-T Godwit, 3480 Golden Plover,
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Stonechat, 32 Snow Bunting and 2
flocks of Twite adding up to about 45 birds. (Phil M)
Monday 24th January 2005 Black Sand Scrape
Well it seemed like a good idea at the time. Gadget suggested that we
take a stroll out to Black Sand Scrape at Sandwich Bay. We must both be in
need medical attention! The wind was blowing, icy cold, from the North and
was accompanied by sleet and snow. 3 Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk
were seen from the car as we drove down towards the "Polly
Tunnels". After obtaining permission to park the car, it is a private
road, we were on our way. The walk across the fields revealed a large
flock (45+) of Skylark and several Meadow Pipit. 30 Curlew
were feeding on an area of rough grassland beside the main track and,
as we made our way towards the scrape, via the riverbank, I found a
cracking male Dartford Warbler in the thick vegetation on the
embankment. We both had good, if brief, views as the bird flitted about in
a clump of brambles. It didn't seem likely that we were going to get a
chance of an image so we continued on to the scrape. Not much reward for
the effort. 8 Shelduck, 11 Little Grebe, 2 Mallard with
a few Moorhen and Coot for company. 23 Linnets were
feeding in the shelter of the banking by the Shirlaw Hide and a pair of Stonechat
were along the riverside fence as we started to make our way back. A Little
Egret flushed from the small dyke beside the track and the Dartford
Warbler treated us to another series of short viewing opportunities,
giving us a scolding "churrrr" call from deep within the
brambles, before flying out into the kale field and being lost from
sight. Returning to the car we then drove around to Stonar Lake. Nothing
much to report. 81 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 7 Shoveler,
2 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe and 20+ Coot were joined by
small numbers of gulls coming in to wash on the lake before flying
off towards the north. There was quite an interesting female Tufted
Duck x Scaup (?) hybrid. Clearly larger than the accompanying Tufties,
it had the extensive white facial mask and broad body, associated
with Scaup, yet possessed a very definite crest, as befits a
female Tufted Duck! Only a hybrid, it's true, but it gave
me something to look at for a while! (Dylan & Gadget)
Monday 24th January 2005 Tawny Owl Ashford
Driving home from Ashford, just after mid-night, I saw my first owl of
2005. I picked a Tawny Owl out , in my headlights,
perched on an overhanging branch between Lower Hardres and Bridge. About
time too! (Dylan)
Sunday 23rd January 2005 Stodmarsh am
A minimum 5 Hen Harriers counted out from the Stour roost
pre-dawn this morning (2 greys and 3 ringtails). There was a possibility
of another grey but I couldn’t be sure. The thickets make it very
difficult to cover the area with absolute certainty. 3 Sparrowhawks
then passed over together, presumably from their own nearby roost. One of
them dived vertically towards the reeds to 'encourage' the final grey harrier
on its way before they resumed their own dispersal south. (Peter Hadrill)
Sunday 23rd January 2005 Harbour and the New Port
There was a Fulmar on the cliff-top between
the harbour and the new port, just past the motor museum. It is at the top
of the cliff under the overhanging concrete and making quite a noise.
(Paul Austin)
Saturday 22nd January 2005 Late News
Whilst driving across to the Soup Mine, around mid-day, a Great
Spotted Woodpecker flew across the road from Stonelees towards
Ebsfleet. Nothing very amazing but, as we haven't reported one within the
recording area for the site, so far this year, it is a new species for the
Thanet Year List! The only other news was that, while I was carrying out
the environmental checks along the factory perimeter 1 Kingfisher,
1 Little Grebe and a Grey Wagtail were seen by the River
Stour. All very typical for the time of year, but enough to enhance a
shift at the factory all the same. (Dylan)
Friday 21st January 2005 Grove Ferry
We went back down to Grove, this afternoon, purely because the light
was so much better and we hoped to get some improved images of the Green-winged
Teal and the hybrid, if possible. A stiff N-W breeze meant that the
majority of the Teal flock were sheltering in the lea of the
reedbeds, thus out of sight of us positioned on the Ramp. I am sure that
the birds are still around the reserve, just
they hadn't read the script! We stayed for over 2 hours and saw no sign of
either bird. A Marsh Harrier and female Sparrowhawk stirred
the Lapwing and Golden Plover flock up on a couple of occasions
and 5 Common Snipe, 9 Redshank and 2 Ruff were also
noted. A Cetti's Warbler was doing a great impression of Canary
Island Chiffchaff from the scrub to the left of the ramp and we watched a
few groups of Cormorants flying west towards the roost at
Stodmarsh/Collard's Lake. (Gadget & Dylan)
Thursday 20th January 2005 Grove Ferry
Hectic
times required another trip to Ashford, although not so important that I
didn't manage to get two visits to Grove Ferry as a result. The morning
session, when I bumped into Gadget, was fairly uneventful apart from the
sighting of Green-winged Teal and a very interesting hybrid Teal
x Green-winged Teal. Craig Sammels had told me of a similar hybrid,
showing both vertical and horizontal white flashes, that he had seen
several years previous. I must say that I thought it looked much
nicer than the genuine article! My second visit produced a little bit
more. 4 Pochard and 3 Tufted Duck were on the pool in front
of the Green Hide and a Bittern was seen flying over the reedbed
between the Ramp and the riverbank. At least 3 different Marsh Harriers
were hunting over the reserve, but finding it tough going in the strong SW
wind. I had much closer views of the Green-winged Teal, alas the
light had deteriorated to such an extent that any attempt at digi-scoping
was pointless. (Dylan)
Thursday 20th January 2005 Grove Ferry
Green-winged Teal (carolinensis) was
at Grove Ferry this morning viewed from the ramp over in the far left back
corner, we also viewed one hybrid Teal with Vertical and Horizontal
white band, the light was not the best but we have added another photo.
(Gadget)
Wednesday 19th January 2005 Late News
I
know its belated news but just remembered that I had a few poor shots of
the Green-winged Teal (carolinensis) taken at Grove on
Saturday, as I have not seen any others yet I thought that I would at
least prove its there in case people have not seen It. (Marc Heath)
Wednesday 19th January 2005 WeBS
Count for January
– Tuesday 18th
(Not very accurate as the neap tide was late
afternoon. This meant that it was almost dark when I counted at
Margate/Birchington!)
391 Oystercatcher
366 Turnstone
27 Purple Sandpiper
15 Ringed Plover
9 Dunlin
41 Redshank
43 Grey Plover
258 Sanderling
2 Curlew
(John Websper)
Wednesday 19th January 2005
Pegwell Bay
Starling 8000 N to roost, Pied Wagtail 87 S to roost, Meadow pipits
96 S to roost, Grey Wagtail 2 S to roost, R N Parakeet 2 N to roost, Black
T Godwit 2, Bar T Godwit 221 Curlew 284, Golden Plover 2700, Lapwing 4450,
Goldcrest 1 Stonechat 1, Waxwing 1 S over hide calling at 15:30, 1 Corn
Bunting, 20 Twite, 1 L Egret, 1 Grey Heron 1 Eider male, 2 Pintail, 2
Shoveler, 318 Mallard, 186 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 71 Shelduck, 2 Brent, 1 Green
Wood 1 Merlin, 1-2 Marsh harrier, 29 Cormorant. (Tim Hodge)
Wednesday 19th January 2005 Minster & Western Undercliff /
Harbour
I parked near Minster Station and walked the track
down to the Sewage Treatment Plant. The weather was glorious and I was
just enjoying being out. Plenty of birds about, but generally common
stuff. A herd of 18 Mute Swans had a lone Little Egret in
their midst and the bushes around the Sewage Works held a minimum of 7 Chiffchaff.
A Cetti's Warbler called from low down in an area of tangled
bramble, hawthorn and reed whilst I flushed a Grey Heron from
the side of a ditch as I reached the River Stour. I then followed the
riverbank towards Pluck's Gutter, walking to the end of a set-a-side field
before crossing inland to make my way back along the Abbot's Wall. A flock
of 27 Corn Buntings were over on the Ash Levels, perched high on
a hawthorn bush and I encountered 7 Stonechat along my route. The
only bird of prey was a Kestrel, yet I saw plenty of waders. Lapwing
were present in large numbers with a few Golden Plover for company.
At least 40 Common Snipe were flushed from the margins of a
flight pond on the south side of the river with 4 Redshank, 2 Curlew
and a Green Sandpiper also being noted. Lots of Grey
Partridge around the marsh but only 8 Mallard and a Shelduck
representing the wildfowl. A Grey Wagtail was heard as I walked
back to the Sewage works with a second Little Egret seen
flying over towards Pegwell Bay, as I neared my car.
I then drove across to the Western Undercliff and walked to the
Harbour. The excellent light allowed great views of the common waders
feeding on the mussel beds. Lots of Oystercatcher, Curlew, Grey Plover,
Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Redshank with the nice bonus
of 4 Purple Sandpiper. The Harbour was pretty quiet with just the
normal suspects around the pontoons. A ringed adult Shag turned out
to be the same individual as was present in January/February 2004 - ring
no. 1345340. A Rock Pipit called, as it flew across the Port
carpark, and 10 Linnets were feeding on the beach opposite the cafe
as I made my way back to the car. (Dylan)
Tuesday 18th January 2005 Grove Ferry
Lots going on, so a trip to the soup-mine was required
early morning. Still no better informed I, left Ashford at 14.00 hrs and,
had time for a 90 minute stroll around Grove Ferry, before I had to pick
Bev up from Broadstairs. The scene from the Ramp was that of massed ranks
of Teal (3,000 +) on the pools directly in of and to the
right. Pintail numbers were also respectable, 47 birds on the main
pool were very picturesque in the late afternoon sun. 100+ Golden
Plover and Lapwing were present on the main spit along with 3 Dunlin.
Try as I might, I failed to relocate the Green-winged Teal so
headed off towards Harrison's Drove. Just as I was passing the Green Hide,
a Bittern flew over and appeared to land very close to the hide. I
detoured immediately, hoping to see the bird in the reedbed. It wasn't to
be but, good numbers of Teal and Mallard were present, along with
a female Tufted Duck and 2 Pochard for company. 3
Bearded Tits fed along the fringe on the "Phragmites" and Kingfishers
were seen on 2 occasions. 5 Marsh Harriers (incl. 1 sub-adult male
with 2 yellow wing-tags) were noted during the 40, or so, minutes
that I spent looking from the hide, plus a female Sparrowhawk
and 122 Cormorants flying westwards into their roost at
Stodmarsh/Collards Lake. As I walked back to the car another Bittern was
watched flying low, over the reeds, before dropping down over by the
riverbank. Goldcrest and Bullfinch called as I arrived back
at my car whilst several mixed groups of Fieldfare and Redwing
headed west towards the roost site at Stodmarsh. (Dylan)
Monday
17th January 2005 Harbour & Western Undercliff
A funny sort of day as I worked overnight, so didn't get up until
11.30hrs! A message from Frank meant that a hastily arranged look at the
Harbour and Western Undercliff was arranged. We drove through the tunnel
and parked by the Port entrance. A nice assortment of Oystercatcher,
Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone and Grey Plover were
feeding on the exposed mussel beds, whilst 2 Eider (adult female
and 1st yr male) were watched swimming just off shore. It was quite windy,
with the ever-present threat of rain, as we walked along the road towards
the Harbour. A pair of Fulmar "cackled" their displeasure
as we passed their nest ledge. The Harbour was very quiet, just a handful
of Cormorants and an assortment of gulls. Herring Gulls were
the most numerous with a high proportion of them being of the "argentatus"
Northern race. Two adult Kittiwakes were a nice bonus but I failed,
yet again, to find any colour ringed birds amidst the 35+ Great
Black-backs present today. A Rock Pipit provided some brief
entertainment as it scratched about in the bottom of an open topped boat.
The walk back to the car allowed us to add adult male Eider to our
notes, as it had joined forces with the 2 others along the undercliff
shoreline. (Dylan & Frank)
Monday
17th January 2005
Weatherlees Hill - SSSI
I had a, previously arranged, meeting with Jason MItchell - Kentish
Stour Countryside Project Officer, to look at the proposed habitat
management for this site. Frank and I met up with Jason, Craig
(Conservation volunteer) and Mr Hume (the farmer/grazier) at the main
gateway just after 14.45hrs. We then spent the next 90 minutes walking
around the reserve discussing the various areas to be considered for
management. It was a great experience to be part of a group of people from
different viewpoints, yet all of whom wanted the same ultimate goals.
Understanding the reasons behind some of the decisions allows a better
reaction to the short-term impacts that habitat management will
undoubtedly have. It is a fabulous piece of habitat and one that I shall
be spending more time at as this project commences. Not much to report for
today. 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 grey geese sp. - south at 14.40hrs,
14 Stock Dove, 5 Goldcrest plus good numbers of Chaffinch
and Woodpigeon, into roost about sums up the birding. Had the
weather been kinder then I am sure it would have been much more
productive! (Dylan)
Monday
17th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
A spontaneous short session (between 2.30 and 4.00pm) to watch the
incoming late afternoon tide was rewarded with the first scarcity of 2005
when a Grey Phalarope fluttered its way south past Shellness Point
at 3.20pm.It appeared to be heading right into the beach area of Sandwich
Bay. Lots of Gulls in prime position sheltering out of the stiff
s/westerly wind right in front of the hide turned up 2 1st winter
Mediterranean Gulls plus 1st winter and adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
At least 2 of the small
Michahellis like Herring Gulls on view too. A real mystery they
are? Other Gull counts were: 239 Great BB Gull, 74 Lesser BB
Gull, 4430 Herring Gull, 2220 Common Gull, 3500+ Black-Headed
Gull and an adult Kittiwake was seen flying north. Plover
numbers were slightly up with 2740 Lapwing and 2920 Golden
Plover on view plus c20 Twite showed on a few occasions plus
the 22 Snow Bunting were seen across on Shellness once again. (Phil
M)
Sunday
16th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
A decidedly average session spent overlooking the mudflat this afternoon.
Very few Plovers - only 120 Golden Plover and 1100 Lapwing
though lots of other waders present as is usual. Duck wise - 66 Shelduck,
166 Mallard, 400 Wigeon and 90 Teal. An immature Male
Marsh Harrier flew over the saltmarsh early afternoon plus we saw
22 Snow Bunting across on Shellness plus a few flocks of Twite
flew over the hide - a 13,c18 and a 20+. Zilch else. (Phil M)
Saturday
15th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
Had a bit of fun down at Pegwell this afternoon ...lotta lotta fun. On
arrival 8 Kite-boards had cleared the north end of the mud and the south
end was strewn with bait-diggers - plane after plane flew over etc. Not
exactly what you'd call a session full of relaxation. After a while
everyone cleared off and a few birds (and birders) showed up.18 Twite,
c30 Snow Bunting, the Sandwich Tern plus a very odd looking Gull
(some sort of hybrid?) certainly caught my attention. Good numbers of Knot
- 410 plus 1430 Dunlin, 3 Blackwit, 195 Barwit
plus all the usual stuff. A slight increase in Wigeon (410) plus 3 Pintail
and 3 flyby Red-breasted Merganser. Very little moving
offshore - a single Auk and about 10 Divers the only things
seen. A very oiled adult Yellow-Legged Gull was seen across in the
river just before I left. (Phil M)
Friday
14th January 2005 Grove Ferry
Green-winged Teal from the ramp at Grove Ferry,
It was very easy to pick out and is reported as
having been present yesterday as well. (Stuart Cotton)
Friday
14th January 2005 Sandwich Bay
A real change of scenery today, I went for a stroll
around Sandwich Bay. I started at the Obs, checking out a couple of
ring numbers. I was on my way by 09.45 hrs, walking across the golf course
and along the beach to Shellness Point, overlooking Pegwell. The
weather was glorious. 19 Great Crested Grebes were dozing, offshore and
large numbers of Skylark were flushed from the dunes as I passed. A
flock of 23 Snow Bunting showed really nicely and also demonstrated
that the SBBOT ringers had been busy. Every bird I checked had a nice
piece of silver, BTO jewelry, around a leg. Surprising numbers of Corn
Buntings were along the fences of the Hundred Acre field and a mixed
flock of Greenfinch and Linnet were feeding on the tide line
close to the Point. I flushed a flock of 18 Twite as I settled down
for my daily gull fix. I could see Phil over at the hide, going through
the ritual counting ceremony! I scanned the legs of 1000's of gulls,
looking for coloured plastic, but to no avail. I did find 2 adult
"michahellis" Yellow-legged Gull and a single
"ommissus" Northern Herring Gull, but nothing more
exciting. Knowing that Phil would send in his report, I headed back
across the saltmarsh walking behind Prince's Golf Course and the Pines. Green
and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen along with a pair of Kestrels.
A superb male Sparrowhawk flew low over the old practice area and a
large flock of Golden Plover and Lapwing were gathered on a
field near the "Polly Tunnels". Great day out around a wonderful
part of the Kent countryside. (Dylan)
Friday
14th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
Did a 11.00 - 1.00pm session viewing from outside the hide. On arrival -
with the tide miles out, there were lots of Gulls. I counted 1630 Herring,
720 Common Gull and when the tide pushed the birds a bit closer 53
Lesser BB Gull, 1 adult Yellow-Legged Gull and another one
of those Omissus type yellow-legged northern Herring
Gulls. I was hoping for something a bit more exotic when I saw all
those Gulls. A few Duck offshore 110 Teal, 270 Wigeon,
115 Mallard, 22 Shoveler plus 3 Common Scoter north
plus 2 Brent Geese. Lots of waders 780 Oystercatcher, 101 Curlew,
243 Bar-T Godwit, 7 Black-T Godwit, 500 Lapwing, 20+ Golden
Plover (Flyover's none on mud for some reason?) 300 Grey Plover,
3 Ringed Plover.1 Spotted Redshank, 311 Knot,
1220 Dunlin and 78 Sanderling plus 2 Peregrine, 2 Merlin,
1 Sparrowhawk and 21 Twite flew west over the hide -
presumably the same birds were seen across on Shellness earlier. (Phil M)
Friday 14th January 2005 ( Late News)
Thursday
13th January 2005 - Dungeness area
Had my first big day out in Kent for many years - care of Ian Hardings
Green taxi service. (Blean in Kent) The weather was very nice and quite a
few "bits" were seen during the day which
was spent checking the entire area. Something I have never ever done
before. We arrived first thing and drove around the area looking for Geese
& Swans in the surrounding fields. We could see distant Geese
in flight and apart from lots of Mute Swans we only found one group
of wild Swans - the 7 Whoopers at Denge. I think there were
4 adults and 3 juvs? (cant remember? )We also saw a Marsh Harrier
plus decent amounts of Corn Buntings and a few Yellowhammers.
We next stopped off at Scotney gravel pit where there was quite a bit
going on. A flock of 70 White-Fronted Geese flew over while we were
there and a 30+ group of Barnacle Geese were feeding on the short cropped
grass just off the side of the road. On the water the drake Lesser
Scaup,1 Smew and a female Red-Breasted Merganser showed
amongst the throngs of commoner diving/dabbling Duck plus there were 4 Avocet.
On the way to Lade pits we had a quick look at the ARC/New Diggings. Lots
of Ruddy Duck (171)a
Goosander, drake Smew, a few Goldeneye, a Slavonian
Grebe and a 1st winter Yellow-Legged Gull were seen. At Lade -
a few more Goldeneye,47 more Ruddy Duck, a female Red-Crested
Pochard and 14 Red-Legged
Partridge. We did have a look for Dartford Warbler here but couldn't
come across any. Stop 47 - the Point / Patch. Lots of Auks
loitering offshore plus a few flyby Auks / Divers which
included a close Black-Throated Diver about midday. Nothing else
going on there so after another look at ARC/New Diggings we ended off the
day on the Obs ringing area and RSPB reserve. Only 2 Firecrest
around the moat and onto the gravel pits on the RSPB reserve, all the
normal suspects were seen during the afternoon - another Slavonian
and a Black-Necked Grebe,78 more Ruddy Duck (day total 296!)
8 Smew, a few Goldeneye,140 Pintail etc. In the
evening we concentrated on finding a Dartford Warbler eventually
pishing one out into view around the gorse near Hookers. Also in the
evening - Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Tit were heard plus we
saw another Marsh Harrier,2 Little Egrets and a single Woodcock.
(Phil M)
Thursday 13th January 2005 Minster Thanet
Had a bit of a late start, but better late than
never. On my arrival at Minster Sewage works the sun was shining
and there was an abundance of birds, it was nice to be out. 8 Great Tit, 7 Blue Tits, 23 Long
tailed Tits, 8 Robins, 5 Goldcrest, 9 Chiffchaff,
1 Cetti’s, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Yellowhammers, 20 Meadow
Pipits, 30 Pied Wagtails, and Blackbirds everywhere.
Over the fields, 21 Mute Swans, 3 Skylarks, 50+ Lapwings,
and 250+ Woodpigeons. Along the small river, beside the road, 34 Moorhen,
3 Little Grebe, 1 Redshank, 1 Cormorant, but Redwing
& Fieldfare were absent toady.
Only a few Black-headed Gulls were over the fishing lake
with 8 House Sparrows around the entrance gate. (Gadget)
Thursday
13th January 2005 Foreness Point to Dumpton Gap
Ever the pessimist, I started my day at Foreness Point in a futile
attempt at relocating the Finnish ringed Black-headed Gull. Same
stretch of coast, thus the same mix of birds! I have to admit that the Oystercatchers
are a particularly striking species when seen in full sunlight. Curlew,
Ringed Plover, Redshank, Sanderling, Grey Plover and Turnstone
were seen as I walked along the beach. Red-throated Divers were
particularly active, out at sea, with the bulk of them moving west into
the Swale/Thames Estuary. The gulls were the usual mix, but Common
Gull numbers have decreased significantly on recent days. 2 Mediterranean
Gulls were roosting on the field behind Palm Bay School, amidst a nice
mixed flock of Herring, Common and Black-headed Gulls.
I spent quite a bit of time just scoping them and attempting to age &
race every bird not very successfully, I might add. Good fun all the
same! There were a few Meadow Pipits along the cliff-top, but I
only noted 1 Rock Pipit along the shoreline. Fulmars were
noisily "cackling" on their ledges whilst several Feral
Pigeons were watched gathering twigs in readiness for nesting! I
left the car with Bev and walked the seawall from Broadstairs to
Dumpton Gap. More Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Sanderling and
Turnstone with a couple of Red-throated Divers flushed by
the Pilot Boat, as it headed north along the coast. At Dumpton Gap a small
group of Turnstone and Sanderling were roosting on the
concrete apron. At least 3 of the Sanderling had BTO rings, one of
which I was able to read. A Rock Pipit must have been on
"brave pills" as it foraged around the legs of my tri-pod as I
was trying to read the ring numbers. Nothing exciting, just good to be out
in the sunshine! (Dylan)
Wednesday
12th January 2005 Stodmarsh
I managed to get a bonus session in this afternoon, a trip down to
Stodmarsh for the evening Harrier roost. Nothing much to report, however,
as the roost consisted of just 5 Marsh and 1 (ad male) Hen
Harrier. Fieldfare and Redwings were present in large
numbers, leaving the orchards and heading towards the thick hawthorn cover
alongside the railway line, as the light started to fade. From the Reedbed
Hide Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Tit and Water Rail could be
heard calling from the reeds and scrub. A Little Grebe swam into
the small pool in front of the hide where a Kingfisher watched
patiently, from the specially erected perch, allowing stunning views.
Cormorant numbers were very high with over 200 birds counted coming
into roost. One bird was already in full "sinensis" breeding
plumage and looked really smart, for a Cormorant that is! (Dylan)
Wednesday
12th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
Spent the afternoon (till dusk) watching the mudflat. The normal amount of
birds as the tide dropped 6000+ Lapwing, 4400 Golden Plover,
380 Grey Plover, 820 Oystercatcher, 71 Sanderling, 90
Redshank, 1 Black-T Godwit, 155 Curlew plus 12 Brent,
37 Shelduck, 14 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 21 Teal,
c80 Mallard plus the Sandwich Tern showed up for the first
time in almost two weeks, the immature Male Merlin, 1 Peregrine,
two flocks of Twite (18 and 28) and the 30 odd Snow Bunting
showed across on Shellness.8 Ruff turned up late afternoon. (Phil
M)
Wednesday 12th January 2005
Finnish Colour-ringed Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
Report
Wednesday 12th January 2005 North Foreland towards Margate
A beautiful morning, so I walked along the beach from North Foreland
towards Margate, getting as far as the Winter Gardens before turning back.
I will be no surprise, therefore, that the bulk of my time was spent scrutinizing
the many flocks of gull assembled along this rocky shoreline. I
relocated two colour-ringed Mediterranean Gulls, green 3EV0 &
white OHA, both of which we have reported before. Common Gulls are
still present in large numbers, 650 would be a very conservative estimate
for today. Herring and Great Black-backs were obvious along
the coast with good numbers of Black-headed Gulls. I actually
located a bird from the Finnish colour-ringing scheme but, due to the
extreme distance, was unable to read the code. This is quite a coincidence
as SBBOT also had a Finnish ringed Black-headed Gull reported to
them just before Christmas. It had been present on the beach at Deal.
Plenty of wader activity as the tide started to rise. Sanderling,
Turnstone, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plovers were very numerous
and there were also surprisingly high numbers of Redshank and Curlew
along this stretch of coast. The roost at Foreness Point had 32 Purple
Sandpipers on the concrete apron below the pumping station and 4 Eider
were on the sea just offshore. (Dylan)
Tuesday 11th January 2005 Ramsgate Harbour
Once again the weather played a major role in birding
today. I walked to Ramsgate Harbour in the hope of locating the Black
Redstart that Phil had seen on Sunday. I hadn't counted on the
strengthening winds and accompanying rain! A lone Oystercatcher was
braving the elements in the recently cleared area by the Casino, whilst
the harbour, itself, was full of loafing gulls. The strong winds
meant that the majority of birds were sat on the pontoons, thus
making it impossible for me to see if there were any with coloured rings. Herring
Gulls predominated with about 700 birds present. Mostly the resident
"argenteus" race, there were also a fair number
of "argentatus" Northern Herring Gulls and
one "omissus" (Yellow - legged Northern Herring
Gull) on the pontoons by the Lifeboat Station. 50+ Great
Black-back, 31 Black-headed, 2 Lesser Black-back and a
single Common Gull were also counted along with 7 Cormorants,
2 Rock Pipit and a Kingfisher. The usual groups of Turnstone
and Sanderling were pecking about in the more sheltered spots. The
Black Redstart? No chance, the wind was so strong that on a couple
of occasions it literally blew the gulls off the pontoons - absolute
madness! Bird of the day was a rather puzzling 2nd summer Herring
Gull -type present amidst the throng. It was tiny, only 20%
bigger than a Common Gull, with the jizz of a small Lesser
Black-back. Dainty and neat with a very attenuated rear end and
bright "bubble-gum" pink legs, in direct comparison to the
other Herring Gulls nearby. What was it? Your guess is as good
as mine, but it really stood out amongst the massed ranks. (Dylan)
Tuesday 11th January 2005 West Dumpton Lane
Ramsgate
There was a Merlin over West Dumpton Lane,
being shadowed by a large flock of Starlings, heading towards
Ramsgate at 15.25 hrs (Dylan)
Monday 10th
January 2005
Foreness & Dumpton Gap
A drive across to Foreness, this morning, more in hope than anything
else. There were plenty of gulls to have a look at, although
nowhere near the numbers that had been present on Friday! They were in
three groups, as is normal, on the "pitch & putt", on the
green in front of Palm Bay School and also on the playing field behind. A
rough estimate gave me 900 Herring, 470 Black-headed, 1100 Common,
4 Great Black-back, 3 Lesser Black-back and 3 (adult winter)
Mediterranean Gulls. The Common Gull numbers were most
impressive as there were a further 1800 birds resting on the sea below the
cliffs, seen from the Jet Ski launch area! Passerines were almost
non-existent, just a few flocks of Starlings feeding on the grassy
areas by the shelter. Plenty of auks and divers moving off shore,
with the local Fulmars in action along the cliffs. My timing wasn't
particularly good, so I only saw 1 Purple Sandpiper amongst a small
gathering of Turnstones and Sanderling below the
Pumping Station. A pair of Kestrels were going through the motions
of a rather elaborate bonding ritual, this crazy weather has a lot to
answer for. I drove back to Broadstairs, dropping the car off, then walked
along the beach to Dumpton Gap. Plenty of auk activity off shore, with
occasional Red-throated Divers noted moving south. A handful of Pied
Wagtail and a lone Rock Pipit about sums up my day. (Dylan)
Monday 10th
January 2005 Ramsgate Cemetery
Just a quick
look up at the cemetery in windy conditions 20 to 30 Gulls soaring
high above the treetops, Collard Doves and Woodpigeons
perched up in the trees all around the cemetery, a lack of small birds was
very noticeable, with only Jay’s, Blackbirds, magpies and Ringed-necked
Parakeets being visibly active. (Gadget)
Monday
10th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
I watched the dropping tide in the early afternoon. Lots of Gulls
about today which included a Yellow-Legged Northern Herring Gull (that
used to be called Omissus) and 2 Yellow-Legged Gulls. The 33 Snow
Buntings and 18 Twite were seen across on Shellness plus a
flock of 21 Twite flew south across the mudflat and upriver -
though whether these were separate birds
its difficult to be certain? The Wader/Wildfowl counts turned up: 970 Dunlin,
860 Oystercatcher, 224 Barwit, 1 Blackwit, 260 Knot,
44 Snipe, 79 Curlew, 54 Sanderling, 3180 Lapwing,
1310 Golden Plover, 390 Grey Plover, 21 Shelduck,
180 Wigeon, 85 Mallard, c30 Teal and 4 Shoveler.
The Gull counts were: 1830 Herring, 520 Common and 36
Lesser Black-Backed. The only raptor I saw today was a large
immature female Sparrowhawk. (Phil M)
Monday 10th January 2005 Seawatch Ramsgate
Harbour 08:10-08:55
196 S Red-throated Diver, 138 S Auk sp
(Mainly Guillemots) 103 S Kittiwake, 3 S Great Crested
Grebe, 1 Shag in the harbour, (Tim
Hodge)
Monday 10th January 2005 Pegwell
09:05-09:55
5600 Golden Plover, 211 Bar-tailed Godwit,
3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Peregrine, 1 Little Grebe,
20 Twite, 7 Cormorant. (Tim
Hodge)
Sunday
9th January 2005 Pegwell this morning
2 Hen Harriers (ringtails) 176 Turnstones,
5 Black-tailed Godwits 200 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Little
Egret, 20 Twite, 33 Snow Buntings 45 Teal, 2 Great
Crested Grebes, 15 Rock Pipits (Tim Hodge)
Sunday
9th January 2005 Stonar Lake
110 Tufted Ducks, 13 Pochard, 4 Gadwall,
22 Wigeon, 34 Shoveler, 15 Coot Also a Common
Sandpiper and 2 Sparrowhawks in Sandwich (Town Quay) (Tim
Hodge)
Sunday
9th January 2005 Ramsgate Harbour & West Cliff
I started on the East Pier just after first light. A steady trickle of Divers
and Auks plus 2-adult and a 1st winter Little Gull south the
highlight. The totals
between 7.40 and 8.55am were: 211 Auks south and 2 north, 291 Divers
south and 12 north, 11 Great Crested Grebe north and 2 south, 3 Little
Gull south, 29 Kittiwake south and 2 Common Scoter
south. I (quickly) checked the Harbour where there was naff all of any
interest but I did see a Black Redstart perched on some scaffold
poles - in the boat yard at the base
of the west pier. (Phil M)
Saturday
8th January 2005 Nothing to Report (Sorry)
Friday 7th January 2005 Queen's Road,
Broadstairs
At 12.40hrs, a Woodcock flew over Queen's
Road, Broadstairs and appeared to drop into a garden near the
college! (Dylan)
Friday 7th January 2005 Foreness Point
High winds overnight, much as the rest of the UK if
the truth were told, meant I fancied a seawatch this morning. I dropped
Bev off at her office, in Broadstairs, then drove over to Foreness Point.
Although the wind had eased, it was still very strong and it was foolhardy
to stand on the exposed cliff-top. There was a steady stream of Red-throated
Divers and large auks moving east, whilst a scan from the
Pumping Station showed there to be several thousand gulls feeding around
the outflow. A bit like the "Patch" at Dungeness except that
it's over half a mile off shore! Finding it almost impossible to keep my
scope steady and stop my eyes watering, I gave up on the sea and walked
around the back of the "pitch & putt". Over 3,000 gulls
were resting on the grass so I gave them a grilling in the hope of a
coloured ring or two. 800 Common , 1430 Herring, 550 Black-headed,
70 Great Black-backed, 5 Lesser Black-backed, 1 adult winter
Mediterranean and, the star of the show, a 1st winter Glaucous
Gull were all resting on the pitch & putt area with other birds on
the grass in front and behind Palm Bay School. I didn't get a chance to
study these birds before they were disturbed by dog walkers! As for my
quest for coloured-rings, I failed due to the fact that the majority of
the gulls were actually sitting on the grass, keeping as low to the wind
as possible. I took a series of pics of the Glauc, but the wind made the
task almost impossible and I got about 3 useable images from the 20 or so
I took. Things came to a very abrupt end when another dog walker allowed
her "mutt" to run amidst the roosting birds sending them
skywards in a swirling, screaming mass. Very impressive and highly
frustrating for a birder looking for rings in the largest gathering of
Larids so far this winter! Birding on Thanet, I love it!
(Dylan)
Thursday
6th January 2005 Pegwell Bay
I spent the entire afternoon in the area right up until dusk for some
reason. On the mud - 3420 Golden Plover, 5300 Lapwing, 3 Ruff,
4 Blackwit, 296 Curlew, 560 Oystercatcher plus 33 Shelduck,
162 Mallard, 210 Wigeon and 22 Teal either on the mud
or on the near sea. The Gulls counts turned up c1500 Black-headed,
2300 Common, 1620 Herring, 32 Lesser Black-backed and
160 Great Black-backed plus there was a Peregrine on the
tall chimney and at least 1 Sparrowhawk. No Snow Bunts this
afternoon but a flock of 21 Twite flew over the hide at 2.20pm plus
there were 18 Corn Buntings on the Pegwell side and another 20 on
the Sandwich side of the river. Birds flying south to roost in the evening
were: 620 Wood Pigeon, 6 Jackdaw, 98 Meadow Pipits
and 55 Pied Wagtails. About 10,000 Starlings gathered at
pre-roost time before heading off towards the Town at dusk Low numbers for
Pegwell. (Phil M)
Thursday 6th January 2005 Pyson's
& Ramsgate Road & Dumpton
Gap
If
only the birding could match the weather? Glorious sunshine for the most
part, I had got a call from the Soup-mine yesterday afternoon that
resulted in me attending Cup-a-Soup HQ overnight! Subsequently, I didn't
leave the bungalow until 10.35hrs and walked, across to Pyson's &
Ramsgate Road, in another futile bid to find a Waxwing or two. The
best I could do was a group of 5 Goldfinches, feeding on some
thistle-like seeds, in the cabbages. There are still good numbers of Blackbirds,
with at least 3 Mistle Thrushes, enjoying the berry feast but
nothing more exotic! I then walked down to the beach at Dumpton Gap, a Kestrel,
on an aerial along Dumpton Gap Road, provided nice views being completely
oblivious to my presence. Once beside the sea, a small group of Sanderling were
feeding along the water's edge and a few gulls loafed on the exposed
rocks. 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 17 Turnstone
were counted as I walked to the harbour. Fulmars were noisily
active around their chosen ledges, high up on the chalk cliffs, and
several Pied Wagtails were scratching about in the car parks. 14 Brent
Geese flew along the coast towards Broadstairs and were the only
noteworthy birds offshore. The Harbour was a real struggle, although I
grilled every gull and Cormorant in the area, I failed to
find a single ringed bird! A couple of Rock Pipits were feeding
around the stowed fishing nets and a lone Redshank was roosting on
the mud by the Lifeboat Station. My walk home was just as boring, a flock
of 240+ Lapwings were circling the fields behind my humble abode,
courtesy of a Sparrowhawk, but that really is all I could muster!
(Dylan)
Wednesday 5th January 2005 Seaton Gravel Pit
complex
A change of scenery today and a few hours
walking around the Seaton Gravel Pit complex. A Mistle Thrush was
singing from a tall tree as we got out of the car and the first, of at
least seven, Great Spotted Woodpecker was watched flying across the
meadow into mature trees by the river. A small group of Fieldfare
and Redwing were feeding out on the pasture. The main pit had the
usual mix of Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wigeon, Mallard,
Gadwall, Teal and Great Crested Grebe with the added bonus
of 6 Smew (1m & 5 r/h) and a female Goldeneye. A gaggle
of Canada Geese were feeding on the water meadow near the North
Pit, where we also saw our first, of three, Little Egret. Cetti's
Warblers were very vocal around the area and we guessed that we had
heard at least 5 individuals on our wanderings. Two Marsh Harriers
were noted along with a male Sparrowhawk and a lone Kestrel.
Water Rails squealed from the bank side vegetation and we got some
good views of Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests in the bushes
by the wooden bridge. A Kingfisher perched up long enough to be
scoped, allowing it to be id'd as a female. Odd Reed Bunting
and Meadow Pipit were seen along the river on the Preston Marshes.
Strangely we didn't see Grey Wagtail, Ruddy Duck, Green Sandpiper or
Chiffchaff, all birds that are usually considered to be Seaton
"winter specialties". The one aspect of birding that keeps us
going back for more, I suppose, you can never guarantee what
you're going to see! (Dylan, Craig & Frank)
Wednesday 5th January 2005 Larkey
Valley Wood
A brief
stroll during my lunch break in Larkey Valley Wood;
Marsh Tit, 4 Coal
Tit, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Green/Great-spotted
Woodpeckers. (F Solly)
Tuesday 4th January 2005 Dumpton
Gap to Ramsgate Harbour
A strong
southerly breeze with a blanket of grey clouds, hardly inspirational
conditions for birding! I walked across to Dumpton Gap and was treated to
a nice display by 2 male Sparrowhawks. Obviously engaged in some
form of territorial dispute, they were chasing around the large trees in
West Dumpton Lane and I was even privileged to watch them "talon
grappling" at one stage! Arriving at the beach, good numbers of Sanderling
and Turnstone were picking around the tide line with a mixed flock
of Black-headed and Herring Gulls floating on the sea, just
offshore. 2 Purple Sandpipers flew past and settled on the rocks
amidst a small group of Oystercatchers. I did attempt to get some
pics, but the light was so dismal that my camera wouldn't function! Walking
on towards the Harbour, I saw the usual mix of Fulmar, Pied
Wagtail and Rock Pipit. Better numbers of Great
Black-backs today, yet I wasn't able to find any with colour rings. No
sign of the diver but an adult Shag was fishing in the Marina,
opposite The Royal. A Redshank was feeding on the exposed mud by
the Lifeboat Station and 15+ Kittiwake followed the Ferry into
Port. Nothing too terrible, but at least I went out! (Dylan)
Monday
January 3rd 2005 Ramsgate Harbour & Deal
A strange mix today. I got a year tick from the kitchen window when a Jay
over flew the garden as I was making a cup of tea. I didn't have the
energy to do much walking so, instead, I drove down to the Harbour in an
attempt to get some better pics of the Great Northern Diver. I
failed to find it, let alone get any pics. The only birds of any note were
single Ringed Plover and Redshank feeding around the slipway
at the A&P Shipyard! In the afternoon, Bev and I went across to
Deal. Bev went shopping; I walked along the seafront looking for ringed
gulls. I found a 2nd Winter Herring Gull with a small, unmarked,
orange plastic ring but, as I set my gear up to get a photo, the family
from "ignoramus" walked between me and the bird and flushed it,
nuff sed! Quite a few Black-headed Gulls with BTO-type metal rings,
one of which I managed to read. I will e-mail the details to the BTO in
the knowledge that I will get no reply for at least 12 weeks! How poor is
that in comparison to the Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch and Belgians, who
are able to return details within a few days, or, in some cases, hours?
Nothing to say about a Great White Egret at Grove Ferry today - I
saw it on 30th December! (Dylan)
Monday
January 3rd 2005 Pegwell Bay
I arrived for the incoming tide at 1.00pm.Lots of birds out on the mud
flat included - 10 Black-T Godwit, 200+ Bar-T Godwit, 5340 Golden
Plover, 220 Grey Plover, 1640 Lapwing, 1480 Dunlin
etc plus a drake Red-breasted Merganser offshore where there were
62 Shelduck, 180 Mallard, 640 Wigeon and 35 Teal.
A few Divers were passing through offshore plus at least 1 Merlin,
3+ Sparrowhawks and a Ringed-tailed Hen Harrier were seen.
Later on in the afternoon a group of 12-15 Ruff flew into Pegwell
out of the river plus 2-3000 more Lapwings flew in also pre-roost
counts of 85 Meadow Pipits and c10, 000 Starlings flew over.
No sign of the Twite flock this afternoon but the 6 Snow
Buntings were spotted across on Shellness on a few occasions. (Phil M)
Sunday
2nd January 2005 Dumpton to Stodmarsh - a quiet stroll
A very pleasant day spent walking from my home, in
Dumpton, to Stodmarsh NNR. - a distance around 16 miles. I
started at 07.00 hrs, going straight to the Harbour instead of via King
George VI Park. My total was already on 12 when I arrived and I added
another 12 species, including Red-throated & Great Northern Diver,
Guillemot, Shag and Kittiwake amongst the usual mix harbour
residents. Continuing across to the Hoverpad, several waders and Eider
were seen, as well as Parakeets and the common garden stuff as I
walked through Pegwell village. Skylark and Meadow Pipits
were "kicked" from the stubble along the cycle path and the
Hoverpad allowed me to note most of my other coastal target species,
so a quick stop at the Pegwell Bay hide was all that was required
before I carried on to Stonelees. My total having reached 55 species at
09.55 hrs. An hour later, I reached the Ash Levels with my total at 62
species, the only new bird of any interest being Bullfinch
near Weatherlees. Despite the glorious sunshine, there was a strong
westerly breeze, that I was walking into, making it very difficult to
hear. Subsequently, I probably missed a few bits whilst walking along the
Stour Valley Walk to Pluck's Gutter. Yellowhammer, Grey Partridge,
Mistle Thrush, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Fieldfare, Redwing,
Kingfisher, Peregrine and Marsh Harrier were all I added in the
2 hours it took to reach Pluck's Gutter. My next stage meant following the
Little Stour across to Grove Ferry. I took nearly an hour and managed to
add just 4 new species but Green Sandpiper and Little Egret
were not recorded again, so were very welcome. Just after 13.30 hrs I
walked through the entrance to Grove Ferry and slowly made my way across
towards the ramp. My total now stood at 77 and I still needed most of the reed bed
species that I knew to be present. The Greylag flock contained a Canada
x Greylag hybrid (not counted!) and a Barnacle Goose, just as
dodgy but on my day list! The ramp was a disaster for me, no
Ruff or Pintail to be found. Even worse was to follow, as I failed to
see/hear Bearded Tit, the Grove Ferry "banker", Water Pipit
and Cetti's Warbler were the only two targets that I got!. Long-tailed
Tit, at 14.40 hrs, was a relief as I struggled to get to the Lampern
Wall through the slippery mud. The main lake allowed Great Crested
Grebe, Tufted Duck and Pochard to be added and a Treecreeper
called in the tall trees near the Lake Hide. A squeal from a Water Rail
was number 90 and the time had ticked on to 15.24 hrs. Walking back along
the Lampern Wall, to where the path widens, I waited for the Harrier
roost. At least 7 Marsh and 2 Hen Harrier (No. 91) came
in and I finally added Bittern (No. 92) at 16.23 hrs as I glimpsed
one drop into the reeds in front of the Reed bed Hide. Gadget turned up to
give me lift, so as darkness fell, I gave up my quest and headed home. A
really great day in the East Kent countryside. If things had gone a bit
more in my favour I could have reached 95+ but it doesn't really matter,
I've got all year! (Dylan)
Sunday
2nd January 2005 Pegwell Bay
A nice crisp sunny afternoon so I headed down to the Bay arriving about
1.00pm.All the normal stuff in all the normal numbers plus an immature
male Merlin, 2 Little Grebe, 8 Black-T Godwit, 30 Snipe
(thanks Slim) plus the c20 Twite flock showed up - though very
distant plus the 6 Snow Buntings showed on a few occasions across
on Shellness Point. There had been quite a bit of Diver passage
earlier on apparently with 100's flying south off the Harbour during the
morning with a few Large Auk species included. During
the afternoon a trickle were passing by distantly offshore heading in the
opposite direction - I had counted 70-80 or so when a huge group jumped up
off the sea off Sandwich headed north with 340 birds on one scan. No doubt
flushed by a boat and some off the birds passing off the Harbour early
morning? Also about 20 Divers went south as did about 20 large
Auks and 2
Eider. A Hen Harrier was reported in the morning. About 4000
each of both Lapwing and Golden Plover were present on the
incoming tide. (Phil M/Gadget etc)
Saturday
1st January 2005 Pegwell Bay
A bit of an afternoon all in all. Quite a few birds but nothing out of the
ordinary. C4000 Lapwing, 3560 Golden Plover, 260 Grey
Plover, 239 Barwit, 2 Blackwit, 3 Ruff, 1 Spotted
Redshank, 12 Snipe, 110 Curlew, 720 Oystercatcher,
35 Sanderling, 150 Mallard, 510 Wigeon, 15 Teal,
2 Pintail, 1 Brent, 3 Little Egret, 1 adult, 24 Lesser
BB Gull, 290 Great BB Gull plus there were 11 Corn
Bunting in the general area plus 6 Snow Bunting across on
Shellness Point. An adult Mediterranean Gull and c20 Twite
were seen prior to my arrival. (Phil M)
Saturday 1st January 2005 R/ Harbour/Grove
Ferry/Marshside/Pegwell Bay
Craig and myself had a run round a few local sites
today, started at Ramsgate Harbour, then onto Grove Ferry were we found John
Holler and his good wife, Pete Laslett and Ian Harding, we left Grove and
went around to Seaton were we encountered over one hundred walkers, so we
decided to give it a miss and went over to Marshside and then down to
Pegwell bay, were we joined up with Phil, Dave Beadle and others, across
the bay on the point we could see K Thornton, Marc, Simon, Ross and
others, it would seem that every one was out having a great day.
Red-throated Diver, Little Grebe, Fulmar,
Cormorant, Shag, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Bewick’s Swan,
Greylag Goose, Shelduck, ‘Bar-headed Goose’, Mallard, Gadwall,
Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel,
‘Indian Jungle fowl’, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Grey
Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Turnstone, Dunlin, Green
Sandpiper, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew,
Snipe, Ruff, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser
Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove,
Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Pied
Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Song Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Great
Tit, Blue Tit, Bearded Tit, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow,
Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Twite? Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Snow
Bunting. Total of 74 Species
Saturday 1st January 2005 Dumpton to Ramsgate
Harbour
Awaking to the Dumpton "dawn chorus", the
mix Herring Gull and Carrion Crow, I added Song
Thrush, Blackbird, Robin and House Sparrow as I was topping
up my garden feeding station. I left home at 07.10, adding Redwing
as I stepped out of the door. My walk to the Harbour was via King George
VI Park and Winterstoke Steps. No real surprises until I arrived on the
Eastern Pier. A diver fishing in the harbour entrance turned out to
be a Great Northern and there were 2 Shags fishing in the
ferry turning circle. Linnets near the New Port complex were
species number 30 at 08.50hrs. The undercliff allowed me to add Curlew,
Eider, Redshank, Grey and Ringed Plover, whilst a quick scan
across towards Pegwell revealed Common Gull and Wigeon.
Continuing on, via the Chine and cliff-top, I made my way to the Hoverpad
where I was able to add Knot, Dunlin, Lapwing, Shelduck, Golden
Plover and Little Egret in quick succession. A check on the
Power Station failed to reveal any Peregrines but I did pick out a
distant Marsh Harrier! I just had time for a stomp around the
Garage Pools, this had the desired result of 1 Jack & 7 Common
Snipe plus the bonus of a pair of Stonechats. Having already
agreed with Bev that I wouldn't be out after midday, I headed back towards
home only for the entire Pegwell Bay bird population to take to the air as
a male Hen Harrier arrived in/off and continued inland. A real
bonus. Kestrel, Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed tit and Stock
Dove were the only additions to my day-list as I walked from Pegwell.
I finished at 11.30hrs on 61 species - most enjoyable.
(Dylan)
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