Announcement

Planetthanet.org would like to remind all visitors (and contributors)   that we will not be reporting the location of any rare, or scarce, breeding species during the following months. The threat posed by egg collectors is very real and one that we take seriously. These selfish individuals are not silly kids, but grown adults with the resources to wreak their havoc across the UK. To see the scale of this problem please click the following link to an article posted by Birdguides.com

http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1301

Wednesday 30th April 2008 St Peters Thanet

Heard a Nightingale at 7.30pm, singing briefly in the scrub next to the railway track, along St Peters road (just after the bridge if you're heading to St Peters from the Broadway) (John C)

Wednesday 30th April 2008 Grove Ferry

Spent a very enjoyable, if not blustery, 3 hours at Grove yesterday Between 4 & 7pm. Highlight was at last connecting with the singing Grasshopper Warbler on the path leading to the Marsh Hide - the wind Putting paid to my hope of seeing the bird as well! Two Common Terns flew Past, Stodmarsh bound, as I headed there. From the Ramp, a single Yellow Wagtail & Greenshank (5 seen earlier) when I returned before leaving the Reserve & several hundred Sand/House Martin, Swallow & Swift put on a Spectacular flying display. A Lesser Whitethroat could be heard by in the Direction of the river and there was a female Wheatear behind Harrisons Hide as well (Ben Ring)

Monday 28th April 2008 Pegwell area

I walked pretty much the whole area this morning from first light. Migrant/summer visitors included: 70 Dunlin, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 34+ Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 80 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern, 2 Mediterranean Gulls n/west, 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagatail,1 Nightingale, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 35+ Whitethroat, 7 Lesser Whitethroat and a dozen Swallow. Other bits included: 11+ Little Egret, 8 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 1 Peregrine, 3 Sparrowhawk and a Dunnock. There might have been more than one Dunnock? (Phil M)

Sunday 27th April 2008 Minster Marshes Thanet

I could only manage a couple of hours, whilst Bev undertook some heavy retail therapy! Concentrating my efforts around the fishermen's carpark and the water treatment works, it was clear that many of yesterday's migrants had departed. No sign of any Wheatear and only 1 each of Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat, three Ring Ouzel were new in and I also recorded my first Garden Warbler and Turtle Dove of the year, a pair of Tufted Duck were on the River Stour and my third pair of Garganey, of the Spring, were flushed from a ditch close to the Abbot's Wall. Common Whitethroat, Reed & Sedge Warbler numbers remain high with males singing from most suitable habitat. (Dylan)

Sunday 27th April 2008 Ramsgate

4 Common Swifts over Duncan Rd early on plus 2 Swallows flew west.   (Nick Lever)

Saturday 26th April 2008 Grove Ferry Area

An early morning walk at Grove Ferry was fairly productive in the lovely weather. A singing Lesser Whitethroat on the track to the ramp was a great start, from the ramp 2 Little ringed Plover were accompanied by the usual Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Lapwing. From Harrisons Drove hide 3 further Little ringed Plover were recorded. A singing Grasshopper Warbler showed well on the track to the Marsh Hide was a nice added bonus to the day. A quick stop off at the ramp on the way back revelled a stunning Greenshank had dropped in, which ended the morning nicely. Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Cetti’s were also recorded on the rounds along with two singing Cuckoo's. 7 Marsh Harriers, 6 Sparrowhawks and 3 Kestrels showed well overhead. (Ashley P)

Saturday 26th April 2008 Minster Marshes Thanet

A very enjoyable session, wandering around the Minster Marshes, with lots of migrants to be seen. 30+ Wheatear were amongst the sheep, over on the Ash Levels, whilst the reeded ditches and riverbank held good numbers of Sedge & Reed Warblers, yet I only saw 3 Yellow Wagtails? Common Whitethroats were singing from the hedgerows and I heard my first (3) Lesser Whitethroats of the spring. Other firsts for the year were 1 Common Swift and 4 Cuckoo. Swallows were trickling through, mainly following the river. A female Marsh Harrier was watched quartering a distant field of winter wheat and several Sky Larks were hanging in the sky singing their wonderful song. My decision to carry my digi-scoping gear paid off when I found Short-eared Owl hunting over some set-a-side. It perched briefly, allowing me to grab a few pics, before the local Kestrels took action to remove this unwanted visitor from their territory. I watched as it drifted off, across the Ash Levels, Kestrels in hot pursuit! (Dylan)

Saturday 26th April 2008 Hundred Acre Field, Sandwich Late News

During survey work on the 25th April I had great views of a Short-eared Owl which lifted from an area of tall grass then flew off in the direction of the point, also a super fly-by from a Hobby. Other migrants included; Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Wheatear and Sand Martin. (Jason M)

Friday 25th April 2008 Southwall marshes (Deal)

2 hour walk around the marsh, not much about but a nice walk Chaffinch, 4 Blackbirds, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Mallard, 8 Moorhen, 6 Robin, 2 Magpie, 2 Kestrel, 2 Swallows, 2 Lapwing, Sedge Warbler, 1 Linnet, 4 Pheasant, 6 good number of Wood pigeon, 150+ Carrion Crow 30+ (Mike D)

Friday 25th April 2008 Pegwell area

Migrants/summer visitors today included:c30 Whitethroat, 2+ Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler,1 Reed Warbler, 22 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin,1 Turtle Dove,1 Hobby, 9 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 170 Sandwich Tern and about 20 intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Other bits included 2 Peregrine, 3-4+ Sparrowhawk and 4+ Little Egrets. (Phil M)

Friday 25th April 2008 Swanton Lane Woods Area

A look around Swanton Lane Wood area this morning there would seem to be bird every, Blackcaps, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, Nightingales Treecreepers, Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Great-spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpeckers and on the far side of the wood in scrubland Common Whitethroats, Linnets, Goldfinches were observed and over head a few Swallows, 2 Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard (Gadget)  

Friday 25th April 2008 Mocketts Wood St Peters Thanet

After having my first ever sighting in Spain in February I was very happy to see, hear and photograph my first UK Blackcap locally today (I don't get out much!). Also seen and heard were the usual Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Parakeet, Chiffchaff, Blue Tits and the other common stuff. (Simon Piggott)

Friday 25th April 2008 Newland's Farm

A quick stroll, early morning, produced a smart male Ring Ouzel. Sadly, it wasn't prepared to pose for the camera. (Dylan) 

Thursday 24th April 2008 Pegwell Cliff-top

Having done the moth trap I continued with a lunchtime look along the cliff-top, which was on fire - singles of Tree Pipit, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Ring Ouzel with a Common Buzzard flying west - just goes to show how bad the cliff-top is. (F Solly) 

Wednesday 23rd April 2008 Dumpton

Still fairly quiet around the area, although the changing weather should help, Up early, to check the moth trap - why bother? a male Willow Warbler was singing from the hedgerow, a couple of gardens south. Camera in hand, I stood in the garden for an hour, or so, recording 5 Willow Warbler moving north along the hedgerow and a Blackcap could be heard singing from the paddocks behind the farm.. Linnets have returned to their breeding habitat, around Newland's Farm, whilst Meadow Pipits continue to pass overhead in small numbers. Two male Chiffchaffs seem to have set up territories in the gardens of Prestedge Avenue, I wonder if any of the local residents have noticed? (Dylan)

Tuesday 22 April 2008 Broadstairs Thanet

Today at 12-30hrs, I heard a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the railway cutting, by the bridge, in Salisbury Avenue, Broadstairs.  I saw the bird a few feet away in a hawthorn. (Marianne Harper)

Tuesday 22nd April 2008 Newington Thanet

A Common Buzzard flew north over the estate at 1.55pm this afternoon - the first one I've seen all spring. I normally get a few more during a good Buzzard year. (Phil M)

Tuesday 22nd April 2008 Chambers Wall Area

With the weather change this morning we decided to have a look round chambers Wall area, from the gate at the fisher-men's carpark where we had a our first Whitethroat onward from the carpark we encountered more Whitethroats, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, reed Buntings, Yellow Wagtail, Skylarks, Swallows, and a (male) Marsh Harrier. (Gadget & Dylan)

Tuesday 22nd April 2008 North Foreland

At 10:00 this morning over North Foreland, my wife Karen had a large raptor briefly circling low overhead with all the gulls in panic. It then headed strongly South, from her good description it sounded like an Osprey.    (Simon M)

Sunday 20th April 2008 Sandwich Bay

I received a text from G Crick over at SBBOT this morning which informed me of a Purple Heron down on the beach, on arrival at Sandwich bay beach four other birders were in place observing the Heron, good views from the top of the shingle allowing photographs to be taken in poor light. (Gadget)

Saturday 19th April 2008 Walmer Castle Area

Had a nice surprise this afternoon when I spotted a Cattle Egret in the sheep field next to Walmer Castle. Rushed home and got my camera and managed to get some good photos. The Cattle Egret stayed for about half an hour and then flew off. (Steve Reynaert)

Friday/Saturday 18 & 19th April 2008 24 Hour Listing

My choice of an April effort was forced on me by a number of factors. The route, from Ramsgate Harbour to Swanton Lane woods, a complex meander around various habitats. As with my effort of 2007, the weather played a major role and my meagre total of 95 species reflects this. However, despite the poor return for my exertions, I rather enjoyed this walk. Highlights, in no particular order, included "booming" Bittern, 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Barn, 3 Long-eared, 7 Little & 13 Tawny Owls, my first Common Whitethroats & Nightingales of the year, and the spectacle of male Marsh Harriers "sky dancing" high above the Grove Ferry reedbeds. A full report will be posted in the next few days (Dylan)

Saturday 19th April 2008 Grenham Bay Thanet

A phone call from Barry alerted me to the fact that 8 Velvet Scoter had been seen flying east past Swalecliffe, so I popped down to Grenham Bay and after about 5 minutes they also flew past Grenham Bay, with one Common Scoter, plus another group of 4 Common Scoter just before. (Tim H)

Friday 18th April 2008 Shuart / Minnis area

A short early morning walk in the Shuart/Minnis area included a Grasshopper Warbler, a Whitethroat, 2 Whimbrel flying E, 4 Sedge Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler and a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying. (Tim H)

Friday 18th April 2008 Sandwich bay & Restharrow Scrape

Some late news 17/04/08 Sandwich Bay, a few migrants over hundred acre field: 20 Siskin, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Song Thrush, 6-8 Whimbrel milling around and a Green Sandpiper, also 2 Sedge Warbler singing and a Corn Bunting. The real surprise was the Fulmar banking along the shingle ridge parallel with Royal St. Georges, I dropped into see the Garganey on Restharrow Scrape distant views without a scope but very nice non the less. (Jason M)

 Wednesday 16th April 2008 Boat Trip

A nice sunny morning for a boat trip, and we chugged down from Sandwich Quayside to Pegwell Bay. A few bits included 5 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 8 Teal and 2 Little Egrets, plus all the expected suspects including Little Grebe, Cormorant, Stock Dove and Redshank. (Tim H)

Wednesday 16th April 2008 Pegwell Country Park/Stonelees

Quite slow going this morning whilst doing the Common Bird Census around the combined sites between 6:50 & 9:50am.Did however hear a brief Nightingale song & a more lengthy one, if less melodic, from a Sedge Warbler (which also showed itself!). Otherwise, a Whimbrel was in the saltmarsh by Stonelees & a single Swallow flew in-off. Eleven Blackcap were recorded, 3 Chiffchaff & 3 Willow Warbler. (Ben Ring)

Wednesday 16th April 2008 Grove Ferry

I had  with my grandson for the day so we had quick look around Grove Ferry this morning Birds of note: 1 Blackcap, as we walked the path 2 Cetti's singing with 2 Marsh Harriers over the reeds in front of the Green hide, looking from the hide 1 (male) Red-Crested Pochard showing well with Moorhens in good numbers. (Gadget)

Tuesday 15th April 2008 Minster Marshes

A bit of a reccy in preparation for my annual 24hr listing attempt. My choice of an April date being the result of many external factors. (To see how I fare, look for my posting on Saturday 19th.) I spent a couple of hours walking the set-a-side checking for newly arrived migrants. 60+ Swallow and 3 House Martin were around the water treatment works whilst 130+ Yellow Wagtail were feeding amidst a herd of cattle over on the Ash Levels. 2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 ad female Peregrine, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal and 30+ Meadow Pipit made up the bulk of my sightings, but the pair of Garganey, I flushed from a small ditch, provided the highlight of my session. (Dylan) 

Tuesday 15th April 2008 Grove Ferry

A morning visit to Grove Ferry today failed to produce a Cuckoo or Hobby which i had hoped for, however there were plenty of other things to look at; all the following species were seen around the ramp, Harrisons and Marsh hide. 4 Chiffchaff, at least 21 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 12 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler. 1 Yellow Wagtail, 23 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin, 1 Ruff, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 35 Siskin (Fly through), at least 10 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Sparrowhawk and 3 Kestrel. All the usual suspects were also seen during the day; the Buzzard drifted over slowly and was first seen high in the company of 3 Marsh Harriers but eventually came closer and circled for about 5 mins before moving off west. (Ashley P)

Tuesday 15th April 2008 Pegwell & Ramsgate Late News

14/4. A Thanet tick! A long overdue Black Kite over the office (Ramsgate) in the morning. A bit of a tarts tick but at least it's not in the same category as someone seeing their first Bluethroat in Kent. 12/4. Plastic in the sea has been in the news of late and Pegwell has not escaped. There was a male Red-crested Pochard sitting on the mudflats just out from the Sportsman in the morning - you don't get much more plastic than that! Other than that, a male Peregrine hunting along the cliff-top, 65 Sandwich Terns and a Black tailed Godwit. (F Solly)

Monday 14th April 2008 Pegwell Bay

I went down for the evening tide, which was once again awful. The weather didn't help as it was like midwinter on my tootsies after the odd soaking from the icy rain. Bird wise - other than the obvious, only 2 Brent, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Peregrine and a 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull. Not much else. (Phil and Oliver M)

Monday 14th April 2008 Nethercourt, Pegwell Village, Western Undercliff

I had a lovely 2 hour walk in the sunshine this morning through Newington, Nethercourt, Pegwell Village, Western Undercliff and back to Newington, doing a BTO Atlas survey visit. Newington in particular was a jewel, sparkling as fresh as a wombat in the dunny. Special highlights included the blue plaque on the home of a Mr P Milton, author of Paradise Lost, or, more appropriately in this case, Paradise Regain’d. Mind you some people think he’s a right Dill…I haven’t read the new, improved Guide to seeing Birds on the Isle of Thanet, but I hope Newington is in there, after all it’s before Newlands Farm alphabetically, I’d say. Oh, the birds, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wheatear, 1 Redwing and 1 Purple Sandpiper. (Tim H)

Monday 14th April 2008 Stodmarsh NNR & Grove Ferry

A very leisurely walk around the reserve today between 10:30 & 3:30 produced a low species count of 52 with many common species missing! I did see my first Reed Warbler of the year, near the Ramp, & the first Sedge Warbler, also singing, by the Turf Hide, a small 'posse' of Sand Martins twittered high overhead. Several other Sedges were heard at various points around the reserve, but only one more Reed Warbler. A single Swallow could be seen from the Harrisons Hide, this venue affording distant views of a male Marsh Harrier tucking into its hapless victim on the ground. Two, possibly 3, Hobby were seen from the Tower Hide hawking for insects. A couple of Willow Warblers were also heard as I walked back along the river towards Grove. Otherwise, many Chiffchaffs heard/seen & 3 Blackcaps, 2 being in the alder wood at the Stodmarsh end. (Ben Ring)

Sunday 13th April 2008 Restharrow Scrape

I called into the Sbbot late this morning to see some of the chaps and to see what had been seen today, while having a chinwag with the lads we were told of an Egyptian Goose which had landed at the Restharrow Scrape, as this was a new bird for the scrape a few of us left to investigate on our arrival the Goose was over on the left side of the scrape resting, within a short time a Canada Goose decided to move closer which disturbed the Goose, which gave a photos opportunity, other bird of note, Meadow Pipits, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Common Snipe and a few Swallows floating around, (Gadget)

Sunday 13th April 2008 Pegwell Bay

I watched the incoming tide this afternoon but there was still very little going on. My counts were: 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Brent, 3 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 1 Peregrine, 2 Lapwing, 16 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 31 Sanderling, c80 Redshank and 2 Whimbrel, I did hear a few Blackcaps singing around the Country Park. (Phil and Oliver M)

Saturday 12th April 2008 Pegwell Area

During a conservation task at hundred acre field we were graced by the presence of some great raptors: females of Hen Harrier and Sparrowhawk, a Common Buzzard drifting west and a Kestrel chasing Pipits. Corn Buntings sang and a couple of Swallows passed through. (Jason Mitchell)

Saturday 12th April 2008 Pegwell Bay

I watched the incoming tide this afternoon. There was very little about though the tide did flush a Little-ringed Plover off the mud that had gone unseen during the preceding hour and a half.Otherwise:1 Little Egret, 1 Brent, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 27 Sandwich Tern, blah blah. It's still rubbish but can't last much longer...surely? (Phil and Oliver M)

Saturday 12th April 2008 Dumpton Gap Thanet

A dog walk this afternoon at Dumpton Gap turned up 5 Purple Sandpipers and a male Hen Harrier chased, in off the sea by a few angry Herring Gulls. (John C)

Friday 11th April 2008 Pegwell area

I didn't check the whole area for that would have been foolhardy - but just had a quick rummage around the farm, hoverport before going down for the tide. I can hardly believe just how poor it is at the moment - I saw naff all really until I checked the mudflat. Bird of the day was a nice Great Skua which whizzed through offshore - a good record for Pegwell at this time of the year. Other bits included 5 Gannets, 1 Whimbrel, 27 Sandwich Tern and a 1st winter/summer Mediterranean Gull. Not much else worthy of mention - it'll get better soon. (Phil and Oliver M)

Thursday 10th April 2008 Pegwell area

I took a very early morning stroll around the action packed area taking in the wonders of the clifftop, hoverport, country park 'and' Stone Lees!! I've obviously completely lost the plot but there you go? Nothing going on overhead so after a quick shufty around the cliff and the hoverport where I saw virtually nothing I made my way down to the other end where I came across lots more virtually nothing. The only newly arrived birds I saw was a single Willow Warbler in the clifftop scrub, a single Redwing in the horse paddock and 2 more in Stone Lees, 2 flyover Whimbrel and a Whitethroat on the Country Park. Other bits included 5 Chiffchaff, 2 other Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Little Egrets, 1 Peregrine plus a Greylag with 4 Canada Geese which flew over to Sandwich Bay. There were about 150 plus Wood Pigeons moving n/west during the morning. That's it folks! (Phil M)

Wednesday 9th April 2008 Monkton Marshes

Saw my first Yellow Wagtail of the year in a ditch near Docker Hill this morning, Others, migrant-wise; one singing Blackcap,1 Willow Warbler,5 Chiffchaff & 4 Yellowhammers as I made my way around a circular route from Monkton village, taking in Abbots Wall footpath, Plenty of singing Skylarks as well so very enjoyable in the warming sunshine. (Ben Ring)

Tuesday 8th April 2008 Pegwell Bay

A half-hearted attempt at some birding today with my nephew on our bikes took us to the wonderful Pegwell Bay reserve. I did stumble across a few migrants even though it was about 2.00pm by the time we arrived but nothing unexpected of course. The following made there way into my notepad - 2 Little Egret, 3 Sandwich Tern, 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Marsh Harrier,1 Peregrine,100+ Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, c100 Oystercatcher, 20 Grey Plover,12 Knot, 20 Dunlin, c30 Redshank, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler. (Phil and Oliver M)

Tuesday 8th April 2008 Dungeness

An "away day" from Thanet to twitch an American Sparrow! What a fabulous session we enjoyed. Our first destination was the garden of Dave Bunney's desirable home on the Dungeness shingle. The Dark-eyed Junco, that he had found yesterday, performed to a very appreciative audience and Dave made comment on the impeccable behaviour of the many birders that had travelled to pay homage to this Trans-Atlantic vagrant. Our next port of call was Hooker's Pit, on the RSPB Reserve, for a White-spotted Bluethroat. The small gathering of birders having their enjoyment tainted by a particularly odious jerk who spoiled the ambience with his OTT reaction to other people attempting to gain views. As you might tell from the image, the bird was distant to say the least, but it was a Kent tick for Dylan! Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler plus many other resident species made for a most enjoyable session and the good humoured banter, amongst of the vast majority of travelling birders, enhanced our pleasure further. (Gadget & Dylan)

Monday 7th April 2008 Pegwell Country Park & Stonelees

I spent 3 hours or so at Pegwell Country Park/Stonelees this morning (7-10:20) in the hope of discovering some new migrants but a singing Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap (2 male, 1 female) & 6 Chiffchaff were all I could muster. (Ben Ring)

Sunday 6th April 2008 Minster Marshes

An early morning visit to the marsh was quite eventful. Despite the ever present threat of snow, spring migrants were in fine voice with several Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and a Willow Warbler singing from the bushes around the water treatment works. 2 Swallows flew east along the river whilst several small parties of Redwing were noted at various points. A female Marsh Harrier was hunting over distant field of winter wheat and a pair of Shelduck were noisily engaged in their courtship flight display. Meadow Pipits are present in very good numbers in the set-a-side areas yet there were only two Skylarks displaying over the surrounding cereal fields. Cock Pheasants were calling from many places one allowing me to grab a couple of pics, from the car, as I drove down the entrance track. Two pairs of Grey Partridge and a Common Buzzard were nice to see but pride of place must go to the stunning male Common Redstart, that was present in bushes along the Abbott's Wall. (Dylan)

Saturday 5th April 2008 North Foreland

A quick look around North Foreland this morning produced 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Bramblings and a Black Redstart. Overhead a few Chaffinches and Siskins were moving through. (Simon M)

Saturday 5th April 2008 North Foreland

At 12-00hrs today a Rough-Legged Buzzard over the golf course going south also 1 Common Snipe and 15 Pied Wagtails (Brian Short)

Saturday 5th April 2008 Chamber’s Wall to Minnis Bay

Derek and I had an enjoyable walk from Chamber’s Wall along the railway embankment to Minnis Bay this morning. The cloud soon cleared and it turned into a bright and breezy morning and sightings included 1 Egyptian Goose flying W, 1 female Common Redstart, 2 Firecrests, 3 Siskins W, 12 Swallows W, 1 House Martin W, 2 Sand Martins W, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs and 8 Teal. (Tim H)

Friday 4th April 2008 Stodmarsh NNR and Monkton NR

We spent a couple of hours at Stodmarsh during the mid-afternoon. Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing around the reserve but, other migrants were very scarce. We recorded 3 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail and a Swallow. 4 Marsh Harriers were watched as they soared over the reedbed. They are superb birds that we now take for granted. It can only be 10 years ago when they were a much sought species in the Stour Valley. Cetti's Warbler were numerous and vocal. Water Rail was heard at a couple of spots, yet we failed to see or hear any Bearded Tits. Plenty of activity around the alder wood and nature trail. Blue, Great & Long-tailed Tits, Robin, Wren, Dunnock and Chaffinch all present in good numbers. We called in at Monkton NR on our way home, where we met up with Francis for a bit of non-avian stuff! A Coal Tit was calling from the wooded area on the top of the quarry and was probably a "continental" bird, but we didn't see it! (Gadget & Dylan)

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 Minster Marshes

There was a pair of Garganey on a flooded field on the Minster Marshes. As this area is not accessible to the public I didn't release the news, however they were not there on Thursday. (Dylan)

Friday 4th April 2008 Shuart & Chamber’s Wall

Another pleasant warm morning, so I strolled from Shuart along the railway embankment and back to Shuart via Chamber’s Wall. Not a huge amount about but I saw 3 Blackcaps, 1 Swallow W, 6 Sand Martins W, 12 Siskins W, 5 Bramblings W, 60 Chaffinches W, 5 Redwings, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Shoveler, 12 Teal and 19 Corn Buntings. (Tim H)

Thursday 3rd April 2008 Pegwell Bay

A quick check amongst the numerous Linnets singing cheerfully in the sunshine this morning produced my first singing Blackcap of the year near the site of the 'to be' new hide. (Ben Ring)

Thursday 3rd April 2008 Coldharbour & Chamber’s Wall

A shortish morning walk was rather quiet, but it was a lovely sunny day, and a few bits included a House Martin, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Marsh Harriers and a Yellow Wagtail at Coldharbour and a Willow Warbler and Little Owl at Chamber’s Wall. (Tim H)

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 North Foreland

A quiet morning with only 5 White Wagtails present on the Golf course. Overhead a light passage of Chaffinches with the a few Siskin and Brambling mixed in, moving west also a flock of 35 Jackdaw (Rae Boulden)

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 Blean Wood & Sandwich bay

A brief look around Blean woods heath land this morning turned up, 12 singing Chiffchaff, at least 8 singing Willow Warbler, 12 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 jay and 2 male + 1 female Sparrowhawk. On to Sandwich bay where a quick drive along the sea front produced 2 male Wheatears the first favouring the golf course and the second near the car park. Restharrow scrape produced 2 Little Grebe, 4 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Merlin. Upon leaving the hide within a matter of 5 mins the field behind the scrape produced, 3 Sand Martin, 1 Yellow wagtail (over) and 1 Common Swift! An amazing morning birding, it really is the best time of the year! (Ashley P)

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 Minnis Bay Area

A fairly brief look around the Stables and the first bit of the railway embankment this morning didn’t reveal a great deal, but did include 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sand Martin W, 4 Bramblings W, 1 Wheatear, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sparrowhawk, 16 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Ducks, 1 Canada Goose, 4 Shelduck, 1 Snipe, 60 Linnets, 15 Greenfinches W and 20 Meadow Pipits W. (Tim H)

Tuesday 1st April 2008 Southwall Marshes (Deal)

A nice evening walk over the marsh 6 Blackbirds,1Robin, 50+ Wood Pigeon,1 Greylag Goose,1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Mallard, 4 Moorhen, 6 Chaffinch,1 Wren, 2 Skylarks, 7 Magpies, 4 Lapwings, 4 Pheasants, 20 Carrion Crow, 1 Water Rail, 1 Barn Owl, hunting over the marsh. (Mike D)

Tuesday 1st April 2008 Pegwell Bay

There were 28 Sandwich Terns resting on the tide line at Pegwell & viewable from the country park this morning shortly after 08-00hrs (Ben Ring)

Tuesday 1st April 2008 Canterbury University Area

The last two weeks have been hectic and i have had little time for birding, however with only 4 days of University left i will soon be free!! A morning walk around campus today produced at least 20 Chiffchaff, a singing Willow Warbler, a Black Redstart feeding along the orange fence on the road up the hill, 14 Siskin in Keynes wood and 3 Yellowhammer on the farm land at the back of brotherhood wood with only 3 Fieldfare today with 1 Redwing. (Ashley P)

Monday 31st March 2008 Foreness

Hi, I don't know if these will be of any use for the Planet Thanet website, but I've attached a couple of pictures I took this afternoon (Monday) on the cliff-tops at Foreness. One of a Wheatear (my first) and what I assume is a Meadow Pipit. (Mark Kilner)