Sunday 1st March 2009 Dungeness

Took up position at the 'Patch' hide from 07:00 - 10:30. On the sea was Great Crested Grebe 78, Guillemot 3, Red Throated Diver 1 with a light S/E breeze and a mist just a few hundred yards out surprised to have a strong movement east of the following Brent Geese 2,390 Common Scoter 247, Velvet Scoter 10, Dunlin 50, Guillemot 7 and single Razorbill.  Two adult Med Gulls and one adult & two juvenile Kittiwakes were on the shingle with the usual gulls. The Iceland Gull appeared over the patch around 09:50. Single Black Redstart on the PowerStation and a Common Buzzard passed overhead behind the railway cafe. At 09:25 spotted a gull flying east along the shoreline approx 100ft high just after it had passed in front of us. The wings & mantle were all black with no mirrors and white trailing edge, rump and tail were plain white. However I immediately noticed what appeared to be a long bill and dark head. Called the bird straight away to Roger and we both scoped it as it flew away steadily along the shoreline maintaining the same height and direction. Roger noted also the long bill, dark head and white nape. To me the head appeared dark or at the very least similar to the way Black headed gull shows nearly full hood coming into breeding plumage. The only size comparison was when single juvenile Herring gulls crossed its path and it appeared smaller. Impression of size when first picked out was smaller and more slender than Herring Gull but larger and thinner winged than common gull with end of primaries coming to more of a point than rounded. Jiz of the bird was wings narrower than either of Black-Backs or Herring and more slender in the body. Wing beats were even and steady and typical arching of gulls. Wished we'd spotted this sooner coming towards us and simply haven't a clue what it was, another one added to the long list of 'Got away' consigned to the Sin Bin. Just thought I'd mention in case out of the thousands of Gulls out there anybody happens to come across a bird showing similar characteristics.  (Chris Solly, Roger Thompson) 

Sunday 1st March 2009 Minster Marshes

Just a couple of hours on a very grey afternoon, Two Marsh Harrier were over on the Ash Levels where there was also a flock of 30+ Fieldfare. A Chiffchaff was in the sallows around the perimeter of the water treatment works, several small groups of Linnet were in the area and a Little Egret flew towards the power station. A pair of Stonechat were new arrivals, but that was about as good as it got - an RAF Rescue helicopter put on a superb, if somewhat noisy, display of the pilot's incredible skill as he performed some form of evacuation from the power station compound. The disturbance from this episode being enough for me to pack up and head for home (Dylan)

Sunday 1st March 2009 Ramsgate Harbour

I popped down to see how many Pied Wagtails were roosting around the harbour/ferry terminal - and counted 121 birds which gathered around the pontoons and harbour walls before heading off into the boatyard/ferry terminal to roost.12+ Rock Pipits flew in from the south to roost in the harbour and a flock of 12 Brent flew north. (Phil M)

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday 28th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

I watched the area between 9.45 and 13.40 today. A gloomy old morning turned into an absolute belter with spring like conditions overhead after midday. The birding wasn't too exciting mind you. I did see a few migrants which included a high flying Common Buzzard heading north over the Country Park and Ramsgate at 13.30 - also 2 Siskin north and 300+ Brent Geese flying north at distance out at sea. Whilst taking various scans of the horizon during the morning/early afternoon I also spotted a group of 6 Eider flying south and 43 Divers passed through. Nothing of any consequence on the mud either, though I did take a few counts of the common wintering stuff which was much as it has been on a daily basis now for many months other than for a lack of Lapwing and Golden Plover which have in the main already left the area. There wasn't a single Golden Plover seen today and there were only 4 roosting Lapwing plus another 40+ flew over the area at high tide. Extra added 'bits' seen today included 1 Little Egret, 4 Brent Geese, 57 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 2 Eider (present), 2 Marsh Harrier, 2+ Sparrowhawk,1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, the Sandwich Tern, 2 Water Pipits and 2 Corn Buntings. The male 'rubicola' Stonechat continues to hang around the main path between the car park and the hide. (Phil M)

Friday 27th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

I watched the bay between 9.45 and 1.00pm.It was pretty quiet today with nothing out of the ordinary showing up. About midday I saw a Merlin fly around the back of the country park at one point where it was set upon by the peregrines and I'm pretty sure they killed it? We did see a Merlin get taken by a Peregrine out on shellness one day many moons ago so it wouldn't be the first time it's happened here. Other 'bits' seen today included 3 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, the Sandwich Tern, 10 Divers, 20 Brent Geese, 1 Water Pipit and the 'rubicola' Stonechat. (Phil M)

Thursday 26th February 2009 Lydden Marshes & Sandwich Bay

Another look for my mystery Grebe this morning with no luck, bits noted: 3 Little Grebes, 7 Coot, 4 Moorhens, 30 Stock Doves, 85 Woodpigeons, 150 Starlings, 60 Lapwings, 1 Pheasant, 6 Skylarks, 5 Linnets, 1 Wren, 2 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, I was heading round to the bird observatory for a cup coffee and noted that the Bean Geese were out in the field and then a Common Buzzard drifted over the golf course and ended up outside the observatory over the carpark. A text from Ian this afternoon saying 10 Pink-feet Geese near the Chequers (Gadget)

Thursday 26th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

I watched the bay between 09.25 and about 12.30 initially taking in the tide but I did stay around for a bit of sea and sky-watching after high tide. There did 'appear' to be a little more passerine vismig today? I saw about 20 Meadow Pipits heading off south over the Country Park but inland there were a few finches (mainly Chaffinch's) heading northwards well inland of me which I presume were migrants, Other than the occasional Skylark that was about it mind you. The mud was pretty stale for want of a better word though numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover were down to a measly 140 and 15 respectively. Just another indication that springs well on its way. The only new wader was a single Black-tailed Godwit. I did take a few counts of the other stuff which were: 310 Knot, 82 Sanderling, 860 Dunlin, 175 Bar-tailed Godwit, 210 Grey Plover blah blah yawn etc. Resident wildfowl were down to the 2 Eider, 2 Teal, 24 Shelduck and lonesome single Wigeon. A few bits of passage  included a Red Kite n/west at 10.10 which flushed the flock of 11 Bean Geese into view on 2 occasions,1 Eider south,1 Shelduck south, 2 Goldeneye plus a few Divers and Brent Geese. The day total of Brent Geese was 126 though 90 of these were present near the hoverpad. I did see a Buzzard hovering over near Manston though whether or not this was an early migrant is open to debate given all the birds that have hanging around the Thanet area this autumn/winter period? Other 'bits' included 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, the Sandwich Tern, 1 Water Pipit and 3+ Stonechats - one of which was the 'rubicola' male bird. There was word amongst the other birders that a Great White Egret had flown north through the area this morning. I don't have any details other than the bird was reported as flying low over the salt marsh towards Ramsgate sometime before 08.15? (Phil M)

Wednesday 25th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

A murky, grim old day today - little Craigy Sammels and I watched Pegwell between 09.15 and 13.30.There wasn't too much going on - there were 3 Avocets on the incoming tide plus a few Brent Geese came in off whilst we watched from the country park. We did also have a decent look for the Dartford Warbler around midday but couldn't find it. It had been looked for earlier in the morning with similar results apparently. Other than the usual waders we saw 5 Divers flying south plus 1 offshore, a flock of 42 Brent Geese present near the hoverport, 2 Eider, 12 Teal, 15 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, the usual Sandwich Tern, 9 Corn Bunting, 2 Water Pipit and 1 Fieldfare. (Phil M)

Tuesday 24th February 2009 Sandwich Bay Area

Out and about today, but I'm sorry to say that I could not locate (The Mystery Grebe) out on Lydden & Worth Marsh Area, heading back along the Accent highway at Sandwich two Short-Eared Owls were seen and 11 Bean Geese dropt into one of the fields just past Mary Bax's Stone also still 3 Brambling  outside the observatory, (Gadget)

Tuesday 24th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

I watched Pegwell between 9.00 and 12.30 taking in the wonders of the incoming tide and sharing in the mumbled ramblings of various conversations involving Ian Hodgson and man 'Not' in shorts. I even saw Chris Silly (or should that be Solly? I of course prefer Silly) but still no sign of the hairy know all - mind you that's a blessing of course. Between us we sorted out all the worlds problems, all botany, various birding issues and the little known theory (now proven scientific fact) that certain Stonechats - mad with power, will actually lasso unsuspecting Dartford Warblers with virtually invisible gossamer threads and drag them around in their wake, chuckling in sinister fashion under their breathe as they go. This comes on the back of sorting out once and for all the Rock Pipit theory (littoralis v petrosus) and how best to balance slugs allowing better purchase on otherwise slippery surfaces. On arrival in the morning it transpired that Hodgson was deep in search of yesterdays Dartford Warbler which as it happened was found within seconds (by Claire) and showed briefly in the normal spot. It was seen until mid morning in the area between the garage pools and the cycle path though a group gathered at 12.30 as I left had no luck so obviously it had moved on? Not too much going on in the bay as you might expect though I did see 2 Goldeneye offshore and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers flew south at one point. A few Brent Geese were also moving out at sea as were a few Divers and the occasional duck. My notes for the day included 49 Divers south plus 9 north and at least 5 present offshore,30+ Great Crested Grebe offshore, 84 Brent Geese, 36 Wigeon, 2 Pintail - in off, 8 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 24 Teal, 2 Eider,1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Peregrine, 3 Sandwich Tern and 1 Water Pipit. I didn't take any proper wader counts but there were only 300 Lapwing and 110 Golden Plover present on the mud plus another 3-400 Lapwings were seen flying around in the general area. (Phil M)

Monday 23rd February 2009 North Foreland & Ramsgate Harbour

Signs of spring today with a Chiffchaff on the clifftop at North Foreland, calling loudly. At Ramsgate Harbour, a superb male Black Redstart on the slipways plus a Rock Pipit in display song flights. 40+ Black-headed Gulls, many of which had nearly full hoods, there was also a colour-ringed Herring Gull (VA7T white on red) which I have sent off for information.          (Simon Mount)

Monday 23rd February 2009 Kingsgate Bay

A nice flock of 53 Brent Geese in the shallows of the receding tide allowed me to approach within twenty feet. Handsome. (John C)

Monday 23rd February 2009 Ramsgate harbour and Pegwell Bay

I watched the incoming tide this morning. Things are starting to change it would appear as there were very few of the wintering Ducks on view today plus a few migrants showed including a flock of 65 Brent (77 in total) 4 Avocet plus a few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were on the move overhead. Today’s counts were: 3 Red-throated Divers - south, c12 Great Crested Grebe present offshore, 21 Greylag - south, 22 Shelduck, 2 Eider, 51 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 245 Grey Plover, 360 Golden Plover, 280 Lapwing, 88 Sanderling, 830 Dunlin, 340 Knot, 171 Bar-tailed Godwit, 130 Curlew, 60 Redshank, 280 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 33 Great Black-backed Gull, 60 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 third year Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 2 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Redwing and 13 Corn Bunting. There were also 2 Water Pipits hanging around the scrape area today and as I was leaving the area I noticed the Dartford Warbler near the garage pools as it jumped up into view off the side of the cycle path as I peddled past. No need for binoculars today - I had it hopping around my feet on a few occasions. I'm pretty sure there are 2 birds in the area especially as the last sighting was right up on the country park a few days back not too far from where I saw the first one in January. It doesn't even look like the same bird to me - it's not as speckled on the throat or quiet as Rufus on it's under parts. Earlier on in the day I had popped up to the harbour to waste a bit of time whilst the tide came up in the bay. There wasn't much going on offshore - I watched for half an hour from first light seeing 6 Red-throated Divers, 1 Guillemot plus a steady procession of mainly Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying in off the sea. There was a Kingfisher flying around in the inner harbour as I made my way towards Pegwell - otherwise it was dead as a Dodo. Not a sausage. (Phil M)

Monday 23rd February 2009 Pegwell Bay Late News

21/2/2008. I finally did some birding after my return from warmer climes and where better than Pegwell, where I joined the ever increasing number of dog walkers and those seeking to clog their arteries with cholesterol. A late afternoon session with the tide miles out. A pair of Peregrines were actively displaying around the area, single Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl were hunting over the Point and a flock of 11 Bean Geese came up off the Sampher and flew south, presumably to Worth Marshes. All jolly exciting. (F Solly)

Sunday 22nd February 2009 Lydden & Worth Marsh Area

I spent a few hours out on the marsh today trying to relocate a Grebe which I and another have seen twice briefly in the last two days, I believe that it could be a Red-necked Grebe but as yet I can’t nail it down with a photograph, will try again tomorrow, other bits observed today included, 4 Grey Partridge, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Marsh Harrier (male) 3 Kestrels, 15 Stock Doves, 20 Fieldfare, 250 Starlings, 150+ Woodpigeons, 68 Lapwings, 9 Teal, 13 Coots, 15 Moorhens, on returning back to the car 2 Skylarks and 3 Common Snipe were noted also 13 Grey Geese landed out on Worth marshes. (Gadget)   

Sunday 22nd February 2009 Pegwell Bay

Spent an hour or so watching the Shellness point area before dark & spotted, apart from large numbers of sentinel-like corvids ,a female Merlin perching for a couple of minutes on the Shellness side of the river & a Peregrine busying itself tearing up a prey item on the right hand cooling tower. (Ben Ring)

Friday 20th February 2009 Pegwell Bay

I went down to watch the last hour and a half of daylight - it was a very nice evening though nothing out of the ordinary was going on. I bumped into Mick Shrimpfarmer (or whatever his name is?) for the second consecutive evening and he did well to put up with constant dull nattering for two sessions on the trot! I did take a few notes which were 540 Curlew, 150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Eider and 1 Water Pipit. I forgot to count the Lapwings and Golden Plover but there were about 5000 and 1500 respectively. (Phil M)

Friday 20th February 2009 Ramsgate Harbour & Western Undercliff

 

A short session today, cycling the coastal track from Winterstoke to the Chine. The harbour was almost bird-less, just a handful of Black - headed Gulls to be seen. Fulmars "cackled" from their nesting ledges, as I made my way to the undercliff, where I noted 45+ Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 22 Oystercatcher, 1 Rock Pipit and 2 female Eider. (Dylan)

Monday 16th February 2009 Stodmarsh area

 

With the forecast predicting that this morning would be the best of the week, we headed off towards Stodmarsh and a search for Common Crossbill. Despite of the fact that our chosen quarry eluded us, we had a fantastic morning with the cameras. Large numbers of Fieldfare were present on the meadows above Collard's and at Cow Corner, with a few Redwing also noted. Chaffinches were numerous, many males in full song, perching prominently to allow us a photo or two. A pair of Goldcrest were feeding besides the footpath, the male singing quietly for much of the time we watched them. The pines held a pair of Coal Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker called, unseen, from the woodland beyond the small stream. Retracing our steps we then went in search of a Little Owl, that we knew to be present just outside Stodmarsh village. With the sun shining brightly, we found the owl perched in a dead tree. More camera activity before we continued on our way to the NNR and the alder wood. A male Treecreeper was in fine voice, although a little camera shy, with a good sized flock of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin feeding high up in the canopy. Another Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen and heard drumming on several occasions. We called in at Grove Ferry on our way back home, but this proved to be a wasted effort, with little more than two pairs of Shelduck and a flock of 120+ Lapwing. (Gadget & Dylan)