Wednesday 29th February 2012 Minster Thanet
I hear about large groups of Buzzards from time to time but had never
witnessed such a sight.. Today at work I looked out the window and spotted a
Buzzard (Very high), while I was watching It, It was joined by another, To
my surprise 7 more drifted from over the signal box making 9 Common
Buzzards circulating overhead (still very high) they slowly drifted
Northeast and out of sight, Also at the same time 1 Sparrowhawk & 2
Kestrels (13:20 to 13:55) (Mark Milham)
Saturday 28th February 2012 Ramsgate
The holly and ivy berries are still proving to be a draw in the Duncan
Rd gardens. The female Blackcap seen again today along with about 20
Blackbirds, 2 Redwing and a Song Thrush. (Nick Lever)
Monday 27th February 2012 North Foreland Area
Much quieter today on a gloomy and drizzly early morning walk. The best
birds were 5 Twite that were on the cliffs just south of the Captain
Digby, they gave some great views and were seemingly constantly chattering
to each other. They could have been the birds Phil found earlier in the year
but if they were they have been rather elusive! A Siskin flew north
and only 2 Jackdaws this morning. (Barry Hunt)
Sunday 26th February 2012 Minster Thanet
Alarmed herring gulls and jackdaws alerted us to
the presence of 8 Common Buzzards over the garden, soaring in the
bright sunshine. They stayed above for some time, before drifting off
eastwards. A female Sparrowhawk was hunting around the gardens and a
Starling from the feeders had a narrow squeak when the hawk was
scared off. Lots of Greenfinches and Goldfinches on the
feeders today along with 2 Parakeets. (David Parker)
Sunday 26th February 2012 Sandwich & Dumpton
I was in Sandwich, mid morning, so made the effort of having a look for
the red-headed Goosander that has been frequenting the Newdowns Farm
reservoir. Although distant, I enjoyed some nice views as she roll-preened
on the water and wing flapped on a couple of occasions. Two Cetti’s
Warblers were flitting about in the brambles next to the poly-tunnels
and a Sparrowhawk drifted overhead. Back home, the gulls were very
agitated, and between 11.45 & 14.00hrs I recorded 1 Grey Heron west,
2 Common Buzzard south and a large, adult female, Peregrine
(with prey) from my garden. (Dylan)
Sunday 26th February 2012 North Foreland Area
My first serious birding session of 2012, well semi-serious actually,
saw me leave the house at six o'clock and head to North Foreland. With the
light NW wind I was hoping some viz mig would occur, and it did, with the
first movements of the spring here for me, 109 Chaffinches headed NW,
12 Siskins NW, 3 Skylarks NW, 8 Rooks flew over too,
c30 Jackdaws were also seen but were seemingly flying in all
directions but undoubtedly migrants nonetheless. A Peregrine bombed
northwards over the sea and the goose fest continued with a lone Greylag
over NW. Plenty of Dunnock's in song and some Greenfinches and
Linnets back in to the nesting areas near the cycle track. The sea
rescue helicopter also came past along the cliff edge and was uncomfortably
close at one point, but great to get a close up of the helicopter and a
reminder of what fantastic work these guys do. (Barry Hunt)
Friday 24th February 2012 Ramsgate & Grove Ferry
In the gardens of Duncan Rd this morning a female Blackcap showed
well. There were at least 20 Blackbirds, 4 Redwing and 2
Song Thrushes feeding on the remaining holly and ivy berries. In
Ellington Park there were a few Redwings (45+ earlier in the week)
and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. My train journey to London
was enlivened by 2 Common Buzzards seen just before Grove Ferry and a
Bittern that flew across the River Stour just after. (Nick Lever)
Thursday 23rd February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched the dropping tide this afternoon in
gorgeous weather better suited to a day in April rather than February. At
long last a few better quality birds even showed up - a Black Throated
Diver was feeding offshore and 3 Ravens were soaring around
inland whilst Tony had a flyover Woodlark and 4 Woodcock
before I arrived. Other bits included a Common Buzzard and 3
Peregrines. My common bird counts included 50+ Great Crested Grebe,
160 Brent, 52 Shelduck, 40 Mallard, 17 Gadwall,
1 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 66 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 260
Curlew, 231 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2500 Lapwing, 250 Golden
Plover, 175 Grey Plover, 270 Knot, 600 Dunlin, 77
Sanderling etc. (Phil M)
Thursday 23rd February 2021
North Foreland
With Barry Hunt at 12:40 - a ringtail Hen Harrier coasted South
along the clifftop having come off the sea from the NE. Quite a local rarity
now and my last record was April 2009. Offshore a couple of Kittiwakes
and Great Crested Grebes. (Simon Mount)
Thursday 23rd February
2021 Dumpton Gap Viking Bay Broadstairs
On a
beautifully sunny and warm morning I walked along the seawall on an almost
fully high tide but the only waders I saw were 8 Turnstones feeding
on a small remaining patch of weed at Dumpton Gap. In particular, there was
no sign of any remaining Purple Sandpipers. I also spotted a single Rock
Pipit flitting about between Dumpton Gap and Louisa Bay, whilst a flock
of 36 Brent Geese were seen offshore flying in a south-westerly
direction. (Ron Dubbins)
Thursday 23rd February Fowlmead Country Park
The hot sunshine made a change to the walk, i even took my Parka off
that's a first for February! Birds noted 2 Crossbill, 5 Common
Buzzard, over Worth Marshes, a few Coal Tits, Long-tailed tits Blue
&Great Tits, 10 Teal, 6 Mallard, 2 Coot, 4
Moorhens, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, 3 Robins, 4 Reed Buntings,
3 Jays, 2 Green Woodpecker 2 Dunnock, 1 Mistle
Thrush, 2 Kestrel, ( Mike Divito)
Wednesday 22nd 2012 Pegwell Village
11 Ring Necked Parakeets,8 Blackbirds,1
Long Tailed Tit,1
Redwings,2 Jays,1 Wren,4 Blue Tits,2 Great Tits,1
Great Spotted Woodpecker,4 Wood Pigeons,3 Collared Doves,2
Starlings,5 Herring Gulls,2 Black Headed Gulls,1 Robin,2
Dunnocks,4 Carrion Crows,4 House Sparrows & 1 Magpie.
(Richard Kinzler)
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 St Peters & Joss Bay
A very pale Common Buzzard flew over my house at
10.00am. Before I could get my bins, it had been chased away by the Gulls. I
saw it half an hour later down over the golf course at Joss. There were also
a coupe of Goldcrests in the trees at Convent Road. (John Carnell)
Tuesday 21st February 2012 Cliffsend area
As I drove to work today there were 36+ Curlews on the field that
has St Augustine's Cross on. Most I've every seen in a small area, also 7
Lapwings & a Magpie. (13:40). (Mark Milham)
Tuesday 21st February 2012 Ramsgate
4 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and several Blackbirds in
the back gardens of Duncan Rd. There was a commotion caused by a low flying
Marsh Harrier that headed West at about 9.30am. (Nick Lever)
Monday 20th February 2012 Grove Ferry
Highlights of a visit to Grove Ferry today included a
somewhat tatty-looking Common Buzzard flying over Harrison's Drove
at 12:20 and 6 Bullfinches in the trees beside the car park (photos
attached). Also, there were Teal, Gadwall and Tufted Ducks
right in front of the Feast Hide (a welcome change from seeing them huddled
in the reeds on the far side) and 4 Marsh Harriers displaying and
calling to each other. (Mark Kilner)
Monday 20th February 2012 Pegwell Bay and
The Stour
Two little sessions out today, a morning session
at Pegwell then an 'at the drop of a hat' visit to the river Stour west of
Grove Ferry with the local short-pants. Pegwell was quiet, with no new
arrivals apart from a flyover Crossbill and up to three (or probably
four) Common Buzzards which were drifting about inland from 11.40.
The only other things I took any note of were 8 Divers - south, 11
Great Crested Grebe, 60 Brents, 76 Shelduck, 160 Wigeon,
2 Pintail, 6 Shoveler, 1 Merlin, 1 - 2 Peregrine,
800 Lapwing, 580 Golden Plover, 290 Bar-tailed Godwit,
1 Black-tailed Godwit, 300+ Knot and 72 Sanderling. As
I touched upon in my rather wonderful introduction, Gadget picked me up
around 2.00pm and we popped out so as to climb a ladder in a field near a
river (its a long story) and near the river we saw amongst a Douglas Heard
of 60+ Mute Swans about ten Bewick's Swans. I'm not too sure how many
there were as I don't count too well and Gadget, being so engulfed by short
grass as he was missed all the grounded birds and had to make do with
anything flying overhead today as the only direction the little fella' could
see was 'up' ... anyway. Other 'bits' seen included 2 Little Grebe, 2
Grey Partridge, 1+ Marsh Harrier and near Grove Ferry a flock
of 1000+ Wood Pigeons. (Phil M)
Monday 20th February 2012 North Foreland Area
A bit of Plastique Fantastique this morning with an Egyptian Goose
that headed south over the Captain Digby, an area tick no less, other birds
were few but included a c120 Red-throated Divers heading south, 6
Great Crested Grebes offshore, 5 Kittiwakes south and 35 Brent
Geese. (Barry Hunt)
Saturday 18th February 2012 Fairbrook Farm (Herne Hill)
I had to go to the Wincheap estate this morning and with rain forecast
for midday I decided to look around some land that we farm between Boughton
and the Thanet Way. The weather was fairly overcast with a moderate westerly
wind. The pick of the birds were a nice flock of 8 Yellow Hammers
which were feeding in the hedge rows and in the tufts of grass, and 2
Common Buzzards which were heading in the direction of Blean woods.
(Collin Musselwhite)
Thursday 16th February 2012 Joss Bay
A late trip afternoon stroll down to Joss found 150
Brent Geese in two flocks, feeding on the seaweed. (John Carnell)
Thursday 16th
February 2012 Westbere Lake & Stodmarsh
Amongst
the Gulls, mainly Black headed Gulls, were large flocks of Mallard, Teal,
Shoveler, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe and
a few Wigeon and Little Grebes. There was also a drake Smew
accompanied by 4 Redheads. Overhead, I spotted a Common Buzzard
and 2 Marsh Harriers whilst there was also a solitary Egyptian
Goose feeding on the marshland on the west bank of the River Stour. In
the afternoon, I paid a brief visit to Stodmarsh where I caught up with the
Immature Glossy Ibis feeding on the far side of the Water Meadows, by
the open gate, accompanied by 2 Magpies!! Also on the meadows, I
counted up to 10 Water Pipits feeding. (Ron Dubbins)
Thursday 16th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched the evening tide today seeing: 720
Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 70 Teal, 2
Gadwall, 1900 Lapwing, 530 Golden Plover, 2 Black
Tailed Godwit, 1 Water Rail, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine
and a Mediterranean Gull. The Coot and a newly arrived
Little Grebe were also seen on the garage pool. (Phil M)
Thursday 16th February 2012
Worth Marshes
A few
hours over worth Marshes this morning diving the track fist bird of note was
Little Egret standing next to the Great White Egret and
Grey Heron, after that the list beings, Lapwings, with a few
Golden Plovers, Moorhens, Coots, Little Grebe, Mallard Teal, Wigeon, Green
Sandpiper, Redshank, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, Wren, Fieldfare,
Blackbirds, with the odd Linnet, Chaffinch, and a few
Skylarks, (Gadget)
Wednesday 15th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
Another disappointing session today. I arrived
hoping for more Gulls ... but left with 'less Gulls' ... such is this winter
period at Pegwell. Apart from an adult Med Gull there wasn't anything
unusual amongst the pre roost Gulls that did condescend to visit the area
before I packed up at 4.30 anyway. A few Brents were passing north or
entering into the bay from out at sea, a few Divers also heading north and
there were good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits and Cormorants but that was it
for today's late afternoon/evening tide. Today's notes and counts included:
1 badly oiled Red-throated Diver present offshore, 27 Diver
species north (inc. 1 non Red Throat - probably black throated?), 92
Brent - north or in off, 100+ Cormorants - north or inland, 120
Mallard, 13 Pintail, 470 Wigeon, c20 Teal, 690
Lapwing, 380 Golden Plover, 150+ Grey Plover, 323
Bar-tailed Godwit, 300 Knot, 1180 Dunlin, 45 Sanderling
and 1 adult Mediterranean Gull. (Phil M)
Tuesday 14th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
Another afternoon incoming tide session today -
there were lots of birds but the best sightings were far and away the people
I met - Simon was encountered on arrival near the garage pool and whilst we
stood around chatting blow me down if Kevin Lord didn't arrive too! It was
like a day at Foreness in the mid to late 90's. Last and very least poor old
RK had to endure another hour with me bleating on about this and that as we
watched the last bit of the tide arrive. Once again wildfowl and very good
numbers of Dunlin were high on the recording agenda - the Gulls numbers were
poor as is obligatory during this latest cold spell at Pegwell. My notes
included 2 Divers - 1 north and 1 south, 83 Brent, 49
Shelduck, 220 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 23 Shoveler, 34
Pintail, 1380 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 Coot, 1
Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 70 Lapwing, 3
Golden Plover, 580 Oystercatcher, 1 Woodcock, 380
Knot and 2160 Dunlin. (Phil M)
Tuesday 14th February 2012 Dumpton Thanet
Just after 07.30hrs this morning a large female
Sparrowhawk arrived out on the field behind my house, the effect of
it's arrival was all the birds on the feeders hit the bushes, 7 Green
Finches, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Blue Tits, 2 Great Tits,
5 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, sadly the
Collard Doves and Feral Pigeons took to the fields and one was
nailed within five minutes, the Common Gulls are still out on the
field with Herring Gulls including
the bird noted back on the 7th February Red Darvic ring PU3-T which
I believe to come from the Thames ring group, still waiting conformation
from them, (Gadget)
Monday 13th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched the incoming tide early to mid
afternoon today. Other than lots of Wigeon and Dunlin it was much as its
been of late and though there were a fair few more larger Gulls today, once
again there were no exotic one's. I did try a light spot of 'Woodcocking'
but couldn't find any today? My notes included: 16 Divers - north,
370 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 15 Pintail, 2 Shoveler,
2 Teal, 2080 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hen Harriers, 1
Peregrine, the Coot, 288 Bar-tailed Godwit, 13
Golden Plover, 3 Lapwing on the mud (many more around the
surrounding fields), 1960 Dunlin, 79 Sanderling, 2 Yellow
Legged Gulls, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Chiffchaff. (Phil
M)
Saturday 11th February 2012 Seaton Pits
Highlight of a visit to Seaton was a
Bittern, who flew into a bush, disguised himself for 15 mins before
flying off. Good numbers of duck on the largely frozen lake. Pochard,
Widgeon, Tufted, Shelduck, Shoveler and Mallard in good
numbers, but also Goldeneye,
Greylag Goose initially in hundreds
too. Also present Snipe, Woodcock, Great and Green Woodpeckers,
kingfisher, Redwing, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Little Egrets, Gray Herons,
plus the usual tits, Starlings, Sparrows, Dunnock's, Wrens and Fiches.
47 species in all. (David Parker)
Sunday 12th February 2012 Minster
Marshes
A cold snowy Sunday on the marsh meant lots
of birds were keeping their heads down. Hundreds of Teal on the
Stour, along with good numbers of Snipe and Mallard, a couple
of Marsh Harriers to keep the Crows busy! A few Linnets
and Meadow Pipits bout a flock of Reed Buntings were on the
move, mainly sticking to the ground. Snow turned to sleet and poor
visibility, although lots of Blackbird were on the move. I missed
mentioning a lot of cold Lapwings at Minster. They seem to be evident
all around Ramsgate today. (David Parker)
Saturday 11th February 2012 Ramsgate Harbour
Around the slipways this morning were 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2
Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing and about 6
Turnstone. (Nick Lever)
Friday 10th & Saturday 11th February 2012 Little Stour Marshes
With the weather being so inclement, we decided to cut our losses and
spend a bit of time birding around an area that we very rarely visit.
Conditions were hard, the fields still clad in areas of deep snow and the
side drains capped with thick ice. It proved to be a good decision, both our
sorties providing some very good sightings. Friday afternoon allowed us to
record 11 Bewick Swans, 5 Tundra Bean Geese out on the fields
20+ Goosander on the R. Stour, along with decent numbers of
Gadwall, Mallard and Teal. Other sightings included
Golden Plover, 2 Peregrine, 30+ Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer
and a Greenshank. A return visit, on Saturday morning, allowed us to
explore more of the site. Our reward was 500+ Wigeon, 3 Marsh
Harrier, 1 (2cy)Male Hen Harrier, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2
Grey Wagtail and 4 Common Buzzards.
(Gadget & Dylan)
Friday
10th February 2012 Dungeness & Westbere
A fine day at Dungeness with Gideon Beale was
rounded off with a trip to Westbere, where the most notable birds were a
red-head Goosander on the river, a drake Goldeneye on the lake
and a large throng of gulls, the most splendid of which, found shortly
before 4pm, was an adult Iceland Gull. (Dave Mairs)
Friday 10th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched the dropping tide this afternoon. It
was a bit better today (eventually) 2 Berwick's Swans arrived around
3.00pm and were still in out in the Bay when I packed up at 3.30 and other
bits included 3 Woodcock, a Yellow Legged Gull and a Short
Eared Owl. There were lots of birds in the bay as the tide dropped -
numbers of Wigeon, Bar-wits, Grey Plover and Knot all being substantially
higher than they have been of late. The Coot continues its stay on
the garage pool and Francis also had 15 Fieldfares on the cliff top -
otherwise there were: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 62
Brent, 54 Shelduck, 100 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2
Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 1170 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 2
Common Scoter - south, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Merlin, 320
Bar-tailed Godwit, 370 Grey Plover, 350 Knot, 1000+
Dunlin, 65 Sanderling, 120 Curlew etc. (Phil M)
Friday 10th February 2012 Ramsgate Harbour
Today I came across the
Little Grebe that had been reported earlier in the week in
Ramsgate Harbour. It was hanging around with a group of 3 Mallards
under the Cervia tug boat. Also in the harbour was a
Cormorant fishing. The 3 Grey Plovers were also
still there around the slipway. Its was nice to see these close up for once
rather than in the distance at Pegwell Bay. (Keith Ross)
Friday 10th February 2012 Margate Area
Working ( drinking coffee ) in Northdown Park Road
today, looked out of the window, and was surprised to see a Woodcock
sat in the middle of the garden. (Andy Keen)
Friday 10th February 2012 Newington Ramsgate
A Sparrowhawk was flying over the Community Centre at 11.30 a.m
(Philip Solly)
Thursday 9th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I arrived at 09.00 and sandwiched two hours
standing around watching the incoming tide between two light 'Woodcocking'
sessions around the likely Woodcock spots on the Country Park and the cycle
path - I ran out of enthusiasm quite quickly and didn't check Stone Lees
today. The only oddities from the session were 2 Tufted Ducks seen flying
around the bay on two occasions and a site rarity in the shape of a Coot
which I spotted on the Garage Pool amongst about 80 mixed Ducks using the
pool due to the hard weather. I later found out the 'Coot' had in fact been
present the day before too and severely reprimanded the selfish 'finder' of
such a rare beast for not alerting the local and National birding grapevine
for the mass twitch that would have occurred a full 24 hours earlier had
news broke when it should have!! Who'd have thought it eh ... suppression in
Thanet? I've never heard of such a thing before. Back in the real world ...
70 Brents arrived in off in two flocks as a bank of freezing fog arrived
offshore but little else showed. Although there were good numbers of
Mallard, Pintail and Dunlin, I was a bit disappointed once again not to have
seen something of a slightly better quality - this entire cold spell at
Pegwell has been most underwhelming other than the amount of Woodcocks. My
other notes for the morning were: 10 Divers - 7 north and 3 south,
50+ Cormorants - north, 110 Brent, 52 Shelduck, 420
Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 34 Pintail, 18 Shoveler, 360
Wigeon, 60 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 100 Curlew, 219
Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 270 Knot, 100
Lapwing, 40 Golden Plover, 150 Grey Plover, 1740 Dunlin,
11 Woodcock, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine,
2 Redwing - west, 50+ Song Thrush, 80 Skylark, 90
Linnet and 40 Chaffinch. (Phil M)
Thursday 9th February 2012 Ramsgate Harbour
Around the slipways this afternoon were 3 Grey
Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstone
and a Rock Pipit. Also 30 Brent Geese flew North and 1
Lapwing flew over towards Pegwell Bay. (Nick Lever)
Wednesday 8th February 2012 Stour Valley Area
A bit of a potter around the valley. The lakes are now largely frozen,
the small open areas holding reasonable numbers of Wildfowl - apart from
Stodmarsh which despite having some open water had nothing on it. Seaton
held good numbers duck, in particular Gadwall and Pochard. Of
slightly more interest were 8 Goldeneye (four of each sex) and a
'redhead' Smew. A single Pink-footed Goose was amongst the
Grey Lags but other than that pretty much the normal fare - 2
Kingfishers, 4 Little Egrets, Grey Wagtail etc. As mentioned
Stodmarsh was a waste of time although I spent next to no time there. The
open water at Westbere held a male Smew and a pair of Goldeneye.
The river from Westbere to Hersden Lake was full of duck - mostly Tufted,
Teal, Mallard and Shoveler but also 2 redhead Smew and 7
Goosander (5 drakes). Presumably the Black-necked Grebe that had
recently been at Westbere was also on the River along with a few Little
Grebes. Other bits along the River included 2 Bitterns and 3
Woodcock. Despite being more or less ice free, there was surprisingly
little on Hersden - mostly just small numbers of dabbling ducks. The flock
of Goosanders flew in and just as I was about to depart a nice
Red-necked Grebe drifted close by. I ended the day with a Woodcock
fest at Sandwich where they could be found in every likely looking spot and
their footprints were a regular feature in the snow. (F Solly)
Wednesday 8th February 2012 Dumpton
Thanet
Another day were the birds were plenty full
around the garden, with 14 Goldfinches and 7
Greenfinches being the most I've seen in the area for some time, and a
Song Thrush was also a nice surprise, It came in with the new influx
of 14 Blackbirds most of the birds from yesterday were on the feeders
at sometime today, while around 16-00hrs a (male) Blackcap dropped in
to feed on cut apples, over the field for most of the day 9 Common Gulls
were loitering with a few Woodpigeons and Collard Doves.
(Gadget)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Pegwell Village
Due to the cold spell there has been an increase
in garden birds,9 Ring Necked Parakeets,3 Blackbirds,2
Redwings,2 Jays,1 Wren,5 Blue Tits,2 Great Tits,1
Great Spotted Woodpecker,2 Wood Pigeons,3 Collared Doves,5
Starlings,3 Herring Guls,2 Black Headed Gulls,1 Robin,2
Dunnocks,4 Carrion Crows,3 Tree Sparrows & 1 Magpie.
(Richard Kinzler)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Ham & Worth Marshes
I think I'm related to David Beckham, with the "Golden Wotsit", because
on a whim I decided to go to the marshes this afternoon and as I walked
along the stream I noticed the Great White Egret and 4 Redhead
Smew. I had confirmation from 2 well known birders who informed me that
they hadn't heard of any Smew being seen in this area. Although at some
250 to 300 yards away I managed some half reasonable shots, which I put down to
the bright sun reflecting off the snow. (Roly W C)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Fowlmead Country Park
I had walk slip & slide up to Fowlmead from Deal, bird in the note book1
Water rail,4 Snip, 8 Woodcock, 6 Redwing, 5
Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Blackbirds, 2 Curlew,
1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 15 Goldfinch,10+ Chaffinch, a good number of Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Coal Tit,1 Great
Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Mallard, 2 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1
Jay, 6 Robin, 4 Dunnock, 200+ Woodpigeon, a few small
flocks of Lapwing. ( Mike Divito)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Ramsgate
Since the start of the cold spell, 3 Blackcaps have taken up
residence in the garden along with a marked influx of Blackbirds – up
to 20 at a time with constant comings and goings indicating a far larger
number using the garden. Other bits have included 1-2 Fieldfares and
Redwings and a Jay along with the usual Tits, Goldfinch,
Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, etc (F Solly)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Joss to Botany Bay
I took a walk at 4.00pm into a biting E/N/Easter and the cliff-top was
alive with Song Thrushes. 50+ 15-20 Blackbirds and a couple of
Redwing. I watched a smart male Peregrine hunting by the Digby
and sadly found a dead Curlew Sandpiper on the beach. This makes the dead
bird count for this week up to three - one Razorbill, One Woodcock and now
the Sandpiper. Life's tough out there for these birds. (John Carnell)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Ramsgate / Pegwell
Ran from home, round the Country Park and Back between
12 and 1 today. 4 Golden Plover and 6 Lapwing on the snow free
grass along the West Cliff were very tame. There were also a few Lapwings
dotted about the horse paddocks and around the Viking Ship. About 40
Blackbirds were feeding around the ivy clad hedges at the sunken garden.
2 Woodcocks were flushed at the Stonelees end of the CP. Still c30
Redwings in the back garden. (Nick Lever)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched between 08.00 and 12.00 today. It was
lovely to be out, it being clear and sunny with plenty of snow underfoot,
though an irritating n/east breeze made not only gazing out over the sea and
mud awkward but the sea was a bit too choppy to see anything sitting around
offshore. Considering the wind direction and all the snow etc I didn't feel
that it was too cold today, certainly not much below freezing if it was
below at all? The northern edge of the salt marsh looked fairly spectacular
as there was an enormous pile of pack ice, some of which went 50 yards or
more out into the mud flats. The birding was a little frustrating - a low
flying flock of 25 - 30 Swans @8.30 heading south to s/west missed
identification, there wasn't too much out on the mud and as I touched upon
earlier the sea wasn't conducive to seeing any water fowl offshore today due
to the strength of the wind. There's usually something going on in these
conditions though if you use your noddle and today it was Woodcocks,
of which I recorded 17 today which isn't too shabby. Other cold weather
stuff included a drake Tufted Duck seen flying over Stone Lees, many
Skylarks (a flock of 70 on Shellness at high tide alone), a
Bullfinch on the Country Park, 5 Mute Swans on the sea in the bay
and 21 Pintail. The only other things that I noted were 5 Divers
- south, 24 Brent, 40 Shelduck, 80 Mallard, 2
Gadwall, 5 Teal, 50 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 50
Lapwing, 600 Golden Plover, 300 Dunlin, 100 Knot,
160 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Peregrine,
100+ Skylark, c50 Meadow Pipit and 8 Redwing. (Phil M)
Tuesday 7th February 2012 Dumpton Thanet
It was
nice to see a few birds around the Garden this morning with 5 Blackbirds,
3 Greenfinches, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Blue Tits, 2 Great
Tits, 1 Robin 1 Wren, and on the edge of the field behind
my house 7 Common Gulls, 5 Black Headed Gulls, 9 Herring
Gulls one with Red Darvic ring PU3-T in black letters on It's
Left Leg and a BTO Ring on the Right Leg which I have sent off with Sue
Smiths one Red Darvic UG7T
http://www.ntgg.org.uk/map/GR31040 from Sainsbury's Westwood Cross on the 3rd
February will post information up on website when I get it back, (Gadget)
Monday 6th February 2012 All Saints
Industrial Estate Margate
I scared a Woodcock to flight at 5am
this morning. Good start to the day, despite the hour. (David Parker)
Monday 6th February 2012 Prince of Wales Pier Dover
A walk along the pier today was rewarded by the Kumlien's Gull ( Larus
glaucoides Kumlieni ) passing directly over my head at 11.10 giving
excellent views. Also seen were 4 Common Scoter, 3 Turnstone,
2 Guillemot and numerous Black-headed, Herring and Common
Gull. ( Graham Crick )
Monday 6th February 2012 Foreness Area
Much less bird activity today but did record a few bits 1 Woodcock,
2 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 5 Tufted Duck and 4 Twite
which flew east along the clifftop. Plenty of Meadow Pipits along the
cliff edges and some Golden Plover still remain in the area. Was
going to do a year list count up but got to one and got bored! (Barry Hunt)
Sunday 5th February 2012 Ramsgate Harbour
Had a walk down in the snow at lunch time. There was a Little Grebe
in the Inner Harbour. Around the slipways were; 3 Dunlin, 2 Ringed
Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 10 Turnstone and a female Teal.
About 30 Redwings coming into the gardens in Duncan Rd to feed on
holly berries. (Nick Lever)
Sunday 5th February 2012 Cecilia Road allotments
Ramsgate
A woodcock flew from under shrubs at
the edge of the allotments in Cecilia Road, Ramsgate, this morning.
(Marianne and Steve Harper)
Sunday 5th February 2012 Minster Marshes
A lovely snowbound walk along the Stour with
Snipe being the most numerous birds seen, about 30. A rare sighting of a
Kingfisher, but the flock of Yellowhammers near the railway
were keeping their heads down. For hungry Marsh Harriers and a lone
Common buzzard were finding food scarce. More ducks on the river than
of late, mainly Mallard but also Teal. Three Barnacle Geese
in flight and Little Grebe and Moorhens on the frozen dykes.
Lots of Thrushes including Continental Blackbirds, Song Thrushes
and a few Redwing in the woods around the fisherman's' car park. No
Short-Eared Owls today. Pied wagtails looking for insects, despite it
being -2c, at the sewage farm. (David Parker)
Sunday 5th February 2012 Margate Cemetery
After last nights snow fall I decided to walk from Garlinge to the
Cemetery. Temperatures not climbing much above freezing all day with a
fairly light southerly wind. I walked around the perimeters of the site with
signs of activity under all the hedge rows where all the composted leaves
had been raked out. A total of 17 Woodcock were flushed out and this
was just from the perimeters. Otherwise it was much the same as yesterday
with the only exception being a small flock of Greenfinch. (Collin
Musselwhite)
Sunday 5th February 2012 St Mildred's Bay
A morning walk in the snow was very pleasant,
with an adult Iceland Gull sitting offshore in St Mildred's Bay and a
Redhead Smew flying east offshore. A few other cold weather birds
included 4 Pochard and a Tufted Duck flying west, 5 Golden
Plovers, a Snipe and a Lapwing on the beach and 9
Purple Sandpipers roosting on a groyne. A few Meadow Pipits and
Skylarks also came in off the sea. (Tim Hodge)
Sunday 5th February 2012
North Foreland
Offshore there appears to be a shoal of sprats and this has attracted
good numbers of Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes.
There was a constant Southerly movement of the gulls, with Common Gulls
being the most numerous. Also saw a few Divers and Auks flying
South. On the fields 3 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plovers and a 1st
winter Mediterranean Gull. In the estate I saw 2 Woodcock, 1
Goldcrest and 20 Greenfinches. (Simon Mount)
Sunday 5th February 2012
Foreness Area
Have not had much enthusiasm for birding of late but with the heavy
overnight snowfall I went out at dawn for a slide up to Foreness, I have to
say the amounts of lying snow were impressive with large drifts along the
cliff-top, some even up to 2ft deep, which ensured I had wet legs and feet
for the entire journey. The best bird was a Little Grebe very close
inshore off Walpole Bay, 14 Pintail were offshore and were joined by
3 Wigeon, all eventually flew off to the west. c150 Redwings
flew over west but surprisingly I didn't note a single Fieldfare. 5
Skylarks flew west as did 20 Meadow Pipits. Golden Plover
were evident with several joining the wader roost at the pumping station and
a few scattered along the cliff-top searching for the invisible open ground
to feed. Dunlin were plentiful too with at least 50 present and 5
Purple Sandpipers were recorded. 15 Lapwing struggled west and 6
Shelduck headed east. A vast flock of gulls offshore, presumably
feeding on sprats, and amongst them were 4 Kittiwakes and a lone
adult Gannet. The sea had actually begun to freeze over and was the
consistency of a slush puppy drink, at Foreness this was 30yds from the tide
line outwards and was a quite impressive sight. (Barry Hunt)
Saturday 4th February 2012 Margate Cemetery
Spent a couple of hours walking around the Cemetery this morning.
Another hard frost with light snow flurries. As I walked in the main
entrance I could hear Goldcrest in the larch trees on the right hand
side.4 birds were busy here before moving on to the evergreen Oaks opposite.
I walked up along the Cemetery wall peering over into the Crematorium
grounds where I have located Woodcock in previous years, but there was no
sign. I walked around the perimeter of the grounds with 3 birds flying out
of the hedge by the horse paddocks. As I walked down towards the cement
works my attention was drawn towards a bird calling in the middle of the
cemetery. I soon located the bird which was the male Bullfinch which
was again showing well. Other birds seen 3 Long tailed tits, 4
Robins, 11 Blue tits, 2 Jays, 6 Magpies, 2 Wren,
cc100 Woodpigeon, 3 Ring necked parakeet, 4 Chaffinch,
9 Carrion Crows, and by the end of the session I had spotted 9
Woodcocks. Sadly much of the habitat that the Woodcock have used as
cover over the last few years has been cleared. Even since my last visit at
Christmas, serious damage has been done to the areas which make this such a
great site for birds. (Collin Musselwhite)
Saturday 4th February 2012 Pegwell Bay
On a freezing morning the garage ponds were
party iced over but in the far corner much to my delight stood a solitary
Avocet. I’m no expert but it seemed a bit odd at this time of year to
see a pair of Mallards mating just next to it. Also spotted was a
Shoveler and from just a few feet away a Snipe flew out across
the pond. A Kingfisher then flashed past and flew low over the pond
following the reeds by the path in the direction of the bird hide. By the
time I got to the hide the tide was well on its way out and most of the
waders and ducks where at some distance. Close by though was a
Black-tailed Godwit and flocks of Dunlin. These took off in a
panic as a Merlin flew low in front of the hide. Hundreds of
Wigeon had taken up residence on the mud bank next to the seals and were
flying up and down the channel. For the past week or so I had been trying to
spot a Water Rail and at long last I caught a fleeting glimpse of one
at the small stream next to Richborough Power Station. Video can be seen
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaEfOhP9EdM
(Keith Ross)
Saturday 4th February 2012 Cut End Area
I spent a very cold couple of hours around the confluence of the R.
Wantsum and the R. Stour, Cut End, at dawn this morning. The temp gauge in
my car read -3C, yet the brisk SE wind made it feel much colder! The birds,
however, seemed numerous. I recorded 68 Mute & 10 (9 adults & 1 juv)
Bewick Swans feeding on a frozen oilseed rape field, joined briefly
by 5 Tundra Bean Geese, which departed towards Marshside after being
flushed by an adult female Marsh Harrier. It was great to note
several “flocks” of Yellowhammers leaving their roost site as the
light intensified. At least two Barn Owls were seen hunting the area,
a Kestrel hovering over the distant railway embankment was the only
other bird of prey that I recorded. A lone Dunlin flew along the R.
Stour, 3 Common Snipe and a small bunch of Golden Plover,
kept my interest. Other bits included a Kingfisher, 50+ Wigeon,
3 Lapwing and 3 Little Grebe – winter thrushes were restricted
to a few flocks of Fieldfare moving overhead, at some height, in a
southerly direction. (Dylan)
Friday 3rd February 2012 Pegwell Bay
I watched from 07.30 until 11.30 in very cold but
rather pleasant conditions this morning. I watched the tide drop for a
couple of hours or more prior to having wander around the area where I
flushed 3 Woodcocks and a Jack Snipe then on getting back to
the mud found a stonking great 1st winter Caspian Gull loitering out
in front of the car park ... lovely. The mud was almost devoid of birds on
arrival at first light but within a few hours was splattered with them as
you'd expect - though numbers were generally disappointing. That said, the
post roost Little Egret numbers were higher than ever, given the time of
year and I saw at least three Marsh Harriers, two of which (both males) were
in full sky-dance display mode inland. I took a few notes which were: 4
Divers - 3 south and 1 north, 11+ Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron,
13 Brent, 100 Shelduck, 6 Pintail, 150+ Wigeon,
50+ Teal, 1 Hen Harrier, 3+ Marsh Harrier, 1
Peregrine, 560 Curlew, 210 Lapwing, 440 Golden Plover,
100 Grey Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 146 Bar Tailed Godwit,
3 Woodcock, 8 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1410 Dunlin,
60 Sanderling, 30+ Rock Pipit, 10+ Redwing, 120
Linnet, 2 Bullfinch and c50 Reed Bunting. (Phil M)
Friday 3rd February 2012 North Stream
Worth Marshes
As
it was a nice afternoon I decided to go over to the North Stream and see if
the water was frozen or not, arriving at 13.30hrs in beautiful sunshine with
a light north westly wind as I approached the water my fears were justified,
it was completely frozen where the south side was still running from the
pump house up as far as i could see, I stayed for about 45minuets back home
for around 15.15hrs, Birds noted: 2 Kingfishers, 2 Grey Heron,
2 Little Grebes, 7 Coots, 5 Moorhens, 5 Teal, 7
Mallard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Redshanks, cc150
Lapwings, cc150 Black headed Gulls, 2 Reed Buntings, 2
Robins, 4 Grey Partridge and 2 Pheasant. (Gadget)
Friday 3rd February 2012 Shuart & Coldharbour
Arrived at Shuart at 9.50 a.m.. The ground was solid with temperatures
still below freezing, but the N/E wind wasn't quiet as penetrating as the
previous days. Shuart farm yard was fairly quiet with a few Blue tits,
Blackbirds, a Moorhen and a Greater spotted woodpecker .
Across the railway bank a pair of Kestrels could be seen ahead
hovering over the bank slopes. A tame Robin was glad that I had a few
suet nibbles for him to snack on. 7 Fieldfare were managing to find a
food source in a field on the inland side of the railway. As I approached
the Wantsum a pair of Marsh harriers were hunting low over the dykes
on the Reculver side of the river. I walked seawards along the river which
had a fair covering of ice. The only birds seen here 1 Robin and 1
Wren. Towards Coldharbour was the largest flock of Brent geese
that I have seen all winter with cc250 birds in a wheat field with several
smaller groups on the shore line. The lagoon was frozen over with a few
Dunlin skating around on the surface. There were two groups of birds
about 50m offshore. A group of 14 Mallard in a tight group and 9
Shelduck more spread apart. The shoreline was fairly quiet with no large
numbers of birds. Birds seen Oyster catcher, Grey plover,
Lapwing, Sanderling and Redshank. There were a few
Lapwing in the Horse paddocks. I walked back up Shuart track and cut
left across the marshes to a copse between Shuart and Netherhale. Here I
spooked 4 Woodcock (I've only seen five all winter). Other birds here
4 Long tailed tits 2 Goldfinch, 2 Robin's, 1 Wren,
3 Blue its, 1 Kestrel, 1 Dunnock and a Pheasant
up a tree. I walked back to Shuart were there were good numbers of
Goldcrest around the conifers with a few Blue tits, Chaffinch and
Blue its also present. (Collin Musselwhite)
Thursday 2nd February 2012 Ramsgate Harbour
In front of the museum at lunchtime there were 4 Dunlin among the
usual Turnstones, Redshank and Ringed Plover. They are
not a common sight there. Pride of place though was a Golden Plover -
only my 2nd record there - that was even seen to feed among the boat
slipways. (Simon Mount)
