Monday 30th June 2008 Grove Ferry

A quick look at Grove Ferry this lunch time with Frances, not much to report as the absence of the water looking from the rap and  the same from Harrisons drove only left the views from the nice new hide, Common Snipe, Common Tern, Great-crested Grebe and the Red-crested Pochard with a few Mallards and Coots were out front of the hide flyovers of Little Egret, Grey Heron and Mash Harrier was about all that we recorded (Gadget)

Friday 27th June 2008 Pegwell Bay

Heard a Crossbill fly over Pegwell today - heading north I think,           (Tony Swandale)

Thursday 26th June 2008 Foreness Point 

An Osprey in off the sea at 12.30 before gaining height and moving South.   (Rae Boulden)

Wednesday 25th June 2008 Southwall Marshes to Fowlmead (Deal) 

An evening walk over marsh to Fowlmead very warm but windy .4 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Reed Warbler 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Skylarks, 3 Cuckoos, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Pheasant, 4 Moorhens all with chicks,6 House Martins, 4 Swifts, 2 Magpies, 2 Turtle Doves, good numbers of Wood Pigeon & Carrion Crow, 2 Stock Doves, 1 Gray Heron, making it way to the fishing lakes for supper, 2 Chaffinch,4 Blackbirds 1 Kestrel 1 Hobby, showing well over the marsh, the first i have seen in this area. I got home in time for the footy. (Mike D)

Sunday 22nd June 2008 Each End, Brookstreet & Swallowbrook

A wander around Ben Ring territory was a result of Bev's desire to do a boot-fair. After setting up her pitch on Drew's Field, along the Ash by-pass, I walked the lanes to Swallowbrook Reservoir. The best records were of 4 Yellowhammer singing from the hedgerows and 3 Turtle Doves at Swallowbrook. I was impressed by the numbers of Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Reed Warbler that were along my route. A few pairs of Swallow were around the farm buildings and stables at Brooksend. Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Great & Blue Tit, House Sparrow and Starling all appear to have had a good breeding season with the calls of fledglings very obvious. A steady procession of Lesser Black-backed Gulls headed westward overhead and there were 3 Cormorants on the pylons out on the Ash Levels. My only Sedge Warbler was in a ditch at Brooksend. (Dylan) 

Saturday 21st June 2008 Manston Airport Thanet

Saw a female Marsh Harrier flying alongside the runway at Manston  Airport today at 2.30pm, (J Carnell)

Friday 20th June 2008 Pegwell Bay

A lunchtime jaunt along the Pegwell cliff-top produced a nice flock of 14 Crossbills in various plumages, which landed in a Cypress at Cliffsend Farm before continuing south across the bay (F Solly)

Friday 20th June 2008 Grove Ferry & Dumpton

I hadn't seen White-rumped Sandpiper in adult summer plumage, so was hopeful that the bird, that Marc Heath had found yesterday, would remain overnight - see Tim's posting. I arrived just before 05.00hrs, Alan Ashdown already on the ramp - having arrived at 03.30hrs (now that's dedication!). He hadn't seen the bird and reported a bright moon and clear skies when he arrived - not good. However, after a few minutes, I located the bird feeding on a muddy island on the right-hand pool. Very Dunlin-like in it's feeding action, I wasn't happy with the id until it flashed its' gleaming white rump. We both watched the bird for 20 mins, getting nice scope views, until Alan had to leave for work. I had a few more minutes studying the bird before it was flushed by a Grey Heron and I didn't manage to relocate it by 06.30hrs, when I had to leave. 9 Little Egret, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Little Ringed Plover, male Red-crested Pochard plus the regular assortment of ducks and Lapwing made for an enjoyable 90 minutes. I did get a few pics but they were akin to the infamous Wryneck image of TH - they all went straight into the delete file. Back in the garden there was a large flock of Common Swift and House Martin feeding over the fields of Newland's Farm. (Dylan)

Thursday 19th June 2008 Grove Ferry

I popped over to the ramp at Grove this evening to see the White-rumped Sandpiper which had been found earlier in the day. It was a bit distant most of the time, but occasionally came closer and gave good flight views on one occasion. (Tim H)

Wednesday 18th June 2008 Grove Ferry

I've attached a few more pictures for the website, taken yesterday (Tuesday 17th) at Grove Ferry: A male Marsh Harrier, for comparison with the female I sent last week, and a Kingfisher (plus fish). I guess it's just as well they've built a larger hide, because this place is going to get very busy once word gets around that the kingfisher is showing again. (Mark Kilner)

Tuesday 17th June 2008 Shellness Point Area

My run of rare and interesting species on and around Shellness Point this year continued today with a Nuthatch calling from the same pines that 'hosted' the flock of Crossbills on Saturday. Together with a sighting of a Fulmar in level flight over Hundred Acre Field in the Spring I've started to wonder if I've lost it! (Jason Mitchell)

Tuesday 17th June 2008 Minster Marshes Thanet

Dead chuffed, finally got to see Barn Owl hunting over the marshes, stunning views albeit at some distance, never knew they hovered like that, thanks to the young lad who first spotted it. (Mick S)

Monday 16th June A summary of the past 10 days!

You might have noticed that I have not been contributing, of late. This is due to the purchase of a new laptop, complete with "Vista" - what a load of crap! A guy on the ramp, at Grove, summing up the situation perfectly. "You don't use Vista - you tame it!" I have been out & about, the White Stork was still on the Ash Levels on Saturday 7th June and there was a pair of Barn Owls hunting over the set-a-side fields on the Minster marshes. Work has been a predictable pain - a female Golden Oriole was in the "Old Rose Garden" on Wednesday 11th June, a very good "patch" record. A couple of visits to Grove Ferry over the weekend have resulted in a few nice bits. The drake Red-crested Pochard provided superb views from the new hide (some advert for the manufacturers - the bloody door doesn't shut!) and a male Grasshopper Warbler has taken up residence beside the path to the river, from the ramp . I'm not particularly happy with this info being placed on the cyber system but, as the KOS have published the details - I'll do the same. A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull flew over Grove on Saturday evening (14th) heading north and I found a tardy Greenshank on the main pool, this morning (16th). Hopefully things will return to normal quickly. (Dylan)

Sunday 15th June 2008 North Foreland

At North Foreland this morning a flock of 8 Grey Herons heading West along the coast. A Lesser Whitethroat presumed to be a migrant and a flock of 15 Crossbills heading south. On the sea 40 Common Scoter heading North and a steady trickle of Gannets heading down Channel as there have been all week. (Simon Mount)

Sunday 15th June 2008 Princes Golf Club

Princes Golf Club 14/06/08 The Saturday task was enlivened by 17 Crossbills alighting in pines on the northern edge of Princes Golf Club, the males looked superb in their brick red finery. (Jason Mitchell)

Wednesday 11th June 2008 Stodmarsh NNR

At 11.20 watched an Osprey for 20 minutes over the main lake which was eventually mobbed by approx 30 Common Terns & Gulls and moved away low and lost sight behind the trees in the direction of the river towards Grove. Also 6 Hobbies, 5 Marsh Harriers and 3 Kestrel, (C Solly & J Beugg)

Tuesday 10th June 2008 Stodmarsh & Grove Ferry

The male Red-footed Falcon, photographed over the Marsh Hide at Stodmarsh (not a great shot, but good enough to show what it is) A Hobby for comparison (also at Stodmarsh) And a Marsh Harrier at Grove Ferry. The Red-crested Pochard was still in residence at the all-new Turf Fields Hide, but it was being relentlessly pursued by a Mute Swan, so I wouldn't blame it if it decided to move on. (Mark Kilner)

Monday 9th June 2008 Southwall marshes to Fowlmead

A 3 hour walk over the marsh to Fowlmead 1500 to1800 .a warm evening with good number of Woodpigeon, 6 Greenfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Wren, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1Chiffchiff 2 Kestrel, 6 Blackbirds, 2 Linnet, 2 Great Tits, 6 Blue Tits,20+Long-tailed Tits,12 Lapwings, 2 Turtle Doves,1 Pied Wagtail 4 Lesser Whitethroat,2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Cuckoos 1 Robin, 6 Reed Warblers, 4 Sedge warblers a good number of House Martins, 4 Swallows, 2 Swift, 3 Grey Partridge, 4 Greylag Geese, 8 Mallard, 1 Pheasant,  6 Magpies, 10+ Carrion Crow, 12 Jackdaws, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan (Mike D)

Sunday 8th June 2008 Stodmarsh NNR

Whilst out at Stodmarsh with the lures, the female and immature male Red-footed Falcon along with about 10 Hobby’s were showing very well along the Lampen Wall - often directly overhead. (F Solly)

Sunday 8th June 2008 Grove Ferry

I had a good session at Grove Ferry in still somewhat overcast conditions.  All the reed-bed species were showing well including Bearded Tit, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting.  Marsh Harriers were also putting on a good show, with many excellent views.  The highlights were probably 2 Little Ringed Plover and a fine male Red-Crested Pochard showing very well from the Green hide.  (Jerry Lanfear)

Sunday 8th June 2008 North Foreland

At North Foreland this morning 5 Crossbills heading along the coast West. Yesterday a Siskin heading south, (Simon Mount)

Saturday 7th June 2008 Pegwell Bay

I arrived at Pegwell at 5am and took my umbrella out for a walk which luckily coincided with the dropping tide.  At about 5.50 a group of small waders landed on the mud, comprising, a Kentish Plover, 3 Ringed Plover and 5 Sanderling. They fed for about 20 minutes before taking flight. I also recorded another 5 Ringed Plover, 5 Grey Plover, 2 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 2 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Whimbrel. There were also 8 Little Egret, 9 Teal, 3 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern and several Gannet fishing offshore.  About 20 Swallow headed North across the Bay in small groups while a Lesser Whitethroat and Turtle Dove were singing in the Country Park.  (Nick Lever)

Friday 6th June 2008 Westbere Area

I twitched the Great White Egret that was on the eastern end of the water meadows south of the river at Westbere this afternoon. That’s all I have to say. (Tim H)

Friday 6th June 2008 Kingsgate Area

Another dull, damp and dreary morning, another dull and dreary visit to Kingsgate, A Golden Oriole flew across the Golf Course and landed in the trees at Whiteness - the only migrant wot I saw. (F Solly)

Thursday 5th June 2008 Pegwell Bay and Minster Marshes

Down at Pegwell Bay just after 05.00hrs, Nick Lever already present and watching the American Golden Plover, Nice views in the early morning sunshine before it (and 4 Grey Plover) was flushed by a bait digger at 05.40hrs. They flew over to the far side of the point where they apparently landed, Nick following them with his scope. A Peregrine posed distantly on the cooling towers whilst Reed & Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Linnets went about their daily routine close to our position on the coastal footpath. At work I did a deal with my boss, so was able to get down onto the Minster Marshes for an evening session. What a result, I found a White Stork feeding amongst the sheep on the Ash Levels, a singing Quail in a barley field and had fabulous views of a hunting Barn Owl. The White Stork flew off to roost on a pylon besides the Abbott's Wall (TR304629) at 20.50hrs. I'll be back in the morning to get some digi-scoped pics! Silly me, I'd only taken my EOS! (Dylan)

Thursday 5th June 2008 Kingsgate & St Peters Thanet

I saw a Common Buzzard flying along the coast at Kingsgate Bay, towards  North Foreland at 09.30hrs then saw another Common Buzzard soaring  above my back garden in St Peters at 11.00hrs. Follow by a female  Sparrowhawk (John C)

Wednesday 4th June 2008 Kingsgate Cliff-top Area

A dull damp and drizzly morning - pretty much as usual, Couldn't be bothered to bird the Kingsgate area, however there was a 'bonus bird' on the cliff-top just across from the Kingsgate moth trap in the form of a Marsh Warbler.    (F Solly

Wednesday 4th June 2008 Pegwell Bay

An afternoon visit in the only sunshine we have had for day's was most enjoyable with the American Golden Plover out on view in the company of a Grey Plover, Ring Plovers, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Shelduck, little Egret and Sandwich Terns on my return to the car a Turtle Dove calling from the country park, (Gadget) 

Tuesday 3rd June 2008 Pegwell Bay

I popped down to Pegwell this morning to have another look at the American Golden Plover. It and the Temminck’s Stint were still present, whilst a couple of new bits were a winter-plumaged Curlew Sandpiper and a Red Kite flying NW into the murk. Other birds included 48 Ringed Plovers, 6 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 11 Grey Plovers, 120 Oystercatchers, 18 Sandwich Terns and 4 Little Egrets. (Tim H)

Monday 2nd June 2008 Pegwell Bay & Minster Marshes

I was at Pegwell just before 05.00hrs. I beat the dog-walkers yet was well behind the first bait digger, who was marching across the mud into the heart of the National Nature Reserve, just off the edge of the spartina! Surprisingly, it was a nice dawn, the sun breaking through the thin veil of cloud very quickly. The American Golden Plover was still present and showed really nicely, allowing me to get some better pics. A Sparrowhawk, low over the reserve, spooked it and it flew further out onto the mud. My mission accomplished, I headed over to the Minster Marshes. There was a steady build up of cloud cover and the grass was heavy with dew. I got absolutely soaked as I wandered around. Plenty of common migrants, 2 Cuckoo, Sedge & Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all in fine voice. At least 3 male Turtle Doves were "purring" from various points whilst a lone Yellow Wagtail was singing from a small hawthorn over on the Ash Levels. A female Marsh Harrier was perched in a low bush, looking distinctly forlorn as the first drops of rain started to fall. By the time I got back home it was darker than when I'd left! two new photos of American Golden Plover added (Dylan) 

Sunday 1st June 2008 Pegwell Bay

A morning phone call alerted me to the presence of an American Golden Plover at Pegwell Bay. Bev & I had a lunch engagement, so it wasn't until 15.45hrs, that I arrived at the site. The plover was still present and performed wonderfully. What a shame that the light levels were so poor. I got a series of digi-scoped images, but none of them able to do justice to the bird. 3 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Ringed Plover and 2 Peregrine provided some distraction during the regular bouts of inactivity, the plover spending long periods sleeping out on the mud. (Dylan)

Sunday 1st June 2008 Pegwell Bay

I couldn't face checking the concrete this morning - I thought it was probably still there, so with cloudy and damp conditions and a low-ish high tide I decided to check the area of cleared Spartina at Pegwell for roosting waders. A bit like midges, the damp weather largely kept the dog walkers at bay. Almost immediately, I noticed an interesting and largely obscured Plover which I had to wait for five minutes before it stood up. Initial suspicions were confirmed - a cracking summer plumaged American Golden Plover. A Temminck's Stint joined the party as did 4 Grey Lag Geese - always great to see the latter at Pegwell! Other bits and pieces included:  73 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover, 24 Sanderling, 2 Knot, 6 Bar- tailed Godwits, 3 Avocet, 28 Common Terns, 2 Little Terns and 12 Sandwich Terns. Of course it goes without saying that there was subsequently excellent company at this fine Nature Reserve. (F Solly)

Sunday 1st June 200 Pegwell & Sandwich Bay

After a text from Francis this morning regarding the fined of the American Golden Plover when I arrived at Pegwell the bird was out on the mud at showing well a Temminck's Stint was also observed, when I arrived at the SBBOT 2 Turtle Doves were on show just outside the obs window. (Gadget)