Friday 29th February 2008 Chislet Marshes
I had a stunning encounter with a Mink this
morning. It sat on a wooden plank across a dyke about 3 yards away from me
in full view for several minutes, washing itself, rolling on its back and
generally loafing about. After it eventually realised I was there it gently
strolled to the other end of the plank and then along the edge of the dyke.
Whilst they may be vermin, its coat was full and glossy and, well, just like
Mink – you can understand why they are made into coats. Of course, as I was
actually working at the time I didn’t have my camera with me, but they would
have been the best photos of Mink you’ve ever seen if they had been taken!
(Tim H)
Wednesday 20th February
2008 Hover Pad Pegwell & Western Undercliff
Lunchtime on the
Hoverport, quite a lot of the rather unimpressive Common Whitlow-grass
in flower - which is neither a grass or on Thanet particularly common. The
Western Undercliff was a riot of colour (some imagination required) with the
following in flower; Wallflower, Hoary Stock, Dandelion and
Alexanders with Wild Carrot and Red Valerian having
persisted throughout the winter. (F Solly)
Tuesday
19th February 2008 Garden Ash
The loveliest sight this morning was a group of 6-8
amongst the frosted snow-white blossom of my Cherry Plum, the males
burning fiery orange in the morning sun. Now where’s that paint-box. (Norman
M)
Monday 18th February 2008 Minster Marshes
Minster Marshes Monday 18th February. Covering the same
ground as Gadget and Dylan today but three hours earlier, I missed most of
the birds they saw, but in a sheltered area near the railway bridge that
crosses the river near Weatherlees, I found my first spring flowers out, a
few Coltsfoot and male catkins of Pussy willow (Salix
caprea). (Don Wilks)
Monday 11th February
2008 Pegwell Cliff-top
Singles of Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Red Admiral
put in appearances during my lunchtime jaunt along the Pegwell Cliff-top. (F
Solly)
Saturday 2nd February PM Minster Marshes Thanet
Bright sunny day bit of a wind but little showing.
Highlight of the walk was the sight of a Brown Rat drinking from the
main dyke (Don Wilks)
