Birding
– an Introduction to Thanet
As
we are all based at the Eastern side, naturally all our local birding is biased
towards this area. It is in no way meant to infer that the Margate and
Birchington side of our “Sceptred Isle” is unworthy of investigation. Far
from it, there is equal scope for finding your own birds and other wonders of
the natural world, just we have little need to go there!
Pegwell
Bay – is the prime attraction for any birders visiting the Thanet area,
whatever the time of year?
Bird numbers are at their peak during winter when The Bay has
“Internationally Important” numbers of waders and wildfowl. Pegwell is run
jointly by the Kent Trust and Thanet Council and is always better in the
afternoons, purely because of the visibility problems caused by looking into the
morning sun. Knowledge of tide times is vital, the out going one giving better
chance for prolonged study of what’s about.
The
surrounding Country Park and Stonelees NR can provide bonus birds during
migration periods. The biggest niggle for anyone wishing to explore this habitat
is the numbers of dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, etc who also have legitimate
right to use the area for recreation. Frustration is an accepted part of Pegwell
birding for us locals.
Ramsgate
and Margate Cemeteries – are capable of turning up scarce birds during
migration periods. They both have excellent habitat and are sited on high
points, which adds to their drawing power. Margate has the better track record,
as it is the local patch of an enthusiastic birder who regularly releases news
into the National Birdline system. Ramsgate has also got some good records from
years gone by but, lately, it has been under watched. Both
sites play host to one of Thanets’ specialities – the Rose-ringed Parakeet.
Hartsdown
and Northdown Parks – basically recreational areas with mature trees, these
parks have provided food and shelter for many tired migrants over the years.
Autumn is generally more productive than spring, but surprises can and do
happen. Always worth a look if you are birding in the area.
North
Foreland and Fairness Point – the most North Easterly points on the Isle of
Thanet, they jut out into the bottom of the North Sea as it constricts into the
English Channel. Both visible migration and sea watching can be spectacular when
conditions are right. Again, they tend to be better in the autumn when northerly
weather patterns can cause migrants to become disorientated.
Ramsgate
Harbour – a surprisingly good source of scarce birds, this working harbour has
an excellent track record for winter divers, grebes and gulls. Sea watching can
be distant, but there is the benefit of shelter under the Café on the East Pier
that is lacking from the North Foreland and Fairness viewing points!
The
cliff top immediately above the harbour has bowling greens and croquet lawns
that are always worth a scan during migration, although, once again, disturbance
by the local non-birding community is always likely to frustrate. The key is to
get there early!
This
is just a quick overview of what is available to the visiting birder. Much of
Thanet remains agricultural, so much so, that we refer to it as the “Cabbage
Patch of Kent”. There are still vast tracts that remain to be covered by a
birder on a regular basis.
The farming may be intense, but it doesn’t prevent tired migrants from
dropping onto the fields during migration periods, even though there is little
habitat to encourage them to stay.
