Outdoor Meeting - 19th March 2006

Boughton Park and Wierton Hill Farm

Fourteen of us set out around 9am to explore Don Taylor’s local patch. Anyone that follows Don's diary on the K.O.S website will have a little knowledge of the lie of the land, its key features, and the likely species we might encounter, but when your on Don's patch, and with Don himself you always hope for something a little special!

The weather was clear, but with a keen, cold northeasterly blow. In the wind it was like winter and out of it, in the sun, it was warm and springlike. We set off in the latter conditions and were almost immediately treated to the sight of a Barn Owl in its nest box, while a Kestrel looked on, with maybe intentions of using the box for its own nest site – as in the previous two years. As we walked on across farmland, along hedgerows and through copses we found some of the species you would expect to see; Pied Wagtail on the fields, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch in the hedges, with Dunnocks, Robins and the occasional Wren calling about us. A Grey Heron flew over, as we headed for the reservoir and we hit the biting wind, which as well as being cold, reduced any chance of hearing what little birdsong there was. On the water itself were a few Mallard, Canada Geese and the local Coot (apparently a bit of a bully, keeping the lake for itself and seeing off all comers!).

Walking on we always hoped to see the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that Don had seen on an earlier visit that morning, but it wasn't to be. Great spots called and drummed and Greens fed on the grasslands, as did a few Fieldfare and Redwing flocks, and the odd Mistle Thrush. An interesting piece of marshy habitat was our next stop, a Treecreeper scuttled up an Alder, not seen by all, but a pair showed really well later on, as they chased each other round the Alder tree trunks by the lake. We were fortunate to have the kind permission of the owners to explore the Deer Park. The Alders also provided brilliant views of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. At one place they were on the ground feeding on the wind blown Alder seed. The dappled sunshine fell on the Siskins and Lesser Redpolls alike, showing the lovely coloured Siskins at their best. Don had noted a pale rump as one of the redpolls flew to this spot, where we relocated it. We stayed and studied it for a while, able to compare it with four nearby Lesser Redpolls. It appeared larger, with noticeably white underparts and broad streaks on the flanks; it had a prominent white bar on the greater coverts and a small one above; the tertials had whitish fringes; the mantle feathers had pale edges, producing two whitish stripes and a pale, broad supercilium gave it a distinctive face-pattern. The rump and lower back appeared pale but were never seen well. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly a Mealy (Common) Redpoll. One of many being seen in Kent this winter but the first here.

The habitat changed and we walked through an open oak wood. Don promised us Little Owl, and sure enough we flushed out a pair, which was seen by all. We were treated to some spectacular scenery, as we climbed up the slope towards Boughton Monchelsea Church, however, birds were difficult to pick up, in the wind. A group of large gulls flew over including, LBB, GBB and Herring Gulls. We battled on against the wind having just managed to hear a Goldcrest in a Spruce coppice, but had little chance of seeing it, with the trees swaying so much.

Once up on the ridge we were out of the wind again, and it felt warm, so we could at last try to listen for some birdsong. Maybe the first Chiffchaff or Wheatear of the year would turn up, but no, not today, they'll be there on Monday morning!

A good opportunity for a closer look at Don’s patch, great scenery and a total of 49 species. Nothing spectacular, though the Mealy Redpoll was a rare treat. A most enjoyable morning and a massive incentive, for anyone who watches a local patch, to get out and enjoy our more common birds.

Thank you, Don.

Warren Baker