April 2006 Sightings

Please email your sightings to Andy Lawson

If you live, or for that matter visit, any site west of the A249 between the Sheppey bridge and Maidstone and then East to Dartford and Tunbridge Wells (roughly...) then I would be delighted to hear from you.

Sunday 30th April Cliffe RSPB, Higham marshes and Isle of Grain

A reasonably early start today as a result of being woken up by the rain and somehow believing there may be some 'new arrivals'........How wrong I was !!

The bitterly cold morning at Cliffe began with cracking views of one of four Nightingales followed by a vigil on the ramp. There was little activity though bar a Greenshank, ten Teal and a summer plumaged Grey Plover.

Next stop the car to warm up followed by a brisk walk out to Higham bight. A bit more bird activity here with 185 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel, 50+ Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Wheatear, and a Little Egret. On the walk back a trio of raptors began with a Peregrine that took the oppurtunity to reduce the Feral Pigeon population by one, a wholesome meal then consumed at leisure on one of the sand mounds, a Sparrowhawk and a Hobby, my first of the year.

A few stops on route to Allhallows produced Little Owl at Cooling, and 25+ House Martin at the South Quarry. At Allhallows an adult Med Gull flew overhead but generally very quite with only 2 Yellow Wagtails seen. Last stop was Stoke saltings where descpite the low tide 23 Brent Geese  were seen plus a Little Egret and a male Stonechat. Once I got back home bird of the day was a juv Blackbird that decided it was warmer in our house and skimmed the top of our Dogs head then hid behind the bookcase....... Twenty minutes later it was extracted and sent back out into the garden, the dog was not happy!!!

(Barry Wright)

Saturday 29th April Fawkham

While watching a football match at gay Dawn farm, Fawkham this afternoon I saw a common Buzzard soaring above the woods to the north of the farm. Much more spectacular than a rather one-sided football match! This was at about 15.10 today.
(Bill Stoneham)

Saturday 29th April Birling & New Hythe

A Little Owl near the Church in Birling and then up to see if the Gropper was still around. It wasn't although we did see 6+ Whitethroat and heard a Cuckoo.

Over to New Hythe by 06.30, at least 8 Nightingale singing, a pair of Bullfinch, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat (all around Abbey Mead), 4 Reed Warbler, several Cettis, 50+ Swift and good numbers of House Martin, Sand Martin and a few Swallow over Brookland Lake - also a Grey Wagtail on one of the jetties. Whitethroat seemed to be singing and displaying everywhere this morning.

A Sparrowhawk was very entertaining as it had a go at the hirundine flock. Added three today to my New Hythe year list taking me to 100.
(Steve Nunn)

Saturday 29th April Haysden

8 warbler species at Haysden this am - five in the car park area, including three of at least six Lesser Whitethroats. Best was Sedge Warbler which I did not see at all last year. Also first Common Sandpiper and Common Terns this year at Haysden - total at Haysden between 5.45 and 8.45am was 54 species - no Long-tailed Tit or Cormorant seen today and if I had stayed a little longer I understand I would have had my first Swifts. 60 species should be fairly easily obtainable I guess.
These three patch ticks bring my total to 92 for the year and two more lurked at Hawden - if only I had had a lie in!!!
(Andrew Appleton)

Friday 28th April Birling
Gropper still reeling early this morning.
(Steve Nunn)

Wednesday 26th/Thursday 27th April Birling

I was jogging across the fields behind Birling (near West Malling) at 8pm on the 26th when I heard what I thought was a snatch of Grasshopper Warbler. I returned at 6am on the 27th and got within a few feet of it as it reeled constantly. Also 2 Cuckoo and several Whitethroat. Location of Gropper was/is 673615 the area can be accessed off Stangate Road - the road that runs between Birling and Holly Hill.
(Steve Nunn)

Wednesday 26th April Cliffe RSPB

Went to Cliffe yesterday,26th April. A brief summary of my observations as follows:
1 Grasshopper Warbler singing and showing well 11am at Alpha Pool (best approached from Higham Church ), 6 Whimbrel,,1 Hobby over Cliffe village, 3 Cuckoos,1 Ringtailed Hen Harrier,1 Short Eared Owl,3 Bar Tailed Godwits,125 Black Tailed Godwits,3 Little Ringed Plovers,54 Avocets,6 Little Egrets,10 Common Terns,1 summer plumaged Red Necked Grebe, a Nightingale heard from the car along the track,1 Swift to W,.Sedge and Reed Warblers and Common Whitethroats were in good voice in their various habitats. Also singles of Wheatear (Greenland ? ) and Greenshank.
(John Tilbrook)

Monday 24th April Tonbridge Water Meadows

Went out last evening on the Tonbridge water meadows where cuckoos, nightingales, blackcaps and turtle doves were all singing. Having been away for a week in Harris and Lewis (watching white-billed divers and both golden and white-tailed eagles) the warm Spring weather and birdsong down here was wonderful.
(Carol Goulden)

Sunday 23rd April Lower Halstow & Motney Hill

We dropped in on Lower Halstow at about 10.30 a.m. Tide almost in. About 20 Brent Geese still present, one of which was trying to struggle up on to the sea-wall and appeared to have an injured wing or leg. We were able to advance to within a few feet before being hissed at. On the way back to the harbour, four black-tailed godwits arrived in full breeding plumage showing very well in the weak sunlight. Beyond from behind the small marina a cuckoo calling clearly.
Finally, a brief stop at Motney Hill Car Park to eat sandwiches, another cuckoo calling from the Nature Reserve and a short distance up from the car park, a nightingale again - completely ignored by oblivious ramblers.
(Alan Lean)

Sunday 23rd April Bough Beech, Knole Park, Dartford Marsh & Greenhithe

Our Bairn has decided that now is a good time to want to walk and so we headed to Knole where he could practise his walking whilst I year ticked a migrant or two. He was fasto as we approached Sevenoaks so we diverted to Bough Beech in order to let him continue his slumber. Once at Bough Beech I recorded the following: Cuckoo, Reed Warbler & 20+ G C Grebes. Most surprising record was of a Corn Bunting which my better half picked up and identified as it flew in and landed by the waters edge and started to feed. I can't remember seeing this species here before.

Knole quickly gave up its returning migrants along with Nuthatch, several Yellowhammer and good numbers of other more common species.

Alex was once again asleep as we got home so I dropped the other half off at home and drove down to view the new diggings on Dartford Marsh. The Little Egret was again present as was a Common Sandpiper. Other breeding migrants have also returned. The Thames was quiet with the only bird of note being a Ringed Plover.
(Andrew Lawson)

Sunday 23rd April Cliffe RSPB

A few hours in the afternoon in the near constant drizzle turned out to be quite productive. Having seen virtually no spring migrants, all was about to change over the next three hours. Firstly a superb Ring Ousel fed near the second moundalongside several Wheatear and some stunning spring Whinchats.

A Corn Bunting sung nearby whilst two Sand Martin and a Swallow zipped overhead. A walk round to the Flamingo pool produced 17 Great-crested Grebe, some displaying, 7 Little Grebe and the long staying summer plumaged Red-necked Grebe.

Two Common Terns were very vocal overhead and the adjacent bushes were alive with Whitethroat song. Wandering back to the mounds, 6 Whimbrel patrolled the fields nearby whilst back at the Radar Pool, Swift, Lesser Whitethroat, Nightingale, Short-eared Owl and Spotted Redshank were recorded.

To finish off this excellent spell a quick visit to Higham marshes, there were 12+ wallow, 2 Sand Martin and a Reed Warbler. 'Spring is here'
(Barry Wright)

Saturday 22nd April Shorne Marshes

Followed the Sustrans track across Shorne marshes - the end section, just prior to Canal Road replete with warblers, several blackcap, willow and chiffchaff as well as reed warblers and buntings in reedy areas by canal.

Just beyond in the area of scrub next to Beckley Hill industrial estate, a nightingale in full song at 3.00 p.m. extremely well-hidden.
(Alan Lean)

Saturday 22nd April Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve

There are at least 2 interesting sights at this site. An LSW is excavating in a tree near the visitor centre and a Heron is sitting on a nest only 30 yards from the path not much above eye level. It is a one nest heronry.

I recorded 60 sp. in 3 hours yesterday inc totals of 68 Wrens, 23 Robins, 3 Reed and 3 Garden Warblers, 27 Blackcaps, 4 Willows and 11 Chiffs as well as 5 Redpolls. We still have 2 pairs of Gadwall and a Shelduck.
The male Pied Fly from 17-19th was my first for W Kent, No. 182 for the Reserve and 190 for my Greater Sevenoaks list.
(Martin Coath)

Saturday 22nd April Cliffe and Northwood Hill RSPB

First I went down to Rye Street with my Dad. We saw 2 Tree pipits, severel Reed Warblers, 1 Whinchat and 1 Wheatear. We carried down on to Egypt Bay to find 8 Whitethroats 2 Yellow wagtails and there are plenty of swallows everywhere. We went to Cliffe and saw about 13 wheatears on the west side of the track and on the sea wall were 2 common terns and a whimbrel.
(Tom Cackett)

Saturday 22nd April Riverside Country Park

There was a mute swan at Riverside this am maybe it's the same one. also there are alot of (not very scientific I know but how do you count them!!) white throats, I'm afraid I wouldn't recognise a lesser whitethroat but I saw a lovely sight through my bins of a whitethroat drinking the nectar from the damson blossom. Saw one blackcap... in my garden singing from a tree I also saw one (same one maybe) drinking from the birdbath.
(Sheila Pettett)

Friday 21st April Dartford Marsh & Greenhithe

A quick post-work jaunt to the new diggings adjacent to Bob Dunn Way produced one Little Egret. This was followed by a look at the Thames at Greenhithe. The tide was in so the waders present were bunched up on the high ground around the Thurrock lighthouse on the other side of the river. At least 150 summer plumaged Black Tailed Godwit were present along with 3 Oystercatcher and 1 Redshank.

On the way home I had a very depressing look at what remains of Littlebrook Pools. This once wildlife rich area has now been completely destroyed in order to make way for another business park and the transformation of Dartford from vibrant market town to concrete suburb devoid of any quality of life is virtually complete. All that remains is for the Government to agree to the local Tories crackpot scheme to build a supercasino at Swanscombe.
When it comes to protecting the environment and providing safe areas for families to walk in Dartford, choosing between Labour and Conservative Councillors in Dartford is akin to choosing your favourite serial killer........
One Sedge Warbler sang from one of the few remaining broken bushes next to an area where a reed bed holding many Sedge & Reed Warblers once stood.
(Andrew Lawson)

Friday 21st April Haysden Country Park

Had my first Lesser Whitethroat of the year at Haysden CP - also Garden Warbler, Common Whitethroats, Willow Warlbers, Blackcaps, Chiffs but no Nightingales or Hirundines (where have they gone?).
(Arthur Cookney)

Friday 21st April Riverside Country Park

While walking in Eastcourt meadow this morning, I saw 5 whitethroats, heard 3 nightingales and one cuckoo.
regards
(Sheila Pettett)

Friday 21st April Northwood Hill RSPB

Just back from the north end of the Northward Hill reserve, where there are currently 2 stone curlews in the fields west of the footpath out to Egypt Bay (approx TQ783778).
(Gordon Allison)

Friday 21st April Cliffe RSPB

Having not visited recently and having stayed in the area overnight an early morning walk round the Reserve was undertaken. The waders were just flying out from the roost with about 50 Dunlin present and 100 or so Black Tailed Godwits. There was no sign of the Sanderling that was reported over the weekend and, although the Red-necked Grebe was still present, there was no sign of the lump reported at the base of it's bill, perhaps this was just some weed caught there.
The area around the Coastguards held two Stonechats, 15 Linnets, 6 Wheatears and a fine Ring Ouzel. A nice find this, as they are less than annual on the Reserve, especially in spring. Two Common Terns flew over calling probably heading for the local colony.

The Radar Pool held a Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank and a total of 8 Reed Warblers, 9 Whitethroats and two Nightingales were counted on the circuit.
(CBG)

Thursday 20th April Cliffe RSPB

Spent ten minutes at Cliffe this lunchtime ,a nightingale showed extremely well underneath the radar tower
(Charlie Vint)

Thursday 20th April Shorne Marshes RSPB & Thames Medway Canal

One Grasshopper Warbler at Shorne Marshes this morning, singing amongst scrub/long grass by the seawall at the northern end of the shooting butts.
Also 3 Cetti's warblers along the Thames-Medway Canal, 2 yellow wagtails over & a whimbrel.
(Gordon Allison RSPB)

Wednesday 19th April Cliffe RSPB

1 Common Swift and 8 Swallows around the flamingo pool and just past the Black Barn were 5 wheatears with the years 1st whinchat for me.
(Tom Cackett)

Tuesday 18th April New Hythe

2-Swift over Abbeymead Lake this morning at 10.30am was 8 days earlier than last year and the same date as 2004. Also good numbers of Bee Flies just north of Brook House.
(Terry Laws)

Monday 17th April Tudeley, Paddock Wood etc

In order to try out my new bike I thought I would follow up on the report of Iberian Chiffchaff at Tudeley. I was there within half an hour which wasn't too painful, after discovering that we had to go along the return loop of the white trail we eventually located the right area (thanks Andy). The bird soon starting singing and it was apparent that the bird was a Willow Warbler that at times thought it would like to be a Chiffchaff. The bare part colouration as well as long primary projection with the predominantly Willow Warbler like song suggest this species rather than Chiffchaff.
On the way back towards Capel there were 16 Yellowhammer and 4 Stock Dove in a field by Bouncers Bank. I decided to return home cross country and despite searching the skies constantly for birds of prey I could only muster a steady trickle of hirundines of the three commoner species. I arrived back home in Paddock Wood and whilst taking off my boots I looked up only to see a Red Kite lazily flapping by! The bird was untagged and started circling and gaining height before being lost behind houses at 18:15. Of interest I also had a male Blackcap in the postage stamp garden yesterday.
(Marcus Lawson)

Monday 17th April Cliffe RSPB

Quick 15 minutes to find 1 common Swift, 5 House Martins and 4 Swallows.
(Tom Cackett)

Monday 17th April Lower Halstow

A Red Kite flew across the creek at Lower Halstow yesterday morning, gained height and continued towards Chetney. It seems that a kite was seen in the Rainham/Gillingham area during the previous afternoon.
(Derek Tutt)

Monday 17th April New Hythe

Quick trip round saw a green sandpiper on the scrape (also present on Sunday evening) several reed buntings showing well. 2 lesser Back backed gulls seen landing near the scrape. On the main lake a Dabchick in full summer plumage looked very impressive. Not the first time I have seen the bird in the south west corner of the lake and perhaps there is pair. The visible bird was regularly returning to the tree in the margins and was heard calling.
(Matthew Bentall)

Monday 17th April Cliffe RSPB

A visit to Cliffe yesterday failed to find the red-necked grebe but there was a nice greenshank; half a dozen sedge warblers singing & displaying vociferously; several blackcaps and avocets; a wheatear in the ploughed field near the church and a nightingale singing in bushes by the north quarry. Also a peacock butterfly - my first of the year although I did see a comma at Stodmarsh several weeks ago.
(Gwyneth Taylor)

Monday 17th April Haysden & Hawden

52 species noted prior to 8.15am at Haysden including my first six Whitethroats of the year and a drake Mandarin. Also three Willow Warblers and lots of Blackcaps, but there appear to be less Chiffchaffs around today. A single drake Pochard on Hawden but no hirundines seen today. I also missed Mute Swan (I have no idea how, this must be a first) and didn't see Goldcrest or Jackdaw which really aren't very difficult normally.
(Andrew Appleton)

Monday 17th April New Hythe

Out between 06.20 and 08.20 this morning. 8 - 9 Nightingale, 6+ Whitethroat, Green Sandpiper on the scrape and the solitary Reed Warbler still singing nearby. One Cuckoo singing on wires over the sunken marsh at the north end of Abbey Mead Lake with 1/2 Sedge Warbler in reedbed below.

Generally pretty quiet despite it being a bright and clear morning. No hirundines seen at all. What has been noticeable however over the last week is the huge number of Blackcaps around the area.
(Steve Nunn)

Monday 17th April Riverside Country Park

At 0700 this morning two nightingales were singing in competition. One at the Copperhouse Lane end of the Meadows was quite obliging and offered several clear but fleeting views. Plenty of Common Whitethroats but no Lesser Whitethroats so far. Blackcaps too. Good views of Chiffchaff but strangely non singing in the Meadows. Several swallows passing.

A Willow Warbler sang for a short while, but I don't think it will be a stayer. They usually just pass through and are more commonly seen and heard at Motney rather than at Riverside. Very few waders seen but then again the tide was pretty well completely out.
(Bill)

Sunday 16th April New Hythe

Nightingale made my 100th species recorded this year and Cuckoo the 100th species seen for the area. Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler only heard making a total of 102 so far. 2-Harrier sp drifted through around 1pm, one heading south and one heading west, 2-Wheatear in the open area north of Brooke House to note.
(Terry Laws)

Sunday 16th April New Hythe

Out between 06.30 and 08.15 this morning, Whitethroat have now arrived in earnest with 8 seen on my walk this morning, also at least 8 Nightingale singing, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Swallow. A Green Sandpiper still on the scrape but best bird of the morning was a female Wheatear as I walked across the open area.
(Steve Nunn)

Sunday 16th April Swanscombe

4 Cettis, 4 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wags, 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler plus a few Blackcaps, Willows and Chiffs.
(Dave Miller)

Saturday 15th April Swanley

A pair of Garganey (amazing record! - Andy) on Swanley Park boating lake on the afternoon of Saturday 15th April. Birds were very nervous, taking to the air frequently but returning to "quieter" parts of the lake until they eventually flew off.
(Jim Spooner)

Saturday 15th April New Hythe

06.30 - 08.00 today. From the Brook House entrance to the open area there were 5 singing Nightingale. Walking diagonally across the open area there were two newly arrived Whitethroat singing and a further Nightingale near the railway track as well as 2+ Cuckoo singing.

I walked towards the scrape passing a Reed Warbler singing from the small reed bed on on around the scrape which held a Green Sandpiper, flushing a Skylark as I went. Two more Nightngales were singing near the scrape and two further Whitethroat in the scrubby areas near Tesco Lake.
(Steve Nunn)

Friday 14th April Mote Park, Maidstone

A 2 hour walk round Mote Park this morning (08:30 - 10:30), entered through Park & Ride entrance, 1 singing Coal Tit, + Green Woodpecker calling from Jenner's Bank to the right and Jay and Blackcap to the left.

Walked round the back of Mote House, (feral pigeon on roof), coming across a very vocal Blackcap hidden in the bushes to the left. Down the bank and at the river a male Kingfisher decided to stop and preen itself by the 'NO FISHING' sign, Treecreepers and Grey Herons were active.

Walked along the path towards the bridge, Moorhen and 1 Water Rail in boggy area to the right. A female Kingfisher perched on a branch overhanging the water, on the left. Left side of river quiet, but Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Starling quarrelling to the right. Pheasant also calling along with Lesser and Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Nuthatch. Several Chiff Chaff singing. Up the bank, nothing on or over rough grass but singing Goldfinch in trees to the right.

Across the Weir a pair of Coot and Mute Swan to the right and a lake scan to the left produced a pair of Canada Geese, several Mallard, Tufted Duck and Coot, 4 Cormorants and 30+ Black-headed Gull. Over the grass in front were several Swallow.

Turned left, walking along the side of the lake, coming across several Blackcap and Chiff Chaff, + in the reeds and bramble bushes 2 male Reed Buntings. Coming out and towards the bench another lake scan, this time over towards the car park producing more Black-headed Gull, a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, roughly 20 Pochard were under willows by sailing club's boat ramps, on ramps were two more pairs of Canada Geese + 4 domestic geese and the usual Mallard and Coot, + it was nice to see a pair of Great Crested Grebe displaying as well.

More Swallow + the odd Sand Martin all feasting on the everlasting supply of mosquitos. Down towards the waterfall, coming across Blackcap, Chiff Chafff and Willow Warbler. Nothing on the pond opposite. Up towards Ashford Road entrance and entering the woods to the right, singing Chiff Chaff and several tit flocks were noted. (Throughout the Park were Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greefinch, Magpie.) In the end a thoroughly enjoyable morning at my local patch.
(Simon Ginnaw)

Friday 14th April New Hythe

A visit between 06.10 and 08.00 this morning. Again parked at Brook House, 2/3 Nightingales sang on the small peninsula as you turn left just inside the gate. My first Whitethroat of the year was near the footbridge over towards the scrape and a Treecreeper was seen in a tree close by. A Green Sandpiper on the scrape, a Swallow over (the only Hirundine of the morning) and a distant Cuckoo along the Mill Stream. No sign of the Long Tailed Duck on either Brooklands Lake or Abbey Mead but 2 Sedge Warbler singing in the sunken marsh by the Medway.
(Steve Nunn)

Friday 14th April New Hythe

A grasshopper warbler today reeling and showing well at 2.10 on brambles in front of silver birch trees between the mill stream bridge and the wader scrape.
(Dave Rose & Clive Shea)

Thursday 13th April New Hythe

Out between 06.30 -07.30 this morning - birding a bit hampered by a 4 year old in tow. Parked by the Water Works entrance where two Nightingales sang from bushes by the gate. Crossed the bridge and walked around the open area where I added 2 Cuckoo and a female Sparrowhawk and 1 Cettis Warbler. Moral of the day was get up earlier and escape before the kids wake up!
(Steve Nunn)

Wednesday 12th April New Hythe

Making the most of a week off work so out from 06.30-08.30 this morning.  Again parked at Brook House entrance where 2 Nightingales were singing just inside the gate as I reached the open area at the top of the path a pair of Sparrowhawks were displaying.

Walking towards the scrape the Reed Warbler was still singing as was the Garden Warbler I heard yeaterday. A Water Rail called  as I walked down the Mill stream path and I heard two more Nightingale.

There was a huge flock of Sand Martins and Swallow (several hundred) over  Brooklands Lake - and the Long Tailed Duck was still present.

I decided to take  a different route around Abbey Mead going along the railway line instead of the Medway (due to a dog walker who'd brought her dogs out early to shout at them) I was glad I made the detour as a superb Peregrine dashed across in front of me and across the lake. Like Martin yesterday I was also able to add House Martin with several flying high above the sand Martin flock.
(Steve Nunn)

Tuesday 11th April New Hythe

Another  White  Wagtail  at  Hawden  today, and a Green Sandpiper was still present. 50+ hirundines were mainly Swallows but there were at least half a dozen each of House Martins and Sand Martins.  There were also a few Lesser Black-backed  Gulls around at the back of the lake and one Green Woodpecker in the same field of view as the White Wagtail.
(Andrew Appleton)

Tuesday 11th April New Hythe & Holborough Marshes

A couple of hours at New Hythe this morning. Four Nightingales singing between the Brook House entrance and the Millstream, my first Garden Warbler of the year singing at the end of the Millstream path, my first Common Sandpiper of the year on the Scrape and a Treecreeper along the Millstream were the best birds of the day.

One Reed Warbler singing but I still haven't found a Whitethroat which seem very late for this site.

The long staying Long Tailed Duck was still on Brooklands and at least 5 Cettis were singing as well as many of the other commoner migrants. A quick stop in at Holborough Marshes where there were 3 further Cettis and a male Bullfinch.
(Steve Nunn)

Monday 10th April Haysden

A Wheatear in the snow along Lower Haysden Lane this morning, a male Reed Bunting and a couple of singing Willow Warblers and one Chiffchaff were noted in a brief visit today.
(Andrew Appleton)

Monday 10th April New Hythe

Plenty of snow on the North Downs but none at all round the lakes for Flossie's walk. A cracking male Redstart, reported yesterday by Steve, was still there and also a male Wheatear by the round pond. Heard Reed Warblers in the S.E. corner of the Sewage works lake but no Nightingale. Caught up with House Martin at last to bring the year list to 92.
(Martin Warburton)

Sunday 9th April New Hythe

Out from 06.30 to 9.30 today.

Parked at the Brook House entrance to New Hythe on a very bright and still morning.

As with yesterday there were large numbers of Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing. As I walked up the path to the open area I had the two Nightingales singing and showing well in bushes on the left hand side of the path. I then walked down the middle of the open area and turned left where a Reed Warbler was singing in the reed bed.

I checked the scrape which held a Green Sandpiper and walked on down the millstream where there was a further Nightingale singing as well as two Cettis Warbler and a Water Rail.

Through the Brooklands Lake car park and around Brooklands Lake where the long staying Long Tailed Duck was again showing very well. I walked around Abbey Mead pit where I saw my first Hirundines - scores of Sand Martin and Swallow. I crossed the railway track and walked diagonally back across the open area where my best bird of the day, a male Redstart flew across my path and landed in a bush. It then quickly disappered into the thick bushes.

I then drove round to Holborough Marshes where the flooded meadow looks excellent but surprisingly held little. I saw my first Sedge Warbler of the year, a further 3 Cettis and another Green Sandpiper and Redshank on the Medway.
(Steve Nunn)

Saturday/Sunday 8/9th April Cliffe Pools RSPB

Having been absent for about 10 days, the advent of the WeBS count seemed an ideal opportunity to catch up with some spring migrants.

Swallow, House and Sand Martin were already ticked off whilst parking the car and as I walked through to the Reserve I counted three Blackcaps singing, a species that, unusually, I had not recorded during the winter. Several Chiffchaffs, another winter absentee, were seen as I walked along the Creek Road, as was another bird with suspiciously pale legs. Just before I got to the causeway I heard a snatch of Willow Warbler song and glimpsed the bird as it made its way along the hedgerow. If one does not include the apparent hybrid bird that was giving a mixed song near, the now destroyed, Allen's Hill Pond last year, this is the first spring Willow Warbler I have noted at Cliffe for several years. Yet another lost breeding species for the area.

I had already been told of a singing Nightingale along the Creek Road and sure enough there it was. Often newly arrived Nightingales can be very showy, but not this bird, as it sang totally concealed, from a bramble patch not four feet away from my prying eyes.

The Red-necked Grebe was showing some of its summer finery with a partially red neck, glossy black cap and white cheeks. It appeared to have an abnormal growth around the base of its bill so perhaps all is not well with this bird.

The wader roost had already gathered and I counted 207 Dunlin, 476 Black-tailed Godwits, two Grey Plover and 109 Redshanks including the leucistic bird which has returned for its 10 spring. I have never seen a colour ringed godwit on spring passage and so, because I could not see the rest of its legs, it was with some frustration that I noted one with a red ring on its left tibia. Even when it flew up briefly all I could see was a glimpse of orange, still maybe I will see it another day. The walk down the gully was uneventful although it was with some concern that I noted that the sheep were grazing the area even shorter.

As I neared the Black Barn Pools I flushed four Pied Wagtails one of which looked suspiciously pale, however, anything more than a cursory glance revealed a dark rump and too dark flanks, so rather than being an alba Pied Wagtail it proved to be at best an intergrade or more likely just a pale British bird.

I flushed a single Corn Bunting and the wintering Greenshank on the way down to the gate. There were still 41 Teal and a couple of Pintail in the area but Coot and Little Grebe numbers were down as birds moved to their breeding areas on the fleets and ditches.

A relatively quiet count with no distractions from quad and motor bikes, thanks to the very effective new fencing installed by the RSPB, but seven Cliffe year ticks, which took my Cliffe year list to 113, were gratefully received and made the day worthwhile.
(Paul Larkin)

Saturday 8th April Swanscombe

A fine male Redstart at Swanscombe today, in the scrub near the concrete pier, where there is a gap in the river wall. Also two female Wheatears in the same area.
(Dave Miller)

Saturday 8 April Haysden/Tonbridge

Starting just before 6am I walked from Haysden to Tonbridge Park where a Little Egret flew east and where my first two Willow Warblers of the morning gave a half-hearted attempt to sing.

At Hawden a single Green Sandpiper, six Tufted Ducks and a couple of Green Woodpeckers were the only birds of note. It then began to get darker so I started my return walk towards Haysden. Another Willow Warbler or two were seen and heard, several Chiffchaff were around and my first female Blackcap of the year was seen. A small number of singing male Blackcaps are now and on arrival at Haysden there were at least one each of Sand Martin and House Martin with a about 30 Swallows. However it was now just after 8am and it was pouring with rain so I opted to call it a day without my planned trundle round Haysden Lake.

A family trip to Norfolk to see my second Killdeer in as many years in the afternoon was my first trip this far away from the patch this year.
(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 8th April New Hythe

Out from dawn to 9am this morning. Cold and windy with intermitant rain until 8am. Large numbers of Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs singing. 200+ Sand Martin, 10+ Swallow, one Reed Warbler singing but keeping very low.

Long tailed Duck showed very well on Brooklands Lake and is now looking very smart. Several Kingfisher and 4-5 Cettis singing around the area.
(Steve Nunn)

Friday 7th April Haysden

A quick walk around Haysden this evening produced my first Mandarin of the year - a pair in the fields behind the main lake and at last my first Blackcaps of the year bringing my Haysden 2006 year list up to a modest 83 species.

A single female Yellowhammer was noted plus one Willow Warbler and several Chiffchaff. 15 Swallows were over the main lake.
(Andrew Appleton)

Friday 7th April East Barming

Two Hawfinches (1x male, 1x female) seen briefly at 08:20, feeding in the field maple on the east side of the playing field. First time the female has ben seen in over a week. 5x GBB gulls in ploughed field adjacent to A26, 2 large flocks of linnet/goldfinch in orchards east of South Street and Chiffchaff singing in trees opposite Church House.
(Adam Whitehouse)

Thursday 6th April New Hythe

A Red Kite through this morning at about 10am was a long awaited patch tick. The 6th species of raptor this week and number 95 on the year list.
(Terry Laws)

Thursday 6th April Vinters Valley Park Nature reserve

I enjoyed a leisurely 2 hour walk around Vinters Valley Park Nature reserve today starting at 11.30. I noted the following birds. Nothing too dramatic but very pleasant.
Canada goose (8), mallard (4), a pair of sparrowhawk, a nesting pair of coot, a sole moorhen, 1 stock dove, numerous woodpigeon, a kingfisher, 2 green woodpecker, 15+ wren (mainly heard), 10+ dunnock (mainly heard), 20+robin (mainly heard), 3 song thrush, 1 mistle thrush, 5 blackbird, at least 10 singing blackcap and at least 8 singing chiffchaff, 40+ great tit, 20+ blue tit, a pair of nuthatch, a number of magpie, 3 jay, many carrion crow and 7 jackdaw, a few starling, 8 goldfinch and a pair of bullfinch.
27 species but surprisingly no great spotted woodpecker, chaffinch, greenfinch or tree creeper. The latter are now very scarce at this location.
(Bill Stoneham)

Tuesday 4th April Greenhithe/Swanscombe

Water Pipit in summer plumage - very nice. On the old pier between Ingress Park and Swanscombe this evening.
(Dave Miller)

Tuesday 4th April New Hythe

An hour's visit between 5 and 6pm. Little Ringed Plover on the Scrape along with well in excess of 100 Sand Martin and several Swallow wheeling around. As I walked a circuit of the pits I heard 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler and 4 Blackcaps singing as well as 4 Cettis calling. 2 Kingfisher called as they darted across Brooklands Lake and several Water Rail screamed from the reedbeds. As I walked back to the Ham Hill Water treatment works where I'd parked a Sparrowhawk was circling high and being mobbed by crows.
(Steve Nunn)

Monday 3rd April New Hythe

Visited the country park between 1 and 5 pm this afternoon. The smaller bird species seemed to be most avtive in the south eastern corner of the main lake in the shelter of the houses, with sedge warblers, wren, song thrush, several robins and a pair of long tailed tits collecting nesting material.

A cettis warbler could be heard in the same corner and a reed bunting showed well. Also on the main lake behind the island (again on the eastern side of the lake) a Slavonian grebe was seen drifting round. Two pairs of Great Crested Grebes also present and a rather scruffy looking single bird. The heron was very active and even called at times, as it was seen in the air every hlaf hour or so.

Kingfisher was spotted on eastern bank of the lake (flying) On the northern bank a Skylark was calling but strangely not visible.
(Matthew Bentall)

Monday 3rd April Hawden

One Green Sandpiper at Hawden at lunch-time today, plus a single singing Chiffchaff and a drake Pochard. A Coal Tit was calling from trees at the Powder Mills but didn't show.
(Andrew Appleton)

Sunday 2nd April East Barming

Only a single male Hawfinch this morning (08:40), sitting high up on a tree on the west side of the playing field - disturbed by a male Sparrowhawk and flew west into the tallest tree in St Margaret's Churchyard. 70+ Herring Gulls west over the ploughed field next to the A26 were joined by 4 very noisy Jackdaws and a LBB gull. Kingfisher seen trying to fish unsuccessfully on south bank of the flooded River Medway at Barming Bridge later in the afternoon.
(Adam Whitehouse)

Sunday 2nd April Tonbridge Park, Hawden & Haysden

16 Linnet were in Tonbridge Park and a Willow Warbler was in the wood between here at Hawden but I have yet to see a Blackcap in the area this year. Four Yellowhammers were seen in flight near the flood barrier, courtesy of another Sparrowhawk, but no winter thrushes seen in the area this evening.
At Haysden there was a single Sand Martin, 3 Swallows and 3 House Martins. 12+ Chiffchaff in the area this evening.
(Andrew Appleton)

Sunday 2nd April Greenhithe & South Darenth

A quick tour of sites in the Dartford area 'wot can be viewed from the car whilst the Bairn sleeps in the back' produced a summer plumaged Barwit on the Thames foreshore across the river from Greenhithe. Also present were 23 Curlew, a Little Egret, a Blackwit and 100+ Redshank.

Most of the adult LBB & Common Gulls have moved on with less than double figures of each. A few more GBBs and Herring have replaced them and they are all immatures. 52 Teal also still present.
Only other record worth a mention was 4 Sand Martin over the lakes at South Darenth.
(Andrew Lawson)

Saturday 1st April Hayesden

A total of 50 species recorded at Haysden this evening with several glaring omissions including House Sparrow. Best bird this evening was a single White Wagtail feeding along the edge of Hawden.

On the flat grass behind there were 28 Pied Wagtails which were being harassed by a very showy Sparrowhawk.

Whilst watching the White Wagtail my first Redshank for the year walked into view from behind the island and there were two Green Sandpiper a few feet beyond that.

There was one drake Pochard but no Wigeon seen by me today. A Grey Partridge was seen nearby today but again sadly not by me!
(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 1st April New Hythe

This morning a walk round part of the complex produced singing - 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and 1 Cetti. Also 10/12 Sand Martin over Abbeymead and the LT Duck still on Brooklands.

(Michael Tuckey)

Saturday 1st April New Hythe

Very cold at first light this morning with a persistent wind. Good numbers of Chiffchaff singing, 3+ Willow Warbler, 1 Swallow over Abbey Mead, c50 Sand Martin over Alders Lake. A single Siskin in Alders around Tesco Lake and a Green  Sandpiper on the scrape.

(Steve Nunn)

Saturday 1st April Bough Beech

A quick stop at Bough Beech on our way back from Dunge/East Sussex produced one each of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Brambling & Nuthatch.

(Richard Bonser, James Hunter & Andrew Lawson)