January 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 Tonbridge (roughly...) then I would be delighted to hear from you.

Please note that some sightings are submitted (or posted, sorry!) a day or two later so please page down a little to see what else has been added.....

Tuesday 31st January New Hythe

Black-necked grebe still down at Leybourne/New Hythe this afternoon. It was on the lake between Lunsford Lane and the A228 (Lunsford Lake?), and spent most of the time between the island and the A228 lorry lay-by. Also a lovely pair of Goldeneye - drake looked superb.  No sign of any redhead Smew on motorway lake though. 

(Adam Whitehouse)

Monday 30th January New Hythe

After 40+ years of ornithological persuit, today I recorded my first sight of a Bittern! So if any of you are struggling with a particular species, don`t give up. In addition at New Hythe this morning L.T.Duck, Goosander (f), Kingfisher, Black Necked Grebe (Leybourne), Goldeneye (M+F) (Leybourne), 20+ Siskin,
Common Sandpiper, Cettis Warbler Plus signs of spring. At least one pair of herons actively repairing nests (Aylesford side of Medway) and a song thrush ``giving it his all`` in full song.
(Stephen Lea)

Sunday 29th January South Medway

09.00 - 10.15 (rising tide)
Whimbrel 1 (Lower Halstow near the wharf, feeding on rocks), Pintail 551 (70 LH, 481 Bedlams Bottom) Avocet 576 (176 LH, 400 BB), Bewicks Swan 6 (5 ad, i juv - BB), R/B Merganser 2 (BB), also 2 Little Egrets.

(Murray Orchard)

Sunday 29th January Brasted area

Nothing to compare with what can be seen on the coast, but notable for my area:
French Street. Still good numbers of finches around sunflower game crop. 100-200 bramblings. 50 Chaffinch. 50-100 linnets. 10 + reed buntings.
River Darenth 100 siskins, 3-4 redpolls, little egret.
North Downs. 42 golden plover, field south of Pilgrims Way, 50-70 lapwings,
27 common gulls, 50 black headed.
Meadow between Brasted Church and M25 75 fieldfares.
(David Rumsey)

Sunday 29th January Swanscombe Marshes

A fine sunny day; what better way to spend it than amongst the foreshore rubbish at Swanscombe marshes. As has become a feature of the last ten years or so Swanscombe Marshes has become a reliable and predictable site 'usually' for seeing Water Pipit and Jack Snipe.
Walking in from Greenhithe village along the foreshore footpath past Ingress Abbey and the housing development takes you past fragmented marshland and adjacent to the sea wall a small area of saltmarsh that regularly hosts wintering Water and Scandinavian Rock Pipits, the latter readily identifiable in late winter/early spring.
Almost immediately a Pipit flew alongside the river wall and landed nearby. A Rock Pipit followed shortly after by a Water Pipit feeding side by side amongst the tideline waste. Attempts to photograph these birds are often hampered by the impending tide and today was no exception as I found myself kneeling in the approaching River Thames and it's tideline rubbish. Fortunately no discarded objects got attached or stuck to the tripod legs!!!
In this area I managed to locate 7 Rock Pipit and 2 Water Pipit accompanying a Grey Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.
Overhead 7 Grey Plover flew over, whilst further on towards the small boat club there was another Water Pipit, 4 more Rock Pipit, a Jack Snipe, 17 Gadwall, 33 Teal, a Little Egret and 7 Turnstone called as they coasted past me.
A scan through the Gulls revealed nothing unusual though a pair of Stonechats were evidently inquisitive and followed ,me along the 'beach'
Later on a group of 9 Black tailed Godwit fed on the shore as the tide dropped and another Jack Snipe was found nearby.
An enjoyable 4 hours with some great birds and only the motorbikes tearing up and down the track to contend with, another excellent days birding at Swanscombe with it's usual audible backdrop.
(Barry Wright)

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Sunday 29th January New Hythe, Darent Valley & Dartford Marshes

I had been granted a three hour pass by the 'Admiralty' for good behaviour and I was soon sailing down the M20 towards New Hythe. Ideally I would want to be here early before the fishermen had taken up positions around Brooklands lake and as I walked out to the lake I could see that all the duck had already been flushed. There was also a fisherman in a boat and he flushed a Bittern which quickly flew East before diving into the reeds on the bank of the Medway before the gulls could give it too much grief. I quickly walked south along the edge of Brooklands and I was soon at Abbey Meads lake. All the ducks were here and I immediately had great views of a female Goosander which was actively fishing. The Long Tailed Duck was located amongst the 150 or so Pochard as was the Ferruginous Duck. Also present were 15 Shelduck, 50 Tufties, 25 Gadwall & 38 Shoveler. I stopped to watch a pair of close jays on the way back to the car park.
The Lunsford Lane pit held the wintering Black Necked Grebe as well as drake and hen goldeneye.
My next port of call was Darent Valley cressbeds which are accessed via the footpath adjacent to the community centre in Sutton-at-Hone on the A225. It was lovely and quiet here and I quickly found one of the wintering Green Sandpipers feeding on one of the cressbeds. This spot is also good for seeing wintering finches and some patient scanning of the many alders rewarded me with a mixed group silently feeding. Numbers were difficult to ascertain as the birds were widely scattered throughout the trees and some parties of birds came and went. I would estimate the following numbers: 10 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Common Redpoll, 50 Goldfinches, 30 Siskin and a few Chaffinches. I checked the main fishing lakes and found one Kingfisher sat in its regular spot in the willows on one of the islands. 2 Parakeets flew over.
I checked the 'New Diggings' at Dartford and found that the Wigeon flock has increased to 22 birds; a good record away from the Thames. Amongst the 1000 Black Headed Gulls were 200 Common and token LBB, Herring and GBB.
(Andrew Lawson)

Saturday 28th January Dartford

Working from home when my garden went very quiet about 1pm. I saw slight movement in one of the trees behind my shed and there was a female sparrowhawk plucking what looked like a blue tit. It took her about 15 minutes so I got very good views of her. She had lots of white blotches on her back so I assume possibly a juvenile. She disappeared as quick as she came then about an hour later, her or another one circled the gardens and put everything up in panic.
(Leon Nicholson)

Saturday 28th January Funton Creek & Lower Halstow

Morning spent tiring out the kids bought me an hour with them asleep in the back of the car, so I headed towards Bedlams Bottom/Funton Creek so I could scan the area from the lay-bys. The tide was way out but still large numbers of Avocet and Wigeon to be seen along with, 10 or so Brent Geese, a few Pintail and a good mixture of common waders. Driving along towards Lower Halstow the fields around the Funton brick works (Ibstock) were full of Golden Plover (I estimate in excess of 1000) some very close to the road giving cracking views. Mixed in with them were good numbers of Curlew and Lapwing. Onto Motney Hill there were wheeling flocks of Knot and 3 Marsh Harriers across from Bartlett Creek.
(Steve Nunn)

Friday 27th January Allhallows sea front

10.30 to 12.30 hrs. 8/8 cloud, mainly dull & very cold, ne 2, 2 oC. at 10.00 hrs. HT. 10.30 hrs. Snow showers late pm.
We sat on the beach for two hours, cold enough for us. I probably would have perished in yesterday's ne 4 - 5.
Little Grebe - 3 chalet pond. Red Throated Diver - 107 w. in 7 flocks, inc. 28 & 26. Singles & small groups flying e. were not counted to avoid possible duplication. All arrived from the estuary where there are thousands overwintering. They soon landed on the river just to the west, & east of Canvey. Brent Goose - 159 w. in 6 flocks. Smaller flocks of 10,11 & 10 were high in sky & were probable migrants. Shelduck - 14 w. Scoter - 27 w. in flocks of 2 & 25. Moorhen - 9 chalet pond. Knot - 300 w. Bar Tailed Godwit - 4 from e. Med. Gull - 1 FW. at sea front. That was all we could manage, ......... br..rr..rrr.
(Trevor Bowley)

Friday 27th January East Barming

To add to the disturbance at East Barming Parish Playing Fields a team of tree surgeons arrived at 08:30 this morning to lift, lop or maybe cut down the trees on both sides of the park. Only 5 greenfinches, and a cormorant flying high North were seen this morning - no hawfinches.
(Adam Whitehouse)

Friday 27th January Vinters Park Nature Reserve

You might be interested to know that there are 2 over wintering male blackcaps on the nature reserve and a pure albino blackbird has been present for the whole of January. Actually, this bird was first seen in December. For the second winter running no water rail have been observed.
(Bill Stoneham)

Thursday 26th January New Hythe

A quick 45 minute dash around New Hythe this morning. There was a Bittern showing well sitting in the top of the reeds at the northern end of Abbey Mead lake. The Goosander was present again as were several Bullfinches, a Chiffchaff and a flock of 30 Goldfinches.
(Steve Nunn)

Thursday 26th January South Medway Estuary: Bloors Wharf

Decided to check out the roost on the saltings between Bloors Wharf and Horrid Hill before work. 168 Brent Geese and 345 Shelducks present, plus 28 Canada Geese. Duck included 117 Teal, 126 Shovelers, 88 Wigeon, 22 Pintails and a couple of dozen Mallards. Waders present included 74 Redshanks, 48 Lapwings, 36 Grey Plovers, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, eleven Turnstones and 235 Dunlin. A male Red-breasted Merganser was offshore. Back at Motney car park and another 270 Dunlin, 23 Ringed Plovers and 16 Redshanks were roosting at the old Dock with 86 Shelducks (including 17 on the old hulk 'Aberdeen'). Birds of the day were five Siskins by the car park, including a male in full song.
(Alan Curtis)

Wednesday 25th January New Hythe

During an hours visit this morning I found a red head Smew on the lake between the A228 and Lunsford Lane. Also a female Goldeneye there. Wandering around the lakes the female Goosander was on one of the Leybourne Country Park fishing lakes and I heard 2 Chiifchaff and saw several Bullfinches.
(Steve Nunn)

  
Wednesday 25th January South Medway Estuary: Motney Hill

A brief visit late afternoon on a rising tide. There were now five Goldeneyes in Bartlett Creek. Dunlin were everywhere, plus 850 Knot over on Bartlett Spit. A Shag was with Cormorants at Wallop Stone. Lower duck numbers, but counted 235 Teal plus 82 Shoveler in Rainham Creek. At least 190 Brent Geese were back on Bayford. A male Marsh Harrier flew over Half Acre onto Nor, where a female was already hunting. Many Gulls on the Estuary, including 160 Common Gulls on the Sewage Outfall, and a smart adult Mediterranean Gull flew over, out to Bishop Ooze where there were in excess of a thousand gulls present. All were put up by the Marsh Harriers heading off low east at dusk (to roost on Sheppey?). A male Sparrowhawk hunted the Sewage Works as several Pied Wagtails dropped in for the night. (Also Common Seal in Bartlett Creek). 

(Alan Curtis)

Tuesday 24th January South Medway Estuary: Lower Halstow & Copperhouse Marshes

A short visit to Lower Halstow before work. Ice on the saltings! 545 Brent Geese counted (boosted by the missing Bayford flock? - also no Spoonbills at Horsham again). Four Goldeneyes were in Milfordhope Creek and a Whimbrel was close by the causeway.
Nothing unusual on Copperhouse Marshes, but glorious viewing conditions in the late afternoon sun. Counted the Shelduck over as far as Nor (165), with four Goldeneyes out past Horrid Hill. 85 Brent Geese were also present. 30 Avocets were scattered along Gillingham Reach, and 400 Knot were at Ferol Peak. 185 Teal counted, but only 45 Pintail and 66 Wigeon along the same stretch. A Snipe was on the edge of the Sharp's Green car park at dusk and a couple of Rock Pipits were along the seawall.
(Alan Curtis)

Tuesday 24th January Dillywood Farm, Dillywood Lane, Rochester & Birling

I'd heard that a Waxwing had been seen near Dillywood Farm, Dillywood Lane. Rochester so I visited around 2pm today. There were huge mixed flocks of fieldfare/Redwing numbering at least 300 in the trees by the road and dropping down to feed on fallen apples in the orchard. These were joined by several hundred Starlings - the noise from this flock as they got periodically spooked up into the trees made the trip worthwhile despite not locating the Waxwing. With so many apples I would be surprised if it's moved on so the area is worth a visit. A Little Owl was sitting in a tree along Bull Road as I entered Birling on my way home.
(Steve Nunn)

Monday 23rd January Cliffe RSPB

There are certain species that have become very scarce at Cliffe over the last 2-3 years so I make special efforts to check for their presence. Two of these are Long-eared Owl and Woodcock. With this aim in mind I spent an hour or so after work walking round the Reserve. There used to be a winter roost of about 8 LEOs up until 3 years ago but the recent presence of Tawny Owls in the area and the removal of the roost site has resulted in there being no definite sightings since and the finding of 3 juvs in 2004, which may have come from elsewhere, has been the only indication of their possible presence. As I walked down past the Conoco Pools everything was strangely silent with not even the alarm calls of Blackbirds heard. A quick check of the Conoco Pools revealed the absence of any Goldeneye. Up to 13 have been there during the day so it seems that they are leaving for a roost site nearby as they often do in late winter. I resolved to find out where this is as counting them when they roost is the most accurate method of estimating numbers. As I walked past West Point not even the Tawnies were calling. Woodcock can often be seen flying out from this area to feed but not tonight. The flushing of several Wood Pigeons along the Creek Road caused a minor heart flutter but that's a hazard of creeping around in the dark! As I stood a the head of Cliffe Creek there was a continual movement of Lapwings overhead as evidenced by the distinctive sound of their wing beats. They leave the islands to feed in the adjacent fields. In the gloom I could see quite a sizable gull roost. A recent phenomenon this, and again, I made a mental note to bring my 'scope to check this out. The walk down the Dartford track was uneventful apart from being brown-trousered by some roosting Pheasants. As I returned to the Depot several Teal, recognised by their "plink" calls, and what I thought were Gadwall flew over towards the Pools. So no LEOs or Woodcock found during what was a strangely muted evening but worthwhile if only to soak up the atmosphere of the Marsh at night. Even negatives can be positive!

(CBG)

Monday 23rd January Vinters Valley Park Nature Reserve

The warden at Vinters Valley Park Nature Reserve said he disturbed a woodcock just before 9 O'clock this morning in Lower Fullingpits Wood. This is next to Maidstone Crematorium (western side).
(Bill Stoneham)

Monday 23rd January East Barming

Finally, at my 4th attempt, managed to see a female Hawfinch feeding with a flock of Greenfinches, in the tree with the "seed keys" at about 12.30 today.

(Pete Maton)

Monday 23rd January Motney Hill, South Medway Estuary

Able to squeeze in half-hour before work, with nine Red-breasted Mergansers and a Slavonian Grebe off the Point. Counted the Oystercatchers, only 78, mostly feeding over towards Ham Green. A flock of 1,150 Knot dropped in off Bartlett Spit. A Stonechat was in the Waterworks. The excavator over on Horsham Marsh was now working near the 'Spoonbill fleet', so all the duck were off the marsh with quite a few in the Creek (95 Teal, 160 Wigeon, 55 Brent Geese).
N.b. checked for the Spoonbills after work, but no joy.

(Alan Curtis)

Sunday 22nd January Cliffe RSPB

I had not been out for a few weeks so the fine weather coaxed me out for a long walk round the Reserve. I usually choose a calm day to walk along the top of the sea wall to check for Rock Pipits and, hopefully, for Snow Bunting. The walk round the wall revealed little, just one Rock Pipit where there has been half a dozen. This is not unusual as the wintering birds normally disappear in the new year to be replaced by
others in late February/early March. The only birds of note were eight Common Scoter that, unusually, appear to be wintering in this section of the Thames. Despite prolonged searching from various points there was no sign of the Whale seen from East Tilbury on Friday. The Stonechat pairs were in the usual places, with at least two pairs on the Reserve. Whilst on the second view point a flock of 31 Corn Buntings flew in, presumably to roost. With the day drawing to a pleasant, if uneventful, close my mood was shattered when I got to Allen's Pond, just under the Radar tower, where yet another little corner of Cliffe habitat was in the process of being destroyed apparently by the local Parish Council. For those who do not know this little enclosed pond held a colony of Great-crested Newts, a relict population of White-letter Hairstreak butterflies, 2 pairs of Turtle Doves and the last pair of Willow Warblers in the Cliffe area. It is also an excellent migrant trap. It therefore came as a shock to see that all this had been destroyed, the trees being cut down and the pond being cleared in order to make a picnic area for the locals. And to add insult to injury a notice posted there called it a conservation measure!
(CBG)

Sunday 22nd January Holly Hill, Paddlesworth Lakes & New Hythe

A few hours out and about with the following seen in a patch of game cover just above Holly Hill. Brambling 17, Coal Tit 1, Marsh Tit 1, Chaffinch 35 and 5 Reed Bunting.
At nearby Paddlesworth lakes, 24 Tufted Duck and 3 Great crested Grebe. This private fishing lake looks as though it has potential though I'm unaware of anyone that checks it. From the road there are a few gaps in the hedge that allows limited viewing.
Lastly, a quick dash around New Hythe with Black-necked Grebe, Ferruginous Duck, red head Smew and 10 Siskin, 7 feeding in the trees by the RSPCA centre.
(Barry Wright)

Sunday 22nd January Bough Beech

A trip to Bough Beech on Sunday afternoon produced two Brambling with good numbers of Goldfinches and Greenfinches in the Orchard near to the Oast House and there was also a single Marsh Tit and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers here. Back at the causeway there were 11 Mandarin on the main lake and good numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall. On the North Lake there was a single Kingfisher, 3 Grey Wagtails and 30+ Linnet. Best bird however was an adult winter Mediterranean Gull found amongst the large number of Black-headed and Common Gulls on the reservoir. This was the first Med Gull I had seen in West Kent.
(Andy Appleton)

Saturday 21st January Hawden & Haysden
The female Scaup still present at Hawden this afternoon together with 8 Pochard and 21 Wigeon. I then walked on to Haysden via Barden Lake - kingfishers at both these sites. Two Little Egrets were at Haysden in the evening and two Little Grebes also showed here briefly. Two Reed Buntings were flushed from the reed bed by dogs, there were several Fieldfare and Redwing around and several Siskins were heard but not
seen. A single Redpoll was however seen and there were 4 Rook in with a loose flock of Jackdaws and Carrion Crows. A Mink showed well in the River Medway feeding on a dead sheep.
(Andy Appleton)

Saturday 21st January Horsham Marshes, Newington Cressbeds, Funton Creek & Chetney Marshes

A late start on the North Kent marshes and first port of call, Horsham marshes in the hope of the Spoonbills. On arrival there were 7 Grey Heron standing on patrol by one of the ditches but very little else. A scan across towards Motney with the scope took in an immature Spoonbill flying through the field of view. The bird then proceeded to land in the ditch adjacent to the Herons and mostly out of view. The distant sound of Brent Geese alerted me to a flock of just seventeen birds on the marshes and unbelievably an adult Black Brant. I walked down the footpath onto the road and scanned the flock that was now not too distant. Superb views of the Black Brant chasing the other Brents whilst nearby 200+ Wigeon fed quietly and a Sparrowhawk flew overhead. The Geese took flight at 0955 as the shooting party advanced and it was therefore time for me to move on. Looking across the estuary from Twinney saltings, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Goldeneye and 2 little Egret were located whilst a ringtail Hen harrier flew across the marshes.
An exploratory visit to Newington Cress beds was bird free, and indeed Cress free!!! though looking at the area they may be staring it up again one day as the area has been levelled off and landscaped. This used to be an excellent site for Green Sandpiper and in harsh weather Jack Snipe.
Next stop Funton and Chetney, 190 Avocet, 330 Brent Geese , 6 Bewick's Swan , 700+ Pintail and a minimum of 1000 Golden Plover.
(Barry Wright)

Sunday 22nd January East Barming

The two resident male hawfinches were joined again today by four others. This time I managed to get a good look at the 'newcomers' - 2 males and 2 females. They flew in from the direction of the river and joined the males feasting on maple keys (2nd tree north of the fallen down fence on the east side of the playing fields-the only tree still heavy with 'keys') at 08:00. They moved on after 10 minutes, flying north and out of the park. For the 10 minutes the hawfinches were there, the same tree attracted a jay, 2x redwing, 3x fieldfare, 5+chaffinches, 10+greenfinches, 2x blue tit, a great tit, 5+ long-tailed tits, 2x blackbirds, a song thrush, 2x collared doves, a wood pigeon....oh, and a squirrel (which caused all the afore mentioned to leave!). Obviously the place to be!
A football match kicked off at 09:00 so I didn't bother to check the field again until the afternoon. This visit yielded just a single male Hawfinch in the same tree although it did make regular visits to one of the gardens backing onto the park (please respect residents privacy).
(Adam Whitehouse)

Sunday 22nd January New Hythe

red head Smew on the motorway lake, 1 female Goosander and Fudge Duck on Abbeymead to note. Not much else maybe due to man with a shot gun blasting away over the sunken marsh and along by the river. I had a tripod and he had a gun. Odds in his favour so I left him to it. I wonder what the legality of this behaviour is in this area. Every thing else goes so I guess this will too.
(Terry Laws)

Sunday 22nd January St. Mary's Island, South Medway Estuary

The kids wanted retail therapy so made a deal to walk around the Island before hitting the shops. Wasn't really worth the effort at the Basins, even though there is still a lot of open water - apart from two Little Grebes in no. 1 Basin, just Cormorants on show (though 29 roosting together on the disused crane by the shops was impressive.). Fared little better around Short Reach and Upnor Reach, just 27 Brent Geese and 38 Black-tailed Godwit (on the opposite shore by Cockham Fort).
(Alan Curtis)

Saturday 21st January Birling Churchyard & New Hythe

After just a snatched ten minutes in Birling Churchyard where I saw 2 Nuthatch singing and displaying as well as a few Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker I managed to get across to New Hythe for an hour 3.30 to 4.30. I immediately headed for the usual site of the Bittern roost only to find two anglers had set up immediately opposite and were casting continually towards the reed bed and loudly throwing in handfuls of bait. I decided there was probably no point in hanging around there. I headed towards Abbey Mead lake which had more ducks on than I had seen there in a long time. Amongst the flocks of Tufties, Pochard and Shoveler I picked up the Long Tailed Duck and the Female Goosander - both of which have been more regular on Brooklands Lake. I had a quick scan for the Ferruginous Duck but no sign and I didn't have enough time to hang around too long. On the way back along the Mill Stream I added a Chiffchaff, had good views of a female Sparrowhawk, 2 Water Rail showed well as did 2 Kingfisher and flyover flocks of 15 Fieldfare and c20 Lapwing.
(Steve Nunn)

Friday 20th January South Medway Estuary: Hamgreen Saltings & Horsham Marsh

Hamgreen Saltings - A brief scan just after the flats had covered produced fewer duck due to the choppier waters; five Red-breasted Merganser and a Goldeneye seen. Many waders trying to roost on Milfordhope marshes were disturbed by a couple of wildfowlers setting up, and it was interesting to note that the larger waders joined mixed flocks on Greenborough, but the smaller birds (Knot, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Turnstone) all headed off west (Nor perhaps?).
Horsham Marsh - The two Spoonbills were showing from the 'grit box' viewpoint. Some 290 Brent Geese were up towards Bayford, but flew down at dusk, with 375 Wigeon, to join the Spoonbills and 440 Shelducks on the nearest fleet.
(Alan Curtis)

Thursday 19th January East Barming

Single male Hawfinch was seen from my kitchen window (South Street) feeding on keys on ash/field maple tree on the east side of the playing fields. It seems to have favoured this tree for the last 3 days (between 08:00-08:30) and is feeding alone rather than with the greenfinch flock. I didn't get a chance to go for a walk over the park/churchyard this morning, so there could be more be more around. If viewing from the playing field car park then it's usually in the 2nd tree up (north) from the fallen down fence on the east side - it's the only one that still has lots of keys left on it. Please respect residents privacy and be aware that car park gate doesn't open until 8am. Football training/matches are now taking place most Saturday/Sunday mornings (09:00-13:00)so be aware of that if planning a visit. Only other birds of note (again from kitchen window!) are 200+ fieldfares & 50+ redwings feeding on the park and sitting in treetops. Also female sparrowhawk making everything take flight on a couple of occasions.
(Adam Whitehouse)

Thursday January 19th Southern Medway Estuary, Chetney marshes

No work today, so cycled to Bedlams Bottom for dawn, an hour before low tide, and headed out along the saxon shoreway. Care is needed, as you invariably flush birds off either the saltings, the fleets, or both (so I only walk it at low tide, as less chance of pushing birds over to the wildfowlers). Even a slow cautious approach sent most things scattering, but nice to hear the different wingbeats of Teal, Wigeon and Pintail as they shot overhead towards Funton. The small group of Bewick's Swans were still present (and didn't flush).. Most of the duck had settled on the water at Funton Reach, where I counted some 400 Teal, 350 Pintail and 800 Wigeon, with 258 Black-tailed Godwits and 240 Avocets for company. At Slaughterhouse Point on Stangate Creek another 750 Wigeon loafed with 250 Teal and 200 Pintail, plus four Red-breasted Mergansers, 17 Great Crested Grebes and 13 Little Grebes, which almost appeared to be fishing as a team. From the grain silos I managed nine Marsh Harriers in one sweep of the scope, including a female perched on open ground close in. Scary numbers of Canada Geese, more than 275 counted (no small ones), and, appropriately, a dozen snowy farmyard types were in with them. Back to real birds, with two Peregrines on the pylons, a Merlin on the seawall, and 900 Golden Plovers overhead.
(Alan Curtis)

Thursday January 19th Southern Medway Estuary, Ham Green

From Lower Halstow I cut onto Ham Green via Frog Farm, where several hundred Fieldfares and Redwings fed in the paddocks, and a Sparrowhawk passed overhead. I then took the saxon shoreway to Hamgreen saltings to scan the river. 38 Great Crested Grebes and three Red-breasted Mergansers were near Kingsnorth Jetty, and five Goldeneyes displayed in Milfordhope Creek. I also heard my first drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker for the year.
(Alan Curtis)

Thursday January 19th Southern Medway Estuary, Horsham Marsh

At Upchurch it is possible to view the marshes from the churchyard. Around 220 Brent Geese were feeding happily up towards Bayford marsh, and some 400 Wigeon were present. Eleven disgruntled Grey Herons stood in a row, watching a digger excavating a new fleet on the marsh (thumbs up to the farmer!) Leaving the village west towards Rainham I remembered there was another view point, by the yellow 'grit bin' on the hill - and from here saw both the juvenile and adult Spoonbills, though they were elusive.
(Alan Curtis)

Thursday January 19th Southern Medway Estuary, Motney Hill

Arriving at Motney I met another birder heading out to the Point, so I decided to check both Rainham and Otterham Creeks first, where I totalled 103 Avocets and 85 Black-tailed Godwits to add to his tallies of 396 and 111 respectively. Bartlett Creek also gave us eleven Red-breasted Mergansers and a pair of Goldeneyes, all of which drifted into South Yantlet Creek as the tide rose. I sat by the disused dock near the car park to catch the final waders feeding on the last open mud, and, while no means high numbers, enjoyed close views of about 70 Knot, 86 Ringed Plovers and 650 Dunlins, one of which looked quite strange, with pale white scapulas, tertials and ear coverts - very punk. Sung off site by a couple of Cetti's Warblers.
(Alan Curtis)

Thursday January 19th Canterbury Lane, Rainham

Did something different at the end of the day, with a stroll along Canterbury Lane to the east of Rainham. My first birding was around here some 20 years ago in a disused overgrown quarry, very like Berengrave. It's not there anymore - it became a landfill, and is now full and replanted, so I wanted to see what wildlife was there now. A lot of tree planting has gone on around the edge, which should be a half decent copse one day but is not yet pulling in many birds. Elsewhere old hedges still exist around the perimiter, and I could see several Chaffinches in a new hawthorn hedge disecting the site. The centre of the tip appears to be cut regularly (the methane flares look quite big and you wouldn't want a grass fire..) so is probably good for a few mipits and larks. As dusk approached a small numbers of Redwings dropped in to roost, and a half dozen Goldcrests were calling (I was really pleased to see a Firecrest with them). So, not as good as it was (yet), but at least the methane will stop it being developed in years to come - as everything seems to have around it. Twenty years ago to the west was a disused brickworks with a sand martin colony and scrubland (now houses), dense scrub was just north, with nesting nightingales (now factory units), and to the north and east mature orchards and hopfields, where I remember big flocks of finches and tree sparrows (now a bland golf course)..
(Alan Curtis)

Wednesday 18th January New Hythe

I had a hour to kill so wandered around New Hythe - I still need to pick up Bittern there this year so that was my target. I entered the new country park via the wind surfers entrance and almost immediately saw a female Stonechat sitting up in the scrub. It allowed me very close views. I then walked around the Kidney scrape and the adjacent pond. As I walked around the pond I flushed a Jack Snipe from under my feet - it rose quickly and landed about 12 feet away, I then flushed it a further three times as I walked around. Further round I saw a Common Snipe that allowed me good comaprisons with the Jack as well as a Meadow Pipit and some fly-over Redwing After checking for Bittern I continued to Abbey Mead lake and as I walked around the lake continually pushed a flock of 7 male Bullfinches ahead of me - a really stunning sight. I was now in a bit of a hurry but quickly found the Long Tailed Duck on Brooklands lake and was told that the Ferruginous Duck had just dived into the reeds. I then added a Water Rail along the Millstream path along with a flock of 20+ Goldfinches and a Chiffchaff 'flycatching' near the Windsurfers hut before leaving.
(Steve Nunn)

Wednesday 18th January Cultivated field to north of St. Mary's Tip.

We decided to check out the Brent at St. Mary's, due to improved conditions. We arrived at 10.30 hrs. & the Brent were within 100 metres of the two block houses, just to the north of the Tip, in the cultivated field. 1860 were counted twice, +/- those obscured in groups. Later 40 arrived in small group from the east.
In view of the fact that we found a Black Brant, we contacted DLD & JRS straight away. I compared notes over the mobile & there was general agreement over plumage & jizz. We found the Brant at 12.00 hrs. Many geese were at rest throughout & in these circumstances, many scans could be fruitless.
(Trevor Bowley)

Wednesday 18th January Horrid Hill

Was able to get to the tip of Horrid Hill just before high tide, to enjoy the show of thousands of waders roosting over on Nor marsh. Several times during the next ninety minutes large numbers of nervous Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover,Turnstone, Redshank, Lapwing and Curlew shot up into the air, wheeling and chasing around, before returning to the safety of the seawall. A wildfowler was idling about on Bishop Saltings, just behind Nor, but the only identified threat to the roost came from a hunting Merlin. Plenty of duck were swimming within the seawall, and I counted more Teal for the day - 285 in view, and there were at least four Red-breasted Mergansers present (with another three over at Copperas). A Slavonian Grebe was in Bartlett Creek. At dusk several small finch flocks dropped into the scrub at the Point, including 35 Linnets and a dozen Reed Buntings.

(Alan Curtis)

Wednesday 18th January Lower Halstow

Spent lunchtime watching the tide in over Twinney Saltings. Enjoyed working through the 420 Teal present, but nothing rare. Had half a dozen Goldeneye out towards Slaughterhouse Point, while a Slavonian Grebe just offshore from Great Barksore fields was a tad easier to view. Plenty of waders, but just counted the Ringed Plovers, with 86 pushed into Twinney on the tide. A scan of the saltings found two Hen Harriers, one on Slayhill and a second over Greenborough, where it flushed over a hundred Avocets from their rest. It did grab a small wader later, but then promptly dropped lunch back into the saltings. Other raptors included two Merlins (Milfordhope and in tandem with the Harrier over Slayhill) and a Marsh Harrier (over Chetney). 86 Brent Geese bathed close in by the Marina, and three Rock Pipits patrolled the wall.

(Alan Curtis)

Wednesday 18th January East Barming

Dropped in at Barming today from 09.45 - 10.00. 2 male Hawfinch seen on eastern side of field. Initially at bottom of the field before flying off towards the pavilion. They settled in a tree for about 30 seconds before dropping into an adjacent garden and disappeared from view. Very few other finches present but at least 150 fieldfare flying around the area with some landing in trees on the western side of the football pitch.

(Bill Stoneham)

Tuesday 17th January East Barming

An amazing Six (6) Hawfinches on East Barming playing fields at 08:45 this morning. Two males feeding separately in two field maples on the east side, and four others sitting together in the large silver birch by the pavilion. The four birds in the silver birch took flight very quickly as I approached them and flew in the direction of North Street/Barming Woods, showing the characteristic white/grey bars on the under wing. This is not the usual direction the birds that have been present since December take (they usually fly up and return to the west side trees or fly towards the church/River Medway). The two males in the field maples remained unphased and continued to feed until I left the park. I've never seen more than three birds in the park on one day so it was a real surprise to see these 'new' birds, especially as the hawfinches seem to have become quite elusive during the weekend. A female has appeared sporadically over the last 4 weeks but never seems to stay around long and as far I am aware has never been seen in the churchyard (has anyone else seen her there?). It could be possible there are two populations in the area - 2 males seen most frequently are from the continent maybe (1st sighting was on 3rd December with redwings) and the others (including female) are a resident population,perhaps living in Barming woods?
While I was thinking this all through at the north end of the park, a female sparrowhawk landed on one of the car park fence posts momentarily before taking off again in the direction of the river. What a lovely start to the day!
(Adam Whitehouse)

Monday 16th January Copperhouse, Gillingham Riverside CP

Able to get an hour in after work down at Gillingham Riverside CP, so chose to watch the tide drop off Copperhouse marshes (western end of the park). Tried to find a Med Gull, but no joy scanning through the 800 or so Black-headed Gulls loafing offshore. Two Red-breasted Mergansers were in really close by Cinque Port marshes, and a Slavonian Grebe was in Sharp's Green Bay. A Common Seal showed in Gillingham Reach (local dogwalkers say it is regular here). Walked back through Eastcourt Meadows at dusk, noting a Chiffchaff and about 60 Fieldfares.
(Alan Curtis)

Monday 16th January West Dartford

Had 3 ring necked parakeets fly over this morning, a 1st since working from home though I have seen them from home before.
(Leon Nicholson)

Sunday 15th January Holly Hill near Birling

I noticed a large finch flock feeding in a stubble field on Holly Hill whilst driving past on the 14th - returning on the 15th (without the kids in tow)
I scanned a flock which numbered 12+ Brambling, 20+ Chaffinch, 10+ Linnets, 20+ Reed Buntings, c50 Greenfinch.
(Steve Nunn)

Sunday 15th January Furnace Pond, Horsmonden & Pembury

Highlight was a stunning, bright male Mealy (Common) Redpoll at Furnace Pond, Horsmonden on Sunday pm. Also a probable female-type there but moved before I could nail it properly. Both were in a large mixed group of Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch at about TQ692409. Small flock of Brambling (10+) in orchard at TQ722417. Flock c.100 Linnets at TQ709439 and a few L. Redpoll there too. Usual group of c.6 Mandarin at W. end of small lake at Redwings Lane, Pembury.

Whole area is full of Fieldfares and Redwings -probably 2,500+ and 1,000+ respectively in Pembury/Brenchley/Horsmonden area at the moment.

(Mike Scott-Ham)

Sunday 15th January West Dartford

Whilst doing some gardening this afternoon the pigeons exploded once again from the trees, so I knew a hawk was around. When they never returned I saw movement in one of the conifers and when I got the bins out it looked like a male sparrowhawk in the gloom plucking something tiny. After a couple of minutes it flew off away from me so I still never got a good look.
(Leon Nicholson)

Sunday 15th January Chetney Marshes, Funton Creek & Lower Halstow

Following an excellent mornings birding on Sheppey I was keen to check a few sites nearby. The first port of call was Chetney and Funton where viewing from the road I was able to watch four Brambling, two of which were males sitting in a small tree alongside a mixed flock of 25+ Linnet and a few Greenfinch. Beyond these out on the marshes four adult and an immature Bewick's Swan were swimming on one of the lagoons. There were several Marsh Harriers quartering the marshes and a Merlin chasing the waders. Out in the deep water six Red-breasted Merganser swam alongside a large group of Shelduck whilst large flocks of waders including Dunlin and Grey Plover were flying around looking for small islands to settle on as high tide approached. With no Brent Geese to check through I drove off to Lower Halstow and walked out to the Estuary along the footpath. It was now high tide and a group of 100+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese were feeding near the river wall though nothing rarer amongst them. As expected the wintering Whimbrel was soon located on the near shore feeding amongst the rocky boulders with a few Turnstone. Further out six Goldeneye were seen and way off in the distance the usual huddled group of roughly 280+ Avocet. With time rapidly running out I walked back through the scrubby area quickly but located only a few Long-tailed Tits and Redwing. An excellent couple of hours following on from the raptor fest on Sheppey.
(Barry Wright)

Sunday 15th January French Street Nurseries & Valence Pond

2 Marsh Tits were seen at a feeder in French Street Nurseries. A single Little Egret was at Valence pond near Westerham golf course and the Brambling flock is down to about 100 birds.
(David Rumsey)

Sunday 15th January Haysden Country Park

A visit at dawn to check out the Scaup was a good idea as I woke it from the near edge of the lake where it showed very well with a few Pochard. The 3 Green Sandpipers were less eager to wake up with just occasional stretches from two of the birds while I was there. An afternoon visit to Hawden saw that the Scaup was still present along with 8 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck and 23 Wigeon. My first Meadow Pipit for the year (for the patch) flew north and 3 Stock Dove were also noted as I left - I was beginning to wonder if they had suddenly become extinct on 31 December. I didn't see the Hawfinch which I understand was at Barden just after I left (I decided not to walk round here due to the large number kids and dogs).
(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 14th January Haysden Country Park

380 Lapwing were in fields along Lower Haysden Lane this afternoon and a Grey Wagtail was at Haysden (often not seen until April). There were about 200 Tufted Ducks at Barden. Hawden stole the show again this week-end where I came across a female Scaup - although awake when I first came across it the bird promptly fell asleep and was still in this state when I left at 4.45pm. Also at Hawden 32 Wigeon, 5 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck and a single Little Egret flew west.
(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 14th January New Hythe

Flossie fancied a walk and I wanted to add to my New Hythe year list so we took each other round the lakes for a couple of hours. Since they moved out in  December I haven't seen either Redwing or Fieldfare, although singles have been  reported by others,so a flock of 25 flying over was a welcome sighting as was a single Redshank flying across the river. The Long Tailed Duck was still present on Brookland and I had my best view yet of the Feruginous Duck which flew across the lake directly towards me and landed in front of us. I had, of course, left my camera behind otherwise  could have obtained some frame-fillers. Walked back to Leybourne country park along the millstream path. No sign today of the Water rail which often show in the area to the left but small groups of Goldfinches were actve in vegetation at the side of the stream and the female Goosander was still on the pit by the sewage works. Failed to see the Stonechat which Terry Laws had the previous day near Tesco lake. New Hythe year list now 73.

(Martin Warburton)

Friday 13th January Haysden Country Park

Had a look for the BT Diver at dusk today on Hawden Lake in Tonbridge's Haysden CP with negative results. It was either lurking around the back of the island or has gone. Walking back to the car I was pleased to find 8 Bullfinches feeding in the same tree by the river - the biggest flock I've ever seen and 50+ Redwings in the field.

(John Reeves)

Friday 13th January East Barming

A quick 15 minute walk around playing fields and churchyard in poor light resulted in only 1 Hawfinch sighting - possible female high up in the largest tree in the churchyard.  None seen on playing fields for the first time since 23rd December. 

(Adam Whitehouse)

Thursday 12th January Motney Hill

Down for the last 90 minutes of daylight, with the tide already clear of the mudflats and dropping fast in the creeks. A couple of bait diggers had scared off most of the birds in the Bay, so concentrated on the Point.
Counts from the Rainham Fairway buoy (the red one west of the Point) to the entrance of Otterham Creek included 77 Black-tailed Godwits, 228 Avocets (another 34 on Bartlett Spit), 270 Lapwings, 65 Grey Plovers, 450 Knot and 258 Shelduck. Plenty of Gulls today, with 490 Black-headed Gulls along the water's edge, and another 600 out on the sewage outfall. During the final half-hour many of these birds dropped into the sewage works to bathe, when a Mediterranean Gull called overhead.
Bartlett Creek had four Red-breasted Megansers (with another two in Half Acre Creek), a half-dozen Great Crested Grebes, and two Slavonian Grebes. A Chiffchaff called from the Sewage Works where several Pied Wagtails dropped in at dusk, and by dark the scrub by the car park was full of calling Fieldfares.

(Alan Curtis)

Thursday 12th January East Barming

The 3 hawfinches are still present in Barming Parish Playing fields although more mobile than of late and they no longer seem to be associating so closely with the greenfinch flock. I saw 2 males and a female this morning at 08:45; 1 male in the north- west corner in tree in bordering the playground, 1 female in the large silver birch by the pavilion and another male in the north-east corner dropping to feed in one of the South Street gardens (respect residents privacy please). I also saw one of the males flying towards the churchyard yesterday, so anyone unlucky not to see them on the playing fields should also check the churchyard.

(Adam Whitehouse)

Thursday 12th January Snodland & New Hythe

Visited Snodland and New Hythe today from 12.30 - 14.30. Very quiet and none of the recent star attractions seen. Birds seen:
Little Grebe 2, GCG 8, Cormorant 13, Grey heron 1, Mute swan 4, Greylag goose 9, Canada goose 7, Shelduck 4, Gadwall 7, Mallard 9, Shoveler 30, Pochard c125, Tufted duck c150, Kestrel 3, Moorhen 17, Coot c150, Lapwing 87 (2 flocks seen), Black-headed gull c200, Lesser black-backed gull 2,
Woodpigeon 17, Kingfisher 1, Green woodpecker 1, Wren 3, Robin 3, Blackbird 17, Fieldfare1, Song thrush 2, Redwing1, Long-tailed tit 1, Blue tit 2, Great tit 10, Jay 3, Magpie 13, Carrion Crow 15, Chaffinch 1, Greenfinch 8, Goldfinch 26 (including small flock of 20), Lesser redpoll 5, Bullfinch 1 (Male), Total Species 39

(Bill Stoneham)

Wednesday 11th January Gore Farm, Upchurch
  
Decided to check out the reservoir on the farm which used to have a fair sized duck collection. Although there were still ten Black Swans and a braces of Shelduck and Barnacle Geese, the only ducks present were four Pochards. Perhaps something to do with the four straw bale blinds neatly positioned around the edge nowadays? Still, the public 'duck' feeding area is still there - during my visit three little children plus grandparents really enjoying feeding the Guineafowl and Peacocks (and the chickens - no bird flu fears here yet!).
Just beyond the reservoir 53 Moorhens fed together in a soggy paddock, while the higher fields held at least 650 Fieldfares and 100 Redwings - all gleaming in the afternoon sun. A pair of Little Owls were out on the fence, dropping down among the rabbits to impersonate their American burrowing cousins. A Tawny Owl was also seen, in the Holly Tree just before the farm, where it was being mobbed incessantly by, among others, a pair of Jays. Add in three Great Spotted Woodpeckers and two Green Woodpeckers, and you have a splendid half hour's birding.

(Alan Curtis)
  
  

Wednesday 11th January Cliffe RSPB

Decided to have a ride out to Cliffe this lunchtime. On the pool below where the old tank farm was, were approx 8 Goldeneye; 6 ducks and two drakes.
(Charlie Vint)

Wednesday 11th January East Barming

Visited Barming today from about 10.50 to 12.00. On arrival at the parish playing field there were some 75 redwing and about 8 fieldfares in the trees and a large finch flock feeding on leaf mould in the SE corner of the field. My arrival caused most birds to fly off. The finch flock comprised mainly greenfinches with a few chaffinches. After a short lull,
many fiches returned and went to the trees on both sides of the football pitch. Eventually 2 hawfinches were located in the SE corner and watched for about 2 minutes before flying off towards the Medway. I would estimate the following birds in the area of the football pitch and the adjacent fields: Fieldfare 75, Redwing 100, Greenfinch 20, Chaffinch12, Hawfinch 2
Green woodpecker 1, Meadow Pipit 2.
I visited the church yard, which, apart from 1 song thrush, was deserted.
(Bill Stoneham)

Tuesday 10th January Lower Rainham
  
Had to go from Twydall to Rainham in the afternoon, so went via the Estuary, but decided to ignore the mudflats. A good choice, as very pleased to find a Long-eared Owl roost, holding at least five birds, one of which tried to stare me out as I did a poor impersonation of a Blackbird in distress! In the Country Park went to visit the pond boardwalk, but found it still closed 'until further notice' - never mind, still located a Chiffchaff nearby. Along at Motney I kicked a Woodcock out from under some sallows.Loitered by Berengrave Chalk Pit for a short while - another closed site, but signed as reopening this spring; certainly appears to still be a good roost site with clumps of Fieldfares, Redwings and Chaffinches dropping in, and several Goldcrests working around the edge, plus a hunting Sparrowhawk.

(Alan Curtis)

Tuesday 10 January Hawden, Haysden Country Park

A well-timed text message at lunch time saw me racing down to Hawden where a Black-throated Diver was showing well. Also present were 31 Wigeon, 1 drake Pochard and 50+ Siskin. Other new birds for the patch this year included 2 Rook and a single Jackdaw with the Carrion Crows, a Mistle Thrush that flew over calling and more surprisingly 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 2 Green Woodpeckers were also feeding near the waters edge. Back at my desk within half an hour of receiving this news - probably the only day I will spend in Kent this week!

(Andrew Appleton)

Tuesday 10 January Northfleet

A two minute wait in the garden this morning in an attempt at getting the dog to 'do his business' three Redpoll were heard calling and seen flying over the house several times, though there full specific identity will never be known.

(Barry Wright)

Tuesday 10 January East Barming

Playing field "birdless" this morning until put on to a Hawfinch feeding in one of the Field Maples[?] on the west side. Bit later at the churchyard another[?] Hawfinch was with a few Greenfinches in the treetops- so if you go try both sites. (Mike)

Tuesday 10 January Motney Hill

I called in at the reserve en route to Elmley on the 2nd on a rising tide and was suitably impressed by the numbers of "grey waders" roosting on the saltmarsh - 1000 knot, 1200+ dunlin, 100 grey plover. "Only" 100 or so avocets (although there's been up to 250); a few wigeon & pintail, 60 or 70 mallard & teal but almost 200 shoveler and 450 shelduck plus a couple of rock pipits on the beach and "the usual" pair of stonechat along the footpath.
Offshore was fairly quiet - 5 red-breasted mergansers and a couple of dozen great crested grebes, but there can be twice as many of both species. Goldeneye are regular, although not as common as they once were; and the reserve has a history of turning up unusual waterfowl - great northern diver, red-necked, black-necked & Slavonian grebes and scarcer sea-duck like eider and common & velvet scoter. It's also a regular site for Mediterranean gull. It can even turn up the odd "bona fide" rarity - eg. Alan Parker's red-throated pipit in November 1999 or Barry Wright's black brant on Boxing Day last year.
To help people discover (or even re-discover) Motney, we're running a guided walk, in conjunction with the RSPB Medway Local Group on 11th Feb. Full details can be found on the Northward Hill page of the "Recent Sightings" section of the KOS website; or on the new RSPB North Kent Marshes events programme.
Any bird records for the reserve gratefully received.
(Gordon Allison, RSPB North Kent Marshes Warden)

Tuesday 10 January Motney Hill

I feel I must share my experience with everyone although I'm sure you must have all had the same experience. I went up Motney Hill with my dogs at about 9.15am today and caught the tide just as it was going out and the birds; such a spectacle! Altogether there were thousands of them rising up and wheeling, changing direction, with the sun catching the white of their wings.
What did I see; well the biggest flock of Avocets ever, thousands of Dunlin, hundreds of Lapwings, at least 30 ringed plovers, several Grey Plovers, Redshank (all ordinary I'm afraid} Curlew, Turnstones being sociable on the beach and Widgeon several who were also on the beach. In the bay at least a hundred Shelduck. I thought there might be a bird of prey about but couldn't see anything so I guess they were just following the tide.
Alas, home now to the WDs (wifely duties!!)
(Sheila Pettett)

Monday 9th January New Hythe

A fine morning so went for a walk with my dog round the lakes chasing rabbits and counting duck. I didn't catch any rabbits but Flossie's counts were : 145 Pochard, 206 Tufted, 116 Gadwall, 23 Shoveler and just 1 each of Wigeon and Shelduck. There are no Teal on her list as these tend to be on the river and we didn't go that way. We didn't see the Long Tailed Duck on Brookland lake but the Ferruginous duck is still there and so is the Black Necked Grebe on Alders fishermans lake Lunsford Lane and the redhead Goosander on the north end of the pit between the mill steam path and the railway by the sewage works (not a very inviting description of the site!).
New Hythe year list now 66!

(Martin Warburton)

Sunday 8th January Birling Village

2 Little Owl in Oaks behind Church.

(Steve Nunn)

Sunday 8th January Tunbridge Wells Sewage Works

A visit to Tunbridge Wells sewage works produced my first Grey Wagtail of the year with around 100 Pied Wagtails. Also 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrest and a single Long-tailed Tit here in pouring rain - all from the car.

(Andrew Appleton)

Sunday 8th January East Barming

Two male Hawfinches have shown very well today; they seem to be getting through the keys very quickly so I'm not sure if they'll hang around much longer. One worrying piece of news I heard today was that Barming Parish Council is discussing what to do with the trees in the park (specifically on the west side) at the next parish meeting (Wednesday) and they may opt to fell or drastically prune the trees to save money.
As a lot of the keys have now been eaten on the 2 trees that the hawfinches have visited regularly for the last couple of weeks, I've noticed that they seem to be feeding at the north end of the park now nearer the pavilion. I also saw a male in St Margaret's churchyard with a flock of greenfinches on a yew tree at 12:00 (there was footie match between 10-12 on the playing fields so I think everything decamped to the churchyard for a bit of peace and quiet!). 2 female brambling there as well (with chaffinches).
It might be worth mentioning that footie matches take place every Sunday between 10:00-12:00 on Barming Parish playing fields - there's no chance of seeing anything when this is going on so it might save someone being disappointed next Sunday! Check the churchyard instead at these times.

(Adam Whitehouse)

Sunday 8th January Joyden's Wood, near Dartford

A quick early morning walk along the main paths in Joyden's Wood failed to produce any Redpolls. However, one each of Siskin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Ring Necked Parakeet and Goldcrest were logged as well as five Coal Tits in the Corsican Pines and several other mixed tit flocks.

(Andrew Lawson)

Sunday 8th January Motney Hill

Went early - high tide had been at 06:40, so wanted to be at the point at Motney Hill by dawn to watch the waders off the roost. Left Rainham Station at seven to cut through the orchards at Otterham Creek onto the seawall. The tide had been neap with mud already showing attracting dabbling Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Brent. The walk to the sewage works was quiet save for the odd gunshot over Horsham Marsh. I took the well used path on the west side of the works (though not a footpath, it is well used by locals, and the farmer even leaves the path alone when he ploughs) and reached the point just as the light became 'usable'.
Night roosts are usually quieter than day ones here. The local Avocets were present, a hundred or so to start, then a further 85 in from Ham Green, but most other species were in lower numbers than usually expected. Kept scanning out over Bartlett and Half Acre Creek but barely a bird except for a few Great Crested Grebes and a Little Egret that flew over to Nor Marsh. Nor appeared to hold the missing waders but distance and mist meant poor viewing.

Something spooked the Avocets out onto the water where they rafted for several minutes. Large numbers of waders then started to fly from Nor towards Bloors Wharf and Motney Saltings. I worked back by the edge of the field alongside the small clay cliff and soon had close views of about 2,000 Dunlin and 1,500 Knot. Once again, everything flushed - a Peregrine. The Knot wheeled around fast and low, turning straight towards the field and flying no more than a metre over my head in a deafening rush (who needs Snettisham!?). The saltings were now largely empty of birds, so finished off my walk along Otterham Creek by the reedbed, moaned at by several Cetti's Warblers en route.

(Alan Curtis)

January 1st to 8th New Hythe

Terry Laws and I have independently made visits betweeen these dates to  this area i.e. the series of lakes from Leybourne and New Hythe to Snodland. Our individual lists are both so far 64 species (combined 67) including the following, many of which have been widely reported and well watched:-
Little Egret,  Bittern,  Jack Snipe,  Green Sandpiper,  Water Rail,  Ferruginous and Long Tailed Ducks, Goldeneye, Goosander, Black Necked Grebe,  Chiffchaff, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll. Greenfinch still eludes one of us!
We are both year listing at New Hythe and our target to beat is last year's 101 so  any interesting sightings posted on the 'North West Kent latest sightings' page would be most welcome.

(Martin Warburton)

Saturday 7th January Trosley & New Hythe

I took my son out bird-watching on 7 January - a superb Hawfinch showed well for us in the snow at Trosley. At New Hythe we stopped first at the A228 / Leybourne Lane pit where the Black-necked Grebe was showing well. Also there the female Goldeneye was still present along with many Coot, Gadwall and Tufted Ducks. A Kingfisher whizzed across the lake here and a Sparrowhawk flew slowly over. Near the sewage works we came across a single Chiffchaff, two Kingfishers (one of which showed well for us), plus several Siskin and Goldfinches. The Ferruginous Duck and Long-tailed Duck were in view in the same 'scope view on arrival at Brooklands pit, a Water Rail showed well out in the open and a Bittern didn't - being seen only very briefly.

(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 7th January Brooklands Lake Car Park, New Hythe

5 Lesser Redpoll showing very well in scrub by café but no sign of the Mealy. (Steve Nunn)

Saturday 7th January Hawden, Haysden Country Park

A visit to Hawden this morning produced a Green Sandpiper, 25 Lapwing, 24 Wigeon and 1 drake Pochard. Several Fieldfare flew over at first light and there were two smallish flocks of Redwing (near the Powder Mills and Flood Barrier). 2 Coal Tits near the Powder Mills (not seen since 1 January last year) and 2 Kingfishers seen this morning.
(Andrew Appleton)

Saturday 7th January Foots Cray Meadows

A visiting family member mentioned that she had always wanted to see a Kingfisher and this was therefore the perfect excuse to drag everyone out for a little birding! A quick walk to the Five Arches at Foots Cray produced the required result; a Kingfisher.  The bird obligingly flew in as we arrived and landed not five metres away and produced a series of 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' from even the most hardy of non-birders in our group.

Also present where numerous Ring Necked Parakeets, a Little Grebe, a Grey Wagtail and a dozen Tufted Duck.

(Andrew Lawson)

Friday 6th January Barming, New Hythe & Horton Kirby

Having negotiated a rare day off work I decided to visit East Balming to attempt to see the Hawfinches that have been frequenting the area. On arrival a nervous long wait of just under a minute and the pair of Hawfinches performed admirably in the trees adjacent to the playing field off Church Lane. A Sparrowhawk spooked them momentarily but they remained in the area. A short drive to New Hythe and the Ferruginous Duck was soon located along with the long staying Long-tailed Duck. Despite much searching the Bitterns were not seen though a Siskin was heard calling as it flew over. Next stop Lunsford Lake and a female Goldeneye was seen though the Black-necked Grebe was conspicuous by it's absence.
A walk with the dog late afternoon at Westminster fields, Horton Kirby produced nine Ring-necked Parakeets and 20 Meadow Pipits.

(Barry Wright)

Thursday 5th January Barming, Maidstone

There are 3 Hawfinches frequenting the Parish playing fields in Barming (Off Church Lane).  However I've noticed one of the males appears to be 'chaperoned' by a male greenfinch who has plucked and offered up ash keys to the hawfinch who quite readily takes them.  I've never seen behaviour like this before, and find it most surprising as it's between 2 males of different species.

(Adam Whitehouse)

Thursday 5th January Lower Halstow

I arrived at half one and parked close to the church to head out along the seawall through the old brickworks site, now run as a small community parkland by the Parish Council. Twinney and Halstow creeks were already flooding towards the shore, pushing in large numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Dunlin (a dearth of Brent again) and the walk east to Twinney Saltings provided plenty of Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Grey Plover and Shelduck, with the odd Rock Pipit for company along the rocky shoreline.

The walk to Twinney Wharf was uneventful, and sorry to note more horse paddocks and smallholdings had knocked back more scrub. Many of the orchards were bereft of windfall as well. A Little Owl and a Stonechat showed near the wharf, otherwise it was concentrate on the mudflats, where thousands of Dunlin were now wheeling about, and a Merlin and three Little Egrets showed over Milfordhope Marsh beyond. A flock of 500 Knot dropped close inshore just short of the small Marina, and looking beyond to Slayhill Marsh and Burntwick Island two Marsh Harriers and two Little Egrets could be seen.
Ham Green Farm had plenty of windfall apples and several hundred Redwings and Fieldfares in attendance. Beyond this point Bayford Marsh is private, but it was nice to note some scrubby planting and pool creation out there. Out on the water Halfacre Creek was quiet, just a steady stream of Gulls east, with a raft of about a hundred Common Gulls just offshore.
The last small islands on the Medway Saltings were about to go under, but a quick 'scoping found a Shag in with the Cormorants, which presumably would shortly be off to the crumbling Bee Ness Jetty to roost, where 97 of the latter were already lined up side by side on the rails.
In the distance something put the Oystercatcher roost at East Hoo Creek to flight, and two Spoonbills rose with them, but then quickly dropped back out of sight. The reason for the commotion was a Common Buzzard, now over Stoke Saltings before crossing the river over Burntwick Island and onto Chetney Marshes.
I walked back to the Lower Halstow brickworks for dusk. Lapwings, Golden Plovers and Curlews were heading out to the Estuary for the night. The scrub and reedbed hold a lot of roosting birds in winter, but it all seemed a little quiet today. Noted the reedbed was extremely dry and although many of the old paths skirting it were overgrown there was evidence of some sort of ride being recently cleared in the reedbed. No matter, still plenty of Redwings and Fieldfares dropping in, and pleasing to see a handful of Goldcrests and three Bullfinches, as well as another Little Owl to finish off the walk.

(Alan Curtis)

Tuesday 3rd January Funton Creek

Went to Funton, some two and a half hours before high tide, to watch the tide in over the mud. I arrived from Lower Halstow and set up opposite the southernmost part of Funton Reach intending to concentrate on waders around Funton Creek (though the whole of Bedlam's Bottom was heaving with birds). Watched for some ninety minutes, (mainly 'scoping - birds can be very distant), by which time the waters were almost up to the roadside, and many of the birds had retreated to Chetney and Barksore marshes.
The 190 or so Avocet present stayed close to their roost area alongside Barksore throughout. As the tide pushed up Dunlin were abundant and a small flock of 110 Knot landed close in but were put to flight by a Peregrine. The last half hour gave good views of Grey Plover assembling pre-roost, and of Curlew , Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and Redshank taking advantage of the last feeding opportunities.
Duck numbers seemed high, with some three thousand birds scattered throughout Bedlam's Bottom. The majority were Pintail, Teal and Wigeon, and with many, many more along the fleets on Chetney marsh, often put up into view (with Lapwing and Golden Plover) by a quartering Marsh Harrier.
I was quite taken aback by not finding a single Brent Goose on the mud, and just one pair of Red-breasted Merganserwere on view, alongside Barksore. A lone Red-throated Diver was far out on the Reach - no Goldeneye today - and three Little Egrets showed distantly.

(Alan Curtis)

Sunday 1st January New Hythe

Myself, James Hunter, Marc Read and Richard Bonser visited New Hythe as part of our New Year's Day birding. We started with Brooklands where we had two Lesser Redpoll feeding in the weedy scrub along the edge of the car park. A phone call from Mike Buckland alerted us to the fact that the 1st winter Ferruginous Duck was showing along the Western edge of the pit although unfortunately it had dived into the reeds by the time we had got there. However we had ample compensation in the form of two Bitterns including one bird that showed exceptionally well as it sat motionless on the edge of the reeds just a few yards away from the building that is currently being built alongside the lake. The second bird was sat just behind the first but was almost completely obscured and could only be seen when it preened. The Long Tailed Duck was actively feeding in the middle of the lake and two Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail were heard calling nearby.
We moved on to the pit adjacent to Lunsford Lane where we quickly located the Black Necked Grebe as it fed close to the 'fisherman's layby' (ie, looking due South). It would not be possible to view this bird from the duck feeding area and this probably explains why this bird hadn't been reported for a few days.

(Andrew Lawson)