<Jan '07>

Urgent Appeal: £150 000 needed for major extension to Oare Marshes Nature Reserve

Kent Wildlife Trust has had an unmissable opportunity to achieve huge gains for wildlife by purchasing a 35 acre extension to this popular reserve. We used cash reserves for this in order to act swiftly. We need your help to pay for the restoration of habitats flourishing in wildlife - and to cover the cost of purchase so that we are able to take similar action as opportunities arise in the future.

Please support this important project by making a gift in one of the following ways:

3. By sending a cheque to: Kent Wildlife Trust (Oare Marshes Appeal), Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BD. Please make cheques payable to "Kent Wildlife Trust".

To help keep this page as up-to-date and informative as possible, please send your sightings and any pictures taken onsite (please see 'Guidelines for submissions' on the KOS Photo Gallery for details of how to resize your pics etc.) to Murray Wright, at murray_wright8@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Common Bittern, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Reedling, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Twite, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting (Y.T.D. 103 species).

Mammals: 4 Common Seal on Horse Sands on the 4th and 6 on the 22nd; 1 Red Fox on the 22nd, 2 on the 27th and 1 on 28th; 2 Brown Hare from the East Hide on the 25th.

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was reported on the East Flood again this afternoon. On the East Flood this morning: 6 Common Snipe, circa 75 Redshank, 3 Pochard, 49 Tufted Duck (plus 12 on the West Flood) and 2 Little Egret. 2 Little Owl were near Dan's Dock. A Common Buzzard and a ringtail Hen Harrier were over Harty Hill on Sheppey. 3 Rock Pipit were along the seawall. Also noted this morning: 2 singing Cetti's Warbler and 4 Stonechat. Also a report of 5 Twite by the slipway today.

The Red-necked Grebe was on the Swale again off of Dan's Dock early morning with Great Crested Grebe. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood all day today, plus: 14 Common Snipe, circa 75 Redshank, circa 400 Lapwing, 6 Pintail, 52 Tufted Duck (plus 7 on the West Flood), 46 Mute Swan at dawn (plus 2 on the West Flood) and 2 Little Egret. 6 Gadwall were on the West Flood. 2 Little Owl were near Dan's Dock. 2 Peregrine were on the third pylon east of Faversham Creek. On the Swale at Uplees: 6 Red-breasted Merganser (3 males and 3 females) and good numbers of Wigeon (300+). On the mudflats east of the slipway early afternoon: 107 Redshank, 219 Dunlin, 1 Avocet at the mouth of Faversham Creek, plus 2 drake Red-breasted Merganser on the creek. Also today: 3 singing Cetti's Warbler (including one in the copse at Uplees), 1 Fieldfare in the copse at Uplees, and Bearded Tit heard near the Sea Wall hide again.

A Great Northern Diver flew west along the Swale at 08:15. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood late morning and a Bewick's Swan flew high east over the East Flood at circa 10:50. Also on the East Flood this morning: 9 Common Snipe, 56 Redshank, 2 Brent Geese, 6 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 42 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret and 3 Marsh Harrier over. A Green Sandpiper flew over the West Flood early morning, where there were also 91 Greylag Geese. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock. 2 Fieldfare were in the copse at Uplees and on the mudflats there 300+ Dunlin, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit and 14 Black-tailed Godwit. 300+ Wigeon were on the Swale at Uplees, plus 6 Red-breasted Merganser. In the trees opposite the cottages a female Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Redwing. 3 Rock Pipit were along the seawall and 2 singing Cetti's Warbler were noted on the reserve.

The adult Yellow-legged Gull was present on the mudflats east of the slipway this morning. On the East Flood this morning: 10 Common Snipe in flight, Green Sandpiper heard, 13 Pintail, 4 Gadwall, 59 Tufted Duck, 46 Mute Swan at dawn and 2 Little Egret. A Greenshank was along Faversham Creek again and 18 Avocet were at the mouth of the creek. 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Great Crested Grebe were on The Swale, and 2 Peregrine flew across to Sheppey. A Turnstone was on the slipway and 2 Rock Pipit were in front of the Watch House. 2 Cetti's Warbler were heard. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker seen in flight south of the path to the West Hide were the 100th species recorded for the area so far this year. 5 Long-tailed Tit were noted in the trees opposite the cottages.

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the mudflats around the slipway this morning. Also, on the mudflats: 3 Bar-tailed Godwit (plus 4 more at Uplees), circa 300 Dunlin and 1 Turnstone. 34 Avocet were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. On the East Flood this morning: 1 Little Egret (plus 3 over), 13 Pintail, 59 Tufted Duck and 44 Mute Swan at dawn. On the West Flood this morning: 5 Pintail, 5 Tufted Duck and 92 Greylag Geese. 2 Little Owls were near Dan's Dock. 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Great Crested Grebe were on the Swale. 3 Rock Pipit were along the seawall and 4 Bearded Tit were in the reeds behind the Sea Wall hide. 2 singing Cetti's Warbler also noted. A Bittern was reported over the West Flood early morning.

Nearby at Nagden close to the entrance gate to South Swale NR: 50+ Corn Bunting on and around the saltings, and circa 30 Pied Wagtail feeding in and around the paddocks.

The Red-necked Grebe was reported on the Swale again today. Around 220 Wigeon were noted on the East Flood. On the mudflats today: circa 450 Dunlin, 33 Knot and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit amongst good numbers of Redshank, Grey Plover, Curlew and Oystercatcher. A Spotted Redshank also reported. No news of the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher today.

On the East Flood this morning: 3 Common Snipe, 27 Pintail, 64 Tufted Duck, 54 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret and 2 Marsh Harrier over. 2 Red-breasted Merganser were on the Swale. 2 Fieldfare were near the cottages.

The Red-necked Grebe was on the Swale again with Great Created Grebe (9 noted today) at Uplees late morning. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the copse at Uplees mid-morning and seen later near Dan's Dock, plus one of the regular Little Owls there and 57 Curlew on the sheep fields. Also at Uplees this morning: 6 Bar-tailed Godwit on the mudflats and 3 Fieldfare in the copse. 4 Rock Pipit and a pair of Stonechat were in front of the Watch House. A Green Sandpiper was over the West Flood early morning. 2 Peregrine were on the second pylon east of Faversham Creek early morning and later seen chasing waders over the Swale. A drake Red-breasted Merganser was at the mouth of the creek and circa 20 Avocet were noted there. A Greenshank was along the creek down towards the Shipwright's Arms again. 4 more Red-breasted Merganser were on the Swale. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west along the Swale at around 13:00. On the East Flood today: 5 Common Snipe, 9 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 125 Wigeon, 67 Tufted Duck, 54 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egret and 2 Marsh Harrier over. The leucisitc Curlew was on the saltmarsh west of the Watch House this afternoon. A Fieldfare was opposite the cottages. No news of the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher today.

A drake Common Eider (quite a rarity over recent years) was on the Swale at high tide, plus 2 Great Crested Grebe and a female Pheasant (probably flushed off of Sheppey during an ongoing shoot - she looked quite comfortable on the water with her long tail sticking up at 45 degrees. However, the larger gulls were beginning to show an interest and that combined with the cold water probably meant an unfortunate end!). The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East flood - plus: 1 Little Stint, circa 70 Dunlin, 30 Grey Plover, 60 Golden Plover, circa 100 Lapwing, 13 Pintail, 1 Brent Goose and circa 100 Redshank. 3 Marsh Harrier (2 males and 1 female) were over the West Flood.

2 Fieldfare were opposite the cottages early morning. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood at circa 10:00 before being flushed, and was later seen on the mudflats east of the slipway with Redshank. 2 Red-breasted Merganser were on the Swale, plus 7 Great Crested Grebe, and circa 20 Avocet were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. 9 Brent Geese were briefly on the West Flood. On the East Flood today in deteriorating weather: 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Snipe, 16 Grey Plover, circa 200 Dunlin, circa 150 Redshank, 13 Pintail, 158 Wigeon, 64 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, plus 2 Marsh Harrier and 1 female Sparrowhawk over. No American Wigeon reported.

A male Merlin and a female Sparrowhawk were over the West Flood early morning and a Barn Owl was again hunting over the field east of the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey. On the East Flood this morning: 13 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Pochard, 64 Tufted Duck (plus 7 on the West Flood), 2 Little Egret, and a Peregrine flew through. A Great Northern Diver flew high west along the Swale at 09:45. 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Great Crested Grebe were noted on the Swale. 2 Rock Pipit were near the Watch House. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher and 1 Little Stint were reported on the East Flood early afternoon, and an eclipse(!) drake American Wigeon was reported on the East Flood at 14:00, however, no further details received so far.

On the East Flood over high tide today: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 Little Stint, 3 Greenshank, 6 Ruff, 2 Grey Plover, 25 Dunlin, circa 200 Redshank, circa 400 Lapwing, 9 Common Snipe, 16 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 78 Tufted Duck, 84 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler heard, 3 Bearded Tit and 1 female Sparrowhawk over. 21 Corn Bunting flew east over Faversham Creek to Nagden Marshes this morning. 2 Peregrine were on the the first pylon east of the creek early morning and later 2 were over Harty Hill. 6 Red-breasted Merganser and 8 Great Crested Grebe were on the Swale. The Red-necked Grebe was again on the Swale near the slipway on the falling tide this afternoon. Looking across to Sheppey: 2 Barn Owl hunting over the field just east of the Harty Ferry Inn late afternoon, and at dusk a large group of 15+ Marsh Harrier circling over Capel Fleet and the saltmarsh west of Harty Hill.

A Red-necked Grebe (record shot below) was on the Swale with 2 Great Crested Grebe mid-morning. On the East Flood over high tide around midday: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher again, 2 Little Stint (3 reported), 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Pintail (plus circa 15 flying high along the Swale), 2 Pochard (a drake and a duck) and 83 Tufted Duck. 1 Green Sandpiper was in the puddles along the track to the fishing ponds opposite the cottages, plus a male Sparrowhawk nearby. This afternoon: 3 Greenshank along Faversham Creek, a Peregrine on the the first pylon east of the creek, plus 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 7 Great Crested Grebe on the Swale. Also today: 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat, 2 singing Cetti's Warbler, and 1 Linnet (first record this year!) on the telephone wires along the track to the fishing ponds opposite the cottages.
(Geoff Burton, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood until 11:50 when it flew out to Faversham Creek. On the East Flood over high tide this morning: 3 Greenshank, 6 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Common Snipe, 1 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, circa 200 Redshank, 9 Pintail, 12 Gadwall, 3 drake Pochard, 65 Tufted Duck, 28 Shelduck, 84 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret and a female Sparrowhawk over, plus Green Sandpiper heard. A Red-throated Diver flew west along the Swale mid-morning. On the mudflats early afternoon: circa 120 Redshank, circa 70 Dunlin, 11 Avocet and a few Grey Plover and Oystercatcher. 2 Marsh Harrier were over Harty Hill on Sheppey. From the Sea Wall hide this afternoon: 2 Marsh Harrier across the Swale over Horse Sands to South Swale, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Peregrine attacking an Avocet which they killed only for it to drift off east and finally disappear beneath the Swale! 12 Pied Wagtail were noted along the sea wall. Late afternoon the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew east over the Swale and along Faversham creek, and the Barn Owl was over Sheppey again.

Nearby at South Swale this afternoon: circa 1600 Golden Plover roosting on the mussel beds, 6 Marsh Harrier west along the Swale, a Barn Owl over Graveney/Cleve dykes being mobbed by Carrion Crow, plus Cetti's Warbler and 2 pairs of Stonechat.

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood all morning and into early afternoon at least. Also on the East Flood over high tide this morning: 1 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Ringed Plover, 42 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, circa 200 Redshank, 1 Brent Goose, a pair of Pochard, 64 Tufted Duck, 11 Pintail, 8 Gadwall, 85 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egret and 1 female Marsh Harrier flew east. 4 Marsh Harriers were over Harty Hill and a ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting over the fields east of the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey.

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood until late morning at least. On the East Flood this morning: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Snipe, 8 Pintail, 69 Tufted Duck, 88 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher, and a Green Sandpiper was heard. 12 Corn Bunting flew across Faversham Creek to Nagden Marshes. Also this morning: 1 Peregrine on the pylons, 1 Turnstone on the slipway, 1 male Sparrowhawk flew across the Swale from Sheppey, 1 Little Owl near Dan's Dock (2 there this afternoon), 2 Stonechat, 2 singing Cetti's Warbler and 4 Bearded Tit. Late afternoon until dusk: 10 Little Egrets heading towards their roost, five Gadwall on the East Flood, 1 Peregrine on the pylons, 1 Black-tailed Godwit on the East Flood and 2 Green Sandpipers flew east across the floods and the creek

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the mudflats with Redshank just east of the slipway mid-morning and was later reported on the East Flood. Also on the East Flood this morning amongst good numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Shoveler: 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, circa 100 Redshank, 3 Common Snipe, 2 Golden Plover, 13 Pintail, 10 Gadwall, 82 Tufted Duck, 12 Mute Swan, 53 Greylag Geese, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher. A Green Sandpiper was flushed from the dyke just south of the Sea Sluice and a Greenshank was along Faversham Creek again. 3 Red-breasted Merganser (2 males and 1 female) were on the Swale plus 11 Great Crested Grebe. A Peregrine was on pylons east of the Swale again. 3 Grey Partridge were on the sheep fields down towards Uplees and 1 Little Owl was on its usual perch south east of Dan's Dock. Also noted today: a female Sparrowhawk over the West Flood, 8 Redshank roosting on the West Flood at high tide, 47 Shelduck, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Stonechat, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 singing Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail heard.

The Barn Owl was again hunting over the field east of the Harty Ferry Inn up until 09:00 at least. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood until 11:30 when it flew out to the Swale. Also noted on the East flood this morning: 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, circa 500 Lapwing, 10 Pintail, 8 Gadwall, 26 Mute Swan and 71 Greylag Geese. A pair of Red-breasted Merganser were on the Swale plus several Great Crested Grebe. 6 Black-tailed Godwit were on the mudflats east of the Watch House, 2 Turnstone were at the mouth of Faversham Creek and a Greenshank was again along the creek looking towards the Shipwright's Arms. 3 Little Egret were on the newly acquired fields. Also today: 2 Fieldfare were at Uplees, 3 singing Cetti's Warbler plus another at Uplees, 2 Rock Pipits, several Bearded Tit and 2 Marsh Harrier.

On the East Flood this morning there were 13 Pintail and 1 Black-tailed Godwit, and a Green Sandpiper was heard nearby. Also noted this morning: 1 Turnstone on the slipway, 1 Kingfisher near the Sea Sluice, 2 Stonechat, and 1 Fieldfare flew south west over the paddocks. This afternoon there were 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Gadwall, 50 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher on the East Flood, and 5 Red-breasted Merganser on the Swale. A pale Common Buzzard was over Sheppey being mobbed by corvids. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was reported briefly again on the East Flood mid-afternoon.

From the Sea Wall hide this afternoon: 4 Red-breasted Merganser (4 males and 1 female), 1 Greenshank, 31 Redshank, 10 Curlew, 69 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher and 15 Shelduck. From the East Hide this afternoon: 2 Little Stint, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 80 Greylag Geese, 72 Tufted Duck and 1 male Hen Harrier flew through. A Barn Owl was again over the fields east of the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey late afternoon.

(Mike Stevens)

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was seen in the north east corner of the East Flood early afternoon and then later on the mud on the west side of Faversham Creek with 1 Spotted Redshank and circa 90 Redshanks. On the East Flood today: 1 Little Stint, 3 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, circa 120 Redshank, 45 Golden Plover, 2 Common Snipe, 1 female Pochard, 77 Tufted Duck, 6 Pintail, 4 Gadwall, 76 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Peregrine over and 1 Sparrowhawk over. From the Sea Wall hide there were 8 Red-breasted Merganser and 6 Great Crested Grebe, plus 1 Peregrine and 2 Marsh Harrier crossing the Swale from Sheppey. A singing Cetti's Warbler was heard along the path to the West Hide, with another near the Sea Wall hide. A Barn Owl was quartering the fields to the east of the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey late afternoon.

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood this morning. Also on the East Flood: 6 Ruff, 4 Common Snipe, circa 400 Lapwing, 97 Shoveler, 6 Pintail, 5 Gadwall (plus 6 on the West Flood), 58 Tufted Duck, 69 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret and 3 Marsh Harrier (1 male and 2 females). The 2 Greenshanks were again along Faversham Creek. On the Swale 6 Red-breasted Merganser and 5 Great Crested Grebe were noted. Also noted today: 1 Sparrowhawk over the west side, 1 Cetti's Warbler singing in the paddocks and a Kingfisher under the Sea Sluice again.

(Murray Wright)

A Redwing was noted in the paddocks this morning and a Cetti's Warbler was heard there. From the West Hide: 25 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall and 13 Teal. On the East Flood: 64 Greylag Geese, 4 Pintail, 61 Tufted Duck, 77 Wigeon, 63 Teal, 55 Shoveler, 540 Lapwing and 3 Common Snipe. From the Sea Wall hide: circa 60 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 7 Oystercatcher and 2 Great Crested Grebe.

(Mike Stevens)

January 7th

A Red-throated Diver was showing well from the Sea Wall hide this morning. On the East Flood this morning: 1 Ruff, 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Snipe, 6 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 58 Tufted Duck, 70 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier (a male and a female), and a Peregrine over. A Kingfisher was fishing from the Sea Sluice again and a Rock Pipit was also noted there, plus another near the Watch House. 2 Greenshank, 2 Little Egret and a Little Grebe were along Faversham Creek. This afternoon: 1 of the Greenshanks was on the East Flood, 5+ Red-breasted Merganser were on the Swale, a Peregrine was over the Sea Wall hide and a male Hen Harrier was over the West Flood before flying off across the Swale. Looking across the Swale to Sheppey this afternoon a ringtail Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl were noted.

(Richard Bailey, David Burt, Janet Burt, Neil Burt, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

January 6th

On and around the East Flood this morning amongst the usual good numbers of Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Mallard, Coot and Lapwing: 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Common Snipe, 9 Pintail (6 drakes), 6 Gadwall, 54 Tufted Ducks, 70 Greylag Geese, 14 Mute Swan, 2 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe and 1 pair of Stonechat, plus a male Marsh Harrier over. 64 Avocet were at the mouth of Faversham Creek and a female Marsh Harrier crossed the Swale from Sheppey to Nagden Marshes. A Greenshank was heard calling along Faversham Creek again. A Peregrine was on the pylons east of the creek.

(Murray Wright)

From the Sea Wall hide this morning: 1 Red-throated Diver flying west along the Swale, 2 Great Crested Grebe, plus 2 Marsh Harrier over Harty Hill. On the East Flood today: 1 Little Stint, 90 Black-tailed Godwit (arrived in a single flock at 12.20), 1 male Merlin flew through, 61 Tufted Duck, 3 Pintail, 87 Redshank, 3 Little Egret, 121 Teal, 7 Gadwall, circa 85 Wigeon, 68 Greylag Geese and 703 Lapwing. Also noted: Greenshank heard in Faversham Creek towards the Shipwright's Arms, 1 Green Sandpiper in puddles on the track down to the fishing ponds opposite the cottages, 1 Little Owl on the usual concrete slab near Dan's Dock, 1 Kingfisher at the Sea Sluice, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, two pairs Stonechat and 3 Goldfinch. Also the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher reported again - no further details.

On the East Flood today: 1 Little Stint, circa 75 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, circa 200 Redshank, 3 Grey Plover, 11 Golden Plover, circa 400 Lapwing, 4 Common Snipe, 64 Tufted Ducks, 114 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pintail, 280 Teal, 20 Mallard, 74 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers (a male and female) over and 1 Kingfisher. From the Sea Wall hide this afternoon: 6 Red-breasted Merganser (5 males and 1 female), plus 1 Merlin and 1 Marsh Harrier over Sheppey. Also noted today: 4 Stonechats, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, and several Bearded Tits near the Sea Wall hide. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was reported again on the East Flood - no further details.

On the East Flood over high tide this morning: 1 Little Stint, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Snipe and 3 Grey Plover.

On the East Flood over high tide this morning: 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 23 Dunlin, 3 Grey Plover, 10 Pintail, 7 Gadwall, 56 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret and 2 Marsh Harrier flew over. 5 Red-breasted Merganser were counted on the Swale and 74 Avocet were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. 2 Peregrine were seen - one on the pylons and the second flying low west along the Swale.

A very bright and breezy start to 2007! 76 species were recorded today between 07:00 and 16:30 (see the full list above). The highlights: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher on the East Flood again (perhaps the first record of this species in the UK in 2007!), plus 1 Little Stint, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper over late afternoon, 6 Pintail, 8 Gadwall, 4 Little Egret, 6+ Red-breasted Merganser on the Swale and the adult Yellow-legged Gull (picture below) showing well again in front of the Sea Wall Hide. Also noted today: Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Water Rail, Little Owl, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Tit.