<Nov06>

Little Owl regularly near the cottages; another near Dan's Dock (Uplees) on the 11th

Redwing and Fieldfare noted in small numbers passing over and in the paddocks

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was again in the north east corner of the East Flood (not far from the Sea Wall hide) early morning, roosting with Common Snipe - its been quite faithful to this area recently. There were 4 Little Egrets on the East Flood, 65 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek, and 8 Great-crested Grebes were on the Swale. (M Wright)

There were 2 Siskins briefly in trees opposite the cottages this morning. The Long-billed Dowitcher was again on the East Flood and there were 9 Brent Geese on the flood early morning, plus 4 Little Egrets. 2 Sparrowhawks flew over and there was 1 Peregrine on a pylon east of Faversham Creek. There were 69 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek - the highest count of the 'winter' so far. A Little Owl was again near Dan's Dock. 5 Great-crested Grebes were on the Swale. 5 Little Grebes were on the East Flood plus 2 more again on Faversham Creek. 178 Golden Plovers were on the mudflats at Uplees and a Corn Bunting flew over with good numbers of Skylarks and Reed Buntings. The leucistic Curlew was again on the saltmarsh west of the Watch House. No reports today of (a 'wintering') Spotted Redshank and none received since 4th November! (M Wright)

Of interest - a probable Great White Egret was seen on Sheppey from Oare. The bird was seen on the saltmarsh east of the Harty Ferry Inn 3 times between 12:30 and 12:45. (T & K Robertson)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was present again on the East Flood around mid-day. Also on th East Flood today: 2 calling Greenshanks dropped in briefly around 13:45 before heading off east along the Swale, 13 Ruff, 74+ Common Snipe, 146 Golden Plovers, circa 600 Lapwings, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Kingfishers. 64 Avocets and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were around the mouth of Faversham Creek. 1 Little Grebe was on Faversahm Creek down towards the Shipwright's Arms again. 2 Jack Snipe were reported from the sea-wall west of the Watch House. On the Swale there were 11 Red-breasted Mergansers (3 males and 8 females) and 7 Great-crested Grebes . 1+ Merlin were noted east of the entrance road, and 1 female Sparrowhawk was hunting over the East Flood at dusk. (M Stevens and M Wright)

No sign of the Long-billed Dowitcher between 07:30 and 13:00 at least. Generally quiet on the reserve this morning during low tide. Count's on the East Flood: 72 Teal, 55 Shovelers, circa 50 Wigeon, 147 Coot, 412 Lapwings, 2 Golden Plovers, 72 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Little Egrets. Also, 2 very active Kingfishers and a female Sparrowhawk hunting along the entrance road. There were 32 Avocets and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at the mouth of Faversham Creek and 3 Great-crested Grebes on the Swale. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was in the north east corner of the East Flood early morning roosting with Common Snipe. Also on the East Flood this morning: 2 Little Stints, 4 Little Egrets and a male Sparrowhawk flew over. A Little Owl was on its usual perch near Dan's Dock. The 2 regular Little Grebes were on Faversham Creek again near the confluence with Oare Creek. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher appeared on the East Flood at around mid-day. There were also 2 Ruff, 1 Knot, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Kingfishers. 27 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek and a male Hen Harrier flew west across the reserve at around 12:15. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher showing well from mid-morning on the East flood with Common Snipe. Also on the East Flood this morning there were counts of 69 Shovelers, 32 Mallards and 179 Coot. Also noted this morning: a male Sparrowhawk sitting on a gate, 37 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek, 1 Little Owl, 2 Rock Pipits, 4 Stonechats and 3 Redwings.

An hour after high tide on the East Flood this afternoon: circa 670 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, circa 770 Golden Plovers, circa 65 Common Snipe and circa 240 Dunlins. An Arctic Skua was noted over the Sea Wall hide. There was a large movement of Brent Geese noted across the Swale from Sheppey to Seasalter at around 15:00, preceded by 2 male Marsh Harriers. 2 Red-necked Grebes were reported on Faversham Creek mid-afternoon. (G Burton and M Stevens)

On the East Flood today: the Long-billed Dowitcher again showing well at times, 2 Little Stints, 404 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 11 Grey Plovers, 18 Ringed Plovers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 80 Redshanks, circa 100 Common Snipe, 8 Avocets, 4 Little Egrets and 3 Pintail. A male Merlin was hunting over the west side this morning and a Peregrine was over Harty Hill on Sheppey. 32 Avocets were roosting at the mouth of Faversham Creek and there were 6 Great-crested Grebes on the Swale. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was again on the East Flood today, and in the high tide roost around lunchtime: 3 Little Stints, circa 300 Dunlin, 3 Knot, 11 Grey Plovers, 14 Ringed Plovers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits and 7 Avocets. There were 4 Little Egrets on the East Flood and a Green Sandpiper flew over. There were 49 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek. The 4 Twite were seen again over the saltmarsh near Dan's Dock. A leucistic Curlew was seen on the saltmarsh near Uplees and is presumed the same bird which spent last winter in the same area. There were 21 Golden Plovers and 6 Bar-tailed Godwits on the mud at Uplees. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher again on the East Flood today, plus 3 Little Stints and circa 550 Black-tailed Godwits. Also on the East Flood - 5 Bar-tailed Godwits (including one in summer plumage - also seen earlier on the mudflats), 1 Ruff, 2 Knot, circa 140 Dunlin, 3 Pintail and 2 Kingfishers. Also this morning there were 4 Twite with the Greenfinch flock on the 'telephone' wires along the entrance road, and then seen flying west along the sea wall west of the Watch House. A Red-throated Diver was close in along the slipway swimming west along the Swale on the incoming tide. 5 Red-breasted Mergansers were on the Swale. 1+ Fieldfare in the paddocks opposite the cottages.

Only had time for a very quick visit this afternoon due to poor weather and other commitments this morning. Rather quiet (plus I forgot my scope - which didn't help!). So of note only 1 Little Stint and 2 Kingfishers on the East Flood and a Corn Bunting (still quite scare these days) near the Sea Sluice. (M Wright)

In this morning's high tide roost on the East Flood: the Long-billed Dowitcher again, 1 Greenshank, 4 Little Stints, 1 Knot, circa 250 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Grey Plovers, 4 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Pintail and 1 Kingfisher. The flock of Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek numbered 50 and 4 Red-breasted Merganser were noted on the Swale. Also, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 female Sparrowhawk over, and 1 Peregrine on the pylons to the east of Faversham Creek. Around midday the Bittern was seen again in flight over the East Flood at circa 11:45 before dropping into the reed beds at the eastern end.

On the East Flood over this morning's high tide: the Long-billed Dowitcher again showing well close to the road, 4 Little Stints, 2 Knot, circa 200 Dunlin, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 50 Redshank, 5 Grey Plovers, 4 Ringed Plovers, circa 150 Lapwings, 3 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Pintail and 2 Kingfishers. No Ruff were noted this morning and there were fewer Common Snipe than recently. A Lapland Bunting was with Skylarks flushed from the saltmarsh east of the Watch House and there were 9 Grey Partridges down towards Dan's Dock at the western boundary of the reserve. There were 8 Great-crested Grebes on the Swale and 3 Rock Pipits around the Watch House. Also, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Peregrines over. (D Wrathall, M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was feeding close to the road again this morning. Also on the East Flood at high tide: 5 Little Stints, 5 Grey Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Avocets, 1 Bar-tailed and 530 Black-tailed Godwits, 115 Redshanks and 150 Dunlin. (A Swandale)

Today on the East Flood - the Long-billed Dowitcher again showing very well, 5 Little Stints, 4 Ruff, 5 Avocets, 49 Redshank, circa 100 Common Snipe, circa 75 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Pintail and 3 Little Egrets. A Green Sandpiper was present on the west side. There were 47 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek. Also, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 Sparrowhawk over. The Bittern was seen again in flight over the East Flood at 11:45 before dropping into reeds in the north east corner.

Nearby at South Swale this afternoon there was a Black Brant with the Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock on the saltmarsh at Castle Coote. Also, circa 2,500 Golden Plover on the mussel beds and fields there. (M Roser)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was again present on the East Flood plus 4 Ruff, 4 Pintail and 3 Little Egrets. 3 Marsh Harriers and 1 Sparrowhawk over (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was present all day and showing very well at times on the East Flood. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was present most of the day on the East Flood before later moving to the New West Scrape. Also on the East Flood today - 1 Little Stint, 25 Ruff, circa 150 Common Snipe, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Marsh Harriers. There were 49 Avocets around the mouth of the Faversham Creek. 30 Fieldfares flew west and there were 3 Goldcrests in the hedge along the path to the West Hide. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher showed well on the East Flood today, again often close to the road (sometimes too close!). Also on the East Flood today - 4 Little Stints, 1 Knot, 5 Ruff, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 150 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 150 Common Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 1 drake Pintail, 222 Teal, 63 Wigeon and 144 Coot. There were 38 Avocets around the mouth of Faversham Creek and a male Merlin was seen along the sea wall to the west of the car park with a freshly killed Starling.

There was a single Red-breasted Merganser on the Swale. 2 Marsh Harriers (a male and a female) were over the west side and there were 6+ Redwings in hawthorns opposte the cottages. (D Hinton, J Hinton, P King and M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher showed well again on the East Flood often feeding close to the road both early morning and mid-afternoon. Also on the East Flood today - 3 Little Stints, 8 Ruff, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Grey Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Turnstone, 6 Avocet, 1 Curlew and circa 150 Common Snipe.

This morning there were 46 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek and 1 Green Sandpiper on the west side. 8 Rock Pipits were counted along the sea wall between the sea sluice and Dan's Dock. (J Hinton, P King and M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher, now in almost full winter plumage, was feeding near the road this afternoon. Also on the East Flood at high water - 2 Little Stints, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 21 Grey Plovers, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Ruff and 6 Avocets. (A Swandale)

The Bittern was seen to land in the reeds on East Flood at 07:10. Also, in the morning, the Long-billed Dowitcher was on the New West Scrape, an adult male Hen Harrier over the west side and 110 Fieldfares flew west (G Burton).

The Long-billed Dowitcher was again present on the East Flood, where there were also 2 Little Stints. At the mouth of Faversham Creek there were 21 Avocets and a Peregrine was noted hunting over there early afternoon.

A flock of 7 Grey Partridges near to Dan's Dock was a good count for this declining species. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was reported again on the East Flood this afternoon. Also on the East Flood today - 5 Little Stints, circa 300 Dunlin, 2 Knot, 13 Ruff , 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 21 Grey Plovers, 6 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 57 Wigeon and 6 Pintail. 2 Marsh Harriers were over the west side. There was 1 Red-breasted Merganser on the Swale. (M Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was present again this morning and showing very well on the New West Scrape. The Bittern was seen in flight over the west side before dropping into reeds.

A Dartford Warbler (probably a female) was found in the hedge along the path to the West Hide close to the entrance road. A Chiffchaff was in the hedge behind the East Hide along with 8 Long-tailed Tits.

A male Hen Harrier was over the East Flood early morning before heading across the Swale to Sheppey. Also, 2 Marsh Harriers over the west side this morning and 1 Peregrine on the pylons to the east of Faversham Creek again.

At high-tide in the East Flood roost there were 2 Little Stints, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 150 Dunlin, 6 Ruff, 5 Grey Plovers, circa 250 Lapwings and 6 Avocets. There were also 3 Little Egrets on the East Flood.

Nearby at South Swale there were 2 Shore Larks and 2 Snow Buntings between the Sportsman and Castle Coote. (M Kennett)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was still present early morning on the New West Scrape. On the East Flood at high tide - circa 400 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Ruff, 3 Little Stints, circa 150 Dunlin, 5 Grey Plovers, 6 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets. Along the sea wall 5 Turnstones, 6+ Rock Pipits. 2 Green Sandpipers over the west side. Also 1 Sparrowhawk over the west side. (M Wright)

A Tree Sparrow was seen briefly in a bush near the west side before it flew off west. The Long-billed Dowitcher alternated between the East Flood and New West Scrape again today.

On the East Flood at high tide: 2 Little Stints, circa 400 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 100 Dunlins, 5 Grey Plovers, 6 Avocets (plus 31 at the mouth of Faversham creek earlier). A male Hen Harrier flew over the west side before it headed across the Swale to Sheppey. (R Bailey, K Privett and M Wright)

4 Little Stints (P King)

Circa 10 Bramblings over the reserve this morning. (G Burton)

A Little Auk in Faversham Creek found by Steve Clinch circa 09:30 was seen by a number of observers before it flew back out into the Swale around 13:30.

The Long-billed Dowitcher showed well all day on the East Flood and New West Scrape. There was a winter-plumaged Spotted Redshank on the East Flood early morning and a Woodcock was flushed from the the path to the West Hide. Also on the East Flood 2 Little Stints and 6 Avocets. 2 Bramblings over. (S Clinch,

A Lapland Bunting was seen and heard in flight over the saltmash along the sea wall west of the Watch House this afternoon. (G Burton)

There where 3 Little Auks on the Swale viewed from the Sea Wall Hide and 2 Bramlings in the padocks opposite the cottages plus small numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares. The Long-billed Dowitcher and Jack Snipe were showing on the East Flood this morning with a single Little Stint, 1 Bar-tailed and c500 Black-tailed Godwits. Also today 1 Green Sandpiper (west side), 2 Sparrowhawks and visible westerly migration of Skylarks and Starlings (M Wright)

Seawatching today in bright sunlight and a NW6 wind between 07:20 and dusk produced an interesting variety of species, the highlight being two Grey Phalaropes which flew west along the Swale hugging the shoreline at 10:45 and 11:40. The first was probably an adult; the second, in juvenile-first winter plumage, paused briefly on the sea only a few feet from the shore before continuing its journey. The following were also observed from the Sea Wall Hide: 3 immature Pomarine Skuas, 6 Great Skuas, at least 23 Little Gulls, 23 Gannets, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Red-breasted Merganser and over 400 Kittiwakes, mainly in tight flocks of 20 to 75 birds. The majority of birds passed through between 10:00 and 12:00 when the tide was high. In addition, a single drake Velvet Scoter arrived from the west with 3 female Common Scoter and alighted on the Swale for 20 minutes before heading back out of the estuary. One Merlin, a Peregrine and 12 Marsh Harriers flew across the Swale to Sheppy. (M Wright, A Swandale & I Shepherd)

As the tide began to fall, a Purple Sandpiper appeared on the causeway, a rare species on this side of the Swale and a probable first for the reserve. (M Sinden)

The juvenile-first winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood again this morning plus 3 Little Stints, 1 Knot, 9 Grey Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed and c400 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Ruff. A Bittern was seen in flight twice on the east side. (A Swandale, D Wrathall and M Wright)