Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Avian Species List

List is of all the birds known so far to have visited the reserve.

Introduction:   The Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve was the creation of the Harrison family, with support from WAGBI, on land leased from Redlands. They planted 20,000 trees including many alders. As the trees grew and the reserve became less open, so the number and variety of waders reduced and  fewer migrant passerines were recorded, although the reductions in some species were due to the CAP and other environmental factors. About 10 years ago John Tyler, the warden for 23 years, organised the creation of the islands in front of the hide, now named after him. The reserve is now managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust and is now appropriately named the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

Mute Swan:   Common Resident. 1-2 pairs breed most years

Bewick’s Swan:   Rare Winter Visitor. Two recent records: 10 adults and 2 immature individuals

 on 2-12-2010.

Whooper Swan:   4 present early 1963.

Bean Goose:   A Taiga bird in Feb 1998 and others in 1970-1.

Pink-footed Goose:   Apart from escapes there was a juvenile in late Sep 2010.

White-fronted Goose:   An irregular winter visitor, singly or in small flocks; 3 in Jan and one in Dec 1977; 1-8 on 8 occasions 1982-2008, all Nov-Apr, but 55 in Feb 1997.

Greylag Goose:    Numerous resident: highest counts 890 in Sep 1987, 625 in Sep 1983 and 505 in Sep 2005.

Greater Canada Goose:   Numerous resident: highest counts, at the same time as Greylag,  670 in Sep 1987 and 450 in Sep 1983. Presumably this is when the young birds are mature, but before winter mortality.

Barnacle Goose:   There were 4 presumably feral birds in July 1971. A bird of suspect origin was present from 1992-2006 and during that period sired a number of x Greylag offspring. In his last year he made an attempt with another Barnacle which ended in failure. 15 apparently wild birds                         16-19/1/11.

Brent Goose:   1-2 in early spring in the early years; 6 in Nov 1982, singles in Jan 1992, Dec 1995 and 2 in Feb 1996.

Egyptian Goose:   Attempted to breed in 1973; first bred successfully in the area in 2006. Now up to two pairs breed and up to 20 recorded.

Shelduck:  Mostly from the new year to late summer; has bred successfully in recent years; highest counts of adults 12 in Jan 1985 and 9 in Feb 1998.

Ruddy Shelduck:   A few records in earlier years, but probably escapes.

Mandarin:   Resident, but breeding not proved; increasingly frequent, with up to 42 in late 2010.

Wigeon:   Seen most years in varying numbers mainly from Sep to March, but Jun-Jul in earlier years; highest count 60 in Jan 1997. 

Gadwall:   Once bred from stock of over 100 released by WAGBI, but now a common winter visitor, mainly Aug to Mar. Usually 50 max, but up to 104 recorded; 95 on 22/1/11.

Teal:   Winter visitor mainly Sep-Mar, but occasional all months; overall max 255 in late 2010.

Green-winged Teal:   One in Feb 1990.

Mallard:   Common Resident: highest counts  257 in Jan 1978; up to 175 recently on nearby Bradbourne Lakes.

Pintail:   Occasional winter visitor; not annual: 10 on 9th and 14 on 14th July 1974; 9 on 9/2/1991’

Garganey:   Occasional records Mar, and June to Aug, but 7 pairs arrived 25/3/70. Earliest 26/2/1967.

Shoveler:   Mainly a winter visitor and passage migrant in small numbers: highest max 19.

Red-crested Pochard:  One on 31/7/74; only records in recent years were in 1993 and 1996.

Pochard:    Seen in all months, but mostly a winter visitor Aug-Mar; 1978-2011 record 66. In earlier years 65 was the normal max.

Tufted Duck:   Abundant autumn and winter visitor: reached peak of 519 in 1997, but less numerous since, mostly peaking round 100. 1-2 pairs breed most years, but young not until July.

Ring-necked Duck:  2 records - 15/4 and 27/11/1977.

Ferruginous Duck:   Two in Jul 1978, one to end of year.

Scaup:   Singles in 1997 and 2005; commoner before 1979; 6 in Aug 1976.

Eider:   6 in Jan 1963; 4 in Dec 1995 of which one young drake stayed to Apr 1996, feeding on fresh water mussels.

Common  Scoter:   At least 6 records of 8 birds Jul-Feb; none since 1996.

Goldeneye:   Annual winter visitor mostly Nov-Mar, but as late as Apr 25th; usually 1-5 birds, but  up to 14 in Jan 1997. It is now barely annual.

Smew:   Almost exclusively a cold weather visitor Nov-Feb; mostly 1-5, but 8+ in early 1963; rare since 2002, but one Dec 2010.

Red-breasted Merganser:   Party of 6 in early 1956; four singles Nov-Feb 1985-2001.

Goosander:   32 in Dec 1962; since 1978 an occasional mid winter visitor; 1-7 birds, but  45 in Feb 1987; 4 max in winter 2010-11.

Ruddy Duck:   1-3 most winters; one female has spent recent winters here.

Red-legged Partridge:   Present for a few years on the edge of the Reserve in mid 2000s.

Grey Partridge:   One in 2000.

Pheasant:   Present in small numbers mainly round the Reserve fringes.

Red-throated Diver:   2, the latest in 1991.

Black-throated Diver:   Singles in Dec 1977,Mar 1987 and Jan1994.

Great Northern Diver:   Single birds in 61/2 and for about 10 days in Dec 1985.

Little Grebe:    Mainly a winter visitor in small numbers, highest 22; has bred.

Great-crested Grebe:   A common resident: a few pairs breed most years, max 9 in early1970s; highest count 47 in 1991.

Red-necked Grebe:   One in Jan 1959; 4 records of 5 birds 1987-1996, all Nov-Mar, and one Dec 2010.

Slavonian Grebe:    About 6 records Nov-Mar.

Black-necked Grebe:  About 6 records (one on 1-10 07), 2 in Aug, one 2010 into 2011.                           

Leach’s Petrel:   One after the Great Storm of Oct 1987.

Gannet:    One juv. flying over in 2010.

Cormorant:    Increased from 1980 to reach a peak count of 88 in about 2000, but numbers have reduced somewhat since; present all year, but does not breed.

Shag:   5 in Mar and 3 in Sep1962; 5 mid-winter records all 1988-1995 and two on 30/1/2005.

Bittern:   1-2 seen in 1970, 1972, 1977, 1986, 2003 and 2006; 4 in early 2010 and 2 in 2010/1.

Little Bittern:   One on 17/10/76.

Night Heron:   Singles accepted for 17/7/1978, 4/5/1987 and 7/11/1998.

Cattle Egret:   One 31/1/2007.  

Little Egret:   Seen with increasing frequency in recent years, but only small numbers mostly late summer, but winter roost, max 16 birds.

Grey Heron:   Resident in small numbers: max 13 in 1998. A pair has bred successfully on the North Lake in 3 out of the last 4 years.

Purple Heron:   One in Jul 1972.

White Stork:   One 30/7/1978.

Black Stork:   One juv. 4/8/2010.

Honey  Buzzard:   One in Oct 2000 – an invasion autumn also one on 11/5/08 and one on 15/9/08.

Red Kite:   One in June 2005 and one on 10/6/06 and increasingly seen in the general area.

Marsh Harrier:   One 20/9/77.

Hen Harrier:   A ringtail on 10/1/1968 and one male on 1/4/07.

Common Buzzard:   Seen increasingly with up to 5 in the air together mostly to the North. 

Goshawk:   1-2 on several dates in spring 2003.

Sparrowhawk:   Our commonest raptor by far: up to two pairs have bred. Numbers recovered after decrease in pesticides and persecution.

Osprey:   Used to be almost annual in the earlier years, but few records in the last 30 despite the increase in the Scottish population. Probably the water is hidden by the trees from migrating birds. Recent records: one on 03/10/99, 1/4/06 and 18/4/09.

Kestrel:   Seen regularly mostly round the fringes of the Reserve.

Red-footed Falcon:   The only records were in Jun 1962 and Apr 1971

Merlin:   Singles in 1963, 1971, 1981 and 1985 – Oct-Apr.

Hobby:   Seen throughout the period in May-Oct in small numbers, but commoner in recent years.

Peregrine:   Seen throughout in most months of the year; some increase in recent years as birds have spread more with decrease in pesticides and persecution.

Water Rail:   Bred at least in 1974, but mainly winter visitor; max 6.

Spotted Crake:   Singles 30/4/1958 and 17/3/1970.

Moorhen:   Common resident and breeder: probably over 20 present most of the year, winter max 44-49 in 1970s, when up to 32 pairs bred, and max count of 132 in Mar 1973; recent max  45.

Coot:   Abundant resident breeder:  26 pairs bred in 1972. Winter visitors have swelled numbers to 400, but generally fewer than 200 in recent years.  

Oystercatcher:   2-3 seen annually 1970/1-1973/4. 8 on 8/8/1977; in recent years 6 singles 1987-2010 and 4 together after the Great Storm of Oct 1987.

Avocet:   Just 2 records in recent years, but 11 arrived 13.00 on 16/3/69 and 2 on 25/10/77. Recent record: one on 12/9/2004.

Stone Curlew:   One in July 1963.

Little Ringed Plover:   A regular breeder throughout. In the years to 1974 32 pairs in 18 seasons and of 79 hatched 48 reached maturity. In recent years success has gone hand in hand with Lapwing success.

Ringed Plover:   A scarce passage migrant. The peak year was 1972/3 with 49 bird/days, and up to 22 on one day. In more recent years has become annual with arrivals mostly of 1-4, but 6 in May 2001.

Kentish Plover:   One accepted record - on 30/7/04. Also one recorded 24/4/99.

Golden Plover:   Not annual and mostly single birds in winter, but 200 over on 22/4/1974.

Grey Plover:   Commoner in the early years; since then a scarce visitor with individuals in at least 4 years, but 12 over 31/12/96.

Lapwing:   A scarce and recently annual breeder.  Immigrants appear as early as late May-early June, but highest numbers are in winter. In the 1970s there were several counts of 1000-2500, but in recent years numbers have not exceeded 650. Hard weather movements have been observed quite often.

Knot:   2 in 1973 and one in 1982.

Sanderling:   Seen only in 1973/4 and May 2009.  

Little Stint:   4 in 1972 and one in 1998.

Temminck’s Stint:   Singles in Jul 1962, May 1977, Oct 1998 and May of 2001 and 2004.

Pectoral Sandpiper:   Singles in Sept of 1973 and one on 7/9/2002.  

Curlew Sandpiper:   One in May 1980.

Dunlin:   31 bird/days in 1972/3 and 40 in 1973/4, but in the last 30 years has become a scarcer visitor, albeit 1-4 in most years and appearing in10 months of the year.

Ruff:   10 bird/days in 5 years to 1973/4, 4 in 1977, 4 in Aug 1978, but  only 3 records of 4 birds since 1980.

Jack Snipe:   In 1972/3 there were172 bird/days and 278 in 1973/4, max 11 from 9/10/1977,but with the demise of the Snipe Bog ( now a lake)  maxima were 5 in 1985, 4 in 1991 and 2 in 1997 all in Sandy Bay, but few records since; one in early 2011.

Snipe:   Up to 140 were counted in the Snipe Bog in the late 1960s and 300 in Dec 1977. A pair attempted to breed for 4 years from 1969, the one year in which they succeeded. There were 150 in Dec 1985 and 120 in Jan 1990. Since the creation of the islands winter numbers have increased again, often to 50 and in 2010/1 to over 70. There are records for all months, but in recent years they occur mostly Aug-Apr.

Great Snipe:   One 3-15/9/1975.

Woodcock:   A hard weather visitor; 1-4 appearing in 8 winters since 1981/2. A bird ringed in Jan 1973 was recovered in Estonia. Also seen throughout winter 2009 and 2010 and one seen on 5/2/2011.

Black-tailed Godwit:   One at the end of Nov 1996 was joined in mid-Dec by a second. There was also one in February and June 1999.

Bar-tailed Godwit:   There were 3 in 1972/3 and singles in Dec 1977, May 1980 and Apr 1981.Recent records: one on 6/5/2002 and one 1-5-2006.

Whimbrel:   Singles in 1970/1, 1973/4 and Apr 2004, two on 15/4/2007, one on 30/4/1999, three on 17/4/2004 and one 5/11/2006.

Curlew:   There were 31 bird/days in 1972/3 and 22 in 1973/4. It has become scarcer more recently in West Kent with 4 in Feb 1991 and singles in 1979, 1996, 1999, twice in 2002, eight were seen flying over on 9/5/2004 and curlew was also recorded twice in late 2010.

Common Sandpiper:   A regular passage migrant in small but decreasing numbers; seen all months Apr-Oct.

Green Sandpiper:   Increased to 370 bird/days by 1973/4; in the last 30 years seen in all months of the year, mainly Jul-Sep; max 12 in Mar 1978,13 in Jul 1982, but smaller numbers in recent years.

Wood Sandpiper:   Singles each year from 1969/70-1973/4; also in Apr 1977, May 1978, Jul and Aug 1980, 1/10/06 and Apr 2009.

Spotted Redshank:  2 in 1972/3, 7 in 1973/4, one in Sep 1978; one heard Oct 2007.

Greenshank:   Bird/day totals for 1969/70-1973/4 varied from 4-23; in more recent years seen Apr-May and Jul-Sep with max day totals of 4 in May 1995 and 3 in Aug 1980 and 1989; just about annual in last 15 years mainly in spring.

Redshank:    1973/4 was a peak year with a bird/day total of 78; since then 5 records of 6 birds in the 1990s all in winter; 5 singles in the 1990s inc. one in May and at least 5 records in the 2000s of 7 birds, inc. one in May; now a scarce bird in West Kent.

Turnstone:   In the earlier years2-6 birds on three occasions in Jan-Feb; more recently an occasional visitor with 2 in May 1980 and up to 5 on a few occasions since.                                

Arctic Skua:  2 W 29/8/1971.

Great Skua:   One for 3 days in Jan 1980.

Gulls:   Numbers have varied greatly especially of the larger gulls. The Otford Road tip was very good for gulls until it closed in about 1990. A new landfill site opened at nearby Greatness in the 2000s and gull numbers have increased again.

Kittiwake:   The only live records were in Aug 1956, Dec 1993 and Dec 1997.

Black-headed Gull:   There was a roost of 5,000 birds in 1969/70, but in more recent years there are sometimes pre-roost gatherings, but the main roost is at Bough Beech. In recent years it can be seen in all months, but few in May-Jul. Numbers vary from hour to hour and day to day, but often number 700 or more.

Little Gull:   7 seen 1957-73; one in 1978,2 in Apr 1989, 6 in Apr 1999, 2 in a Nov; singles in Mar and Oct 2002 and Mar 2007; 2 singles in late 2010.

Mediterranean Gull:   One in Sep 1971; at least 7 records since 1984 all Dec-Mar.

Common Gull:   Seen in varying numbers in all months of the year, but commonest Sep-Apr, when there is evidence of passage; highest count 255 in Apr 2003.

Lesser Black-backed Gull:   Commonest in the days of the Otford Road tip and up to 1990; seen in all months of the year, but now only in small numbers. Highest counts were 415 in June 1987, 400 in Sep 1986, 360 in Jul 1990 and 350 in Jun 1978 and Sep 1985 and 320 in Aug 1977.

Great Black-backed Gull:   Recorded in all months except Jul-Aug: highest numbers were in the cold Januaries  of 1979, 1985, 1986 and 1987 with 200, 250, 415 and 400 resp.  After a lull when the bird was very rare, less uncommon, and up to 70 during cold spells.

Herring Gull:   During the glory days of the tip from 1956/7 – 1984/5 there were winter  peaks of up to 400  In more recent years such numbers are unusual, but this species can be seen any time of the year. Nominate Argentatus has appeared in cold spells with 13 in Feb 1991, 2 in Jan 1997,  and 65 in Jan 2010. In 2010/1 there were up to 200 Herring Gulls of which the majority were probably Scandinavian.

Yellow-legged Gull:   1-2 seen on 9 dates 1984-90, mostly in July. Later records in Nov 2008 and Dec 2010.

Glaucous Gull:   Seen in Nov 1965, Jan 1968, Jan 1971, Mar 1979, Dec 1981, with 2 Jan 1982, and Feb 1984.

Iceland Gull:   Singles in Jan 1968, Jan 1980, Jan 1983 and Dec 1989.  

Little Tern:   There were 3 in spring and 21 in autumn from 1954-1974. Singles appeared in Jul 1983 and May 1988; ad and juv Aug 1989.

Black Tern:   There were flocks of 25 in Sep 1963 and 43 in Aug 1962 and a total of 110 1954-1974. There have been few records in recent years.

Sandwich Tern:  Up to 11 in both spring and autumn in the earlier years, and a flock of 20 in Sep 1982.

Common Tern:   The total for 1954-1974 was 387; max 33 18/5/75. In more recent years there were flocks of 35 in May 1980 and 12 in Apr 1999. It is now annual in small numbers with one breeding attempt.

Arctic Tern:   There was a total of 24 from 1954-74, 4 on 14/9/76, singles in Aug 1977 and Apr 1978, a party of 7 in May 1988 and singles in at least May 1998, and Apr and June 2008.

Roseate Tern:   There were 14 from 1954-74 and one in 6/5/1989 with Arctic Terns.

Puffin:   One on 8/10/57.

Feral Pigeon:   Common on the fringes of the Reserve.

Stock Dove:   Common resident; highest numbers on the fringes with max 82 Sep 2010.

Woodpigeon:  Very common resident; highest numbers on the fringes. Some Octobers have seen hundreds flying south.

Collared Dove:   Resident on the fringes.

Turtle Dove:    Once resident, now absent.

Ring-necked Parakeet:    Has gradually increased over the years and breed nearby. Max 38 to roost Oct 2010.

Cuckoo:    Declining resident; now barely annual.

Barn Owl:   Seen 5 times 1969-1972. One wintered 2009/2010 by Long Lake.

Little Owl:   Probably resident throughout on the fringes, but not often seen.

Tawny Owl:   Probably resident, but mainly recorded by the fisherman. Rarely seen.

Swift:   Common summer visitor and passage migrant: extreme dates 24/4 and 16/9.

Nightjar:  One 17/7/1970

Kingfisher:   2-3 pairs breed most years, but 5 pairs in 1973.

Bee-eater:   One before 1976.

Hoopoe:   Singles in spring in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1974 and 1978.

Wryneck:  Used to breed in the area; one 4/11/68; more recently one reported, but unpublished.

Green Woodpecker:   Probably 4 territories on average.

Great Spotted Woodpecker:   Common resident; several pairs.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker:   Declining resident; now difficult.

Wood Lark:   One on 29/9/1977.

Skylark:   Resident just north of the Reserve; occasional autumn migrant; some hard weather movements.

Sand Martin:   Up to 772 pairs nested in 1964-72, but numbers declined thereafter and none for many years. Now summer visitor and passage migrant, especially common in adverse weather; extreme dates Mar 7th and Oct 6th. Easterly movement of 160 24/9/88.

Swallow:   Summer visitor; commonest on passage, but rarely exceeds 50. Extreme dates Mar 24th and Oct 29th

House Martin:   Summer Visitor; good numbers on passage or feeding flights in adverse weather, when up to 200 seen. Earliest date Mar 21st.

Rock Pipit:   Records, from Oct to Mar, will all refer to the Scandinavian race littoralis; seen in 1962 (2), 1963,1972, 1973(3), 1974, 1980, 1981(2), 1992(2), but has become scarce.

Water Pipit:   Records from October to April in 1972(5), 1973, 1979, 1984(3), 2008 and 2010.

Tree Pipit:   A pair bred in 1957 and 1958; since then an increasingly scarce migrant with 3 in spring and one in Jul up to 1974; only one in the last 30 years.

Meadow Pipit:   Two pairs used to nest on the Reserve up to the 1970s, but since then only a winter visitor and passage migrant with highest counts of 100 in Apr 1970, 80 in Sep 1984 and 65 in Feb 1999.  

Red-throated Pipit:   One on 3/5/80.

Yellow Wagtail:   A passage migrant in small numbers in Apr/May and Aug/Oct between Apr 1st and Oct 2nd. Max counts 15 on 3/5/80 and 5 on 2/10/10.

Blue-headed Wagtail:  Males in 1970, 1980, 1986 and a pair in 2001, all in May.

Grey-headed Wagtail:   A male and 2 females in May 1977.

Grey Wagtail:   A resident which breeds on or near the Reserve most years. There may be additional migrants or winter visitors max counts of 6 in the early years.

White Wagtail:   In the early days was a regular passage migrant, mostly in spring, but has wintered:  6 in Apr 1977, in Sep-Dec 1977; in 1984 (2), 1991, 1999 and 2009, all in spring.

Pied Wagtail:   Resident with 3 pairs in 1964 increasing to 11 by 1973; there used to be a large roost in nearby Dunton Green. Highest counts in more recent years were 70 in Apr 1984 and 110 in Mar 1993; still a common resident.

Waxwing:   Nine were seen in the 1965/6 invasion and one in Dec 1970. There were 4 on the Reserve in Mar 1996 and flocks at nearby Bat and Ball in 2005 and in the mammoth 2010/11 invasion. Also five on 24/2/2001 and 27 on 5/3/2005.

Wren:   Abundant resident: more than 70 singing birds have been counted on a spring day.

Dunnock:   Common resident.

Robin:   Very common resident.

Nightingale:  Pairs nested in 1966, 1970 and 1971, but no sightings in recent years.

Black Redstart:   Males in May 1973 and Apr 1977..

Common Redstart:  An occasional spring and autumn migrant up to 1975. In last 30 years 2 birds in the 1980s and one in 2010.

Whinchat:   Up to 1975 at least it was an occasional spring and regular autumn migrant, up to Oct 24th. In more recent years 4 records late Aug – early Oct from 1989-1997, mostly just off the Reserve.   

Stonechat:   Occasional Nov-Mar in earlier years, and one on 4/5/1977 but now very rare: juv in Aug 1982 and females in Oct 2002 and Nov 2005.

Wheatear:   A regular passage migrant in small numbers in the earlier years, but now not even annual. There were at least 8 records in the 1980s all but one in spring, but only a few since.

Blackbird:   Common resident augmented by winter visitors from Nov-Dec. In the earlier years flocks of up to 50 noted in Mar and Oct. Peak number of nesting pairs was 89 in 1972.

Fieldfare:   Mainly a winter visitor, reported from Sep 23rd to late Apr; max counts 750 in Nov 1971, 450 in Feb 1999 and 350 in Feb 2000.

Song Thrush:  Resident throughout; the number of nesting pairs peaked at 47 in 1972, but only a few pairs breed now and numbers vary during the year with some evidence of migration. Highest day count 140 in Mar 1974.

Redwing:   Common winter visitor in varying numbers throughout; in earlier years autumn max count was 150. Highest recent count was 200 in Feb 1997, but 150 in Mar 1996 and 120 in Mar 1984 included mass choirs of birds in sub-song.

Mistle Thrush:   Resident throughout with a peak number of 9 breeding pairs in 1972. In more recent years 1-2 pairs on the periphery. Recent max 15 in Aug 2001.   

Grasshopper Warbler:   1-2 pairs bred 1966-1973, but no  rcords since.

Cetti’s Warbler:   First reported in Oct 2004 and 1-2 birds singing subsequently; four birds together in autumn 2010 may have been a family party.

Sedge Warbler:   Numbers peaked in 1970 when 8 pairs bred, but it has become an increasingly scarce spring migrant. Earliest 8/4/95.

Aquatic Warbler:   One on 21/8/64.

Reed Warbler:   Only one pair 1971-3, but in recent years the growth in the extent of reed-beds has enabled 6-12 pairs to breed annually; latest date 19/9/77.

Blackcap:  Since about 1972 at least 15 pairs have bred annually and it has wintered.

Garden Warbler:   Gradually increased to 17 pairs in 1973 and not much change since. Earliest 8/4/1978.

Lesser Whitethroat:   Peaked at 20 pairs in 1968, but in most recent years is mainly a decreasing spring migrant and one in Sep 2010.

Whitethroat:   Peaked at 15 pairs in the early 1970s, but declined  to nil, but a recent resurgence has produced 2-3 territories.

Yellow-browed Warbler:   One seen and heard 8/10/78.

Wood Warbler:   There was a series of spring records in 1982-3, but only the occasional spring and one autumn record since.

Chiffchaff:   In the early years peaked at 6 pairs, but has increased somewhat more recently possibly at the expense of Willow Warbler. Some spring birds move on and there is an early autumn dispersal. Numbers remain high through Sep, and then suddenly plummet, but a small group of winterers arrive in Nov, and stay until driven out by severe weather. It then becomes difficult to know when the spring migrants arrive.

Willow Warbler:   Increased steadily to 44 pairs in 1973, but in more recent years has become a migrant in small numbers, either singing birds from late Mar or dispersing juvs in early autumn often with tit flocks.

Goldcrest:   Mainly a winter visitor in the early days; now a resident breeding in small numbers.

Firecrest:   At least one: in Jan and Feb 1999 and one on 21/3/04. 

Spotted Flycatcher:   There was a gradual increase to 7 pairs in 1973, but in more recent years it has become a scarce autumn migrant, but 3 in Sep 2010.

Pied Flycatcher:   Early records were in Aug 1961, May 1972 and 23/7/77. In later years there have been 2 April records, the latest in 2006, it was also recorded on 14/9/2002.

Bearded Tit:   Males seen in Dec 1972 and Dec 1973.

Long-tailed Tit:   Common resident; post breeding flocks of up to 50 seen in May.

Blue Tit:   Common Resident; there were 41 pairs in 1973. Max count 70 in Aug 1997.

Great Tit:   Quite a common resident; up to 20 pairs in 1968-73.

Coal Tit:   Resident in the area, but erratic in appearance.  Birds of nominate race ater seen in autumns of 1988, 1993 and 1996.

Marsh Tit:  Rare visitor, but seen in last 2 years. It is a bird of the higher woodlands in W Kent.

Willow Tit:   5 pairs bred in 1972, but in more recent years 1-2 wintered, but the species declined to extinction in Kent from the 1990s.

Treecreeper:   Probably 4-7 territories throughout.

Nuthatch:   A bird of the wooded higher ground in the area, so only an annual but irregular visitor to the Reserve, including family parties.

Golden Oriole:   A male in 200? 

Great Grey Shrike:   There were 6 records in 1971-4.

Jay:   A common resident in small numbers; most apparent in autumn as they seek acorns. Continental birds were recorded in Oct 1963 and 1966.

Magpie:  A common resident.

Jackdaw:   A numerous bird in the area, but does not breed on the Reserve. Counts of birds which roost on the Reserve up to 1,500.

Rook:    There was a rookery on the Reserve up to the 1980s, but it is now rare, but can be seen coming into roost at dusk after the Jackdaws, e.g. 50 in Jan 2009.

Carrion Crow:   Common resident with 100-150 regularly seen on the fringes especially in winter.

Hooded Crow:   One seen on the Otford Road tip in Mar 1982, but up to 4 there in earlier years.

Raven:   Nested in the Darent Valley until 1844 (Ticehurst 1909). More recently 2 over in Jul 1960 and singles in Sep 1973, April 1975 and in 2010. This bird has been spreading rapidly east in recent years.  

Starling:   Resident, but mainly on the periphery where large flocks can occur of juvs in late summer and in winter. On 29/5/02 a Little Owl flew across part of the big field and grabbed a young Starling from a flock of 200.This was sufficiently unusual to be published as a note in “British Birds”

House Sparrow:   Breeding pairs peaked at 36 in 1969; the highest count was 250 in Aug 1970.Does not now breed on the Reserve, but can be seen or heard on the periphery.

Tree Sparrow:   Breeding pairs peaked at 34 in 1972 and the highest count was 300 in Jan 1971. There were still 80 in Nov 1980 and 125 just off the Reserve in Nov 1982. There was a sudden decline and the species has not been seen for a number of years. This is in line with national trends.

Chaffinch:   Breeding pairs peaked at 28 pairs in 1972. It is still a resident breeding in small numbers on and around the Reserve. Flocks often exceed 50 particularly along the entrance track.

Brambling:   1-3 recorded Oct-Mar, but not annually and has become rather less common in recent years.

Serin:   A pair in Jul 1969.

Greenfinch:   Breeding pairs peaked at 35 in 1972 and the highest count was 250 in Nov 1969. In more recent years it is resident on the periphery in small numbers. Max count recently was 20 in Feb 2001.

Goldfinch:   Resident in small  numbers peaking at 13 pairs in 1972-3, but now commonest in winter. Highest recent counts were 80 in Mar 1996 and 140 in Oct 2002.

Siskin:   Winter visitor in varying numbers Sep-Apr favouring alders, but one on 23/6/85. Peak counts of 300 or more in 5 Januaries since 1990; max 380 in 2003; over 500 have been claimed.

Lesser Redpoll:   Breeding pairs peaked at 16 in 1972. Highest counts were 200 in Jan 1971, 150 in Dec 1973, 140 on 30/4/1978,160 in Dec 1984 and 170 in Feb 1993. In more recent years winter numbers have mostly been in single figures, but it has occurred in all months.

Common (Mealy) Redpoll:   Recorded at least 3 times in the last 5 years; 7 in Nov 1975.

Arctic Redpoll:   One accepted record on 29/4/78.

Linnet:   Breeding pairs peaked at 25 in 1972 and highest count was 300 in Jan 1971. It is now barely annual although even in more recent years substantial winter flocks have been found in the Sevenoaks area.

Twite:   A flock of 22 appeared on 2/4/64 at a time when they were common winter visitors to the Kent coast, but still rare inland.

Crossbill:   A total of 3 were seen in Nov 1972.

Bullfinch:   16 pairs bred in 1972-3, but it is now a resident in small numbers, counts rarely reaching double figures.

Hawfinch:  There were 2 in Dec 1970 and one in Jun 1972.

Yellowhammer:  1-2 pairs bred on the Reserve at least up to 1973. There was a flock of 75 in Dec 1985 and another of 18 on the periphery in Jan 2008; otherwise not even annual although it does occur in nearby areas.

Reed Bunting:   Breeding pairs peaked at 31 in 1972, but have declined since to about 4 pairs in recent years.  A few occur in winter and there was a flock of 50 in Jan 1971.      

APPENDIX 1:   ESCAPES

Black Swan:   One Nov 1987, but others in later years, possibly from Leeds Castle.

Greater Snow Goose:   One Aug 1984.

Lesser Snow Goose:   One 1963-5.

Bar-headed Goose:   Seen Nov-Dec 1978, Sep 1983 and Apr 1997.

Cape Barren Goose:   One 1985.

Wood Duck:   A pair Nov 1986 and one Apr 1997.

Chiloe Wigeon:   Singles Sep 1983 and 2008.

Ringed Teal:   Seen in Oct 2004, Jan 2008 and 2009.

Yellow-billed Teal:   One Oct 1994.

Speckled Teal:   One in Aug 1992.

Dalmatian Pelican:   One in Nov 1967.

APPENDIX 2:   LIKELY FUTURE ADDITIONS:

Long-tailed Duck

Velvet Scoter

Long-tailed Skua

Little Auk

Caspian Gull

Short-eared Owl

Phalarope sp

Alpine Swift

Red-rumped Swallow