April Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

      Martyn Wilson -  martynwilson@talktalk.net  

  Brendan Ryan -  brendan.ryan@yahoo.co.uk

  Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

Grove Ferry Car Park Notice - Parking Charges. Please click here for more information. Please click here for the latest Stodmarsh NNR April Newsletter.

30th April

A quick look at Grove is afternoon produced about a dozen Hobbies,  a similar number of Swifts, three Yellow Wagtails, a showy male Garganey from the ramp (evidently there were two earlier) and a single Little Ringed Plover
(John Cantelo)

28th April

Barry Woolhouse and I visited Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh today between 10.00 and 14.00.  This is what we saw,1 L.R.P. 1 Garganey,1 Cuckoo and yes 1 bearded reedling,.  during heavy cloud cover,various parties of Swifts passed through,totalling over 100,also good numbers of Hirundines. At Stodmarsh we saw 16 Common Tern and 8 Hobby from the Lampern Wall but missed a White Stork that was claimed by someone else. 

(Barry Woolhouse and Malcolm McVail)

Upon arriving at Grove at 10.50am today, my friend Jan Luck and I had just started to walk away from the car when we had our attention drawn by a female Sparrowhawk swooping down at the rear the pub gardens. It disappeared below the tree line, only for a larger hawk to suddenly appear, which was being chased and harried by the Sparrowhawk. It was a female Goshawk. The pair "chased and tumbled" for perhaps a minute or so before the Goshawk flew off towards the north. I've seen Goshawk on a number of previous occasions both in the north of England and on the Continent, so I am familiar with this species. I will be sending a formal report to the KOSRP. Other species seen from Grove only: Little Ringed Plover - 2 from ramp Garganey - drake from ramp Swift - 100+ Hobby - 4 Sparrowhawk - probably 2 additional birds Marsh Harrier - 3M + 1F Bearded Tit - 3 Lesser Whitethroat - 2, by entrance track Cuckoo - 2 All other usual warblers singing in abundance. Notable absentees - Grasshopper Warbler Turtle Dove.

(Keith Privett)

I made two visits into the valley today, one early morning and the other after work. Birds noted at Grove were 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Blackcap, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 5 Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Nightingale, 1 Little Owl and 2 Greylag Geese. There were 2 Whimbrel, 1 high east and the other in the field behind Harrisons, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 13 Swift high over the main pool, 2 Turtle Dove in the paddock, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 drake Garganey, 5 Shelduck, 6 Hobby late afternoon, 2 Little ringed Plover, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Common Tern and a few Gadwall, Teal and Lapwing from the main pools. I met Ron Dubbins who had seen 3 Greenshank, 4 Ruff, 2 Wheatear, 3 Snipe and 3 Nightingale.

(Marc Heath)

 27th April

An early morning visit to the Marsh Hide where the best wader habitat seems to be this spring. Four Greenshank were still present from the previous day and a Bittern was booming near the hide. The only other waders of note were single Ringed and LRP from the ramp. 6 Swifts were feeding above the ramp and a drake Garganey flew towards the Oxbow. Highlight of the morning was a ringtail Montagu’s Harrier that passed through at 7.30

(Brendan Ryan)

26th April

Much the same as yesterday, with Cuckoo heard as I exited the car. There were the usual Warbler contingent with all species added including Grasshopper, Sedge, Reed, Cetti's, Willow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Garden Warbler. A Tawny Owl was heard at the same time as the first Cuckoo and the Avocet still present from the ramp. there were, 3 Pochard (2 drakes), 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 5 Greenshank, 1 Little Egret, a couple each of Swallow and Sand Martin and just 3 House Martins. Three Yellow Wagtails were seen plus, 2 Snipe, several Meadow Pipit and Skylarks and a single Bearded Tit. The first Turtle Dove of the year was heard by Brendan and was soon located along the river just before Paddy's Bench, we had another 2 approaching the jungle. The male Bittern continues to 'boom' near the old tip and another was seen while this one boomed!. Roger Lawrence had 2 Common Sandpipers on the raft at Stodmarsh with just 1 there when we arrived a few hours later. Also today, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Hobbies, 9 Common Terns and a Water Rail.

(Martyn Wilson,Brendan Ryan & Pete Solly)

25th April

An early morning text from Martyn had me divert to Grove while on my way to Bockhill to collect Avocet for the year. I returned to Collard’s post Bockhill and had 9 Hobbies, 7 Common Terns and a Sparrow Hawk, while there were 5 Swifts over Westbere, seen from Cow Corner

(Brendan Ryan)

Arriving at the ramp at just after 5.00am, first bird seen was the Avocet Marc had seen yesterday, a quick text to Brendan as he also needed to add it to the valley year-list.Also there were several Common Whitethroat, 3+ Lesser Whitethroat large numbers of Sedge Warblkers plus 10 or so Reed Warblers, Cetti's Warblers forever evident as well. There were at least 7 Marsh Harriers, possibly 9, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 1 female Hen Harrier and a Merlin that Alan had seen prior to our meeting up. There were at least 3 Cucoo's, 1 Ringed Plover, small numbers of Swallow, Sand and House Martin, 4 Common Terns, 1 Little-ringed Plover and 5 Hobbies. Three pairs of Long-tailed Tit were seen and there were, 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Snipe, several Linnets, 1 Bullfinch, 6+ Nightingale, 1 Sparrowhawk and 30+ Swifts. Also commoner birds also seen were, Blue & Great Tits, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail, Green & Great-spotted Woodpeckers and 1 Kestrel.

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

24th April

A brief before work jaunt around Grove produced a single Greenshank and Ringed Plover but no other waders of note. Warblers were represented by Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler, while 2 Nightingales were singing along the river. In the evening I called in at Collard’s where there were 4 Common Terns but not a lot else

23rd April

From Westbere lakes, 1 Red Kite west over Trenleypark Wood at 3.30, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 8 Great crested Grebe, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcap, c15 Grelag Geese and 1 Hobby.

(Marc Heath)

22nd April

7 Hobbies sighted over Stodmarsh Reserve today, Wednesday 22 April 2009 at 12.30.
(Phil Charlton.)

A trundle round stodmarsh today through the wood produced 6 chiffchaff 4 willow warblers 8 blackcaps. From the lampern wall numerous sedge and reed warblers, 3 hobbies, 2 buzzards, 2 marsh harriers and  a pair of shelduck

(Dave Dowell and John Mills)

A brief visit to Grove after work produced a drake Garganey, 2 LRPs, single Ringed Plover and Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, 40 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows, 23 Pied, 1 White and 19 Yellow Wagtails and a Barn Owl

(Brendan Ryan) 

21st April

A few hours spent in the valley at various times today noting the following. It was very pleasing to log 5 Hobby together hawking over the Marsh hide, Pete Laslett seeing 3 yesterday at Grove, the first of the year. Also 3 Nightingale, 1 Bullfinch, 7 Marsh Harrier, 3 Blackcap, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little ringed Plover, 2 Kestrel, 3 Black tailed Godwit, 4 Shelduck, 2 Green Woodpecker and 8 Cetti’s Warbler. There were 2 Common Buzzard, 14 Greylag Geese, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 drake Garganey, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 2 Pochard, a few Swallow and Sand Martin and from the ramp, a few Teal, Gadwall and Shoveler. Malcolm Mcvail noted 4 Buzzard high south east over Grove, 2 Wheater and 1 Garden warbler along the entrance track at Grove.

(Marc Heath)

20th April

I made a brief 45 minute visit tonight to Westbere lakes to see what butterflies were on the wing in the warm sunshine. I noted c15 'Whites', 3 male Orange Tip, do these butterflies ever land!, 1 Peacock, 3 Comma and 3 Speckled Wood. Birds seen were 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Long tailed Tits and a few Great crested Grebe on the lake.

(Marc Heath)

19th April

On 19 April mid-day we watched a single and then a group of 6 Swifts: many swallows, 5 house martins and four sand martins over the open water on the left (facing Canterbury) along the Lampen Wall.   Also several  sedge and Cettis heard.   Two male and one female Marsh harriers seen    
(Peter and Pauline Heathcote) 

Birds noted in the valley today by various people were, 10 Nightingale, 1+ Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Garden Warblers (in the jungle), 2 Spoonbills high east over Grove, 12 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 drake Garganey (1 Stodmarsh 1 Grove), 12 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the right hand pool from the ramp, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 1 Cuckoo.

18th April

I spent an hour at 4.30am driving around the valley again in search of a Cuckoo, this time I was successful as one was calling from the Westbere lakes area at 4.53am. Other birds noted in the dark were 1 Bittern, 4 Tawny Owl and 14 Nightingale. I met Martyn at the ramp at Grove where we spent a few hours wandering around before I left for a kids party at 9am. Birds we noted were 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 1 by the river still and one between Grove and Stodmarsh, 4 Shelduck, 28 Curlew were still from the ramp before being joined by 11 Bar tailed Godwits in the field, some in summer plumage. Also 1 Redshank, 11 Tufted duck, 5 Marsh Harrier, 2 drake Garganey, 1 Yellow Wagtail, c15 Gadwall, 1 Great crested Grebe and 1 ring tail Hen Harrier. There were 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Ruff, 3 House Martin and a few Swallow and Sand Martin going through.

(Marc Heath & Martyn Wilson)

17th April

An evening stroll through the rain this evening produced a Common Crane on the meadows at Westbere (directly opposite where the path meets the river).

(Richard Hills)

A Cuckoo was heard calling from the Westbere Marshes area at 4.15 p.m. this afternoon.

(Sue Morton)

I heard and saw a Cuckoo near the Reedbed Hide at Stodmarsh at 1045 this morning.  

(Julie Childs)

I left home this morning at 5.45am and had a drive around the valley in pouring rain hoping to get a Cuckoo, but despite a few stops I could not hear one. I did manage 1 singing Coal Tit and 2 Tawny Owls.I then arrived at Grove Ferry a while later and made my way to the ramp. The rain had obviously grounded a few birds as from the ramp there was a great sight of 36 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel ( first of the year) and 1 Bar tailed Godwit (first of the year). After being flushed by passing Marsh Harriers they eventually flew to the fields just East of the ramp where they stayed until I left. I spent the next couple of hours visiting the hides and getting soaked inbetween and noted the following: 1 Greenshank, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling still by the river and whilst there, 1 Common Sandpiper (first of the year) flew downriver calling. also 1 Little Egret, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Lesser black backed Gulls, 3 Little ringed Plover from Harrisons, 1 Nightingale, 1 Water Rail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat and 2 drake Garganey. There were 2 Bullfinch, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Ringed Plover, 9 Cetti's Warbler, 1 presumed Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff hybrid calling near the river, c150 Teal and a few Shoveler, Lapwing and Gadwall. Apologies for the photos but it was dull and pouring hard, can you spot the Whimbrel in the top photo?

(Marc Heath)

                                                        

16th April

Despite the heavy rain, I made a 3 hour visit into the valley today at 11.45am, starting at Grove before having a brief look at Collards and Stodmarsh. On arrival at Grove there were c150 hirundines flying around the pools. I scanned them hoping for a Red rump but could only manage Swallows, Sand Martins and 1 House Martin, still an excellent site though. Birds noted at Grove were 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 drake Garganey, 3 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Blackcap, 1 Nightingale and 4 Ruff. There were 2 Wheatear from Harrisons with one showing quite well on the mud, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Little Egret, good numbers of Sedge and a few Reed Warbler and a few Lapwing, Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall from the ramp. I met Stephen Burke who had seen 1 Common Tern at Stodmarsh on the main lake so I decided on a visit to the other end of the valley. A quick look at Collards produced 26 Tufted Duck, 11 Great crested Grebe, 1 drake Garganey, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 2 Wigeon, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag Goose and 4 Gadwall. Onwards to Stodmarsh where I met Chris Bond who had logged 1 Grasshopper Warbler singing at Grove earlier, 1 Egyptian Goose from the Marsh hide, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear from the Marsh hide and 2 Common Tern on the main lake at Stodmarsh. I moved on to look for the Tern and soon located it on one of the poles in the middle of the lake, also here were a few Shoveler, Great crested Grebe and 3 Marsh Harrier. I returned to the car park where a Goldcrest and Whitethroat were in song. I set myself a target of 100 species to be seen every month in the valley and after today's visit, I managed to reach 102 species for the month.

(Marc Heath)

A short visit to your territory this afternoon, which included  amongst other sps--3 Greenshank; 3 Ruff and 2 Green Sandpipers from the ramp, 2 Little Ringed Plovers from Harrisons, a`fall` of 5 Wheatears outside the hide in the damp field right, and 6 Fieldfares feeding with Mistle Thrushes in the bottom field left from Harrisons, next to the entrance gate.

(Mike Roser) 

15th April

I was out and about again at 4.45am driving around the valley. I noted 8 singing Nightingales, 2 Little Owl and 2 Tawny Owl. I then made my way to Grove where as I was walking down the entrance track, the Egyptian Goose flew North over the paddock at 5.42am and was lost in the mist. Other birds noted before breakfast were 14 Tufted Duck, 3 Garganey (2 drakes) from the ramp, 4 Marsh Harrier, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawk including a male with prey near the ramp, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Redshank, 3 Little Egret and 2 Shelduck. There were 14 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Grasshopper Warbler along the river, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Jay, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Bullfinch and a few Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Lapwing still from the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

14th April

I received a text from Sue Morton this morning alerting me to a very rare bird in the valley, an Egyptian Goose that was feeding on the water meadows along the river between Grove and Stodmarsh. I did not get out till mid afternoon when I felt the Goose might have moved on but luckily just after meeting Sue along the river, she put me onto my new valley tick. There was no sign of the Ring Ouzel when Sue looked earlier but the Grasshopper Warbler was reported again along the river. Other birds I noted where 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 House Martin, 2 Swallow, 2 sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, good numbers of Sedge Warblers singing and a few Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall from the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

13th April

I was out very early this morning, 3.45am to be precise. I drove around the outskirts of the valley for and hour or so noting 4 Tawny Owls and 7 Nightingales. I arrived at Grove Ferry where Martyn and Alan were just getting ready for the day ahead. We had a good wander around the Grove end of the reserve before I departed leaving Martyn, Alan, Pete, Steve R and Steve A to hopefully find some goodies. We had good views of the singing Grasshopper Warbler which showed well near the river and the male Ring Ouzel was located for its 4th day just South of Harrisons hide. Other birds noted were 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Garganey, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Great spotted Woodpecker. The first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was singing in the paddock, also 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Little Owl, 1 Ring necked Parakeet and 1 Willow Warbler.

(Marc Heath)

Also a single Little-ringed Plover from the ramp, 7 Marsh Harriers all in display with five in te air together at one point and an influx of hirrundines around midday with, 50+ Sand Martins, 3 House Martins and 16 Swallows. Plus 1 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Kingfisher.

(Martyn, Alan & Steve)

12th April

There was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Grove Ferry this morning and it was again heard tonight plus the male Ring Ouzel was still at the end of Harrison's Drove near the White House. All the other usual species were also seen. A Grass Snake was slithering along the road by the Boat House early afternoon.

(Chris Gibbard & Mick Kidgill)

11th April

A Grasshopper Warbler singing at Savi's Corner tonight

(John Mills)

I was out and about early this morning at 4.45am listening for any birds calling in the dark. I was rewarded with the first Nightingale of the year singing near Collards. Also 1 Bittern and 1 Tawny Owl logged. I arrived at a drizzly Grove Ferry and met Martyn and Alan in the Green hide. Pete Solly soon joined us.We then wandered around the Grove end of the reserve before I left at 10.30am and Martyn and Alan did the circuit. Birds noted were 2 Shelduck, 6 Marsh Harrier, 1 Great crested Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little ringed Plover, 1 Wheatear and 5 Green Sandpiper. It was surprising to see the male Ring Ouzel was still present near the white house but it showed well although distant at times, nonetheless, a cracking bird. Other bits included 1 Ruff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Skylark, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Little Owl, 1 Little Egret, 2 Water Pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Long tailed Tit and a few Lapwing, Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall present from the ramp.

(Marc Heath, Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Pete Solly)

10th April

I was in Surrey most of the day with the family visiting friends so it was until 6.45pm that I managed to have an hour at Grove Ferry. Birds noted were 4 Green Sandpiper, 9 Yellow Wagtail including a Blue headed Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Swallow, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Little ringed Plover, 1 Ruff, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Snipe, 3 Pochard, c5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Water Pipit and a few Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall from the ramp. I had a look for the Ring Ouzel that had been seen c10 minutes earlier but I could not locate the bird, however the male Wheatear was still present.

(Marc Heath)

There was a Male Ring Ouzel in second grass field on right after leaving reserve through the gate past the Harrison’s Drove hide.  Also resting periodically in hawthorn bush (9th bush down ditch separating 1st and 2nd grass fields).  Wheatear also in second grass field near ditch.

(John Conway)

9th April

I only made a very brief visit this morning as I received a text from Barry Hunt alerting me to a Grasshopper Warbler at Beltinge which reeled well when I arrived. Birds I did note were 1 Barn Owl, 10 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Snipe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Skylark, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose heard and the highlight was the first Reed Warbler which was singing in reeds at the base of the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

7th April

I met up with Phil Parker this morning and we had a stroll around Grove Ferry for a couple of hours. Prior to meeting Phil I had logged 1 Barn Owl hunting behind Harrisons, 1 Tawny Owl and 1 Little Owl. There seemed to be an overnight arrival of Sedge Warblers as we logged 9 birds just at the Grove end. Other birds noted were 3 Marsh Harrier, 8 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Tufted Duck, c25 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 1 Pochard, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Bearded Tit and 4 Redshank. There were 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Snipe, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Skylark, 4 Blackcap, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 5 Linnet, 1 Ruff and as were about to leave, 2 Ringed Plover flew west through the reserve. Teal and Lapwing numbers also seem to dropping off now.

(Marc Heath & Phil Parker)

6th April

I was dropped over at Grove Ferry this morning at 9am for a few hours and decided to walk the Grove/Stodmarsh circuit. The clouds broke up after a while leaving a lovely sunny day. One of the first birds encountered from the ramp was the first House Martin of the year which then flew North with a couple of Swallows and a Sand Martin. Other birds seen were 10 Chiffchaff, 29 Cetti's Warblers singing, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 31 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 3 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Duck, 6 Blackcap, 3 Jay and 1 Great spotted Woodpecker. There were 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Little Egret, 2 Little Owl near the oxbow lake, 1 Little ringed Plover, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Kestrel, 5 Marsh Harrier, 8 Great crested Grebe, 4 Water Pipit from the Marsh hide, 1 Redpoll, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Water Rail, 1 Sedge Warbler singing in front of the ramp, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Feral Pigeon, 1 Leucistic Herring Gull which caused a few seconds panic, 6 Long tailed Tits, a few Teal and Lapwing from the ramp and good numbers of the common species noted around the reserve.

(Marc Heath)

5th April

A Red Kite passed over Grove Ferry today.

(David Feast)

4th April

Although the forecast did not look that good, I decided on a wander around the Grove/Stodmarsh circuit. There was a westerly breeze and visibility was not that good but I hoped ther might be a migrant or two. I had already heard 2 Little Owls calling at Stodmarsh as I travelled around the valley in darkness. I started at the ramp before walking anti clockwise around the reserve. Birds noted were 30 Cetti's Warbler calling, 14 Tufted Duck, 4 Water Rail, 4 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 43 Shoveler, 3 Garganey (2 drakes) were from the right hand pool early on, c50 Teal, 6 Marsh Harrier, 19 Gadwall, 14 Chiffchaff, 4 Green Woodpecker and 13 Greylag Geese. Despite the wind, I managed to hear the first Sedge Warbler of the year quietly singing near the water meadows on the Northern side of the river. Soon after I located a Willow Warbler singing where the river meets the Lampern Wall. Other bits seen were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Jay, 3 Blackcap, 3 Bullfinch, 6 Great crested Grebe, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Siskin, 21 Water Pipit from the Marsh hide and 1 male Wheatear also in the area. There were 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Snipe, 2 Pochard, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Ring necked Parakeet, 1 Skylark and plenty of the common species noted. At last, it seems the birds are arriving.

(Marc Heath)

3rd April

As the weather had cleared up, I wandered over to Grove Ferry after work to look for a Sedge Warbler. I walked the Grove circuit but could not find the intended target, maybe over the wekkend. The Natural England work party were completing erecting new screens from the ramp and new information boards have been put up around the reserve, its good to see work being done and long may it continue. The bird front was very quiet with 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Shelduck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap, 4 Pied Wagtail and 1 Grey Heron. There were a few Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall from the main pool and 2 Peacock butterflies noted around the reserve. As I was leaving I had a call from Steve Ashton who had just seen 2 Garganey drop into the Green hide pools.

(Marc Heath)

Visited the valley today between 10.45am and 13.45 pm. Observations of note:- 3 Swallows on the telephone wires along the road into Grove Ferry, from the Harrison’s hide 4 Water Pipits, a White (Alba) Wagtail and a Little Ringed Plover, at the Stodmarsh end a Blackcap and a flock of approx. 20 Siskin’s and Redpolls. Overhead a Sparrow Hawk and a further 3 Swallows.

(Barry Woolhouse and Malcolm McVail)

2nd April

I arrived at Grove Ferry just after 6.30am where I wandered around for about an hour. I was hoping that the mist may have grounded a few birds but no, it hadn’t! Birds noted however were 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Green Woodpecker, 10 Gadwall, 4 Chiffchaff, 19 Shoveler, 3 Blackcap in song, 1 Water Pipit, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Jay and 1 Marsh Harrier. There were 4 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Shelduck, 1 Swallow, c50 Teal, 3 Pochard, 3 Linnet, 2 Pied Wagtail and the elusive sound of a Bearded Tit calling. I then made a brief visit to Westbere lakes after work which produced 1 Siskin, 21 Great crested Grebe, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Canada Geese, 20 Greylag Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Harrier and 3 Long tailed Tit. There were 3 Swallows on wires by the railway line.

(Marc Heath)

1st April

The start of a new month and hopefully a good one with most migrants being seen at some point in the month. A brief visit lunchtime and after work to Grove Ferry produced 1 Ring necked Parakeet, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Skylark, c110 Teal, a few Gadwall and Shoveler, 9 Cetti’s Warbler, 8 Shelduck, 2 Green Woodpecker, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 9 Greylag Geese. The first Yellow Wagtail of the year  flew over Grove calling, 1 Little Egret, 5 Swallow, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Redshank, 5 Linnet, 4 Water Pipit from Harrisons, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Snipe, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Pochard, 1 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 24 Lapwing, 1 Jay as well the usual common birds seen and in song.

(Marc Heath)