August Sightings

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                            Sightings can be Emailed to:

      Martyn Wilson - martyn@wilson5834.freeserve.co.uk  

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

  Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

Marc, Martyn & Brendan

Photo Gallery

  Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 177

31st August

Spent a few hours in the valley this afternoon checking bushes and hedges in peripheral locations in the hope of teasing out the odd Redstart or flycatcher. Inevitably this proved to be a fruitless venture and I was only able to manage 3 Whinchats, a single Sedge Warbler, several Chiffchaffs and the odd Willow Warblers.  Grove produced 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Ruff and 2 Golden Plover while Collard’s held 30 Gt-cr Grebes, a single Wigeon plus over 100 Gadwall.

Another pea-souper this morning and what appears to be a clear-out with, virtually nothing in the bushes and the Crake still avoiding detection. No sign of any Wood Sands or Spot Reds and no sign of either Alan, Marc, Pete or Steve Ray, although I did meet up with Steve Ashton for half an hour. Birding at Grove Ferry today produced, 4 Greenshanks, 5 Water Rails, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Ruff, 3 Dunlin and 5 Green Sandpipers. Extensive searches on a very overgrown Baillon's pool and on the very difficult to view Savi's pool (these being the only suitble areas) revealed no Crakes and very little else in fact, there were however still several Reed and Sedge Warblers, mostly around the bushes at Green Hide (this is where I agree with Ben Young se his excellent blog on the latest sightings page, it's been known to long as Green or Turf Fields Hide). Only 2 Marsh Harriers today and 1 Kestrel on the raptor front and not much around the bushes except a couple of Whitethroats. There were, 3 Stock Doves, 11 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit,, 2 Kingfishers, 7 Pied Wagtails and 54 Yellow Wagtails (47 in a field with Cows at the top of Harrison's Drove just before the White House. Around the White House were a good number of Swallows and House Martins with a single Chiffchaff in the Garden, little else to report. Steve had a Little Owl at Cow Corner on his way in and 50 Canada Geese flew in and took over the main pool where there were 52 Black-headed Gulls and 1 juvenile Herring Gull plus 678 Lapwings. A single Whinchat was on the fence line left of the ramp with a Yellow Wagtail.

(Martyn Wilson)

30th August

A very foggy start at Grove Ferry this morning with at least 7 Greenshanks heard and Marc wondering if the fog would lift before he had to leave. It did and he got at least 2 hours in, although he did have Tawny Owl just after 4.00am. So at Grove today were 7+ Greenshank, 7 Green Sandpipers, 1 Golden Plover, 9 Ruff, 30+ Yellow Wgatails (most out in the fog), 1 Kingfisher and a nice showy Grasshopper Warbler in the bushes at the side of the ramp very early. There were, 11 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Bittern, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Pochard and several Reed and Sedge Warblers. Also seen were, 14 Pied Wagtails, 3 Kestrels, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 18 Common Whitethroats, 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 Peregrine, 1 Hobby and a Wood Sandpiper. Final additions to todays count were, 1 Turtle Dove, 6 Stock Doves, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 adult Great Black-backed Gull on the main Pool and 2 House Martins.

(Martyn Wilson, Steve Ray, Marc Heath & Phil Parker)

28th August

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 5.45am to a singing Robin, otherwise silence. Phil soon joined me on the ramp and we explored the reserve as usual. Birds seen this morning included 9 Green Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Greenshank, 10 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 2 Little Egret, 2 Pochard, 2 Marsh Harrier and c80 Greylag Geese. The search for Crakes continues without any luck but the habitat looks excellent on Savi's pool, however, unless you are 7ft tall you stand little chance of seeing much. Natural England, if you are reading, can the reeds be cut to allow some viewing areas into this pool please ASAP. Other birds seen were 1 Black tailed Godwit, 26 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Garganey, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 2 Wood Sandpiper still from Harrisons hide, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat and 1 Whinchat in the same area as yesterday just East of the ramp along the fence line and 1 Sparrowhawk. A walk around the paddock produced 1 Redstart, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap

(Marc Heath & Phil Parker)

27th August

I met Phil 'Godwit' Parker at the entrance this morning at Grove at 5.45am where we spent a few hours wandering the reserve trying to get valley ticks for Phil. It was not long before I noted the bird in question, 1 Black tailed Godwit. Phil could hardly contain his excitement as it has taken about 100 visits for him to connect with this 'common' bird. With uncontrolable shaking as he wrote in the notebook and moon walking taking place by Phil, I continued to note the following: 5 Green Sandpiper, 9 Ruff, 5 Snipe, 3 Dunlin, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Garganey, 1 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Pochard, 2 Wood Sandpiper, c25 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker. The second valley tick of the day for Phil was a Spotted Redshank which appeared from near the river and dropped into the right hand pool. Back at the ramp I noted 3 Whinchat on the fence line just East of the ramp and the first returning male Stonechat was also present. Brendan was informed and soon arrived and duly added them to his year list. A walk around the paddock on our exit produced 2 Lesser Whitethoat, 3 Blackcap, 5+ Whitethroat and Phil had brief but good views of a Spotted Flycatcher which did not hang around for long and soon vanished out of sight, one to look out for.

(Marc Heath & Phil Parker)

26th August

I made 3 visits into the valley today, the first 5.30 - 8.30am, the second 9.30 - midday and finally an hour at Collards at 2pm. The weather remained cloudy for most of the day really with occasional views of the big yellow thing. Birds noted included 11 Green Sandpiper, 9 Ruff, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Rail, 5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Dunlin, 2 Black tailed Godwit, (one day Phil you will connect, but you have to get out first though!) 4 Pochard and 1 Jay. There were an impressive 57 Yellow Wagtail out of roost, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Garganey, 2 Swift, a few hundred Sand Martin, with lesser numbers of House Martin and Swallow, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Ring necked Parakeet, 1 Little ringed Plover, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Hobby, 1 Common Tern, 1 Common Gull, c20 Black headed Gull and c300 Lapwing. I met Norman McCanch who had found 4 Eyed Hawkmoth caterpillars, they were very impressive to look at, see photos. At Collards there were 2 fly over Golden Plover, 20 Great crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 104 Mute Swan, 3 Common Tern, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow Wagtail and hundreds of mainly Sand Martin with a few Swallow and House Martin high over Collards.

(Marc Heath)

25th August

A calm start but getting windy early with drizzle and sunshine but, mostly cloudy. A better day for birds with Marc starting at dawns crack and leaving at 8.00am and, Alan and I staying on until 1.30pm. At Grove Ferry today were, 11 Ruff, 11 Green sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Water Rails, 36 Yellow Wagtails, 3 dunlin, 6 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Spotted Redshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. There were 6 Pochard, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Whinchat, 2 Common Terns and the juvenile Arctic Tern again at 6.45am. Also today were 3 Kingfishers, 1 Garganey, 1 juvenile Little-ringed Plover, 9 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Grasshopper Warbler (showed 3 times just beyond the brambles on the path from ramp to river), 11 Pied wagtails, 7 Stock Doves and (presumably the same) drake Red-crested Pochard flew from the unseen back pools down towards the Oxbow with 7 Gadwall. There must have been upwards of 4000 hirrundines moving west that were 90% Sand Martins and a few Swallow and House Martin and a single Swift was seen. There were at least 9 Whitethroats, 3 + Chiffchaffs, several Reed & Sedge Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 40+ Goldfinch, 108 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lessr Black-backed adult, 1 adult Common and 6 juvenile and 1 2nd/winter Herring Gulls. Star bird of the day was just as we were packing up to go when a superb adult female Hen Harrier cruised in over Harrison's pool heading west up the valley at 1.27pm, perhaps the first returning bird of the Autumn.
(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Marc Heath)

24th August

Another windswept morning at "the Ferry" with rain showers adding to the gloom. At Grove Ferry today were, 3 Dunlin, 11 Green Sandpipers, 13 Ruff, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 juvenile Little-ringed Plover and 6 Water Rails (one with a rather short bill giving the heart a flutter). At 8.00am from Harrison's hide a juvenile Arctic Tern was seen coming in over the main pool, across the back of Harrison's and loafed about on a back pool for a few minutes before heading our way and over Harrison's towards Stodmarsh. There were 4 Grey Herons, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Snipe, 7 Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 6 Pied Wagtails and again just 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier. A single Golden Plover was seen in the air on three occasions but never on the ground and there was 1 Kingfisher, 2 adult Lesser Black-backewd Gulls, 11 Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Common Gull and a second winter Herring Gull. Also today were several hundred Sand Martins feeding low over the pools with a couple of each House Martin and Swallow. At Stodmarsh the Hirrundine situation was the same plus ther were 2 or 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Tern, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great-crested Grebes and a juvenile Marsh Harrier. At Collard's there was no sign of the 2 Black-necked Grebes but was much as yesterday with the Coots, Mute Swans and Great-crests, 1 Little Egret, 5 Common Terns, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and as with Grove and Stod, many hundreds of Martins.

(Martyn Wilson, Pete Solly, Steve Ray, Steve Ashton & Mike Gould)

23rd August

A very quiet time in the valley at the moment with, Green Sands aside, no autumn migrants as such. Hopefully September will produce the goods. At Grove Ferry today were, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Green Sandpipers, 6 Ruff, 11 Snipe, 1 Whinchat, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Grey Heron. There were, 7 Pochard, 7 Pied Wagtails, 23 Black-headed Gulls, 180/200 Greylag Geese, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Dunlin and a good passage of Sand Martins. Only 1 Marsh Harrier (a juvenile) plus 1 Water Rail and a couple of Sedge Warblers. An hour and half at Collard's produced 38 Gret-crested Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 2 Common Terns, 126 Mute Swans, 300+ Coots and the 2 Black-necked Grebes are again on the far side of the lake viewed distantly from the roadside.

(Martyn Wilson & Steve Ray)

21st August

I made 2 visits into the valley today, my normal early shift and midday to 1.30pm. Not a lot to report at the moment but some reed cutting had been done on the small island in front of the green hide, not sure if finished though, and I was told that some reeds will be topped to allow views of one of the back left hand pools from the ramp, this sounds promising. On the bird front, the following was logged. 17 Green Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 1 Green Woodpecker, 11 Ruff, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Marsh Harrier, 11 Snipe, 4 Black tailed Godwit, 5 Pochard and 2 Common Tern. There were 2 Kestrel, c25 Linnet, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank heard, 2 Little ringed Plover, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk, c160 Greylag Geese, 1 Water Rail, 2 Bearded Tit and c300 Lapwing. On the butterfly front, good numbers of 'Whites' on the wing, a few Gatekeeper and 1 Peacock.

(Marc Heath)

20th August

With only a week or so before I go back to the lovely world of education, I arrived at Grove Ferry at 5.30am. I stayed until my usual 8.30am and visited the usual hotspots. The weather remained cloudy with occasional drizzle but the following birds made the notebook: 11 Green Sandpiper, 8 Ruff, 1 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Snipe, 3 Pochard and 2 Hobby. The most significant sighting was at least 19 Yellow Wagtail, a rarity here nowadays. Numbers of this species should build up over the next few weeks. Other birds seen included 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Swift, a few Sand Martin West, c20 Linnet, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 2 Jay. Back at the ramp I noted a Whinchat in bushes just in front of the main pool, it stayed around for at least 45 minutes allowing me to attempt a digiscoped effort. Also 3 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Ring necked Parakeet and 2 Little ringed Plover.

(Marc Heath)

19th August

I did not arrive until 6am this morning and spent a few hours getting blown around the reserve in blustery and cloudy conditions. Still no sign of any Spotted Crakes despite a good search every day but viewing areas to see them are limited, no doubt there are some on site somewhere. I did observe however the following: 3 Marsh Harrier, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little ringed Plover, 9 Ruff, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew in with some Black headed Gulls, stayed c10 minutes and then flew up the valley at 7.42am. There were c111 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 2 Little Egret, 8 Swift, small groups of Swallow and Sand Martin West during my stay with c10 Swallow hanging around the paddocks, , 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, c24 Black headed Gull, 4 Herring Gull present with a steady flow West up the valley, 2 Common Sandpiper, growing numbers of Teal and c300 Lapwing.
(Marc Heath)

18th August

Due to an appointment with the paintbrush at home this morning, I did not get out until 2pm for a couple of hours. I tied myself down at Collards as the wind tried to blow everything down for a while. I could not find yesterday's Artic Tern but 4 Common Terns were noted, 4 adults and 1 juvenile. Also seen were c80 Mute Swan, c20 Great crested Grebe, c400 Coot, 2 Little Egret and a sprinkling of Swallow, Sand Martin and the odd Swift West. Onwards to Grove were at the ramp I noted 5 Ruff, 5 Snipe,2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and c81 Greylag Geese. I met up with Chris and Anne Hindle in the Green hide, not much to see but a Common Tern kept us guessing at its age. Chris thought that it was probably a first summer (ie last year's bird) moulting into second winter plumage ( see photos below). I believe this is a plumage that we do not often see. Not that much else noted apart from an adult Common Tern and 1 Hobby having a go at the Sand Martin's.

(Marc Heath)

17th August

At Grove Ferry today were, 3 Greenshank, 13 Green Sandpipers, 18 Canada Geese, 5 Ruff, 1 Hobby, 3 Little Egrets, 19 Snipe, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Water rails and 1 Cetti's Warbler. Only a small number of Sedge Warblers seen, 1 or 2 Reed Warblers and 3 Bearded Tits. There were, 6 Garganey (from green hide), 3 Common Terns, 2 Sparrowhawks, a flyover Golden Plover, 19 Pied Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher and a small movement of Swallow, House & Sand Martin. Gulls on the deck included, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed, 1 adult Common, 1 juvenile Herring and an age mixture of Black-headed. There were 9 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Yellow Wagtails, and 3 Stock Doves. At Collard's Lake ther were 24 Great-crested Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Common Terns and highlight, a Tern sp that showed briefly before disapearing over Hersden lake but showerd again 20 minutes later before heading back towards Hersden after 6 or 7 minutes was a juvenile Arctic Tern.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown, Pete Solly, Steve Ashton & Richard Hoult)

16th August

After last weeks rant about site management, English Nature contacted us and asked for a meeting to discuss management work and the future of Grove and Stodmarsh. Marc Brendan and I met with Dave Rogers and the new Warden Robin Hanson yesterday, Friday, afternoon. The meeting was very positive and both sides seemed to understand each others needs and requirements, needless to say some better viewing will be possible in the very near future and all English Nature updates will be posted on this site, or through a link on this site. Non cooperation from either side, us or EN, will also be posted.

Birding at Grove Ferry today however produced, 1 Greenshank, 12+ Green Sandpipers, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Water Rails (there should be many more?), 20 Golden Plovers (no yank cousins yet though) and 6 Ruff. There were, 3 Pochard, 19 Snipe, 4-500 Lapwings, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Common Tern, 1 Hobby, several Reed Warblers, a couple of Sedge Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 3 Marsh Harriers (the 8 or so juveniles seem to have left). Also today were a very high number of Pied Wagtails with 25 together on the main pool and at least 6 on Harrison's plus a couple of flyovers, a estimtated total of 38 Pied Wags. There were, a couple of Beraded Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Gulls (1 1st/s & 1 ad), 38 Black-headed Guls, 1 juvenile Herring Gull,  several Whitethroats,  40ish Swifts, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker. A winter plumaged Spotted Redshank flew in for the morning and there were, 18 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Garganey, 1 Common Redshank and at Stodmarsh a Corn Bunting while a look at Collard's had a fly through Greenshank, 1 Little Egret and 5 Common Terns but, no sign of last weeks Black-necked Grebes.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Steve Ray)

13th August

A much better morning today as far as the weather was concerned. I arrived at 5.30am and spent a few hours wandering the reserve as usual. The water levels seemed alot lower today from the main pool and Harrisons which brought the waders into a better view. If the water does not drop that much further, there are some decent muddy edges for the waders to get on. The following were noted: 14 Green Sandpiper, 33 Canada Geese, 1 Hobby, 3 Water Rail, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 3 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 10 Ruff and 4 Whitethroat. There were 2 Jay, 2 Chiffchaff, a flock of c60 Linnet with only a few Goldfinch present in them, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 182 Greylag Geese, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Common Gull, c20 Black headed Gull, 1 Garganey, 1 Swift and 1 Corn Bunting West. There was a steady passage West of mainly Herring and Lesser black backed Gulls from first light.

(Marc Heath)

12th August

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 5.30am, to be greeted by a strong wind and gathering rain clouds. I spent 3 hours on the reserve but  2 and a half hours were spent sitting in hides not looking at much. In between getting soaked I saw the following: 11 Green Sandpiper, 6 Ruff, 2 Little ringed Plover, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 14 Snipe and 2 Water Rail. There was 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Little Egret, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Garganey, 1 Common Tern, c83 Black headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 127 Greylag Geese and a few Sand Martin West battling the winds.

(Marc Heath)

11th August

I was dropped off this morning at Grove Ferry where I spent 3 hours wandering the reserve. I met the new warden Robin Hanson in the Green hide and together we had a brief chat about the reserve. Hopefully now that Robin is in place, some positive action will be taken around the reserve. Back to the birds,very quiet really but the following being noted: 7 Green Sandpiper, 7 Ruff, 181 Greylag Geese, 114 Black headed Gull, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Lesser black backed Gull, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Little ringed Plover, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 Common Tern. There were 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 13 Herring Gull, 6 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Common Gull, 3 Snipe, 1 Garganey and 1 Chiffchaff.

(Marc Heath)

10th August

At Grove Ferry today were, 3 Hobbies, 8 Green Sandpipers, 11 Snipe, 9 Ruff, 3 Garganey, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (3 adult & 1 3rd winter). Other Gulls on the main pool were, 1 Common Gull, 112 Black-headed Gulls and 2 juvenile Herring Gulls. There were, 2 Common Terns, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank and the 60+ Goldfinch flock still. A few hirrundines were moving west and the odd high up Swift. The only Marsh Harrier seen today was the stunning pale adult male and there was 1 Water Rail and 1 Kestrel, while at Collard's there were 28 Great-crested Grebes 1 Kingfisher and 2 Black-necked Grebes, quite possibly 3 but the distance viewed from and the bright sunlight coupled with the strong westerly wind made viewing difficult. There were a few butterflies about but not recorded although 1 Hawker & 1 Skimmer representing the Odonata were photographed.

(Martyn Wilson, Pete Solly & Steve Ray)

9th August

There wasn't going to be a report today as we decided to go on strike and not report anything due to the inept management of Natural England, but as this would be unfair on everyone else that get their news from the site we thought it only right that we carry on as usual. There will be, howeve,r a little rant before the news.

After the chopping down of reeds and the erection of gates during the hieght of the breeding season with untold damage to breeding warblers etc, now when areas of reed need to be cut, they are just left to overgrow leaving pools almost invisible (the right hand pool from ramp for one). The replacement of a perfectly good hide (green hide) that had nothing wrong with it, still placed 10 feet away from the dyke edge with reeds growing in front as well as foliage growing on the island in front of the hide and the two Kingfisher posing sticks completely surrounded by growth making viewing of anything virtually impossible. Crake pools along the path have no water and reeds too high to view over, there is a ridiculous mound and screen halfway up Harrison's Drove that serves as no purpose whatsoever, it neither allows the viewing of anything nor the protection of flushing anything scrape side! The once visible pool at that pssition has been grown over for the past SIX years plus. Plus there's this silly new screen at Harrison's hide that is obviously meant to stop people looking round the side of the screens, understandabe and necessary if there was anything to look at, but the non-scape is as dry as 007's Martini with a full crop of reeds growing in it and with the hide stuck in the extreme right hand corner 30 or 40 yards from the water's edge. The need to look up the right hand side means peering round the screen. What should have been put up was a screen running along with the existing screens with viewing slots in, not exactly a hard one is it!! There used to be a pool to the right of Harrison's that was visible from the hide that is now completely lost and EN in their wisdom put Anti-climb paint around the top edge of the hide to discourage peering over. Money needs to be spent implementing needed issues rather than silly unwanted ones. Speaking to EN staff and comunication via email has come to nothing with emails being ignored so the need to publicly vent our frustration seems to be the  only way. This once great reserve is slowly becoming a chore rather than a pleasure to watch with records of avian activity drying up due to lack of interest. Suits have no idea how to manage a nature reserve but the input from nature watchers that was asked for is being ignored, perhaps they just want it to become barren so they can sell it on to developers.

Anyway today's report, there were 3 Hobbies early AM only plus 3 Water Rails, 8 Ruff, 12 Green Sandpipers, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Marsh Harriers, 380 Lapwings, 20 Whitethroats, 13 Canada Geese and 5 Willow Warblers, There were, 11 Snipe, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Pied Wagtail and 3 Greenshank. Also today were numerous Sedge Warblers, many Reed Warblers, 5 Turtle Doves, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Gull, 20 Black-headed Gulls, 60+ Goldfinch, 30ish Linnet, a few Swifts and Swallows and at Collard's Lake was a Black-necked Grebe that Brendan found.

(The Grove action Group)

7th August

This morning had a feeling of autumn around the corner. Birds were passing overhead in all directions with a few better quality birds seen. I spent most of the time on the ramp with visits to the Green hide and Harrisons. the following was seen 5am - 8.30am. 15 Green Sandpiper, 8 Ruff, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Greenshank, 3 Little ringed Plover, 3 Little Egret, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Water Rail which seem more showy of late, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 11 Common Tern. 3 Whimbrel were seen, 1 West at 5.57am and 2 East at 6.23, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Ringed Plover seemed new in, 146 Black headed Gull, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 6 Golden Plover, 6 Lesser black backed Gull, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker , 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Garganey, 1 female Pintail, 1 Common Gull, c15 Swallow went through and a couple of Bearded Tits were seen distantly feeding at the base of reeds on the main pool.

(Marc Heath)

6th August

I was dropped off at Grove Ferry at midday today and as I wandered down the track to the ramp, there were hundreds of Gulls flying in to the main pool. Arriving at the ramp I spent an hour going through them all time and time again. There were c800 Black headed Gulls, 23 Lesser black backed Gulls, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 1 common Gull and 4 Herring Gull. A fantastic site when they occasionally all took flight. Other birds noted until 3.30pm included 8 Green Sandpiper, 6 Ruff, 14 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 4 Garganey, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Tern, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 4 Snipe and 1 Little ringed Plover. As per Brendan's entry last night, Its good to see that money that could be used in better ways is being used for pathetic screens around the reserve to prevent birds being seen. Whatever will appear next!

On another note, I took a photo today of all the Gulls loafing around and when I looked at this on the computer, I was surprised to see a 'white' bird in the background. I have put a copy on todays photos and would be very interested in any ID comments

(Marc Heath)

Following reports of a possible Caspian Tern earlier in the day, I worked my way through all the suitable habitat in the evening to see if I could relocate it. Collard's had 3 Common terns and 12 Gt-cr grebes but not much else while the highlight at Grove was 2 Whimbrel flying south at 6.45pm. Also at Grove were 15 Green Sandpipers, one Greenshank, 2 Ruff and a Black-tailed Godwit.

(Brendan Ryan)

4th August

After a brief and unsuccessful visit to Grove this morning to twitch Marc’s Whinchat, I returned for a more prolonged visit this evening. The ramp had lots of duck and lapwings but no gulls and very few other waders. It had a distinct late autumn feel rather than early August. A few more waders were present on Harrison’s with a total of 21 Green Sandpipers, one Greenshank, 4 Ruff,  3 Common Sandpipers and yesterday’s juv Dunlin.  I was staggered to see Natural England’s latest folly designed to prevent people from seeing the birds. Not satisfied with allowing most of the best habitat to become hopelessly overgrown,  then wasting tax payers money daubing Harrison’s Drove hide with anti climb paint, presumably to stop people looking over the top of the hide onto the pools that had become obscured through lack of management, they have now installed a new screen/fence at by Harrison’s Drove hide to prevent people looking down the right hand side of the pool, which incidentally is where many of the waders get and which is the best looking crake habitat at the moment. I can see why they thought this was a good idea as you can’t have people watching birds wherever they like, but with a bit of imagination a better solution was all too obvious. Either clear some of the reeds that are obscuring the views along the side of the pool or extend the screen with a new viewing panel that allows people too see down the right hand side of the pool. I despair and I left Grove to go home a pen a stroppy letter to the powers that be at Natural England. I sound like Victor Meldrew and I haven’t got started on the totally pointless new ramp along Harrison’s  and why it was necessary to replace the Green hide, but I will save that story for another day.

(Brendan Ryan)

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 4.40am just as it was getting light. The mornings are quieter now with only the odd bird singing. I had a wander around the reserve until 8.15am and logged the following. 2 Grey Heron, 10 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little ringed Plover, 16 Canada Geese, 2 Hobby hawking early on only, 1 Whinchat briefly on bushes near Harrisons hide, 1 juvenile Dunlin which proved a tricky problem for me in the increasing light, 3 Little Egret, 4 Water Rail and 1 Blackcap in song. There was 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Ruff, 3 Snipe, 3 Garganey in flight towards the back pools, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Bearded Tit, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Ring necked Parakeet heard over Grove hill, c45 Greylag Geese, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Turtle Dove including a juvenile bird and plenty of Reed and Sedge Warbler feeding activity still in the reed beds.
(Marc Heath)

3rd August

A decidedly miserable day today with haevy rain showers lots of dark grey clouds, a challenge for photography although attempts were made as the birding was quiet. Highlight was a Barn Owl that flew out of the country park car park in front of my car, over the bush line and then, as I got of the car, over the fields towards the ramp then westwards over the paddock and lost to view. Also at Grove today were, 16 Canada Geese, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 2 Hobbies, 5 Water Rails and 2 Greenshank. There were, 15 Green Sandpipers, 9 Ruff, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Common Terns, 3 Marsh Harriers, 7 Snipe, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 7 Bearded Tits, 4 Garganey, 4 Pied Wagtails and 9 Tufted Ducks. Sand Martins and Swallows were on the move, a few House Martins around the white house and half a dozen Swifts over. Also today were, 63 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Dunlin, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, while Teal numbers are rising as are Mallard, Gadwall and Greylags. At Collard's Brendan recorded 6 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck 2 Hobbies and 6 Gt-cr Grebes

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown, Pete Solly, Steve Ray, Steve Ashton & Brendan Ryan)

2nd August

Just the two of us in the valley today, joined for a short spell by Brendan and the final hour by Steve. Recorded at Grove Ferry today were, 2 Greenshank, 14 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Hobbies, 8 Ruff, 16 Canada Geese with 2 Hybrids, 3 Turtle Doves and 4 Little-ringed Plovers. There were, 9 Snipe, 800+ Lapwing, 104 Black-headed Gulls at one count , although birds were always coming and going as well as 4 L.f intermedius and 2 L.f. graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gulls. Also today were, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Bearded Tits, 3 Common Terns, 4 Stock Doves, 3+ Garganey (3 green Hide, 3 ramp & 1 in flight) possible the same  three, 5 Grey Herons an 1 Cetti's Warbler. Five minutes after we left the ramp, Brendan arrived and located a Wood Sandpiper that was still present when we left at 11.00am. There were, 7 Marsh Harriers, a small passage of Swifts, 1 or 2 House Martins, a couple of Sand Martins and several Swallows through with a supporting cast of, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Pied Wagtails, 2+ Sparrowhawks, 1 duck Pintail, a few Reed & Sedge Warblers, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 6 Black-tailed Godwits (5 over & 1 on the left pool).

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

Having spent a couple of hours with Martyn and Marc at Grove, I called in at Collard’s where there were 12 Gt-cr Grebes, 5 Tufted Duck, one Pochard, one Teal, 520 Coot, 4 Common Terns plus a Red-legged Partridge. 2 Treecreepers and several Chiffchaff were the highlight of a very quiet Stodmarsh. I then checked out the scrub land at Hersden in the hope of finding a Whinchat. This is an excellent piece of habitat that is very rarely watched. Access can be gained from the path by the side of the tropical fish shop. Although no Whinchat to did manage 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Green Woodpeckers and several dog walkers. I returned to Grove in the evening where the three Garganey were on Harrison's along with 8 Green Sandpiper, one Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper

(Brendan Ryan)

1st August

There was a distinct change in the weather when I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 4.30am. There was a brisk freshening wind that required some hiding behind the screens from the ramp. The month started off quite quietly but the following was logged before I returned home for breakfast at 8.30am. The highlight were 6 Garganey that were from the Green hide at first light, they were always aware and did not stay long enough for good photos but a few record shots were taken. Also 4 Little ringed Plover, 3 juvenile, 16 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Hobby early on only, 16 Canada Geese, 31 Greylag Geese, 10 Ruff, 3 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Snipe and 3 Common Tern. There were c118 Black headed Gull present with more arriving as I was leaving, 1 Lesser black backed Gull present along with 1 Common Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greenshank, 2 Bearded Tits and a few Swallows and Swifts moving through the reserve.
(Marc Heath)