August Sightings

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                            Sightings can be Emailed to:

Marc, Martyn & Brendan

                   Martyn Wilson - martyn@wilson5834.freeserve.co.uk                                                   Brendan Ryan -  Brendan_canterbury@yahoo.co.uk

                            Marc Heath    - Heathym007@aol.com   

Photo Gallery

  Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 165

Non Avian sightings

Health Warning

Disifectant mats are currently at all

entrances to Stodmarsh NNR

These are loose straw soaked in a disinfectant

substance, any disabled visitors to the resrve should take

care when passing through these mats as it can cause allergic reactions in the hands picked up from the wheels.

31st August

A very pleasant few hours at Grove today with quite a few birds to keep me busy and always the hope of finding something good. I visited all the hotspots between 5.30 - 10.30am and logged the following: 1 Tawny Owl was calling early on, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Marsh Harrier, 5 Water Rail, 8 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 9 Ruff, 4 Little Egret, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Black tailed Gowit and 1 Greenshank. There was an excellent scattering of 11 Whinchats around ( groups of 5, 4 and 2), 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Bearded Tit, 30 Snipe, 1 Hobby, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail and 1 Kestrel. The first Grey Wagtail of the Autumn flew over Harrisons calling mid morning, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Garganey, 1 Jay, c400 Lapwing, good numbers of Teal with Shoveler, Gadwall. I had a surprise on my exit from the reserve this morning when I picked out a Spotted Flycatcher on the fence by the entrance. It showed well for 10 minutes before flying into heavy cover. Another bonus was seeing a group of Swallows on the wires allowing some photos to be taken.

(Marc Heath)

30th August

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 5.15am, just as it was getting light. There was more activity this morning with ducks flying in from every direction and warblers busily looking for food. The following were seen before breakfast called at 9.15am: 6 Water Rail, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Green Sandpiper, 10 Ruff, 3 calling Cetti's Warbler, 4 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier, 19 Yellow Wagtail and 28 Snipe. 2 Garganey were amongst the many Mallards, 2 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Greenshank, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits were around the White house area, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Little Grebe from the Green hide ( 1 adult and 2 juveniles), 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Wood Sandpiper was heard but not seen, 1 Kestrel and 2 Bearded Tits heard. c100 Hirundines including 40+ Swallows were around the reserve most of the time I was there, no doubt filling up before the big journey. Lapwings were not as numerous as yesterday although it was early when I left today compared to yesterday, c200 birds around the pools with c240 Greylag Geese flying in from Stodmarsh.

(Marc Heath)

29th August

Its days like today that make me realise why I get up early, there were hardly any birds in song and most were hidden by the time I arrived, well I couldn't find them. I was dropped off at 10.15am and collected at 3pm. I looked into every nook and cranny but could not turn up anything that good. Most of the time was spent raptor watching from various locations with visits to all the hides and even a visit near the Marsh hide. The following were noted: On arrival at the ramp there were 13 juvenile Grey Herons together feeding with an adult seen later, God help the fish! also: 12 Ruff, 110 Black headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 164 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 7 Yellow Wagtail and c10 Snipe. 1 Common Buzzard was pointed out to me by a fellow birder as I sat unaware in Harrisons and later possibly the same bird was seen from the ramp. There were 2 Water Rail, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Hobby, 1 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Bearded Tits heard. c600 Lapwing were from the ramp and various pools and as I waited at the main gate for my lift I picked out a high raptor over Harrisons heading north. Although distant, I watched a probable Honey Buzzard circling up for c5 minutes before I lost it behind the tree line.

(Marc Heath)

28th August

After a few days looking for rare migrants on the coast it was back to the local patch today. I arrived at 6.15am and stayed until 9am. Visits were made to the ramp, Green and Harrisons hide with a good look around the White house. The following were noted: 10 Green Sandpiper, 9 Ruff, 3 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Yellow Wagtail out of roost and 1 Green Woodpecker. There was 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Snipe, 3 Water Rail, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Garganey from Harrisons Drove hide, 14 Canada Geese, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Ring necked Parakeet and c300 Lapwing. The White house produced 1 flyover Curlew, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Goldcrest, House Martins continue to be the most numerous of the hirundines with the odd Swallow and Sand Martin seen. 2 Sparrowhawk were noted along with good numbers of noisy Greylag Geese and 2 Whitethroat were around the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

27th August

A later start this morning meant no Owls were noted but, at least it was light when I arrived. I met Phil Beraet and Norman McCanch while wandering around which, made for a pleasant break from the fact that not much was being seen. Highlight of the day today was when two Honey Buzzards appeared to the west of the ramp in the Stodmarsh area at 12.20pm, slowly gathering height and circling Grove before flying of North/North/West at 12.28pm. Also at the same time there were at least 3 Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier in the air as well, one Common Buzzard flying toward Sarre and the other two remained in the Preston area for some time. Also today were, 10 Ruff, 11 Green Sandpipers, 31 Snipe, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Greenshanks and 1 Yellow Wagtail. There were 5 Whinchats, 2 Water Rails, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 6 Bearded Tits, 7 Tufted Ducks, 5 Grey Herons and 11 Black-tailed Godwits (8 of which flew in , around the pools three times before they too found the habitat management unsuitable and flew back out towards Sandwich!!). At least one Hobby was seen, an earlier bird carrying a juvenile Swallow for its breakfast. There were, 2 Song Thrushes, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels,  a few Sedge Warblers and a scattering of Swallows and House Martins. Also today were, 7 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Jays, 1 Lesser Whitethroat,  and 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull. Non avian were, 6 Red Admirals, 1 Speckled Wood, 7 Small Whites, 1 Painted Lady, a single Damselfly species several Common Darters and one Migrant Hawker.

(Martyn Wilson)

26th August

What a difference  day makes, 4 Wrynecks and 2 Red-backed Shrikes in the paddock, an Osprey fishing the main lake and then.... i woke up, oh well, loaded up the car and met up with Marc at the entrance to Grove Ferry at 4.30am where an Owl sp, probably Long-eared, past over our heads in silence and 2 Tawny Owls were heard. Pete Solly joined us a little later and then Marc left at 7.50 and Pete left at 8.50. Other birds noted today were, 4 Greenshanks, 11 Green Sandpipers, 18 Snipe, 5 Ruff, 7 Little Egrets and 34 Canada Geese. There were, 6 Marsh Harriers, 53 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Water Rails, 1 Hobby, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Whinchat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs and a Peregrine Falcon. Quite a lot of Swallows and House Martins were about today but no Sand Martins were noted. There were, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Lesse Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Kestrels, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 16 Goldfinches. Several Meadow Pipits are still frequenting the fields behind Harrison's and a few Sedge Warblers seen today. There were, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Common Tern, 1000+ Lapwings, 200+ Teal, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Garganey, 1 Pochard, 5 Tufted Ducks, 4 Black-tailed Godwits and 169 Black-headed Gulls. The non-avian included 1 or 2 Green-veined Whites, several Small Whites, 1 Red Amiral and several Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers.

(Martyn Wilson)

25th August

With the news of Greenish Warblers, Red-backed Shrikes and Wrynecks popping up all down the east coast and, even a Hoopoe, i arrived at Grove Ferry at 4.30 this morning with high expectations only to find it all shrouded in darkness and heavy fog. Marc joined me a few minutes after my arrival and left at 6.40 with fog still laying heavy throughout the reserve. Visibility started to improve nearer 8.00am when i was joined by John Pymm for a couple of hours but, the dissapiontment didn't stop when the fog lifted, there were hardly any birds! So at Grove Ferry today were, 1 Tawny Owl, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Hobbies, 7 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Tern, 4 Ruff, 9 Tufted Ducks and several Yellow Wagtails were heard but only one was seen.There were, 3 Marsh harriers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 34 Canada Geese. Sand Martns, Swallows and House Martins were moving through all morning with somre very confiding individuals at the White House, while several Meadow Pipits were in fields behind Harrison's and a few Reed and Sedge Warblers are still hanging on. There were, 2 Water Rails, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Jays, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Kestrel, 76 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Pied Wagtail and a Kingfisher that shot past me along the path by the White House. Non avian today included, a few "White" Butterflies, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Speckled Woods, several Common Darter and Migrant Hawker Dragonflies and a Fox.

(Martyn Wilson)

24th August

I arrived at Grove this morning around 5.15am and was joined a little later by Alan and Steve. We wandered around the reserve for a few hours andnoted the following birds: 16 Green Sandpiper, 2 Lesser black backed Gull, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 10 Ruff, 1 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 43 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Spotted Redshank including the partial summer plumaged bird. There was 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, c15 Snipe, 1 Dunlin but no sign of yesterdays Little Stint, 1 Garganey, 34 Canada Geese, 3 Little Egret, 4 Water Rail, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Hobby, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker. 4 Tufted Duck were seen along with 1 Pochard, 49 Black headed Gull, c400 Lapwing, c110 Greylag Geese.

(Marc Heath, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

23rd August

I made a visit over to Grove this afternoon at 12.30pm in the usual rainy and windy conditions. I had just started scanning from the ramp when I was joined briefly by John Pymm who had seen a Little Stint from the ramp and earlier an Avocet which soon vanished. I soon picked out the Little Stint which was actively feeding on the left hand side on the mud, with 2 juvenile Little ringed Plover for company. I stayed on until 3pm, mostly in the hides and logged the following: 36 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper from Harrisons, 3 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Common Gull, c20 Black headed Gull, 3 Lesser black backed Gull, 3 Garganey, 2 from Harrisons and 1 from the ramp, 1 Little Egret, 1 Whimbrel called and only 2 Green Sandpiper. The water levels had risen considerably and only 1 Water Rail was noted, also 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, c200 Teal, a couple of Bearded Tit heard and c90 Lapwing.
(Marc Heath)

21st August

A trip to Grove to do some drawing this morning was hampered by blustery conditions and some very heavy rain showers. However, there were quite a few birds about, some of which seemed to be the same individuals from the weekend. The ramp produced two Spotted Redshanks and at least 5 Ruff, either a scatter of ten or so Green sandpipers.  The usual ducks were much in evidence, including the single Wigeon and at least one eclipse Garganey.  Large numbers of Greylag Geese and lapwings made observations quite difficult, so I opted to head for the Harrison’s Drove Hide before the rain came down.  There were plenty of Green Sandpipers around the pool, At least twenty and a couple of obliging Greenshanks, one of which was on the tiny pool in front of the hide, now filling with water again after the earlier rain.  Farther out on the pool I found six more Ruffs and three Dunlin, including a full breeding plumaged adult.  Lots of lapwing settled in and about 60 Teal were feeding in the shallows quite close to the hide. After a particularly vicious rain squall I scanned the lapwings again and found a fine summer plumaged Grey Plover, a suitable subject for my sketchpad. This bird was present from 10:30 till 11:05 when it disappeared with all the lapwings in response to a passing marsh harrier. The rain showers persisted making observations difficult, but just before I left the hide a single Wood Sandpiper landed in the shallows close by.  On the walk back I stopped for a quick look from the ramp, in case the Grey Plover was visible from thee, but sadly there were few lapwings and no sign of the spangled beauty. There were two Black-tailed godwits which I had not seen earlier. Passerines were not too obvious in the rain, but there were a few Pied and Yellow wagtails with a couple of Meadow pipits at Harrison’s Drove, and a Reed bunting and a couple of Bearded tits close by the green hide In spite of the rain, a good couple of hours.

(Norman McCanch)
.

19th August

Today there were 2 Tawny Owls calling from 4.45 until about 5.10 and, a Police car passed but didn't stop. Perhaps I appear more innocent than Marc, lol. Today there were 7 Water Rails (1 adult), 1 Common sandpiper, 10 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, 25 Green Sandpipers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Hobbies, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and the adult Curlew Sandpiper still and , showed well from Harrison's for a time. There were, 2 juvenile Little-ringed Plovers, 6 Little Egrets, 24+ Yellow Wagtails, 1 Dunlin, 1 Pochard, 5 Marsh Harriers, 4 Pied Wagtails, 19 Snipe and 2 juvenile Great-crested Grebes. A Kingfisher was heard but not seen near Harrison's and there were, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks (1 a splendid dark juvenile), 2 Kestrels, 1 Swift, several Meadow Pipits, 33 Canada Geese and 5 juvenile Tufted Ducks There was a single Whinchat along Harrison's Drove plus Brendan added another 8 along Middle Drove and a large number of House Martins were feeding above the tree line behind the houses while several Sand Martins were over the pools and a single Swallow seen over the fields by the entrance gate.

(Martyn, Marc, Brendan, Steve Ashton, Dylan, Geoff Burton & Norman McCanch)

18th August

Recording Tawny Owl at 4.45 this morning without being arrested was a bonus after Marc's encounter yesterday so, we ventured onto the reserve proper to see what lay ahead today. There were, 2 Greenshanks,, 28 Green Sandpipers, 10 Ruff, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 juvenile Little-ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Wood Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin and 6 Golden Plovers. Little Egret numbers have dropped off with just four being seen today and no sign of any Spoonbills. There were, 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels, 5 Pied Wagtails, 6 Water Rails (all juveniles), 10 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Snipe, 1 Whinchat, 5 Swifts, 39 Canada Geese and the two juvenile Great-crested Grebes (with parents). Norman encountered a male Sparrowhawk rolling around on the Grove Ferry carpark floor trying to subdue his weekend meal, he lost. There were also, 2 Grey Herons, 333 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Wigeon, 1 Common Gull, 1 Garganey, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Turtle Dove and 2 Cetti's Warblers. A few Sand Martins were also noted about 20-25 off. Brendan also added today at Collard's Lake 33 Gt-cr Grebes, 6 Gadwall, 2 Pochard and 440 Coot. No terns or Gulls let alone anything little or black!

On a different matter, more and more Dog walkers seem to visiting the reserve without bringing their pooper scoopers or plastic bags with them as Brendan counted 11 piles of dog turd between the car park and the ramp and, if that's not bad enough, some of those that do pick up afterwards are throwing their bags into the bushes to hang for eternity!!! Very responsible.

(Martyn, Marc, Brendan, Norman McCanch & Pete Solly)

17th August

Visited Grove Ferry before work today and encouraged by the number and variety of waders present in the morning, I returned on my way home from work. The adult Curlew Sandpiper was still present in its usual place in the corner of the right hand pool. It was with a imm. Dunlin which looked very stint like at times. The Spotted Redshank was seen flying around in the morning and was showing well from the ramp later in the day. Also seen were 25 Green Sandpipers, 4 Greenshank, 2 Black-t Godwits, 2 LRP, one Common Sandpiper, one Wigeon and 33 Canada Geese. There were 4 Whinchats between Harrison's and the Marsh Hide

(Brendan Ryan)

I had a brief meeting with the police this morning at 4.15am as I was listening for Owls on Grove bridge, after convincing them I was not a threat to society they went on their way and left me in peace. I had a good look around Grove visiting all the hotspots until 8.45am and recorded the following: 5 Water Rail with some showing well but no sign of any Crakes despite putting some time in, also 15 Bar headed Geese, 16 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greenshank, 21 Green Sandpiper, the juvenile Spoonbill was again from the ramp before flying to the pool on the right of Harrisons drove hide, 2 Hobby and 8 Ruff. There was 2 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 4 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 23 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 3 Cetti's Warbler in song, c15 Snipe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 juvenile Little ringed Plover from the ramp. There was 95 Black headed Gull, 3 Lesser black backed Gull, 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper, 31 Canada Geese, a few House Martins around the White house and a sprinkling of Reed and Sedge Warblers.

(Marc Heath)

15th August

On arrival at Grove this morning at 9.15am, it was pouring with rain and blowing a gale. I was dropped at the back of Grove so I could get to Harrisons Drove hide quicker. The white house was quite productive with 2 Turtle Dove, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker being seen. I got settled into Harrisons and later visited the Green hide and ramp before returning and noted the following: 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper was present for a while before flying off, 2 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 10 Green Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 partial summer plumaged Spotted Redshank dropped in for a few seconds before flying off, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Hobby. 2 Water Rail were noted but no sign of any Crakes yet despite a good search, 1 drake Wigeon was a surprise from the ramp. The highlight today was 2 juvenile Spoonbills that were present from the ramp at 11.50am for just over an hour before flying to the pool just right of Harrisons. The Spoonbills spent all their time on the right hand side of the main pool and were really only viewable when the wind blew the reeds over to allow views of the birds. One bird made a brief wander but soon returned back for a sleep. Other birds included 3 Garganey, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, c50 Black headed Gulls were present along with 2 Common and 4 lesser black backed Gulls. There was a steady movement of Sand Martins West throughout the morning and a few House Martin and Swallow were also noted.

(Marc Heath)

14th August

With the forecast not looking good for today, I arrived at Grove at 5am. I spent most of the time at the ramp and Harrisons drove hide with a brief look in the Green hide. I spent some time looking for Spotted Crakes in the pools but with no luck. I’m sure they must be on the reserve but with limited viewing areas we have to hope that they use these pools at some point. I stayed until 8.30am and noted the following: A flock of Bar headed and Barnacle Geese left early morning towards Seaton and 2 Tawny Owls were calling at 5.15am. There were 2 Spotted Redshanks from the ramp with one in almost full summer plumage, also 10 Ruff, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Water Rail, the 2 Great crested Grebe chicks were as noisy as usual in pursuit of their parents, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Green Sandpiper, 2 Hobby, 5 Black tailed Godwit and 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 juvenile and 1 adult male. 2 Cetti’s Warbler were in song and 4 Little Egret were noted. Also 1 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, Teal numbers continue to rise, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 1 Kingfisher showed well from the Green hide, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 moulting adult Curlew Sandpiper was present from Harrisons hide, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 73 Black headed Gull were present from the ramp along with 3 Lesser black backed Gulls and 1 Common Gull. C20 snipe were seen around the reserve and 2 Garganey were picked out from the ramp. A Green Woodpecker called and a Kestrel was seen hunting, a few Sedge Warbler were seen and only 1 Swallow passed through.
(Marc Heath)

13th August

An evening visit to Grove produced a similar package of birds that had been present at the weekend. Wader numbers included 20 Green Sandpipers, single Wood and Common Sandpipers, one Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 LRPs, and 6 Ruff. Other birds included one Garganey, 7 Little Egrets 16 Yellow Wagtails and 3 Swifts. Hirundines continue to be very scare with only 2 Swallows and 6 Sand Martins. There is plenty of good habitat for Spotted Crakes at the moment especially at Harrison's although this is in danger of drying out in the next few days. Sadly I couldn't find any crakes this evening although I did encounter 9 Water Rails while looking.

(Brendan Ryan)

12th August

The Long-eared Owl called 6 times this morning at 5.15 while the rest of the day held, 1 Hobby, 4 Water rails, 4 Greenshanks, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 23 Green Sandpipers, 11 Little Egrets and 18 Snipe. There were, 2 juvenile Little-ringed Plovers, 1 adult summer Curlew Sandpiper, 8 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpipers and 18 Yellow Wagtails. A single Corn Bunting was behind Harrison's Hide in juvenile plumage and there were, 2 Kestrels, 1 Curlew, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Sparrowhawk,, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, and a Bittern flew across the back of Harrison's at 10.30. Only 2 Marsh Harriers seen today a male and a female plus several Reed and Sedge Warblers were evident. There were, 34 Canada Geese, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Woodpeckers, several Meadow Pipits, 11 Common Gulls, 574 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 12 Herring Gulls (11 juveniles).Quite a few hirundines werre noted, mainly Swallows but with a few House Martins as well.

(Martyn Wilson, Brendan Ryan, Steve Ashton & Mike Gould)

11th August

Despite hearing the first Greenshank on arrival at Grove Ferry this morning, the first seen bird was a Common Buzzard low over the cars at 5.40, plus also a Tawny Owl heard this morning. At little bit of a wader-fest today with, 5 Greenshanks, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 26 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 4 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 19 Snipe and 8 Golden Plovers (the first of the Autumn). There were, 15 Little Egrets, 28 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Whinchat, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk and 5 Marsh Harriers. A Bittern showed well atop the reeds along the back of Green Hide pool from at least 7.35 until 9.38 when it skulked into the reeds and, then was seen in flight from the ramp flying from Green Hide area towards the ramp. Also today were, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 286 Black-headed Gulls and 3 Common Gulls (2 juveniles). There were, 3 Grey Herons, 4 Bearded Tits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Water Rails, 34 Canada Geese, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaffs and 5 Stock Doves. Family parties included the two Tufted Duck families, and a party of 6 Sedge Warblers by Green Hide. A few House and Sand Martins were feeding overhead with a few Swallows as well.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath Brendan Ryan & Pete Solly)

10th August

I met the early shift boys at Oare this afternoon and spurred on by thoughts of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Little Stints and other such rarities I felt obliged to do the late shift at Grove this evening. Highlights included 36 Green Sandpipers, including 22 together on Harrison's Drove, one Spotted Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff and 3 Garganey. 3 Whinchats were around Harrison's and a Wheatear was reported in the book. Around 80 Sand Martin came into roost along with 250 Starlings 13 Yellow Wagtails and various dodgy geese that don't deserve a mention

(Brendan Ryan)

Doing the rounds at Grove Ferry again today hoping to connect with something special or, failing that just adding something expected ie. Little Stint, but no such luck. Recorded in the valley today were, 2 Common Sandpipers, 27 Snipe, 5 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 adult & 2 juvenile Herring Gulls nd 92 Black-headed Gulls. Bar-headed Geese and Barnacle Geese leaving early numbered 13 and 7 respectively. There were, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Greenshanks, 29 Green Sandpipers, 9 Ruff and 4 Black-tailed Godwits. Incoming Geese included 224 Greylgs, 34 Canada 3 hybrids and Barny, our regular Barnacle Goose. There were, 16  Little Egrets, 2 Kestrels,15 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Garganey, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Marsh Harriers and a Sparrowhawk. Several House Martins and Sand Martins were feeding over the White House and Harrison's Drove and there were, 4 Water Rails, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Peregrine, 2 Whinchats, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Stock Doves, 1 Pied Wagtail and 1 Sedge Warbler, plus the two Tufted Duck  families and Great-crested Grebe family are still present.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Norman McCanch)

9th August

Making the notebook at Grove Ferry today were, 2 Tawny Owls, 3 Hobbies and 7 Water Rails while early leavers were, 22 Bar-headed Geese with 8 Barnacle Geese and also 1 Spotted Redshank that flew high towards Pegwell after being flushed by a Peregrine. There were, 36 Green sandpipers (although 15 flew high north), 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Pintail, 180 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, and incoming Geese at 7.00am included 237 Greylags, 34 Canada, 1 Barnacle and 3 hybrid Canada/Greylags. The fluctuation of Little Egrets peaked at 18 today and there were, 6 Garganey, 2 Grey Herons, 14 Snipe, 4 Greenshanks, 3 Bearded Tits, 1 Cetti's Warbler and the two Tufted Duck families (8 young from ramp 6 young, green hide) and 2 juvenile Great-crested Grebes plus parents. There were, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 6 Ruff, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 19 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 2 Stock Doves. There seems to have been a clear-out of Warblers with just 3 Reed Warblers seen and no Sedge's seen or heard and only a handful of hirundines of all three species. The Teal seem to be increasing now with at least 150 and there were 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Little-ringed Plovers breifly from the ramp before flying up the valley.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & John Tillbrook)

8th August

Called in briefly to Grove on way home from work to add Spotted Redshank to the year list. Although sometimes a difficult bird to connect with in the valley, this is seventh consecutive year I have recorded the species in the valley. Both Spotted Redshank were still present, along with 3 Greenshank, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 19 Green Sandpipers and 14 Canada Geese. Fortunately no dogs or dog walkers

(Brendan Ryan)

I joined Martyn for an hour before he left mid afternoon, I stayed and did the afternoon shift until 3.45pm. The following birds were seen: After initially seeing 1 Spotted Redshank from Harrisons drove hide, I returned a little Later to find 2 Spotted Redshanks present at the back of the pool. With the heat haze any decent shots were impossible but I managed a few distant shots to show that they were there. Other birds: 2 Wood Sandpiper showing very well, 18 Green Sandpiper, 4 Garganey, 5 Ruff, 11 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Whinchat, 15 Little Egret and c30 Black headed Gull present along with 1 Lesser black backed Gull. There was 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Jay, 13 Canada Geese, 2 Kestrel, c250 Lapwing and a few Swallows and House Martins around the White house. It was very pleasing to speak to a number of Birders today who are regularly using this website to see what is being seen and reported.

(Marc Heath)

Birding the Grove circuit between 6.50am and 1.30pm in the most part with Ben ring logging the following, 14 Little Egrets, 8 Ruff, 24 Green Sandpipers, 5 Garganey, 14 Snipe and 1 Black-tailed Godwit. There was no sign of the Curlew Sandpiper today but 2 Wood Sandpipers showed well from Harrison's Drove Hide where later a Spotted Redshank showed after a brief spell from the ramp. Marc arived at 12.30pm for the afternoon shift and added a second Spotted Redshank from Harrison's, more from Marc later. There were 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Dunlin, 64 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Whinchats, 4 Leucistic Mallards and the 2 juvenile Great-crested Grebes and thier parents. The Tufted Duck female still has 6 well grown young at Green Hide and the female with 8 still from the ramp. At Harrison's Drove Hide also were 4 immature and 1 adult water Rail, 5 Yellow Wagtails, and 3 Bearded Tits as well as several Meadow Pipits. A single Common Gull was present as was 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Pied Wagtail, 11 Canada Geese,  1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrels and a Great-spotted Woodpecker. Other bits today included Ben adding Chiffchaff at the White House plus several House Martins, a few Swallows were still moving through, 1 Sand Martin was seen just after 7.00am and a Peregrine Falcon flew high east at 1.20pm.

(Martyn Wilson)

7th August

This evening's visit to Grove started badly with an altercation with a dog walker who seemed to take umbrage at me kicking her dog. The dog deserved to be kicked on the grounds that it was nearly as ugly as its owner but in fact I applied the boot because it was jumping all over me. It was only a mild kick with my left foot. If I could have connected with the right, I am sure I could have got it into the paddock. In a robust exchange that followed with the owner it transpired that it was my fault because I moved. Silly me. Highlight of the birding was the arrival of at least 9 Wood Sandpipers including 7 together at Harrison's Drove. The Curlew Sandpiper was still present along with at least 28 Green Sandpipers, 8 Ruff, 12 Little Egrets, 4 Garganey and a single Pintail. At dusk motley collection of geese arrived including 8 Bar-headed and 4 Barnacle Geese along with a number of birds of uncertain parentage.

(Brendan Ryan) 

Another session at Grove with Marc covering the early shift from 4.30am. Unfortunately no Owls were recorded today but yesterday's Curlew Sandpiper was still present on the right hand pool when i arrived at 6.50. Other birds seen today were, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Water Rails, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 5 Hobbies and 20+ Green Sandpipers. There were, 4 Dunlin, 7 Ruff, 8 Garganey, 16 Little Egrets, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 19 Snipe, 1 Common Gull, 2 great-spotted Woodpeckers and the 2 Great-crested Grebes with to well grown young. The single Barnacle Goose was again with the Greylags viewed from the ramp and there were, 3 Turtle Doves, 5 Whinchats, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Marsh Harriers, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Hearons, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 3 leucistic Mallards. A trickle of Swallows were passing through plus the odd House Martin and additional bits included, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Stock Doves, 76 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Kestrels, and 6 Bearded Tits.

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

6th August

I had a call from Brendan tonight alerting me to a Curlew Sandpiper at Grove, I arrived within 15 minutes and was soon put onto the smart summer plumaged bird. It was a liitle distant on the right hand pool from the ramp but a good bird to get in the valley. Brendan had arrived earlier and had logged 8 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 23 Green Sandpiper, 5 Garganey, 7 Little Egret, 25 Snipe, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 whimbrel flew over calling, 1 Pintail and 1 Hobby.

(Brendan Ryan & Marc Heath)

Grove birding today produced, 8 Ruff, 13 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 11 Little Egrets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Dunlin and a Wood Sandpiper that showed very well at Harrison's Drove Hide. From the ramp were 3 adult and 1 juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 53 Black-headed Gulls, the 2 Great-crested Grebes with thier 2 young , the female Tufted with 8 nearly fully grown young and 10 Garganey with at least 4 being juveniles. At 7.10am 216 Greylag Geese flew in accompanied by 3 hybrid Canada/Greylags and a single Barnacle Goose. There were, 22 Snipe, 4 Whinchats, 8 Bearded Tits, 3 Water Rails, 2 Kestrels, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers and 4 Yellow Wagtails (2 juveniles in the tennis court at the White House). Several Swallows were moving through with a single flock of 30+ to the left of the ramp. Also today were, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Hobbies, 2 Green Woodpeckers and a duck Pintail from the ramp.

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

5th August

Not much opportunity for birding this weekend having been on a very sucessful twitch with the Bockhill birders to Edgbaston. I therefore ventured out to Grove Ferry for a couple of hours in the evening to salvage something of the weekend from a birding perspective. It seemed to business as usual with a single Wood Sandpiper, at least 17 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Ruff, single Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin and 4 Garganey. I checked out Stodmarsh and Collard's where there was nothing of note except the fact that all the Common Terns seem to have departed

(Brendan Ryan)

Not such a great start today with a rather heavy mist in the valley until about 7.45 and no sign of any Garganey or Dunlin, although Marc did hear Dunlin in the semi-darkness at 4.30ish. With Dylan once again accompanying us for much of the morning adding a certain charm that only Dylan can and, educating us on the wonders of insect life (see photo's). recorded at Grove Ferry today were, 10+ Green Sandpipers, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 12 Little Egrets, 19 Snipe, 5 Water Rails and 6 Marsh harriers (1 male, 2 female & 3 juveniles). A flock of Bar-headed Geese heard in the mist left at 6.10 comprising 15 Bar-heads and 4 Emperors. There were, 3 + Whinchats, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 juvenile Little Grebe, 5 Chiffchaffs, 2 Hobbies, 1 juvenile Cuckoo and 5 Goldfinches. Dylan located a Treecreeper by the metal bridge in the middle of the reserve amongst 2 of the Whinchats as well as several Reed & Sedge Warblers, Linnets and Meadow Pipits in a small piece of scrub. There were, 12 Canada Geese, 2 hybrid Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 6+ Bearded Tits, 3 Great-crested Grebes (2 juvs), 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker that nearly became a Marsh Harrier snack and several parties of Swallow and House Martins. Also today were, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper,, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Grey Herons, 1 Common Gull, 2 Green Woodpeckers, and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. On the non avian front several dragonfly species were seen but not identified aside a couple of Common Darters, several Gatekeepers, a few Meadow Browns plus a Ruby-tailed Wasp, 3 or 4 andrena sp and a Lizzard Lacerta vivipara (thanks Dylan).

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Dylan Wrathall & Pete Solly)

4th August

What a glorious day with some quality birds and excellent company from Dylan Wrathall, Tony Swandale and Rick Smith. The birding started with a Long-eared Owl flying out of the paddock at 4.05 and returning at 4.25am, then a Tawny owl was heard and a Barn Owl was hunting behind Harrison's Drove Hide. From the ramp there were, 5 Dunlin, 6 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Wood sandpiper, 12 Green Sandpipers and 3 Greenshanks. Also around the reserve today were, 3 Hobbies, 5 Garganey, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Kingfishers, 6 Marsh Harriers and a female Tufted Duck with 7 young. Behind Harrison's Drove Hide were 5 Whinchats and a Spotted Flycatcher plus several Meadow Pipits, Linnets and 7 Yellow Wagtails. There was 1 Pochard, 5 Grey Herons, 5 Common Terns, 12 Snipe, 3+ Water Rails, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Mistle Thrushes and 4 Stock Doves. Also noted today were, several Reed Buntings, 8 Bearded Tits, 92 Cormorants, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Little Owl, 1 Common Gull, 1 Cetti's and 2 Willow warblers plus 2 very confiding Common Buzzards, 2 Swifts, 20+ Swallows, 6+ Sand Martins, 1 or 2 House Martins, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Nightingale.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Steve Ashton & Alan Ashdown)

3rd August

One of the joys of birding is not knowing what is going to turn up on your local patch. Today was one of those days. At 10.05am on the ramp at Grove Ferry I picked up a call coming from the paddock. It was a Nuthatch, a mega for the Stour Valley and the first I believe in many years. Luckily for me there was a few birders with me including Richard Collins and Mike Stevens who confirmed I was not going mad. The bird called on and off for a minute or so before stopping. It was not heard again but the joy of getting a rare bird on your own patch makes all the time put in worthwhile. Feeling somewhat good, I birded the area until 1.30am being joined by Steve for an hour or so. The following were logged: 4 Marsh Harrier, 12 Little Egret, 3 Ruff, 2 Garganey, 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 26 Black headed Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Wood Sandpiper seen from the ramp. There was 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cetti's warbler, 3 Dunlin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Whinchat, 6 Snipe, 1 Water Rail and 1 Hobby. There is still a good sprinkling of Reed and Sedge Warblers and a few Swallow and House Martins were seen around the reserve.

(Marc Heath & Steve Ashton)

2nd August

I arrived at Grove at 4.30am this morning and within a couple of minutes was listening to 2 Long eared Owls, the adult calling from the paddock and the juvenile responding with the 'squeky gate' call. I wandered around Grove until 9.15am and noted the following. After a text from Brendan last night alerting me to a Whinchat he was watching, it was pleasing to see 3 Whinchat today. I soon located the bird near Harrisons hide and soon after I found another 2, 100 yards North of Harrisons Hide. I only got a few record shots as they did not let me get that near. Other birds: 3 Hobby, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Water Rail, 8 Little Egret, the Barn Owl was hunting near Harrisons at 5.04am, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 12 Green Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank. There was 1 Black tailed Godwit, 6 Marsh Harrier, 4 Garganey, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 1 Great crested Grebe with 2 young, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Kingfisher, 42 Black headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Linnet, 14 Canada Geese,1 Turtle Dove and 2 Whitethroat. c30 Swallows were over the whitehouse area mid morning and Reed and Sedge Warblers continue to be very evident.

(Marc Heath)

There were 2 Wood Sandpipers from the ramp and 2 Spotted Redshank from Harrisons hide mid afternoon.

(RBA Pager)

1st August

There was a real feeling tonight that autumn proper had started with the arrival of the first passerine migrant passerines in the shape of a single Whinchat and Wheatear. The book in Harrison's Drove hide suggests that the Whichchat, which is the first in the valley this year, was present the previous day. On the wader front a Whimbrel flew west at 7.50pm, and there were 14 Green Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 7 Ruff, single Greenhank and Common Sandpipers. 9 Little Egrets were present and there was a Barn Owl hunting in fields towards the Marsh Hide

(Brendan Ryan)  

I had a drive around the valley at 3.30am for a while logging 3 Tawny Owl, 2 Little Owl and later at Grove 1 Long eared Owl. I arrived at Grove around 4am in thick fog. This did not clear for a couple of hours so It was left to my ears to see what was around. I was joined by John early morning also and between us we noted the following before leaving at 9.20am. Whilst standing in the fog by the Green hide I heard an unusual song. It appeared to be an apparent Willow Warbler / Chiffchaff, the first part of the song being Willow and then Chiffchaff to end. I had brief views of the bird which looked like a Willow Warbler and later it was located near the Whitehouse where John was able to obtain brief views. Other birds: 4 Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Cetti’s Warbler, 13 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, 10 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 4 Linnet and c10 Meadow Pipit. There was 4 Ruff, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, c150 Lapwing, 1 Corn bunting flew over Harrisons calling towards Stodmarsh, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Marsh Harrier, 21 Black headed Gull present with 1 Common Gull and 1 Lesser black backed Gull, 1 Tufted Duck family with 7 young, 3 Garganey finally showed from the ramp mid morning, 8 Swallow and 4 House Martin. Juvenile Reed and Sedge Warbler were very evident all around the reserve as were Bearded Tits which were more numerous today than of late. 7 Goldfinch landed in the trees at the ramp and 1 Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by Crows over Grove hill.
(Marc Heath & John Cantelo)