August Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

      Martyn Wilson -  martynwilson@talktalk.net  

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

  Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

For more of Marc Heath's Photographs, please click here

31st August

A very slow day started with a first for this Autumn when a Merlin flew over us at the entrance as we were leaving the cars, not much else but 6 Dunlin is the highest count this year and there were 8 Black-tailed Godwits at the Green hide. Other bits included, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels, 4 Grey Herons, 5 Little Egrets, 6 Green Sandpipers, 8 Snipe, 8 Ruff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Greenshank and 2 Cetti's Warblers. A passage of 100+ Sand Martins moving west and large numbers of Canada & Greylag Geese still. A brief stop at Collard's where the highlights were, 1 Hobby, 51 Great-crested Grebes and 109 Mute Swans.

(Martyn Wilson & Mark Chidwick)

30th August

Grove Ferry later t this morning very little to report,1 Black T Godwit,14 Ruff,12 Snipe,2 odd looking geese,suggest hybrid Canada/Grey Lag,only real highlight were 2 Turtle Doves,possibly last of the summer and 3 Dunlin.

(Malcolm McVail)

I arrived this morning at half five, from the ramp I saw numerous greylags and 84 canada geese departing in different directions, 4 ruff no sign of a spotted crake, 2 greenwood peckers,1 hobby and one kestral, 3 marsh harriers, 1 female and 1 male 1 juv, 3 egrets at feast hide, 7 greensands 1 common sand ,5 snipe 1 adult water rail,numeous lapwings greylags and canada geese,3 blacktail godwits,2 adult marsh harriers that put everything up, so I went down harrisons which nearly was empty apart from 4 greensands and a couple of ruff,had 3 juv waterrail on pool next to feast hide but no sign of a wheatear,normal bits and pieces but a single buzzard over seaton on my way hme from the ramp, had a wander down to stod main lake which is showing a lot of mud on the out side,edge reed hide is just a pond with a thick mud bank. 

(Mark Chidwick)

29th August

No sign of the Spotted Crake this morning and, despite Osprey's heading our way from two different directions none, sadly, made it as far. Noted today in sunny but rather blustery westerlies were, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 14 Common Snipe, 102 Canada Geese, 1 Hobby, 1 Greenshank, 5 Grey Herons, 5 Marsh Harriers and 3 Yellow Wagtails. There were, 9 Ruff, 17 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 12 Black-tailed Godwits (ten on a fly through), 6 Little Egrets and 3 Water Rails. Also noted were, 3 Whinchats, 2 Wheatears, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels plus a sprinkling of Reed and Sedge Warblers and  couple of Reed Buntings.

(Martyn Wilson, Steve Ray & Brendan Ryan)

27th August

Just a few hours at Grove Ferry this morning where the birdlife noted today included, 2 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 9 Ruff, 109 Canada Geese, 250+ Greylag Geese, 12 Common Snipe, 2 Little Egrets and 6 Yellow Wagtails. There were 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Hobby, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Green Sandpipers, 1 Kestrel, 1 Spotted Crake, 2 Water Rails and a large flock of 80+ Goldfinches. Also 1+ Yellowhammer a couple of Chaffinch, a few Greenfinch, several House Martins, 2 Green and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 5+ Bearded Tits, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet and 2 Sparrowhaks.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Steve Ray)

25th August

First of all appologies to Sue Morton for leaving her of the list of observers on Saturday and secondly, it's celebration time. There is now a view from Green/Turf Fields/Feast hide, the vegetation on the island has ben cut down, yipee!

Around the Grove Ferry end of the reserve this morning were, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Spotted Crake, 17 Little Egrets, 60+ Yellow Wagtails out of roost, 2 Sparrowhawks, 9 Ruff and 101 Canada Geese. There were 3 Wigeon, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 immature Shelduck, 25 Common Snipe, 20 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Water Rails and 1 unseen Spotted Redshank calling from Savi's pool which is still unviewable. Also today, 1 Wheatear, 2 Greenshanks, 1 Jay, 2 Green Woodpecker several Swallows and House Martins, 1+ Reed Warbler 14 Common Whitethroats and 3 Lesser Whitethroats. There were 9 House Sparrows at the foot of the ramp which is worth a mention as Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh carparks aside these common birds are rarely seen on the reserve. Several Sedge Warblers put in an appearance as did a minimum of 9 Gey Herons, 28+ Goldfinches, 2 Kestrels, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Garganey, 1 Hobby and 1 female Tufted Duck. There were 33 Great-crested Grebes on Collard's.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Sue Morton, Pauline MacKenzie-lloyd & Norman McCanch)

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24th August

The Spotted Crake was reported again from the main pool between 3-4.30pm although elusive and a Raven was seen at 3.10pm flying over as per the RBA pagers. This would be the first ever record of this species recorded in the Stour Valley, no observer name as yet but hopefully this will be found out.

The Spotted Crake was showing well tonight from the main pool in the top righthand corner, also 17 Little Egret flew in tonight and c80 Canada Geese and numerous Greylags on the main pool

(Mark Chidwick)

23rd August

Marc Heath was already on site when I arrived at 5.30 this morning. Stepping out of the car I immediatly heard Greenshank and Spotted Redshank and although Marc saw 3 Greenshank, the ones of us who turned out later saw only 1 Greenshank and the Spot Red remained unseen. Marc had a Barn Owl northwest over the ramp at 5.15 and other birds noted between us were, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 122 Canada Geese, Greylags (uncounted, though numerous), 7 Ruff, 23 Snipe 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 18 Green Sandpipers. One of which showed close enough at Harrison's for a photo*. There were, 13 Grey Herons (with Marc seeing 5 together over the paddock), 1 immature Shelduck, 1 Hobby, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Spotted Crake on & off 6.25-11.30, 1 Common Sandpiper and 11 Little Egrets that dropped into the Savi's corner pool that is now compltely unviewable from anywhere. The Spot Red could be heard calling hear later as well!! Also today a single Swift (maybe the valleys last one this year), 1 Peregrine, 7 Water Rails, 1 Whimbrel west & dropped into the Marsh hide area, 11+ Common Whitethraots, 18 or more Lesser Whitethroats (Marc having 10+ in the paddock), 3 Marsh Harriers and 6 Turtle Doves. Swallow and House Martin still around in high numbers plus 9 Long-tailed Tits, 24+ Goldfinch, 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcaps and a Grey Wagtail west (the last three species by Marc at the paddock).

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Steve Ray, Marc Chidwick & Richard Hoult)

*don't be silly, close at Grove, you must be joking. Got this at Restharrow Sandwich (where birds are close to view) on the way home.

22nd August

Grove Ferry continues to look like a shit tip with no managerial work being carried out, and all possible viewing points hindered by overgrown reeds, scrub and other unsightly vegetation. Birds can be heard but are seldom seen or, just a glimpse as they disappear behind swathes of fragmites and reedmace etc. A visiting couple from Croydon find the place depressing as they have been visiting once a month for the past 7 years to watch it deteriorate into a dried out wasteland. Despite this bird life is still being noted and those that were either heard, glimpsed or, if lucky, seen included, 1 Greenshank, 2 Hobbies, 11 Grey Herons, 19 Green Sandpipers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 22 Snipe, 3 Bearded Tits, 3 Little Egrets and 2 Wigeon. The main pool held vast amount of Canada and Greylag Goose plus Teal, mallard and Shoveler. There were 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Spotted Crakes, 4 Common Sandpipers, 7 Ruff, 2 Whinchats, 4 Sparrowhawks, 1 Peregrine and several Lesser and Common Whitethroats. Still quite a few Sedge Warblers around but only 3 or 4 Reed Warblers noted. There were, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 immature Shelduck, a large flock of House Martins and Swallows plus a couple of Chiffchaffs and at least one Willow Warbler. Brendan did have a Grasshopper Warbler on his way in.

(Martyn Wilson, Steve Ray, Mark Chidwick, Brendan Ryan & Margella and Pete from Croydon)

NB; I have been asked if there is an address to contact the people in charge, so I have added it below. Please feel free to let them know how you feel and that it's not just us regulars that are moaning.

Dave.Rogers@naturalengalnd.org.uk

David Rogers
Senior Reserves Manager - Kent
Natural England

International House,

Dover Place,

Ashford,

Kent

TN23 1HU

21st August

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 5.30am and made my way to the ramp where Mark Chidwick was in position. We spent 3 hours birding the Grove end, being joined by Brendan a little later. Mark had the Spotted Crake as I left the reserve this morning. It was again seen very briefly on the right hand pool from the ramp. I noted 65 species today during my walk, missing again some common birds but adding some extra species from yesterday that were not seen. Birds noted were 19 Snipe, 101 Canada Geese (is this a new valley record?), c150 Greylag Geese, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Little Egret, c15 Green Sandpiper, 12 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Shelduck, 3 Marsh Harrier, 18 Mute Swan, 4 Bearded Tit and 2 Green Woodpecker. Whilst at the White house Brendan located the first Whinchat of the year which allowed a few digiscoped shots. Other birds seen were 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Water Rail, 1 Jay, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 4 Swallow, 1 Ruff, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2+ Yellowhammer, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Hobby, 1 Turtle Dove, c100 Lapwing and a few Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler and Mallard present.

(Marc Heath, Mark Chidwick & Brendan Ryan)

20th August

I made an early morning visit to Grove Ferry arriving at 5.45am and spent a couple of hours at the Grove end wandering. I noted 62 species in the visit with many common birds not seen. After looking for Crakes in the last couple of weeks, I was finally rewarded when I located a Spotted Crake on the right hand pool from the ramp at 6.02am. It was only in view for a few seconds although it did appear in the open on the bare mud before running back in and vanishing. Hopefully now one has been located, it will do a circuit of that area and be seen again. Other birds noted were c16 Green Sandpiper, c200 Greylag Geese, 5 Greenshank, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Jay, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 45 Black headed Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker and 3 Bearded Tit heard. A party of 5 Yellowhammer were seen at the White house along with c20 House Martin and 5 Swallow. Other bits noted were 4 Grey Heron, c19 Teal, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Hobby, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Mute Swan, 12 Swallow, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Little Egret, 3 Ruff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Turtle Dove and a couple of Whitethroat. There were c100 Lapwing present and as I left the reserve, large numbers of Duck were flying in from the east.

(Marc Heath)

19th August

I made a brief 40 minute visit to Grove Ferry tonight inbetween dropping and picking my daughter up from Karate. I looked from the ramp, the Feast hide and Baillon's pool. Birds noted were 22 Green Sandpiper including 1 flock of 14 flying west, 20 Canada Geese, 12 Black headed Gull, 20 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, c100 Lapwing, c170 Greylag Geese and 1 Little Egret. After not visiting for 4 days, I wanted to see if the Island had been cut in the Feast hide to improve viewing. I opened the door and should have guessed, nothing!. With the water dropping nicely from here and waders dropping in regularly, I again left frustrated knowing that some birds may have been missed. Other bits seen included 1 Grey Heron, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Garganey, 2 Tufted Duck and a few Teal, Gadwall and plenty of Mallard in various states of plumage.

(Marc Heath)

18th August

A brief scan from the ramp produced 7 Snipe and 6 flew over, 2 Ruff, 2 Green Sand and 1 over, c230 Lapwing, 2 Little Egret, 2 Wigeon, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk flew up from the path and a couple of Gadwall. I didn't have time to do the whole area.
(Josh J Shaw)

16th August

A frustrating morning at Grove with so many pools clearly harbouring waders that can’t be viewed. As a result I managed to hear but didn’t see, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper and at least two Greenshank. Waders that were more visible include 14 Green Sandpipers, 10 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Ruff. Some time around the White House produced 10 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and a Garden Warbler. 2 Yellow Wagtails flew over. Highlight at Collard’s was 24 Gt-cr Grebe.

(Brendan Ryan)

15th August

I was out and about early this morning meeting Martyn at the gate at Grove just before 5am. We spent a few pleasant hours birding being joined by Steve Ray and Tony Swandale for a while. Birds noted until 10.30am were 8 Marsh Harrier, 44 Canada Geese, 14 Green Sandpiper, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Greenshank, 2 Kestrel, c226 Greylag Geese, 1 Shelduck, 18 Little Egret, 4 Black tailed Godwit and 3 Ruff. The first 2 Wheatear of the autumn passed through west, one posing briefly on a post near the ramp for a digiscoped shot, also 3 Grey Heron, 7 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 2 Green Woodpecker, 11 Golden Plover, 1 Spotted Redshank from the Feast hide, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Water Rail, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Peregrine causing havoc amongst the c350 Lapwing. There were 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 juvenile, 4 Garganey from the ramp, 48 Black headed Gull and a few Reed Bunting, Sedge and Reed Warbler noted too.

(Marc Heath)

13th August

For a change, I arrived at Grove Ferry just after midday in warm sunshine. I spent 2 hours doing the Grove circuit noting 20 Canada Geese, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Wigeon, the first Grey Wagtail of the autumn flew east calling, 34 Black headed Gull, 2 Black tailed Godwit, c200 Greylag Geese, c15 Green Sandpiper, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Snipe, 1 Ruff and c80 Swallow over the paddock feeding. There were 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, c200 Lapwing, c100 Mallard and 1 Bearded Tit.

*******

I was not going to mention the 'lack of viewing' again today but after listening in the Feast hide today to some birders, my feelings are also shared by a number of other people. There was not much room in the hide today and on arrival, I sat at the left hand end. Birds were being mentioned to me but I could not see them at all. A smart Spotted Redshank flew close into the island but no one could see it. I listened to birders whilst in there who I don't know talking about the state of the place and how in there words 'its gone wild'. A family came into the hide, 2 children anticipating seeing some birds at close range but due to the overgrown island, they did not stay long and no doubt went somewhere else. The crake pools on the left hand side have all overgrown and the pool near the river is totally unviewable. How are birds being monitored in these areas and who is doing it? Now that breeding has finished, can these areas be made viewable please. We are more than happy to volunteer our services at weekends as we have tried before. The right hand pool from the ramp continues to be hard to view into, but surely something can be done to make viewing better. Perhaps there are reasons why not alot is visibly going on, and I try to remain positive but in witnessing what I saw today, action needs to be taken. I understand that birds come first but all I and others want is some decent viewing areas on this 'super reserve' and then maintained. Personally, I am very concerned that visitors at the moment are leaving with a bad view of the reserve and may not return. This reserve is a fantastic place and needs to continue to be looked at by others as a prime site for birds and wildlife. I hope something is done soon. Sorry to moan or whinge but it needs to be said!!

(Marc Heath)

12 August

I arrived at a very quiet Grove Ferry at 5am and birded the area until 8.30am. Birds noted were 42 Canada Geese, 1 Hobby, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Water Rail, 1 Little Egret, 4 Ruff, 19 Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Garganey, 3 juvenile Marsh Harrier, c140 Greylag Geese, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Bearded Tit, 3 Greenshank, 13 Black tailed Godwit flew west with another 2 present from the ramp, 4 Snipe, 5 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Green Woodpecker. There were 3 Turtle Dove, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 32 Black headed Gull, 1 Shelduck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little ringed Plover, 1 Common Gull, c100 Mallard and c350 Lapwing.

(Marc Heath)

10th August

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning in thick fog at 5.45am and as I walked down the entrance track, I could hear Greylag and Canada Geese departing. The fog cleared slowly and the following birds were noted until 8.30am. 5 Grey Heron, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Little ringed Plover, 4 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Garganey, 1 Kingfisher was seen briefly on the post from the Feast hide before soon departing, 13 Green Sandpiper although others I'm sure were on other pools, 4 Cett's Warbler and 24 Long tailed Tit in one flock. There were 4 Snipe, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Ruff, 1 Golden Plover heard, 4 Water Rail, 1 Hobby, 3 Bearded Tit, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, c300 Lapwing, 61 Black headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Ring necked Parakeet and plenty of juvenile Reed and Sedge Warblers noted.

(Marc Heath)

7th August

I had a brief listen this morning at 5am for the Quail which was this time successful. It only called a few times but nice to know its hanging around. I then went for a sea watch at Reculver but made an afternoon visit to Grove to see what was around. Birds noted were 7 Black tailed Godwit, 26 Green Sandpiper, 4 Marsh Harrier, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 149 Greylag Geese, 88 Black headed Gull, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 43 Swallow, 1 Garganey, 4 Ruff, 2 Water Rail, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Egret, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little ringed Plover, 1 Shelduck, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kestrel, c200 Lapwing, c80 Mallard and the usual Reed and Sedge Warblers seen and heard.

I can only hope soon that Natural England do some cutting so viewing is made better. There were lots of waders dropping into the pool near the river but on inspection, there is no viewing anywhere, unless you bring a ladder! On a positive note, the Baillon's pool looks fantastic at the moment for a Spotted Crake.

(Marc Heath)

6th August

After a late night, I did not enter the valley until 6am, so I did not call into listen for the Quail. However Pauline McKenzie Lloyd did have the Quail calling between Stodmarsh and Wickhambreaux at 6.50 - 7am. A few birders were out this morning and birds noted were 1 Kestrel, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Turtle Dove, 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Woodpecker, 32 Green Sandpiper ( Brendan had 34 ) 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little ringed Plover, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 4 Water Rail but no sign of any Spotted Crakes yet despite daily searches, 7 Black tailed Godwit, 10 Snipe and 7 Garganey again from the main pool. There were 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, 2 Wigeon, 1 Golden Plover which dropped in briefly before flying west, 1 Sparrowhawk, 600 Lapwing, 4 Marsh Harrier, 39 Black headed Gull, 15 Swallow and good numbers of juvenile Reed and Sedge Warbler noted.

(Marc Heath)

5th August

There was no sound of the Quail this morning but the 2 Yellowhammers were singing again near Stodmarsh. I spent a few hours wandering around Grove in lovely warm sunshine and noted 30 Green Sandpiper, 3 Garganey which grew to 7 when I made an evening visit, 6 Grey Heron, 6 Marsh Harrier, 1 Shelduck, 173 Greylag Geese, 11 Canada Geese, 4 Green woodpecker, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Little ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 3 Wood Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper. There were 5 Ruff, 3 Turtle Dove, 5 Little Egret, 3 Snipe, 4 Bearded Tit, 5 Water Rail, 2 Hobby, 2 Willow Warbler, 12 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 11 Black headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and lots of Reed and Sedge Warblers around the reserve.

(Marc Heath)

3rd August

I was out and about early again at 4.45am trying to listen for the Quail near Stodmarsh but despite perfect conditions, I could not hear it. I did get for compensation, 2 singing Yellowhammer, 2 Little Owl and 1 Tawny Owl. Onwards to Grove where I spent a few hours wandering around until 8.30am. There appeared to be alot of birds moving today with Green Sandpipers calling everywhere and Geese building up. The following was noted: 10 Little Egret, 4 Green Woodpecker, 21 Canada Geese, 56 Greylag Geese, 22 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Little ringed Plover, 3 Grey Heron, 6 Water Rail, 1 Common Sandpiper and 8 Black tailed Godwit. There were 5 Ruff, 2 Jay, 1 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Garganey from the main pool, 5 Marsh Harrier, 5 Bearded Tit, 1 juvenile Great crested Grebe, 1 Greenshank, 1 Hobby, 9 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Turtle Dove, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Snipe, 47 Black headed Gull and 1 Common Gull present. There were plenty of juvenile Sedge Warblers seen with a few Reed Warblers also observed. 4 Sand Martin moved through going west.

(Marc Heath)

2nd August

Birds noted today at Grove Ferry were 1 Little Stint, 20 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper and 4 Black tailed Godwit.

(Pete Solly & Norman McCanch)

1st August

Having not been out for a while at silly o'clock, I decided on an early visit into the valley today to see what night life was on offer. This proved to be an excellent decision as when I stopped to listen for Owls near Collards at 4.30am, I immediately heard the distinctive call of a Quail, a MEGA in the valley. With the silence of the night, the call carried well and it continued to sing until 4.45am when I moved on to Grove Ferry, hearing 2 Little Owls en route. Brendan was summoned and duly arrived a little later and added this species to his valley list. This was also a new species for me in the valley and continues the good run of birds in the last week. Back at Grove Ferry, being joined by Brendan a little later, birds noted were 22 Green Sandpiper, 8 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Water Rail, 11 Grey Heron, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Shelduck, 11 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, 1 Hobby, 3 Ruff, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Greenshank, 5 Turtle Dove and 9 Little Egret. Among the 24 Black headed Gulls were 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Common Gulls and 4 Lesser black backed Gulls. There were 7 Marsh Harrier including 4 juveniles, 1 Whimbrel west, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 juvenile Great crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 22 Swift south, 1 Kestrel, 16 Snipe, 3 Common Tern, 2 Garganey on the right hand pool, good numbers of juvenile Reed and Sedge Warbler and c150 Lapwing seen.

(Marc Heath)