December Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

Marc, Martyn & Brendan

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

                            Marc Heath    - Heathym007@aol.com                  

                      Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 171

                         Butterfly Sightings         

New Years Day Birding

A few of us will be out New Years day in the valley trying to see how many species we can see or hear in a day. Some of us will walk the whole circuit and others will be based at various locations for some time. If you are out in the valley and want to join us, your help would be most appreciated. Please feel free to Email any sightings of interest to us so we can get a complete picture of the birds seen. Last year we managed 82 species on January 1st. We will be starting at Grove Ferry from the ramp at approx 6.30am where we will be for a few hours before moving on but you may join us at any point during the day.

31st December

Well, that's it, end of the year with the year list sitting at 171. A very poor Autumn, a very wet May put paid to a possible 180 or higher figure, oh well there's always 2007. Birds at Grove Ferry today, there was no sign of any of the Bewick's Swans this morning but a Hen Harrier, ringtail, flew behind the ramp at 7.44 and there were 38 Canada Geese on the main pool until 7.32. There were 2 Bitterns (1 at7.20 in front of the ramp & 1 at 10.06 flyimg along the back of green hide pool towards the ramp), 4 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets plus another in fields by the blue bridge, Little Stour, 1 Kestrel, 14 Ruff, 4 Redshanks, 1 Dunlin and 3 Tufted Ducks. The ramp was as normal with 28+ Greenfinch as well as Chaffinch, Robin, Reed Bunting, Collared Dove, Magpie, Pheasant, Dunnock, Starling and Great & Blue Tits. There were, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Stonechats, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Snipe and 2 Grey Herons. A drake Pintail was on the main pool as was a Common Gull and 94 Golden Plovers, c1600 Teal and c2500 Lapwings. Only 38 Mute swans flew out this morning.

(Martyn Wilson)

Visit number 156 to the valley for 2006 but little ornithological excitement to end the year. At Stodmarsh duck numbers remain high with 245 Mallard, 86 Shoveler, 12 Wigeon, 98 Gadwall, 37 Pochard, 3 Shelduck and 2 Pintail. A single Whitefront flew over towards Collard's with a group of Greylags and a single Chiffchaff was heard. At Collard’s duck numbers seemed similar to recent days, although I could only locate 4 Goldeneye. There were 81 Gt-B-b Gulls roosting in the adjacent fields. The year ended on the ramp at Grove, where Martyn and I spent time reflecting on everything that we had missed during the course of the year. My valley year listed ended with 160 which is three better than my previous highest total. I am only aware of 11 species recorded by others that I failed to see. On a less positive note we are not aware of any sightings of Tree Sparrow in the valley during 2006, possibly the first year that they haven’t been recorded.

(Brendan Ryan)

Totals for the valley listers were:- Brendan, 160

                                               Marc, 159

                                               Martyn, 159

30th December

What a difference a day makes, wet and very windy this morning meant no Owls, no ringtails, no Dunlin and less Marsh Harriers. The Bewick's Swans only numbered 3 on the main pool leaving at 7.34 behind 89 Mute Swans, 2 Bewick's Swans were on green hide pool and left at 8.05(so all 5 still present then). There were 5 Marsh Harriers (inc the half winged bird), 4 Ruff, 3 Stonechats, 4 Redshanks, 2 Pochards and 2 Tufted Ducks. Flyover Wigeon numbered 76 and a Bittern flew left to right at green hide at 9.34. There were 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Shelducks, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Skylarks, 3 Water Pipits, 2 Grey Herons and a Little Egret. Also this morning were, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kestrel, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet and a fairly large gathering of Redwing, Fieldfare and Blackbirds on the "S" bend opposite green hide along the river. There were also, 90 Golden Plovers, 3 Snipe and 300+ Greylag Geese.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Alan Ashdown)

Birding in the valley has become hard work in the last week and counting duck seems the only thing left to do. To this end I started the day at Collard’s where there were 7 Goldeneye, 116 Tufted Duck, 45 Pochard, 94 Gadwall, 350 Wigeon, 5 Gt-cr Grebes, 1220 Coot and 3 Marsh Harriers. Nearby 46 Gt B-b Gulls were roosting in the fields along with a single Lesser. At Stodmarsh there were 32 Pochard, 123 Gadwall, 420 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 3 Gt-cr Grebes, 2 Wigeon and 2 Canada Geese. Final stop of the day was Westbere where a single Chiffchaff was the highlight. Duck here included 23 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard and 2 Gadwall. There were also 380 Coot, 6 Gt-cr Grebes and 1190 Black-headed Gulls.

(Brendan Ryan)

29th December

There was only 3 visible Bewick's Swans at first light but, the other 2 flew in at 7.02 then all 5 left at 7.20 and the Tawny Owl called a few times between 7.04 & 7.10. There were 20 Canada Geese on the main pool and there was a single Barnacle Goose with them. There were 4 Shelducks, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 14 Dunlin and 9 Marsh Harriers (1, a female, appears to have had half it's wing shot off??). A Bittern was in sustained flight over green hide pool at 7.45 & it or another was to the right of green hide at 10.20. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew through at 7.48 and a Peregrine caused chaos at 8.22-8.28, then 3 Peregrines caused even more havoc at 9.04-9.09 and another single again at 10.55. There were 4 Redshanks, 164 Golden Plovers, 8 Ruff, a pair of Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Green Sandpipers and c2500 Lapwings. Also this morning 20 Pintail flew over west as did a single White-fronted Goose with 1 Greylag. There were 3 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochards, a male Sparrowhawk, 24 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher and c1400 Teal (couldn't find any yanks). The ramp was much as usual and there were 86 Cormorants, 67 Mute Swans and 330 Greylag Geese.

(Martyn Wilson & Norman McCanch)

A brief visit to Collard's before rain stopped play produced 9 Goldeneye, 98 Tufted Duck and 3 Gt-cr Grebes

(Brendan Ryan)

28th December

All started well at Grove Ferry this morning with the 5 Bewick's Swans again, until 7.10 and a Bittern in front of the ramp at 7.04. Then Marc called from Stodmarsh to say he was watching 2 Goosander so, I left "the ferry" and joined Marc on the lampen wall to see the 2 fine drake Goosanders. Marc had already added Tawny Owl at Collard's, Little Owl also at Collard's and 2 Woodcocks at Stodmarsh carpark between 6.54 & 7.12am. Also at Stodmarsh this morning was a ringtail Hen Harrier at 7.48, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Little Egret, 45+ Fieldfares and 2+ Redwings. There were 59 Wigeon on the lake and another 334 flew over, 6 Marsh Harriers, 23 Tufted Ducks, 18 Pochards, 149 Mallards and 120 Pintail over. There were also, 1 Jay, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 22 Meadow Pipits and a Tit flock with at least 10 Blue, 2 Great and 3+ Long-tailed as well as 3 Goldcrests. There were 10 Golfinches, several Chaffinch and 2 Treecreepers. At Collard's were, 8 Goldeneye, 1 Canada Goose, 7 Great-crested Grebes, c1500 Coots plus several Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard & Gadwall. Back at Grove Ferry were, 13 Ruff, 7 Dunlin, 2 Redshanks, 1 Stonechat, 1 Little Egret, 1 Shelduck and 2 Cetti's Warblers. The Golden Plovers were well down with only 170 individuals. The ramp was pretty much the same with the usual mix of Robin, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Starling (2 off), Collared Dove and Blue & Great Tits.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Brendan Ryan)

Duck numbers at Stodmarsh were well up this afternoon presumably as a result of shooting activity around Collard's earlier in the day. Numbers included 27 Tufted Duck, 49 Pochard, 127 Shoveler, 27 Wigeon, 153 Gadwall, one Pintail. 90 Fieldfare flew to roost and a single Water Pipit flew over. 11 Marsh Harriers and two Ringtail Hen Harriers came in to roost

(Brendan Ryan and Chris Cox)

27th December

Grove Ferry today from 6.10-10.00am, a Tawny Owl was calling by the bridge from 6.10-6.35 and the 5 Bewick's Swans were present until 7.34 when they left, joining 72 Mute swans. A Bittern was briefly over the green hide pool at 7.37 and there were 7 Marsh harriers again (3 adult males, 1 Immature male & 3 females). There were 11 Dunlin, 7 Ruff and several hundred Golden Plovers (I left to early for a full count!). Also were 2 Shelducks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels, 2 Redshanks, a Cetti's Warbler and 1 Green Sandpiper. On the ramp was the now usual mix of, 11 Reed Buntings (on the table), 9 Blue Tits (on the table), 2 Great Tits, 19 Chaffinch, 23 Greenfinch, 4 Magpies, 11 Collared Doves, 2 Robins and a Dunnock. A Fieldfare flew over the ramp while several others were in the roadside bushes and 164 Cormorants flew out as did 245 Greylag Geese. Along the entrance track on the way out a tit flock contained  Blue & Great as well as 3 or 4 Long-taleds and 2 Goldcrest.

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

Just for a change I spent the morning at Westbere where there were 56 Tufted Duck including 43 drakes, 6 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 110 Greylags and 12 Gt-cr Grebes. 2 Chiffchaffs were present by the railway crossing and there were 2 Goldcrests with a flock of about 20 Long-tailed Tits. Along the river towards Hersden two Marsh Hariers were over the reeds while another was engaged in a prolonged display flight, something that I don't recall seeing before February in previous years. 4 Cetti's Warblers and several Bearded tits were evident along the river. A brief look at Collard's suggested that duck numbers were similar to yesterday. In the distant gloom I was able to make out at least 4 Goldeneye. The single Canada Goose was still present which is of no interest to anyone except the 1st January day listers.

(Brendan Ryan)

26th December

At Grove Ferry/Stodmarsh from 5.00am - 12.45pm today were, 5 Tawny Owls (5.06-6.04, 2 at Trenley Park Wood, 1 seen, 2 at Collard's and 1 at Grove Ferry), the 5 Bewick's Swans were present again and left as usual at 7.32 with 64 Mute Swans. A Barn Owl was hunting between the Oxbow and the ramp from 7.34-7.49 and 7 Marsh Harriers moved through the reserve. There were 15 Dunlin, 2 Redshanks, 2 Shelducks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Snipe and a Corn Bunting flew over north/east. Also today were, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Water Rail, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets and 54 Wigeon over. The female Hen Harrier was quartering between the Oxbow and Marsh Hide 10.12-10.26 and there were, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 pairs of Stonechats (1 pr Harrison's & 1 pr Marsh Hide). Around the ramp were, 1 Wren, Great & Blue Tits, at least 10 Reed Buntings, Chaffinch & Greenfinch, Robin, Magpies and Collared Doves. The Golden Plover flock is still increasing with, 1219 today and there were 3 Water Pipits near the Marsh Hide. Other bits included, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 12 Long-tailed Tits and several hundred Fieldfare & Redwing around the reserve, There were 264 Greylag Geese with 1 hybrid and 210 Cormorants flew out east early morning plus several mixed flocks of Jackdaw/Carrion Crow with 1 or 2 Rooks.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Alan Ashdown)

The weather in the valley was dark and miserable and the birding wasn’t that much better. Started at dawn at Stodmarsh were there were 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, and single Treecreepers and Kingfishers. About 40 Fieldfare and 20 Redwing flew over in small groups. On the main lake there were 2 Gt-cr Grebes, a Shelduck, 52 Shoveler, one Wigeon, and 3 Pochard. The farmyard in the village held about 95 House Sparrows and 20 Chaffinchs. On to Collard’s where despite the poor light and great distance, I managed to record 4 Gt-cr Grebes, 860 Wigeon, one Pintail, 109 Gadwall, 124 Shoveler, 37 Pochard, 105 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye and a single Canada Goose. 116 Gt B-b Gulls were roosting in the nearby fields. I left early to go and watch Ramsgate v Margate. Another complete waste of time, although I did encounter something that has become a great rarity these days in Kent, the Greater Dave Gilbert thereby squashing rumours that this once widespread species is extinct.

(Brendan Ryan)

25th December

A short session at Grove Ferry today produced, 2 Tawny Owls calling between 6.25 & 6.50 along the river and instead of 4, 5 Bewick's Swans were on the main pool, leaving at 7.28 following 80 Mute Swans, presumably to pasture between Sarre & Pluck's Gutter!. A smart female Hen Harrier flew close past the ramp at 8.05 and disapared over the hedges towards Reculver. There were 4 Ruff, 54 Greylag Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Shelduck and 3 Marsh harriers. Around the ramp were the usual, Great & Blue Tits, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Buntings, Collarded Doves, Magpies, Pheasant, Robin, Dunnock and a Blackbird. There were 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Dunlin, 1 Kestrel, 2 Redshanks and 1 Green Sandpiper. A Peregrine Falcon made a couple of sorties over the reserve before moving of towards Sandwich! and there was 1 Fieldfare on the reserve, 1 Tufted Duck and 1 Pied Wagtail plus a scattering of Teal & Lapwing in numbers of about 200 & 800 respectively and the Golden Plovers numbered 780 with some still coming in when i left at 10.00.am. Only 23 Cormorants today but, 300+ corvids (mixed) and several Redwings and Fieldfares in the roadside bushes.

(Martyn Wilson)

24th December

Grove Ferry today from 6.40-midday. The 4 Bewick's swans were again present but, as usual, left in semi-darkness at 7.20 with 71 Mute Swans. Dylan kindly let us have a picture of these Bewick's that he had taken later in the morning further down the Stour nearer Sarre. There were 6 Marsh Harriers (2 female), 1 Shelduck, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Redshanks and 1 Kestrel. The Dunlin flock have increased to 14 and there are now 8 Ruff. Also the Golden Plovers have risen to 1048 and there were, 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Pochards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and 2 Snipe. Around the ramp were the usual mix of Great & Blue Tits, Greenfinch, the highest Chaffinch count so far with 17 birds, Collared Doves, Robin, Dunnock, Reed Buntings and Magpies. Therw were 157 Cormorants out early morning and a mixed flock of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws numbering 250+.

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown with Brendan Ryan & Steve Ashton)

23rd December

Another early start, meeting Marc at the gate at 6.00am. No Owls were calling but, Marc had 7 Tawny Owls between 4.38 & 5.34, 2 at Grove Ferry, 1 at Grove, 1 near Trenleypark Wood, 2 at Cow Corner and 1 at Collard's. Alan joined us at 6.45 and we saw the 4 Bewick's Swans on the main pool until 7.35 when they flew towards Sarre with 60 Mute Swans. Redwings were passing over in th darkness. There were 11 Dunlin, 1 Shelduck, 3 Redshanks, 2 Pochards, 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Bearded Tit and 32 Greylag Geese. Also 1 Water Rail, 2 Great Tits, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 10 Chaffinch, 14 Greenfinch and 7 Collared Doves, There was a total of 4 Green sandpipers, 1 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, 9 Reed Buntings, 6 Blue Tits and 7 Magpies. 116 Cormorants flew past in the mist and there were 16 Pintail and 20 Wigeon over. There was an impressive 1013 Golden Plovers on the main pool plus at laest 600 of each Teal and Lapwing being flushed by an unknown assailant/s. Other bits included, 3 Stonechats, 3 Pheasants, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kestrel and a Green Woodpecker.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Alan Ashdown)

22nd December

Arriving at the entrance gate in the hope of hearing an Owl at 5.50 this morning, with a 40 minute wait when Marc arrived but, still no Owls. There was also no sign of any Bewick's Swans , although a large group, 40+, of Swans left in the darkness, towards Sarre. Having said that Marc located 4 Bewick's Swans with 70 Mutes at the marshes just north of Sarre Windmill, outside the valley, at 9.15am. Still at least a Bittern showed breifly at the same time and place as on the 20th, 7.05. Marc left at 8.30 and I filled up the feeders at the car at the same time and was joined on the ramp by Alan & Steve, who had been "twitching Seaton, at 10.00. We stayed till a thickening fog and the cold pushed us of at 11.30. Today we logged, 1 Bittern, 3 Redshanks, 3 male Marsh Harriers, 11 Dunlin, 2 Kestrels and 22 Fieldfares. There were at least 93 Redwings moving through the riverside berry bushes. There were 362 Golden Plovers, 1 Ruff, 2 Great Tits, 17+ Blue Tits, 3 Long-tailed tits, 1 Pheasant and 11 Greenfinches. Also recorded were, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Pochards, 1 Tufted Duck, 10 Chaffinch, 6 Magpies, 11 Reed Buntings and a Little Egret. There was 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Common Gull, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Stonechats, 3 Shelducks, 1 Snipe and 230 Teal. A few Shoveler, Gadwall and Mallard were on the main pool and there were c500 Lapwings. One Dunnock, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 10 Collared Doves and 179 Cormorants brought he morning to an end.

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

21st December

After a few early morning visits I decided to venture over to Grove later on today. I arrived at 1.40pm, the mist was still lurking and it was again very cold. I birded from the ramp until 3.45pm and saw the following birds: The Dunlin flock of 3 the other day had grown to a healthy 10 today, also 5 Magpie, 406 Golden Plover, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Mute Swan, 74 Teal, 2 Redshank, 2 Great Tit, 3 Blue Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Marsh Harrier and 1 ring tail Hen Harrier towards Stodmarsh at 3.13pm, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Green Sandpiper, 24 Cormorant, 11 Black headed Gull, 14 Herring Gull, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Collared Dove, 2 Pheasant and 9 Fieldfare. 9 Wigeon flew high towards Stodmarsh late afternoon and 1 Snipe called briefly, also 1 Kestrel seen and c500 Lapwing occasionally gave excellent ariel displays as the Marsh Harrier's passed overhead. Bearded Tits were heard but not seen throughout the time spent from the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

20th December

I decided today as the new year is just around the corner, to see how many species I could see or hear in the valley. This would hopefully help for the big day on January 1st. I made my way over to Stodmarsh at 5am to listen for the Tawny Owls and heard one at 5.12am in Trenley Park woods. I returned to Grove afterwards and as I got out of the car the regular Tawny Owl called at 5.54am. This bird continued to call on and off until 7.12am. When I arrived at the ramp there was thick fog and it was freezing. Knowing that I would not be able to see as many birds as I wanted to I gave it a good go. The following birds were seen or heard until 9.30am when I retired for a small break: The 2 Bewick's Swans were still present in the fog and eventually left at 7.23am, no Mute Swans were seen or heard as the fog was so thick at times and visibility was sometimes down to 30 metres. Other birds noted: 1 Bittern at 7.05am, c50 Greylag Geese, 2 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Cetti's Warbler, c150 Teal, c300 Lapwing, 5 reed Bunting, 2 Redwing, 2 Shelduck, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 1 ring necked Parakeet could be heard in the fog, 12 Greenfinch, 14 Chaffinch, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Redshank, 1 Stonechat, 3 Blue Tit and 1 Great Tit. Along with the more common species you would expect to see I eventually left Grove having seen or heard 42 species.

After a quick pit stop at home to see the girls I made my way over to Stodmarsh arriving at 11am and again in foggy conditions. I wandered around the alder wood and along the Lampern wall until 1pm and observed the following: 1 Bullfinch, There were small groups of Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits in the alder wood. Also: c10 Chaffinch, c20 Goldfinch, 9 Fieldfare, 3 Water Rail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 4 Great crested Grebe, 2 Jay and the usual assortment of ducks on the main lake. A brief visit to Collards was a bad choice as it had disappeared but Wigeon could be heard and a few Great black backed Gulls could just be made out. I decided to call it a day at 1pm as the fog was getting thicker but I had totalled 62 species for the day in the valley. Click HERE to view the birds seen today. Not bad considering the conditions. A quick look at the birds seen in the valley in the last few days and I think that 85 species could have been seen with a bit of luck.

(Marc Heath)

19th December

I made another excursion this morning to Grove in the hope that the Whooper Swans would have roosted overnight. I left home at 6.15am and in complete darkness, cycled my way through every unseen puddle arriving at Grove at 6.35am. I spent a few minutes on the bridge listening for the Tawny Owl and was duly rewarded at 6.39am. The Tawny Owl continued to call until 7.07am. I arrived at the ramp in the darkness but could hear Lapwing and Teal flying in from the Chislet area. Eventually I was able to see some birds out on the water and picked out 2 Swans, they turned out to be the 2 Bewick’s Swans from yesterday but nonetheless pleasant to see. They eventually flew out towards Sarre at 7.43am. I stayed on until 7.50am and noted the following: 2 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 1 Snipe heard, 1 Wigeon heard, 22 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, 1 Fieldfare heard, 58 Mute Swan out towards Sarre, 24 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, c100 Jackdaw East but more could be heard in the mist. Some Bearded Tits could be heard from the ramp and 2 Blue Tits and a few Chaffinches were seen as I departed.

With the school breaking up today at midday I decided to pay a second visit to Grove just in case there was a flyover Hawfinch or Bean Goose but that was not the case. I spent 2 hours from 1 - 3pm at the ramp and in glorious sunshine observed the following: On the ramp there was 7 Blue Tit, 12 Greenfinch, 13 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Meadow Pipit with a further 2 seen, 2 Great Tit, 19 Collared Dove, 1 male Great spotted Woodpecker with another heard at the same time, 5 Magpie, 1 Pheasant and 1 Sparrowhawk which chucked itself into the feeder tree but left with no prey. Also seen: 1 Ruff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechat, 2 Dunlin, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redwing, 6 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, c180 Golden Plover, c200 Lapwing and the occasional Bearded Tit heard calling.
(Marc Heath)

18th December

I made an early morning visit to Grove this morning with the intention of hopefully adding Whooper Swan to my valley year list. I left home at 6.15am and in freezing conditions, cycled over to Grove arriving at 6.40am. I stayed for a couple of hours before leaving for work and in very cold but sunny conditions noted the following from the ramp: A lot of the main pool was frozen over but 4 Swans could be just seen in the darkness. As the light got better 2 of them were Bewick’s Swans and they made a good size comparison with the Mute Swans that they were with. They left at 7.43am and flew off towards Sarre. The ramp was the place to be this morning with birds flying in from all directions to feed on the peanut feeders and seed. These included 1 Robin, 16 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 20 Greenfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 17 Collared Dove, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 6 Magpie. Other birds noted were 1 Tawny Owl which called a few times from 6.58- 7.04am, 3 Redshank, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 52 Cormorant, 53 Mute Swan towards Sarre, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Stonechat, 1 Sparrowhawk causing chaos over the main pool, c130 Jackdaw and c40 Carrion Crow East, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Dunlin, c100 Golden Plover, 2 Ruff, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Water Pipit over calling, 2 Pheasant, c250 Lapwing and a couple of Bearded Tits heard.
(Marc Heath)

17th December

Stodmarsh between 1515 and 1630 from the Lampen Wall: 12-15 Marsh Harriers to roost, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret and 1 Barn Owl .

(Chris Cox, Brian Watmough, Michael Ellison) 

I managed a brief 30 minutes at Collards this afternoon between 1.35 - 2.05pm with the intention of seeing and photographing the Beckick's Swans that had been seen earlier in the day. There was no sign of the Swans but a mixed group of Herring, Great and Lesser Black backed Gulls had me scanning through for that rarity. With the girls asleep in the car I managed to see the following before I left: 30 Canada Geese, 291 Greylag Geese, 1 Hybrid Goose, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier causing havoc and putting up c250 Wigeon and c100 Black headed Gulls. There were also c300 Coot, 2 Great crested Grebe, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Wagtail flew over towards Fordwich calling before returning a few minutes later, 3 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan and 1 Linnet concluded my visit before the banging of windows and 'Dad, what are you doing' could be heard loudly.

(Marc Heath)

Ariving at the entrance gate at 6.00am I heard the Tawny Owl calling, on & off, until 6.49. I was joined by a Alan a just before 7.00 and Steve around 8.00am. There were two Whooper Swans on the main pool until 7.24 when they flew off to the east, presumably to join the Mute Swan flock on the levels? There were 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Shelducks and a Kestrel a Peregrine flew north/east over the ramp at 8.02 and a Merlin flew through the feeding area on the ramp at 8.08 then a large female Sparrowhawk flew up the ramp and past the feeders at 8.38. We saw 9 Collared Doves, 8 Magpies, 7 Blue Tits, 3 Little Egrets, several Blackbirds, 3 Great Tits and a Green Sandpiper. there were 2 Dunnocks, 3 Redshanks, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 15 Chaffinches and another Sparrowhawk at 11.15. Also recorded were, 12 Greenfinches, a female Stonechat, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green Woodpecker and a ringtail Hen Harrier from 9.30-9.40 behind Harrison's hide. There were 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochards, 3 Ruff, 340 Golden Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Black-headed Gulls and 54 flyover Cormorants. A phone call from Norman McCanch alerted me to a drake Gooander that had flown over Seaton, so I drove up to Collard's to see if it had dropped in. No luck with th Goosander but 2 Bewick's Swans were in the fields on the lake edge with a gathering of large Gulls incuding, 32 Great Black-backed, 18 Lesser Black-backed and 123 Herring Gulls. Also in the field were 43 Canada Geese and 466 Greylag Geese and, on the lake were large numbers of Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochards and Coots with several Great-crested Grebes and Gadwall. Also on the lake were 500+ Black-headed Gulls and 15+ Common Gulls. A female Marsh Harrier passed over and put up several hundred Gulls from Hersden lake as well (time to start checking those roosts).

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

Although not in the Stour Valley, there was a superb Slavonian Grebe at nearby Seaton which showed well at times.

(Steve Ashton)

16th December

A few sightings from this afternoon, 1.15-3.15pm: 2 Ruff (from Harrisons Drove hide), 1 Peregrine flew west, 6 Ring-necked Parakeets flew east and a male Sparrowhawk scaring the finches at the feeders by the ramp.  

Will Salmon (Canterbury)

A rather wet start to the morning with Peter and I in the green hide from 6.50-9.15am, with little to note except 8 Pochards and 5 Tufted Ducks plus a few Mallards  a small flock of flyover Lapwings, corvids and 39 Cormorants and a pair of shovelers on the pool. A couple of Cetti's Warblers let of a short burst of song. Pete left at 9.45 and I filled up the feeders then returned to the ramp where I noted, 252 Golden Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 12+ Redwings in the paddocks, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Blue Tits, and several Blackbirds. There were, 5 Redshanks, 5 Ruff, 3 Green Sandpipers, 9 Magpies, several Reed Buntings, a pair of Stonechats and 5 Marsh Harriers (2 adult males, 2 adult females & an immature male). Also today were, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Dunnock, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Robins, 1 Pheasant, 1 Great Tit, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Common Gulls and 11 Black-headed Gulls. There about a thousand Lapwings a couple of hundred Teal with a few Shoveler, Gadwall and Mallards for support.

(Martyn Wilson)

10th December

6.00-7.40am at the gate with no sound of any Owls today. I was joined by Alan shortly afterwards on the ramp, and we logged the following:- 1 Shelduck, 6 Marsh Harriers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Stonechats and a Goldcrest that Steve located on his way in. Mute Swans are increasing with, 68 out before 8.00 plus 106 Cormorants passed by & over. There was a small flock of 40ish Redwings & Fieldfares in the bushes behind the Oxbow and a Peregrine was again spooking the Lapwings with a half hearted attempt to catch one. There were 4 Cetti's Warblers, 438 Golden Plovers, 3 Pochards, 1 Tufted Duck and only 25 Teal from green hide and 30ish on the main pool (where have they all gone?). On and around the ramp were, 9 Magpies, 15 Reed Buntings, 9 Chaffinch, 5 Blue Tits, 17 Greenfinch, 6 Collared Doves, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin and 2 Great Tits. There were also, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Pheasants, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank and 1 Ruff. For the half hour that Brendan & John Cantelo joined us Brendan spotted a Bittern in flight that we all just glimpsed as it dropped intop the reedbed.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Asdown & Steve Ashton)

A perfect winter's day, cold and sunny but the birding was fairly routine. Viewing conditions at Collard's were perfect and meant that inspite of the enormous viewing distance I was able to locate 6 Goldeneye, 52 Tufted Duck and 2 Pintail. A Grey Wagtail flew over. At Stodmarsh the winter thrushes that had been much in evidence in recent weeks seem to have dispersed and the only Fieldfare seen were around 30 near the Marsh Hide. On the main lake there were 97 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 370 Teal and 2 Shelduck. John Cantelo joined me on the Lampen Wall and we walked the circuit to Grove recording 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreepers and the Bittern mentioned in Martyn's account of events at Grove. A single Red Admiral was seen near Undertrees farm

(Brendan Ryan)

9th December

I arrived at Grove Ferry at 6.10 this morning to the sound of a Tawny Owl calling near the entrance gate, it stopped calling just before 6.20 but, i stayed in the car listening out until 7.40, soon to be joined by Peter and Alan, and today we logged, a Merlin at 7.04, 48 Grey Geese out at 7.10 and 2 Grey Herons. There were 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 Shelduck, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Kestrels  and 3 sparrowhawks (1 male). Three Pintails were on the main lake (2 drakes), a Peregrine causing havoc at 7.45, and a few hundred Teal in flight (none on the main lake). Feeding on the ramp today were, 7 Magpies, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch, 3 Reed Buntings, 4 Blue Tits, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, and 3 Starlings. There were 3 Stonechats, 3 Pied Wagtails, 312 Golden Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Redshanks and 3 Snipe. There ws a flyover Fieldfare, Norman had half a dozen in the paddock, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets (showing up well in the sunshine), 47 Cormorants and 32 Mute Swans. A scattering of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws were loafing about.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown, Norman McCanch & Pete Solly)

A flock of 77 Canada Geese in the flooded water meadows at Westbere was notable count for the valley where numbers rarely reach double figures. They were accompanied by 38 Greylags. There were a futher 332 Greylags at Collard's where there were also 50 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye 12 Pintail, 310 Wigeon and 8 Gt-cr Grebes.

(Brendan Ryan)

3rd December

Braving the gale force south/westerlies and horizontal rain this morning, from 6.30-11.00 sheltering in the green hide I recorded the following, 69 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 3 Coots, 60 Greylag Geese, 18 Carrion Crows west, 17 Cormorants, 42 Teal, 2 Mute Swans and 41 Lapwings. Gulls heading into the winds and rain were, 11 Lesser Black-backed, 299 Herring, 25 Great Black-backed and 12 Black-headed. There were also, 49 Woodpigeon, 24 Jackdaws, 3 Redwings, 2 Gadwall, 3 Marsh Harriers (2 adult & 1 imm males), 2 Shoveller west and 3 Wigeon west. Flyovers  were 2 Reed Buntings, 3 Ruff, 1 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfares, 2 Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch. There was a Little Egret until it flew to Egret pool. A quick hour from the ramp produced, 1670 Teal (no vertical stripes, yet!), 997 Lapwings, 52 Golden Plovers, 1 Ruff, 2 Redshanks and 3 Dunlin. There were also, 8 Collared Doves, 14 Greenfinch, 12 Chaffinch, 1 Common Gull, 10 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Dunnocks, 4 Reed Buntings and 1 Grey Heron. Two Ring-necked Parakeets were squarking around thier nest tree.

(Martyn Wilson)

2nd December

At Collard's this morning there were 3 Goldeneye, 41 Tufted Duck, 2 drake Pintail, and 3 Gt-cr Grebes. At Stodmarsh, good numbers of Fieldfare were still around the car park and surrounding woods. I estimated around 200 plus a few Redwings mixed in with them. On the main lake there were237 Mallard, 255 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon , a drake Pintail, 12 Gt-cr Grebes and a single Little Grebe. 380 Lapwings flew west

(Brendan Ryan)

I arrived at Grove at 6.30 where Marc was already waitng after his early hours Owl hunt, recording 1 Tawny Owl at Collards at 4.59 and 1 Tawny Owl at Stodmarsh at 5.11. We swiftly made our way to the green hide in the drizzle and, dodging various downpours recorded the following. A Water Rail calling and several Redwings passing over in the dark, 3+ Cetti's Warblers, 17 Chaffiches, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnocks and 27 Snipe. There were 2+ Meadow Pipits, 3 Redshanks, 120 Golden Plovers, 1 Dunlin and 20 Greenfinches.  We saw several Reed Buntings, 6 Blue Tits, 5 Magpies, 11 Ruff a couple of Redwings in the paddock and 2 Marsh Harriers. During a downpour from green hide we were watching 3+ Bearded tits feeding on Reedmace when a young male Sparrowhawk flew in from behind us and, without any sound, took out a single male Reedling and carried him of to a plucking perch! Also today were, 2 Further Sparrowhawks, 1 Little Egret, 61 Greylag Geese, 3 Collared Doves, 1 Great Tit, 1 Kestrel, a Great-spotted Woodpecker and a Pair of Stonechats.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Alan Ashdown)

1st December

The only bird of note today was a Marsh Harrier seen circling near Nethergong Bridge early morning as I cycled by on the way to work.

(Marc Heath)