December Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

                               Martyn Wilson - martynwilson@talktalk.net

   Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

Grove Ferry river trips visit here.

31st December

A lazy morning at a misty/foggy Grove Ferry saw 180 Wigeon west, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Water Rail, 19 Marsh Harriers, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Bitterns and 53 Mute Swans. There were several hundred Fieldfare and Redwing, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Curlews and while Greylag and White-front Geese were heard a small group of 6 White-fronted Geese flew west past the hide.. There were 6 Waxwings along the path between middlde Drove and The metal bridge leading to Harrison's Drove and we also noted 9 Yellowhammers, 8 Pochard. 1 Dunlin and several Teal and Wigeon from the Ramp.

(Martyn Wilson)

29th December

In the company of Marc Heath, Mark Chidwick, Tony Swandale et al birds recorded today were, 2 Tawny Owls, 1 Little Owl, 25 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hen Harrier (1 male), 1 Woodcock, 2 Green Sandpipers and 1200 Fieldfares. There were several Redwing, 3+ Cetti's Warblers, 3 Water Pipits, 4 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 2 Tufted Ducks, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler and 8 Gadwall. There were 155 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, 200 Greylags, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 60 Siskins, 2 Bitterns, 3 Skylarks, 2 Jays, 1 Peregrine Falcon and a Little Egret.

(Martyn Wilson)

27th December

At Stodmarsh today were 5 Hen Harriers (2 males), 28 Marsh Harriers, 1 Woodcock, 1000 Fieldfares, 200 Redwings, 1 Little Egret, 1 male Merin and 2 drake Goosanders. There were 5 Gadwall, 13 Lapwing, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Reed Bunting and 2 Sparrowhawks. Also there were 4 Bitterns, 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Water Pipits, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 7 Long-tailed Tits. 108 Eurasian White-fronted Geese flew over the Grove road and onto fields behind Newbons Farm before they later flew back towards Seaton where 130 landed on the fields above Seatons north lake and passing through Grove on the way home there were 7 Waxwings at the White House.

(Martyn Wilson)

26th December

Mark Chidwick and I again did the Harriers out from 7.00am and later met up with Tim Gutsel, Steve Ashton and Brendan Ryan. There were 25 Marsh Harriers out, 3-4 Hen Harriers (possibly 2 males), 3 Water Rails, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1200+ Fieldfares, 50 Lapwings, 6 Bitterns, 2 Sparrowhawks and 84 Siskins. Good duck numbers were seen with, 180+ Mallard, 80+ Teal, a pair of Pintail, 2 Wigeon and a drake Tufted Duck plus, Brendan had a drake Goosander on the river. Outside the recording area there were again Eurasian White-fronted Geese in the field above Seaton but only 58 today.

(Martyn Wilson)

25th December

Mark Chidwick and I had a two hour session at Stodmarsh this morning recording 26 Marsh Harriers, 4 Hen Harriers (2 males) and 1 Merlin. Very little else with no Bitterns seen, 1 etti's Warbler heard and 6 Siskin over the Alder Wood.

(Martyn Wilson)

24th December

At Stodmarsh this evening I couldn't get my total of Marsh harriers above 21, but I and two other birders had at least 3,probably 4, male Hen harriers and 2 ringtails. Plenty of Water rail activity and at least one Cetti had the energy to call.

(Chris Cox)

At a still very frozen but, slowly melting Stodmarsh with Marc Heath and Phil Parker this morning we recorded 30 Marsh Harriers out of roost, 3 Hen Harriers (1 male), 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Bitterns (with 3 more seen later). There were 3 Water Rails, 2 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 3 Shovelrs, 60+ Mallards and several Redwing and Fieldfare. Two Cetti's Warblers were heard and 2 Reed Buntings seen while a Common Buzzard flew low north over the Reedbed Hide and in the Alder Wood were 40 Siskin, 12 Chaffinch, 2 Golfinch, 3 Dunnocks, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker plus Robin, Great & Blue Tits and several Blackbirds. Also from Reedbed Hide a single Bearded tit and a Merlin were seen. There was no sign of the wild geese along the Grove road but they had moved to just outside the recording area into the fields above Seaton Lakes where amongst 170 Greylags there were 96 White-fronted Geese.

(Martyn Wilson)

23rd December

Birding a still very frozen Stodmarsh this moring the were less Marsh Harriers out today with just 18 Birds noted. The female Hen Harrier is still present plus there were 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Water Rails, 3 Bitterns, 3 Woodcocks and 1 Green Woodpecker. The Fieldfare numbers  seem very low but still several Blackbirds. There were 30 Lapwings, 6 Pochards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Whooper Swan and 1 Cetti's Warbler. In the Alder Wood there were 16 Chaffinch, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and several Blue and Great Tits plus 4 Dunnock's and 4 Robins. There were 68 White-fronted Geese in the stuble field on the road leading into the village with 150+ Greylags late morning.

(Martyn Wilson)

19th December

I decided not to attempt getting out of Westbere this morning and instead walked across the railway and down the footpath to the river.  Unlike those watching at Stodmarsh, I only saw one Marsh Harrier and later on a Kestrel.  Most of the Coots seemed to have decamped to the river area where there was also a Little Grebe.  Two Grey Herons flew over and I had good views of Water Rails scurrying about in the frozen ditches.  A Goldcrest was in with a mixed flock of Blue, Long-tailed and Great Tits and there were a couple of Bullfinches near the crossing gates. Two Bitterns were standing out on the ice near one of the small islands and these or others were also seen flying around later in the day.

Ducks and Coots were crammed into a very small area of unfrozen water and included 50+ Pochard, about 20 Mallard and smaller numbers of Tufted Duck and Shoveler.  There were also two Mute Swans.  The gull numbers were just beginning to build up and a flock of 15 Lapwings was standing out on the ice.   In all a total of 42 species and I had quite an enjoyable walk in the snow.

(Sue Morton)

A phenomenal start to the morning at a frozen snow covered Stodmarsh with an incredible 43 Marsh Harriers out of roost. there were even 35 in the air together at one point before dispersing towards Seaton, Grove and Chislet with at least a dozen staying throughout the morning. Only one Hen Harrier, an adult female, this morning seen three times throughout our stay. Also today were 2 Sparrowhawks, 6 Bitterns and although Duc knumbers were low, the drake Pintail was still present with the small number of Teal, Mallard and Shoveler while, 80 Wigeon flew over.  There were 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Water Rails, 2 Skylarks, 10 Bearded Tits and several Blackbirds and Fieldfares. Twenty five Long-tailed Tits near Undertrees, 740 Lapwings on the ice and 2 Grey Herons were also noted.

(Martyn Wilson, Mark Chidwick & Steve Ashton)

18th December

Another short session at a very frozen Stodmarsh from 7.00am where 25 Marsh harriers left roost and 2 Hen Harriers, one a superb looking male that flew close by over the Lampen Wall and over the lake. There were 2 Bitterns seen in the couple of hours we were there and with the assembled Teal, Mallard and Shoveler standing on the ice were 1 drake Pintail and 40 Lapwings that had frost on their  backs. Apart from a Green Woodpecker, 2 Chaffinch and 5 Water Rails not much else was seen.

(Martyn Wilson & Mark Chidwick)

15th December

On another frosty morning I had a session before work at Grove Ferry arriving at 7.15am. I had 45 minutes again from the ramp noting 13 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag Geese, 2 Cetti's Warbler, Redwings were quite numerous as I walked down the entrance track with others in the paddock, c310 Fieldfare, 19 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker, 76 Cormorant, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and 1 Water Rail. 2 ring tail Hen Harrier passed by the ramp quite close giving nice views, also 1 Siskin, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Snipe, 83 Lapwing, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pintail and 1 Great spotted Woodpecker.

(Marc Heath)

14th December

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning for a pre work visit at 7.15am in chilly conditions. I stayed on the ramp for 45 minutes noting a few bits and pieces. Birds seen were 41 Redwing, 120+ Fieldfare, 64 Greylag Geese, 2 Pied Wagtail, 11 Marsh Harrier out of roost, 35 Lapwing, 2 Snipe and 62 Cormorant. There were 2 Bittern seen, 1 in flight near Harrisons which eventually landed near the Feast hide and 1 seen walking along the reed edge at the back of the main pool from the ramp. Also 1 Shelduck, 2 Corn Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Redshank, 2 Wigeon, 2 Water Rail, 1 Waxwing flew over calling but remained unseen, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Reed Bunting and 13 Golden Plover east.

(Marc Heath)

11th December

A short session at Stodmarsh this morning starting on the Lampen Wall at 7.00am joined shortly after by Steve Ray. There were  21 Marsh Harriers out of roost and 3 Hen Harriers (1 male & 2ringtails) but no sign of any Owls today. Sue Morton arrived just after the Harriers had left roost and there were, plenty of Greylags moving around plus  several hundred Fieldfares in the area. Teal, Mallard, Gadwall and Shoveler all present plus 8 drake Pochards, 2 female Tufted Ducks and 120+ Wigeon. Two Green and 1 Great-spotted Woodpeckers were seen, a pair of Cetti's Warblers,several Chaffinches, Blue tits and Great Tits plus 2 Siskins, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Goldcrest and 6 Long-tailed Tits. A Peregrine Falcon was half-heartedly pursueing ducks and only 2 Bitterns seen in our short time there.

(Martyn Wilson)

8th December

I arrived at a cold Grove Ferry this morning at 7.20am where I spent another cold morning morning not staring at much. Birds noted from the ramp were 28 Cormorant, 173 Fieldare, 35 Redwing, 11 Marsh Harrier, 3 Corn Bunting, 14 Lapwing, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Skylark and 1 Snipe. There were c70 Greylag Geese, 1 Bittern seen on 2 occasions in flight, flying from the Feast hide pools and eventually disappearing over the trees near the river, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Water Rail, 1 Redshank and 1 Green Sandpiper on small pools along the entrance and 2 Reed Bunting.

(Marc Heath)

7th December

For once, the sun was almost peeping through the clouds as I made a trip to Grove Ferry after work at 3.30pm for 45 minutes. I stayed on the ramp not seeing much as the main pool is still mostly frozen but I did note the following. 29 Lapwing, 12 Redwing, 102 Fieldfare, 8 Marsh Harrier, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kestrel, c370 Greylag Geese dropping down to roost near Stodmarsh, 1 Green Woodpecker, 9 Corn Bunting into roost, 3 Water Rail, 1 Bearded Tit and 1 Redshank all on its own from the main pool. There were 14 Pied Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Heron and as dusk arrived 1 ring tail Hen Harrier flew towards Stodmarsh. There were 2 Foxes in the newly cut area next to the main pool, one coming through the reeds and as near as 5 metres away before wheel spinning away again back into the fields.

(Marc Heath)

6th December

I managed a brief 45 minutes at Grove Ferry before work this morning at 7.20am. Not much about of note but the following were logged. 37 Redwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Water Rail, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Bearded Tit, 12 Marsh Harrier passed east out of the reserve, where do they go all day?, 54 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan and 32 Fieldfare. The main pool is still frozen and was only occupied by c70 Lapwing and a single Dunlin. Also 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Sandpiper in pools along the entrance with 15+ Black headed Gulls.

(Marc Heath)

5th December

Mark Chidwick and I made an early start (6.45) on the lampen Wall at Stodmarsh to see the Harriers leave roost. At five minutes to six Mark spotted a dark shape gliding towards us down the Lampen Wall and on closer inspection we watched as a Long-eared Owl passed over, crossing the lake in the direction of Stodmarsh village being mobbed by 3 Teal, spectacular sight. There were 26 Marsh Harriers out of roost plus 2 Hen Harriers (1 sub-ad male and a ringtail) and , soon after being joined by Steve ray, a Barn Owl flew along the Lampen Wall towards the river not 20yards away from us. Other bits included 4 Water Rails, teal, Shoveler, Mallard, 11 Gadwall,  Wigeon, Greylag Geese and 4 Bitterns, Fieldfares were vocal and still plenty of Blackbirds about. Yesterday had 1 Lapwing on the ice, today there were 174 Lapwings on the ice plus a solo Dunlin associating with them. There were 3 Woodcocks, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 30 Siskins and a few Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits.

(Martyn Wilson)

4th December erratum

Sorry folks, yesterday (4th) I made made a mistake and wrongly identified an adult female Yellow-legged Gull as a Caspian Gull. Appologies to everyone that follows this 'blog' (probably only 5 or 6 whom I bribe) I will endevour to be thorough in future.  Thanks to Andy Lawson, Chris Gibbard, Phil Milton and the guys at RBA for thier input. Regards.

(Martyn Wilson)

4th December

Birding at Stodmarsh this morning in the company of Steve Ashton and Tim Gutsel for the most part. The lakes are still frozen over and a lot of snow laying on the ground but, melting quite fast. Birds today were, 3 Woodcocks, large numbers of Blackbirds plus Fieldfare and Redwing and 1 or 2 Song Thrushes and half a dozen Mistle Thrushes. There were, 10 Marsh Harriers, 3 Water Rail and mixed flock of Ducks on the ice including Teal, Mallard & Shoveler plus 2 Wigeon and 8 Gadwall. A Barn Owl was hunting along the river, a single Lapwing was stood out on the ice and the first of at least 4 Bitterns (possibly 6) flew into the reed edge near the Reedbed Hide. Hundreds of Gulls were moving west with most over the fields north of the river but, a few past over the lake and one of these was a 2cy Yellow-legged Gull. In the Alder Wood were 30 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 20+ Long-tailed Tit flock with 5 Great Tits and 8 Blue Tits plus 3 Goldcrests. A couple of Bearded Tits were seen and heard from Reedbed Hide, 1 Snipe flew over and a male Sparrowhawk flew low over the reeds. A final look over the lake from the lampen Wall checking the ducks there were also a small group of mixed Gulls that, along with Great and Lesser Black-backed, Black-headed and Herring, there was an adult Yellow legged Gull which after about ten minutes got up and flew towards Collard's. Apart from the usual ducks on Collard,s there were 8 Goldeneye including 2 drakes.

(Martyn Wilson)

1st December

With the snow still covering much of the area and the temperatures, stupidly cold, I decided on a walk down to Westbere Lakes at lunchtime for a brief session. I walked south from the railway line up to the river before returning and walking back to work. A brief session was also made afterwork to Grove Ferry at 3.40pm for 30 minutes. I managed to see or hear 48 species. Birds noted this morning were 1 Firecrest calling as I walked down the lane, 11 Cormorant, 2 Kingfisher, 11 Great crested Grebe, 17 Tufted Duck and with them, 1 female Goldeneye which remained distant and wary. Also 8 Snipe, 1 Curlew heard, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Wigeon, a few Gadwall and Mallard, 1 Water Rail heard, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, a few Long tailed Tits, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Siskin, 1 Redpoll, 2 Mute Swan and 2 Coal Tits were on a feeder put out by a local in the village at the top of Walnut tree lane. Grove was quite quiet after work but I managed to log 1 Dunlin, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, c100 Lapwing, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Snipe, 2 Redwing, 21 Fieldfare, 1 Bearded Tit, 1 Water Rail and 1 Marsh Harrier.

(Marc Heath)