Decsightings08

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. This year we managed 91 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.

This has been a truly remarkable year in many ways, four people broke their personal records and the valley year total broke it's own record. The year ended on 191 species, the highest single year count ever recorded. Brendan had a remarkable year being as he did not visit as much as last year but still managed a total of 161 as did Phil Parker who made Crossbill his 161st for the year. Marc Heath finished on 174, Waxwing being the last addition and if that wasn't incredible enough, Martyn made Waxwing his 175th for the year beating his last year record of 168 by seven. An incredible year in the valley and also in Kent where a Kent first and 2 Kent seconds were seen. Can 2009 be any better or will we stuggle to achieve such an outstanding total.

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I had intended looking at Gulls at Westbere first thing as the lake was almost frozen over but, I met Marc Heath at Grove instead. We were joined there by Norman McCanch and we waited for another show of Waxwings but, alas they never showed. Birds noted during the wait were, 2 Yellowhammers over, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Stonechats, 11 Marsh Harriers, 26 Corn Buntings, a Goosander east, 4 ringtail Hen Harriers (at least one being an adult), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Egrtets, 3 Water Pipits, 1 Kestrel, several Snipe and 1 Bullfinch. Marc left for home at 9.00 while Norman and I left just after half past. Then I went to Westbere, getting into a good postion to sit and scan the Gulls. Two hours of scanning several thousand Gulls and all I could find was 1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull, although one 'pale yellow' legged bird was just a argentatus race. There were only 2 adult Lesser Black-backed and 3 red ringed Herring Gulls there too. Also at Westbere where I met Sue Morton, were, 3 duck Goldeneye, 1 Black Swan, 2 Common Snipe, 1 Black-necked Grebe, a Barnacle Goose, 1 Marsh Harrier and couple of Water Rails. A trip up to the Collard's Crossbill area was un productive but a Common Buzzard was there and the lake on the otherside of the road was much as yesterday except 2 duck Goldeneye (no drake), and another Barnacle Goose. Possibly the Westbere one?

(Martyn Wilson)

Marc, Pete Steve Ashton, Steve Ray and I all met at the gate to Grove with high expectations of recent Waxwing sightings. We had to wait a little while and were joined by Geoff Burton and Phil Bereat. Before the excitement we logged 23 Corn Buntings, 1 Hen Harrier, 21 Marsh Harriers, 2 Redpolls, 1 Bullfinch and a Kingfisher. Then while nattering at the top of the ramp both Geoff and I spotted the Waxwings flying in from Harrison's direction, and there they were in the top of a hawthorn in the paddock, 11 Waxwings. They stayed for a few record shots before flying back to whenst they came. Marc left for home and Geoff left for Westbere while the rest of us waited fo thier return which, they duly did (well 7 of them) and showed very well at the base of the ramp, at this point we were joined by a jubilant Phil Parker. Two Stonechats, 2 Siskin and 1 Common Snipe also noted. Phil P and I moved on to Westbere which by now ws almost completely frozen over and there was no sign of yesterdays Ferruginous Duck but, the Black-necked Grebe was still present as were 3 Goldeneye. A single Marsh Harrier was seen and Geoff Burton had a Firecrest. Phil and I then went to look for Crossbills where Tim had had them yesterday and, within minutes we were looking at 7 of these handsome birds 3 males and 4 females. On the other side of the road, Collard's lake was virtually frozen over, no Gulls were present and amongst the now crowded together Ducks the only stand out birds were a male and female Goldeneye. Also 1 Marsh Harrier and a cock Bullfinch noted.

(Martyn Wilson & Phil Parker)

Surveying Grove today, I saw 5 Waxwing on the main tree on top of the ramp having been chased away by a few Magpie's from their original place of my 1st sighting today at the left hand side of the orchard area.
Time seen: 2:20pm
(David Barnes)

A decidedly chilly morning almost had me heading for home early. An hour and half at Grove Ferry, where every pool and dyke were frozen, from first light had my tripod frosting over. Birds seen were the 2 female Hen Harriers but only 6 Marsh Harriers this morning. There was 1 Corn Bunting, 52 Golden PLover, 1 Cettis Warbler, 2 Bullfinch and a scattering of Lapwings. I took a drive up to Collard's, if only to warm my hands, and found this too, to be almost frozen over. A couple of pockets of water where the ducks all gathered four Goldeneye could be seen (1 drake) and the rest pretty much as normal although, Pochard numbers seemed higher. Not many Gulls around and what was there were stood on the ice in the middle of the lake. There was 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier and a single drake Pintail. Marc called to say he had been dropped at Grove and was out till 1.00pm, so I met up with Marc at the ramp and we thought Westbere might hold that 100th month tick Marc needed, Common Buzzard or Canada Goose have been here recently. At the usual viewing area for the Black-necked Grebe (about 400yds south of the railway crossing) we scanned for the Grebe. This could not be located on first glance so I scanned amongst the ducks looking back towards the rail line, where i'd seen the Grebe a few days ago. This is where I came upon a drake Ferruginous Duck bobbing about asleep with the Pochards and Tufteds. This is only the third record for the valley after one on 13/01/1979 and another on 24/01/1999. A few of the locals were called and news phoned to the information services. Other birds of note at Westbere today were the Black-necked Grebe still, a duck Goosander and 4 duck Goldeneye. There were also 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Coal Tit, 3+ Chiffchaffs, several Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests, 1 Siskin, 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers and 3+ Bullfinches. I took a trip back towards Collard's with Chris Gibbard to visit the area, just south, where Tim Hodge had earlier had 6 Crossbilss but, no luck. We did however see 2 Common Buzzrds here and a male Brambling.

Three of us at Grove this Morning where there was a Short-eared Owl reported to us by Mark Chidwick, hunting between Marsh Hide and Undertrees Farm. There were 13 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Water Pipits, 5 Corn Buntings, 2 Hen Harriers (as yesterday), 15 Linnets, 8 Snipe, 11 Pied Wagtails and 2 Redshanks. Marc left at 8.30 while Alan and I met Steve at Westbere where we were joined by Sue Morton for the rest of the morning. Here we had 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Pintail over, 2 Common Buzzards that Sue pointed out plus a few Goldcrests and Tits. A text from Marc informing us that the first winter Little Gull was still at Collard's came at 11.06 and the bird was still present when I popped up at 1.00pm. Also there, were the Westbere Goose flock with 146 birds plus the juvenile White-fronted Goose, 2 Goldeneye on the lake and a fairly large collection of Gulls below Collie Corner, a mixture of Great Black-backed and Herrings with just half a dozen Black-heads. THe Little Gull always sits alone away from the flock.

Marc ,Peter & I met at the gate at 7.00am after Marc had seen 2 Tawny Owls near Trenley on his early morning prowl. After yesterdays Goose-fest we were in expectant spirits but, alas save for a few Greylags no 'wild' Geese were seen we did however see an adult Black Swan leave the reserve early with 2 Mutes. There were 17 Marsh Harriers, 8 Corn Buntings, 5 Little Egretrs, a ringtail Hen Harrier low along Harrison's at 7.45 then 2 Hen Harriers (adult & 2cy females) west at 7.50. Probably just two birds though. There were 2 Ruff, Lapwings were all distant and in flight, 15 Stock Doves, 5 Water Pipits, 7 Pied Wagtails and a male Stonechat. Also today there were 12 Golden Plover, 6 Common Redshanks and 8 Common Snipe. As Marc left at 10.30, Alan arrived after an early start at Stodmarsh and we retired to the green hide with Dylan for some intelligent? conversation and camera practise. As I was leaving I encountered 2 Common Buzzards.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Steve AShton, Pete Solly, Dylan Wrathall & Alan AShdown)

I received a text from Chris Hindle mid afternoon alerting me to a flock of c70 Pink footed Geese and 8+ Tundra Bean Geese just past the Blue bridge behind Grove Ferry in fields. Hopefully this flock will hang around in the area for the next few days, particularly New Years Day!

Only out until 10.30 so another short report. At Grove Ferry this morning 11 Marsh Harriers out of roost, 40 Eurasian White-fronted Geese flew east towards the Ash levels at 7.35, 1 Hen Harrier a ringtail flew close by the ramp at 7.40 and as I came out of Green hide 7 Tundra Bean Geese flew east overhead at 8.30. There were 3 Little Egrets, 43 Golden Plovers, 1 Kingfisher, 1 female Tufted Duck, 4 Common Redsahnks 2 Spotted Redshank, 5 Common Snipe, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker. The lapwing carpet has gone a bit threadbear with less than 250 on the reserve today. A quick stop at Westbere produced the Black-necked Grebe (another New Years day list bonus, if it hangs on) and a small Tit flock of mainly Long-taileds with a few Blues and Greats and a couple of Goldcrests.

Not a very big report today as I thought it was about time I had a look at the Night Heron in West Hythe. After connecting with the Heron I moved on to Folkestone and saw the seven Waxwings and, as I didn't get any valley photo's today, i've cheekily added a picture (terrible light conditions though) and if Mike Gould can put Bee-eaters from a different country on the Seasalter page then so be it. The only valley birding today was an hour at Collard's where there were no Gulls at all in the usual fields but, I could see the Geese flock at Cow Corner on Westbere Marshes from here. There were 126 Greylags, 7 Canada's and 2 Eurasian White-fronted Geese (adult & juvenile). The 2 Tree Sparrows were calling constantly but were playing shy. The reason for no Gulls, or any other birds, became apparent after a quick scan revealed 2 young Peregrine Falcons sitting in the fields. The Gulls? well they were on Collard's Lake as well as still high numbers of Coot, Wigeon and Tufted Duck as well as a few Pochard, Gadwall and Shoveller. There are now 6 Goldeneye (2 drakes) present and a single female Marsh Harrier quartered the lake edge. An hour at Fordwich was not worth writing about.

Seven Canada Geese flew out of Grove Ferry in the semi-darkness this morning and Harriers out of roost were, 9 Marsh Harriers and 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, no sign of yesterdays male. The pools were still covered with Lapwings and there were, 3 Ruff, 3 Spotted Redshanks, (new years day listers will hope they stay), 5 Common Redshanks, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Little Egret and 3 Water Pipits. A friend from Lancashire was down for Christmas and we wathced as a juvenile male Sparrowhawk attemted to snatch a Snipe, without sucsess. There were, 6 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Herons, 20 Snipe, 1 Pochard, 89 Golden Plover and 1 Cetti's Warbler. We made a brief visit to Westbere to try for the Grebe as Richard had not seen one for a few years. The Black-necked Grebe was still present in it's usual spot, but no sign of any Red-crest Pochards or Firecrest. Several Goldcrests were with the now smaller Long-tailed Tit flock and the adult White-fronted Goose was on the marsh just south of the river with Greylags but, we could not locate the juvenile. A single Water Rail was screaming and a female Marsh Harrier was seen. Midday we went back to Grove for lunch in the Grove Ferry Inn before retireing for the day.

In the valley at Grove for 7.00am after dropping the wife at work, 1 Tawny Owl was calling from it's usual place and 2 Cetti's Warblers were calling. Marsh Harriers leaving roost reached 10 but later I saw 5 at Stodmarsh sitting in trees and a further 4 sitting at Collard's a while later. At least 19 Marsh Harriers in the Valley today. There was a single ringtail Hen Harrier again plus also a superb male Hen Harrier at 8.30 behind the oxbow between Harrison's and the river. Two Wigeon flew west and every pool looked like it had been carpeted with Lapwings, 3800-4000 birds at least, also 8-10,000 Starlings left Stodmarsh. A suprise came at 7.53 when 4 Goosander flew up the valley including 2 drakes, there were, 29 Golden Plover, 14 Snipe, 1 Pochard, 3 Spotted Redshanks (green hide), 2 Water Pipits and 5 Pied Wagtails. At Stodmarsh , Marsh Harriers aside, there were 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 662 Teal, 8 Pochard, 22 Pintail (14 over), 33 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 1 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Great-crested Grebes and a Bittern that flew across the Reedbed and over the slag heap to Collard's. In Stodmarsh village there was a female Blackbird with a white rump and a Sparrowhawk scattered all the House Sparrows at the cow feeder opposite the Red Lion. At Collard's where Marc & Phil Parker had been but, left for Waxwings at Folkestone, There were, 3 Canada Geese, 2 Eurasian White-fronted Geese (adult & juvenile), 1 Ring-necked Parakeet flew south east, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Tree Sparrows, 14 Pochard, 131 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Egret many Coot and Wigeon and 3 female Goldeneye. There were, 3 Grey Herons in the Gull field, 1 Chiffchaff, 30+ Siskins (had by Marc earlier) and 38 Stock Doves. There was no sign of the Little Gull, Med Gull or Caspian Gul today and only ba small number of the commoner Gulls. No sign of any Goosander here so the earlier four must have carried on or gone to Westbere?

I had an hour today in the company of Phil Parker at Collards where we were hoping to locate the Caspian gull seen by Martyn yesterday. On arrival there were no Gulls in the field but eventually a few appeared but not the recent numbers that I have seen. Despite constant scanning and making sure the cows didn't get to close we could not see the Caspian but we did note a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull amongst the c40 black headed Gulls. There were c30 Great Black backed Gulls with various Herring and Lesser black backed Gulls of all ages to add complications. Phil decided on a walk along the hedgerow to look for the 2 Tree Sparrows and after a brief phone call 50 yards away telling me he had found them, he performed his valley tick break dance!!!!! Luckily they flew my way and I was able to obtain brief views before they once again blended into the hedgerow. Other birds here included 4 Little Egret in the cow field south of the main road, 1 Yellowhammer, c30 Greylag Geese, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Meadow Pipit, 6 Fieldfare and 2 Chiffchaff.

Anyone passing Grove Ferry this morning may have been forgiven that a twitch was taking place. Alan arrived soon after me, followed by Marc then, Phil Parker and while standing at the entrance Sreve Ashton rolled up then Pete and a short while later Steve Ray met us on the ramp, almost a full house. Today at Grove/the Valley were, 3 Tawny Owls and 3 Little Owls early on then the first of 13 Marsh Harriers (11 in the air together), 2 Pintail west, 1 Little Egret, 7 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Ruff and just 1 ringtail Hen Harrier. There were, 38 Golden Plover, 1 male Sparrowhawk and a female Buulfinch on the path back out. We all went our seperate ways early and I joined Phil at Collard's where we soon located the first winter Little Gull in the set aside field, 2 Goldeneye and 2 drake Pintail were on the lake and try as we may we could not pin down the Tree Sparrows although Sparrow calls were heard. Phil left I went to Fordwich wasted an hour and returned to Collard's. Amongst the growing crowd of Gulls on the field there was a single sub-adult Caspian Gull (see distant phonescoped shot below) with 162 Great Black-backs, 3 Lesser Black-backs, 524 Herring (four ringed birds, adult red ring left leg, juvenile red ring left leg, 1st/w white ring right leg, & 3rd/w red ring left leg), 11 Common and 326 Black-headed.

A morning of valley birding with Marc started at Grove Ferry on the ramp where Marc was already in attendance when I arrived. Highlights from Grove this morning were, 3 ringtail Hen Harriers, 8 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Spotted Redshank and a juvenile White-fronted Goose. Also today were, 4 Redshank, 3 Ruff, 47 Golden Plovers, 1 Kestrel, 6 Snipe and 4 Wigeon west. The Lapwing seem to be increasing and Teal were very vocal, suggesting more were out of sight. We moved on to Westbere lakes where we soon located the Black-necked Grebe and the 4 Red-crested Pochards (2 drakes). In the bushes leading down to the river the Tit flock was found and amongst the 30 or so Long-tailed Tits were the 2 Firecrests, at least a dozen Goldcrests plus Blue and Great tits and 3 Chiffchaffs. The lake had several Tufted Ducks and Coots plus several thousand Gulls, predominately Black-heads, but also a few Great Black-backs and Lesser Black-backs and a large number of Herring. Nothing stood out as being rare or scarce. Marc had to leave for parental duties and I made my way to Collard's stopping at Cow Corner to watch 3 Yellowhammers (a seemingly more scarce bird here now), those males are stunning, where there was also many Chaffinches, Great and Blue Tits and 2 Coal Tits (they seem to be everywhere this year), plus also a couple of Goldcrests including the bathing individual below. At Collard's one of the first birds I encountered was the first winter Little Gull that I had attempted to twitch last week, not the Tree Sparrows as Brendan had suggested, sitting in the field with Black-headed Gulls, a text to Marc alowed him to return to the valley and see this little gem to add to an already impressive record year. No sign of any Tree Sparrows though. I only managed to locate 1 Goldeneye, a female and there were 2 drake Pintail, 145 Tufted Duck a few Shoveler plus several Wigoen and Coot. Three Little Egrets were with the cows on the south side of the road.

With school finishing early today, I made the most of a couple of hours having a brief look at Grove Ferry and then Westbere mid afternoon. Grove was fairly quiet with 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Redshank, 6 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Bullfinch and c400 Lapwing with only 2 Golden Plover noted. I think the birds at Westbere noticed that I didn't have my camera with me as most birds showed very well. I soon located the Tit flock 150yds south of the railway line again and was pleased to see 2 Firecrests which showed fantastically to a few yards. They really are superb little birds and I had a good opportunity to study them. If only I had the camera with me! Also with the flock were c10 Long tailed Tits, c5 Goldcrest, a few Blue Tits and sitting quietly in the same bush was a Brambling which didn't seem bothered by my presence. A brief look at the lake revealed the 4 Red crested Pochard (2 drakes) as well as plenty of Tufted Duck and Coot. c300 Black headed Gulls were loafing around on the water and also seen were 4 Siskin, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Chiffchaff.

A short visit to Grove this am revealed very little the best bird being this male Hen Harrier just west of Harrison's.

Just outside the valley boundary, I passed Nethergong bridge this morning on the way to work, there were 2 Barn Owls hunting in the same field as usual which made for a nice start to the day. I made a brief visit lunchtime to Collards to see whether any Smew may have made it into the valley, despite a good scan I could not find any but did note c45 Fieldfare, 5 Pintail, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch, 21 Great black backed Gulls were in the field witha few Herring, Common and Black headed Gulls. c30 Greylag Geese took flight from the field revealing the juvenile Eurasion White fronted Goose with them. Whilst watching the Goose through the scope, another bird got my attention in the background. It was a rare sight of a Bittern, my first of the month. Other bits included 3 Marsh Harrier, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Black Swan and hundreds of Wigeon and Coot with lesser numbers of Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck and a few Great crested Grebe. After work I called into Westbere lakes to check the Gulls out. Unfortunately after only 10 minutes a rower appeared for the duration of my stay and scared most Ducks and Gulls away. I did however see 4 Little Grebe, 5 Great crested Grebe, 1 Black necked Grebe, 2 Siskin, c7 Goldcrest, 1 Cetti's Warbler, c10 Long tailed Tit, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Redpoll over. As I was leaving a few hundred Black headed Gulls had arrived but a brief scan did not reveal any rareer ones. So far I have seen 95 species in December so a big push in the next week or so to make the magic 100 for the month.

With the year slowly drawing to a close, I have been trying to get out as often as I can. This year has been excellent so far and it may be a few years until the quality seen this year repeats itself, hopefully next year will be just as good. I made 3 visits into the valley today, dawn at Grove for an hour, 45 minutes at lunchtime at Collards and finally an hour or so at Westbere lakes. Without much effort the birds fell into place and I managed 78 species, not bad for such a short space of time. Most of the common species were seen with a few easy ones missed but the highlights included 6 Marsh Harrier at Grove, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 red head Goosanders on Collards along with 3 Goldeneye (1 drake). Westbere once again turned up some good stuff with the Black necked Grebe in the same place as yesterday, 1 Firecrest seen well a few times but harder to get a decent shot of as my attempt shows, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Red crested Pochard (2 drakes) which were a bit of a surprise. A phone call was made to Sue and minutes later she arrived and added these to her Westbere lake list. I checked through the hundreds of Black headed Gulls again and was finally rewarded with a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull. Other bits seen today included c10 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff in the same area with 1 very pale individual and 5 Stonechat.

I made 2 visits into the valley today, Collards area at first light and Westbere lakes late afternoon. The Barn Owl was in its usual place at Nethergong hunting in the field as I drove by. The low cloud and murky conditions at Collards were not ideal but I was hoping for a rare Grebe or Smew, neither I found. Bits noted were 118 Fieldfare, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 38 Cormorant, 1 Linnet, c35 Greylag Geese, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Pintail, 2 Yellowhammer as well as good numbers of Coot and Wigeon. A brief look distantly for the Tree Sparrows proved negative although they may still be in the area. Westbere lakes turned out to be the hotspot today as one of the first birds I scoped was a fine Black necked Grebe. It was quite distant at first and caused me a few id problems but finding a better position to view from, I had excellent scope views. Soon after I located a Firecrest which posed briefly for a record shot. Other birds noted included 1 Goldeneye, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff which might be useful for New Years Day, c40 Tufted Duck, c10 Great crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, a few small parties of Long tailed Tits, hundreds of Black headed Gulls with the ever present smaller numbers of Herring, Common, Great black and Lesser black backed Gulls.

The WeBs count to-day did not produce anything particularly unusual except for 2 Goldeneye on Westbere Lake and 4 more on Fordwich Lake (all females). Other totals for Westbere were over 600 Coot, 115 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 58 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Kingfisher. The lakes at Fordwich were pretty quiet with totals of 29 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler and another 2 Kingfishers being the main points of interest.

I managed a session before work, a brief look lunchtime and a look at Grove after work. I was back at Collards this morning after yesterday's unsuccessful visit to look for Tree Sparrows. The cows were in their usual position, just were I wanted to be but I braved them once again and after a brief look, I was rewarded with the 2 Tree Sparrows. This is a new valley and year tick for me and continues the excellent run of birds in 2008. I managed a record shot of the event. Other birds here included 3 Yellowhammer, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Redwing, 4 Little Egret, 8 Siskin over and c35 Great black backed Gulls in the field with Black headed and Herring Gulls. A quick look at Fordwich lunchtime saw 1 Kestrel, 2 Bullfinch, 12 Siskin, 3 Redpoll over, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Jay and 2 Goldcrest. As I wandered down the entrance track at Grove after work all the Lapwings were up and grouped tightly together, a raptor must be about. A Peregrine took off from the main pool area with a Marsh Harrier chasing, the Peregrine returning quickly to collect the Lapwing that it must have just taken. Other birds seen included c700 Lapwing, 7 Marsh Harrier over Stodmarsh, 7 Corn Bunting into roost, 1 Water Pipit, 5 Mute Swan, c200 Fieldfare, c1000 Starling producing some great ariel displays to look at, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Cetti's Warbler.

Back on the Marsh Tit trail this morning with the usual result, no Marsh Tit but a single Firecrest, Coal Tit, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and around 40 Siskins. Much of the morning was spent at Collard’s where I counted the duck from my distant vantage point, for want of anything better to do. Numbers included 116 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye (one drake), 173 Gadwall, 26 Pochard, 560 Wigeon, and one Pintail. I didn’t bother with the Teal and Shoveler but counted the Coot (860) as they had been concentrated into a tight frenzied flock by the two resident Marsh Harriers. The resident Grey Wagtail was still present. A first winter Little Gull was an unexpected bonus. I picked it up over the lake and but it moved straight through in the direction of Westbere. Even better was the sight of two Tree Sparrows in the hedge of the cow field. Once a regular sight in the valley these are the first I have seen for over five years. They seemed fairly settled and Martyn and Steve were able to twitch them from Reculver and grab a naff record shot.

A brief visit after work to a freezing Fordwich which had my hands crying for mercy saw me observing the following: 1 Coal Tit around the feeders, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 6 Bullfinch, 1 Redpoll over, 2 Water Rail, 2 Siskin, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Pochard along the river along with 15 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Kingfisher. 2 Goldcrest were seen and 1 Cetti's Warbler called. Looking through the trees into Fordwich lakes on the other side of the river, a few hundred Black headed Gulls were standing on a frozen over lake. As ever there were plenty of Blue and Great Tits battling for the feeders and 2 small parties of Long tailed Tits observed.

My ninth visit to Fordwich in the last 2 weeks, I can’t think why? A very productive couple of hours produced 2 Firecrests together in ivy covered trees on the far side of the river, the drake Goosander did its usual swim by, a Woodcock gave good views as it was flushed from the path, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in the distance and the small flock of around 45 Siskins were still present. The 2 Coal Tits were still present, making good use of the feeders that Martyn and I had erected. Sadly the Marsh Tit again failed to put in an appearance. Such is the perversity of local patch listing that I have spent over 12 hours trying to connect with a species that I could easily see within a relatively short drive of the valley. A quick stop at Collard’s produced 6 Pintail and three Goldeneye including a single drake.

I was back at a sleety Grove this morning just after dawn for an hour before going to work. The Barn Owl was seen again just ouside the recording area at Nethergong hill at 7.38am. Birds noted at Grove included 1 Siskin, 10 Cormorant, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier seen on 3 occasions around the reserve, 1 Bullfinch heard, 1 Corn Bunting, 6 Redshank, 5 Ruff, 6 Mute Swan, 2 Little Egret, c100 Golden Plover, 5 Marsh Harrier and 6 Snipe. There were c150 Woodpigeon out of roost, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Water Pipit, 2 Stonechat, 2 Water Rail, 1 Goldcrest, a few Bearded Tit heard and c500 Lapwing. A total of 54 species seen or heard.

I spent a very cold 40 minutes at Grove Ferry from dawn this morning. Not a lot about at the moment this end but the following was noted: 25 Cormorant, 1 Siskin, 2 Redwing, c20 Fieldfare, 8 Marsh Harrier, 55 Golden Plover, 12 Mute Swan, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Redshank and 1 Grey Heron. C200 Woodpigeon left their roost early on, 1 Pheasant, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Ruff, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti’s Warbler called, 1 Snipe, a couple of Long tailed Tit and c200 Lapwing. Usually this time of year there are large numbers of Teal at Grove along with Mute Swans, which leave early on to feed out near Sarre. There appears to be hardly any around presently which is somewhat worrying. A brief visit to Westbere lakes after work produced 4 Siskin, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Long tailet Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Sparrowhawk, c20 Tufted Duck, 9 Great crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 1 Jay, c500 Black headed Gull with good numbers of Herring Gull and 1 Bullfinch.

I spent a few hours in the valley today visiting Grove at dawn, then Fordwich, Collards and Westbere for the last hour of the day after work. I managed 73 species without really trying which was quite good with Sue adding some extra quality birds. The following species were logged throughout the session. 1 Barn Owl was seen just outside the recording area hunting at 7.30am at Nethergong fields. Grove held 10 Marsh Harrier, 5 Ruff, 5 Redshank, 10 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Bullfinch, 19 Mute Swan, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 141 Golden Plover, c200 Fieldfare, 1 Bearded Tit, 6 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, 1 Water Rail, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 1 Water Pipit plus a few Goldfinch and Greenfinch. Plenty of Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits at Fordwich but it was nice to see 2 Coal Tit at this site but I just missed out on the Marsh Tit that Sue got on to. Also c6 Lesser Redpoll, c20 Siskin, Goldfinch seemed to be everywhere, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Kingfisher plus the other usual common species. Collards had 3 Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier, 104 Greylag Geese and 1 juvenile White fronted Goose in the fields, a few hundred Wigeon and Coot as well as Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall. Onto Westbere late in the day where there were c700 Black headed Gulls, a few Common, Lesser and Great black backed Gulls but nothing else despite going through the Gulls time and time again. There were c300 Coot as well as Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, c8 Goldcrest and as I was leaving 1 Tawny Owl called from the small wood.

As it was such a bright sunny morning, I decided to walk from Westbere to Fordwich and back along the river bank. There were plenty of small birds in the trees and bushes each side of the footpath including very large parties of Long-tailed Tits, several Goldcrests and at least 3 Chiffchaffs. On reaching the river, I saw the Goosander in the distance, quite a way downstream from where it has been seen recently. When I got alongside the area where I thought it was, however, I could not get access to the river and did not see it again. A quick look at Reedy Bay produced a Little Grebe, a few Tufted Duck and Gadwall and a good view of a Water Rail which flew from the side of the bay out to the island. Continuing down the bank there were mixed groups of Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Lesser Redpolls feeding in the alders. As I neared Fordwich, I met up with Marc. When we got to the end of the footpath, I wandered on a bit further and had another good but very brief sighting of the elusive Marsh Tit. By the time I had called Marc and he had reached me, the bird had yet again, very frustratingly, disappeared. I left Marc still hoping the bird would reappear and headed back towards Westbere. I did not encounter anything very different on the way back, but it was an enjoyable walk with a total of 45 species being seen.

At Collard’s there were 160 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye including one drake, a grey Wagtail, and three Little Egrets. At Stodmarsh there were 660 Teal, 8 Gt-cr Grebes and 8 Goldcrests

Not much of a report today, visiting Grove, Fordwich, Stodmarsh, Collards' and back to Fordwich without noting any species numbers. At Grove Ferry first thing all the pools were frozen over and was pretty much devoid of birds. No sign of the Hen Harrier today and just 4 Marsh Harriers plus 4-500 Lapwings flying around with 1 Ruff and 2 Redshanks. The juvenile Bewick's Swan flew towards us over green hide then turned north and flew out towards Chislet/Marshside. Leaving Pete at the ramp I headed to Fordwich. While waiting at Sturry level crossing Brendan phoned to say he was on the Firecrest and so less than 10mins later I was loking at a new tick for the year, one handsome Firecrest. We also spooked the drake Goosander from little more than 6 foot away and then re-located it further down river. Norman McCanch called to inform us of 9 Bean Geese he'd seen circling Seaton and dropping down towards Stodmarsh/Grove area but, despite trying we could not locate the Geese, a pair of Marsh Harriers were seen and several Fieldfares. Brendan and I then made our way to Collard's where some Geese have been recently but the ones present were just Greylags. The lake held many ducks, especially Tufted (Brendan counted them) over 150 yesterday, 3 Goldeneye (1 drake) plus Wigeon, Soveler, Gadwall and Coot. Several Gulls were present but nothing stood out and 2 Marsh Harriers were loafing about. Brendan went down to Stodmarsh while I made my way back to Fordwich. Another day, weekend, without any sign of the Marsh Tit but plenty of Blue's Great's and Long-taileds. Joined again by Brendan for the final hour where another Tit spp was added in the shape of 2 Coal Tits, the first that we'd seen here in these past few weeks. Also around were several Siskins, Chaffinches and Goldfinches plus a couple of Goldcrests.

Duck numbers at Collard’s included 165 Tufted Duck, 24 Pochard, one Drake Pintail, 4 Goldeneye. Also present were 3 Marsh Harriers, one Brambling, and a Grey Wagtail that seems to have taken up residence around the cow feeding area

The morning started at Grove Ferry with just Alan & me where we saw 3 Bewick's Swans on the right hand pool (2 adults & 1 juvenile) and at least 11 Marsh Harriers out of roost plus a single female Hen Harrier looking a bit weather beaten. Also at grove were, 70 Golden Plover, 550 Lapwings, 1 Kestrel, 10 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 27 Wigeobn west, 1 Little Egret and 2 pairs of Stonechats. There were at least 2 Water Pipits plus a few Redwing and Fieldfare when, a call from Brendan alerted us to the Firecrest still being present at Fordwich. Although we had no sucsess with either the Firecrest or the Marsh Tit we did see several Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits. There were 2 Siskins and 1 Lesser Redpoll that showed very well.A look at Westbere lake showed little in the way of Gull content save for quite a few Black-heads as well as several Herrings. While scanning through the Gulls, Alan spotted a Grebe spp, and when we all got on to it we realised (along with Steve Ray) it was a Red-necked Grebe but, while only watching it for less than a minute it was predated by what we assumed was a Pike, taking it down right in front of us, only to be missed by Brendan by about 10mins. Back at the river bank waiting to try and locate Marsh Tit and Firecrest, Brendan spotted the drake Goosander on the river which we all managed to see except Steve Ashton and despite several hours trying we never managed toi locate either Marsh Tit or Firecrest, even with the original finder (Sue Morton) of thre Marsh Tit joinng us for a while.

I met Phil Parker just after 7am at Fordwich in the hope that Phil could connect with a few species that were needed for the year. we spent 3 hours wandering around the area being joined by Brendan a while later. We noted the following: 1 Kestrel, 2 Lesser Redpoll, c40 Siskin, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest which showed well briefly and later seen again by Brendan, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawk, c7 Bullfinch, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jay, c20 Long tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper and hundreds of Black headed Gulls towards Westbere lakes. It was pleasing to see good numbers of the common birds with plenty of Blue and Great Tits showing along with Dunnock, Wren and a few Goldfinch.

Another brief visit to Fordwich after work tonight for 45 minutes, much quieter today but a few bits noted: 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey wagtail, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 20 Siskin, 7 Jay, 1 Little Egret, 1 Redpoll, 1 Kingfisher, 15 Long tailed Tit, 1 Water Rail, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Goldcrest, 18 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch as well as plenty of Blue and Great Tits. It just goes to show what can be seen in an area if you keep looking as the last week or so has proven, If Sue and Pauline had not made the Marsh Tit discovery all of these birds may not have been found.

The year goes from srength to strength. I decided to pay a visit to Fordwich after work today to see If I could locate the Firecrest found by Brendan yesterday. I had not long arrived and decided to check the mound by the river when suddenly in front of me was a fine male Goosander. It was only c10 metres away and seemed unaware of me as it continued to preen. I could even see the green sheen to the head with the naked eye. It moved off upstream so I decided to get in front of it to obtain more views. When I looked back through the next space I could not see it anywhere. Whether it flew off or was diving i'm not sure but a new bird for the year. Had the camera not been left in the car some images could have been obtained. I continued searching the area checking all the Crests when a call alerted me from the far side of the river. 2 Crests flew over to my side and vanished into the brambles. A minute or so later a Firecrest landed a few metres above my head before moving off into the ivy covered trees where I saw it again briefly. Feeling pretty pleased I slowly made my way back when another familiar call entered my ears, the 'sneezing' call of a Marsh Tit. It called twice but I could not locate the bird. 3 quality birds in a short space of time, fantastic. Other birds noted included 2 Jay, 4 Redpoll, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Fieldfare, 24 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 8 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel and a few Long tailed Tits going to roost as I left. The addition of Goosander and Firecrest takes my valley year list to 170 species, my best ever total in 10 years of recording beating 164 species in 2007.

At least 25 Marsh Harriers to roost on Thursday evening, 20 by the tip and 5 on the Grove side of the Lampen Wall. Also a male and a ringtail Hen Harrier.

I paid a brief 40 minute visit to Westbere Lakes in my lunch to see if any of the species eluding me could be seen. I only had my binoculars with me so scanning through the Gulls was not going to happen today. I needed a translator as my writing was so bad where my fingers were cold but the following just made the book. C200 Coot, c6 Great crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, c20 Tufted Duck, 2 Fieldfare, c10 Redwing, 2 Jay, 1 Siskin, 1 Grey Wagtail, a few hundred Black headed Gulls with a sprinkling of Herring and Common in with them, c8 Long tailed Tit, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Mute Swan, a couple of Chaffinch and Greenfinch as well as the usual Blue and Great Tits, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 1 Goldcrest. I received a text from Brendan this afternoon alerting me that he had found a Firecrest at Fordwich whilst searching for the elusive Marsh Tit, which incidently did not show again!! Hopefully it will hang around in the area.

2 excursions were made into the valley today, a brief hour at Fordwich at 7.30am in search of Tits and Redpolls and late afternoon checking out the Gulls at Westbere Lakes. The following were seen at Fordwich: 3 Jay, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 5 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 18 Long tailed Tit, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Treecreeper and 3 Goldcrest. Needless to say I did not locate the Marsh Tit or any Mealy Redpolls. Westbere lakes held an impressive number of Gulls with c1000 Black Headed, c15 Common and c30 Herring although more were hidden around the corner but the high water over the paths preventing a better look from the favoured area. Hopefully a few rarer Gulls will be seen this month here if the time is put in.

I had nearly an hour after work tonight at Grove in a bitterly North wind. The main pool was completely birdless on arrival but the following made the notebook. There was a steady movement West during my stay of c700 Fieldfare but only a few Redwing, c200 Lapwing, 9 Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Mute Swan towards Stodmarsh followed a little later at 3.40pm by 3 Bewick's Swans, 2 adults and a juvenile. Also 3 Water Pipit, 23 Cormorant, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Marsh Harrier, 11 Long tailed Tit, 1 Snipe, 1 Kestrel and 4 Corn Bunting. There were 3 Cetti's Warbler, c5 Ruff, 1 Ring necked Parakeet heard, c10 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Water Rail squeling from the reeds.