January 07

With Ben Ring reporting a drake Ruddy Duck at Stodmarsh yesterday I made one last attempt to reach 100 species for January. I viewed Stodmarsh main lake from Hersden Industrial estate and logged the following species between 7.25– 8.10am: On arrival 2 Grey Partridge flew from the waste ground and as I got into position to view the lake a Barn Owl was seen at 7.31am and again briefly c10 minutes later. Also noted: 2 Bullfinch heard, 4 Great crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, good numbers of Shoveler, Teal and Pochard with 4 Wigeon seen but probably more of these species that were not viewable at the time. Despite a race against the sun which made viewing impossible as I left I could not relocate the Ruddy Duck.

Stuck on 99 species for the valley so far this year I decided to make yet another trip to Collards this afternoon after work in the hope of a Ruddy Duck or a Smew. The misty conditions made viewing difficult and alot of the birds could not be seen as they appeared and disappeared in the mist. However in a brief look the following were seen: 37 Tufted Duck, 1 Water Pipit over calling, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Great crested Grebe, 3 Goldeneye including 1 drake, c220 Wigeon, 8 Pintail, 8 Pochard, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 117 Greylag Geese in the field but no sign of the Tundra Bean Goose, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Great spotted Woodpeckers.

I made a brief visit today on the way back from canterbury after an appointment. My main objective was to find the Bean Goose in the flock behind Collards lake, and it proved particularly obliging as I had good (but fairly distant) views of it feeding with the Greylags, then they got up and flew across the field to pitch in below the edge of the hillside and thus out of sight. Still nice ot see, and i did make a little sketch or two. At Stod I was plagued by floury dots and hieroglyphs but I aimed to use the time looking for titchy birds in the alderwood. There wern't any; no Crests, Chiffs or Finches of any description., only one mad drumming Great spotted Woodpecker. Finally as I left I saw a distant view of an imm Marsh Harrier perched in a bush.
(Norman McCanch)

A brief 30 minutes at lunchtime walking along the river at Fordwich produced: 4 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 6 Great Tit, 12 Blue Tit, 13 + Long tailed Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 1 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Jay, 1 Redpoll over and 1 Grey Heron. With news on kosnet of a reported Spotted Redshank seen at Grove I made a brief visit after work to try to get my 100th year tick in the valley this year. Despite a good look from the ramp there was no sign of the Spotted Redshank but the following were noted: 1 Kingfisher, 3 Shelduck, 1 Redshank, 3 Magpie, 1 Great Tit, c10 Reed Bunting, 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 44 Greylag Geese and the Hybrid Goose dropped into the Green hide pools where there was also 4 Tufted Duck present.

First stop today was at Cow Corner, where the Tundra Bean Goose was still present and 25 Canada Geese and an Emperor Goose flew west. At Collard's, the first 2 Ruddy Duck of the year were present along with 145 Tufted Duck, 9 Goldeneye, 29 Pochard, 530 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, and 11 Pintail. Also in the area were 2 lesser redpolls, a Kingfisher and 31 Pied Wagtails including 19 together in a ploughed field. A brief stop at Stodmarsh revealed only 6 Tufted Duck and 32 Pochard. 2 Ruddy Duck was a poor reward for counting a lot of ducks but I did see Ring-necked Duck in the afternoon but sadly it was at Bough Beech, where I went to see a Red-throated Diver. I am not sure which is sadder counting duck of twitching a R-t Diver?

After meeting with Marc and hearing 2 of the Tawny's at 6.12 this morning I moved on to watch sun up at Grove Ferry, where I met up with Alan, and proceeded to the ramp. There were 2 Bewick's swans on the main pool until 7.28 when they flew out towards Sarre/Pluck's Gutter following 77 Mutes. A good day for raptors with 4 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Peregrines and a Merlin. Also today a Bittern at 7.15 briefly and again at 7.22 in prolonged flight across the main pool. There were 6 Shelducks, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Redshanks, 8 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Snipe, 134 Golden Plovers and 1 Green Woodpecker. Fieldfare and Redwing were passing over with 100 & 75 respectively. There were also 20+ Yellowhammers, 2+ Corn Buntings, 5 Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 3 Stonechats and the ramp was much as usual with 11 Stalings on the table (record number so far!). Brendan telephoned about a pair of Ruddy Ducks at Collard's so, I drove over to have a look and saw the drake, at least 6 (Brendan counted 9) Goldeneye, 12 Pintail and still good numbers of Wigeon and Tufted Duck and the Tundra Bean Goose was with 112 Greylags viewed from Cow Corner.

I was out just after 5am this morning driving through the valley listening and looking for Owls. I managed to hear 6 Tawny Owls, ( 1 at 5.42am at the western end of Trenley woods, 3 calling on and off at 5.47am at the Eastern end of Trenley woods and 2 calling at Collards at 6.12am where I was joined by Martyn for a chat and some Owl listening. I had previously heard 2 Little Owls calling from Cow corner at 5.56am. I then went on to Stodmarsh car park to hopefully get Woodcock and at 6.55am one bird flew over and disappeared in to the wood. A brief stop at collards at first light for 45 minutes produced: 1 Skylark, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Pheasant, 47 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 30 Canada Geese in the field above Collards, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redpoll over calling, 42 Tufted Duck, c200 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Meadow Pipit, good numbers of both Shoveler and Coot, c500 Jackdaw and Rook in the area at dawn and 1 Marsh Harrier.

The colder weather doesn't seem to have brought much new to the valley. At Collard's only 5 Goldeneye and 5 Pintail were of note. On the main lake at Stodmarsh there were 144 Gadwall, 25 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, and 2 Gt-cr Grebes. I walked across the fields from Stodmarsh to Grove hoping to dig out a Water Pipit for the year list. I finally suceeded and also noted 3 Stonechats, 8 Yellowhammers, 9 Skylarks and a Little Egret. The geese flock were in the water meadows at Westbere viewable from Cow Corner ( where the Littlebourne road joins the Stodmarsh Road about a mile west of Stodmarsh). The Tundra Bean Goose was still present with 146 Greylags. At Grove late afternoon there were 420 Golden Plover, 4 Ruff, one Redshank 2 Little Egrets and 4 Shelduck

I had a couple of hours this afternoon at Grove Ferry, and parked myself in amongst the hedge row to the back of the Harrisons drove hide, along the path towards the Marsh hide, and although it was fairly quiet, I counted at least 8 Yellowhammers, with 4 Corn Buntings, flying from the hedgerow to the fields, and back to the hedgerows when spooked. Also present in the hedgerow was 10+ Reed Buntings, 5 Meadow Pipits, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, with quite a few Fieldfares and Redwings. There was a steady trickle of Fieldfares and Redwings passing over, for the 2 hours that I spent there. There were 12 Cormorants over, with 1 Grey Heron, 3 Greylag Geese and 2 Mute Swans.

After a spell at Grove with Martyn and Pete I decided to pay a visit to Collards and Cow Corner. Collards held the usual ducks with good numbers of Wigeon but no sign of any Smew so on I went to Cow Corner in search of Coal Tits. I had an hour or so generally wandering the area but I did not see or hear my target bird although I did see the Tundra Bean Goose amongst the Greylags. Other birds noted: a few Redwing present with the odd bird passing over, 2 Corn Bunting, 8 Yellowhammer, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, c10 Chaffinch, 1 Grey Wagtail and a few Blue and Great Tit actively singing.

Not a lot to report today, it's fairly quiet. Marc did his usual Owl prowl early AM and recorded 4 Tawny Owls between 5.20 & 5.44. There was a Bittern at 6.53 that flew from green hide pool and landed in reeds just in front of the ramp and the feeders attracted the usaul mix of Great & blue Tits, Chaffinch, Greenfinch & Reed Bunting as well as the odd Dunnock, Robin, Collared Dove and Magpie etc. There were a fair number of Fieldfares and Redwings in the bushes behind Harrison's and in the roadside bushes. There were 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Peregrine, 4 Redshanks, 5 Ruff, 80+ Golden Plovers and 2 Green Sandpipers. Other bits included, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Green & 1 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Shelducks, 1 Stonechat, 4 Ring-necked Parakeets and 5 Pied Wagtails. There were 5+ Goldeneye (inc 1+ Drake) at Collard's and 96 Greylag Geese at Cow Corner.

A brief visit to Grove this late morning resulted in 3 male and one female Bullfinch along the railway line opposite the first hide on the right (Green hide?). Also a Bittern there, a Kingfisher and a Marsh Harrier in the distance. Ducks included good numbers of Teal and a few Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall and a couple of Pochard. From the ramp there was nothing other than a flock of Lapwing. Not a single wader or duck in sight.
(John van der Dol)

With news of a Smew seen yesterday I had a brief look lunchtime at Collards. In cold conditions again, the following birds were noted: 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Red legged Partridge feeding in the first field, c300 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Tit, c20 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff near the farm, 3 Great crested Grebe, 3 Goldeneye, 23 Tufted Duck, 2 Wren, 2 Mistle Thrush and 12 Pintail.

In freezing temperatures I called into Hersden Industrial estate at first light before work this morning. The following were logged until I left at 8.15am: There were 5 Marsh Harriers in the air together over Stodmarsh main lake early on, also 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Cetti’s Warbler, 9 Grey Partridge flew from the waste ground into the fields just East of the industrial estate, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Bullfinch heard, 2 Linnet, 4 Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail flew over calling, 2 Meadow Pipit and 2 Mute Swans.
(Marc Heath)

Birds seen this morning at Collards and Hersden lake included: Bearded Tit 10, Blackbird 34, Cetti's Warbler 11, Chaffinch 40, Coot 175, Fieldfare 13, Gadwall 40, Goldeneye 8, Goldfinch 45, Great Crested Grebe 11, Great Spotted Woodpecker 4, Green Woodpecker 1, Grey Heron 5, Greylag Goose 210, Lesser Redpoll 1, Long-tailed Tit 41, Mallard 30, Marsh Harrier 4, Moorhen 35, Pintail 6, Pochard 12, Redwing 40, Shoveler 114, Smew 1 drake, Snipe 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Teal 173, Tufted Duck 91, Water Pipit 1, Water Rail 12,
White-fronted Goose 1, Wigeon 319 and Woodcock 2.

"A very chilly couple of hours at a surprisingly quiet Grove this morning produced a Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 13 Shoveler, a Pochard, three Gadwall, c175 Teal, two Redshank, c600 Lapwing, a Green Sandpiper, a Pheasant and three Rose-ringed Parakeets. Initially, all but a dozen or so Teal were out of sight, but fortunately the Harrier flushed a couple of flocks from the 'back pool'. Small birds were notable largely by their absence - a Goldcrest by the road, two Cetti's Warblers, a Wren, a Reed Bunting, a few Blackbirds and not much more".

I had a very productive few hours in the valley after work today. I made a visit to collards and then onto Grove where I watched from the ramp until dusk. The Tundra Bean Goose and Eurasion White fronted Goose were still present in the field at Collards with c200 Greylag Geese. 12 Canada Geese were also in the field with a large number of Gulls but I didn't grill these for a rarity. On my way over to Grove a Merlin was sat in a bush and I was able to stop and take a better look before it flew off low over the fields. I had just arrived at Grove and thought I heard a brief call of a Chiffchaff but after a few minutes waiting the bird did not call again. I was walking up the ramp and had a first look over the reeds when I picked out a Bittern at 4.10pm flying near the Green hide. Things went from strength to strength when I heard a Ring necked Parakeet making a racket, when I turned to take a look a Common Buzzard was flying over getting mobbed by the local crows, the Buzzard flew down the valley, pausing to hover a few times before flying over Stodmarsh and with 3 Marsh Harriers in close company the Buzzard eventually went towards Seaton at 4.25pm. 2 Cetti's Warbler were heard along with 2 Pheasants and at 4.50pm the c300 Lapwings went up and a Peregrine Falcon spent a few minutes chasing the birds in spectacular fashion. Whilst at the ramp I was joined by Brian Cromer who had seen 1 Siskin earlier in the alder wood at Stodmarsh with a few Lesser Redpoll.

I started the day around Fordwich. Highlight was a drake Goosander which flew west over Westbere lakes. Other birds of note included 4 Little Grebes, 2 Gt cr Grebes, 7 Tufted Ducks, a Sparrow Hawk, Kingfisher, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 2 Goldcrests. I went to join Martyn and birded around Collard's ( see Martyn's entry) and finally met Geoff Burton at Grove where we recorded Peregrine and Green Sandpiper. Geoff had earlier seen a Hen Harrier and Little Egret

Birding the valley today produced, at the Grove Ferry end, 5 Marsh Harriers, 3 Shelducks, 1 Pintail, 4 Redshanks and 2 Grey Herons. No sign again of any Bewick's while only 11 Mute Swans flew out. A Great-spotted Woodpecker visited the bird table whilst a Water Pipit was near Harrison's hide and 4 Ring-necked Parakeets were by the river not far from the pub. At Collard's were I was met by Brendan, who had been at Fordwich, we saw the Tundra Bean Goose was still Present with, 76 Greylags and further up the field, 12 Canada Geese were with another 187 Greylags and a Yellowhammer was in an Oak tree behind us. On the lake were, 159 Tufted Ducks (still no sign of any hoped for Ring-necks!), 8 Goldeneye (2 drakes), a pair of Pintails, 212 Wigeon, 32 Pochards and 1960 Black-headed Gulls. A Kingfisher was seen flying over the lake and c300 Golden Plovers could be seen in the air over towards Grove Ferry. The only other thing of note was a Woodcock in the wood overlooking Collard's where we were watching the Geese from.

A brief visit through the valley this morning in the hope of connecting with a Yellowhammer was the target. I stopped off near cow corner and after a brief scan was rewarded with c8 Corn Bunting and 1 male Yellowhammer in a bush. A further 2 Yellowhammer flew over and a Great spotted Woodpecker also heard.

A walk around the Stodmarsh reserve produced very little, with only 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, a Jay, and 2 Water Pipits (flushed from paddys bench area) of any note. A phone call from Martyn had me make my way to collards to see the Bean Goose, but no luck, although a Yellowhammer was noted whilst there. The Grove Ferry end was no better, with 9 Ruff and a drake Pintail from the ramp ,and a male Marsh Harrier making the notebook. A few Fieldfares and Thrushes were active in the hedgerows between Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry.

Well no sound of any Owls, to windy, this morning and no sign of any Bewick's Swans with just 26 Mute Swans leaving. There were however, 3 Shelducks, 3 Pintails (2 drakes), 2 Pochards, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers and 2 Green Woodpeckers. The Shoveler numbers seem to have increased and there were 600+ Lapwing and 200+ Teal. There were 5 Marsh Harriers (3 males), 4 Redshanks, 12 Ruff, 300 Golden Plovers, 3 Little Egrets a Bittern in prolonged flight (8.31-8.35) and few Bearded Tits calling within the reeds. A check on the rough ground behind Hersden industial estate produced no Linnets or Grey Partridges. The Tundra Bean Goose was still with the Greylag flock at Collard's lake but no sign of the White-front today, also at Collard's were 6 Yellowhammers, 3 Pintail, 85 Tufted duck, 3 Goldeneye inc a drake, 12 Canada Geese, 175 Wigeon and 90 Great Black-backed Gulls, plus a prob scaup but it was too far away to be certain (Brendan). Marc found 2 Corn Buntings by Stodmarsh village and Brendan had a Coal Tit at Collard's while watching the Geese. Other bits included, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Gulls, 3 Stonechats, 1 Kestrel and several Meadow Pipits. The ramp feeders had the usual array including 7 Magpies.

(Martyn Wilson, Brendan Ryan & Marc Heath)

Called in at Grove late afternoon after work. Good numbers of waders with 2540 Lapwing, 520 Golden Plover and a single Green Sandpiper, but little else of note. I waited until the swans to arrive but by 5.05 when it was too dark to see anything, only about 9 swans seemed to have arrived. Of interest as it got dark there was a steady stream of Lapwings and Golden Plovers leaving to the north. I observed this phenomena the last time I was at Grove at nightfall. Presumably the birds are going out to feed at night returning to roost during the day time

I thought I would take a look at Stodmarsh this afternoon, as the rain stopped, and the wind speed dropped to a modest 70 mph. I stopped in a pull in along the road to Stodmarsh, as I saw a large Geese flock in the fields just before collards lake. I set up my scope in the howling wind, just in time to see them all take flight towards Stodmarsh. A sign of how the afternoon was to progress. There were 7 Greylag left behind, with 12 Canada Geese. A large gathering of gulls were in the fields taking shelter from the wind, which included Herring, Common, Black headed and Great black backed Gulls, but never attempted any counts. I tried to get to the Stodmarsh reserve, but fallen trees along the entrance track prevented this. On the way to Grove Ferry, I noticed at least 100 House Sparrows, in a 40 metre section of hedge, no doubt sheltering from the weather, and stayed there as I pulled along side them in my car. It was strange to see. In the fields on entry to the Grove Ferry end of the reserve were 60 plus Greylag Geese, but scanning through, the Whitefront or Bean Goose could not be found. The ramp held the usual wildfowl with another 30 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelduck, but if there were any waders, they were well hidden. The feeders were busy, with Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Blue and Great Tits, the weather not putting them off. I ended up in the Turf field hide for an hour, where Teal and Mallard were noted, along with 8 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 9 Cormorants on the pool, and a Little Egret went pass at some speed, with a huge tail wind behind it. Weekend regulars may need a hammer and nails to repair the screens on the ramp viewing point, they were taking a battering this afternoon. I did notice a few Fieldfares and Thrushes on the way out. not much, but it was interesting seeing the reserve in hurricane conditions.

The rain was falling at 3pm as I looked out of the classroom but once again I decided to visit the valley to see what was about. I had spoken to Brendan earlier in the day and he had given me the hotspots for Red legged and Grey Partridge, both species I needed for the year. After a brief 2 minute drive I arrived at Hersden Industrial estate and wandered through the waste ground in search of Grey Partridge. I was getting rather wet and wandered what I was doing when 2 Grey Partridge flew up and gave me a nice flight view. I then made another short drive round to Collards in search of the Red legged. Scanning various locations without success I decided to see if the Geese were still present. In among the c300 Greylag Geese the Eurasion White fronted Goose could be easily picked out and 13 Canada Geese were also noted. Whilst scanning through the Geese a Red legged Partridge called a few times at the bottom of the field but despite constant scanning I did not see one. It just goes to show whatever the weather there is always someting to see, well worth the soaking.

A full survey of the area along and to the north of the River Stour between Fordwich village and Westbere Marshes on Jan 14th-15th produced, amongst other things, the following counts: 4 Bearded Tits, 724 Black-headed Gulls, 65 Blue Tits, 1 Brambling, 10 Bullfinches, 24 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 429 Coot, 12 Gadwall, 33 Goldfinches, 22 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 66 Great Tits, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Jays, 4 Kestrels, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 60 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull (flying over Fordwich village), 55 Moorhens, 8 Pochard, 48 Robins, 3 Sparrowhawks, 19 Teal, 77 Tufted Ducks, 9 Water Rails and 96 Wrens.

With a few 'easy' species missing from the year list I made a brief visit to Fordwich lunchtime to hopefully find Chiffchaff, Siskin and maybe a Blackcap. I walked the path next to the river and noted the following: 3 Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Jay, 1 sparrowhawk, 1 Water Rail, c20 Long tailed Tit, small groups of Blue and Great Tit were seen with some in song, 1 Cetti's Warbler and a few Goldfinch feeding and singing in the alder trees but not a single Chiffchaff, Siskin or Blackcap. I can't remember struggling so much for a Siskin but I'm sure some are just around the corner.

I was talking with Martyn and Brendan yesterday about the amount of species we had seen this time last year, this prompted me to have a look and compare what we had seen last year and what was missing from the list this year. So far this year we have logged 101 species and on this same date last year we had seen 98 species, but some of the species remain very different. By the 15th January 2006 we had added the following but so far this year they have not been seen in the valley although some species remain rare or scarce: Black tailed Godwit, Siskin, Whooper Swan, Penduline Tit, Red necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Black necked Grebe, Goosander, Firecrest, Crossbill and Mealy Redpoll. There has however been a few additions seen this year that were either not seen last year or they were seen later in the year. These include Artic Skua, Tundra Bean Goose, Long eared Owl, Red throated Diver and Mediterranean Gull to name a few. Hopefully some of the commoner birds will appear soon but let’s hope there is the odd rarity to come in the year ahead.
(Marc Heath)

Highlight of the day was the valleys second Arctic Skua, a second/third winter pale morph that flew west at 7.35. Marc as usual had been out early and recorded 4 Tawny Owls between 4.45 & 6.00 and we both heard the Long-eared Owl calling 6.40-6.50 near the entrance gate. There were 3 Bewick's Swans on the main lake until 7.23 followed out by 66 Mute Swans. There were 4 Marsh harriers, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Ruff, 2 Redshanks, 324 Golden Plover and a Kingfisher. As the sun made viewing difficult I moved on to Fordwich where ther were lots of Robin, Blackbirds/thrushes, Tits and Finches before a telephone call from Brendan had me leaving for Stodmarsh for a female Scaup. On the way through I stopped at Collard's to see if the White-front was with the Greylag flock that I had noticed earlier from the ramp. Sure enough the adult Eurasian White-fronted Goose was with 291 Greylags and 10 Canada Geese and I also located a Tundra Bean Goose feeding among the said Greylgs. Also at Collard's were 5 Goldeneye (1 drake), 90+ Tufted Duck, 150+ Wigeon and 300+ Black-headed Gulls. Marc managed to twitch both the TB goose (a valley tick) and the Scaup. before Brendan and I returned to Grove where we added 1 Green Sandpiper and a Peregrine Falcon (12.07).

I called into Grove Ferry for a couple of hours this afternoon, after a morning at Oare trying to get pics of the Mergansers on the swale. Being without my scope, I gave the ramp a miss, and visited the Harrisons drove hide, where the pick was a solitary Redshank and 4 Green Sandpipers, 1 Little Egret and 1 Grey Heron. The Turf field hide had the usual Mallard, and Teal, with 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 Pochard and 1 gadwall. A Bittern flew into the reeds to the back of the pool in front of the Turf field hide, but although landing on the reed edge, apart from one fleeting glimpse of its head through the reeds, it was not seen again. (a bit frustrating sitting there with finger on the shutter button, ready to snap)on the way out, by the entrance gate, a flock of at least twelve Long tailed Tits were seen, in the treetops.

Just a few extra bits to add to your daily sightings today, 3.15pm-5.15pm at the lampen wall. 3 Treecreepers in the alder wood near the bridge, into roost 9 Marsh Harriers, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Little Egrets, c400 Cormorants on the far side of the lake, 1 Green Sandpiper over, c300 Fieldfare to roost Bearded Tits calling near the tower hide Then on the walk back to the car a Woodcock whizzed past the wood. Poor light to view the main lake for the Scaup tho....

After such a successful morning and with glorious weather, I decided to return to the valley in the afternoon. I stopped at Collard's where the Tundra Bean and White-front Goose were still present with 300+ Greylags and 12 Canadas. The Goldeneye count rose to 8 and three Red-legged Partridge were present in the field by the road. After a brief stop at Stodmarsh, I decided to watch the harrier roost from the Hersden Industrial estate, which looks down onto the back of Stodmarsh. I was only able to count 4 Marsh Harriers ( compared to the 9 that Craig had from the Lampen Wall) but I did see a single Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl hunting along the river. A Green Sandpiper flew over heading from Hersden towards Grove. I quickly made my way to Grove in the fading light in the hope of catching up with the Bewicks. The swan flock flew in at 4.57 but by this time it was too dark to see much and they landed on the back pool. Looks like getting up early is the only way to see Bewick's.

As per usual Marc did his early rounds of Owl hunting, recording 4 Tawny Owls between 5.00 & 6.45 as well as a Long-eared Owl calling near Grove bridge at 4.15-4.30, whilst I had a Barn Owl along the Ash bypass at 5.55 but none at Grove Ferry. At 7.10 possibly the same Long-eared Owl flew over th ramp and disappeared behind the hedge line at the Grove Ferry Inn carpark. The 5 Bewick's Swans were seen briefly as they flew out of a back pool with 15 Mute Swans followed by another 24 Mutes. There were 3 male Marsh Harriers, 2 Pochards, 1 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher and the Eurasian White-fronted Goose still frequenting the Greylag flock, in fields by the ramp, this morning. Also recorded were 5 Redshanks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 73 Golden Plovers, 10 Ruff, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Stonechats and a ringtail Hen Harrier east at 9.15. A couple of Snipe were heard in the early darkness while 3 were seen, there were 29 Fieldfare south over Harrison's, 4 Skylarks, 2 Wigeon west, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Sandpiper. Brendan located 12 Linnets and 2 Grey Partridge behind the Industrial Estate, whilst there were 8+ Long-tailed Tits, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets and 2 Cetti's Warblers and the usual suspects at the rampside feeders.

After a week of heavy rain and strong winds I finally managed a brief visit to Hersden Industrial estate to view Stodmarsh lake and the surrounding area. The wind was still quite brisk but I managed to log the following birds between 3.20 - 4.10pm: 2 Marsh Harrier, 123 Cormorant, 1 Greenfinch, 13 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, c40 Fieldfare with the odd Redwing heard in the flock, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swans and a steady flow of mainly Herring Gull West along the valley. I hope the weather soon improves!

For some reason I decided on a visit to Grove after work today, it was blowing a gale and pouring hard with rain at times but nonetheless I hoped for a year tick and maybe something else. I spent most of the time in the Green hide which was pleasant and then briefly at the ramp. The following were noted late afternoon: I thought my chances of seeing a Bittern were zero so I was surprised when one took flight briefly near the Green hide at 3.55pm in the strong wind. Also seen: 23 Redwing, 1 Eurasian White fronted Goose in the field next to the ramp with 194 Greylag Geese, c600 Golden Plover, 1 Shelduck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Ruff, 1 Pochard, 1 Great black backed Gull, 1 Meadow Pipit, 19 Fieldfare, 24 Cormorant, 1 Redshank, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Pheasant and c1000 Lapwing. The Green hide held 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Great crested Grebe, the usual Mallards and a smart Black headed Gull which posed for a photo.

Three Red-legged Partridge in fields above Collard's. Nothing else to report. what a miserable weekend.

I was out quite early this morning in search of the usual Owls. The wind was quite strong early on but I managed to hear 2 Tawny Owls between 5.08am and 5.22am. I then ventured over to stodmarsh to look for the reported Red throated Diver that had been seen on the 5th. By dawn the wind had increased and the rain was moving through, I spent an hour or so in the Tower hide before leaving at 9am and observed the following: despite constant scanning I could not find the Diver which might be on Collards!, also seen: c10 Cormorant, 2 Skylark, 1 Water Rail, 173 Mallard, 4 Marsh Harrier, 97 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 31 Pochard, 1 Shelduck, 1 Great crested Grebe, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Water Pipit called as it flew over the Lampern Wall, 5 Fieldfare with others heard at dawn along with a few calling Redwing. A singing Great Tit reminded me that Spring is just around the corner and the usual mix of Blue Tit and Chaffinch were seen near the alder wood.

At the Grove Ferry end this morning three of the Bewick's Sawns were present on the main pool until 7.19 when they left following 29 Mute Swans. Only 3 Marsh harriers were seen today (2 males & a female) and there were 2 Shelducks, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Pintail west at 7.56, 241 Golden Plovers and 1400+ Lapwings. There were 60+ Fieldfare behind Harrison's, 2 Stonechats, 5 Redshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Great-crested Grebe. The adult Eurasian White-fronted Goose was still associating with the Greylag flock, first in the fields near the entrance and then on the main pool. There were also, 7 Pochards, 5 Tufted Ducks, 10 Ruff, 2 Ring-necked Parakeets and 15 Wigeon west plus 800+ Teal and several Shoveler and Gadwall. The ramp was much as normal with the usual array of Great & Blue tit, Reed Bunting, Chaffich, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Starling and Magpies.

I had a brief look at Stodmarsh this afternoon between 1.30 - 2pm viewed from Hersden Industrial estate. The following birds were noted: 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Shelduck on the raft and good numbers of Pochard, Mallard and Shoveler. Collards could also be viewed from here and good numbers of Wigeon were very evident.

Marc, as usual had been out Owling early and had 4 Tawny Owls between 4.43 & 6.00, plus 2 Little Owls at 5.20. At Grove Ferry a possible 5 Bewick's Swans flew out of one of the inaccessable pools at 7.18 then, 2 Bewick's Swans came out from the oxbow at 7.34 and another 3 Bewick's Swans came from the same direction at 7.55. Also at Grove today 30 Wigeon flew west and 2 more were on a back pool, there were 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Cetti's Warblers and a Kingfisher. There were 3 Redshanks, 3 Stonechats, 4 Green Sandpipers, 2 Water Rails, 2 Sparrowhawks and a ringtail Hen Harrier through at 10.08. Also were 6 Ruff, 3 Pintail west, 4 Snipe, 270 Golden Plovers, 220 Greylag Geese, 130+ Fieldfares a Peregrine Falcon at 11.11 and 1 Little Egret.

I called in this morning to Hersden Industrial estate to scan over Stodmarsh lake and the surrounding area for the Harriers coming out of roost and maybe an elusive Bittern. I noted the following between 7.35 - 8.15am: The highlight was a stunning Barn Owl which showed well at times hunting between 7.38 - 7.50am, at times the bird was showing down to c30 feet. Other birds: 4 Pied Wagtail, c66 Cormorant, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Water Rail heard, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Redwing seen with orhers heard, 2 Meadow Pipit, 17 Fieldfare, 1 Bullfinch and 5 Mute Swan towards Collards.

A Red Throated Diver was observed from the Tower Hide @ 12:14 , It flew in from a northerly direction and was diving just in front of the cormorants roost. It was still there when we departed at 12 30. I never realized it was an unusual visitor to this area untill browsing your website, this was only my second visit to stodmarsh. I have previously watched Red Throated Divers on a regular basis from Dover Harbour.

I paid a brief visit after work to Hersden Industrial estate which gives excellent views over Stodmarsh lake and the surrounding area to watch the Harriers coming in and hopefully to catch up with a Bittern. The Harriers turned up with 4 Marsh Harriers noted but no Bittern. I stayed for only half an hour and saw the following: c90 Greylag Geese towards Grove, 12 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Egret, c136 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Partridge species ( Grey or Red legged ) which flew over my head in the vanishing light but I was unable to claim its identity.

After 14 hours birding New Years day and catching up on sleep I cycled over to Grove Ferry this morning before work for an hour. I viewed only from the ramp and noted the following from 8.05 – 9.05: 2 Cetti’s Warbler, 9 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 4 Mute Swan flew towards Sarre, 1 Shelduck, the ramp had its usual suspects feeding which included 3 Blue Tit, 25 Greenfinch, 2 Collared Dove, 8 Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin and 1 Dunnock. Other birds seen: 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Green Sandpiper on the usual right hand pool from the ramp, a flock of 12 Redwing flew over East and others could be heard calling in the paddock, 2 Pheasant, c140 Golden Plover, c150 Greylag Geese in fields near the entrance, 1 Little Egret, c21 Shoveler, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Cormorant and a Bearded Tit heard in the reeds next to the ramp. On my way to work I called into Hersden Industrial estate briefly to try to locate the group of Linnets that Steve had seen the other day. With luck they soon appeared and I was able to locate 11 Linnets although they were quite flighty. A bonus Grey Wagtail flew over calling as I was leaving and I left happily having added these 2 species to the year list.

I was able to make a second visit which was good news as the water had to be shut off at school for some time so everyone was sent home. I arrived at Grove at 1.15pm and left at 2.50pm and in a strong south westerly wind the following were seen from the ramp: 161 Greylag Geese wer in the field just east of the ramp, 3 Ring necked Parakeet, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Ruff, 6 Reed Bunting, 9 Greenfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 17 Black headed Gull present, 3 Meadow Pipit, 17 Fieldfare, 1 Green Sandpiper, 76 Cormorant and a mixed flock of c200 Jackdaw, Rook and Carrion Crow. As I was leaving c200 Greylag Geese could be seen dropping into the oxbow area. With 2 new additions today to the year list, my valley list stands at a respectable 85 species for the year.
(Marc Heath)

Today was the annual New Years day Big Day, and today we were attempting to reach 90 species for the day between Collard's and Grove Ferry. Highlights of the day were an adult winter Mediterranean Gull, found by Marc, White-fronted Goose and Hen Harrier. Here is the list of birds recorded:- Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Bittern (3 of) 2 at Grove & 1 at Stodmarsh, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, White-fronted Goose (1 of) at Grove Ferry, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier, ringtail Hen Harrier (1 of) at Stodmarsh, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Pheasant, Water Rail, Moorehen, Coot, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Ruff (14 of), Snipe, Woodcock (2 of), Redshank, Green Sandpiper (2 of), Mediterranean Gull adult winter (1 of) at Collard's, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon!, Collared Dove, Ring-necked Parakeet, Little Owl (1 of), Tawny Owl, (2 of), Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Water Pipit (1 of) at Grove, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Goldcrest, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit (25 of), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet (9 of), Lesser Redpoll (2 of), Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. Our days total was 87, so just three short of our target. It would be interesting to know what the total of different species can be seen in the whole of kent in a single day by combining all lists and adding up the totals?

Thanks to everyone who helped today, and may you all reach your own personal targets!

(John Cantelo, Chris Powell, Norman McCanch & Steve Ashton as well as the three of us, Brendan Ryan, Marc Heath & Martyn Wilson)