March Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

Martyn, Marc & Brendan

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

                            Marc Heath    - Heathym007@aol.com                  

                      Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 127

29th March

All the usual species at Grove Ferry this evening, a nice male Bullfinch along the entrance path to the reserve, 2 male Ruddy Ducks from the green hide. A total of 4 Little Egrets noted around the short reserve walk.

(Steve Ashton)

A brief visit to Westbere lakes in my lunch break produced:1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, 3 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Long tailed Tit.

(Marc Heath)

This afternoon in the valley was uninspiring but i did see a Swallow at Grove, (number 118 for the valley year list). Linnets are now coming through in small groups, with flocks of 11 and 8 going west. The Little ringed Plover was still viewable from the ramp and there were 3 Little Egrets and 8 Pintail present.  Someone had reported 4 ARCTIC REDPOLLS in the book  and board at Stodmarsh, but i could only find 2 Lesser Redpolls. There were at least 3 Goldeneye at Collard's but viewing was difficult in the wind.  Late entry for Wednesday 28th:- An early morning detour  before work to check out Marc's Lesser Spot site. Unfortunatley no sign of the Woodpecker but i did have a Coal Tit there, which is a different place from where i had seen them on Sunday. Maybe Coal Tits are not the great rarity in the valley that we thought, just been looking in the wrong place! As i was passing i had a very quick look at Collard's, where there were 52 Tufted Ducks and 2 Goldeneye. Highlight was 2 Linnets, my first of th year and confirming that this species is mainly a summer visitor in the valley.     Late news for Tuesday 27th (from Geoff Burton), At Grove Geoff saw a Red-legged Partridge in the field before the ramp, one Little ringed Plover, a 1st/w Mediterranean Gull (flying west), a Stonechat and 2 Sand Martins.

(Brendan Ryan)

29th March

An early morning visit to cow corner produced the following species: 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Yellowhammer, 3 Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Coal Tit, c30 Redwing, 10 Siskin, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Swallow and 2 Linnet.

(Marc Heath)

A pleasant saunter round the reserve today for the most part in Marc Heath's company.Alder Wood - 4 Chiffchaff (plus one in the car park and a further three along the river - 8 in all), 2 Siskin & 3 Redpoll. Marsh Hide - 6 Pintail, 86 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall,79 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 1 Water Pipit, I Ruff, c12 Lapwing & 2 Little Egrets. Green Hide - 4 Pochard, 2 Ruddy Duck, 2 Water Rail, 1 Cetti's Warbler & Bearded Tit (heard).Mound - c130 Teal, c10 Shoveler, c6 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 34 Lapwing & 2 Snipe.Harrison's Drove Hide - little other than 2 Snipe; pretty much it's recent form. Ox Bow -  12 Wigeon & 23 Teal (plus a Green Sandpiper and  Redshank on the flooded field a little further along towards Stodmarsh). A total of 6 Marsh Harrier's were seen throughout the reserve and 1 Common Buzzard over at 11.44am.
(John Cantelo & Marc Heath)

A brief visit to Westbere lakes in my lunch break produced 3 Blackcap ( 2 males and 1 female).

(Marc Heath)

28th March

A visit around the Stodmarsh area this morning produced: 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker between cow corner and Fordwich, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Corn Bunting, 4 Linnet, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Long tailed Tit, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Robin and 6 Chaffinch. Onward to Grove Ferry which produced: c80 Mute Swan, 1 Robin, 4 Greenfinch, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, 3 Snipe, 4 Linnet, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Cormorant, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Shelduck, 8 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Magpie, 1 Pheasant, 30 Gadwall, c30 Shoveler, 3 Black headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Pochard, 1 Little ringed Plover, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren and 2 Green Woodpecker. A visit to Grove after work between 3.40 - 5.30pm produced: 2 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, c70 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Shelduck, c25 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 4 Pochard, 12 Black headed Gull, 2 Greenfinch, 16 Shoveler, c60 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Water Pipit in partial summer plumage, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Pheasant and 1 Blue Tit.

(Marc Heath)

A good walk round the reserve in blustery weather this morning produced c70 Shoveler, 56 Teal, 6 Pintail, 3 Wigeon, 1 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew & 5 Lapwing from the Marsh Hide, 8 Pochard, 4 Teal & 3 Tufted Duck from the Green Hide, 2 Little Egret, 3 Snipe, c150 Teal, 30+ Gadwall, 25+ Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 1 Little ringed Plover and 1 Swallow from the 'Mound' and 12 Wigeon and 42 Teal at the 'Oxbow' plus a Stoat.   In the strong winds birds were keeping fairly "tight" but there were least 5 Marsh Harriers floating about, a Kingfisher zoomed down river, a minimum of 4 Cetti's Warbler were recorded en route and 4 Chiffchaffs were noted (1 in Stodmarsh car park, 1 in the Alders and 2 along the river).
(John Cantelo)

Grove Ferry 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Ramp, Teal, Mallard, Shovelers, 9 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 1 drake Pintail, 1 Greylag, 3 Pochard, 3 Lapwing, 9 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser black backed Gull, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Reed Buntings & 1 Dunnock. Green Hide 2 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Greylags, 2 Teal, 1 male Marsh Harrier and 1 Cett's Warbler. Harrison's hide, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 16 Mallard, 9 Shovelers and a male & female Marsh Harrier.

(Steve Ashton)

26th March

Late News:- A Lesser spotted Woodpecker was seen in the Alder wood at Stodmarsh on the 21st January

26th March

Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh from 5.45am until 1.15pm produced:- 1 Common Buzzard west at 6.24, 7 Marsh Harriers (4males), and 4 Hen Harriers (1 male) by 6.42. there were 4 Little Egrets, 14 Pochards, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Grey Herons, 15 singing Cetti's Warblers, 10 Shelducks, 45 Pintail, 1 calling Ring-necked Parakeet (7.00am), 2 Linnets, 4 Greenfinches, 11 Skylarks, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 12 Snipe, 7 Blue Tits, 6 Great Tits, 17 Reed Buntings and 6 Redshanks. Also 18 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chaffinches, 5 Lesser black backed Gulls, 22 Tufted Ducks, 5 Common Gulls and 32 Redwings moving west through the tree tops. 1 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Little Owl, 16 Wigeon, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Stock Doves, 4 Water Pipits and 5 Great crested Grebes (1 on river midway between Stod & Grove). A pair of Bullfinches by the tower hide, 12 singing Wrens and 4 Water Rails calling.  In the alder wood, 2 Robins, 2 Great spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Dunnocks and 4 Long-tailed Tits. 126 Fieldfares in the farm orchard a drake Garganey from Marsh Hide, a pair of Pheasants and 1 Curlew. A phone call from Brendan told of a Little-ringed Plover from the ramp and was still there when i arrived. 8 Meadow Pipits between marsh hide and the ramp, also from the ramp 39 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Black-tailed Godwits. 147 Mute Swans left roost by 7.30 and 103 returned at 12.10.   I then had an hour at cow corner hoping for the Coal Tits that Brendan had had earlier (no luck), but did see 4 Corn Buntings feeding with 28 Chaffinches in the cow field, there were 230 Redwings in an adjacent field and looking down towards Westbere, there were 4 Canada Geese in with the 180 or so Greylags plus 7 Grey Herons and a Little Egret, 2 Yellowhammers were on the hedge.

(Martyn Wilson)

Grove Ferry reserve this morning turned up 30+ Redwings in the field at the reserve entrance, 1 Sparrowhawk overhead, 2 Jays in the paddock, 2 Green Woodpeckers and, from the ramp, several Greenfinches, Reed Buntings, Blue & Great Tits, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Wigeon, 32 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Pochard, 19 Pintail, 3 Redshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover, which flew of with the Redshanks. 4 Gadwall, Teal, Mallard and Shovelers, 1 Little Egret. A walk along the river to the oxbow turned up 5 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelducks, 3 Water Pipits, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Chaffinches, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 16 Wigeon on the oxbow, and 5 Skylarks. The Harrison's hide was quiet, with only 2  Grey Herons, 3 Redshanks and 2 shelduck of any note. The green hide had less, with 6 Pochard and 8 Tufted Duck making the notebook. A brief visit to the ramp on the way out, where the Liitle-ringed Plover was back, along with 4 Black-tailed Godwits and a Lesser black backed Gull.

(Steve Ashton)

Hersden Lake usually has a couple of Coot and not much else, but today it seemed packed with birds inc 221 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 3 Redshank. Nearby at Collard's there were 10 Goldeneye, 62 Pochard, 43 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon and 3 Chiffchaff. Highlight at Grove was the first Little-ringed Plover of the year. Also there was 18 Fieldfare, 17 Redwing and a Little Grebe. 4 Coal Tits near Cow corner on the Stodmarsh road was a good find for the saddos who are year listing in the valley as this can be a difficult species to connect with. A Corn Bunting flew over the same site.

(Brendan Ryan)

I had a call from a friend walking his dog at Grove Ferry and told me the Spoonbill was showing well from the Harrison's hide. Not believing i could get there before it flew off, i drove down, and to my suprise it was showing in front of the Harrison's hide, and allowed me a few minutes to snap him. Bad light and a rushed effort, but worth 30 minutes of mayhem.

(Steve Ashton)

25th March

Birding at Grove Ferry from 5.15am to 1.00pm today produced:- 2 pairs of Marsh Harrier, 3 Little Egrets, 1 drake Garganey, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Redshanks, 4 Shelducks, 8 Cetti's Warblers (around the whole reserve), 37 Pintail, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Skylarks, 14 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochards, 6 Linnets, 6 Blue Tits, 2 Grey Herons, 1 1/w Common Gull, 4 Greenfinches, 8 Magpies, 12 Meadow Pipits, 38 Siskins north, 1 Water Rail, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 10 Chaffinches, 4 Gret Tits, 14 Wigeon, 2 Bullfinches,  1 Kestrel,  4

Water Pipits and 1 Golden Plover. A Bittern was showing well from the marsh hide from 10.00 til 10.15 at least, also 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Pied Wagtail. There were 3+ Lesser Redpolls in the alder wood as was 6+ Siskins, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Treecreeper. 4 singing Chiffchaffs on the reserve (perhaps new arrivals?), 1 Stock Dove along the river plus 12 more north, a pair of Mistle Thrushes on the flooded meadow. 3 Curlews up behind the Oxbow and 5 Sand Martins over the Paddock also 18 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser black backed Gulls and 107 Mute Swans out of roost. A Red Admiral butterfly was also seen in the Alder Wood.

(Martyn Wilson, Brendan Ryan, Marc Heath, Pete Solly & Steve Ashton)

A pretty uneventful walk around Stodmarsh reserve this afternoon, with the following species noted, 1 Mistle Thrush, numerous Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tits, dunnock, 5 Wrens, 2 Goldcrests and a Chiffchaffheard on the egde of the alder wood. Nice views of a male Sparrowhawk, sitting in a tree to the left of the reedbed hide, 1 cock Pheasant, 8 Great crested Grebes, 2 Shelducks, 2 Gadwall, 26 Shovelers, 14 Tufted Ducks, Mallards and Teal, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 5 Marsh Harriers in various parts of the reserve.

(Steve Ashton)

After Kittiwake and Med Gull in the last 7 days, i decided  to  check  the   Westbere  Gull

roost. However, in contrast to the 3,000 Black-headed Gulls on Wednesday there were only 24 B h Gulls and about 50 Herring Gulls. The highlight was 3 Little Grebes, 27 Great-crested Grebes, 40 Tufted Ducks and a singing Chiffchaff.

(Brendan Ryan)

24th March

Highlights from this evening at Grove Ferry:- 1 drake Garganey, 2 Hen Harriers ( male & female) heading towards Stodmarsh, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Egret and 2 Water Pipits.

(Brendan Ryan)

23rd March

A 2 hour visit to Grove Ferry this afternoon, from 4 to 6pm, where the following species made the notebook. From the ramp 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Great Tits, 3 Blue Tits, 8 Greenfinches, 1 Common Snipe with Teal , Gadwall, Mallard, Shovelers, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Coots, 2 Mute Swans and 4 Marsh Harriers (1 male). I then had an hour in the green hide, watching a male and female Marsh Harrier displaying in front of the hide over the reedbeds, also there were 3 Greylag Geese, 4 Tufted Ducks, 6 Mallards and approx 30 Teal. A quick scan from the ramp on the way out, with 200+ Lapwings 3 Marsh Harriers over the back of the pools, 11 Wigeon, 4 Common Snipe, 17 Pintail, 1 Pochard, 2 Dunlin and a Black-tailed Godwit added to the page. Its much better with the sun out !!

(Steve Ashton)

A very brief visit to the ramp at Grove after work produced the following birds between 4.15 - 4.45pm. 4 Marsh Harrier, 8 Greenfinch, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 20 Pintail, c10 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Green Woodpecker in the paddock, 1 Pheasant, 3 Black headed Gull, 2 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting, c200 Woodpigeon, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 2 Greylag Geese and 2 Mute Swan. Surely some migrants will arrive any day now!!

(Marc Heath)

22nd March

Birding at Grove Ferry in pleasant conditions between 8.15 - midday produced the following species: 2 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Cormorant, 5 Great Tit, 2 Robin, 9 Greenfinch, 2 Pheasant, 3 Skylark, 6 Snipe, 4 Marsh Harrier, 2 male Hen Harrier ( 1 East at Grove 8.34 and 1 West at Stodmarsh 10.25), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Garganey (drake), 4 Shelduck, 33 Shoveler, 34 Pintail, 19 Gadwall, 1 Bittern (8.52), 49 Black headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 12 Tufted Duck, 85 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Meadow Pipit, 22 Greylag Geese, 1 Bearded Tit, 10 Carrion Crow, 1 Water Pipit, c200 Teal, 4 Magpie, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Curlew from the Marsh hide, c350 Lapwing, 1 Peregrine (10.30), 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 8 Wigeon, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Water Rail heard, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Wren and 1 Little Owl. There was a steady passage East all morning of Woodpigeon and Stock Dove totalling c200 birds.

(Marc Heath)

21st March

A trip to the valley today in the hope of some year ticks and maybe a few migrants. Birds seen between 7.50 - midday at Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh included: The highlight was a Jack Snipe seen well between Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh at 10.14am, other birds seen: 1 Bittern (7.55), 1 Peregrine, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 8 Greenfinch, 4 Marsh Harrier, 81 Mute Swan, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Reed Bunting, 3 Pheasant, 3 Wren, 5 Great Tit, 5 Blue Tit, 6 Shelduck, c120 Lapwing, 34 Gadwall, 30 Pintail, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Skylark, 8 Cormorant, 4 Wigeon, 2 Common Gull, 12 Black headed Gull, 2 Snipe, 41 Woodpigeon, a steady passage of Stock Dove East during the morning, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, c150 Teal, 6 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 23 Greylag Geese, 1 Water Rail heard, c20 Shoveler, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Chaffinch, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Goldfinch and 4 Long tailed Tit.

A visit afterwards to Westbere lakes between 12.15 - 12.55 produced: 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blue Tit, 4 Great Tit, 3 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 11 Great crested Grebe and 1 Marsh Harrier.

I went back to Westbere after work in the hope of finding the Mediterranean Gull that had been seen recently there. In the 2 hours of searching through the thousands of Black headed Gulls I eventually found the bird, a superb adult in summer plumage. It showed very well at times but was mostly distant. Other birds of note: 2 Chiffchaff and 27 Tufted Duck. A brilliant day with some excellent birds seen.

(Marc Heath)

A short visit to Grove (10.00 - 11.40hrs) was a bit "light-Hearted" The carbo Cormorant was my personal highlight (see planetthanet), however i did record 87 Stock dove E in 1hr 20m, 29 Pintail (17 drakes),5 Dunlin, 2 Kingfishers and a Garganey (drake).

(Dylan Wrathall)

20th March

The Spoonbill was reported again this afternoon in flight briefly at Grove Ferry.

19th March

Grove Ferry today 5.20-11.45am:- 1 Peregrine at 5.40, 5 Marsh Harriers, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 32 Pintail, 5 Magpies, 6 Dunlin, 5 Common Gulls  (1 1st/w & 1 2nd/w), 7 Shelducks, 2 Lesser black backed Gulls, 3 Greenfinches, 1 male Merlin, 11 Snipe, 2 Water Pipits, 3 Bullfinches, 1 Water Rail, 2 Grey Herons, 18 Wigeon, 2 Sparrowhawks (1 with kill), 2 Pheasants, 1 Kestrel, 1 Curlew, 3 Skylarks. A Chiffchaff in the car park and a Bittern (Norman McCanch). 5 Tufted Ducks, 3 Pochards, a Grey Plover flew through (east), 88 Black-headed Gulls, 41 Gadwall, 42 Golden Plovers,and 3 Dunnocks. Also 231 Cormorants flew east, 134 Mute Swans left roost and 240 Woodpigeons came in from the south. I also had a Grey Wagtail at  Fordwich and flushed a Bittern from 6ft in front of me at Westbere while scanning the multitudes of Gulls.

(Martyn Wilson)

Five/six Marsh Harriers were over Collard's as i drove past this morning at 11.48.   Also while standing by the entrance gate to Grove Ferry late afternoon I met two birders who reported seeing the Spoonbill well in front of Harrison's Drove hide. A I stood scanning the area the Spoonbill briefly flew up from one pool only to disappear straight into another pool behind the Ramp at 4.23pm.

(Marc Heath)

18th March

Grove Ferry, Stodmarsh & Collard's today between 5.20am & 12.30pm. At Grove Ferry:- 5 Marsh Harriers (2 males), 1 male Hen Harrier (6.18), 1 drake Garganey, 6 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Lesser black backed Gull, 5 Shelducks, 32 Pintail, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Pochards, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Green Woodpecker, 12 Tufted Ducks, 2 Common Gulls, 39 Gadwall, 2 Stock Doves, 1 Kestrel, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 30 Meadow Pipits, 3 Wigeon, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Skylark, 5 Snipe, 164 Woodpigeons plus Lapwings, Shovelers, Teal & Black-headed Gulls. Also 138 Mure Swans left roost by 07.30. Additional Grove sightings were, 1 Peregrine and 1 Water Pipit (Chris Gibbard) and 1 Merlin at 12.35 (Marc Heath).  At Stodmarsh:- 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Woodcock, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 12 Stock Doves plus two Mealy Redpolls.   And at Collard's:- 2 Jays, 1 Woodcock, 36 Tufted Ducks, 8 Redwings, 5 Marsh Harriers, 11 Goldeneye (3 drakes), 8-12 Long-tailed Tits, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 4+ Lesser Redpolls, 8 Siskins, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 5 Mistle Thrushes.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Brendan Ryan & Pete Solly)

Additional Stodmarsh sightings:- A Common Sandpiper along the river at 10.40 flying upstream towards Collard's, plus a Firecrest in the Nature Trail wood and a flock of 23 Siskin & 11 Lesser Redpoll along the path between the Alder wood and the Reedbed hide track.

(Dylan Wrathall)

A late afternoon visit to Westbere in the hope of relocating the Med Gull in the roost. The lack of any Med Gulls was more than compensated by finding an adult Kittiwake,amongst the 2,000 Black-headed Gulls. Earlier in the day there were 54 Tufted Ducks at Westbere.

(Brendan Ryanl)

I received a phone call at 5pm tonight from Brendan alerting me to a Kittiwake at Westbere. I was just about to sit down with the family for dinner but what should I do!!!. Some 15 minutes later I met up with Brendan and had good views of the bird.

(Marc Heath)

17th March

A brief visit to Grove before work produced the following species between 7.45 - 8.10am: 47 Black headed Gull, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Marsh Harrier, 6 Redshank, 74 Mute Swan, 8 Shelduck, 6 Pintail, 1 Skylark, 8 Dunlin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, c30 Gadwall, 17 Shoveler, 4 Snipe, 2 Reed Bunting, c120 Teal, c180 Lapwing, 2 Cormorant and 2 Pheasant.

(Marc Heath)

16th March

A visit to Grove after work between 4.20 - 5.40pm in very cold and windy conditions produced: 2 Lesser black backed Gull, 3 Curlew from the ramp, 1 Little Egret, c30 Redwing, 93 Black headed Gull, 38 Common Gull, 7 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Redshank, 22 Mute Swan, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrush, 72 Herring Gull, 11 Shoveler, 12 Wigeon, 18 Pintail, 7 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Snipe, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, c200 Woodpigeon and 11 Carrion Crow.

(Marc Heath)

Late news from the 14th:-

Fordwich, Trenley and Stour Lakes 9.30-11.00am:- 4 Little Grebes, 21 Great-crested Grebes, 2 Cormorants, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 11 Mute Swans, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 7 Shovelers, 11 Pochard, 26 Tufted Ducks, 1 Water Rail, 11 Moorhen, 48 Coots, 300 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls, 13 Woodpigeons, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grear spotted Woodpecker, 3 Wrens, 3 Dunnocks, 4 Robins, 11 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Cett's Warblers, 1 Goldcrest, 21 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Blue Tits, 14 Great Tits, 2 Jays, 1 Magpie, 10 Crows, 2 House Sparrows, 4 Chaffinches, 1 Goldfinch and 4 Siskins.

Westbere Lake area 11.40am-2.30pm:- 21 Great crested Grebes, 14 Cormorants, 2 Bitterns, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans, 105 Greylag Geese, 9 Canada Geese, 7 Teal, 9 Mallard, 2 Shovelers, 5 Pochards, 48 Tufted Ducks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Pheasants, 7 Moorhen, 67 Coots, 1 Mediteranean Gull, 2120 Black-headed Gulls,  10 Common Gulls, 3 Lesser black backed Gulls, 30 Herring Gulls, 120 Woodpigeons, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Great spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Wren, 4 Robins, 3 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 24 Long-tailed Tits, 11 Blue Tits, 9 Great Tits, 1 Jay, 15 Crows, 1 Starling, 6 House Sparrows, 4 Chaffinches, 2 Greenfinches, 8 Goldfinches, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting. The Barn Owl was showing well between 5.00-5.30pm. It is usually in the area to the left of the footpath to the river and also flies over the railway and fishermen's carpark.

(Sue Morton & Pauline McKenzie Lloyd)

A quick after work jaunt around a few sites this evening. Highlight was a Jack Snipe flushed from a ditch between Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry. Elsewhere there were 10 Goldeneye at Collard's including 3 drakes, 3 Curlew at Grove and later at Stodmarsh. Also at Grove 12 Wigeon, 18 Pintail and 6 Redshanks.

(Brendan Ryan)

15th March

From the ramp this morning I had 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Ruff, 7 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Golden Plover, c175 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Snipe, c20 Teal, 25 Gadwall, 30 Shoveler, 7 Shelduck, 1 Common Gull, 9 Black headed Gull, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard) plus Reed Buntings, Blue Tit & Greenfinch.   A walk along the river produced a further 24 Teal, 9 Wigeon, c30 Lapwing, 3+ Cetti's Warbler, 2 Little Owl, Water Rail (h), 1 Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrest & 6-7 Long-tailed Tits.   From the Lampen Wall there were 18+ Long-tailed Tits, 3+ Blue Tits & 2 Great Tits, a further 3 Cetti's Warbler,  Water Rail (h) & 6 Marsh Harriers (inc. 3 adult males).   The Alders were fairly quiet with 3 Goldcrest, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Siskin & 7 Redpoll.  No sign of Water Pipits in the 'mown' reedbed by the river.
(John Cantelo)

A visit to Grove and Stodmarsh this morning in the hope of some spring migrants was the plan, not alot of migrants about but some good quality birds seen in pleasant sunshine. Birds seen at Stodmarsh 8.45 - 9.45am: 43 Chaffinch, 4 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting singing near Collards, 3 Yellowhammer, 7 Great Tit, 3 Bullfinch, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long tailed Tit, 24 Redwing west, 6 Blue Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Firecrest, 2 Water Rail, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Treecreeper, 3 Robin, 3 Wren, 2 Pheasant and 1 Green Woodpecker. My visit was cut short when a text from Brendan alerted me that a pair of Garganey were showing from the ramp at Grove. Birds then seen at Grove between 10.00 - 11.00am: 8 Redwing, 1 Great Tit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Kestrel, a pair of Garganey showing well from the ramp, 10 Dunlin, 6 Reed Bunting, 3 Greenfinch, 3 Magpie, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 drake Pintail, 6 Shelduck, 3 Redshank, c20 Shoveler, 39 Black headed Gull, 2 Common Gull and c200 Teal.

(Marc Heath)

14th March

I made two visits to Stodmarsh in between and after work, the following birds seen 11.00 - 12.40: 14 Long tailed Tit, 1 Firecrest in the alder wood, 3 Goldcrest, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Wren, 4 Water Rail heard, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Great crested Grebe, 3 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 9 Redwing and 1 Bullfinch.

A second visit after work produced the following birds between 5.30 - 6.30pm: 7 Long tailed Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Water Rail heard, 3 Blue Tit, 2 Wren, 3 Marsh Harrier to roost, 96 Cormorant, 5 Hen Harrier (2 males), 1 Little Egret, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Owl calling 6.15pm from nearby farmland and a Brief call from a Tawny Owl near the Car Park 6.28pm.

(Marc Heath)

I ended a fabulous day's birding by walking the circuit around the reserve from the Grove end. I didn't pay much attention to numbers but , I did see 7 Lesser Redpolls,1 Treecreeper and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the Alder Wood by the nature trail. 5 Goldcrests were by the "S" bend and after a negative result scanning the area of burnt reedbed for Water Pipit, I hit the jackpot with a fabulous pair of Garganey, feeding with a small group of Teal, on the flooded field next to it, 3 Ruff were scurying about with a large flockof Lapwing on the adjacent water meadow. A Kingfisher, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Water Pipits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 12 Pintail (7m & 5f) provided the bulkof the other sightings.  Just beyond the recording area boundaries, yet still in the Stour Valley, there were 88 Mute Swans in two flocks, 1 Little Egret, another Kingfisher and 3 Grey Wagtails along the Little Stour footpath, whilst the Ash Levels had 800+ Fieldfare, 2 Yellowhammer, 4 Bearded Tits and a Short-eared Owl.

(Dylan Wrathall)

I gave the Stour Valley a bit of a bash this morning and boy was it hard work.  Grove Ferry produced a Merlin which came off the field by the path to the ramp carrying prey, whilst from ramp waders included seven Dunlin, two Ruff, a Blackwit and six Golden Plovers. The circuit to Stodmarsh and back produced little - no Penduline Tit, no Water Pipits and not much else.  On the way out Collard's had three Goldeneye and four Ruddy Ducks and, finally, a visit to Westbere produced a male Blackcap, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, three pairs of Canada Geese and three Ruff.

(Geoff Burton)

13th March

I made two brief visits to Grove Ferry today, my first between 7.45 - 8.10am where I was joined by Brendan. The following birds were seen: 1 Merlin in field just west of the ramp showing well, 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Greenfinch, 1 Skylark, 5 Reed Bunting, 7 Mute Swan, 1 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Shelduck, 2 Dunlin, 2 Golden Plover, c37 Black-headed Gull, 1 Snipe, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Cormorant and c150 Teal.

(Marc Heath & Brendan Ryan)

My second brief visit between 3.05 - 3.50pm produced: 1 Kestrel, 2 Great Tit, 5 Greenfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Blue Tit, 8 Greylag Geese, 7 Shelduck, 8 Cormorant, c80 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 7 Black-headed Gull, 4 Snipe, 7 Mute Swan, 4 Magpie, 19 Woodpigeon, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Robin.

(Marc Heath)

A Brief stop of at Grove onthe way to and from work today. There were 2 Dunlin and a Merlin (found by Marc Heath) this morning and 2 Golden Plover, 2 Pintail and 2 Little Egrets tonight.

(Brendan Ryan)

12th March

Stodmarsh and Collard's from 5.15am - 1.00pm. At Stodmarsh:- 2 Tawny Owls at 5.20 (1 near carpark heard & 1 over Stodmarsh road), 1 Little Egret, 12 Great-crested Grebes5 Cetti's Warblers, 7 Marsh Harriers (4 males), 2 Grey Herons, 5 Fieldfares, 1 Redwing, 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Woodcocks (7.00am), 7 Goldcrests, 2 Tufted Ducks, 9 Wrens, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Pintail west, 1 Little Grebe, 9 Golden Plovers west, 1 Kestrel and 10 Skylarks. At Collard's:- 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Bittern calling while in flight (10.52), 18 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye (1 drake), 4 Wigeon, 3 Shelducks, 48 Tufted Ducks, 24 Pochards and 3 Avocets over east and through the valley.

(Martyn Wilson, Pete Solly & Steve Ashton)

Also at Stodmarsh 2 Common Buzzards circling & hovering along with 4 Marsh Harriers , 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk. In the Alder Wood 4 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Fieldfares, 5 Great Tits, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Wrens, 2 Blue Tits, 10+ Siskin, 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers and c50 Greylag Geese were at Cow Corner. John Cantelo had a Firecrest in the alder wood along with 3 Siskin and 2 Redpoll.

(Marc Heath)

A quick hour at Grove saw :- 1 Bittern (11.55), 3 Common Gulls, 34 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Shelducks, 7 Dunlin, 2 Pintail, 2 Kestrels, 2 Greenfinches, 4 Blue Tits and 8 Reed Buntings. The two Buzzards could be seen from the ramp.

(Martyn Wilson)

At Grove Ferry in the morning were 7 Dunlin, 8 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 45 Gadwall, 10 Pintail, 3 Wigeon and 3 Stonechats. At Stodmarsh there were 8 Great-crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 8 Marsh Harriers, 2 Buzzards, a Little Owl and 3 Curlew.   Having failed to connect with Martyn's Avocets this morning, John Cantelo and I returned to Grove Ferry hoping that they would evenyually find their way there. Our hunch proved correct and they were duly added to the year list. There was a single Black-tailed Godwit at Grove. On to Stodmarsh, where there were 5 Hen Harriers at the roost including 2 males. Also there were one Bittern, a Barn Owl and a Grey Partridge calling from nearby farmland.

(Brendan Ryan)

11th March

Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry today between 5.30am & 1.30pm produced:- 8 Marsh Harriers (5 at Grove), 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Little Owls (4 at Stod, 5.33 & 1 at cow corner), 7 Water Rails, 8 Cetti's Warblers, a pair of Wigeon at Grove, 6 Shelducks, 400 Teal, 108 Shovelers, 82 Gadwall, 8 Pheasants at Stod, 1 at Grove, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 6 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochards, 4 Grey Herons, 16 Fieldfares, 5 Redwings, 2 Redshanks, 8 Chaffinches, 3 Reed Buntings at Stod 7 at Grove, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Wrens, 2 Robins, 2 Red Legged Partridges, 4 Curlews, 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls N/W, 1 Stonechat, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5+ Water Pipits, 11 Snipe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 15 Golden Plovers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers. 6 Long Tailed Tits, 1+ Lesser Redpoll, 1 Dunlin, 29 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 5 Goldfinches, 600 Lapwings and a Yellowhammer on the Stodmarsh road. 107 Mute Swans left Grove Ferry by 8.00am and Corvid and Cormorant numbers down with only 11 Cormorants east and 68 Jackdaws, and 46 Carrion Crows east as well.

(Marc Heath, Martyn Wilson, Brendan Ryan, Pete Solly, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

Hard work today in the cold wind and rain. Morning highlights were 3 Woodcock flushed from one spot and 7 Goldeneye at Collard's inclucing 3 drakes. This evening i checked out the Gull roost at Westbere. There were 2900 Black Headed Gulls, 1100 Herring Gulls, 20 Lesser Black Backed Gullsand 18 Common Gulls. Many of the large Gull came of the tip at Canterburyand bathed at Westbere before moving of east, presumably to the coast. Also ay Westbere were 8 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Canada Geese, 80 Greylags, 35 Redwing, 40 Fieldfare, 5 Cetti's Warblers. A Barn Owl was hunting fields by the river in the same place Marc and I had seen it on the 2nd.

(Brendan Ryan)

10th March

3 hours at Stodmarsh reserve this morning produced the following:- 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, numerous flocks of Siskins, 9 Lesser Redpolls and 4 Mealy Redpolls, 7 wrens, 2 Goldcrests, Dunnocks, Blue Tits, Great Tits, and 12 Long Tailed Tits, 2 Greenfinches, 5 Goldfinches, 2 Reed Buntings, Carrion Crows, Lapwings, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Marsh Harriers. The lake held 3 Great Crested Grebes,along with Shovelers, Mallards, and Coots. An hour was spent by the hide on stilts looking for the Penduline Tit, but with no joy. Perhaps another day.

(Steve Ashton)

Increasing wind and showers made viewing conditions increasingly less than optimal at Stodmarsh this (Friday) morning, but the following birds were recorded 1 Spoonbill (which flew down the valley and over towards Seaton  at c09.45),  41 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, c10 Teal, 6 Great Crested Grebe, c100 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk,  1 Chiffchaff,  2 Bullfinch, I Great Spotted Woodpecker, both Siskin & Redpoll heard (2 Mealy Redpoll reported) and a roving tit flock (c20 Long tailed Tit, 7 Blue Tit and 3 Great Tit and 5 Goldcrest) by the Tower Hide promised much but failed to delver the Penduline.  No report of the bird until c12:15 and no sign of Water Pipits (though it was raining heavily when I looked)

(John Cantelo)

9th March

Thanks to a phone call from Brendan Ryan late afternoon, I was able to arrive promptly to see a Spoonbill that was showing well from the ramp at Grove Ferry at 4.30pm.

(Marc Heath)

There was a Spoonbill showing well at Grove Ferry from the viewing ramp late afternoon. Also at Grove 1 Pintail, 6 Shelducks and a Little Egret. At Stodmarsh: there were 12 Pintail, 5 Curlew, 1 Chiffchaff, 90 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 2 Water Pipits and at least 4 Hen Harriers.

(Brendan Ryan)

I visited Stodmarsh for the first time today, after seeing your website, and was amazed i had never visited before only living in Whitstable. I was suprised to see "a white Cormorant with something in it's beakflying above us" ! (my fiances description of a Spoonbill ! bless her!). I had never seen one in my life.

(Steve Hale)

8th March

Birding at Stodmarsh after work between 4.20 - 6.10pm produced the following species: 5 Great Tit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Magpie, 4 Wren, 7 Long Tailed Tit, 3 Robin, 9 Blue Tit, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Jay, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 72 Fieldfare, 1 Pheasant, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Green Woodpecker heard, 6 Marsh Harrier to roost, 1 Tufted Duck, 22 Jackdaw, 6 Gadwall, 6 Water Rail heard, c30 Lapwing, 133 Cormorant, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Linnet, 1 Grey Wagtail, c30 Wigeon, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Pochard, 13 Carrion Crow and a superb display at close quarters by the Hen Harrier's which included 3 males and 3 ring tails.

(Marc Heath)

Birds of interest today (Stodmarsh end only) included : 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Pintail, 15+ Long-tailed Tit, 5 Cetti's Warbler, c70 Siskin, 4+ Redpoll, 18 Water Pipit (25 reported). Also Ring necked Parakeets were reported from the Grove Ferry end.
(John Cantelo)

7th March

A good day in the valley today with some good coverage and some quality birds seen. Birding at Collard's Lake 9 - 10am produced: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 21 Chaffinch, 3 Yellowhammer, 9 Pheasant, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Marsh Harrier, 16 Reed Bunting, 7 Goldeneye (2 drakes), 64 Wigeon, 27 Pintail, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Woodpecker heard, c10 Pochard, c30 Shoveler, 2 Blue Tit, 8 Fieldfare and c20 Tufted Duck.

Then on to Stodmarsh, birds seen between 10.05 - midday included: The highlight was a superb male Penduline Tit just beyond the Tower Hide which showed very well again between 11.00 - 11.30am. Other birds seen: 4 Great Tit, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Blue Tit, 1 Firecrest in the alder wood, 4 Goldcrest, 8 Chaffinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, c15 Siskin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Wren, 7 Long Tailed Tit, 4 Fieldfare, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 3 Cormorant, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Bullfinch and 5 Goldfinch.

A brief visit to Grove in drizzly conditions between 12.15 - 12.40 produced 2 Marsh Harrier, 14 Mute Swan, 9 Shelduck, 1 Great Tit, 32 Black Headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Bittern (12.24), c100 Teal, 8 Gadwall and 2 Snipe.

On my way to Stodmarsh this afternoon i called in to Fordwich where a Grey Wagtail showed well along the river. Birding at Stodmarsh between 4.15 - 6.00 produced: 2 Bullfinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Water Rail, 116 Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 8 Marsh Harrier to roost, 1 Bittern (4.57), 32 Jackdaw, 8 Pied Wagtail, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 1 Water Pipit, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Carrion Crow, 3 Hen Harrier ( 1 male) to roost and 16 Fieldfare concluded a brilliant day in the Stour Valley.

(Marc Heath)

6th March

A male Penduline Tit was reported still this morning at the South end of the Lampen Wall at Stodmarsh.

5th March

A round trip of the reserve today starting at Grove Ferry at 5.30am walking via the river anti-clockwise back to Grove finishing at 1.15pm. The following birds were noted:- 1 Bittern (5.47), 6 Marsh Harriers (at Grove inc 2 males), a pair of Wigeon, 9 Shelducks, 62 Gadwall, 1+ Little Egret, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 3 Bearded Tits, 1 Siskin (over the ramp), 3 Ring Necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 16+ Reed Buntings, 3 Great Tits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Blue Tits, 3 pairs Tufted Ducks, 1 Skylark, 1 Water Rail, 2 Stonechats, 8 Snipe, 1 Jay and 9+ Cetti's Warblers around the reserve. At Stodmarsh there was 87 Black Headed Gulls on the lake and 1 drake Pochard. There was 2 Penduline Tits (1 showing just before the tower hide plus 1 singing 200 yards after the tower hide in the woody area) (Dylan Wrathall), also 3 Goldcrests, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 7 Long Tailed Tits, 12 Siskins, 14 Chaffinches, 1 Firecrest, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Water Rail in the Alder Wood. Another Firecrest was seen by the reed bed hide (Dylan) plus 1 Green Sandpiper and 20 Water Pipits on area of cut & burnt reeds midway between Stodmarsh & Grove (Dylan). Back at Grove, 1 Grey Heron, 77 Meadow Pipits, 125 Black Headed Gulls, 1 male Kestrel, 6 Golden Plovers, 2 Bullfinches, 320 Teal, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Fieldfare, 180 Lapwings and 2 Redshanks. Early morning departies were 42 Cormorants east as well as 92 Carrion Crows and 132 Jackdaws plus 89 Mute Swans left roost.

(Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Steve Ashton)

Back to a more routine birding after yesterday's excitment. Collard's held 87 Tufted Duck, 101 Pochard, 3 Ruddy Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 43 Pintail, 117 Wigeon,  one redhead Smew and a Little Grebe. Highlight of the day at Stodmarsh was the discovery of a flock of Water Pipits in an area of cut reed along the river. I counted 18 there in the morning but 27 were reported later in the afternoon along with a Jack Snipe. There was a Barn Owl along the river at 5.10 and six Hen Harriers came to roost including 3 males. I stayed till 6.35 but no Bitterns appeared.

(Brendan Ryan)

4th March

Birding at  Grove Ferry this morning with all pools iced over from 5.35 til 10.00am:- 3 Water Rails, 1 Bittern (6.58), 2 Little Owls, 6 Shelducks, 5 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Gulls, 3 Great Tits, 5 Blue Tits, 17 Reed Buntings, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jays, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 14 Coots on the platform outside green hide and 115 Teal on the ice there, 2 Snipe, 18 Meadow pipits, 2 Skylarks,33 Black Headed Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 9 Fieldfares and 1 Greenfinch. 32 Cormorants east as wellas 115 Jackdaws and 25 Carrion Crows.

(Martyn Wilson & Pete Solly)

A quick half hour at Collard's produced:- 10 Goldeneye (3 drakes), 22 Pintail, 3 Smew (1 drake), 1 Little Grebe, 1 Goosander (redhead) and a male Marsh Harrier with a white wing tag on its right wing.

(Martyn Wilson)

A pleasant visit to Stodmarsh today between 8.50 - 12.30 produced the following species: 4 Goldcrest, 4 Robin, 4 Great Tit, 10 Blue Tit, c8 Chaffinch, 3 Song Thrush, 5 Bullfinch, 3 Wren, 3 Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpecker, c15 Siskin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Jay, 5 Marsh Harrier, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Black Headed Gull, 3 Cormorant, 2 Shelduck, c170 Mallard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Bearded Tit, c20 Greylag Geese, c100 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Fieldfare. As we were about to leave we bumped into Ben Ring who had seen a Penduline Tit along the Lampen Wall at 9.30am. John then visited Collard's lake and saw 1 Goosander & 4 Smew (ad male & 3 redheads)

(Marc Heath and John Cantelo)

A second visit to Stodmarsh at 3.30pm in hope of seeing the Penduline Tit was very rewarding. It was excellently picked out by a fellow birder and showed very well between 3.35 - 4.00pm just past the Tower Hide on the bend. Alot of the local birders were able to study this Stodmarsh mega in all its beauty.

(Marc Heath)

Birds seen at Collard'sthis afternoon:- 5 Rooks, 2 Robins, Carrion Crows, Magpies, 1 Bittern, 1 male Kestrel, Mallard, Teal, Shovellers & Tufted Ducks, 4 Goldeneye, Wigeon, Pintail, 4 Smew (2 drakes), 200+ Black Headed Gulls, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Green & 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 fem Marsh Harrier. Whilst sitting there looking at the Smew a Fox trotted upthe path & passed not 6ft from me.

(Steve Ashton)

Birds seen at Dusk at Stodmarsh: 2 Bittern, 1 Peregrine, 2 ring tail Hen Harrier, 1 male Hen Harrier and 6 Marsh Harrier.

(Chris Gibbard)

3rd March

A quick pop out into the valley this morning produced the following:- Collard's: 27  Pintail, 10   Goldeneye, 30+ Wigeon, 50+ Shoveler, c120 Tufted Duck, 30+ Pochard, (NB - probably more birds tucked out of sight on the nearside of the almost wholly iced up lake). Stodmarsh held 3  Marsh Harrier, 2  Kestrel, 3  Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3  Cetti's Warbler,  2 Water Rail, 5+ Goldcrest, (1 Firecrest - rptd in alder wood), 15  Siskin,  Redpoll (kept hearing 'em, didn't see 'em!), c40 Teal. David Feast thinks he heard a Penduline Tit off the Lampen Wall this morning.  It only called once (on the right just beyond the two benches), but he heard quite a few in Romania this May.
(John Cantelo)

2nd March

Birding at Westbere produced c150 White Fronted Geese. Birds seen at Stodmarsh: 1 Firecrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Curlew over, 1 Bittern, 3 Water Rail, 9 Siskin, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, c7 Cetti's Warbler and 6 Marsh Harrier.

(John Cantelo)

Collard's lake late afternoon: 8 Goldeneye, ( inc 3 drakes), 2 Smew ( 1 drake), 1 Goosander ( red head), 42 Tufted duck, 76 Pochard, 23 Pintail, 2 Red Legged Partridge. 1 Barn Owl was seen at 5.10pm hunting over Westbere.

(Marc Heath and Brendan Ryan)

Stodmarsh at dusk, 1 Barn Owl, 4 Hen Harriers ( 2 males), 7 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Egrets (roosting in the cormorant tree) and 2 Bitterns flying around calling at 6.15pm.  

(Brendan Ryan)

1st March

Birding at Collards lake between 4.20 - 5.45pm in pleasant sunshine produced: 14 Chaffinch, 5 Fieldfare, 8 Goldeneye (3 drakes), 2 Blue Tit, 47 Tufted Duck, 2 Smew (1 drake), c120 Woodpigeon, 5 Marsh Harrier, 18 Meadow Pipits, c40 Rook, 2 Pheasant, 7 Redwing, 83 Shoveler, 1 Great Tit, 1 Magpie, 41 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker heard, 15 Greylag Geese, 3 Little Grebe, c70 Wigeon, 1 Robin and c180 Jackdaw.

(Marc Heath)