March Sightings

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                            Sightings can be Emailed to:

Marc, Martyn & Brendan

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

                            Marc Heath    - Heathym007@aol.com   

Photo Gallery

  Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 117

31st March

Encouraged by the spring like weather I left work early and spent a couple of hours at Grove late afternoon. A Yellow Wagtail flew from the field by the entrance track as I arrived but that was the only new arrival apart from a new bench that has appeared at Ballion's pool. There were 23 Gadwall, 6 Shelduck, 6 Pochard and 2 Green Sandpipers from the ramp and a Water Pipit from Harrison's. 3 Little Egrets were in the area and 2 Sand Martins flew over. I went as far as the ox bow to look for garganey but drew a blank, the first time since I have been doing the valley reguarly that I have failed to record garganey in March. 2 Teal and 2 Little Grebes were the only birds of note at the ox box

(Brendan Ryan)

30th March

At Collard's this afternoon there were 11 Goldeneye including 5 drakes and 10 Wigeon.There was little of note at Stodmarsh except for a single Siskin in the Alder wood and a single Water Pipit. At Grove there were 3 Swallows, 7 Shelduck, 117 Teal, one Little Egret and 2 Water Pipits.. My final stop was at Westbere where I failed to connect with Marc's Blackcap or any hirundines

(Brendan Ryan)

I made a second visit into the valley this evening, spending 45 minutes at Westbere Lakes. After a few Swallows had been seen earlier in the day I was hoping that one would be in the area. Some migrants seem to have arrived of late as the following were noted: 1 Swallow, c10 Sand Martin, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap in song with one seen. Other birds of note included 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Canada Geese, a few Great crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Jay, Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits were frequently seen and Herring Gulls were starting to fly in as I was leaving. c15 Linnets were seen in the paddocks by the entrance. A brief but enjoyable visit now the migrants are starting to appear.

(Marc Heath)

I arrived to the wonderful sound of the dawn chorus at 5.50 this morning with members of the orchestra including, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Great Tit, Dunnock, Greylag and even a Cockerel plus others. Pure Magic. I walked the whole circuit hoping to add a new migrant or two, starting at the Ramp and going clockwise via Marsh Hide, The Alder Wood, Stod carpark, Reedbed Hide, Alder Wood, etc, etc. I noted the following. 7 Shelducks, 26 Cetti's Warblers, 11 Water Rails, 8 Marsh Harriers (3 males), 13 Tufted Ducks, 10 Pochard, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Little Egrets and 4 Redshanks. Only 91 Mute Swans left the reserve today but 20+ were still on site all morning. There were, 3 Water Pipits, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 6 Jays, 21 Chiffchaffs, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and a Spotted Crake that half flew half ran across the path from Marsh Hide just at the back of the Alder Wood and disapeared into thick cover at 8.35. There were 3 Swallows over the Main Lake plus a fourth past Harrison's later also, what was quite possibly a Wryneck that flew into the undergrowth from the nature trail in the Alder Wood (i'm not claiming owt though!) to brief a view. A female Hen Harrier quartered the reeds behind Tower Hide before disaperaring over the river at 9.25 and there were, 9 Great-crested Grebes, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 8 Wigeon, and a Green Sandpiper. I met Norman McCanch & Mike Gould at Harrison's where they were watching the Saker 'type' Falcon on the ground behind Harrison's. Mike and I managed to get a couple of pictures when it flew, click here or on the Cettis photo. Norman had seen Spotted Redshank from the Ramp and Ringed Plover over Harrison's before i met him and while we were watching the Saker the fourth Swallow past through.

(Martyn Wilson)

After dropping my wife off at work this morning, I drove back through Trenley woods and parked up with the kids at the Woodpecker site. Within a few minutes 2 Green Woodpecker were heard along with 2 Great spotted Woodpecker calling. A few minutes later I heard the distinctive call of a Lesser spotted Woodpecker, it only called once but did not show itself. Also in this area were 1+ singing Coal Tits, a few Blue and Long tailed Tits and chaffinch. A brief stop at Collards produced a small number of Linnets moving through and 1 Corn Bunting was singing.

(Marc Heath)

29th March

At Grove Ferry today where Marc was already in position on the Ramp there were 5 Little Owls, 4 Tawny Owls, 6 Marsh Harriers, 13 Tufted Ducks, 10 Shelducks, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Redshank, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Pochard and 121 Mute Swans. There were, 6 Cetti's Warblers, a displaying pair of Sparrowhawks, 20 linnets, 4 Litte Grebes, 30+ Snipe, 14+ Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel and 4 Jays. Seven Chiffchaffs were singing between the entrance and the Oxbow and Brendan added a further 12 at Stodmarsh on his whole circuit trek, there were 5 Water Pipits, 2 Kingfishers, a single Chiloe Wigeon, 6 Eurasian Wigeon, a female Stonechat, 6 Sand Martins and 30 Lapwings. Phil parker and Marc added the first singing Blackcap of the year, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests and 2 Bullfinches at Westbere, while Brendan added Swallow to the year list with one at Collard's along with 8 Goldeneye, 14 Wigeon, 51 Shoveler, 68 Tufted duck and 16 Canada Geese at Cow Corner

(Martyn, Marc, Brendan, Alan, Malcolm & Phil)

25th March

I cycled down to Westbere lakes after work today for 20 minutes to see if any hirundines were about. It wasn't long before c5 Sand Martins were seen feeding low over the water. This bought my valley year list to 110 species, 1 species better than any end of March total for me. Other bits included 1 Chiffchaff, a few Tufted Duck, Great crested Grebe and a few hundred Black headed Gulls. On my exit Great, Blue and Long tailed Tits were noted along with a Chaffinch in song.

(Marc Heath)

23rd March

I arrived at Grove Ferry at 6.50 this morning where Marc and Pete were already in attendance and met them about forty minutes later at Harrison's Drove path where we took the river path on a complete circuit of the Grove/Stodmarsh reserve. On the return to Grove we met John Cantelo along Harrison's Drove. Marc and Pete left at 10.00 followed shortly by John and I meeting Brendan coming in, we headed up to Trenleypark Wood (without sucsess), John left and Brendan and I Did Cow Corner and Collard's then I went back to Grove where I spent an hour photographing common birds in the car park. Birds in the valley today were, 1 Peregrine, 9 Marsh Harriers, 2 Water Pipits, 8 Redshank, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Bearded Tits and at laest 12 Cetti's Warblers. There were 8 Chiffchaffs (7 Stod, 1 Grove), 5 Shelduck, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 7 Jays, 2 Bullfinch, 8 Little Egrets, 6 Great-crested Grebes (Stod), 108 Mute Swans, 10+ Long-tailed Tits and 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker.  Also there were, 10 Snipe, 7 Meadow Pipits, 4+ singing Skylarks, 4 Linnets, 4+ Calling Water Rails, 3 Grey Herons, 9 Pheasants (al at Marsh hide) and 1 Ruff. Trenleypark Wood was quiet, Cow Corner had 6 Canada Geese and little else while Collard's had 9 Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebes (all together), 1 Siskin, 1 Kestrtel and a single Sand Martin. Only additions at Grove were 2 Lesser Black-backed and 1 Common Gull on the mud on main pool and 70 Lapwings plus the common stuff I managed to snap in the car park.

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

I returned into the valley late afternoon to check the gulls at Westbere. Only about 120 Black-headed Gulls were present but there was a constant stream of Herring Gulls coming into bathe and them moving on towards the coast. I estimate that at least 1,500 birds past through in the hour I was there. There were a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one Common Gull. 7 Sand Martin were hawking over the lake. I quickly stopped at Grove where apart from 122 Teal, 49 Shoveler, and 5 Shelduck there was little of note

(Brendan Ryan)

23rd March

Spent a few hours in the afternoon after the rain and snow had finally stopped. Highlight was 13 Sand Martins at Collard's where there were also 9 Goldeneye, 15 Wigeon, 55 Tufted Duck and 4 Gt-cr Grebes. At Stodmarsh, Marsh Harriers were taking advantage of the dry weather and there were at least 10 in the air together including some well marked males. Also at Stodmarsh were 6 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Pochard, and 7 Gt-cr Grebes. A Mink ran down the Lampen Wall until it was about 6 feet from me. Sightings of this unwelcome alien seem to becoming increasingly regular in the valley, this being my third sighting of the year. It was then on to Grove where there were 124 Teal, 3 Marsh Harriers, 45 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shelduck, and 11 Tufted Duck. Harrison's had a single Pied Wagtail but no other birds and I didn't see a single wader species all afternoon. I checked the Ox box for Garganey but had to be content with 22 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Little Grebes and a Chiffchaff along the river. Finally I called in at Westbere to check the gulls. About 1,200 Black-headed Gulls were present but I could find nothing too exciting amongst them except of 4 Common Gulls, 170 Herring Gulls and 110 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. By dark virtually all the gulls had moved on presumably to roost eslewhere. Also at Westbere were 28 Gt-cr Grebes, 12 Tufted Duck, a male Marsh Harrier and 2 Chiffchaffs

(Brendan Ryan)

22nd March

A  Brambling reappeared briefly to-day, having first been seen last Tuesday (see photo).  Three Siskins also stayed for the day on Tuesday, but have not been seen in the garden since then.  To-day about 20 Sand Martins braved the strong wind over Westbere Lake towards the end of the afternoon, but after a heavy shower of rain/sleet, we were unable to relocate them.

(Sue Morton)

Braving the gale force North Easterly and driving rain, I entered into the Valley at 5.30 this morning heading straight for Harrison's where I was joined by Marc just after 6.00 and here is where we spent the best part of the morning before leaving at 10.15 stopping at Green Hide and the Ramp as we left. On the reserve this morning it seemed the only birds moving were Corvids, Cormorants and Gulls, although Robin, Wren, Blackbird and Dunnock were all singing around the entrance, plus Skylarks could also be heard behind Harrison's above the noise of the wind and rain! also several calling Water Rails amongst the Reeds. There were, 7 Pochards, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 7 Marsh Harriers, 12 Corn Buntings, 4 Snipe, 138 Mute Swans and a female Hen Harrier flew over Harrison's Hide stopping in the Reedbed for a while before moving on towards Sarre. A partial summer plumaged Water Pipit was still there and a Stoat ran by the hide no more than six feet away. There were, 13 Fieldfares, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Shelduck, 20 Wigeon, 3 Linnets and 11 Tufted Ducks. Also today were, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Ruff, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great-crested Grebe and a female Peregrine plus the 200+ Golden Plovers still by the Boathouse.

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

21st March

I arrived at Grove Ferry this afternoon at 1.45pm and was greeted by a strong Northerly wind. No doubt migrants are being held up a bit in this. I spent a few hours getting blown around noting 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Shelduck, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Pied Wagtail, c80 Lapwing, c40 Teal and 25 Shoveler. The highlight was a female Merlin which zoomed by Harrisons as I left the hide. The bird had a few dives at Pipits but left towards the river still looking for its next meal. Other birds included 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Marsh Harrier, 18 Gadwall, 1 Water Rail, 4 Pochard, 2 Dunlin, 1 Mistle Thrush, c10 Greylag Geese, 4 Redshank, 1 Linnet, 1 Skylark and the usual Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits encountered around the reserve.

(Marc Heath)

Arriving at a very windy (cold NNE) Grove Ferry at 6.50 this morning the only one out was Pete, although Alan did pop up at Harrison's having arrived earlier, then Steve and Brendan later. At Grove today were, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Shelducks, 5 Pied Wagtails and 2 Water Pipits (1 coming into summer plumage). There were 2 pairs of Marsh Harriers, 4 Pochards (1 drake), 3 Tufted Ducks (2 drakes), 3 Bearded Tits, 8 Snipe, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Wigeon at the Oxbow and 14 Magpies together from the Marsh Hide. There were 3 Little Grebes (1 at the Oxbow, 1 at Green Hide and 1 at Collard's) 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Grey Herons and 2 Mistle Thrushes. Collard's also had 3 pairs of Goldeneye, 2 Goldcrests at Collie Corner, 75 Shoveller and a Mistle Thrush while back at Grove Ferry a female Merlin flew close by at the Boathouse at 12.30pm and there were also 249 Golden Plovers and 130 Stock Doves there.

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

17th March

There was a small party of about 15 – 20 Sand Martins at Westbere Lake this morning until about 10.30 a.m. when they moved on.

(Sue Morton)

16th March

In rather murky conditions with a blustery wind and constant drizzle the following were noted at Grove Ferry. Marc having recorded 5 Little Owls and 2 Tawny Owls in the valley prior to half five, with a 3rd Tawny calling at Grove 5.30ish. There were, 5 Redshank, 8 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochard, 1 Hen Harrier, 119 Mute Swans, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Pied Wagtails and 2 Bearded Tits. Despite the drizzle we did manage to spend time out of the hides  and visit the Oxbow and spend time looking at the new scrapes and open areas. Also noted were, 1 Grey Heron, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, 3 Little Grebes (2 Oxbow), 7 Cetti's Warblers, 28 Wigeon (Oxbow), 1 Jay, 2 Green Woodpeckers, a Mink!, 18 Snipe, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and 6 Long-tailed Tits. The male Wheatear was still around the Green Hide/Harrison's Drove area and there were, 4 Shelduck, 1 Kingfisher, 3+ Linnets, 1 Water Pipit, 2 Green Sandpipers, 4+ calling Water Rails, 1 Ruff, 21 Lapwings and a single Ringed Plover flew west over Harrison's Drove at midday. Ther were 15 Black-headed Gulls and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the main pool when I left at 12.30pm.

(Martyn, Marc, Steve, Alan, Peter & Mike)

The male Wheatear was still present along Harrison's Drove this morning. Also at Grove were 125 Teal, 46 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Green Sandpipers, 21 Snipe, one Little Grebe and 2 Stonechat. Viewing conditions at Collard's were poor in the murky weather, but I managed to pick out 8 Goldeneye including 4 drakes, and 15 Wigeon. 4 Corn Buntings flew west.

(Brendan Ryan)

15th March

I met Marc on the ramp at 5.50 this morning and we noted several species in song including Robin, Chaffinch, Thrushes, Water rails and Skylarks plus many others. at about 6.45, 15 Siskins flew east over the ramp and we later had 1 south over the Oxbow. Also at Grove today were, 6+ Cetti's Warblers, 2 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler,1 Pochard, 2 Green Wodpeckers, 1 Grey Heron 6 Marsh Harriers, 11 Snipe and 1 of each Reshank and Ruff. There were, a dozen Fieldfares east, 145 Mute Swans, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Hen Harrier, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Canada Geese, 2 Kingfishers and 3 singing Chiffchaffs. Also at Grove were, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Jay, 26 Wigeon (Oxbow), 8 Linnets, and 3 Pied Wagtails. The first Wheatear of the spring (a stunning male) was found by Julie Childs at 8.00am by the Green Hide (Turf Fields) and was still showing when Marc and I passed at 8.20 and a single Golden Plover flew overhead. Two Bearded Tits were between the Green Hide and the Ramp and final additions from the Ramp were, 1 Common Gull and 60 Lapwings. A kestrel was on telegraph wires as I passed later after Westbere. Marc and I moved on to Westbere for Gulls where 2-3000 Black-heads were loafing about and while we were there more and more Gulls were dropping in mainly Black-heads but there were also a few Common, 1 Lesser Black-backed and a dozen or so Herring plus last weeks 1/st winter Yellow-legged Gull again. There were 2 singing Chiffchaffs here as well. Also here were several Tufted Duck and Great-crested Grebes, a few calling Little Grebes plus 2 Bullfinches and several common species including Blue & Great Tits, Chaffinch and the usual high numbers of Coots plus also 5 Canada Geese were on the lake with another 5 on the marshes viewed from Cow Corner. Little else to add though.

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

At Collard's today there were 9 Goldeneye including 5 drakes, 69 Tufted Duck, 122 shoveler, 24 wigeon and one Canada Goose

(Brendan Ryan)

14th March

2 Bittern's flew East over the Lampern Wall at Stodmarsh at dusk, also 1 Barn Owl and 1 Woodcock seen.

(Derek Smith)

Spent a few hours this afternoon working through the valley in the hope of finding some early migrants. 6 Canada Geese were the only birds of note at Cow Corner, while at Collard's there were 73 Tufted duck, 8 Goldeneye, 16 Pochard, 81 Shoveler, 10 Wigeon and 6 Gt-cr Grebes. At Grove Ferry there were 7 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 4 Pochard, one Tufted Duck, 23 Shoveler, 5 Fieldfare, one Redwing and 3 Water Pipits. At the Ox Bow there were 26 Wigeon, 2 Stonechat and a Litttle Grebe. Finally at Stodmarsh there were 8 Marsh Harriers including 2 males, 133 Cormorants, one Kingfisher, 3 Water Pipits, one Little Egret, 6 Tufted Duck7 Gt-cr Grebes, 23 Fieldfare and 8 Pied Wagtails

(Brendan Ryan)

Two hours this morning at Grove ferry, in bright sunshine with very little wind, which was not what was forecasted for today. Birds seemed to be in good voice as I entered the reserve, with Robins and Chaffinches heard as well as seen. Also Greenfinch, Dunnock and Wren were seen. Two Green Woodpeckers were in the field opposite the Paddock, and Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits were seen around the Paddock area. There was not much on the two pools from the ramp, with 3 Shell Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Redshank, 4 Ruff, a single Dunlin and a hand full of Lapwings. Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveller and Teal made up the wild fowl, with 2 Tufted Duck on the main pool. 2 Cormorants passed over as I walked to the Turf field hide, 5 Greylag Geese landed in a hidden pool behind the Turf field hide, and 2 Bearded Tits were seen, with 4 Reed Buntings. A Cetti’s Warbler was seen and heard. Allan Ashdown and Mike Gould were in the hide when I arrived, and Allan had seen 2 Ring-tailed Harriers early on. We had an hour with the camera’s, and 2 Mute Swans landed on the pool, and were heavily into there courtship ritual, giving us a complaint that we never usually have, being that they were too close to the hide, but we got some head shots. A little Grebe was also present, with 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Drake and 3 Duck, a few Teal and Mallard, and 2 Marsh Harriers were displaying over head. A Kingfisher was seen hovering to the back of the pool, perching on the reeds, before flying off to our left. 12.30 p.m saw us back on the ramp, with nothing more to add, so we called it a day and left for home.
(Steve Ashton Allan Ashdown and Mike Gould.)

8th March

Another excellent day in the Valley starting at Grove Ferry with 1+ Grey Partridge calling by the Boat House and the Barn Owl again behind Harrison's Hide between 6.00 & 6.30am. There were, 9 Marsh harriers, 1 Hen Harrier, 20+ Redwings out of the Paddock and at least 200 Fieldfares heading out east early morning. A drake Wigeon dropped in briefly on the main pool and there were 2 Kingfishers, 5 Snipe, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Spotted Redshank, 5 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 8 Redshanks, 2 Grey Herons and 135 Mute Swans. Also there were, 2 duck Pochards, a drake Tufted Duck, 4 Shelducks, 1 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 63 Golden Plovers, 1 Water Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtails and after yesterdyays singing Chiffchaff at Westbere another was singing near the Oxbow at Grove today oh, and 3 Bar-headed Geese from the Ramp. A trip up to Trenleypark Wood had us connecting with a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker drumming and calling for at least 45mins and 10+ Coal Tits making thier presence known (see series of photo's on the Swan link). TrenleyPark Wood also had singing Mistle Thrush, several Blackbirds & Song Thrush as well as Blue & Great Tits a couple of Long-tailed Tits and 100+ Redwings noisily feeding in an open field next to the Wood entrance plus several Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers in the area.

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

8th March

The morning started at Grove Ferry where, Marc had already added 8 Tawny Owls, 3 Little Owls and 2 Grey Partridges before I arrived. Recorded at Grove today were, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hen Harriers, 3 Water Rails, 3 Cetti's warblers, a few Redwings leaving the Paddock in the dark, 11 Corn Buntings over the Ramp and 132 Golden Plovers. There were, 6 Little Egrets, 5 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 121 Mute Swans, 1 Barn Owl, 6 Ruff, 3 Grey Herons and 1 of each Green & Great-spotted Woodpeckers. Also at Grove today were, 1 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, and 1 Spotted Redshank. Linnets had clearly arrived back in the valley from whereever they spend the winter, Norman had a small group of Linnets over Harrison's Hideand others were seen at Collard's and Cow Corner.Moving on to Westbere where despite the Gulls being flushed by a couple of Canoeists, a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull and an adult summer Mediterranean Gull (not quite full hood) were located, with 2500 Black-heads a couple of Herrings, 1 Lesser Black-backed and 12+ Common Gulls of varying ages. There was also 12 Tufted Ducks, 8 Great-crested Grebes, a Little Grebe and several Chaffinch, Long-tailed, Blue & Great Tits, 1 Sparrowhawk and a pair of Kestrels.  Also at Westbere was the first singing Chiffchaff of the year. The first singing Chiffchaff of the year was also recorded. At Cow Corner there were, 3 Siskins, 1 Common Buzzard, a calling Little Owl, 7 Canada Geese, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Wagtails and 10 Fieldfares. At Collard's there were 82 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Pochard, and 56 Shoveler,

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Brendan Ryan)

2nd March

An excellent day in the valley for myself and Alan with the morning starting with stunning views of a female Hen Harrier low over the ramp towards Sarre. Also today were 6 Marsh Harriers, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 10 Dunlin, 10 Ruff, 214 Golden Plovers, 3 Black-tailed Godwits (one in summer plumnage), 8 Redshanks and  Spotted Redshank. There were, 5 Fieldfares south over the ramp, 2 Shelducks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Water Rails, 98 Mute Swans, 2 Kingfishers, 37 Snipe, 1 Jay, 12 Wigeon at the Oxbow and 11 Little Egrets (the highest count in a long while). At the Green Hide were just 1 drake Pochard, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe plus a few Teal, Mallard, Snipe and Gadwall while at Harrison's there were, 6 Water Pipits, 6 Pied Wagtails, 8 Meadow Pipits and 8 Skylarks.We met up with Steve Ashton for an hour or so who had added 3 Bearded Tits near the Ramp. Alan and I left to go to Westbere for Gulls but, alas the lake was filled with Boats and no Gulls in sight so we headed for Cow Corner. On arrival at Cow Corner we encountered a mobile flock of Finches that included at least 30 Chaffinches, 1 male Brambling, 2 Siskins, 4 Greenfinch, 10 or so Goldfinches, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Long-tailed Tit and a Marsh Harrier. Also 8 Canada Geese were on Westbere Marshes. We finished the morning at Collard's with, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Common Buzzard and 4 Stock Doves.

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

At Collard's today there were at least 10 Godeneye, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 24 Shoveler, 26 Wigeon, 11 Gt- cr Grebes 2 Goldcrests and a single Fieldfare

(Brendan Ryan)

March 1st

I arrived at Grove Ferry 5.50 this morning to find no other birders around although the Owl whisperer did arrive about 6.30 followed shortly by Alan. At Grove Ferry today were 7 Marsh Harriers, 2 Shelducks. 3 Cetti's Warblers, 9 Ruff, 7 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 67 Golden Plovers and my first valley Spotted Redshank of the year. Eight Pintail left an unseen back pool and flew towards Stodmarsh and were presumably the same 8 seen on Stodmarsh main lake later. There were, 68 Mute Swans, 12 Snipe, 6 Redshanks, 9 Tufted Ducks plus another 9 at Stodmarsh, 5 Pied Wagtails, 60+ Fieldfares by the white house, and a single Water Pipit at the water meadows. Other bits and pieces at Stodmarsh were, 31 Pochard, 5 Great-crested Grebes, 127 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Jays,1 Treecreeper and a female Stonechat plus the usual Blue & Great Tits and Chaffinches, Robins and wrens etc in the Alder wood. Alan and I met with Steve and Dylan in the Green hide where we chatted for a while before Dylan carried on, Alan & Steve left and I went to Cow Corner/Collards where all I added were 6 Canada Geese with Greylags at Cow Corner. Onwards to Westbere where the lake was covered with Gulls. There were at least 7000 Black-heads with (much) smaller numbers of Common and Herring plus the odd Greater and Lesser Black-backed. Unfortunately after several good long scans no 'white wingers' or others were located there were however 18 Tufted ducks looking fine in their breeding atire, 3 Pochards and 8 Great-crested Grebes there.

A big well done must be said to all at Natural England for all the sterling work carried out at Grove Ferry over the past couple of weeks and hopefully another 1999 is on the cards. Well done Natutal England

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

Called in briefly to Grove to add Dunlin to the year list and picked up Spotted Redshank, peregrine aand 105 Golden PLover while I was about it. I moved on to Collard's where Goldeneye numbers continue to increase with at least 21 present along with 88 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 4 Gt-cr Grebes but no Wigeon. A brief look at Crow Corner produced 6 Canada Geese but not a lot else

(Brendan Ryan)