November Sightings

Sightings can be Emailed to:

      Martyn Wilson - martynwilson@talktalk.net

   Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

Grove Ferry river trips visit here.

28th November

Woodcock

Just three of us, Phil Parker, Mark Chidwick and I, made into the valley today where we spend a couple of hors at a very frozen Grove Ferry. Not much to report but, there were 12 Marsh Harrtiers and 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, a couple of callong Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers, 2 Curlews, 6 Fieldfares, 2 Redwings and 6 Lapwings standing on the ice. One water rail squealed in front of the ramp and after a visit to an even more frozen (if it can be!) Feast hide we decided to call it a day.

(Martyn Wilson)

27th November

Woodcock

Well, today was the day of the work party but, before that I started at 6.40am watching the Harriers out of roost along the Lampen Wall. Birds making the note book today were, Greylag Geese, Teal, Fieldfare, Water Rail, Blackbird and Curlew all heard in the semi-darkness plus Shelduck Shoveler, Mallard, Several Fieldfare and Redwing seen. Out of roost were 17 Marsh Harriers and 1 ringtail Hen Harrier plus a Barn Owl flying low across the reedbed between the lampen Wall and Marsh hide. A couple of calling Cetti's Warblers noted, Lapwings flying over the lake and a single Kingfisher flew past me down the Lampwen Wall with it or another seen from Reedbed hide later. The Alder Wood held 2 Treecreepers a large mixed flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue & Great Tits and a couple of Chaffinches. There was a sizeable Siskin flock with 1 or 2 Redpolls and half a dozen Goldfinches totalling about 60 birds. A Grey Wagtail flew down the stream from the sluice by the alder Wood and I flushed a Woodcock from the bend just after the Alder Wood. A male Sparrowhawk flew through the Siskin flock causing panic and Jay, Great-spotted and Green Woodpeckers were noted. From the Reedbed hide, while having breakfast and being joined by Mark Chidwick, there were 5 Bitterns, 2 water Pipits, 1 flyover Dunlin and a couple of Bearded Tits heard. Then it was of to work with Mark and Steve Ashton meeting Marc Heath with Dave Rogers in the car park.

(Martyn Wilson)

I drove over to Stodmarsh this morning at 9.15am for the work party, driving past Grove on the way where 1 Marsh Harrier was seen. In the car park at Stodmarsh I noted the usual Blue, Great and Long tailed Tits with a few Siskin heard and 1 Redpoll over calling. A few Fieldfare were in the bushes and after a cup of coffee, I met up with Dave Rogers, Martyn, Mark and Steve where we got to work clearing an area of willows. We spent a couple of hours working hard with a few others, being burnt in the process on various parts of our body and clothing. A little later we went to the Reedbed hide for lunch. The pools were still frozen but 1 Bittern was seen distantly as was 1 Marsh Harrier. Other bits noted were 1 Goldcrest, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Treecreeper, a flock of c60 Siskin, Goldfinch and the odd Redpoll, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and a few Bearded Tits heard. A quick look from the ramp at Grove on the way home only produced a few Fieldfare and Redwing with 1 Marsh Harrier and some Greylag Geese in the fields by the ramp.

(Marc Heath)

25th November

I managed 40 minutes this morning at Grove Ferry in very cold conditions. The following was noted from the ramp from 7.25am. 8 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 4 Snipe, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Grey Heron, 267 Greylag Geese, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 140 Fieldfare, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Bearded Tit, c200 Teal, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 Tufted Duck.

(Marc Heath)

23rd November

I had 45 minutes at a chilly Grove Ferry before work this morning at the ramp. I was more concerned with my cold fingers than what was flying around, which wasn't much. However I was treated to one of nature's spectacles this morning when a Peregrine flushed the Lapwings from the pools. I watched this awesome hunter as it dived bombed the group a few times finally splitting a bird off from the main group. Before the bird could rejoin the group, the Peregrine gained some height before taking the Lapwing out at some speed. They both tumbled to the ground behind the back pools where no doubt breakfast was taken by the raptor. Other bits seen this morning were 11 Greylag Geese, 75 Fieldfare, 3 Bearded Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Redwing, 8 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler, c600 Lapwing, 5 Cormorant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Meadow Pipit, c200 Teal, 1 Water Rail and 1 Skylark.

(Marc Heath)

20th November

Birding at an extremely quiet Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh today produced, 1 Barn Owl that flew across the front of the ramp towards Sarre in the early rising light then back over the reeds towards Stodmarsh 10 minutes later. There were, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Shelduck, 800 Lapwings, 450 Teal, 14 Marsh harriers, 4 Curlew, 7 Pied Wagtails, 3 Dunlin and a ringtail Hen Harrier. Two Little Egrets flew out and there was 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Tufted Duck and 3 Grey Herons. Bearded Tit numbers have dropped of considerably with just 3 or 4 heard today, also heard were 2 Water Rails. There were 3 Green woodpeckers, 12 Siskin, 30 Fieldfares, a dozen plus Redwings, a couple of Chaffinches and 1 Goldcrest, while at marsh hide there were a minimum of 30 Water Pipits on the grassy mud in front of the hide and, a single Sparrowhawk flew low east past the hide.

(Martyn Wilson)

17th November

In contrast to yesterdays lovely weather, I arrived at a dull and cloudy Grove Ferry this morning at 7.20am where I spent 40 minutes watching from the ramp. Birds noted were 4 Snipe, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Marsh Harrier,  9 Mute Swan, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bearded Tit, 43 Fieldfare, 1 Green Woodpecker, c200 Teal, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel, 2 Water Rail, 5 Cormorant and 19 Redwing.

(Marc Heath)

16th November

What a lovely morning. I arrived at a windless and sunny Grove Ferry this morning where I birded the ramp area for an hour before work. I also did another hour after work at Grove and managed in both sessions to see 54 species. Birds noted were 21 Cormorant, c500 Lapwing, 20 Redwing, 4 Siskin, 3 Goldcrest, 6 Water Pipit, 4 at Harrisons, 9 Mute Swan, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Marsh Harrier, 8 Bearded Tit, 4 Water Rail, 1 Jay, 18 Snipe, 2 Skylark, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, c400 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 3 Corn Bunting, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier towards Stodmarsh, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Barn Owl hunting at Savi's corner.

(Marc Heath)

15th November

0830 -1130 calm ,misty with frost. Birds noted were Shoveler c 120 main lake, Teal 80 Lapwing 240 at the Water Meadows, 1 Brent Goose at the Water Meadows, Snipe 10, Siskin 35 in wood, Treecreeper 1, G C Grebe 15, 5 Water Pipit at the Water Meadows, Water Vole good views of 1 by the small bridge on the boardwalk. Usual Thrushes , Cettis etc.
(Mark Kennett)

14th November

A much more productive morning despite the fact that it rained constantly with just the odd bright spell. Greylags were again leaving early and most unseen as when we entered the reserve Chidders, Pete Solly and I made straight for the Feast hide. During respites in the downpour we visited Harrison's hide and, with Dylan, the Water Meadows and just Chiddy and I carrying on round meeting Sue Morton and Steve Ashton at the Feast hide late morning. Birds noted today were, 6 Water Rails (1 seen), 9 Marsh harriers, 8 Cetti's Warblers (all heard only), 1 female Stonechat and a scattering of Redwing and Fieldfare. There were, 2 Redshanks, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Pied wgtails, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Curlew, 26 meadow Pipits and 19 Water Pipits (2 Harrison's & 17 Water Meadows). A ringtail Hen Harrier flew low north towards the river and Dylan, Sue and Steve A later had a male flying west plus Dylan flushed a Woodcock from the river path but Chiddy and I missed it. There was a single male Blackcap, 5 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 1 Shelduck, 12 Great-crested Grebes, 1 Bittern, 8 Pochards and 1 Bullfinch. A mixed flock of Finches contained, 24 Siskins, 22 Goldfinches and 1 Goldcrest while the only Bearded Tits today were a couple heard at the corner to Marsh hide by Undertrees Farm.

(Martyn Wilson)

13th November

A very quite few hours at Grove and Stodmarsh today with very little to make note about. However, Steve ray, Mark Chidwick and I did make a note of a few bits and pieces. Greylag Geese were leaving as it got light, 3 water Rails were heard as were 3 Cetti's Warblers. Eight Marsh Harriers left roost, 2 Pied Wagtails were on the main pool and  Spotted Redshank dropped in for the session and 3 Grey Herons and 3 Little Egrets noted. There were 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Water Pipits, 20 Bearded Tits, 3 Curlew and 10 Goldcrests. We drove over to Stodmarsh to see if we could add more but, it was as quiet there with 40+ each of Redwing and Fieldfare, 6 flyover Tufted Ducks, 2 Brambling (briefly) along the nature trail and a dozen Siskins. A stop for a scan over Collard's on the way out revealed much as usual with Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wigeon, Great-crested Grebes and numerous Coot seen plus the first Goldeneye of the winter.

(Martyn Wilson)

10th November

With a better forecast this morning, I arrived at Grove Ferry for an hour at 7.10am and had a brief wander around the Grove end. Not much noted but the following made the notebook: 6 Long tailed Tit, 4 Marsh Harrier, 28 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Bearded Tit, 14 Mute Swan, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 40 Fieldfare, 1 Redshank, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Meadow Pipit. With the sun shining for once after work I made the the most of this and repaid Grove another visit. Birds noted until sunset were 35 Redwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin with an unusually long bill, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 43 Fieldfare, 2 Corn Bunting, 5 Lapwing, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Water Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pied Wagtail, 6 Mute Swan, 3 Grey Heron, 127 Greylag Geese, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, 1 Little Egret, 1 Snipe and just before sunset a Barn Owl appeared over the back pools and hunted briefly before flying over the road near the boat house.

(Marc Heath)

9th November

I paid a visit to Grove Ferry after work tonight at 3.45pm for 45 minutes in atrocious conditions. I hid behind the screens from the ramp as heavy showers and strong winds battered the reserve and forced most birds to hide. Birds noted however were 180 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 56 Lapwing, 2 Redwing, 9 Cormorant, 1 Mute Swan, 36 Teal, 4 Bearded Tit, 2 ring tail Hen Harriers towards Stodmarsh, 6 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron and one thoroughly soaked birder!

(Marc Heath)

7th November

This morning Mark and I just birded the Stodmarsh end to watch the Harrier roost  out and to look for the Northern Long-tailed Tit from yesterday. Arriving on the Lampen wall at 6.30 we counted out 17 Marsh Harriers but, no sign of any Hen Harriers in the roost. There were 135 Cormorants out as well, several parties of Feildfare and Redwings were flying around and whilst counting Marsh Harriers a Barn Owl flew along the Lampen Wall and of towards the river. There were, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Kestrel, 12 Great-crested Grebes, 3 Grey Herons and ducks included Teal, Shoveler and Mallard. We spent a long time looking for Tits and managed to locate three small flocks of Long-tailed Tits with Blue and Great amongst them but no sign of yesterdays Northen. The largest single flock of Long-taileds today was 25 birds. While searching for the Long Tails we also located 28 Siskins, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 9 Goldfinches and 1 Goldcrest at the back of the Alder Wood. Also in the fields behind the Alder Wood next to Undertrees Farm were 385 Greylag Geese and 4 Hares. There was a Grey Wagtail showing well from the Reedbed hide plus 1 Great-crested Grebe 1 or 2 Bearded Tits and little else. Also today were, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Mistle Thrush, 30 Chaffiches, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Jays, 2 Pied Wagtails and a large flock of 42 Collared Doves.

(Martyn Wilson)

6th November

A fairly qiuet morning at Grove with Chidders Steve ray and I not getting any further than the Harrison's drove hide. The Greylags all left early with most gone by the time I reached the Ramp and, despite Chidders being already  in situ he didn't make a count. There were 6 Marsh Harriers, 2 Curlews, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 18 Golden Plovers and several Lapwing and Teal. A Peregrine Falcon caused havoc for a good while revealing 3 Ruff and a Black-tailed Godwit. There were 5 Little Egrets, 2 Water Rails, 1 Redshank, 1 water Pipit, 2 Stonechats, 8 Snipe and 4 Skylarks.

Mark and I took a drive round to Stodmarsh where at the first corner of the Alder wood  Mark spotted a Northern Long-tailed Tit (caudatus) with a mobile flock of at least 30 Long-tailed Tits. Unfortunately after they passed though the smart white headed and the rest of the flock could not be relocated. Only other additions were 2 Goldcrests and 27 Tufted Ducks.

(Martyn Wilson)

.

4th November

Another day and another early morning visit to Grove Ferry before work, arriving at 7.15am where I spent an hour at the ramp and Feast hide. I managed to log 51 species today. Birds noted were 4 Curlew from the main pool, 68 Golden Plover, 3 Cormorant, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Snipe, 3 Black tailed Godwit, 4 Wigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Mute Swan, 2 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank from the main pool, 3 Ruff, 1 Bearded Tit heard, c200 Teal, c400 Lapwing, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Stock Dove, 3 Little Egret and 1 Tufted Duck. There were 2 Fieldfare, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel and 2 Green Woodpecker. After work I decided on another visit to Grove, this time in a very strong wind which did not help out. Birds logged were 8 Marsh Harrier, 1 Spotted Redshank still, 1 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe, 9 Linnet, 1 Grey Heron, 112 Greylag Geese, 23 Cormorant, 21 Redwing, c600 Teal, c400 Lapwing, 2 Water Pipit and 2 Cetti's Warbler.

(Marc Heath)  

3rd November

I made a few visits into the valley today, Grove at dawn, Westbere at lunchtime and Grove after work, and work inbetween. Not a lot around but a few birds noted including 1 Jay, 11 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Mute Swan, 1 Little Egret, 5 Cetti’s Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Reed Bunting, 41 Golden Plover, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Skylark and 4 Cormorant. There were 16 Bearded Tit with a few on the path near Harrisons. Also 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Water Pipit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Snipe, 1 Redpoll and 1 Grey Heron. A lunchtime visit to Westbere lakes produced 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 4 Great crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Water Rail, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Siskin. After work I made another visit to the ramp at Grove Ferry. Birds logged were 37 Cormorant, 7 Marsh Harrier, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Golden Plover, c400 Lapwing, 6 Linnet, c250 Teal, 3 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Kestrel, 2 Snipe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Water Pipit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 34 Redwing, 1 Little Egret and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

(Marc Heath)

2nd November

With the dark evenings upon us, I only had 45 minutes at Grove after work tonight at 3.45pm. Birds noted from the ramp were 4 Pied Wagtail, 5 Long tailed Tit, 7 Mute Swan, 1 Little Egret, 8 Marsh Harrier, 9 Snipe, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Pipit, 1 ring tail Hen Harrier towards Stodmarsh, 27 Greylag Geese, 4 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Bearded Tit, 31 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk and 5 Ruff. There were 30 Redwing, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Green Woodpecker, c500 Lapwing and c300 Teal.

(Marc Heath)