July Sightings

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                            Sightings can be Emailed to:

      Martyn Wilson - martyn@wilson5834.freeserve.co.uk  

  Brendan Ryan -  brendan.ryan@yahoo.co.uk

  Marc Heath - Heathym007@aol.com   

Marc, Martyn & Brendan

Photo Gallery

  Number of species recorded in the valley this year so far = 175

31st July

I arrived at Grove this morning at 4.30am, somewhat tired. I think these early morning's are catching up with me. I spent most of the time wandering between the ramp, Green and Harrisons hide with some time looking for Spotted Crake which should be around soon. The following made the book this morning. 4 Little ringed Plover, 26 Green Sandpiper, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Greenshank, 3 Hobby early on only, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Egret, 5 Water Rail, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Marsh Harrier and 10 Ruff. An unexpected bonus was in the form of a reeling Grasshopper Warbler near Harrisons hide at 5.25, the bird sang on and off for c10 minutes before I moved on. There were 6 Common Tern, 2 juveniles, 5 Snipe, 8 Bearded Tit, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag Geese, c30 Black headed Gull and c200 Lapwing.

(Marc Heath)

30th July

I managed to twitch Marc’s Little Stint as I travelled between meetings today. This was a significant addition to my year list as it was my 27th wader species for the year, bettering my previous high of 26 in 2000. Having missed Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwit, the total valley wader year list is 29 species. With August and September still to go and if water levels are maintained who knows what else might be added. Knot would be statistically the most likely but since 1999 the autumn has produced some good rare waders including Buff-breasted, Sharp-tailed and Marsh Sandpipers as well as Red-necked Phalarope. Looking further back we are overdue a Black-winged Stilt, last recorded 63 years ago, while it is 30 years since both Pacific and American were recorded in the valley. I have averaged 23 species of wader per year in the valley since 1999 but to put all these silly stats in perspective I understand that there were 23 species of wader recorded at Oare today!

In a quick return visit to Grove this evening the stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Dunlin were all still present but on Harrison’s and there were 5 Golden Plover from the ramp

(Brendan Ryan)

I was dropped off this morning at Grove at 10.30am where I spent just over 4 hours wandering around the reserve in glorious sunshine. I met a couple at the ramp who said they think they had seen a Stint but was not sure of its identity. I carefully scanned like a hawk and was rewarded with the first Little Stint of the year, an adult bird on the right hand pool from the ramp. Both pools from the ramp throughout my stay had good numbers of birds on them, Black headed Gulls were dropping out of the sky and numbered c350 and with them 4 Common Gull, 2 Lesser black backed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls but unfortunately no rarer ones. Other birds recorded: 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Chiffchaff, 20 Green Sandpiper, 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Marsh Harrier, 22 Canada Geese, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Kestrel. There was 1 Dunlin, 7 Ruff, 217 Lapwing, 3 Common Tern, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Hobby, 33 Greylag Geese, 1 Greenshank and 2 Tufted Duck. Butterflies were out in good numbers with lots of Gatekeeper, Meadow Browns, Large, Small and Green veined Whites, a few Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood, 7 Common Blue and 1 Essex Skipper. The most interesting sighting was of 2 probable White letter Hairstreak seen briefly in elms at the end of the track by the white house. Further investigation will be required here to confirm.

(Marc Heath)

29th July

I arrived at 4.30am to the sound of  a Song Thrush in song, otherwise total silence. With heavy rain during the early hours of the night I thought that some birds might have been grounded. Arriving at the ramp it seemed a bit quiet and on the Green Sandpiper front this proved to be the case. From 38 yesterday to just 15 today. Other bit and pieces noted included 2 female/immature Garganey from the right hand pool from the ramp, 7 Ruff, 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper still, 3 Grey Heron, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Hobby early on only, 1 Blackcap, 5 Marsh Harrier, 1 Greenshank, 4 Water Rail, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, and 2 Curlew flew West at 5.38am. There were 131 Black headed Gull present, 1 Lesser black backed Gull present, 4 Snipe, 2 Turtle Dove, 5 Ringed Plover dropped in showing that birds were still on the move, 1 juvenile Little ringed Plover and c50 Lapwing.

(Marc Heath)

28th July

Fairly standard fare this evening at Grove with 26 Green Sandpipers, the adult summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper, 9 Ruff,  single Common Sandpiper, LRP and Greenshank and a Little Egret. Sadly no sign of Marc’s Whinchat which continues to elude me for the year.

(Brendan Ryan)

Another early morning visit had me arriving at Grove Ferry at 4.30am, mist was over the water and Green Sandpipers appeared to be calling from all directions as I made my way to the ramp. I counted at least 38 Green Sandpiper, others surely on the back pools so who knows the true number. Other birds noted this morning until 8.15am: 4 Grey Heron, 7 Canada Geese, 2 Hobby early on, 10 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper still on the main pool, 1 Greenshank, 4 Water Rail, only 42 Black headed Gull present, 1 Common Gull, 1 Lesser black backed Gull, 2 Common Sandpiper and 4 Common Tern including a juvenile bird. A surprise in the form of a Bittern seen flying low over the reeds from the Green hide at 6.22am, a returner or a failed breeder! 5 Marsh Harrier were seen, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Green Woodpecker, 7 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and only 1 Little ringed Plover seen today. A smart juvenile Whinchat was on the tall hawthorn at the base of the ramp before moving onto the reeds and making its way towards the Green hide area.A record digiscoped effort is pictured below. Hopefully the Little Stint is just around the corner now.

(Marc Heath)

27th July

Just Alan and I made it to Grove this morning with less gull activity than yesterdy but more waders, we started again with Hobbies at 4,37 but only two today and there were 37 Green Sandpipers seen (there must be others on the unseen pools?), 5 flying south early, 12 from the ramp, 15 at Harrison's, 2 on the new scrapes and 3 at Marsh Hide. Also at Harrison's were 2 Greenshank and a smart adult summer Curlew Sandpiper, as Brendan needed this for the year a text was sent and he duly arrived and ticked it a while later at the ramp where it stayed all morning and was still present when Alan and I left at 12.30. There were, 3 Water Rails, 6 Marsh Harriers, 3 Turtle Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spot, 2 Common Sandpipers, several Reed & Sedge Warblers as well as Reed Buntings which seemed particularly numerous and 3 Cetti's Warblers. Other species in good numbers were Linnet, 15+, 12 Goldfinch and lots of baby Blue & Great Tits plus a family of 5 Chiffchaffs at the White House. Also today were, 5 Common Terns, 1 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 20 Black-headed Gulls. There were, 4 Grey Herons, a couple of heard Bearded Tits, small numbers of Swallow and Martin (both species), 5 Pied Wagtails, 1 Jay, 1 Kestrel and 2 Little-ringed Plovers. Met on the rounds today were John Cantelo, Norman McCanch, Brendan & Steve Ashton.

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

26th July

After reading the reports of all the exciting stuff over the past week here in the valley Alan and I arrived just after 4.00am with great expectations.... sadly this was not to be, and as you can see by the photo of our very own Phil Parker below, things were rather quiet...

...there were however decent numbers of waders. In the valley this morning were, 3 Hobbies, at least 25 Green Sandpipers, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 13 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers and 6 Little Egrets. There were 3 juvenile & 1 adult Marsh Harrier at Grove with another 4 juveniles together at Westbere, also there were, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (1 adult summer & 1 2nd summer) with Approx 100 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls, 2 Common Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull all on the main pool early am. There were, 5 Stock Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Common Terns, 2 Water Rails, a dozen or so Bearded Tits, 4 Pied Wagtails, a passage of Swallows with Sand & House Martins amongst them and a few Swifts. Late additions to the wader count were 2 summer plumaged Golden Plovers and there were, 627 Lapwings. At Westbere the only additions were at least 4 families of Great-crested Grebe and an adult Black Swan, Fordwich cemetry had no Spot fly's but Alan and I did see our first ever juvenile Coal Tits there numbering three and a single juvenile Goldcrest again a first for us both. Collard's was quiet except several hundred Coots and many Mute Swans. A single Corn Bunting was on wires leading out of Stodmarsh. A few more insect were on the wing today with several Brown Hawkers and a couple of Migrant Hawkers seen as well as 20+ Banded Demoiselles at Fordwich, a few Damselfly spp. 1 Speckled Wood 6 Peacocks, several Large Whites, 1+ Green-veined White, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Alan Ashdown & Phil Parker)

The boys had covered Grove fairly thoroughly by the time I arrived and soon dispersed to distant parts of the valley in search of Spotted Flycatchers. My only significant contribution to the Grove day list was a fine juvenile Willow Warbler and so for a bit of excitement I relocated to Collard’s to count the coot. Numbers had increased significantly and now numbered 540. 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gt-cr Grebes and 100 Mallard didn’t inspire me to persist and I retired from the field early to listen to Kent’s 20/20 exploits on the radio

25th July

I joined Marc briefly on the ramp on my way to work. A similar variety of wader as the previous evening was still present but the highlight was a juvenile Med Gull which was my first in the valley this year. I returned for a longer stint after work and notched up 18 Green Sandpipers, one Common Sandpiper, 2 LRPs, 6 Ruff, one Greenshank, 185 Black-headed Gulls 2 Common Gulls and a single Little Egret

(Brendan Ryan)

I arrived at Grove Ferry this morning at 4.15am and birded the area until 8.15am before retiring home for breakfast. I made visits to the new Green hide, Harrisons hide but spent most of my time on the ramp. A little quieter today but still a good selection of waders to be seen. The following made the notebook today. 5 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 1 Curlew was on the main pool at dawn, 3 Hobby over the green hide hawking at 4.39am, 10 Ruff, 17 Green Sandpiper, 4 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 2 Water Rail. There were 5 Marsh Harrier, 1 Turtle Dove, 5 Lesser black backed Gull present, 3 Common Tern, 2 Greenshank, 85 Black headed Gull present, 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull on the main pool 8am at least, Brendan arrived at the right time and duly added it to his year list, 2 Common Gull, 1 Snipe, c200 Lapwing, 1 Green woodpecker, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker and 3 Goldfinch. 4 small parties of Bearded Tits were encountered today as well as a few Reed and Sedge Warblers still feeding young.
(Marc Heath)

24th July

Encouraged by Marc sightings of Curlew Sandpiper and Whinchat, both which would have been year ticks, I left work early for Grove Ferry. Sadly I encounter neither targets but there were lots of birds present. The numbers and variety of waders were encouraging and raised hope that the excellent spring passage might be matched by a good showing in the autumn. Waders included 10 Ruff, 9 Green Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 163 Lapwings, 3 LRPs, 2 Greenshank and 4 Golden Plovers. Gulls included 88 Black-headed Gulls, one Common Gull and 4 Lesser Black-backs. Returning to the ramp for one last look for the Curlew Sandpiper, I found that the gull flock had been joined by 2 superb adult summer plumage Little Gulls, the first of the year in the valley.

(Brendan Ryan)

I had arranged to meet Phil at the ramp at Grove at 10am this morning for a few hours birding in the lovely sunshine. Green Sandpipers could be heard as I approached the ramp and I remained optimistic that something good might have dropped in. A scan to the right hand pool revealed a smart partial summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper. The bird fed actively with Green Sandpipers but occasionally was lost to view behind the small island. The other highlight today was a cracking juvenile Whinchat which had been found earlier by Sue Morton outside Harrisons hide. The bird gave good scope views but never came to close for any photos. Other birds noted when the excitement calmed down where 15 Green Sandpiper, 4 Little Egret, 4 Marsh Harrier, 6 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 3 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 89 Black headed Gull present, 2 Common Gull present and 3 Common Tern. There were 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk and only 2 Bearded Tits seen.

(Marc Heath & Phil Parker)

23rd July

I made an early morning visit to Grove Ferry arriving at 5am and stayed until 7.45am when I departed for my last day of work for a few weeks, yippee! There was a good selection of waders this morning and the water levels at Harrisons were encouraging with the pool at least half full, evidence of water being let in. 21 Green Sandpiper were noted with 16 present from Harrisons, also 1 Black tailed Godwit, 3 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 1 Snipe, 2 summer plumaged Dunlin, 8 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper from the main pool and a partial summer plumaged Spotted Redshank appeared from the right hand pool and landed on the main pool for c10 minutes before flying North at 7.29am. Other birds noted included 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk,  1 Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 6 Marsh Harrier including 4 juveniles, 5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Turtle Dove, 2 Common Tern, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Great crested Grebe. There was 2 Water Rail, 1 juvenile, 2 Jay, 2 Chiffchaff, 61 Black headed Gull present, 3 adult Common Gull present, 2 Bearded Tit and 93 Lapwing. I made another brief visit mid morning and was rewarded with the first 4 returning Golden Plover, later I saw 11 in the afternoon. The highlight though was the sound of a Crossbill calling as it flew West at 10.40am over the ramp area, unfortunately I did not see it.

(Marc Heath)

21st July

I decided to take a run during a free lesson at school today. I made my way around Westbere lakes and into Fordwich before re-tracing my steps and back to work, about 5 miles. Not much on the bird front with only 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Jay, 1 Bearded Tit, Common Terns heard over Fordwich lake and a small party of Long tailed Tits noted. After work I cycled down to Grove to see what was about, not alot but c108 Lapwing, 24 Black headed Gull present, 2 Common Gull present, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper seemed to be new in, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff and 4 Marsh Harrier. There was 1 Kestrel, 3 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker and 3 Common Tern.

(Marc Heath)

A photo of the Red-backed Shrike has been added to the report of the 15th

20th July

After the excitement of yesterdays Stork it was a little more of the mundane today in the company of Steve Ashton, Alan Ashdown & Pete Solly, while Marc only stayed a short while before leaving to look for Spot Flys at Wickhambreaux. As it would seem that the valley is now extending out to other areas such as East Blean and Seaton it seems only right to add a Grey Wagtail photo from Seaton today with some more Black Stork from yesterday, see the link on the usual Grove Kingfisher from today. At Grove today were, 7 Green Sandpipers (8+ yesterday), 6 Ruff (7 yesterday), 2 Turtle Doves, 9 Marsh Harriers, yesterday there were 13, nine were juveniles, 1 Kingfisher and 5 Little Egrets. There were, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Common Gull, 2 Stock Doves, 2 Hobbies, 1 of yesterdays four Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, 1 Redshank and along the entrance path 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Chiffchaff. A Whimbrel flew north over the ramp at 7.15 and there were 3 of yesterdays four juvenile Little-ringed Plovers, 1000+ Swifts, 2 Bearded Tits, 6 Pied Wagtails, 18 Black-headed Gulls and a troop of 8 Dunlin flew north past the Green Hide and over the hill towards Chislet.

(Martyn Wilson)

19th July

With the Black Stork a much needed bird for most of us, we arrived at the ramp at Grove early morning in the hope that the bird would be seen in the valley. We logged the usual Ruff, Green Sandpiper and 4 Black tailed Godwit when a call from Brendan had us rushing to Collards to twitch a male Ruddy Duck, I know this sounds sad but they are getting rare these days here. We all ticked the Duck and watched a Whimbrel fly over amongst the c1000 Swifts when the pager alerted us that the Black Stork had been refound at Seaton. Martyn 'Lewis Hamilton' Wilson soon fled the scene with myself pushing for first place with Phil Parker chugging along behind somewhere! We arrived a few minutes later and within a few seconds had excellent views of this Kent mega sat in a tree. Just before I departed It took flight fom a ditch allowing all the happy snappers the chance they had waited for. It slowly gained height before it was lost to view. I hoped that I could get it on the valley list as I drove home but I could not see it on my drive through. An excellent twitch and nice to see all the Kent birders who you don't normally bump into except for occasions like these.

(Marc Heath, Martyn Wilson, Alan Ashdown & Phil Parker)

18th July

 I saw a Black Stork from Stodmarsh at 14:45 this afternoon. It was soaring over Undertrees Farm and gave good scope views from the path from the Marsh Hide towards Stodmarsh. The bird then flew slowly (but high) in the direction of Grove.

17th July

I had a few hours in the valley at various points of the day in between work. The highlight was a Red Kite that I picked up over Hersden Industrial estate. It stayed around for a few minutes before flying North towards Chislet mid morning. Other birds included 5 Ruff, 4 Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Bearded Tit, 5 common Tern, 11 Black headed Gull present with small groups moving West, 3 Common Gull present, 2 adults, 1 Water Rail, 1 juvenile Cuckoo and 2 Skylark. There were 10 Marsh Harrier including 7 juvenile birds, 3 Green Woodpecker, 5 Green Sandpiper, 3 Kestrel, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 juvenile Little ringed Plover, 1 Hobby, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, c340 Lapwing, c250 Sand Martin moving West with small groups of Swift. There were a few juvenile Swallow's around Harrisons hide.

(Marc Heath)

16th July

I made an attampt after work tonight to try to relocate the Shrike that had been seen yesterday. I spent some time scanning every bush and tree in the area but with no luck. The last two Red backed Shrikes in the valley have stayed for a few days so hopefully it will be found in the next day or so. The following was seen for compensation. c174 Lapwing, 2 Grey Heron, 38 Black headed Gull present, 30 Greylag Geese, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 singing Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 5 Ruff, 1 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Snipe, 1 Greenshank and 2 Bearded Tits heard in the reedbed. Small groups of Swift and Sand Martin were present around the reserve.

(Marc Heath)

15th July

At last, July has woken up! A male Red backed Shrike was seen this evening at c7.30pm 100yds North of the ramp at Grove Ferry along the footpath by the river. A few of us made an attempt once we got the news but did not find the bird. I believe the observer got a photo or two so hopefully watch this space!

13th July

A very quiet day in the valley recording pretty much the same as yesterday with, 2 Turtle Doves, 4 Little Egrets, at least 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 duck Pochards, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Kingfisher and a 2-4 Bearded Tits heard. No sign today of the drake Red-crested Pochard. There were again many Swifts and Sand Martins plus 2 Swallows (1 adult & 1 juvenile). Only 5 juvenile Marsh Harriers seen today with 2 females and 3 males also seen. There were, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Water Rails, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Ruff and  the adult Common Gull still. A smart adult summer Mediterranean Gull flew low over the reeds before gaining height and disappearing towards Stodmarsh, while roosting were 17 Black-headed Gulls. Also today were, 4 Common Terns, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Stock Doves and a good scattering of Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers. Butterflies on the wing today were, 1 Peacock. 15+ Large Whites and 20 odd Meadow Browns plus a single Black-tailed Skimmer representing the Dragonfly section.

(Martyn Wilson & Marc Heath)

12th July

A mornings birding at Grove Ferry  with water levels on the two pools a little higher than of late, good news one hopes. At Grove today were, 7+ Green Sandpipers, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Grey Herons, 32 Teal, 3 Turtle Doves, 4 Stock Doves, 3 Tufted Ducks and 3 Little Egrets (1 juvenile). There were many Sedge and Reed Warblers with families and the eclipse Red-crested Pochard is still frequenting the Green Hide pool, also there 1 Great-crested Grebe and 2 female Pochards. There was 1 Redshank, 5 Common Terns, 2 Water Rails, 2 Pied Waghtails, 1 Cuckoo and 13 Marsh Harriers including 8 juveniles. Also at Grove today were, several hundred Sand Martins and 1000+ Swifts as well as, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Whimbrel over, 5 Linnets, 1 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 3 Ringed Plovers and 1 Snipe. Other bits and pieces included, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Gull, 22 Black-headed Gulls, 1 juvenile Little-ringed Plover, a couple of heard Bearded Tits, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Hobby, 2 Kestrels, 1 Jay and 457 Lapwings. Marc left at 10.15 so I travelled around the valley looking for Spotted Flycatcher leaving Steve walking the circuit.  I stopped at many sights including Westbere, Fordwich, Higham Farm, Stodmarsh etc but no luck with any Flycatchers although I did find a Little Owl chick at its nest and there were several Chaffinch, Linnets and House Sparrows noted.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath & Steve Ray)

8th July

Another day, another quiet visit to Grove. July can be like this but last July had us seeing Cattle Egret, Red backed Shrike and Little Tern to name a few. Hopefully some quality will appear in the next few days. The water had risen again from the main pool but little was seen from there. I managed to not the following after work: c90 Lapwing, 4 Common Tern, 1 Hobby, c15 black headed Gull present, the eclipse drake Red crested Pochard still from the new green hide, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Bearded Tit. Good numbers of Sand Martin were around the green hide and there appeared to be a steady movement of Swifts West. In Grove car park 2 juvenile House Sparrows were being fed.

(Marc Heath)

7th July

With a bit of rain in the last 24 hours, I decided to pay Grove a visit to see whether any water had made it into the pools, it had. The ramp and Harrisons seemed to have filled up a bit and with some rain forecast in the next few days, this might give the birds somewher to feed. The following were noted after work: 2 Cuckoo, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 18 Black headed Gull present, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 juvenile, 6 Greylag Geese, 1 Common Tern, 2 Pochard, the eclipse Red crested Pochard continues to haunt the green hide pool, 1 Hobby, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Green Sandpiper and 1 Pied Wagtail summed up a quiet visit.

(Marc Heath)

6th July

Another morning at Grove Ferry with Marc until 8.00am and Alan & Steve until 1.00pm with most of the time spent in the hide formerly known as green, with the ramp and Harrison's visited a few times. Bird s at Grove today were, 7+ Green Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, a partial eclipse drake Wigeon (an early returning bird), 5 Common Terns, 1 female Pochard and the now rather drap looking eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard. There were several Swifts on the move plus 1 Turtle Dove, 2 drake Tufted Ducks, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 1 Bearded Tit, 4 Little Egrets, 1 Great-crested Grebe and 5 Marsh Harriers just one juvenile flexing it's wings today. Also today was, another westerly passage of Sand Martins, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 13 Teal, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Linnets, 1 Swallow, 3 Grey Herons and just before leaving 2 summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwits dropped onto the left pool from the ramp where 28 Black-headed Gulls were rtoosting.

(Martyn Wilson)

5th July

Grove Ferry today in the company of Alan Ashdown, Marc Heath, Phil Parker, Pete Solly, Steve Ray & Steve Ashton, there were at least 5 Green Sandpipers, an eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 3 Little-ringed Plovers (1 juv), 2 Water Rails, 2 Blackcaps, a couple of Whitethroats and 1 of each Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. There were, 4 Common Terns, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Kestrels, 3 Little Egrets, just 1 male Bearded Tit,  5 adult Marsh Harriers with the first two juveniles making   few short flights from the Savi's Corner pair and a Hobby at 5.15am. Several Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers have fledged youngsters as well as Reed Buntings and at least 2 juvenile Cetti,s at the hide formerly known as green. There were 3 female Pochards, 1 Jay, 3 Greenshakns, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Tufted Ducks and 13 Black-headed Gulls roosting on the left pool. A trickle of Sand Martins were moving west  and there was just 1 Swallow and half a dozen Swifts.

(Martyn Wilson)

3rd July

I made my first visit of the month to Grove early this morning in the hope of a July 'special' but it did not happen. The ramp continues to dry and only a few birds were seen. The following made the book: 6 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Tern, 4 Bearded Tit, 1 drabby Red crested Pochard, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little ringed Plover and 3 Linnet. There was 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Blackcap, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greenshank and plenty of Reed and Sedge Warbler action. On the Butterfly front, plenty of Meadow Brown on the wing and the first Marbled White of the year along the entrance track.

(Marc Heath)

1st July

Although not in the valley, I made a trip to East Blean woods after work today in search of Butterflies. In the car park I noted 2 Heath Fritillary with c5 seen later, 10+ Ringlet, 3 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, 1 Comma, 1 Purple Hairstreak high in the oaks, 10+ Meadow Brown, 1 Red Admiral and 1 White Admiral .

(Marc Heath)