junesightings2008a

I arrived at Grove this morning at 4.30am where Martyn was already positioned at the ramp looking at the mud. We spent a few hours wandering the reserve. The following being noted: 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Little ringed Plover, 2 Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, c11 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 5+ Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 drake Red crested Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, c20 Gadwall, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Cetti's Warbler and 3 juvenile Bearded Tits.

Another uneventful morning in the valley where again English Nature seem determined to kill of birds! They have now trampsed throygh the reeds without any care for Reed or Sedge Warblers, Beared Tits or Reed Buntings etc, etc, and erected an unsightly metal gate. The pools now are so dry that Bedouin's are set to make camp, the Cuckoo's have all but given up and the two breeding pairs of Little-ringed Plovers are no more. Compare this site to thelikes of Minsmere and it makes you feel proud of the excellent management, NOT!

At Grove Ferry today were, 6 Green Sandpipers, 5 Common Terns, 2 Cuckoo's, 6 Grey Herons, 3 Kestrels, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Marsh Harriers, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Ringed Plovers The first of 5 Hobbies was seen at 5.11am and 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew over and left towards Reculver with a look of contempt on there sullen faces, what no water. There were, a few Swifts feeding low, 1 of each Swallow and House Martin and a couple of Sand Martins. Steve Ray captured a Lesser Whitethroat on camera at Stodmarsh plus another was singing in the Paddock. There was 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Ruff, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 1 female Common Pochard, A distant Common Buzzard aws seen out towards Collard's plus there were 3 Sparrowhawks, 2 Turtle Doves, and just 1 Bearded Tit.

(Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Steve Ashton, Stevae Ray, Alan Asahdown & Phil Parker)

I spent an hour at Grove before work in the hope of one of our missing target species for the year, the Spoonbill. This was not to be. The water levels are frustratingly low and some water needs to be let in badly before all hope is lost of any more waders. The following were noted: 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 drake Red crested Pochard, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Cuckoo, 6 Black headed Gull present, 1 Ruff, 4 Common Tern, c50 Lapwing, 2 Grey Heron and 2 Marsh Harrier. There was 4 Bearded Tit, 2 Turtle Dove, 4 Little Egret, 1 Little ringed Plover, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Water Rail, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Kestrel. On the Butterfly front, I saw my first 5+ Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath and there was also 2 Red Admiral.

From the ramp at 2.50, 7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ruff. Red Crested Pochard at Green hide.

I had no intention of going birding today but false hope was created by a Crossbill flying over my garden earlier evening so I foolishly set off to Grove hoping that the event might be repeated there. Needless to say no Crossbills were seen, but I did encounter 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little Egrets and 51 Lapwings. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still in front of the green tinged hide along with 36 Gadwall and a single Gt-cr Grebe. At least 4 Cuckoos were present including three together in one bush and another feeding on caterpillars along Harrison’s Drove. The only think new was an ugly metal gate which has appeared in front of the ramp.

Another uneventful day in the valley had me arriving at 3.30am with Marc just behind at 3.45, Skylarks seemed to be in good voice approaching the ramp, but with the main pool drying quicker than super glue on your fingers, all the water backed up at the hide formerly known as green therefore nowt but a couple of scabby ducks and the dust bowl that is Harrison's poolnot a great deal made the note book. Last week I made a complaint about trampling of pathside vegetation to see a Grasshopper Warbler but this pales into insignificance when you see that Natural England have willfully vandalised the reeds in front of Turf Fields Hide (the one formerly known as green) by cutting them down in the hieght of the breeding season when we know only to well that there were Sedge Warblers feeding young in the nest just in front plus some newly fledged Reed Buntings were amongst this vegetation 'BLOODY CRIMINAL'. The same has been done in front of Harrison's, WHY? Apart from murdered Sedge Warblers and singing Skylarks, at Grove today were, 6 Grey Herons, 1 Bittern, 3 Cuckoo's (including the hepatic bird), 5 Little Egets, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 4 Turtle Doves. A Kingfisher made a brief stop on the apparantly abandoned dipping pool posts and there were, 5 Marsh Harriers, 3 Common Terns, 1 Ruff, 3+ Green Sandpipers, 3 Kestrels, 1 Greenshank and 1 drake Red-crested Pochard. Also, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 9 Tufted Ducks, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 82 Lapwings, 1 female Pochard, 3 Stock Doves, 1 Shelduck, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Teal and a Black-tailed Godwit west at 7.00am. A few Swifts were seen, a small group of House Martins over the White House and just 1 Swallow past the ramp. Bored I drove down to Fordwich to look for Spotted Flycatcher and stopped at several places between Fordwich and Grove including Trenleypark Wood and Collard's without success. Back at Grove I met Mike Gould at the entrance and we made our way to the hide formerly known as green to meet Steve Ashton and it is there we spent the next two & half hours until 1.00pm testing camera settings and adapters. The only new bird added here was a single Hobby.

A much quieter day in the valley with absolutely no sign of the White-rumped Sandpiper all morning nor yesterdays Black-tailed Godwit. It would seem a lot has moved out with just a few regulars left. At Grove Ferry today were, 3 Cuckoo's, 2 Redshank, the drake Red-crested Pochard, 7 Grey Herons, 2 Hobbies, 7+ Little Egrets, 5 Marsh Harriers and 4 Little-ringed Plovers. There were, 14 Teal, 8 Tufted Ducks, 1 Lesser & 1 Common Whitethroat, 124 Lapwings, 3 Turtle Doves, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Water Rails, 4 Common Terns, 2 Bearded Tits and up to 7 Green Sandpipers. Also at Grove were, 2 fly through Curlews, 1 Greenshank, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Snipe, 1 Great-crested Grebe, a 'rusty & black breeding plumaged Ruff as well as small numbers of Swift, Swallow, House & Sand Martins. Marc & Phil left to check out Trenley in hope of a Crossbill or two, but alas none were foumd but they did see briefly, and contact calls heard, an Icterine or Melodious Warbler. Unfortunately this bird did not hang round and had moved through by the time Brendan (who was at Fordwich) and the rest of us at the ramp made it up there. Compesation was seen in the form of a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker and a family party of 5+ Coal Tits.

A green shoulder bag containing the remains of someone's lunch and a tide table for Southend was found on the ramp this afternoon and taken into care by Nigel Jarman. To reunite yourself with the bag but possible not the left over lunch, contact Nigel on 07866 833 968

I made 2 visits into the valley today, before and after work. I quickly located the White rumped Sandpiper on the right hand pool from the ramp where it showed well to the crowd but always distant. The drake Red crested Pochard was present along with c8 Little Egrets, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Little ringed Plover, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Marsh Harrier. After work the Sandpiper had a brief excursion to the main pool where in the light it showed very well but again a little distant for photos. I met Pete Laslett there who confirmed that yesterday he had seen a Temmincks Stint from the right hand pool in the morning.

Not quite Stour Valley but the local White Stork glided low West over my head at 0930 as I drove past Bridge on the A2 this morning.

This year is turning out to be something special in the Stour Valley and today was no different. I made a brief visit to Grove before work and noted a small wader on the right hand pool. I had barely focused the scope when it flew over the reeds towards Harrisons. I did catch though what I believed to be a 'white rump' and this sent alarm bells ringing of a White rumped Sandpiper. Not sure of any ID, I returned frustratingly to work. I returned after work and found the small wader straight away, through the haze I thought I was looking at a Stint but alot of the features were incorrect. The Hindle family arrived and were put onto the bird. After some serious scoping and chatting my thought were confirmed with a summer plumaged White rumped Sandpiper (see distant record shot). I made the necessary phone calls and soon was joined by Martyn and Steve. This was a valley tick for me and continues this excellent run of birds. Other birds noted included the drake Red crested Pochard, 8 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Snipe, 6 Shoveler, 23 Lapwing, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little ringed Plover and 1 Ringed Plover. Whatever will turn up next.

I was in North Yorkshire when Marc called to tell me about the White-rumped Sandpiper but I managed to get back in time to see it this evening. This is the third record for Grove, with previous records in Oct 2000 and July 2002. Also present this evening were 3 Green Sandpipers, one Greenshank and 2 LRPs

Grove Ferry today, Little Egret 3, Bittern 1 "Booming", Marsh Harrier 1 M, Hobby 3 (1 imm), Kestrel 1, Shelduck 2, Gadwall 2, Shoveler 1F, Tufted Duck 6 (1 F looking very ginger!!), Red-crested Pochard 1M now on right lagoon from ramp, Lapwing 110, Redshank 1, Ringed Plover 4, Avocet 2.
Much noise from several displaying Greenfinches otherwise usual passerines. No sign of Gropper apart from 2 lots of trodden down reeds. Do people have to touch the birds now?

Alan must have had his days confused, as when I arrived at 3.20 this morning he was already there. We made our way straight to Harrison's where we met Rick Smith whom had been there since 3.00am but there was no sound of yesterdays Spotted Crake, but, the Bittern could be heard towrds the Marsh Hide. The Grasshopper Warbler was still present along the footpath between the Ramp and the River but less showy today. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT SOME PEOPLE, BIRDERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO KNOWS, DIDN'T THINK IT SHOWED WELL ENOUGH AND HAD TO TRAMPLE VEGETATION TO GET A BETTER LOOK!! Please keep the footpaths and not disturb the resident breeders. IT SHOWS WELL, so what if a piece of grass is in shot, you wouldn't like us to suppress anything would you? At Grove Ferry also today were, 5 Cuckoo's including the hepatic female, 3 Green Sandpipers, 7 Little Egrets, 7 Pochard, 1 drake Red-crested Pochard, 2 Great-crested Grebes and 16 Teal. There were, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Marsh Harriers, 3 Common Terns, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2Turtle Doves, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Shelduck. Also still many Reed & Sedge Warblers singing plus 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Avocets, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Snipe, 11 Grey Herons, 4 Bearded Tits and 3 Hobbies. Several Sand Martins were feeding low but just a handfull of Swifts, 3 House Martins a a single Swallow. Joining us today for short whiles were, Brendan, Steve's Ashton & Ray, Rick Smith and Marc Heath.

(Martyn Wilson & Alan Ashdown)

Returned to Grove this evening in the hope of catching up with the singing Spotted Crake. Unfortunately the crake did not oblige but the Barn Owl performed well, along Harrison’s and the Gropper was still singing away. On the wader front there were two each of Ringed and little Ringed Plovers and a single Green Sandpiper. 5 Little Egrets flew towards Stodmarsh at dusk

(Brendan Ryan)

I went back to Grove this evening to get some better pics of the gropper. It was still present, along with the usual mix of "hepatic" female Cuckoo, Hobby, Turtle Dove, blah - blah - blah....... A 1st summer Mediterranean Gull flew over at 19.10hrs, circling briefly,. before continuing north over Upstreet.

Oh what a night, late... oops its June but yes what a night. Out of a group of us, arranged by Alan Ashdown, just Marc and I spent a second night in the Stour Valley, starting at 7.45pm on 13th and finishing at 1.00pm on 14th, although we were joined by Steve Ashton, Phil Parker and Brendan at various stages of the morning. A much quieter night as far as bird song goes (not a single Nightingale) but, some good quality was had. Recorded during this session were, 6 Little Egrets, 5 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 6 Cuckoo's (1 hepatic), 113 Lapwings, 1 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper and 2 Avocets. A single Hobby in the evening with 7 seen on the 14th, 3 over Fordwich/Westbere. There were 7 Marsh Harriers, 3 Bearded Tits, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 drake Red-crested Pochard and a very showy but often abscured Grasshopper Warbler. A single Long-eared Owl chick was heard as well as adult contact calls plus an adult hunting along Middle Drove. A Grey Partridge was singing behind Harrison's Drove Hide. There were, 3 Water Rails, 1 Little Owl, 1 Barn Owl (3.40), 3 Tawny Owls (1 cute fluffy chick), 1 booming Bittern and a singing Spotted Crake at the top of Harrison's at 3.50. Also there were, 8 Grey Herons, a Bar-headed Goose out with 2 Greylags at 4.35, 3 Shelduck, 5 Turtle Doves, 3 Whitethroats, 8 Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Garganey, 6 Pochards, 3 Jays, 5 Pied Wagtails (3 juvs), 1 Kingfisher, 18 Teal, 1 Green Woodpecker and a Curlew west at 7.19. A few Swifts were present with small numbers of Sand Martin and even less House Martins and Swallows. We had 2 Snipe, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Stock Doves, 1 Chiffchaff, my first Red-legged Partridge of the year calling at Collard's plus several Greenfinch and Chaffinch with a scattering of Linnets. Non-avian included 2 Foxes, 1 Noctual Bat, 5+ Pipistril Bats, 2 Speckled Wood Butterflies and a few Damselfly spp.

Called into Grove en route to work. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still present along with single Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, 99 Lapwings and one Little Egret, Earlier a Peregrine flew over Collard's. In the evening on the way home there were 2 Avocets from the ramp along with one Greenshank, one LRP and 2 Ringed Plovers

The quality continues! I received a text from Brendan this morning alerting me that he had found a Pectoral Sandpiper from the ramp at Grove Ferry. I arrived around lunchtime in pouring rain but soon picked out this rare wader on the back of the main pool. I didn't stay long but 1 Wood Sandpiper and 6 Ringed Plover were also seen. After work in better weather I made another visit hoping to get some better views. Martyn was already there 'twitching' this goodie and good views were had by all. Other birds noted included the 6 Ringed Plover still, 4 Redshank, 2 Little ringed Plover, 1 Little Egret, c74 Lapwing, 2 Shelduck, 4 Tufted Duck and 2 Marsh Harrier. The drake Red crested Pochard showed well from the 'new' hide and Phil was elated with his patch tick. 1 Water rail was seen, 1 Kingfisher briefly on the post from the hide and a few Sand Martin and Swift busily feeding around the reserve. A fox was seen carrying a Mole which was a surprise to us all.

A Great white Egret was seen flying flying West from the ramp at Grove Ferry at 5.30pm before finally dropping down in the Westbere area.

I had a couple of hours to kill between meetings so I elected to do a quick tour of the valley. Upon arriving at Grove I could hear a Grasshopper Warbler singing as I walked along the entrance track. I tracked it down to a clump of teasels near the river, from where it gave excellent views. I checked the pools from the bottom of the ramp as it is easier from there to see into the corner of the main pool where many of the waders have been this spring. I could see a medium sized wader looking straight at me. I couldn’t immediately put a name to it and I knew it was worth closer investigation. From a better vantage point at the top of the ramp its identity was immediately apparent, in the form of a summer plumage Pectoral Sandpiper, my ninth for the valley since 1999. Other birds noted in my brief visit included 7 Ringed Plovers and single LRP and Redshank. At Collard's the only thing of note were 4 Sarganauts who were promptly re-directed to Grove. Another good day at the office!

There was an Osprey at Stodmarsh at 1130 am 11 June which circled for about 5 minutes but did not dive for fish. However it reappeared at 1145 carrying a fish and flew north. At 1205 a "tatty" Red Kite (moulting inner primaries) flew low from the Grove ferry end and spiralled over the marsh hide until it disappeared into the clouds (we were by the marsh hide).
(Peter Heathcote, David Johnson, Robert Brooks)

A brief pre work visit to Grove produced 3 Little Ringed Plovers, one Ringed Plover, 48 Lapwings and 2 Little Egrets. Meanwhile the Osprey was reported on the pager as being at Stodmarsh at 1.20 before drifting east

I called in briefly at the ramp on the way home from work. Lapwing numbers had increased sharply with around 94 birds present. Other waders included 2 Little Ringed Plovers, one Ringed Plover and a single Green Sandpiper. 17 Black-headed Gulls along with the Lapwings gave the main pool a very busy feel. Star bird of the evening was an Osprey with flew from Stodmarsh over the ramp and off east at 6.30. Amazingly this is only my 4th Osprey in the valley in nearly 20 years of visiting the site. Needless to say I was well pleased.

The male Red footed Falcon was reported over the Lampen wall at midday according to the RBA pager.

An evening visit to Grove from 8.00 to 10.30 proved reasonably productive. Waders included single Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Greenshank and at least one Green Sandpiper. A single Little Egret was on the main pool. A Barn Owl and Long-eared Owl were hunting in fields along Harrison’s Drove in reasonable light and both providing excellent views. A Hobby was also hunting in the same area. Finally the Red-crested Pochard was showing well from the hide formally known as the Green Hide

I had an hour sunbathing at the ramp at Grove after work for an hour with a quick visit also made to the 'new' Turf field hide and Harrisons. The following were logged: 3 Marsh Harrier, 6 Black tailed Godwit, 5 Shelduck, 1 Little ringed Plover, 4 Common Tern, c67 Lapwing, 16 Teal,12 Tufted Duck, c21 Black headed Gull present, 2 Little Egret, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Cuckoo, 7 Hobby, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Pochard. The drake Red crested Pochard was showing well from the 'new' hide, 1 Kestrel, 2 Bearded Tit, 1 Water Rail, 2 Great crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Cetti's Warbler and a few Sand Martin and Swift around the reserve.

The Female Red-footed Falcon was feeding high over Collards with 12+ Hobbies at 12.15. Also just outside the recording area a White Stork was feeding with a mixed large gull flock on land actively being harrowed by tractor at Seaton 1.30 to 3.00pm. Could be seen from path along Little Stour looking down the Wingham river.

Both the imm male Red footed Falcon and a probable first summer female bird were both seen today at Collards.

The adult female Red-footed Falcon, or another, was seen at Grove Ferry this afternoon. See photo link

I was at Collard's 1515 to 1615, imm male Red-foot, 15+ Hobby, 2 Marsh harrier and a Common Buzzard.

The forecast better weather didn't happen until after I went home at 11.30 (family dinner), so not such a good a day as yesterday. Steve Ray and I went straight to Harrison's hide at 4.00am where we were lucky enough to encounter 3 Garganey (2 drakes & a duck). We then headed back to the ramp via hide formerly known as Green then a complete circuit through Stodmarsh and back for 8.15 where we met Marc & Brendan. Ten minutes after Marc left (8.30ish) Steve spotted a raptor coming in from the Chislet direction, a Red Kite south west over the ramp then west up the valley at 8.37. This Red Kite was a little scrffy brownish looking bird with a couple of primary feathers missing, but the deep forked russet tail was very evident even in the gloomy light of the morning. A good contrast to yesterdays feather perfect Black Kite that the three of us had seen. Also in the valley today were many Reed & Sedge Warblers, at least 4 Cuckoo's, 7 Great-crested Grebes, 11 Common Terns, 9 Teal, 14 Tufted Ducks, 6 Marsh Harriers, 1 Little Egret and 5 Turtle Doves. There were, 4 Grey Herons, 11 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Garden Warblers, 12+ Long-tailed Tits, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Shelduck, 4 Blackcaps and 5 Chiffchaffs. From the Lampen Wall the Bittern could be heard booming at Collard's and there were, 2 Jays, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Greenshank, 1 Bar-headed Goose, 3 Stock Doves, 1 Kingfisher, and three of 5 Hobbies today were roosting at the Alder Wood, a 4th at Marsh Hide and the 5th in a tree at Collard's later. There were, 48 Lapwings (return passage has started), 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 drake Pochard, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 3 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel and a little flurry of Sand Martins. I spent the last 45mins at Collard's where 2 more Kesrels were noted the afore mentioned Hobby and a couple of Common Terns. Also many more, but not great numbers, of Swifts and hirundines. I did not connect with any Red-foots But Frank Clackett had both the immature male & adult female Red-footed Falcons not long after i'd gone. After Brendan had left Steve Ashton joined us at the ramp for a while before moving on to the hide formerly known as Green to take some (as usual) excellent photographs, including the drake Red-crested Pochard.

What a day, if I can use that phrase again after just a week?. What started of as a dull, damp, drizzly morning was brightened up by the appearance of yet another addition to the valley list during this recent purple patch, with some good quality birds being noted. At 11.30am at Collard's, Steve Ray pointed out a male Marsh Harrier flying towards the wooded area at the top of the road south of Greater Puckstone Farm, TR207600, when I noticed another raptor circling not far beyond. This bird was a Black Kite, seen well by myself, Brendan, Steve Ray and David Brown, as it circled above the wood drifted of west and then north/west over Westbere. Then at 1.30pm I picked out the sub-adult male Red-footed Falcon in a dead tree in Collard's Lake and at 2.25 the adult female Red-footed Falcon was located, with both birds together in the same tree for a short while. Also 3 Hobbies were there and several hundred+ Swifts. Leading up to these great moments in valley birding, during my 12 hour stint (3.25am-3.40pm), we also had recorded, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Tawny Owl, 5 Grey Herons, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Great-crested Grebes (at Grove), 8+ Common Terns, 11 Tufted Ducks, 3 Shelducks and 6+ Cettis Warblers. There were, 2 Water Rails, a pair of Pochards, 1 Kingfisher, 3 drake Teal and a cracking drake Red-crested Pochard on the main pool at Grove. While sitting out the drizzle in (new) Green Hide it was evident many birds had chicks as Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers were watched just out to the front of the hide, carrying food in and faetal sacs out, plus a family of 5 Bearded Tits between this hide and the ramp. Also at Grove today were, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 1 drake Garganey, 1 Pied Wagtail, 7 Marsh Harriers and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. While at Stodmarsh, additions to the days tally were, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay and several hirundines that were mostly Sand Martins with just a few House Martins and Swallows, although more of the last two were seen later at Collard's.

Out to a dull, damp and drizzly Stodmarsh this morning. Few birds inevidence - a mixed flock of 30 odd hirundines and a handful of Swift low over the water, 3 Marsh Harrier, a couple of Cuckoos and the usual cacophony of warblers. A particularly sharp downpour meant a hasty retreat to shelter in the Tower Hide. At 10:40 an egret flew over the main pool - a quick check in the bins proved it to be a Great-white Egret not the expected Little! The illusion that the rain was lifting sent us off to the Stodmarsh road to check Collards, but by the time we got there it was clear the rain wasn't about to give up its grip. After several careful scans a only few Common Terns, but no Hobby, were seen. With the drizzling continuing, we stopped off at 'Cow Corner' in the optimistic hope that the Great White Egret mightjust be in view - astonishingly it was! It was hulking in a distant drainage ditch, but not too far to prevent seeing the yellow bill.
(John Cantelo & John Bartlett)

This is turning out to be some year as far as quality goes. I received a text from John mid morning alerting me to the news of the Egret. At lunchtime I checked the phone again and another text from John had me rushing for the car keys and driving up to cow corner. I only had binoculars with me but the Great white Egret was easily picked out on the water meadows, although views were somewhat distant. The locals were all contacted including Sue Morton who thankfully took her camera to record the occasion (see below).

After a text message from John Cantelo hat he'd had a Great-white Egret over the lake at Stodmarsh and another later to say it was at Cow Corner, I left work at 1.45 and headed into the Valley. At 2.00pm I was at Cow Corner (in the rain) scoping a distant breedding plumaged Great-white and watched it for 45minutes before it took flight and towards Fordwich where it appeared to drop down at the back of Fordwich lakes where it backs onto Westbere marshes. A short stop at Collard's (still raining) I connected with the adult female Red-footed Falcon sitting in a dead tree at 3.00pm before it joined 3 Hobbies hawking the east end of Collard's Lake. Thanks for the text John.

A tour around the valley this evening was a little quiet compared to recent days. Highlight was a drake Red-crested Pochard on the lake at Stodmarsh. Bitterns were heard booming in 2 locations, there were 2 Hobbies at Collard's and Stodmarsh and 3 at Grove, 2 Grey Partridge at Grove plus LRP and Wood Sandpipers heard in the dark

A brief visit to Collards this evening (19:00 - 20:00) produced distant views of 2 Red-footed Falcons ( female and not fully Ad male) hawking over the reedbed and occasionally perched in the dead trees. Alslo present up to 10 Hobbies and a distant Barn Owl hunting along the slopes beyond the tip on the Hersden side of the river.
(Norman McCanch)

At 13:10 today I had a White Stork high over Canterbury City Centre. It circled slowly heading NE over the Cathedral and heading along the valley. It was being casually mobbed by a couple of Herring Gulls.

The Stour Valley birding just keeps getting better and better. I spent a few hours in the valley today visiting Collards and Stodmarsh reserve. The Whiskered Tern was seen prior to my arrival on Collards until 7.30am but was not seen again during the day. The adult female Red footed Falcon showed well on and off for most of the morning although quite distant. c15 Hobby were also in the area along with 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Marsh Harrier and 1 Sparrowhawk. At 12.40pm I picked out a large bird flying West, It was a cracking White Stork. The Stork gave good scope views before gaining height towards Canterbury.This was a Valley tick for both myself and Phil Parker. With people turing up for the bird feast it was not long before I located a Red Kite which flew in over our heads and headed North, then East down the valley. The Kite was seen again a little later high over Grove before departing. I had arranged to meet Steve Ashton late afternoon at Stodmarsh so I positioned myself on the Lampen Wall to check out whatever flew over. There were c10 Hobby flying over the Lampen Wall, I started scoping them when suddenly it happened. A superb 1st summer male Red footed falcon was just over my head, I got good scope views before chucking my rucksack off my back and grapping the camera. Without checking any settings I clicked away. I got a few 'record' shots of this beauty but you can just make out that its a Red foot I think ( see below). Had Steve been 5 minutes earlier the photos I'm sure would have been better! Other birds seen included 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Sparrowhawk, 7 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Turtle Dove, 15 Common Tern, 6 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Bittern, 2 Jay, 6 Shelduck, 1 Nightingale plus the usual common species. Magic, Magic and Magic.

I was out early this morning leaving home at 3.45am and arriving in the Valley just before 4am. I must be mad as I have a full day at work ahead of me! Birds noted at Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry included the adult Whiskered Tern on the main lake at Stodmarsh, which stayed on the posts on the far side of the lake in the drizzle and hardly moved for an hour or so. 4 Hobbies were hawking over the Lampen wall at 4.27am, 1 Bittern, 3 Cuckoo, 12 Common Tern, 2 Little Egret, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Jay, c15 Long tailed Tits and 1 Shelduck. There was 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 5 Great crested Grebe, 5+ Cetti’s Warbler, a few Blackcap singing and c10 Sand Martin seen. With new of the Red footed Falcon being seen again at collards, I decided to spend my lunch hour there. I joined a handful of birders and saw c10 Hobby, 1 Common Buzzard and the highlight was a Honey Buzzard that I picked out flying West at 1.30 - 1.37pm. Most of the other birders got on this and this continued the excellent raptors seen lately in the Valley.

2 Red footed Falcon's were seen mid afternoon at collards, a first summer male and the adult female along with 37 Hobby as reported on the RBA pagers

The Whiskered Tern spent the morning commuting between Collard’s Lake and the main lake at Stodmarsh. It spent quite some time at lunchtime sitting on the posts at the far side of the main lake. Also present were two Hobbies at Collard’s and 23 together over the Lampen Wall about 1.30. Also a Common Buzzard and three Marsh Harriers.

An early morning trip to Stodmarsh before work revealed only 1 Nightingale, 3 Cuckoo's 1 Bittern, many Sedge Warblers, 2 Turtle Doves, a few Reed Warblers and 15+ Common Terns. The first Hobbies were 2 at 4.05 then, 3 together at 4.27. also at Stodmarsh were, 2000+ Starlings out of roost at the back of the lake with a male Marsh Harrier attempting to take advantage, a female Marsh Harrier was also seen. There were, 4 Cetti's Warblers two of which were feeding a nest of youngsters just a couple of feet away from me. The Whiskered Tern appeared on it's 'usual' distant perch at the back of the lake and flew of strongly towards Collard's at 4.37 and a Sparrowhawk shot up the Lampen Wall, almost between my legs, at 4.41. Ther were 5 drake Shoveler on the lake, 1 drake Teal, 2 Great-crested Grebes, 50 Cormorants in the lakeside trees and a Little Egret towards Grove. A walk through the Alder Wood and Nature Trail on the way out revealed, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcaps and a female Bullfinch. Back in the car at 5.30 and of to work.

Both female Red-footed Falcon and adult Whiskered Tern again showing well in the drizzle over Collard's Lake between 1600 and 1700 hrs today.

The Whiskered Tern was reported early on from the main lake at Stodmarsh before moving on to Collards for the rest of the day. The female Red footed Falcon was seen again from Collards as reported from the RBA pagers.

The adult Whiskered Tern was again present at Stodmarsh, this time on the main lake. Picking it up in flight over the raft at 5.45 where it then landed at the back of the lake behind the 'Cormorant' tree on a small post. It spent the best part of an hour here before having another little fly round and then back to the post. It showed very well over the Lampen Wall, the main lake and occasionally going as far as Paddy's Bench and back with a great deal of time spent on this far away perch between 5.45 and 10.30 when we headed back to the Ramp. Although the Whiskered Tern showed very well at times, the drizzly dank weather made taking decent photographs was nigh on impossible. Also noted at Grove/Stodmarsh today were, 2 Hobbiesby the new hide (no longer green) at 4.22, 4 Cuckoo's, 3 Turtle Doves, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whitethroats,, 3 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps, 7 Cetti's and several Reed and Sedge Warblers. There were, 5 Marsh Harriers, 14+ Common Terns, 5 Great-crested Grebes, 4 Shelduck, 16+ Long-tailed Tits (one flock), 3 Grey Herons 1 Bittern, 2 Jays and a Great-spotted Woodpecker. Also today were, 2 Bearded Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe and a small amount of hirundines and Swifts plus all the usual Common stuff.

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

The adult female Red-footed Falcon was again present at Collard's this afternoon, also the adult Whiskered Tern was hawking at distance over Collard's.