We are back with our Outdoor Meetings and had a busy weekend 21st – 23rd April 2021 with 100 species recorded in challenging conditions that included three species Bittern, Willow Warbler and Cuckoo on our pre-meeting walk at Westbere.This was probably one of the most challenging weekends since my tenure as the leader as bitterly cold North-easterly winds prevailed throughout both days, becoming even stronger as the day wore on yesterday at Dungeness. It made communication difficult and every loose item had to be held onto. On a plus side it was dry the entire time.

On Friday we met in the main Car Park at Stodmarsh NNR and made our way through the wood towards the Marsh Hide, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Barn Swallow and Common Treecreepers were recorded. Bullfinch showed to some and we listened to the difference between Reed and Sedge Warbler songs (through the wind), Cetti’s Warblers were seemingly everywhere. At the flood Greenshank, Redshank and Barnacle Goose were added and we all had superb views of a determined Hobby trying to hawk insects aerially.

A lot of work has been carried out on the reserve including much clearance. The installation of benches and viewing flaps have now replaced the Harrison Drove Hide. We wondered up to the viewing ramp at Grove Ferry seeing Wheatear on route Common Snipe, Sparrowhawk and Sand Martin were all seen well and David Rumsey picked out a couple of House Martins.

We walked across to the River Stour, up the river path past the Oxbow Lakes and onto the Lampen Wall and back to the Car Park. Common Terns were back on the Pontoons but little else of note was added.

We decided to spend the final hour of our birding day near the entrance to Elmley Reserve near the Gun Club. A very elusive Cattle Egret was seen as were displaying Meadow Pipits, more Wheatears, Yellow Wagtails and several Red-legged Partridges. We finished the day on 70 species.

On Sunday we met outside the breezy Seawatch Hide at Dungeness at 8 am. Communication was difficult, but we dug in almost immediately seeing a flock of close 25+ Bar-tailed Godwits, many of them in breeding plumage. We would see them and flocks of Whimbrel throughout the day. Kittiwake, Gannet, Fulmar, Guillemot and several flocks of Common Scoter were watched as was a nice Bonxie/Great Skua and an Iceland Gull. We walked up to the patch along the shingle seeing Peregrine Falcon and a lone Red-throated Diver.

We went from there to the Bird Observatory where Dave Walker helped Mike Roser and myself out with some Bee ID. We had a walk out into the Trapping Area down the Pilot Path, along the Long Pits and around the Power Station perimeter fence line. We didn’t add anything new but yet more Wheatears.

Next up was the reserve. We drove down Dengemarsh Road and entered it from the rear, walking up to the flooded Hayfields where we saw a few species of wader, including Dunlin in breeding plumage, Common Swifts buzzed over close by and our first Lesser Whitethroats of the year were recorded as well as another pair of Hobby.

Some of us re-traced our steps and others walked to Cook’s and Tanner’s Pools were we met them and drove up to Burrows Pit. A mixed flock of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and a lone Sanderling were enjoyed.

The ARC Pit was our final destination this month and Dabchick/Little Grebe was our 100th species.

Harbour Porpoise, Grey and Common Seals, Brimstone and Orange-tip Butterflies were among other wildlife and thanks to Lys Muirhead for pointing out a patch of Water Dock at Stodmarsh.