Sedge Warbler count

Friday 27th April Bright, mild, dry with a strong southerly breeze F5-6 Last weekend I enjoyed a long walk round the east of the Reculver area, and there were good numbers of warblers singing. During the week my friend Tim Hodge expressed 'surprise' at the count of 30+ Sedge Warblers recorded. Knowing Tim well, I take this to indicate suspicion of doubt, and I admit it was an estimate, there were so many I hadn't counted methodically. This morning, as it was too windy to carry out a decent Nightingale visit, I spent 4 hours re-visiting the area I walked last weekend, with the intention of counting the birds with more deliberation. I had to know, was it over-enthusiasm, duplication or errors made in the recognition of a Sedge Warbler song, or were there really that many Sedges in the area. The strong winds blowing across the marsh meant there were far fewer birds in general displaying and singing, and it was much harder to hear birds away from the path. I was very careful to ensure each bird recorded was a different bird, which isn't too hard with Sedge's, they tend to stay in one small area while singing. I am greatly encouraged to have counted the following on my morning's walk: 2 Swifts, 6 Swallows, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 24 Whitethroats, 1 Cetti's, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffs, 4 Blackcaps and 34 Sedge Warblers. Several areas there were no Sedge's singing today, yet I know they are normally present. This afternoon I had a pleasant walk round Denge Wood, where the wind wasn't quite so intrusive. Not far into the woods I could hear a Tree Pipit singing, and a pair of Common Buzzards flew over. Warblers heard were Chiffchaff, Willow, Blackcap and 2 Garden Warblers, my first this spring. Butterflies seen were several Peacocks, 1 Brimstone and a few restless Orange-tips. With much patience I managed a few photos.

This evening I had a Hobby fly over Boughton golf course.