Sunday, 22 April 2012
Saturday 21st April
Saturday 21st April
Cold (6 C), very calm, overcast and some drizzle.
I reached Chambers Wall this morning at 6am, and spent a little time listening around the car park. Plenty Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers singing. I walked up to the railway line, adding a couple of Chiffchaffs, and then 2 Willow Warblers could be heard singing in the distance. As I waited at the crossing the Willow Warblers appeared beside me and carried on west along the embankment.
I walked east up to Plumpudding stables, counting many more Whitethroats and Sedges, plus 2 Blackcaps and another Willow Warbler. 2 Green Sandpipers flew over calling, dropping down into the dykes at the swan's neck. There were 5 Tufted Duck and 3 Shoveler on the open water, and a female Marsh Harrier out hunting. I could hear a Cetti's singing as I passed Shuart, and then I saw my first 2 Yellow Wagtails this year, flying around over the fields.
On reaching the coast I walked back west towards Coldharbour. There were few birds around apart from more Sedge's along the coastal dykes, a steady trickle of Meadow Pipits flying west, and 3 Whimbrel west. Out on the beach were 3 Brent Geese, and 4 Sand Martins flew west.
Back at the car park there were 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing, and a few Swallows flying back and forth along the Wantsum.
I had half an hour over at Shuart before heading home, hoping for a few butterflies as the sun warmed the air, but I only saw a single Green Veined White.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Chilly Saturday
Saturday 14th April 2012
Dry, some cloud, cold N/E breeze 6 - 8 C
At last the weekend is here, so I was up at Reculver around 6.30am this morning. I chose Shuart for my morning walk, and wrapped up against the cold wind, set off north.
Walking past the farm I heard Fieldfares calling, and picked out 2 birds at the top a tall tree for a few minutes before they flew north.
Early activity was mostly counting Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing, a couple of Sedge Warblers were singing by the pools, and a Cetti's in the usual spot singing away. As the path opened out at the end of the hedges I spotted a distant harrier over by the riding stables, and with the bins I watched a ringtail Hen Harrier fly fast east, then cut inland through Brooksend. Also in the area were 2 or 3 Marsh Harriers.
I walked west along the embankment until reaching the Chambers Wall crossing, adding a few Swallows and Whitethroats to the list. At least 4 Kestrels could be seen hunting, and 2 Sparrowhawks were also seen. A Willow Warbler sand briefly near the car park.
I carried on my circular route along Potten Street Road back to Shuart, adding a few more to the numbers of warblers and Swallows, and an unusual sight of a Grey Heron sitting in the middle of a wheat field, but little else.
This afternoon I took a walk in Church Woods, hoping for a butterfly or two, but I failed to see any at all. I did hear a few Chiffs and Blackcaps, and loads of Willow Warblers, which were nice. Also a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying.
Whilst watching a warbler singing I heard a rustle of leaves beside me. I looked down and a grass snake was making it's way through the leaf-litter.
Later at home I was tidying up the garden when I disturbed a Slow Worm.
Dry, some cloud, cold N/E breeze 6 - 8 C
At last the weekend is here, so I was up at Reculver around 6.30am this morning. I chose Shuart for my morning walk, and wrapped up against the cold wind, set off north.
Walking past the farm I heard Fieldfares calling, and picked out 2 birds at the top a tall tree for a few minutes before they flew north.
Early activity was mostly counting Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing, a couple of Sedge Warblers were singing by the pools, and a Cetti's in the usual spot singing away. As the path opened out at the end of the hedges I spotted a distant harrier over by the riding stables, and with the bins I watched a ringtail Hen Harrier fly fast east, then cut inland through Brooksend. Also in the area were 2 or 3 Marsh Harriers.
I walked west along the embankment until reaching the Chambers Wall crossing, adding a few Swallows and Whitethroats to the list. At least 4 Kestrels could be seen hunting, and 2 Sparrowhawks were also seen. A Willow Warbler sand briefly near the car park.
I carried on my circular route along Potten Street Road back to Shuart, adding a few more to the numbers of warblers and Swallows, and an unusual sight of a Grey Heron sitting in the middle of a wheat field, but little else.
This afternoon I took a walk in Church Woods, hoping for a butterfly or two, but I failed to see any at all. I did hear a few Chiffs and Blackcaps, and loads of Willow Warblers, which were nice. Also a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying.
Whilst watching a warbler singing I heard a rustle of leaves beside me. I looked down and a grass snake was making it's way through the leaf-litter.
Later at home I was tidying up the garden when I disturbed a Slow Worm.
Friday, 6 April 2012
Good Friday birding
Friday 6th April
Very cold start, light N winds, bright and sunny and dry.
After scraping the ice from the windscreen this morning I drove towards Reculver for a bit of fresh air. The sun was so bright I chose Shuart this morning, so when I set off I would have the sun behind me for the first couple of hours.
There were plenty of birds singing around the farm, including several Chiffchaffs and a couple of Blackcaps.
A Cetti's and a few more Chiffs were singing as I made my way north to the railway crossing, but little else in the way of migrants. April at Reculver can be really slow going if there is a north wind blowing, and today was a typical early spring day.
I walked west, eventually reaching the Chambers Wall crossing, adding little to my list for the day, though it was a pleasant walk. I was debating whether to retrace my steps, walk back along the coast, or head inland when Chris Hindle rang to say there was a drake Goosander off Coldharbour, so decision made I went north again. Goosander is a scarce bird in the area, and to see a drake at close range would be a bit of a treat.
On reaching the lagoon I could see the Goosander resting on a part of the shingle in Coldharbour itself. A rare opportunity for a photo.
The return journey to the car was long and rather dull, though a flock of 60+ Sanderling was nice as it flew past, I suspect they were disturbed by the dog-walkers letting their dogs run along the beach at high tide scaring everything away.
After lunch, it was such a nice day I took myself over to Denge Wood. I was hoping for a few butterflies, as my year list is stuck on 6 at the moment (Red Admiral, Peacock, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Brimstone).
The woods were empty, and it was so peaceful, and nice to get out the chilly wind. Birdsong was mostly provided by many Chiffchaffs, and a few Goldfinches flew over. After about half an hour I reached a mixed woodland area with short grass and flowers. Here there were a few Peacocks in immaculate condition.
Apart from 1 Small White seen a little later, these were the only butterflies on the wing. I could hear a pair of Nuthatches singing and calling loudly, and with a little patience they landed nearby. A bit far off for a decent photo, but a record shot was quite nice.
During the next few hours I had a Crossbill fly over, a Tawny Owl calling and a number of tits, including a pair of Marsh Tits. All in all it was a really relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.
Very cold start, light N winds, bright and sunny and dry.
After scraping the ice from the windscreen this morning I drove towards Reculver for a bit of fresh air. The sun was so bright I chose Shuart this morning, so when I set off I would have the sun behind me for the first couple of hours.
There were plenty of birds singing around the farm, including several Chiffchaffs and a couple of Blackcaps.
A Cetti's and a few more Chiffs were singing as I made my way north to the railway crossing, but little else in the way of migrants. April at Reculver can be really slow going if there is a north wind blowing, and today was a typical early spring day.
I walked west, eventually reaching the Chambers Wall crossing, adding little to my list for the day, though it was a pleasant walk. I was debating whether to retrace my steps, walk back along the coast, or head inland when Chris Hindle rang to say there was a drake Goosander off Coldharbour, so decision made I went north again. Goosander is a scarce bird in the area, and to see a drake at close range would be a bit of a treat.
On reaching the lagoon I could see the Goosander resting on a part of the shingle in Coldharbour itself. A rare opportunity for a photo.
The return journey to the car was long and rather dull, though a flock of 60+ Sanderling was nice as it flew past, I suspect they were disturbed by the dog-walkers letting their dogs run along the beach at high tide scaring everything away.
After lunch, it was such a nice day I took myself over to Denge Wood. I was hoping for a few butterflies, as my year list is stuck on 6 at the moment (Red Admiral, Peacock, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Brimstone).
The woods were empty, and it was so peaceful, and nice to get out the chilly wind. Birdsong was mostly provided by many Chiffchaffs, and a few Goldfinches flew over. After about half an hour I reached a mixed woodland area with short grass and flowers. Here there were a few Peacocks in immaculate condition.
Apart from 1 Small White seen a little later, these were the only butterflies on the wing. I could hear a pair of Nuthatches singing and calling loudly, and with a little patience they landed nearby. A bit far off for a decent photo, but a record shot was quite nice.
During the next few hours I had a Crossbill fly over, a Tawny Owl calling and a number of tits, including a pair of Marsh Tits. All in all it was a really relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
A week in early spring
Monday 19th March
After working and being busy all last weekend with family and sports committments, I was keen to get out at the beginning of the week to catch up with all the migrants seen at Reculver. However, clear skies on Sunday night appeared to have prompted a large clear-out, as on Monday morning when I went for a long walk along the coast there wasn't a single Wheatear to be seen, and all the Black Redstarts were absent from the areas they had been frequenting. Highlight of my morning was finding a georgous male Black Redstart at Coldharbour, but it proved elusive, and I failed to manage a photo.
After 3 hours birding on a lovely bright morning I had seen a large number of waders, including a flock of 52 Bar-tailed Godwits, quite a good count for the area. A Fulmar flew west, and the 4 Eider were sitting offshore. A steady passage of around 75 Meadow Pipits and 5 Rock Pipits flew west, and around 35 'alba' Wagtails also trickled past west.
Mid afternoon a call from Chris Hindle told me a Kumliens Gull had been found near Coldharbour. This put me in a tricky situation, as I had promised the wife I would do some gardening pm. The garden could wait, I raced over to look for the gull, in the knowledge I only had an hour before the car was being dropped off for an MOT. This wasn't a relaxing afternoon off, but good fun. The gull had flown out to sea by the time I reached the coast, but Mark Chidwick pointed out a Short-eared Owl, which was nice. I also had more nice views of the Black Redstart, but stupdly I had left the flash card at home, so my camera was along for the ride, but of no use to me.
Wednesday 21st March
The morning was bright sunshine, but again few birds to be seen at Reculver. There were 4 Chiffchaffs singing around Chambers Wall, and 3 Ring-necked Parakeets flew west, but that was about it really. So I spent the afternoon in the garden, where there I could hear a Goldcrest singing away.
Friday 23rd March
Dissapointment this morning when I awoke to to thick fog outside. Nevertheless, I went off to Reculver in the hope the sun might burn it off. I walked for 3 hours, seeing very little. There was a Little Owl in the caravan park, and I flushed a Short-eared Owl from the seawall near Coldharbour, and that was about it. It was still cold and foggy by the time I returned to the car. I had to be home by 10 o'clock to give my wife a lift to the train station for her weekend away, so I was resigned to a poor end to the week.
However, things changed for the better when I received a text from Chris Hindle to say there was a drake Garganey on Brook, at around 10:30am. By now the sun was streaming down, so I grabbed the camera, scope, bins and my old coolpix just in case a bit of digi-scoping was required. Just as I reached Reculver there was thick fog again. I sat down at the edge of Brook and scanned across the lake, and there were 2 drake Garganey together. I tried a few photos but got nothing at all, too misty. Luckily, with a bit of patience, the sun started to break through, and eventually I managed an ok photo. It's been a long time since I digi-scoped anything!
After working and being busy all last weekend with family and sports committments, I was keen to get out at the beginning of the week to catch up with all the migrants seen at Reculver. However, clear skies on Sunday night appeared to have prompted a large clear-out, as on Monday morning when I went for a long walk along the coast there wasn't a single Wheatear to be seen, and all the Black Redstarts were absent from the areas they had been frequenting. Highlight of my morning was finding a georgous male Black Redstart at Coldharbour, but it proved elusive, and I failed to manage a photo.
After 3 hours birding on a lovely bright morning I had seen a large number of waders, including a flock of 52 Bar-tailed Godwits, quite a good count for the area. A Fulmar flew west, and the 4 Eider were sitting offshore. A steady passage of around 75 Meadow Pipits and 5 Rock Pipits flew west, and around 35 'alba' Wagtails also trickled past west.
Mid afternoon a call from Chris Hindle told me a Kumliens Gull had been found near Coldharbour. This put me in a tricky situation, as I had promised the wife I would do some gardening pm. The garden could wait, I raced over to look for the gull, in the knowledge I only had an hour before the car was being dropped off for an MOT. This wasn't a relaxing afternoon off, but good fun. The gull had flown out to sea by the time I reached the coast, but Mark Chidwick pointed out a Short-eared Owl, which was nice. I also had more nice views of the Black Redstart, but stupdly I had left the flash card at home, so my camera was along for the ride, but of no use to me.
Wednesday 21st March
The morning was bright sunshine, but again few birds to be seen at Reculver. There were 4 Chiffchaffs singing around Chambers Wall, and 3 Ring-necked Parakeets flew west, but that was about it really. So I spent the afternoon in the garden, where there I could hear a Goldcrest singing away.
Friday 23rd March
Dissapointment this morning when I awoke to to thick fog outside. Nevertheless, I went off to Reculver in the hope the sun might burn it off. I walked for 3 hours, seeing very little. There was a Little Owl in the caravan park, and I flushed a Short-eared Owl from the seawall near Coldharbour, and that was about it. It was still cold and foggy by the time I returned to the car. I had to be home by 10 o'clock to give my wife a lift to the train station for her weekend away, so I was resigned to a poor end to the week.
However, things changed for the better when I received a text from Chris Hindle to say there was a drake Garganey on Brook, at around 10:30am. By now the sun was streaming down, so I grabbed the camera, scope, bins and my old coolpix just in case a bit of digi-scoping was required. Just as I reached Reculver there was thick fog again. I sat down at the edge of Brook and scanned across the lake, and there were 2 drake Garganey together. I tried a few photos but got nothing at all, too misty. Luckily, with a bit of patience, the sun started to break through, and eventually I managed an ok photo. It's been a long time since I digi-scoped anything!
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
A walk in the woods
Tuesday 13th March 2012
Misty, cold, dry, light winds.
Today I kept away from the coast, instead I took a trip to Lyminge forest. I walked for several hours in the mostly coniferous woodland, and it was for the most part earily quiet. However, there were a few nice birds around, though hard to see at times.
Plenty of Siskins calling as they flitted about the tree tops, and Coal Tits calling on most of the walk. There were several sightings of Buzzards throughout the day.
Late in the afternoon I had my highlight of the day, when I could hear several Crossbills calling, though I couldn't see them through the trees. Wandering towards a more open pathway, I came across a fantastic little area of trees where there must have been a dozen or so Crossbills, calling, singing and displaying. There were 20+ Siskins in one small area, some singing, and a small flock of Redpolls flew over calling.
Walking back towards the car park, after a thoroughly enjoyable stroll, I came across a small tit flock, mostly Coal and Blue Tits, but alerting me to their presence with their distinctive calls, a pair of Marsh Tits. Great fun.
Misty, cold, dry, light winds.
Today I kept away from the coast, instead I took a trip to Lyminge forest. I walked for several hours in the mostly coniferous woodland, and it was for the most part earily quiet. However, there were a few nice birds around, though hard to see at times.
Plenty of Siskins calling as they flitted about the tree tops, and Coal Tits calling on most of the walk. There were several sightings of Buzzards throughout the day.
Late in the afternoon I had my highlight of the day, when I could hear several Crossbills calling, though I couldn't see them through the trees. Wandering towards a more open pathway, I came across a fantastic little area of trees where there must have been a dozen or so Crossbills, calling, singing and displaying. There were 20+ Siskins in one small area, some singing, and a small flock of Redpolls flew over calling.
Walking back towards the car park, after a thoroughly enjoyable stroll, I came across a small tit flock, mostly Coal and Blue Tits, but alerting me to their presence with their distinctive calls, a pair of Marsh Tits. Great fun.
Monday, 12 March 2012
All fogged out
Monday 12th March
A bright start, becoming cold and foggy, light N/W winds, 7 C
I set off in hazy sunshine from Blean, reaching the towers just after 7.30am. I was expecting the sun to break through the light mist, but not long after reaching the Oyster farm i realised it was going to be a typical misty sea-breeze on the north Kent coast. They rarely disappear this time of year.
There were also several large caterpillar-wheeled 'diggers' on the beach shoving the shingle up the beach, presumably a coastal defense project. I hope none of the Ringed Plovers have started nesting yet.
I abandoned the walk, having seen very little. The 4 Eider were on the sea, about 8 Shelduck on the oyster farm, and a selection of gulls of different ages for me to look through.
A Goldcrest was singing in the garden on my return.
A bright start, becoming cold and foggy, light N/W winds, 7 C
I set off in hazy sunshine from Blean, reaching the towers just after 7.30am. I was expecting the sun to break through the light mist, but not long after reaching the Oyster farm i realised it was going to be a typical misty sea-breeze on the north Kent coast. They rarely disappear this time of year.
There were also several large caterpillar-wheeled 'diggers' on the beach shoving the shingle up the beach, presumably a coastal defense project. I hope none of the Ringed Plovers have started nesting yet.
I abandoned the walk, having seen very little. The 4 Eider were on the sea, about 8 Shelduck on the oyster farm, and a selection of gulls of different ages for me to look through.
A Goldcrest was singing in the garden on my return.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Spring weather reaches Kent
9th - 11th March 2012
Cold early morning, warming to around 14 C early afternoon.
Light winds, mostly sunny.
Friday started with an early visit to Reculver, and although there was the promise of some sunshine, it was blooming cold first thing. Well wrapped up, I walked from the towers up to Cold Harbour, meeting Geoff Burton on a day away from Swalecliffe, and later Chris and Ann Hindle. We didn't see a great deal, though a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were on the sea, which was nice. There were 2 Little owls in the caravan park when I walked past, 9 Bar-tailed Godwits on the mudflats, and a pair of Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
Later I saw my first butterfly of the year, a Red Admiral near Boughton.
Saturday I spent the morning at home, and whilst helping my wife clear out some rubbish from the garage I heard a lovely song coming from the tree next to the garage door. After a few seconds I had a big smile as I listned to a male Blackcap singing away. I crept out and stood and watched it for a while, much to the annoyance of the wife still working away.
Later I saw 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawks over Canterbury golf club. I finished my day off with a walk at Stodmarsh from 5pm until dusk. There was hardly a breath of wind , and it was quite mild, if a bit cloudy, but I was hopeful of a few Bitterns in flight. There were probably 10-12 singing or calling Cett's, several Bearded Tits 'pinging' through the reeds unseen, numerous Waterails squealing, about 6 Marsh Harriers and a single Hen Harrier in to roost, and the 2 Glossy Ibis were roosting at the bottom of one of the Cormorant trees. I was joined by a couple staying in Stodmarsh village, and we all watched a single Bittern silently high east over the Lampen Wall at 6:20pm. At 6:35 and again at 6:42pm single Bitterns flew over east calling.
Sunday I was on my way to Reculver before 7am, and today i chose to visit the cliff tops at Bishopstone, walking east to the Reculver towers. It was very quiet when I set off, and I chanced upon a very approachable Kestrel sitting on a post by the path. I walked slowly past, taking a few photos on the way.
There were loads of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and very little else. Never mind, the walk was brilliant and the weather fantastic. On the return journey the crowds had built up and I was glad to be getting away to somewhere quieter. I paid Shuart a visit and scanned for raptors, but I only saw 4 more Kestrels and a distant Marsh Harrier.
This afternoon I had a walk along the Wye Downs, enjoying distant views of 4 Buzzards.
Cold early morning, warming to around 14 C early afternoon.
Light winds, mostly sunny.
Friday started with an early visit to Reculver, and although there was the promise of some sunshine, it was blooming cold first thing. Well wrapped up, I walked from the towers up to Cold Harbour, meeting Geoff Burton on a day away from Swalecliffe, and later Chris and Ann Hindle. We didn't see a great deal, though a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were on the sea, which was nice. There were 2 Little owls in the caravan park when I walked past, 9 Bar-tailed Godwits on the mudflats, and a pair of Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
Later I saw my first butterfly of the year, a Red Admiral near Boughton.
Saturday I spent the morning at home, and whilst helping my wife clear out some rubbish from the garage I heard a lovely song coming from the tree next to the garage door. After a few seconds I had a big smile as I listned to a male Blackcap singing away. I crept out and stood and watched it for a while, much to the annoyance of the wife still working away.
Later I saw 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawks over Canterbury golf club. I finished my day off with a walk at Stodmarsh from 5pm until dusk. There was hardly a breath of wind , and it was quite mild, if a bit cloudy, but I was hopeful of a few Bitterns in flight. There were probably 10-12 singing or calling Cett's, several Bearded Tits 'pinging' through the reeds unseen, numerous Waterails squealing, about 6 Marsh Harriers and a single Hen Harrier in to roost, and the 2 Glossy Ibis were roosting at the bottom of one of the Cormorant trees. I was joined by a couple staying in Stodmarsh village, and we all watched a single Bittern silently high east over the Lampen Wall at 6:20pm. At 6:35 and again at 6:42pm single Bitterns flew over east calling.
Sunday I was on my way to Reculver before 7am, and today i chose to visit the cliff tops at Bishopstone, walking east to the Reculver towers. It was very quiet when I set off, and I chanced upon a very approachable Kestrel sitting on a post by the path. I walked slowly past, taking a few photos on the way.
There were loads of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and very little else. Never mind, the walk was brilliant and the weather fantastic. On the return journey the crowds had built up and I was glad to be getting away to somewhere quieter. I paid Shuart a visit and scanned for raptors, but I only saw 4 more Kestrels and a distant Marsh Harrier.
This afternoon I had a walk along the Wye Downs, enjoying distant views of 4 Buzzards.
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