4th

Clouding over, moderate SW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore and two Brent Geese on the beach. Also noted were a Buzzard flying low west, two Stock Doves, one Swallow west and a Grey Wagtail heard.

3rd

A flurry of late waders with five Sanderlings, a Dunlin, two Redshanks and 12 Turnstones noted.

2nd

Sunny, moderate westerly wind. A Great Crested Grebe and a Fulmar flew west, a Brent Goose was on the beach and there were 23 Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Also noted a Swift, four Swallows and a House Martin flew west.

Butterflies noted were Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small White and Holly and Common Blue.

1st

A Mediterranean Gull was noted and our first Meadow Brown butterfly of the year was seen.

A total of 80 species for the month was yet another month below the ten-year average (83.5 species). Furthermore, the additions of six species to the year list contained no significant surprises; Little Tern on 6th and Cuckoo on 16th, probably the best. Nevertheless, the year total at the month’s end of 137 species was above the ten-year average of 133.2.

137 species so far this year

130 by this time last year

31st

Sunny and calm. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Greylag Geese flew west, and there were three Little Egrets and a Brent Goose on the beach. An Oystercatcher on the beach was the only wader, a count of 41 Great Black-backed Gulls, including only two adults, was the highest of the year, there were eight Mediterranean Gulls and there were three Sandwich Terns offshore. Also noted was a Hobby which came in-off the sea and flew west by the Obs, and a Swift and three Swallows.

Butterflies noted were Holly Blue, Large Skipper, Small White and Speckled Wood.

30th

11 Greylag Geese flew west whilst there was a minor invasion of Reed Warblers, with three individuals in song.

29th

Cloudy, light rain until 8 am, freshening SW wind. Three Greylag Geese flew west, there was one Shelduck and three Mediterranean Gulls flew west. Some vis mig with 35 Swifts, 11 Swallows and seven House Martins west whilst a Reed Warbler singing unseen along the east bank was, belatedly, our first of the year.

Small Heath and Green-veined White butterflies were noted.

28th

Sunny, fresh SW a a wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, a Little Egret on the beach and the Marsh Pool, two Shelducks flew west and 25 Common Scoters flew east. Six Oystercatchers on the beach were the only waders, five adult Kittiwakes flew west and three Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were 23 Swifts west, a Goldfinch along the upper brook and a pair of Linnets with three fledged young in the scrub.

A Large Skipper butterfly at the Obs was new for the year and Small and Green-veined Whites, Holly blue and Small Heath were also seen.

27th

A Great White Egret that flew west at 5.45 am was an addition to the year list.

26th

Sunny, moderate SW wind. An adult Gannet flew west, there were two Shelducks in the remnant brook and a Little Egret on the Marsh Pool. There were 20 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and two Sandwich Terns flew west. Also noted were three unaccompanied Mallard ducklings in the brook, a Stock Dove dropped by the Marsh Pool, 23 Swifts and 11 Swallows flew west, the first juvenile Blue Tits and Great Tits were seen and a Jay was by the sewage works entrance.

A Small Tortoiseshell on the path by the bluethroat bush was our first of the year and there were also Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Green-veined and Small Whites butterflies.

24th

Cloudy after early morning rain. Light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, a single adult Gannet flew east and the pair of Shelducks were again at the mouth of the brook. There were 15 immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, two Sandwich Terns flew east and one flew west. Six Swallows were also noted.

23rd

Sunny, warmer with a light easterly breeze. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, a pair of Shelducks at the mouth of the brook and a Little Egret and a female Lapwing on the Marsh Pool. One Swift, five Swallows and two House Martins flew west. A female/immature Chaffinch was the first seen here since March. Usually, one or two singing birds are present during the breeding season.

22nd

Moderate northerly wind. Three Gannets flew east, there were two Shelducks and four Turnstones on the beach and ten Common Terns offshore. A westerly movement of Swallows was noted.

21st

Mild, light SW wind. A second Osprey of the spring flew NW towards Sheppey at 8.14 am. Waders noted included two Ringed Plovers and two Sanderlings west along the shoreline, and four Turnstones. Two Sandwich Terns flew east and Common Terns were offshore. Also noted were Hobby and Yellow Wagtail west and a movement of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins.

20th

One House Martin flew over the Obs.

19th

Cloudy light NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, the pair of Shelducks were on the beach and a single, small and unaccompanied, Mallard duckling was along the middle brook. 12 Oystercatchers included a party of seven heading east, and a pair of Avocets were again on the Marsh Pool. A flock of ten adult Kittiwakes flew east at 7.45 am, there were 15 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, only one adult, a Sandwich Tern flew east and two Common Terns were offshore. Also noted was a displaying Meadow Pipit and a Goldfinch singing half-heartedly from a tree in the scrub.

Small White, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood butterflies were also noted.

18th

Small Copper, Orange-tip, Common and Holly Blue butterflies were noted as well as the alabonia geoffrella moth.

17th

Cloudy, cool, light northerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, the pair of Shelducks and, late morning, a flock of 74 Turnstones arrived and commenced feeding between the groynes at the e astern end of the beach. Also noted was a Red Kite beyond the church and, presumed same, heading west over the Tankerton slopes, 10 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, a Common Tern east, and seven Swallows. Snatches of song were heard from a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub. Not heard for some time but this species tends to go quiet when settling down to breed.

16th

A Cuckoo that flew west low over the area, pausing briefly on bushes along the coastal path, was our first of the year.

Also noted were our first Small Copper butterfly of the year and a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly which landed by the remnant brook.

15th

Cloudy, cooler, moderate northerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Mediterranean Gulls and two Common Terns flew east and ten Great Black-backed Gulls, one adult, were on the beach. A pair of Avocets dropped briefly onto the Marsh Pool.

14th

Sunny, cooler, moderate NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Gannet flew east and a Barnacle Goose flew west and two Shelducks were on the shingle ridge. Four Mediterranean Gulls flew east over the Obs, a second calendar year Common Gull and two Common Terns were offshore. Also noted were Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel, seven Swallows west and 71 Carrion Crows on the beach.

13th

The first Small Heath butterfly of the year was noted.

12th

Sunny, warm, light easterly wind. There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore. Two Shelducks flew east, a pair was on the Marsh Pool, and two Gadwall and two Tufted Ducks flew west. No waders were reported. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west, eight Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and two Common Terns offshore. Eight Jackdaws were flycatching over the estate.

Butterflies noted included our first Large White and Painted Lady, Holly Blue, Small White and Orange-tip.

10th

Sunny, warmer, light easterly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe and two Little Egrets. Waders noted were a Bar-tailed Godwit along the shoreline off the Obs, a Curlew on the beach, two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool and at the mouth of the brook and two Turnstones. A second Whinchat of the spring, another male, was in the bushes along the coastal path, along with a female Stonechat (rare here at this time of the year) and a Wheatear on the shingle ridge (only the fourth of the spring). Also noted were two displaying Meadow Pipits.

8th

Cloudy, cool, moderate NE wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, five Shelducks flew east and three circled over the area with a pair settling on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were a flock of 12 Dunlin heading east and two Whimbrel with a Curlew also heading east. Also noted were a Hobby heading west, seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls over the estate and six Swallows and two Yellow Wagtails west.

7th

Cloudy, cool, with a moderate NE wind. A Cattle Egret, new for the year, flew west at 5.55 am. Flocks of 12 and 30 Common Scoters flew east. A Hobby flew west low over the football pitch and sewage works at 10.40 am. Waders noted were one Oystercatcher east, seven Dunlin east close inshore and a Whimbrel. There were 14 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach including two adults.

6th

Two Little Terns offshore were new for the year.

5th

Cloudy, showers, cool, fresh NE wind. Unpleasant conditions. 13 Gannets and two Sandwich Terns flew east. Three Swifts and ten Swallows flew west.

4th

A Hobby, our first this year, was a surprise, as it flew east against the prevailing winds.

3rd

Sunny with a light NE wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and six Little Egrets on the beach and the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were 13 Oystercatchers east and also 13 Turnstones. Two Mediterranean Gulls flew west and there were 21 Great Black-backed Gulls (only one adult) on the beach. Also noted was one Sand Martin and 11 Swallows west.

Orange-tip, Speckled wood and Peacock butterflies were noted.

2nd

A Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool and eight Common Scoters flew east. Waders included seven Oystercatchers, two Curlews west, and one east, and nine Turnstones. Some visible migration today with two Swifts, four Sand Martins, a trickle of Swallows and “numbers” of Yellow Wagtails, all west. Also a Red Kite was seen in flight over the scout hut.

1st

Sunny, warm and calm. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Little Egrets on the beach. Waders included a lingering Snipe on the Marsh Pool, at least 13 Common Sandpipers on the beach, with one later on the Marsh Pool, and a Whimbrel. Other birds noted included two Red Kites low over the sea, a Swift and two displaying Meadow Pipits.

Green-veined White and Speckled Wood butterflies were noted.

A total of 89 species for the month was another below the ten-year average of 94.9 species. However, the total of 131 species so far this year is above the ten-year average of 126.9 species. The highlight of the year was our second only Caspian Tern on 21st, a Woodlark on 2nd was our first for 13 years, and other notables included a Hen Harrier on 4th, Eider on 21st, Osprey on 27th and Whinchat on 30th. Three sightings of Little Ringed Plover compared with none at all last year.

A total of 131 species so far this year

121 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny, with mist over the sea, warm and calm. Highlight of the day was a male Whinchat, often elusive, but present all morning at least. Our first spring record since 2022. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool and four Red Kites flew west from 10.35 am. Waders included three Oystercatchers east, two Whimbrel west, a Grey Plover in breeding plumage and a lingering Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were six Yellow Wagtails on and around the Marsh Pool, a Willow Warbler singing near the Obs and a Greenfinch singing along the upper brook.

Green-veined White, Orange-tip and Speckled Wood butterflies were also noted.

29th

A good morning for waders with two Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover and a Grey Plover, and four Greenshanks.

28th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. There were eight Great Crested Grebes offshore, a lone Brent Goose on the beach and a Shelduck flew east and two flew west. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers and a Bar-tailed Godwit west, a Whimbrel east, and two flew west, a Snipe was on the Marsh Pool and there were eight Turnstones on the beach. Also noted were two Common Terns offshore, two Ring-necked Parakeets, our first two Swifts, and two Yellow Wagtails, west.

Butterflies noted were Green-veined White and Small White, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip.

27th

An Osprey, seen earlier off Herne Bay Downs, appeared out of the mist at 7.25 am and, after an abortive attempt to catch a fish, carried on west.

26th

Sunny, light easterly wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Fulmar flew west, eight Gannets flew west, three flew east, and four Common Scoters flew east. Waders included a Bar-tailed Godwit, new for the year, on the shoreline off the Obs for about two hours, nine Whimbrel, including five resting briefly on the beach, two Curlews, and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool. There were 11 Great Black-backed Gulls, in various stages of immaturity, on the beach and two Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were two Swallows, a Yellow Wagtail west, and three Lesser Whitethroats and five Common Whitethroats in song.

A Small White butterfly and the first appearance of St Mark’s Flies was also noted.

25th

There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Sandwich Tern flew east.

24th

Cloudy, cool, moderate NE wind. Two Great Crested Grebes were offshore, three Gannets were seen plunge-diving offshore and two Shelducks flew west and east. Waders noted were five Oystercatchers, four flying east, a Whimbrel west and two Turnstones. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east along the beach, a second calendar year Common Gull was offshore and seven immature Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Also noted were a Little Egret on the Marsh Pool, five Swallows and a Lesser Whitethroat in song along the upper brook.

23rd

Four Whimbrel flew east, a Stock Dove came in off the sea and a Lesser Whitethroat was noted again.

22nd

A Great Crested Grebe was offshore, three Gannets flew east and four Shelducks and a Kittiwake flew west. Waders included a Whimbrel west and a Redshank on the Marsh Pool. Six Mediterranean Gulls flew east and two Sand Martins, 20+ Swallows and three House Martins flew west. A Lesser Whitethroat was also noted.

21st

Cloudy, misty offshore then sunny, calm. A relief to leave the penetrating NE winds behind, and as so often, a change in the weather brings a few surprises. The main surprise was a Caspian Tern close inshore at 11.20 am. It circled around briefly, drifted out and was lost in the misty bank offshore. This is only the second record of this species here, after one on two dates in May 2022. Other birds of note included an immature drake Eider which lingered off the Obs from 8.45 am before drifting east towards the tidal ponds, a pair of Tufted Ducks west at 9.10 am and our first Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat singing near the Obs and along the east bank. Other birds noted included one Great Crested Grebe offshore, a Little Egret on the Marsh Pool, two Shelducks on the Marsh Pool and another three west, and a Grey Heron west. Add to that a total of 41 Mediterranean Gulls east, three Sandwich Terns, a Stock Dove, and three Sand Martins and 40 Swallows feeding over the area and heading west.

Small White, Orange-tip and Red Admiral butterflies were also noted.

19th

Cloudy, cool, fresh NE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Gannets flew east and two Canada Geese and a Brent Goose flew west. The pair of Shelducks and the duck Teal were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included ten Oystercatchers on the beach, eight Whimbrel, including a flock of seven flying east inland, and a Snipe On the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a single Swallow and four singing Whitethroats.

In spite of the cool weather, a Red Admiral found a sheltered spot to rest.

17th

Sunny, warm, calm. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore , five Gannets flew east, a Kittiwake flew west and there were two Sandwich Terns were offshore. A duck Teal and a pair of Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included three Sanderlings, a Curlew and a Redshank, and three Snipe on the Marsh Pool. 29 Mediterranean Gulls flew east late morning. Also noted were four Swallows.

Butterflies noted were Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Speckled Wood.

16th

Cloudy, light SW wind. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers, a Sanderling, three Snipe on the Marsh Pool, five Whimbrel flying high east, a Redshank and 30 Turnstones. The pair of Shelducks were again on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a Stock Dove, two Swallows and a House Martin, a Wheatear on the shingle ridge, a Willow Warbler in the scrub and 21 Goldfinches west.

14th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Mute Swans on the sea paddled west, a Greylag Goose flew west and there were two Brent Geese on the beach. The pair of Shelducks and three Snipe were on the Marsh Pool. There were two Sanderlings on the beach, two Sandwich Terns occupied the red buoy and two Common Terns were new for the year. Also noted were three Swallows west, a Wheatear on the beach between the groynes, and a Jay along the east bank.

Butterflies included out first Holly Blue; the ninth species for the year.

13th

Two Common Sandpipers, seen briefly on the Marsh Pool, were new for the year, and seven Yellow Wagtails included three on the shingle.

12th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, eight Gannets flew east and a duck Teal was on the Marsh Pool. Waders included a Little Ringed Plover that circled high over the Obs before drifting of south, seven Snipe on the Marsh Pool and single Curlew and Redshank. There were two Sandwich Terns on the red buoy. Also noted were two Ring-necked Parakeets over the sewage works that flew on west, seven Meadow Pipits, including one in display flight, one Swallow and two Whitethroats.

The warm weather brought out the butterflies with Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and Comma and a Black-bordered Bee-fly was also seen at the Obs.

11th

A single Yellow Wagtail, that flew west at 6.45 am, was our first of the year.

10th

A Gannet flew east, three Little Egrets, four Common Scoters and three Curlews flew west. Other waders included four Grey Plovers on the shingle that flew off east, a single Dunlin, a Sandwich Tern and, most notably, 146 Mediterranean Gulls that had flown east by 9 am. Also noted were a duck Mallard with ten ducklings on the Marsh Pool, two Stock Doves on the margins of the Marsh Pool and the Whitethroat which sang and showed well.

9th

Cloudy, cold with a moderate NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, a Shelduck flew west, six Common Scoters flew east and a duck Teal was on the Marsh Pool. 17 Mediterranean Gulls flew east whilst a Whitethroat allowed brief snatches of song to escape from its scrubby hideaway. Our first, but there will be many more!

7th

Sunny with a moderate NE wind. Two Shelducks flew east. Waders included four Oystercatchers, two Sanderlings on the beach and three Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. 25 Mediterranean Gulls flew east including a flock of 23 Over the Obs. Also noted were a Sand Martin and a Swallow and, at last, our first Wheatear, on the beach below the caravan park.

Two Green-veined Whites were an addition to the year list and a Peacock was also seen.

6th

Two Swallows were noted over the Marsh Pool in the afternoon.

5th

Light cloud then sunny, moderate NE wind. A Fulmar flew west and six Gannets flew east. Waders included four Oystercatchers, three flew east, a Sanderling, and a Lapwing over the Marsh Pool. 20 Mediterranean Gulls flew east in parties of six, ten and four, eight second calendar year Common Gulls and two Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted was a single Sandwich Tern west.

4th

A Green Sandpiper, that was seen briefly on the Marsh Pool, and a male Hen Harrier, that flew east at 8.28 am, were both additions to the year list.

3rd

Sunny with a moderate easterly wind. Three Great Crested Grebes flew west, there were two Brent Geese on the beach and a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool. A Little Ringed Plover, new for the year, was heard calling several times as it circled the area but could not be seen in the clear blue sky. Other waders included six Oystercatchers, three Sanderlings and a Dunlin, and a Jack Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were two Rooks circling high over the sewage works.

Butterflies noted were our first Small White and Brimstone and Peacock.

2nd

A Woodlark ,that flew west over the Obs, was our first at the site since October 2013. Other birds noted included two Gannets east, three Sanderlings and a Dunlin and two Mediterranean Gulls west.

1st

Sunny, cool, moderate NW wind. One Red-throated Diver was offshore, there were four Brent Geese on the beach and two Canada Geese flew west. Waders included seven Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Grey Heron being harried by gulls as it flew low over the estate and three Pied Wagtails.

A total of 95 species for the month was well above the ten-year average of 84.6 species. The first time above the ten-year average since last July. Highlights of the month came towards the end with a Bullfinch on 22nd (first since January 2024), our first March Greenshank on 23rd, our earliest Redstart on 24th, with Yellowhammer (first since 2022) and the last date for the wintering Purple Sandpiper on that day.

A total of 112 species so far this year

104 species by this time last year

31st

Sunny with a light NE wind. A single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe were offshore, only seven Brent Geese remained on the beach and a pair of Shelducks, a drake Teal and a duck Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool. The diminished numbers of waders included two Oystercatchers, three Sanderlings, four Redshanks and seven Turnstones. Also noted were three Mediterranean Gulls east and two male Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

A Comma butterfly was noted.

29th

There were 50+ Brent Geese on the beach. four Shelducks flew west and waders included a single Sanderling and Dunlin.

28th

A Marsh Harrier flew west, two Sand Martins flew west and a Willow Warbler, that showed well along the east bank, was another addition to the year list.

27th

Sunny, warm, light NW wind. There were two Red-throated Divers and two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Canada Geese and two Shelducks flew west, a raft of 12 Shovelers was on the sea, and there were 54 Brent Geese on the beach. A female Teal, a Jack Snipe and 22 Common Snipe, and a Dunlin were on the Marsh Pool. Our first Green Woodpecker of the year was by the Obs and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen. Other birds noted included our first Rook of the year on the shingle ridge, a Jay flying east over the estate and a Greenfinch trilling in the bushes opposite the Obs before flying off west.

26th

Sunny, warmer, light northerly wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and two Great Crested Grebes offshore, one adult Gannet and a Common Scoter flew east and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers flew west. Five Canada Geese were with the flock of 120 Brent Geese on the beach. A drake Teal and a showy Jack Snipe were on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a single Sandwich Tern east, three Buzzards soaring to the south, and a Blackcap singing along the east bank.

24th

Cloudy, cooler, light northerly wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore whilst an adult Gannet, flying east low over the church pursued by gulls, was an unusual sight. 67 Brent Geese on the beach were joined by two Canada Geese, which flew off east. Waders included a single Sanderling and the Purple Sandpiper. Highlights of the day came early with a Yellowhammer in the scrub, our first for two years, and a female Common Redstart, near the entrance to the sewage works, which was our earliest ever and first March record. Also noted was a Stock Dove and seven Linnets on the coastal path.

23rd

A Greenshank, and a Swallow flying over the scrub, were two additions to the year list.

22nd

Cloudy and calm. There were ten Red-throated Divers, three Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. The Shag was again on and around the red buoy. A drake Teal and a drake Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included three Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Other birds noted included a displaying Meadow Pipit and six Chiffchaffs but the bird of the day was a Bullfinch, calling by the Obs, which flew across to the bushes opposite and disappeared. Our first here since January 2024.

A Red Admiral along the east bank was our fourth butterfly species of the year.

21st

There were 11 Canada Geese on the beach with the Brents. Waders included the Grey Plover and the Purple Sandpiper and two Jack Snipes were visible on the Marsh Pool, where there was also a drake Teal. A Sand Martin and a Siskin were new for the year, and a Skylark also flew west over the Obs.

20th

Sunny, warm, light NE wind. There were four Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe and a drake Red-breasted Merganser offshore, a Fulmar flew east, a Shag was resting on the red buoy and 130 Brent Geese were on the beach. Unusually, a Greylag Goose was briefly on the Marsh Pool where there were also a single drake Teal and Shoveler. Waders included the Grey Plover, the Purple Sandpiper and three Sanderlings on the beach. A Red Kite flew west low over the football pitch at 10.50 am. Also noted were two adult Mediterranean Gulls west, a Grey Wagtail in the brook by the sewage works entrance, four Chiffchaffs and a Long-tailed Tit carrying feathers into the Scout Wood.

19th

Cloudy, warmer, light SE wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe offshore, a high count of 270 Brent Geese on the beach whilst a Velvet Scoter heading west at 6.50 am was a new bird for the year. A pair of Teal and a pair of Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Numbers of waders have declined but included the regular Grey Plover and six Sanderlings along the shoreline. Also noted were three Buzzards, a Meadow Pipit in display flight, four Chiffchaffs and a male Reed Bunting.

The warmer weather brought out some butterflies for the first time in ten days. There were several Brimstones, a Peacock and our first Comma of the year.

17th

Sunny, cold, light NE wind. There were 80 Brent Geese on the beach and three Teal and two Shovelers on the Marsh Pool.

15th

Cloudy, cold, fresh NE wind. There were two Red-throated Divers offshore, four Great Crested Grebes and two Common Scoters flew east and there were 146 Brent Geese on the beach. One drake Teal and four Shovelers (three drakes and a duck) were on the Marsh Pool.

14th

Two Gadwall flew east, a new bird for the year, and a Lapwing flew west. There were still four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool where a Jack Snipe was seen amongst the Common Snipe. The Purple Sandpiper was still present and also noted was a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Reed Buntings.

13th

Sunny periods, cold, moderate northerly wind. A Red-throated Diver and two Great Crested Grebes wewre offshore, an immature Gannet and three Shelducks flew west and there were 67 Brent Geese on the beach. There was a pair of Teal and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders numbers have declined but included six Sanderlings, and eight Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a second-winter Mediterranean Gull, a Grey Wagtail along the middle brook and a male Reed Bunting in the scrub.

12th

Sunny periods, cold, light northerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebes and two Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, and 42 Brent Geese on the beach. A Little Egret, a Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool together with an elusive Water Rail. The Purple Sandpiper was still present. Also noted was a Red Kite, our first of the year, heading west over the car park, a Grey Wagtail by the sluice and two male Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

10th

Light cloud, misty offshore, cooler, light NE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes and five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, two Canada Geese circled the area, settled on the sea before flying off west, two Shelducks flew west and there were 65 Brent Geese on the beach. Two more Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool where there was one drake Teal and a record count, in recent times, of 56 Snipe. 106 Herring Gulls were counted on the beach. also noted was a female Reed Bunting on the Marsh Pool.

A first-winter gull, present for some time, was thought to be either a Lesser Black-backed Gull or a Yellow-legged Gull. Flight views confirmed that it was the former (thanks go to Jamie Partridge for his advice).

9th

Two Canada Geese offshore flew east and two Barnacle Geese flew NW at 7.50 am. Both additions to the year list.

8th

Sunny, warm (up to 17 C), light southerly wind. There were two Red-throated Divers and four Red-breasted |Mergansers offshore, a Fulmar and two Shelducks flew east and there were c80 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 20 Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper and a Jack Snipe on the edge of the Marsh Pool. A Kingfisher, by the sluice before flying downstream, was new for the year. The state of the brook, with muddy run-off from building work upstream. has not been conducive to fishing in the brook. A Greenfinch flew east over the Obs. Another addition to the year list. An adult Peregrine was resting on the shingle at the back of the tidal ponds.

A single Brimstone butterfly was noted.

6th

Sunny, mild, light southerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver and 12 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, a Greylag Goose, heading east high over the sea, was new for the year, there were 93 Brent Geese on the beach and a Little Egret was roosting behind the Obs. There was one drake Teal and a pair of Shovelers on the Marsh Pool where 36 Snipe were counted. Also noted were the Grey Plover, two Chiffchaffs and a Reed Bunting.

The warm weather brought out our first butterflies with several sightings of Brimstones, between the sewage works entrance and the Obs, and a single Peacock at the Obs.

4th

A flock of ten Egyptian Geese flew west and there was a Chiffchaff, the first this year, and two Firecrests near the sewage works entrance.

3rd

Sunny with mist over the sea, hard frost, light northerly wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, one Shelduck flew west and there were 34 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 17 Sanderlings along the shoreline off the Obs, there was a drake Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. A Buzzard soaring to the south of the church was new for the year. Also noted was a Grey Wagtail at the head of the brook.

2nd

A Water Rail was glimpsed briefly on the bend of the brook below the sewage works entrance.

1st

Foggy, especially over the sea, until 11am. Cold with a light NW wind. There was one Red-throated Diver and two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Common Scoters flew east and there were 55 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included a flock of 11 Golden Plovers, new for the year, which appeared on the shoreline off the Obs, resting there before flying off west. The Purple Sandpiper and a Grey Plover were also present. A Shag landed Closde inshore off the Obs, four adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west and a first-winter Iceland Gull, presumably yesterday’s bird, flew east over the beach at 12.23 pm. A Little Egret, a drake Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Firecrest in the Elm Wood. A good start to the month despite the weather conditions.

A better month with the total of 77 species almost up to the ten-year average of 77.9 species. There was a creditable 13 new species for the year including two Slavonian Grebes on 3rd and ending with a flourish with an early Sandwich Tern and a Yellow-legged Gull on 26th and an Iceland Gull on 28th.

A total of 89 species so far this year

A total of 89 species by this time last year

28th

Sunny periods, cold, light northerly wind. There were four Red-throated Divers and six Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Common Scoters flew east, and later west, and there were 47Brent Geese on the beach. One drake Teal was on the Marsh Pool. The Purple Sandpiper was still present and five Goldfinches and 15 Linnets also seen.

A first-winter gull, which flew over the area and dropped onto the Marsh Pool, proved to be an Iceland Gull; our first here since 2019 and only the sixth record in 35 years of observations. It remained on the Marsh Pool for only a few minutes.

27th

Cloudy, cold, moderate to fresh NW wind. A string of 55 Red-throated Divers, with one Great Northern Diver, flew west disturbed by a speeding lifeboat. There were also five Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Shelducks flew west, there were 38 Brent Geese on the beach and as pair of Pintail along the shoreline. After yesterday’s Yellow-legged Gull, a first-winter bird appeared on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Firecrest in the Elm Wood. It’s good to have these wintering but where are the Goldcrests?

26th

Sunny at first, light southerly wind. A Sandwich Tern on the yellow buoy off the skate park was our earliest record, other than a rare winter record. Rarer still was a second-winter Yellow-legged Gull amongst the Herring Gulls along the shoreline. Yellow-legged Gulls are seen regularly at sites such as Dungeness, Pegwell Bay and in the upper Thames, but it is many years since one was noted here. To complete the Laridae (gulls and terns) of interest, there were two adult Mediterranean Gulls close inshore and two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the beach. A drake Teal and three drake Shovelers were also on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were two Stock Doves, new for the year, one Skylark west and the pair of Stonechats.

25th

A pair of Tufted Ducks on the sea were an addition to the year list as was a Mediterranean Gull that flew west. Two Gannets flew east and there were nine Great Crested Grebes and two Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Four Shovelers and a Teal were on the Marsh Pool and 28 Snipe were visible there. Also noted was the male Blackcap near the car park.

21st

Cloudy, mild, fresh southerly wind. One Red-throated Diver offshore, two Gannets flew east, one Shelduck west and four Common Scoters and two Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. There were three Teal and a drake Shoveler on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper and at least 24 Snipe were visible. A Marsh Harrier flew west low over the sea at 11.50 am. Also noted were two Firecrests in brambles opposite the sewage works entrance and at least ten Linnets with one singing in the scrub.

A white gull dropped onto the beach. It appeared too small for a Glaucous and not delicate enough for an Iceland Gull.

20th

Misty at first then breezy. There were two Red-throated Divers and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, two Teal and five Shovelers on the Marsh Pool, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the beach. A Skylark and six Linnets were also noted.

19th

A Little Grebe was in the brook close to the wooden bridge. There were five Teal, five Mallard and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool.

18th

There were several Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe offshore and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. The Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper were also noted.

15th

Cloudy, cold, light SE wind. There were three Red-throated Divers offshore. Six Shelducks flew east, a duck Teal and seven Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and an immature Mute Swan came in from the NW to land on the Marsh Pool and later settle on the sea. A third-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach. Also noted was a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the pines at Lang Court.

14th

A Little Egret, scarce in this recent cold weather, and a Grey Heron were noted. There were five Shovelers on the Marsh Pool, a Red-breasted Merganser flew east and the pair of Stonechats were still present.

13th

Cloudy, cold, moderate NE wind. There were ten Red-throated Divers offshore and a Great Northern Diver flew east. There were 63 Brent Geese on the beach, three Shelducks flew west, six Wigeon with two Teal flew west, and there were three Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. The pair of Stonechats were still present.

12th

Cloudy, cold, light NE wind. A Fulmar, which flew west at 11.26 am, though not unexpected, was new for the year. There were two Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe offshore, 25 Brent Geese on the beach and a pair of Teal on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were the male Sparrowhawk along the east bank, a male Stonechat and a singing Song Thrush at Lang Court.

10th

Cloudy, murky, cold, fresh NE wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and a drake Red-breasted Merganser offshore, 40 Brent Geese (all adults) on the beach and a pair of Teal along the shoreline off the Obs. One pair of Shovelers was on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and the Grey Plover between the groynes, both flushed by a combination of dogs and a passing Peregrine! Also noted were the pair of Stonechats on the coastal path, a Fieldfare in the trees by the sewage works entrance and a flock of 15 Linnets.

9th

Cloudy with light rain. A day for ducks with a Shelduck, three Teal and nine Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. The highest count of Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. There have been varying numbers of on the Marsh Pool since late November when, usually, there are none! Also noted was a Great Spotted Woodpecker over the trees by the changing rooms.

8th

Cloudy, light easterly wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and seven Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, two Common Scoters flew west, 20 Brent Geese on the beach and a pair of Teal and five Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 42 Sanderlings in the eastern bay. A different adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach.

6th

Sunny, cold, lmaleight NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and 40 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 49 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs. A Water Rail on the Marsh Pool may have been the bird seen twice in December but it would have to be a very elusive one! An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach. Other birds noted were a male Stonechat, a Jay heard calling by the Obs and two Goldfinches.

5th

Sunny, light southerly wind. There were 15 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe offshore, 33 Brent Geese on the beach, eight Egyptian Geese flew west at 7 and there were two Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the winter resident Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper. Also noted were single Ring-necked Parakeets west over the sewage works at 8.35 am and in the churchyard at 9.35 am.

3rd

Sunny and calm with a hard frost. Two Slavonian Grebes, that landed on the sea off the Obs and drifted west, were new for the year. Six Red-breasted Mergansers were also offshore, a Shelduck flew west and three Shovelers, two adult drakes and a duck, were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 28 Oystercatchers on the beach, a Lapwing on the tidal ponds, the Purple Sandpiper, and 30 Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. A Grey Wagtail, near the wooden bridge by the beach, was also an addition to the year list, and a Skylark flew west. .

1st

Cloudy, then sunny, with a light southerly wind. There were ten Red-throated Divers, five Great Crested Grebes and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, a duck Teal close inshore and three Common Scoters flew west. An adult Gannet flew east and there were two Little Egrets and a Grey Heron on Hampton flats. Other birds of note included a Great Spotted Woodpecker heard calling along the east bank and a Reed Bunting.

The total of 77 species was below the ten-year average of 83 species. Not since July 2024 has the monthly average exceeded the ten-year average! The three Snow Buntings were last seen on 16th, and may have relocated to Reculver, the Dartford Warbler was last seen on 3rd but the Purple Sandpiper remained throughout the month. Other birds of note included two Black-necked Grebes on 12th, and again on 21st, and two Firecrests on 8th and 14th. Despite a number of short cold spells during the month, 15 Fieldfares on 11th was the only small thrush movement noted.

A total of 77 species recorded so far this year

82 species by the same time last year

29th

Sunny and calm. A flock of 40+ Red-throated Divers flew west early morning and a Great Northern Diver showed well off the Obs. There were 100 Brent Geese on the beach, three Shelducks flew east and the two immature drake Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 52 Ringed Plovers and 81 Dunlin roosting between the groynes and the Grey Plover. Also noted were 5 Meadow Pipits in the grassland and seven Linnets on the coastal path.

28th

An adult Kittiwake on the sea off the caravan park flew off west. Another addition to the year list.

27th

There were about 100 Brent Geese on the beach, a welcome increase in numbers. Also noted were the pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and the Purple Sandpiper.

26th

A Jack Snipe, flushed from the path between the brook and the scrub, was new for the year.

25th

Sunny, cold, light NW wind. Nine Red-throated Divers, one Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. A flock of 40 Brent Geese flew east and another four were on the beach, the duck Teal and four Shovelers, including the adult drake, were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the resident, lame Grey Plover and 63 Sanderlings along the eastern bay shoreline. Also noted were the male Blackcap, in the ivy at the entrance to the car park, and two Goldfinches in the churchyard.

23rd

Cloudy, cold with a light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore, two adult Gannets flew east and there were 12 Brent Geese on the beach. One immature drake Shoveler was showing on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 50 Sanderlings along the eastern bay shoreline.

22nd

Cloudy, cold with a NW wind. A Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebes, four Wigeon and four Teal, and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Four Shovelers, including an adult drake, were on the Marsh Pool. There were 20 Mallard on the pool and another four flew west over the sea. There was a flock of eight Linnets on the beach.

21st

Two Black-necked Grebes, presumably the ones seen here nine days previously, were offshore where eight Red-throated Divers and three Red-breasted Mergansers were also seen.

20th

Cloudy, cold, calm. Two Red-throated Divers, three Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. An immature Mute Swan was on the sea, six Brent Geese were on the beach, and the duck Teal and the three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool.

19th

17 White-fronted Geese flew SE, the three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool where there were also c20 Snipe. A Redwing and a Redpoll, near the sewage works entrance, were both additions to the year list.

18th

Cloudy, misty, cold, light easterly wind. There were five Red-throated Divers, four Great Crested Grebes and five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. 30 Brent Geese flew west close inshore and the three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. 14 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool and 12 Linnets were on the beach.

16th

Sunny, calm. There were four Red-throated Divers, two Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. There were 15 Brent Geese along the shoreline. There were 13 Mallard, a duck Teal and the two immature drakes and a duck Shoveler on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 47 Oystewrcatchers on the beach on the incoming tide, the Grey Plover, and the Purple Sandpiper along the shoreline in the east bay. A Corn Bunting, present briefly in the early morning, was an addition to the year list. There were two Kestrels, male and female, and a male Sparrowhawk which came out of the Obs trees across to the shingle ridge where it pounced on a small passerine and returned to the Obs. Hopefully, it wasn’t one of the three Snow Buntings, which had been seen that morning. Is it a coincidence that the Snow Buntings haven’t been seen since? Perhaps they are the three that have recently been seen at Reculver.

15th

Cloudy, misty over the sea, calm. There was a single Brent Goose was on the beach. A duck Shoveler was in the Marsh Pool and waders included 38 Oystercatchers on the beach at high tide and the Grey Plover. There were seven adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted was our first Great Spotted Woodpecker of the year and the three Snow Buntings.

14th

There were two Firecrests by the Scout Hut and the three Snow Buntings reported again.

13th

One Snow Bunting was reported on Birdguides.

12th

Two Black-necked Grebes on the sea off the skate park were a surprise. The rarest of the five grebes at this site, with a total of only nine records, this is the first time two have been recorded together, and it is unusual to get a winter record. Most are recorded in the autumn. The Purple Sandpiper and the three Snow Buntings were also seen.

11th

Sunny periods, hard frost (-1.5 C), light NW wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and four Great Crested Grebes offshore, 30 Brent Geese flew east along the shoreline and, at 11.30 am, a flock of 15 White-fronted Geese, including one obvious juvenile, flew west close inshore. Two Common Scoters landed on the sea whilst, with the Marsh Pool now completely frozen, two immature drake Shovelers and a duck Teal were in the lower brook. A Lapwing and a Grey Plover were on the beach opposite the Obs and the Purple Sandpiper was also seen. A flock of 14 Fieldfares flew west behind the sewage works, with a single west by the Obs. Also noted were three Skylarks, seven Linnets and the three Snow Buntings.

10th

The three Snow Buntings and the Purple Sandpiper were reported.

9th

Sunny, cold, light northerly wind. Three Red-throated Divers flew west, there were two Great Crested Grebes and a drake Red-breasted Merganser offshore and two Shelducks flew west. A duck Teal and three drake Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 60 Sanderlings roosting between the groynes and the Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper. A Blackcap in the Scout Wood was new for the year and there were also six Goldfinches in the Scout Wood and 15 Linnets along the coastal path.

8th

Two Firecrests were seen at the Obs, and possibly a third was in the Scout Wood. The Purple Sandpiper and the three Snow Buntings were also seen. A Moorhen along the middle brook was our first of the year. Normally, regular but not this winter. Probably, relocated further upstream because of the condition of the brook.

7th

Sunny, cold with a light westerly wind. A Great Northern Diver flew west, a Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebes and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Three drake Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Grey Plover and the Purple Sandpiper. The three Snow Buntings were on the shingle ridge and also noted were a single Skylark, two Meadow Pipits, a pair of Stonechats, five Chaffinches and four Linnets.

6th

The three Snow Buntings, the Grey Plover and the Purple Sandpiper and the four Shovelers were all present.

5th

The three Snow Buntings and the Purple Sandpiper were present.

4th

Cloudy and flat calm. There were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Little Egret was on the beach and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. There were 16 Brent Geese on the beach and the four Shovelers and a drake Teal were on the Marsh Pool. The three Snow Buntings were on the beach and also noted were five Meadow Pipits and c10 Long-tailed Tits.

3rd

It was good to see the Dartford Warbler had made it into the new year. It had been present on the site since October but, at the time of writing on 21st of the month it has not been seen again. Moved on or perished in the cold spell? The long-staying Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper were also present and a drake Teal was on the Marsh Pool.

2nd

Sunny periods, cold, with a moderate northerly wind. Two White-fronted Geese, two Wigeon, six Pintail and two Red-breasted Mergansers flew west, two Brent Geese flew east and the four Shovelers were still on the Marsh Pool. The Purple Sandpiper was roosting between the groynes and a Little Grebe was along the middle brook. Also noted were a male Pied Wagtail and a pair of Stonechats on the eastern promendade and four Linnets between the groynes. A total of 42 species was a modest and belated start to the year.

1st

The traditional New Years Day attempt by regulars to see as many species as possible was cancelled by the weather, strong winds and rain. There wereports from the site.

December – A total of 79 species for the month was again significantly below the ten-year average of 85.6 species (for the fifth month running)! There were two new species for the year with a Water Rail on the Marsh Pool on 3rd and again on 17th and two single Crossbills heading west over , the Obs on 20th. Long-staying birds included the Dartford Warbler, the Snow Bunting with three from 23rd and the Purple Sandpiper. Unusually, Shoveler have been present on the Marsh Pool all month with a duck being joined by two immature drakes.

A total of 166 species so far this year

167 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, drizzle and moderate SW winds. Three Gannets flew east, six Brent Geese (rather scarce lately), flew west and there were two drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included 33 Oystercatchers on the beach at high tide, 15 Golden Plovers west and the Purple Sandpiper. The three Shovelers were still on the Marsh Pool where 20 Common Gulls were all adults. Also noted were the first Grey Wagtail of the month at the mouth of the brook, the Dartford Warbler and the three Snow Buntings seen briefly on the shingle ridge.

30th

Sunny, light SW wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and three Great Crested Grebes offshore, and adult Gannet flew east and a Shelduck flew west. A drake Teal and the two immature drakes and a duck Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool. Old favourites the Dartford Warbler, in the grassland bushes, and the three Snow Bunting, on the shingle ridge, were still present.

29th

Four White-fronted Geese flew west, a drake Pintail was noted and three Teal and a Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool. The Dartford Warbler was still present.

28th

Cloudy, cold, murky, light westerly wind. Three Red-throated Divers flew east, there were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Brent Geese flew east, five Shelducks, a Wigeon, two Pochards and a Goosander flew west and there were four Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Grey Plover and the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted were our first Kingfisher and first Skylark of the month and the three Snow Buntings.

27th

Cloudy, misty and calm. There were three Great Crested Grebe offshore, the drake Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and the Little Grebe was in the middle brook. A male Sparrowhawk was at the Obs and a Peregrine flew over the beach. Nine Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach.

24th

Cloudy, milder and calm. A Red-throated Diver and six Great Crested Grebes were offshore, a Greylag Goose was resting on the tidal ponds and there were three Brent Geese offshore. A drake Teal and the three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and 12 Golden Plovers flew west. 198 Herring Gulls were counted on the beach. The wintering Dartford Warbler was present and the three Snow Buntings were seen again. A flock of Long-tailed Tits included two Firecrests and a Goldcrest.

23rd

Sunny, moderate NW wind. There were three drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, three Shovelers, two immature drakes and a duck, on the Marsh Pool and a Merlin zipped over the beach. Waders included 30 Golden Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted was an increase to three Snow Buntings on the beach and a Little Grebe along the middle brook tackling a rather large, for this small bird, fish.

21st

Cloudy, some rain, moderate SW wind. There were two Red-throated Divers and six Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Little Egret on the beach and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. 25 Golden Plovers flew west over the sea and a flock of 17 Linnets on the beach was the highest count of the winter so far.

20th

Two Crossbills that flew west over the Obs, about an hour apart, were a late addition to the year list. There were three Red-breasted Mergansers on the sea and 10 Golden Plovers flew west. Also noted were the pair of Stonechats, a Chiffchaff and a Jay.

19th

Sunny, cold, fresh NW wind. Two Red-throated Divers were offshore, a Great Crested Grebe flew west and there were 41 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included he regular Grey Plover and a flock of 15 Knot heading west over the sea.

17th

A Water Rail was seen again on the Marsh Pool.

16th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were four Red-throated Divers and five drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Two Brent Geese west were the only one noted. Waders included 63 Ringed Plovers and 18 Dunlin roosting between the groynes and the Purple Sandpiper and Grey Plover. An adult Mediterranean Gull was roosting withy the Black-headed and Common Gulls on the Marsh Pool. The Dartford Warbler showed well in the grassland.

14th

Cloudy, light NW wind. 20 Red-throated Divers flew east, one Great Crested Grebe, seven Wigeon, a Common Scoter and a drake Red-breasted Merganser flew west, an adult Gannet was offshore and a drake Teal was on the sea and the Marsh Pool. Waders included 81 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper between the groynes. The Snow Bunting was still present, a Song Thrush and a Goldcrest were in the trees west of the skate park and three Chaffinches and a Reed Bunting flew west.

13th

A flock of 12 White-fronted Geese flew west and there were six Red-breasted Mergansers. The Purple Sandpiper, Dartford Warbler and Snow Bunting were also present.

12th

Cloudy, murky and calm. A drake Goosander dropped onto the Marsh Pool at 9.15 am, was diving continuously, but did not appear to stay very long. 14 Red-throated Divers flew east, there were only three Brent Geese on the beach and, with the high water level on the Marsh pool, there were 26 Snipe visible. The Elmley-reared Curlew, first seen here on 24th October, was on the beach again, in a party of six birds. Also noted was the Snow Bunting, two Greenfinches over the churchyard and a flock of nine Linnets in the scrub and on the beach.

11th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. 28 Red-throated Divers flew east. Waders included three Grey Plovers east and the lame bird was on the beach. 18 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool and the duck Shoveler was still present. A Song Thrush could be heard singing distantly within the sewage works and there were seven Goldfinches by the scout hut.

10th

Cloudy, fresh NE wind. There were five drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, 14 Red-throated Divers flew east and the duck Shoveler was still on the Marsh Pool. The lame Grey Plover was on the beach and there were ten Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler wee also present.

6th

Sunny, moderate SW wind. Three Red-throated Divers included one on the sea, a group of four Great Crested Grebes on the sea and one flying west and four drake Red-breasted Mergansers close inshore. Waders included the injured Grey Plover, and 40 Sanderlings along the shoreline off the Obs. A Peregrine flew west along the beach and a female Sparrowhawk stopped briefly in the bushes opposite the Obs. Other birds noted included a Chiffchaff along the east bank and two Goldfinches.

5th

Cloudy with a light SW wind. There was one Red-throated Diver and eight Red-breasted Mergansers, all but one a drake, offshore. Four Greylag Geese flew south over the caravan park and there were four Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool at high tide, with another on the beach. Waders included an increase to 60 Oystercatchers on the beach, the Grey Plover, and 16 Snipe and 16 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. The Dartford Warbler was in the grassland bushes again and single Firecrest and Goldcrest were seen along the east bank. A flock of seven Linnets were on the beach.

4th

Sunny, light NW wind. There were six drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and 33 Common Scoters (flocks of eight and 25) and a Shelduck flew west. The Shoveler was again on the Marsh Pool where there were also 16 Snipe and 18 Redshanks. Other waders included two Lapwings flying west low over the sea, the Grey Plover and the adult Purple Sandpiper on the beach. Other birds noted included the Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler and four Stonechats included three males.

3rd

A Water Rail on the Marsh Pool was an addition to the site’s year lost.

2nd

Sunny at first then cloudy, light westerly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, ten Brent Geese on the beach, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, the duck Shoveler on the Marsh Pool and 22 Mallard along the middle and upper brook. Waders included a Grey Plover along the shoreline, that didn’t appear to be the usual limping winter resident, 11 Sanderlings, and 16 Snipe and 19 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. An adult Mediterranean Gull was also on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included the long-staying Snow Bunting and Dartford Warbler, a Chiffchaff at the Obs and nine Goldfinches at the Elm Wood.

A total of 93 species for the month was well below the ten-year average of 102.2. This the fourth month running that the total has been well below the ten-year average. Additions to the year list were Goldeneye and Goosander, Razorbill and Little Auk. Notable was the presence of Snow Bunting and Dartford Warbler throughout the month, although both could be elusive at times. Purple Sandpiper was also present throughout the month with two on 10th, the adult and a juvenile, with the juvenile also present on 16th at least.

A total of 164 species so far this year

167 species by this time last year

30th

Cloudy, milder, light southerly wind. One Great Northern Diver flew west and four Red-throated Divers flew east, a Gannet flew west and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers and 65 Ringed Plovers on the beach and the Grey Plover on the groynes. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the sea close inshore and later one was on the Marsh Pool. There were three Lesser Black-backed Gulls and nine Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. A group of eight Stock Doves flew west, a Skylark was on the coastal path and the Snow Bunting and Dartford Warbler were still present.

A Moorhen was noted well offshore heading towards the beach and pitching down on the beach by the skate park. This is the first noted out at sea. Although British Moorhens are highly sedentary, there is a movement of continental birds into the country in autumn. Of the nearly 130 foreign-ringed birds recovered in Britain and Ireland most were ringed in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany (The Migration Atlas, 2002).

29th

A Great Northern Diver and four drake Red-breasted Mergansers were on the sea. The Purple Sandpiper and the Snow Bunting were also noted.

28th

Sunny and calm. There were two Red-throated Divers east and three Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included 61 Sanderlings along the shoreline off the Obs and 15 Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. A duck Teal and a duck Shoveler were also on the Marsh Pool. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were also present and a female Reed Bunting was in the grassland.

26th

Sunny and calm. There were two Red-throated Divers and three Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper on the beach off the Obs on the outgoing tide and the Grey Plover. Bird of the day was undoubtedly the Little Auk that flew east close inshore at 11.38 am. Our first since 5th November 2021. Other birds noted included the Snow Bunting, Kingfisher, and a Chiffchaff in the churchyard.

25th

After two days of gales and heavy rain, calm returned today, albeit with a bit of drizzle. Bird of the day was a Slavonian Grebe close inshore by the tidal ponds. Only our second report of the year. The Snow Bunting and Dartford Warbler were seen and there was another sighting of Kingfisher.

22nd

A group from the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory paid a visit today enjoying the “bitterly cold westerly winds”. Amongst the birds seen were seven Teal, a Shoveler, five Common Scoters and a drake Red-breasted Merganser. Waders included one Purple Sandpiper and a Grey Plover. Other birds of note included the Snow Bunting, two Rock Pipits and a Grey Wagtail, four Stonechats, a Chiffchaff and two Firecrests.

21st

A drake Goldeneye and a drake Goosander, which flew west over the sea, were both additions to the year list. The Dartford Warbler, last reported on 10th, was seen again as was the Snow Bunting.

20th

Sunny, cold (0-5 C), moderate NW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, a duck Teal and a duck Shoveler on the Marsh Pool, and a Little Grebe in the brook by the sluice. A steady movement of waders heading west over the sea included 22 Golden Plovers and c90 Knot. Also one Purple Sandpiper, the Grey Plover and 38 Sanderlings were also noted. Thrushes were also on the move with 22 Fieldfares and 33 Redwings west early morning and, towards midday, a flock of 16 Fieldfares dropped into the bushes opposite the Obs, them moved on west, and five Redwings joined the Starlings in these bushes. Also noted were the Snow Bunting on the beach, four Rooks on the beach and a single Goldfinch.

18th

Sunny, cool, calm. There was a Red-throated Diver offshore, a group of nine Great Crested Grebes by the tidal ponds and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. Six Shelducks flew west. Waders included the Grey Plover, tmoderate NW wind. wo Lapwings on the tidal ponds and 24 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. There were eight adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and the tidal ponds with one feeding on an auk close inshore by the skate park. One Kittiwake flew west. Other birds of note included a Snow Bunting and a Dartford Warbler, last seen over a week ago so questions as to whether they are the same birds, and a Firecrest near the changing rooms.

16th

Cloudy, light westerly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Gannets flew west, 67 Brent Geese were on the beach and a Little Grebe was in the brook below the sluice. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers on the shingle ridge at high tide, the Grey Plover and the juvenile Purple Sandpiper, 30 Snipe flushed from the Marsh Pool by two microlights, and 24 Redshanks also on the pool. Other birds noted included three Stock Doves in a flock of Woodpigeons, also flushed by the microlights, a Kingfisher, and a Chiffchaff at the Obs.

14th

Cloudy then sunny, light northerly wind. A Red-throated Diver, four Gannets and four Shelducks flew east and three Pintail (a drake and two ducks) flew west. Waders included 21 Oystercatchers, 24 Sanderlings, a Purple Sandpiper and a Dunlin on the beach, 33 Curlews heading towards the Studd Hill roost, 15 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and a flock of 14 Lapwings flying NW. Other birds noted included a female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, three Skylarks, a pair of Stonechats in the scrub, and a Goldcrest.

13th

Cloudy, light NE wind. One Red-throated Diver flew east, five Great Crested Grebes flew west, another was offshore and 165 Cormorants headed west in one straggly line. Two Teal flew west and, later, there were two ducks on the Marsh Pool. 36 Curlews flew towards the Studd Hill roost. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, a pair of Stonechats, 30 Chaffinches flew west amongst which a Brambling was heard.

12th

Sunny periods and showers with a strong NE wind. c50 Gannets, three Shelducks and 18 Kittiwakes flew west, seven Common Scoters flew west, and another three flew east, in a 90-minute seawatch, late morning.

11th

Sunny, cooler, light NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, another five flew west, and 13 Gannets flew west. Waders included 40 Sanderlings on the beach, ten Snipe on the Marsh Pool and the flagged and colour-ringed Curlew, seen previously on October 24th, on the beach. Other birds noted included three Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail, the pair of Stonechats and a Reed Bunting west.

The Curlew was captive-reared at Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey. It was released on the 14th July, subsequently observed on the South Sale on 9th September before the two sightings on the beach. Rearing and releasing Curlews at Elmley is part of a programme to encourage this species to breed in lowland Britain.

10th

A Great Northern Diver and a flock of eight Velvet Scoters (a high count for this species) flew east. A Knot was present on the eastern end of the beach, Lapwing was noted and a juvenile Purple Sandpiper was seen. The Dartford Warbler was seen again but there was no sign of the Snow Bunting.

9th

Cloudy and calm. A Great Northern Diver and nine Great Crested Grebes were offshore, three Gannets and five Wigeon flew west and the duck Wigeon was again on the Marsh Pool before flying inland with Mallard. A Golden Plover flew west low over the sea. A Sandwich Tern was offshore and a Guillemot was close inshore by the Obs. Other birds noted included a single Swallow, a Chiffchaff calling at the Obs, a Firecrest along the east bank, six Chaffinches and 70 Goldfinches west and the male Snow Bunting was still present.

A Great Black-backed Gull, born in 2013 and ringed at the Pitsea landfill site on 14 March 2014, was seen in the far north of Norway in May 2017, where it was presumably breeding. It was seen at Swalecliffe in October last year and has reappeared on the beach today.

8th

The Snow Bunting and the Purple Sandpiper were both present but the Dartford Warbler was not seen. A Razorbill was seen distantly on the sea.

Cloudy and calm.

7th

Cloudy, misty, light SE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore and four Gannets flew east. There were 160 Brent Geese on the beach which included our first juvenile of the year. A duck Wigeon and a duck Teal were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper. There was one Mediterranean Gull offshore and nine Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present and other birds noted included two Swallows, two Chiffchaffs, a Firecrest at the Obs with 12 Long-tailed Tits, and a male Blackcap in the bushes opposite the Obs. A Jay flew over the scout hut carrying an acorn in its bill.

6th

Cloudy, misty, calm. A Red-throated Diver was offshore and a Teal was along the shoreline. Waders included a Grey Plover with an injured leg, presumably the bird present last winter, two Purple Sandpipers, including a juvenile bird, a flock of 60 Sanderlings on the spit opposite the Obs and eight Snipe along the shoreline. A Mediterranean Gull and two Sandwich Terns were offshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present and other birds noted included five Swallows, a Grey Wagtail, two Fieldfares west, 15 Linnets on the beach and a flock of Siskins.

5th

A Great Northern Diver was offshore and four Red-breasted Mergansers were close inshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler were still present.

4th

Cloudy and calm. There was a Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and c10 Great Crested Grebes offshore, 180 Brent Geese on the beach, four Shelducks, a flock of 30 Pintail and a pair of Eiders flew west, two Common Scoters flew east and another west. Waders included six Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach and seven Snipe and 25 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. An Arctic Skua was chasing gulls offshore, there were 19 Great Black-backed Gulls, with only three immatures, on the beach and four Sandwich Terns offshore. The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler remain in residence, five Swallows flew east, a roaming tit flock at the Obs included a Chiffchaff, three Goldcrests and two Firecrests and a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling were also noted.

3rd

Snow Bunting still present.

2nd

The Snow Bunting and the Dartford Warbler are still present.

1st

Cloudy with a light westerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, one Great Northern Diver and three Great Crested Grebes offshore, five Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and 132 Brent Geese resting close inshore at high tide. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and 37 Dunlin roosting between the groynes. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew east and there were four adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. The male Snow Bunting was again on the beach and the Dartford Warbler in the grassland bushes. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher in the brook below the sluice, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, two Stonechats, 35 Redwings heading west in the early morning, and 60 Goldfinches west.

A total of 104 species during the month compares with an ten-year average of 109.8 species. However, there were some interesting birds seen. A Sabine’s Gull on 2nd was only our second record for the site, after one in September 2014. Although this species is regularly seen along the North Kent coast in stormy autumnal conditions. A Yellow-browed Warbler is another autumn specialist and one on 3rd was the seventh record for the site. A Dartford Warbler on 22nd was the fifth, record and another from 30th, the sixth. Finally, a Hawfinch that flew west on 22nd was also only our second record after one in June 2002.

A total of 160 species so far this year

164 species by this time last year

31st

A flock of 50 White-fronted Geese flew high west at 11.05 am. The Snow Bunting was seen again on the beach. Also noted were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Gannets east and a single Dunlin.

30th

Sunny periods and light to moderate SW wind. A Snow Bunting, on the beach by the caravan park early morning, was our first of the year. A second Dartford Warbler of the month, and year, was in the scrub and a Firecrest was along the middle brook. Late morning, two Fieldfares flew north, another addition to the year list. A Great Northern Diver, seen briefly offshore, was the first returning bird, a Red-throated Diver flew east and, later, one was close inshore. 40 Brent Geese flew west and another 20 were close inshore at high tide. One Shelduck flew west and there were 27 Mallard on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 95 Ringed Plovers, 107 Dunlin and 11 Sanderlings on the beach and 15 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included three Sandwich Terns offshore, seven Swallows west, the Cetti’s Warbler heard again in the scrub by Lang Court, and a flock of 40 Siskins west over the Obs.

28th

Sunny periods, light to moderate SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and about 12 Gannets offshore, fishing, and all but one an adult. There were 24 Brent Geese on the beach whilst waders included the Purple Sandpiper, a single Dunlin and 21 Sanderlings amongst the Ringed Plovers and Turnstones on the beach. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west. Other birds noted included two Stonechats in the scrub, a Chiffchaff at the Obs and a light westerly movement of Chaffinches.

26th

Light cloud, a shower and a light southerly wind. There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore and 28 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 12 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A second winter Mediterranean Gull flew west, there were four adult Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and only one Sandwich Tern offshore. A male Sparrowhawk picked a rodent out of the grass by the Obs. Also noted were a Little Grebe in Coot Strait, a Kingfisher, a single Swallow west, a Chiffchaff, a Jay carrying acorns into the scrub, three Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting.

24th

Sunny and calm. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper on the spit off the Obs, eight Snipe visible in the marsh and a Curlew on the beach, colour-ringed and flagged, which hopefully will provide an interesting history. There were three Sandwich Terns offshore. A Kingfisher, seen several times during the course of the morning, was our first since late September. An indication of the state of the brook when the rains bring down much silt presumably from the house building further upstream. Also noted were two Stonechats, three Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, a Rook and another Greenfinch, heading west.

23rd

Sunny, light SW wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Common Scoters flew east. A Little Grebe was on the Marsh Pool, two adult Mediterranean Gulls and two Sandwich Terns were seen offshore. A Cetti’s Warbler, heard calling neat the chalets, was our first of the year although, in recent years birds have lingered for months and may have bred last year. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, four Chiffchaffs, a Brambling amongst a westerly movement of Chaffinches, a juvenile Greenfinch in the churchyard, our first for many months, and four Reed Buntings.

22nd

A Hawfinch, that flew west at 9.15 am, was only the second record for the site. The first was in June 2002! At 9.30 am, a Dartford Warbler was found near the Obs. This was only the fifth record for the site. Both rare birds here but if they were going to turn up, this is the time of the year to expect them. Also noted were a Great White Egret flying west at 1.26 pm, our third of the year but only the ninth in total. In addition, the Purple Sandpiper continues to show regularly and a Goldcrest was seen along the east bank.

20th

A flock of Egyptian Geese flying west at 9.45 am were most likely the flock of nine seen earlier at Seasalter flying east at 8 am.

19th

Cloudy, rainy periods, light SW wind. A juvenile Red-throated Diver close inshore and 11 Great Crested Grebes offshore, including a raft of ten. Waders included 30 Redshanks along the tideline which relocated to the Marsh Pool at high tide, five Snipe on the Marsh Pool and two Curlews on the beach. There were also 33 Mallard and a Teal on the Marsh Pool and eight Little Egrets there at high tide. Eight Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included seven adults and there were 11 Sandwich Terns offshore. Steady vis mig inncluded c200 Swallows and c250 Chaffinches and three Goldfinches heading west. Also noted one female Stonechat, a Chiffchaff, at least six Blackbirds including four black-billed immature males in the bushes opposite the Obs and an immature male Sparrowhawk in scrubland trees.

17th

Sunny, mild, light SW wind. After overnight storms with heavy rain, the brook finally broke through the shingle ridge to flow into the sea. A Red-throated Diver flew east, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, a juvenile Pomarine Skua offshore landed on the sea, a Tufted Duck flew west at 10.25 am and a Short-eared Owl, new for the year, flew west low over the sea at 11 am. Two juvenile Mute Swans also flew west and three Arctic Terns, resting on the spit early morning, were also new for the year. Waders included a single Sanderling along the shoreline and five Snipe and 19 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were 11 Sandwich Terns offshore, two Song Thrushes in the scrub and an increase in the number of Blackbirds.

16th

Sunny, very warm (21.5 C on leaving), Calm. A Black-necked Grebe was drifting west on a flat calm sea early morning. Our second of the year but only our eight in total. A single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe were also offshore, two Gannets flew west whilst 120 Brent Geese on the beach included no juveniles. This strongly suggests a very poor breeding season in Siberia. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and six Snipe and 24 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a duck Wigeon on the Marsh Pool, Redwing arriving in off the sea, small numbers of Chaffinches heading west and three Reed Buntings.

Speckled Wood and Small White butterflies continue to show.

11th

Sunny, cool, calm. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two more flew west, and there were six Little Egrets and 22 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper, first seen on 1st, on the groynes, three Sanderlings, a Dunlin and a Curlew on the beach, and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Little Grebe along Coot Strait, six Sandwich Terns offshore, ten Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail, four Stonechats, a Blackcap and three Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest at the Obs, our first Coal Tit for two years, in the churchyard, and three Reed Buntings.

Small White and Speckled Wood butterflies were joined by a male Common Blue near the Obs.

10th

Cloudy, some light rain, moderate NW wind. Northerly winds failed to produce a sea watching event. There were c20 Gannets offshore, including many juveniles, a lone Pintail, four Arctic Skuas, three Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Kittiwake and three Sandwich Terns flew west and three Common Scoters flew east. Waders included 73 Ringed Plovers and a Sanderling roosting between the groynes. Also noted were a Blackcap calling at the Obs and 12 Linnets.

9th

Sunny periods with a light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Gannets flew east, 38 Brent Geese were on the beach and 44 Mallard on the newly-reflooded Marsh Pool. Waders included a single Curlew and 58 Turnstones on the beach. There was an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach and also an adult Common Tern there, our first for some time. Other birds of note included a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, a Rock Pipit on the beach, a pair of Stonechats, two female Blackcaps and c10 Chiffchaffs, a Jay and our first Redpoll of the year that flew west by the Obs.

7th

Sunny with a light SE wind. A summer plumage Red-throated Diver and six Great Crested Grebes were offshore and there were five Brent Geese on the beach. There were also two Little Grebes in the brook. Waders included a Snipe in the Marsh and 21 Redshanks on the shoreline on the incoming tide. 23 Sandwich Terns also gathered on the beach on the incoming tide. Other birds noted included a single Skylark south, a westerly movement of Swallows and House Martins late morning, two pairs of Stonechats, about 15 Chiffchaffs, mainly in the churchyard, six Chaffinches and a Goldfinch west and a Reed Bunting in the grassland.

A Speckled Wood burtterfly was also noted.

5th

A Red-throated Diver and three Great Crested Grebes were offshore, five Gannets flew east and three Mute Swans flew west. A single Grey Heron was at the eastern end of the beach and nine Sandwich Terns were settled on the spit amongst the Oystercatchers. A Ring-necked Parakeet, heard in the sewage works, was our second of the year and a Redwing in flight was our first of the autumn. Other birds noted included 50+ Swallows, a few House Martins, a single Sand Martin and Skylark heading west, and another Brambling was heard.

4th

A Brambling in the churchyard was our first of the autumn, and the year as well!

3rd

A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen near the entrance to the sewage works between 8.16 and 8.40 am. This is the seventh record for the site but our first for five years. All records have been between 24th September and 15th October. Two Little Grebes were seen in the brook by the sluice.

2nd

Cloudy, showers and a light northerly wind. A fairly quiet start to the morning with a highlight of a Firecrest seen briefly amongst a tit flock in the churchyard. However, movement over the sea began to pick up. 20 Gannets and 20 Common Scoters flew east, 140 Brent Geese, 30 Wigeon, two Teal and a party of 11 Pintail flew west. A Great Skua and two Arctic Skuas flew west but the real highlights came later with a Puffin east at 11.50 am and a Sabine’s Gull east at 12.47 pm. Although fairly regularly seen along this coast during autumn storms, the Sabine’s Gull was only our second at this site after one on 10th September 2014! Other birds noted included a Common Sandpiper at the eastern end of the beach, an adult Kittiwake east, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a flock of ten Skylarks east, a Grey Wagtail, an elusive Redstart calling loudly in the churchyard and a male Stonechat.

1st

Cloudy with a moderate SW wind. A Great Crested Grebe, eight Brent Geese, a Wigeon and six Teal flew west, one Sandwich Tern flew east and a Little Grebe was in the middle brook. A Purple Sandpiper, with Turnstones between the groynes, was probably our earliest autumn bird. Other birds noted included a Stock Dove, three Swallows, a male Stonechat, a Blackcap and six Chiffchaffs, a Jay and two Chaffinches.

September, like August, was well below par in terms of the number of species recorded. An total of 92 species recorded during the month compares with a ten-year average of 104.1 species. There were eight additions to the year list during the month. Three species: Manx Shearwater and Arctic Skua on 5th and Pomarine Skua on 27th related to strong northerly winds, a Black-necked Grebe on 3rd and a Black Tern on 9th flew west over the sea in calmer conditions. Two Whinchats and a Spotted Flycatcher on 6th and a Wryneck on 12th to 16th were also additions. The Black-necked Grebe was the seventh record for the site and, with another on 20th and 21st, a total of six Wrynecks for the site. It has been a good month for Redstarts with four individuals seen but a poor month for the more regular Wheatear with only three singles reported.

As most of the summer visitors have now left, it seems likely that we will not record Turtle Dove this year. Also, most unusually, we have not recorded any Reed Warblers this autumn and the only Whinchats were the two birds on 6th.

A total of 147 species so far this year

154 species by this time last year

30th

Cloudy, milder, freshening SW, nine wind. A rare afternoon visit produced two Red-throated Divers and 18 Common Scoters east and nine Brent Geese west. Waders included 31 Oystercatchers on the beach, four Redshanks in the remnant brook, two Snipe in the Marsh Pool and two Dunlin west. Three Stock Doves dropped onto the beach, three Swallows flew west and two male Stonechats spiralled into the sky above the wooden bridge.

Recent rains have begun to put some water back onto the Marsh Pool.

28th

Sunny, cool, light NW wind. Eight Gannets flew east and there were two Sandwich Terns on the beach. A Goldcrest along the east bank was our first of the autumn, a female Redstart was in the churchyard and other birds noted included a Buzzard, a Kingfisher, c20 Chiffchaffs and five Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting flew west.

Speckled Wood and Small White butterflies wee also noted.

27th

Freshening NW winds brought many seabirds into the Swale in the afternoon. On site, two adult Pomarine Skuas flew west close inshore, there were also 30+ Arctic Skuas and nine Great Skuas. There were also 12 Little Gulls and 34+ Kittiwakes, and a Red-throated Diver flew east.

26th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were c10 Gannets offshore. Waders included a single Dunlin roosting between the groynes and a Redshank in the remnant brook. There were three Sandwich Terns offshore and a Kingfisher flew downstream towards the brook.

A Speckled Wood butterfly was noted.

25th

Cloudy, calm, some light rain. A summer plumage Red-throated Diver flew east and three Brent Geese flew west. Three Sandwich Terns and three Common Terns were offshore. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Grey Wagtail, a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub, six Blackcaps and c20 Chiffchaffs and a Jay.

24th

There were three Sanderlings, a Wheatear at the eastern end of the beach and the now regular Kingfisher.

23rd

Three Great Crested Grebes, eight Brent Geese and four Wigeon flew west and there were 11 Little Egrets on the beach. A Hobby flew over the estate and other birds noted included a Kingfisher and a few Sand Martins and a Reed Bunting west.

22nd

A Great White Egret was our second of the year.

21st

A Little Grebe along the middle brook was our first of the autumn. Waders included a single Dunlin. The Wryneck was present in the s crub for a second day. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Yellow and Grey Wagtails and Chaffinch.

20th

There was one Great Crested Grebe. A Pintail flew east, two Teal flew west and two Wigeon were also seen. Waders included our first Curlew of the month on the beach and a single Dunlin. A Wryneck in the scrub and four days since the previous sightings, was thought to be a second bird. Our sixth record and two in a year for the first time. Also noted were Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Chaffinch.

19th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. Seven Brent Geese flew west and 11 Teal circled around the beach. Waders included 45 Oystercatchers, 126 Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin on the beach. A female/immature Redstart was in the churchyard and also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying east over the area and two Yellow Wagtails near the car park.

18th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. Six Gannets flew east, five Brent Geese, a Teal and 21 Common Scoters flew west and there were 37 Mallard in the brook. Waders included 35 Oystercatchers on the beach and 60 Ringed Plovers and a single Dunlin roosting between the groynes. A Redstart was seen briefly in the bushes opposite the Obs and also noted were a Grey Wagtail, 14 Pied Wagtails on the football pitch and 24 Long-tailed Tits along the east bank.

17th

A Red-throated Diver flying east was our first reported returning bird. Three Great Crested Grebes flew east, five Brent Geese, three Wigeon, a Teal , 22 Common Scoters and an Arctic Skua flew west.

16th

Cloudy, sunny later, light northerly wind. Two Great Crested Grebes flew west, there were c20 Gannets offshore, six Wigeon flew east and two Common Scoters flew west. Waders included 23 Oystercatchers, a Dunlin, and a Redshank on the beach. There were 12 Sandwich Terns offshore. The Wryneck was still present and other birds noted included a Kingfisher, 35 House Martins west in two pulses and a single Chaffinch.

Butterflies noted were Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Green-veined and Large White.

15th

The Wryneck was present for its fourth day and Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker were also noted.

14th

There were 35+ Mallard, two Redshanks and a Sandwich Tern. The Wryneck was still present and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were noted. Other birds noted included noted a Kingfisher, three Sand Martin west, a Willow Warbler and a Jay.

13th

The Wryneck was present for its second day and a male Stonechat was our first of the autumn.

12th

Sunny, cool, light westerly wind. What was looking like a quiet morning was interrupted when Arnie found our fifth Wryneck for the site along the east bank. In a similar circumstances to the fourth, four years ago, showing in the long grass at the edge of the football pitch. Three Bar-tailed Godwits flew west close inshore. Three Sand Martins flew west, there were eight Pied Wagtails on the promenade and the football pitch, a Grey Wagtail and a Wheatear, a Hobby, and a Reed Bunting which flew west by the Obs was our first of the autumn.

11th

Sunny, cool, moderate westerly wind. Four Gannets and a single Arctic Skua flew east. Waders included only our second Green Sandpiper of the year, three Dunlin, with two flying west, and 63 Ringed Plovers and 140 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Other birds noted included four Sand Martins west, a Grey Wagtail, and five Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

Butterflies noted were Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small and Green-veined Whites.

10th

Waders included 130+ Turnstones and a group of 7+ Sanderlings. Also noted were a Hobby flying west over the sea, a Skylark by the wooden bridge and a Willow Warbler.

9th

Cloudy, cool, fresh NW wind. Not a great deal of movement in these promising winds but a Black Tern flying west close inshore was new for the year, a drake Wigeon flew west and five Gannets flew east. Also two Sanderlings and three Sandwich Terns flew west. Hirundines were on the move with four Sand Martins, 48 Swallows and 34 House Martins (in two pulses) flew west. A flock of 16 Long-tailed Tits were moving along the east bank.

7th

Cloudy and calm. A Great Crested Grebe was present offshore. Waders included 16 Oystercatchers and a single Dunlin as well as good numbers of Ringed Plover and Turnstones. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the churchyard, possibly the bird of yesterday or maybe not. A Kingfisher, which flew downstream under the Brook Road wooden bridge, was only our third of the year after singles in April and June. A regular visitor in most years with birds typically present from July or August until the new year. However, for much of the time this year, the brook has been unfishable, possibly because run-off from building works upstream.

Coincidentally, a shoal of Grey Mullet were observed in the brook above the sluice. Too big for a Kingfisher, I think.

Butterflies noted were Red Admiral, Peacock, Small White and Small Heath and a Yellow Shell moth was seen in the scrub.

6th

None of the regulars could make it today. A pity as casual visitor, Steve Arthur, arriving at 9.30 am, noted two Whinchats in the grassland bushes and a Spotted Flycatcher along the east bank, which were both additions to the year list. A Garden Warbler in brambles near the Obs was our first of the autumn and a Yellow Wagtail flew west.

5th

Cloudy, fresh to strong NE wind. With the first strong onshore winds of the autumn, hopes were raised. A Manx Shearwater flew east at 8.10 am, later four Arctic Skuas flew east (both new for the year) and 39 Gannets flew east during the morning. A bit disappointing! One Teal flew westand two were later on the beach.

4th

Cloudy and calm. Bird of the day was a Black-necked Grebe which flew west close inshore at 9.45 am. Our seventh record for the site. Two Gannets and three Sandwich Terns flew east. The female/immature Redstart was again present in the scrub but could be elusive. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail, five species of warbler including single Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.

A Common Seal pup was along the shoreline but soon swam out into the sea. Unusual to see an apparently healthy individual on the beach.

The work on the outflow appears to be finished but what will happen to the flower meadow that never was?

3rd

There were five Grey Herons on the Hampton flats and a Redstart was seen and heard briefly in the scrub.

2nd

Cloudy with a light southerly wind. Much better autumnal feel to the birding today. A Greenshank flew west and another was on the beach late morning. A Ruff came in from the west with two Turnstones, dropping out of sight on the back of the tidal ponds. There were three Shovelers within the tidal ponds, which flew off west, and three Teal landed by the ponds. Two Redshanks were on the beach early morning and another seven appeared later. Also noted were four Common Scoters east, at least four Sand Martins with Swallows flying west and a Lesser Whitethroat in the Elm Wood.

1st

Sunny with a moderate NE wind. A very quiet start to the month. 30 Gannets and six Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were a Grey Wagtail which flew into the sewage works and a Wheatear in the scrub.