1st

There were six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, the Purple Sandpiper was on the beach and three Little Gulls flew east.

A total of 83 species so far this year

76 species by this time last year

A total of 83 species for the month was close to the ten-year average of 83.4 species. The highlight of the month, and quite possibly the whole year here, was an adult Ross’s Gull which rested briefly on the shingle on the beach in front of the Obs. This is only the second record of this Arctic species in Kent, following one passing Dungeness in January 2014! However, in many ways it was a quiet month. Best birds on the sea were a Slavonian Grebe on 12th, a drake Goldeneye on 18th, six Velvet Scoters that flew west on 25th and a Black-throated Diver on 30th. The drake Pintail, which has been present since 10th, was unprecedented for a species usually only seen flying by over the sea. Other long-staying birds included the Purple Sandpiper throughout the month, a highest count of 82 Sanderlings on 29th, regular sightings of Kingfisher, a Cetti’s Warbler occasionally heard, Goldcrest and Firecrest, whilst a hen Blackcap, probably straying from its favoured gardens, was seen on 2nd and 29th.

31st

Sunny periods, calm. There was a group of 18 Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and 60 Brent Geese. Five Teal and four Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and the drake Pintail was again on the flooded coastal path. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes and 24 Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were the pair of Stonechats, a Song Thrush, and five Long-tailed Tits in the churchyard.

30th

A Black-throated Diver flew east towards Hampton and a Greylag Goose was also noted. Both additions to the year list. The drake Pintail appears to have abandoned the pools in favour of the large puddles along the coastal path.

29th

Cloudy, light SE wind. There were five Red-throated Divers offshore, and eight flew east, and one Great Crested Grebe and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. There were 24 Brent Geese on the beach and two Shelducks flew west. Eight Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 54 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes, 82 Sanderlings along the shoreline and 22 Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were Cetti’s Warbler, a couple of bursts in the bushes by the caravan park, a female Blackcap along the upper brook and seven Linnets in the scrub.

28th

There were seven Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. The drake Pintail, two Teal and two Shovelers, the usual waders included the Purple Sandpiper, and the Little Grebe in the brook. A Song Thrush was singing in the sewage works.

26th

Cloudy, poor visibility, light SE wind. One Red-throated Diver offshore, and two flew east, one Great Crested Grebe and four Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and seven Teal on the tidal ponds. There were five Teal and a duck Shoveler on The Marsh Pool and the drake Pintail was seen on the Marsh and Obs Pool. Waders included 22 Sanderlings and 22 Redshanks in the East Bay. There were three Kittiwakes east and eight west. Also noted were a Little Grebe in the brook adjacent to the Marsh Pool and a Redwing flew across the football pitch.

25th

A flock of six Velvet Scoters flew east at 9.55 am. They were also noted passing Herne Bay pier at 10.06 and King George VI Park, Ramsgate at 10.37 am. A single Gannet and Little Gull also boosted the year total. There were also singles of Purple Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Song Thrush, Redwing and Firecrest.

24th

Sunny, light SE wind. A long line of 128 Red-throated Divers flew east distantly offshore, probably flushed by a speedboat. There were also a few divers offshore, with three Great Crested Grebes and seven Red-breasted Mergansers. The drake Pintail was preferring the Obs Pool, until flushed by a dog walker. There were six Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. There were 72 Brent Geese, most on the mudflats below the Tankerton slopes. Also noted were a Kingfisher and the male Stonechat.

22nd

Cloudy, some light rain, light southerly wind. There were a number of Red-throated Divers offshore and also two Great Crested Grebes and 12 Red-breasted Mergansers. There were 12 Brent Geese on the beach and the regular ducks on the Marsh Pool, with at least nine Teal, also seen on and over the sea, three Shovelers and the drake Pintail, which also spent some time on the Obs Pool. The usual waders, although the Purple Sandpiper was not seen, and 22 Curlews headed for the Studd Hill roost on the incoming tide. A group of six adult Kittiwakes that flew east close inshore provided an addition to the year list.

20th

A Grey Plover flew west and a Lapwing headed NW over the area.

19th

Cloudy, light southerly wind. There were three Red-throated Divers offshore, two more flew east, an Egyptian Goose and five Common Scoters flew west and five Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. A drake Teal on the sea flew off west whilst, on the Marsh Pool, there was a pair of Teal, the drake Pintail and two Shovelers. Waders included 34 Oystercatchers, the Purple Sandpiper, and 17 visible Snipe and 24 roosting Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were the pair of Stonechats, a Raven flying south over the church, and nine Linnets in the scrub.

18th

A drake Goldeneye on the sea off the skate park, 26 White-fronted Geese heading NW, a Jack Snipe along the edge of the brook and a heard only Cetti’s Warbler provided a boost to the site’s year list.

17th

Sunny, light southerly wind. There were three Red-throated Divers offshore, another three flew east, eight Great Crested Grebes were offshore and a Shelduck flew west. There were eight Brent Geese on the beach and the drake Pintail and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 25 Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper and ten roosting Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. There were two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and three Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted were a Little Grebe and a Kingfisher in the brook below the sluice, a female Kestrel, a female Stonechat, and a Chiffchaff at the Obs.

16th

Two Corn Buntings west by the Obs was the highlight. Also noted were the drake Pintail, a Kingfisher and the female Stonechat.

15th

A Great Northern Diver flew west.

14th

Sunny, touch of frost, calm. One Red-throated Diver offshore, two more flew west, a string of c350 Cormorants gathered distantly offshore and five Brent Geese were on the beach. Three Teal, a pair of Shovelers and the drake Pintail were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 51 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach off the Obs, a group of 32 Sanderlings resting on the shoreline and 17 Snipe, visible, on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a Little Grebe in Coot Strait, a Kingfisher by the bridge over the coastal path, the pair of Stonechats, two Long-tailed Tits in the Elm Wood and two Linnets in the scrub, one in song!

12th

Cloudy, light SW wind. A return to mild weather and a much calmer sea. A Slavonian Grebe was offshore towards Hampton. Also there were two Great Crested Grebes, a duck Common Scoter and two drake Red-breasted Merganser offshore. A Red-throated Diver was offshore and a group of eight flew east. Three Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and, unusually, two duck Shovelers were on the Obs Pool. The drake Pintail was also on the Marsh Pool and the adjacent brook. Waders included 48 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach off the Obs and a Grey Plover and 13 Lapwings were resting on the nearby shoreline. At the other end of the beach, 69 Sanderlings, like a string of pearls, were draped along the shoreline. Also noted were a Little Grebe, in the brook below the sluice, the pair of Stonechats in the grassland, ten Goldfinches in trees along the upper brook and six Linnets on the coastal path.

10th

Sunny, cold, fresh NW wind. The numbers of Brent Geese has declined during this cold spell. A group of six flew east along the beach and later a flock of 20 flew west out to sea. One Shelduck flew west and a duck Teal and five Shovelers were joined by a drake Pintail on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 22 Sanderlings along the shoreline and a flock of 30 Snipe which flew over the Marsh Pool and out across the beach. These were possibly not the resident birds. There were five Goldfinches in the Scout Wood, a Chiffchaff was feeding along the edge of the brook by the wooden bridge, and a Goldcrest and two Long-tailed Tits were in the Elm Wood, and later moving along the east bank. Unusually, an adult Rook flew west over the sewage works and a Raven was seen briefly, looking east from the Obs. Finally, the pair of Stonechats were seen along the coastal path.

8th

Murky with poor visibility. There was one Red-throated Diver and five Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a Stonechat and a Song Thrush.

7th

Sunny, slightly warmer, light westerly wind. A Red-throated Diver, five Gadwall and four Wigeon flew west. There were six Teal and five Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included five Golden Plovers on the beach and 13 Sanderlings along the shoreline. Also noted was a female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood and a pair of Stonechats near the Obs.

6th

Waders included 12+ Golden Plovers, two Lapwings and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach. A Song Thrush was in the scrub.

5th

Sunny, very cold, hard frost, light NW wind. There was one Red-throated Diver offshore, a Little Egret in the remnant brook and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds. Three drake Teal were on the Marsh Pool and 14 Mallard gathered in the only ice-free section of the brook below the sluice. A Marsh Harrier flew west at 10.20 am and two Golden Plovers also flew west. Also noted were four Redwings in flight around the entrance to the sewage works and a Goldcrest along the east bank.

3rd

Sunny, very cold with a hard frost, light northerly wind. A Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe flew west. Four Teal and a Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool and a drake Red-breasted Merganser was offshore. Waders included 40 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach. Also noted was a Kingfisher along the middle brook.

2nd

Fresh NW wind. Three Great Crested Grebes, a Marsh Harrier and 20+ Golden Plovers flew west. There were three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool and a Little Grebe in the brook. A Goldcrest and two Firecrests were along the east bank.

1st

Sunny, cold with a light northerly wind. Following a quiet end to the year, one looks forward to the new beginning, but expectations were not high given recent weeks. A circuit of the site confirmed expectations with a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and two Egyptian Geese west, the resident Purple Sandpiper on the beach and a Kingfisher along the middle brook, the only birds of any note. However, things were about to change. At about 11.30 am a small gull, amongst a few Black-headed Gulls along the shoreline, showed clear pink underparts. It showed only for a few seconds before disappearing below the shingle. On checking the shoreline, it had settled on the shingle, it was only about 30 feet away, and it was an obvious adult Ross’s Gull!!! It only stayed on the beach for a few minutes then flew off heading over the Obs and then being lost behind trees on the edge of the sewage works. The cold weather from the north may have contributed to this Arctic wanderer’s appearance in Kent. Only the second record for the county after one flew west by Dungeness in January 2014.

The total of 77 species for the month was well below the ten-year average of 85.6 species and there were no additions to the year list during the month. It was mild at the beginning of the month and cold at the end. The mild weather resulted in a Peacock butterfly at the Obs on 11th and two Sandwich Terns on the beach on 15th. There were two Ravens on 5th and two Great White Egrets on 11th. Goldcrests and Firecrests were seen regularly during the month and the Cetti’s Warbler was heard on a few occasions. Two White-fronted Geese on the last day of the month was our only contribution to the influx of White-fronted and Tundra Bean Geese into the country that accompanied the cold weather towards the end of the month.

A total of 173 species so far this year

166 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy then sunny, cool, light northerly wind. Ten Red-throated Divers flew east and there were two Great Crested Grebes offshore. Two White-fronted Geese flew west over the beach at 11.55 am and a Marsh Harrier flew west over the sea at 9.30 am. Waders included 55 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper. There were 126 Herring Gulls on the beach. Also noted were a female Kingfisher, the pair of Stonechats, and a Firecrest along the east bank.

29th

Cloudy, light NE wind. Four Red-throated Divers flew east, two flew west. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew east and an adult Little Gull flew east close inshore. A Grey Heron was on the tidal ponds and there were nine Teal, seven drakes, and a pair of Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. The Little Grebe was in the brook below the sluice.

23rd

A Fulmar flew east.

22nd

Sunny, light SE wind. A Red-throated Diver was offshore, and three flew east. There were three Common Scoters east, and later offshore, and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. An adult Gannet was offshore and a Grey Heron was on the tidal ponds. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers, 52 Ringed Plovers and three Lapwings, flying west over the sea. There were four Teal on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Redwing along the east bank, which flew off inland, the pair of Stonechats and the Cetti’s Warbler in the scrub, more vocal than hitherto but with the volume turned down.

21st

A Red-breasted Merganser was reported.

20th

Sunny and calm. Nine Red-throated Divers flew east, one was offshore and two Mute Swans flew east. A Great Northern Diver, four duck Common Scoters, three Red-breasted Mergansers and a pair of Goosanders were offshore. Also, six Common Scoters flew east. Waders included 55 Ringed Plovers, 20 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper, with 25 Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool where there were also four Teal. Also noted were the Little Grebe in the brook, a Grey Wagtail, the pair of Stonechats, and the Cetti’s Warbler, heard again briefly by the caravan park.

19th

There were two Great Northern Divers offshore and a Kingfisher was also noted.

17th

Sunny, light SW wind. A Red-throated Diver was offshore, a Great Northern Diver flew east, there were eight Great Crested Grebes offshore, and a Gannet, a Shelduck and five Teal flew west. Waders included 40 Ringed Plovers on the beach opposite the Obs, 49 Sanderlings along the shoreline and the Purple Sandpiper roosting on the groynes. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew east and also noted were a Little Grebe along Coot Strait, the adult male Sparrowhawk in the trees by the Obs, a Chiffchaff and a Firecrest opposite the entrance to the sewage works and a Reed Bunting.

16th

Two Great White Egrets flew over and the Purple Sandpiper was on the beach. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard, in a single burst of song, and two Firecrests and a flock of 15 Long-tailed Tits were along the east bank and at the Obs.

15th

Cloudy, light southerly wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and the duck Common Scoter offshore and ten Gannets flew east. Waders included 44 Ringed Plovers and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach off the Obs and 15 Sanderlings along the shoreline. There were nine Great Black-backed Gulls, all but one adults, and two Sandwich Terns on the beach. Two drake Teal were again on the Marsh Pool and the Little Grebe along the middle brook.

13th

Sunny and calm. There were four Red-throated Divers, 12 Great Crested Grebes, the duck Common Scoter and five Red-breasted Mergansers, four drakes and a redhead, offshore. Waders included two Golden Plovers west low over the sea, 44 Sanderlings along the shoreline and the Purple Sandpiper. There were two drake Teal on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were the Little Grebe in the middle brook, a female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, and a Chiffchaff at the Obs.

12th

A Great Northern Diver drifted east and a drake Goosander flew west.

11th

Sunny, mild, light SW wind. Nine Red-throated Divers flew west, and there were eight Great Crested Grebes and the duck Common Scoter offshore. One large auk sp flew east. Also noted were an adult Sparrowhawk along the east bank, an adult Kestrel hunting over the area, and a Kingfisher and a Firecrest.

A very late, and rather tatty, Peacock appeared at the Obs.

10th

Sunny periods, mild, moderate SW wind. A Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and the duck Common Scoter were offshore. A Kittiwake and a Sandwich Tern flew east. Also noted were a female Great Spotted Woodpecker at the Obs, two Stonechats, and two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests and a Firecrest along the east bank.

8th

Three Red-throated Divers and five Common Scoters flew west, whilst the “resident” scoter was still offshore. Also noted was a Grey Heron and a female Stonechat.

6th

Sunny, moderate SW wind. A Great Northern Diver, three Great Crested Grebes and the duck Common Scoter were offshore. A flock of c50 Brent Geese on the beach included a pair with three juveniles. Waders included 38 Sanderlings, 63 Dunlin and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes. There was no sign of Teal or Shoveler on the Marsh Pool but 25 Redshanks roosted on there at high tide. Also noted was a female Stonechat opposite the Obs and a Reed Bunting was heard.

5th

A summer plumage Great Northern Diver, several Red-throated Divers, the regular duck Common Scoter and two redhead Goosanders were noted offshore. The Purple Sandpiper was seen and, for the third time recently, two Ravens were seen. They flew off inland.

4th

Cloudy, some light rain, light SE wind. A Great Northern Diver flew west and there were three Great Crested Grebes offshore. There were four Teal and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool with 36 Mallard. Another Shoveler flew high west over the area. The regular nine species of wader included the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted was a Little Grebe along the middle brook.

A “mini forest” is being created between the churchyard and the brook which will involve the planting of 1,500 saplings of native trees in close proximity, which should encourage rapid growth. It is based on the theories of the Japanese botanist, Akira Miyawaki.

3rd

Mostly sunny with a light SW wind. Two Red-throated Divers flew east, a Great Northern Diver was fishing (crabbing) close inshore and five Great Crested Grebes and a Common Scoter were offshore. Waders included 61 Ringed Plovers, 83 Dunlin and the Purple Sandpiper, roosting between the groynes, and 11 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. A drake Teal and three Shovelers were also on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a Marsh Harrier west over the sea at 10.55 am, a Peregrine flew SW over the area, a Song Thrush was singing near the skate park, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest were along the east bank and eight Goldfinches were by the upper brook.

2nd

There were eight Great Crested Grebes and a Common Scoter offshore. There were two Shovelers on the Marsh Pool and the Purple Sandpiper was present. Also noted was a Song Thrush, and a Goldcrest at the Obs.

3rd

Mostly sunny, light SW wind. Two Red-throated Divers flew east, a Great Northern Diver was fishing close inshore and five Great Crested Grebes and a Common Scoter were offshore. Waders included 61 Ringed Plovers, 83 Dunlin and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes and 11 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. A drake Teal and three Shovelers were also on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a singing Song Thrush near the skate park, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest along the east bank and eight Goldfinches by the upper brook.

2nd

There were eight Great Crested Grebes and a Common Scoter offshore. Two Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and the Purple Sandpiper was present. Also noted was a Song Thrush, and a Goldcrest at the Obs.

A total of 98 species for the month, a little below the ten-year average of 101.1 species. The annual total of 173 species was well above the ten-year average of 165.1 species. Seven species were added to the year list including our first ever Whooper Swans on 4th, our first for the year, and latest ever, Turtle Dove on 8th and the first for three years, Woodcock on 21st. An Arctic Tern on 17th was the latest ever recorded here.

A total of 173 species so far this year

164 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny, cold, light westerly wind. A Goosander and a Shelduck flew west. A pair of Teal and a pair of Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 15 Golden Plovers west over the sea, 21 Sanderlings on the beach and the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted was a Marsh Harrier west, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff.

28th

A Great Northern Diver was offshore. A drake Teal and the three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the resident Purple Sandpiper. Two Ravens were seen early morning. Also noted was a Ring-necked Parakeet flying towards the sewage works, a Mistle Thrush, which flew across the area towards Plough lane, was only the second record for the year, and a Song Thrush was also seen.

27th

Cloudy, mild, moderate SW wind. An early morning Raven, first spotted by a dog walker and “crow lady”, lingered long enough to be seen again. Another addition to the year list. One Great Crested Grebe flew west. Waders included 35 Golden Plovers and a flock of 22 Lapwings flying west low over the sea. There were four Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were six Skylarks west, the full complement of two pairs of Stonechats and a normal count of 64 Carrion Crows on the beach.

26th

Sunny, calm. One Great Crested Grebe and two Shelducks flew west. A Little Egret was on the beach, and two flew west, and a Grey Heron was on the tidal ponds. A duck Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 34 Oystercatchers and 28 Sanderlings on the beach. Two Marsh Harriers flew west together low over the sea at 10.45 am. A single burst of Cetti’s Warbler song, from bushes behind the sea wall near the caravan park, was our first record of this species this year. Also, a Chiffchaff was heard calling by the Obs.

24th

Sunny periods, light southerly wind. A Great Northern Diver offshore was drifting east, there were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Little Grebe was on the “pool” at the mouth of the brook. There were two Little Egrets, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds and 150 Brent Geese on the beach. A drake and a duck Shoveler and

22nd

Sunny, milder, light southerly wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, c100 Brent Geese on the beach and a drake Red-breasted Merganser with three female/immature Common Scoters offshore. Three Shovelers, two drakes and a duck, and a duck Teal were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 41 Oystercatchers and 50 Ringed Plovers on the beach and a party of 13 Lapwings flew west. Also noted were a Kingfisher along the upper brook and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, low over the promenade, flying towards Hampton.

A lot of colour on site this morning with a beautiful rainbow and a lurid green brook. The suggestion is that the green brook is the result of dye being used to trace leaks in the sewage works pipework? It was originating from a pipe just upstream of the wooden bridge.

21st

Cloudy, heavy rain until 10.15 am, then sunny with moderate northerly wind. One Red-throated Diver and three Common Scoters, female/immatures, flew west. There were two duck Teal and two drake Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. A Woodcock came in off the sea, flying towards the skate park, at 8.20 am. A typical date for the species here, migrating from Scandinavia, but the first for three years. An adult Kittiwake flew east, a Chiffchaff was along the east bank, and a male Snow Bunting was along the coastal path and the beach.

20th

Sunny, very cold, fresh NW wind. A drake Red-breasted Merganser was on the sea off the Obs and a drake Goosander flew west over the sea at 10.30 am. A duck Teal was along the shoreline and three Shovelers, two drakes and a duck, were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 20 Golden Plovers west and seven Sanderlings on the beach. Also noted were a Kingfisher, a Great Spotted Woodpecker calling in the Elm Wood, a Chiffchaff along the east bank and two Goldfinches along the upper brook.

19th

Cloudy, cold, heavy rain, strong northerly wind. Seven Wigeon and a duck Common Scoter flew west and there were three Teal on the Marsh Pool. A Firecrest was with a tit flock along the east bank.

18th

There were three Red-throated Divers offshore, a Grey Heron, four Mute Swans, three Shelducks and 25 Lapwings flew west and three Common Scoters and two Red-breasted Mergansers flew east. A Short-eared Owl, the third this month and year, was reported high over the area then headed NW. A Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest were at The Obs and there was “some movement” of Chaffinches and Goldfinches.

17th

Sunny, cold, strong northerly wind. The kind of weather we would have wanted last month! Highlight of the sea watch was a drake Velvet Scoter east. There was also one Red-throated Diver west, a Great Crested Grebe east, a Shelduck west, a flock of eight Common Scoters, female or immatures, west, and one east, 27 Lapwings NW, two juvenile Little Gulls west, 97 Common Gulls west, predominantly adults, one adult Lesser Black-backed Gull west, 40 Kittiwakes west, only three juveniles, a juvenile Arctic Tern west and two Razorbills west. Also noted was a Little Grebe along the middle brook, a Kingfisher, four Skylarks NW, a Fieldfare and a Redwing along the east bank, and three adult Rooks west.

15th

Mist rolled in from the sea restricting visibility. Six Gannets flew west, 130 Brent Geese flew east, four Teal and four Common Scoters flew west. The drake Shoveler was again on the Marsh Pool where there were also 29 Mallard and a Teal. Waders included 57 Sanderlings, the highest count so far this autumn, the Purple Sandpiper, and a single Grey Plover and Knot both of which flew off east. One Sandwich Tern was fishing close inshore.

13th

Cloudy becoming sunny, light southerly wind. Two immature Gannets flew east and a duck Teal and a drake Shoveler were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 38 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper on the beach and 15 Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. A second-winter Mediterranean Gull flew east, two Sandwich Terns were offshore and 151 Herring Gulls were gathered on the beach. An Arctic Skua flew east. Also noted were six Pied Wagtails, a Song Thrush and a Chiffchaff.

12th

Sunny periods, fresh SW wind. A juvenile Gannet flew west, there were c320 Brent Geese, stretching west from the skate park to the street, and the duck Wigeon was on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper, and ten Sanderlings and five Dunlin on the mudflats towards Hampton. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew west close inshore, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the beach and three Sandwich Terns were resting along the shoreline off the Obs. Also noted were a pair of Stonechats by the Obs, a Chiffchaff along the east bank, c50 Chaffinches west and two Goldfinches along the upper brook.

A Red Admiral was in the Elm Wood.

10th

Cloudy, rain from 10 am, light southerly wind. One Red-throated Diver flew west, three Gannets were offshore, one fishing, the duck Wigeon was on the Marsh Pool and there were 11 Lapwings resting along the shoreline by the Obs. 11 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. Three Sandwich Terns were resting along the shoreline. Also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker calling in the churchyard and a Goldcrest along the upper brook.

8th

Sunny, mild with a light southerly wind. Although there was no significant change in the weather, compared with the last two days the birding was much quieter. However, on entering the churchyard, two doves were noted in one of the more mature trees, a Collared Dove and a Turtle Dove. At this time of the year, the latter was either a very late native Turtle Dove or a very rare Oriental Turtle Dove (only one Kent record). Clearly, the first task was to get some photographs. Unfortunately, a clear view was inhibited by the branches and, also unfortunately, both doves flew off within a minute or two. Nevertheless, four shots were managed. These suggest it was in fact a late native Turtle Dove, although many of the defining features separating the two species could not be seen. The latest Turtle Dove to be recorded on the site was of a juvenile on 11th October 2001! The only other November record in Kent Bird Reports over the last ten years was one at Brook Farm, Reculver on 11th November 2018.

There were four Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver offshore, one Shelduck flew east and a duck Wigeon was seen in flight over the area. Waders included 40 Lapwings west and 11 Snipe and 18 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Four Little Gulls flew west and four Sandwich Terns were offshore. Also noted were a Kingfisher, a male and female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, one Redwing in the scrub, a Chiffchaff, 12 Long-tailed Tits moving through the Elm Wood and a Redpoll west.

A late, probably our only November record, Holly Blue butterfly paused momentarily at the Obs.

7th

Cloudy, mild, light southerly wind. There were two Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver, 14 Great Crested Grebes and our first Slavonian Grebe of the season, offshore. Ducks included our first Goldeneye of the year, on the sea, the redhead Goosander, and seven Common Scoters with a single Teal, west. Waders included five Lapwings on the tidal ponds, the Purple Sandpiper, five Sanderlings and two Dunlin, and 18 Snipe and 18 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. 11 Little Gulls flew west and there were three Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern offshore. A ringtail Hen Harrier, only our second this year, flew west over the sea at 7.28. Also noted were another Short-eared Owl, flying inland over the caravan park, seven Skylarks west, a Grey Wagtail, a Fieldfare and a Song Thrush, one Chiffchaff, three Goldfinches, and a Snow Bunting on the beach.

6th

Cloudy, mild, light southerly wind. There were two Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, and 11 Great Crested Grebes offshore and three Grey Herons on the tidal ponds. Wildfowl included 78 Brent Geese, three Shelducks and five Teal on the sea, nine Common Scoters east and a redhead Goosander, initially in the brook above the sluice and then on the sea. Waders included four Lapwings along the shoreline by the skate park, three Dunlin, and four Snipe and 22 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool, the latter roosting there at high tide. An adult and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull were on the beach, two Little Gulls flew east, and three flew west, there were five Sandwich Terns offshore and a Razorbill was resting on the sea. A Short-eared Owl that flew west over the sea was our first of the year but not unexpected. Also noted were a Little Grebe in the brook by the coast path bridge, a Grey Wagtail in the upper brook, a Redwing flying south over the scout hut, and c100 Chaffinches, a Brambling and a Redpoll heading west.

5th

A Red-throated Diver and the summer plumage Great Northern Diver were offshore. Waders include seven Sanderlings and two Dunlin. Also noted were Little Grebe, Teal and the redhead Goosander. There were two Stonechats in the scrub, along the brook, Kingfisher and Chiffchaff, with Goldcrest and Firecrest by the sewage works entrance, and Redpoll and Reed Bunting.

4th

Two immature Whooper Swans on the sea at dawn soon flew off west. A new addition to the site list was perhaps one of the more expected but still it was the first since Pallid Swift in November 2022! There was one Red-throated Diver offshore, three Common Scoters flew east, the Purple Sandpiper was still present as was the juvenile Arctic Tern and a few Sandwich Terns. Also noted were a Goldcrest and a Brambling.

3rd

Cloudy, mild, some light rain, light SW wind. A Great Northern Diver and five Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Gannets offshore and an immature Mute Swan, flying west inland. Waders included four Sanderlings on the beach, 23 Curlews heading for the Studd Hill roost, and five Snipe and 15 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. A single Teal was also on the Marsh Pool. There were four Sandwich Terns offshore and two juvenile Arctic Terns were patrolling the shoreline. Also noted were a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, six Skylarks west, c100 Chaffinches west with one Brambling, three Goldfinches and a Redpoll also west.

1st

Sunny with a light SW wind. A Red-throated Diver and two Great Crested Grebes were offshore, a Gannet was fishing offshore, there were 130 Brent Geese on the beach and tidal ponds and 42 Mallard were counted on the Marsh Pool and nearby brook. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and four Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A Marsh Harrier came in-off the sea and was then seen circling over Hampton. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull was on the beach, two Sandwich Terns and the lingering Arctic Tern were close inshore and a Razorbill was also on the sea. Also noted were three Skylarks west and three Goldfinches, fairly scarce here at the moment, were along the upper brook.

A total of only 99 species, though a few may not have been reported, was well below the ten-year average of 109.8 species. Highlights included a Coal Tit at the Obs on the 1st, a flock of four Glossy Ibises on 2nd, our first Lapland Bunting since 2018 on 9th, three Mistle Thrushes on 14th and two Black Redstarts in the churchyard on 24th. A Purple Sandpiper from 20th was probably the bird that has wintered here for several years.

A total of 166 species this year

160 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, light SW wind. There was a Red-throated Diver and two Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Shelducks flew west and three Common Scoters flew east. Waders included three Sanderlings and a Dunlin on the beach whilst five Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. A Marsh Harrier flew east and two Sandwich Terns and the lingering juvenile Arctic Tern were offshore. Also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker, one Swallow west, two pairs of Stonechats, a Song Thrush, two Chiffchaffs, 143 Chaffinches and a Redpoll flew west, and there were three Reed Buntings in amongst the beach vegetation.

30th

Sunny, light SW wind. Two Red-throated Divers flew east, there were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and 84 Brent Geese and four Little Egrets on the beach. Three redhead Goosanders, west at 7.50 am, were the first of the autumn. A male Merlin, in off the sea and chasing Meadow Pipits over the marsh, was our first of the year and an immature male Marsh Harrier flew west over the sea. Waders included of a flock of 30+ Golden Plovers west, three Sanderlings and a Dunlin on the beach and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A juvenile Arctic Tern lingered off the beach and a single Sandwich Tern was also noted. Vis mig included c50 Chaffinches, with a Brambling heard amongst them, a single Goldfinch and a Redpoll heard. Also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Linnets and a Reed Bunting.

A late Speckled Wood butterfly was near the skate park.

29th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, 105 Brent Geese and a Teal in flight with the local Mallards. Waders included three Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper and our first returning Snipe in the Marsh Pool. There were three Sandwich Terns offshore. A strong passage of Chaffinches with 482 flying west, one Goldfinch and 26 Redpolls.

28th

Four Shelducks and a Marsh Harrier flew west. A total of 70+ Fieldfares west was the first significant arrival of this species this autumn and was mirrored by similar counts elsewhere in the area. Also noted was a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, one Chiffchaff, a westerly movement of Chaffinches, and Redpolls also noted.

27th

Sunny, clouding over, strong WNW wind. The strong winds produced little in the way of movement over the sea with two Great Crested Grebes, six Gannets, including two juveniles close inshore, and three Shelducks heading west. Waders include ten Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Teal in the brook, a Grey Wagtail and eight Pied Wagtails and a Goldcrest at the Obs.

25th

Cloudy, cool, moderate NW wind. A Great Northern Diver flew west, there were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, 67 Brent Geese on the beach, and three Shelducks and two Razorbills flew west. Waders included the adult Purple Sandpiper and 14 Redshanks were roosting on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were seven Pied Wagtails on the football pitch, two Chiffchaffs, and two Reed Buntings flew west.

24th

Sunny, cool, moderate SW wind. Two Black Redstarts in the churchyard, perching on the church roof for much of the time, were new for the year. A raft of 15 Great Crested Grebes offshore was the highest count of the season. There were 48 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included a flock of 55 Lapwings flying west low over the sea, eight Sanderlings and three Dunlin on the mudflats, ten Redshanks roosting on the newly-restored Marsh Pool and the Purple Sandpiper. Two Pomarine Skuas offshore included an adult flying west, and two Arctic Terns flew west. Also noted were three Stock Doves, two being dive-bombed by a Peregrine, ten Skylarks west, four Swallows hawking around the Obs, and three juvenile Rooks on the beach.

22nd

Sunny, light SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Little Egrets on the beach and 133 Brent Geese were also on the beach, and later resting on the sea. Waders included 81 Ringed Plovers, with one Dunlin, on the beach off the Obs and the Purple Sandpiper was also reported. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew west, an Arctic Skua was offshore and 18 Sandwich Terns were dotted around the buoys towards Hampton. Also noted were three Skylarks west, three Stonechats, a male Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest in the Elm Wood and two Rooks west.

21st

The Purple Sandpiper was still present. Two Blackcaps were noted.

20th

Cloudy, showers from 11am, a light southerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, two Great Crested Grebes and two Gannets offshore. 31 Brent Geese were along the shoreline and three Gadwall, a drake and two ducks, on the sea flew off west. Waders included our first returning Purple Sandpiper, two Sanderlings, a Dunlin and 13 Redshanks on the beach. An adult Little Gull could be picked out amongst the melee of feeding gulls near the Street. Also noted were a Little Grebe in the middle brook, a Kingfisher along the upper brook and a Grey Wagtail in the sewage works. A Reed Bunting was amongst the shingle vegetation but there was no sign of the Snow Bunting.

19th

The Snow Bunting was still present on the shingle.

18th

Cloudy, light SE wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, five Little Egrets on the beach and two Grey Herons flew west. A large movement of Brent Geese, most between 10-11.15 am, with a count of 1,054 birds. There were also four Wigeon resting close inshore, a group of ten Pintail tucked in with a flock of Brents, five Common Scoters flew west and a flock of 25 flew east. Waders included a flock of 30 Dunlin flying west close inshore and nine Redshanks roosting in the remnant brook. There were four Sandwich Terns offshore. Also noted was a Kingfisher, a Song Thrush west over the Obs, ten Long-tailed Tits flew across the grassland to the scrub, a Goldcrest, a Redpoll by the brook above the sluice, and a Reed Bunting on the beach where a flock of 65 Carrion Crows were waiting for breakfast.

16th

Cloudy, showers, moderate NE wind. One Red-throated Diver was offshore and flock of 11 Shelducks, and ten Common Scoters flew west. One Sanderling was noted. Four Skylarks flew north, four Fieldfares over the football pitch were the first of the autumn, a Goldcrest was in the churchyard, 150 Chaffinches flew NE and Siskins and Bramblings were also noted.

15th

Cloudy, some drizzle, light northerly wind. There were four Little Egrets on the beach, 11 Brent Geese flew west, and three on the beach included one juvenile. A Pomarine Skua flew west. Three Skylarks flew west, two Goldcrests and a Firecrest were noted, a Brambling was in the churchyard and the Snow Bunting continued its residence. Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were also seen.

14th

Three Shelducks flew west and an Arctic Skua flew east. Three Mistle Thrushes flew over the football pitch. Our first of the year of this species which in the past had been regular and had even bred in the churchyard. Three Goldcrests were along the east bank, two Bramblings were in the churchyard and the Snow Bunting was again on the beach.

13th

Cloudy, showers of drizzle, light NE wind. A Red-throated Diver flew west, a Great Crested Grebe was offshore, one Gannet flew east, one west, 181 Brent Geese and a Shelduck flew west, whilst four Common Scoters flew east and another lingered offshore. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew east close inshore and a juvenile Kittiwake flew west. Also noted were a Kingfisher, eight Skylarks north, ten Long-tailed Tits, a Brambling was heard amongst a flock of Chaffinches and the Snow Bunting was again on the beach.

12th

A Snow Bunting was reported on the shingle in the afternoon.

11th

Cloudy, calm. There were three Red-throated Divers and three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds, 130 Brent Geese west, with 32 resting on the sea, and ten Wigeon west. Waders included two Snipe circling the area and three Redshanks on the beach. An Arctic Skua was offshore and two Mediterranean Gulls flew east. Also noted were a Kingfisher along the upper brook, five Skylarks north, a Song Thrush in the trees by the Obs, and our first Jay for some time.

10th

A Great White Egret was reported.

9th

Sunny, light SW wind. There was one Red-throated Diver and two Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included 114 Ringed Plover and a single Sanderling on the beach, a group of six Curlews west, with another on the beach, and 21 Redshanks in the east bay. A juvenile Arctic Skua was on the sea off the Obs. Bird of the day, however, was a Lapland Bunting that joined a flock of six Skylarks, flying west. This was our first, of this increasingly rare species in the Kent, since March 2018! Also noted were Kingfisher, a Rock Pipit in the remnant brook, three Stonechats, the Blackcap with white in the wing, and a heard only Redpoll.

Small White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral butterflies appear to be the only one still on the wing here.

8th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a flock of 12 Little Egrets flew west, another three were on the beach, a Grey Heron flew west, eight Brent Geese flew west and four Egyptian Geese flew SE. Waders included two Sanderlings and two Dunlin on the beach. A Pomarine Skua flew east close inshore. Vis mig included 30 Skylarks and 120 Chaffinches, two Greenfinches were noted and Crossbill was heard over the churchyard. Also noted were a Kingfisher, three Stonechats and a Blackcap.

6th

There were five Great Crested Grebes on the sea towards Hampton. One Gannet flew west, a flock of nine Gadwall flew west and a Teal was along the middle brook. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers at high tide, 134 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs and seven Redshanks on the beach. Also noted was a Kingfisher, two Grey Wagtails, a female Blackcap with white in the wing, 12 Chiffchaffs, 96 Chaffinches and two Reed Buntings west, and four Goldfinches in the bushes opposite the Obs.

4th

Sunny with a strong SW wind. There was a constant westerly movement of Sandwich Terns, perhaps 200+, during the morning, with 27 resting on the beach on the incoming tide. Two Arctic Skuas were seen offshore. A Little Grebe was along the middle brook and, at high tide, 11 Redshanks were roosting along the lower brook. Two Skylarks, a Swallow and a House Martin flew west and a Firecrest was in the Elm Wood.

2nd

Sunny then light cloud, light southerly wind. Four Glossy Ibises flew east over the caravan park early morning. Only our fourth record, the first multiple sighting but not surprising given the number of birds in the county and country this autumn. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included 152 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs and three Sanderlings with them. A flock of 12 Skylarks flew east and there was a feeding flock of 170 House Martins. A Blackcap was calling along the upper brook and c25 Chiffchaffs were in the area. A Goldfinch was the first reported for some time.

Again, butterflies were Small White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral.

1st

Sunny, then light cloud, calm. There were two Red-throated Divers and two Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Little Egrets on the beach, two Brent Geese and a Grey Heron flew west. Waders included eight Sanderlings on the beach. A Marsh Harrier flew high SE from the sea and Buzzard was also noted. A Coal Tit that appeared briefly in the trees by the Obs was new for the year. Also noted were a Kingfisher and a Great Spotted Woodpecker whilst “vis mig” included four Skylarks, a few Swallows, c300 House Martins, 20 Siskins and 12 Crossbills. There were also four Stonechats and the local flock of Linnets rose to 20.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral.

A total of 100 species were reported during the month. This is a little below the ten-year average of 104 but the first three-figure total since last October. However, the total of 158 species for the year is the highest end of September total, and well above the ten-year average of 150.1 species. Ten species were added to the year list but there were no real surprises. There have been up to three Ospreys in the Swale area this month so sightings here on five dates was not unexpected.

The report for the month is based primarily on contributions received from Graham Blunt, Geoff Burton and Ted Lee.

A total of 158 species so far this year

147 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny, calm. There were two Red-throated Divers and five Great Crested Grebes and a Common Scoter offshore, a Gannet flew east and two flew west, five Brent Geese flew west and two Wigeon landed close inshore. Waders included a Knot with nine Sanderlings on the beach and a Snipe landed briefly on the beach. A juvenile Pomarine Skua came in from the west, chased a tern and then flew west. There were ten Mediterranean Gulls on the beach. Also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Stonechats and six Chiffchaffs.

29th

Sunny, light northerly wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Gannets flew east, 26 Brent Geese, a flock of 17 Teal, an Arctic Skua and two Little Gulls flew west, and there were four Common Scoters. A Rock Pipit on the shingle ridge was our first this year. There were up to 11 Stonechats early morning, but many soon dispersed, a male Redstart (second record for the year) and a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub, and a Goldcrest (another first for the year) and a Firecrest along the east bank.

28th

An Osprey flew west, a Golden Plover was noted, three Arctic Skuas flew west and a Green Woodpecker flew over the football pitch.

27th

Sunny, calm the patchy cloud and light SE wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe on the sea and three Eider flew east. A Marsh Harrier flew east then south at 8.05 am and an Osprey, with a flat fish in its talons, appeared at 8.40 am, followed by one five minutes later without a fish, possibly two birds? Waders included a Curlew and three Redshanks on the beach. Also noted was a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying west over the scrub, many Swallows and a few House Martins hawking over the area, three Stonechats and a Wheatear, a Lesser Whitethroat, and a Willow Warbler in the churchyard.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Comma and Red Admiral, and a Holly Blue. Common Darter dragonflies were also seen.

25th

Sunny, moderate NE wind. 42 Brent Geese flew west, a Wigeon and a Common Scoter were together offshore and a Grey Heron was on the tidal ponds. Waders included 30 Oystercatchers and a 101 Ringed Plovers on the beach.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral and there were many Ivy Bees in the Elm Wood.

24th

Cloudy with a moderate easterly wind. There were three Little Egrets on the beach. Four Shelducks and a Pintail flew west, three Teal and four Wigeon rested along the shoreline, a flock of 30 Common Scoters flew east and another was on the sea off the Obs. Waders included 34 Oystercatchers, 120 Ringed Plovers, and a Golden Plover, a Curlew and a Redshank on the beach. Three Arctic Skuas flew west and seven Sandwich Terns were resting on the beach on the incoming tide and a Guillemot was offshore. Also noted were a Kingfisher, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear and the Stonechats.

23rd

Strong northerly wind. Ten Gannets flew west, five flew east, there were at least eight Brent Geese and Shelduck, Wigeon and Common Scoter were also noted. Five Arctic Skuas and a group of six Little Terns flew west. Three Stonechats were the first returning birds, there were several Meadow Pipits and a Lesser Whitethroat was also noted.

22nd

Strong NNE wind. The sea watch produced 20+ Brent Geese, 15+ Arctic Skuas and a Great Skua west. Gannets, mainly juveniles, and Sandwich Terns flew east. Also noted were Wigeon and Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, a Curlew and a Grey Wagtail. A rare afternoon visit, included the Little Grebe and a Common Sandpiper in the brook and eight Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

21st

A three-hour sea watch included two Manx Shearwaters, 32 Arctic Skuas and a Little Gull west and several Gannets east. Wigeon and Common Scoter were also noted. A Little Tern was amongst Common and Sandwich Terns on the shingle. Two Kingfishers were along the brook and a Firecrest was seen in the trees along the brook.

20th

Cloudy, misty then rain and thunder. 12 Greylag Geese flew NW and waders included two Curlews and three Redshank.

19th

Light SW wind. A Red-throated Diver offshore was our first returning bird, there were five Gannets offshore and a Whimbrel was on the beach. There was a westerly movement of Meadow Pipits and Swallows, a Firecrest was our first of the autumn and a Lesser Whitethroat was also noted.

18th

Cloudy, moderate SW wind. The Little Grebe was in the brook below the sluice, one Great Crested Grebe was offshore and four Gannets flew east. Waders included single Curlew and Redshank. A surprise was a cock Pheasant hiding in the tangle of vegetation by the side of the path opposite the Obs. It remained in hiding, even at point blank range, but eventually exploded out and headed for the sewage works when the digger fired up! A new bird for the year. Also noted was a Kingfisher and a flock of 16 Linnets.

17th

Cloudy with a light SW wind but little of the forecast rain! One Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Little Egrets on the beach and 20 Mallard along the shoreline. Waders noted were 18 Oystercatchers, 112 Ringed Plovers on the beach by the Obs, 73 Turnstones roosting between the groynes, a single Curlew on the beach and a Grey Plover flying west offshore. A single juvenile Mediterranean Gull and six Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Also noted was a Stock Dove on the beach and 12 Swallows hawking around the Obs.

16th

The first Meadow Pipits of the autumn were noted.

15th

Sunny, strong SW wind. A Great White Egret on the beach off the Obs flew off west. Two Arctic Skuas flew west early morning and an Osprey drifted west at 10 am. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, a strong westerly movement of Sandwich and Common Terns included 16 Arctic Terns. Also noted were six Sand Martins and 60 Swallows flying west.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral and also Migrant Hawker dragonflies.

14th

An Osprey was seen circling over the site and a Little Grebe was our first of the autumn.

12th

Moderate SW wind. Waders included two Curlews. Also noted were three Swallows, a Kingfisher and a Lesser Whitethroat.

9th

A Great Crested Grebe an two Gannets were offshore. Waders included three Curlews, two Redshanks and two Common Sandpipers. Also noted were 30+ Swallows west, a Grey Wagtail, a Whinchat and a Chaffinch.

8th

Sunny, light winds. Parties of seven and four Grey Herons flew west. Two Curlews flew west. Warblers included a Lesser Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler and a Willow Warbler.

7th

Two Gannets flew east and eight Grey Herons flew west. An Osprey flew west then headed inland. Waders included an extremely high count of 32 Common Sandpipers, including one flock of 17 on the beach, a Dunlin, and three Snipe and a Bar-tailed Godwit on the beach. Also noted were two Arctic Skuas west, a Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Whinchats in the scrub and two Wheatears.

5th

Sunny with light SW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, three Little Egrets on the beach and two Gadwall west. Nine species of waders were noted, 23 Oystercatchers roosting on the shingle, 72 Ringed Plovers and a single Dunlin on the beach off the Obs, a Knot on the tidal ponds, our first Snipe of the autumn, a Curlew and a Redshank on the beach, and four Redshanks west, two Common Sandpipers in the remnant brook and 110 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Warblers along the east bank included one Reed Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat.

Butterflies noted were Common and Green-veined Whites, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Peacock and Common Darter dragonfly and Common Grass Veneer moth.

4th

Sunny periods, heavy shower, moderate southerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore and two adult Gannets flew east. Waders included 96 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs, 117 Turnstones and single Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Also noted were seven Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, two Swallows hawking around the Obs and a Wheatear along the coastal path.

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

2nd

Warblers included the Garden Warbler for its fourth day and Lesser Whitethroat. Also noted were Kingfisher and Wheatear.

1st

Sunny with a freshening SW wind. A single Great Crested Grebe was offshore. Waders included 93 Ringed Plovers on the beach, with two Sanderlings, two Redshanks and 117 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. There were 11 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, with nine adult or near adult birds. Also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, three Swallows west and a Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and four Long-tailed Tits along the east bank.

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

A total of 83 species for the month, though much better than last year’s very poor 73, was still below the ten-year average of 89.8 species. Nevertheless, it was an interesting month. It started with only our second Purple Heron for the site on 1st, two Spoonbills on 18th unusually landed on the beach to feed and rest, and six Cattle Egrets on 26th and 16 on 28th, even more unexpectedly, were roosting on the beach early morning. Numbers of the common waders were building up with 60 Ringed Plovers and 120 Turnstones on 23rd. Returning migrant passerines included Grasshopper, Reed, Sedge, Garden and Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat and a Wheatear.

A total of 148 species so far this year

138 species by the same time last year

31st

The Garden Warbler was still present along the east bank amongst a variety of other warbler. Again, there was a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper on the beach and also noted was a Kingfisher at the mouth of the brook, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and, belatedly, our first Wheatear of the autumn.

Given the state of the brook, a Water Vole, only the second noted this year, was a surprise and gives hope that we may well hang on to this species at this outlying site.

30th

Sunny, warm with a light SW wind. More activity along the east bank with five species of warbler which included our second Garden Warbler of the year and a first Willow Warbler since 13th. Waders included 43 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs and a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Common Sandpiper in the East Bay.

28th

Sunny, light SW wind. There was a huddle of 16 Cattle Egrets on the beach early morning. In the same area as the six on 26th. 14 of them flew off heading inland and then turning west. Two remained on the beach. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore and waders included single Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Also noted was a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood and six Whitethroats in the scrub.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined Whites and Small Heath, and a Willow Emerald Damselfly was in the Elm Wood.

27th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were eight Little Egrets along the shoreline on the incoming tide. Waders included a single Sanderling on the beach, and 20 Common Terns circled offshore before drifting west. Two immature Peregrines offshore circled around an Oystercatcher which had ditched on the sea. They lost interest and the Oystercatcher flew off. Also noted was a duck Mallard with three mid-size ducklings and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

26th

Cattle Egrets are usually recorded a singles flying by, although there was an unprecedented flock of 20 flying west on one occasion, and so a group of six on the beach early morning was unexpected. They were present for about an hour before flying off inland when flushed by “beach surveyors”.

25th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. A Spotted Flycatcher, in the trees behind the Obs early morning, was our first of the year. It soon flew off high west over the sewage works. A Reed Bunting, in the grassland west of the caravan park flew off east. There were five Little Egrets on the beach. Waders included three Curlews on the beach and 92 Turnstones between the groynes. Also noted was a female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the churchyard.

Butterflies noted were Small, Green-veined and Large Whites and a Meadow Brown.

23rd

Cloudy with a light NE wind. The numbers of common waders had increased with 25 Oystercatchers, c60 Ringed Plovers, and a 120 Turnstones, roosting between the groynes on the incoming tide. Two Whimbrel were hear calling and two Common Sandpipers were along the shoreline. Also noted was a single Sandwich Tern, two Whitethroats , two Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff.

The, until recently, abundant Gatekeepers have not been reported since 18th but a single Meadow Brown and three Small Heaths were seen.

21st

Cloudy, fresh NE wind. One Gannet flew east, a flock of 20 Teal flew west and, at last, three Arctic Skuas, our first of the year, flew west. Another addition to the year list was a juvenile male Ruff that dropped in on the shoreline by the Obs. However, it only remained for a few minutes before being flushed. Also noted were a party of six Sanderlings along the shoreline early in the morning, two Curlews on the beach and a Greenshank heard calling. More luck today with warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and two Blackcaps along the east bank and a Common Whitethroat in the scrub.

20th

Cloudy, showers, fresh NE wind. Winds perhaps not strong enough for a decent sea watch and there does not appear to be many birds in the southern North Sea at the moment. Four Gannets flew east and three flew west, eight Common Scoters, accompanied by a Teal, flew west. 16 Sandwich Terns flew west; part of a local daily movement. However, the winds were strong enough to batter the bushes and keep small birds hidden.

19th

Three Gannets flew east, four flew west, 14 Teal flew east and small parties of Common Scoters were offshore. A Common Sandpiper was in the brook. Also noted were a Peregrine west along the beach, two Yellow Wagtails west and a Whinchat, our first of the autumn, in the scrub.

18th

Cloudy, showers to the north, light NE wind. Two immature Spoonbills dropped onto the beach off the Obs at 10.20 am. They proceeded to feed vigorously and then settled down to rest. However, the local gulls took exception to this and dive-bombed them until they flew off east along shoreline at 10.55 am. Our first here since 2022 and unusual not to be just a fly-by. Two reported in Margate Harbour at 9.34 am that morning were probably the same birds. Also, a Brent Goose was again on the beach, 14 Teal flew west and a Common Scoter flew east. Waders included a Common Sandpiper on the beach and Whimbrel heard. Also noted were 12 Sandwich Terns east, a Skylark on the shingle ridge (our first report since March), and a Lesser Whitethroat, a Common Whitethroat and three Chiffchaffs.

#16th

Cloudy, some light rain and a moderate to fresh NE wind. The brisk onshore winds gave some hope for a successful sea watch. However, disappointment was averted when, at 10.45 am, a Sooty Shearwater flew west at a reasonable distance. Our first for two years! Otherwise, two Gannets flew west, a Teal and eight Common Scoters, five Mediterranean Gulls, three juvenile Kittiwakes and eight Sandwich Terns east. A modest result. There were also 16 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach.

15th

Sunny, warm, light NW wind. One Gannet flew west, the Brent Goose was again on the beach and 40 Mallard were at the mouth of the brook. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling, nine Swallows flew west and a flock of 12 Yellow Wagtail flew west from the beach. Three Lesser Whitethroats and a Whitethroat were along the east bank.

14th

Light cloud then sunny, warm with light NW winds. A typically elusive Grasshopper Warbler was in the scrub, our first this year. A lone Brent Goose was present on the beach all morning and 43 Mallard lined the shoreline early morning. Also noted were 11 Mediterranean Gulls west and a single Sandwich Tern. A Kingfisher flew downstream towards the sluice, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling by the Obs, two Swallows flew west and a Yellow Wagtail flew was on the beach.

Butterflies included a Small Copper and a Painted Lady near the Obs.

13th

Light cloud, warm, calm. Five Teal flew west. Waders included 43 Ringed Plovers, a Sanderling and a Curlew on the beach, five Whimbrel west and a Common Sandpiper at the mouth of the brook. There were five Sandwich Terns offshore and three Common Terns flew east. Also noted were six Swallows west, ten Pied Wagtails on the beach, two Lesser Whitethroats, two Whitethroats and a Chiffchaff, and a Willow Warbler that dropped into the trees by the Obs.

12th

A good collection of waders included four Greenshanks on the beach, two Green Sandpipers west, Whimbrel heard , four Redshanks and a Lapwing. One Gannet, 30+ Common Scoters and a juvenile Kittiwake flew east. Also noted was a Yellow Wagtail west.

11th

Sunny, warm, calm at first then light easterly wind. There were four Little Egrets on the beach, Whimbrel were heard calling and four Sandwich Terns offshore were heading east. Six species of warbler included Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat along the east bank and a Willow Warbler in the scrub. Two Kingfishers flying downstream from the upper brook must have been appalled at the state of the brook.

Butterflies included Red Admiral and Small Heath and Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies were noted.

Water report – the Marsh Pool which was partially re-flooded after heavy rain over the weekend of 19th/20th July has now been reduced to a damp patch with no standing water. During this period when the pool, to the untrained human eye, looked quite inviting, no waders were reported from there. The brook is no longer flowing into the sea and, today, from directly opposite the entrance to the sewage works downstream, has resumed a grey and impenetrable hue.

9th

Sunny with a light northerly wind. Two immature Gannets flew west, there were three Little Egrets on the beach and a Grey Heron flew NW towards Sheppey. Waders included 14 Oystercatchers and 14 Ringed Plovers on the beach and two single Curlews flying west. There were ten Mediterranean Gulls on the beach, another seven flew west, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls, including a begging juvenile, on the beach and a Sandwich Tern offshore. Also noted were single Buzzard, Kestrel and Hobby, a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the churchyard, 14 Swallows and five Yellow Wagtails west, and a Lesser Whitethroat and two Willow Warblers along the east bank.

8th

More evidence of the encroaching autumn with a Great Skua west, new for the year, a Green Sandpiper, a Kingfisher, our third record of the year but with few signs of fish in the brook, and our first Sedge Warbler of the autumn.

7th

Cloudy, light southerly wind. A Grey Heron flew west distantly out at sea. Waders included 14 Oystercatchers on the beach, three Ringed Plovers, a Redshank heard and a Curlew west. Three Peregrines could be viewed distantly on the remote end of the Herne Bay Pier, a Kestrel was on the church spire and a Hobby flew west. Also noted were an adult Common Tern on the buoy off the skate park, one Swift west, a vocal Great Spotted Woodpecker in the churchyard and the Elm Wood, and two Willow Warblers and a Chaffinch along the east bank.

The insect world gave us a Meadow Brown, a Jersey Tiger and a Migrant Hawker, amongst others.

6th

Sunny, light SW wind. There was more warbler activity along the east bank with six species which included at least two Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and our first returning Reed Warbler. There were five Little Egrets on the beach, and waders included two Ringed Plovers and a Redshank.

4th

Sunny with a freshening SW wind. A juvenile Marsh Harrier headed west from Studd Hill mobbed by crows. Our first of the species here since March. There were three Little Egrets on the beach, a Whimbrel dropped in with the gulls on the beach and Turnstone numbers were up to at least 60. Also noted were 141 juvenile Herring Gulls on the beach, six Swallows west and our first returning Willow Warblers, heard calling in the scrub and at the Obs.

Butterflies included a Red Admiral and moths were a Rush Veneer and a Jersey Tiger.

2nd

Cloudy, cooler, moderate NW wind. A two-and-a-half hour seawatch produeces very little with one Shelduck, a flock of 25 Common Scoters and seven Common Gulls west; the winds were not strong enough and early in the season. Waders included two Ringed Plovers and 42 Turnstones. Also noted was a Hobby flying west over the church.

Butterflies included a Holly Blue and the daily sighting of a Jersey Tiger.

1st

Sunny periods with a light to moderate NW wind. A juvenile Purple Heron flew NW over beach and headed across to the Isle of Sheppey at 10.47 am. This was only the second record for the site after one, also a juvenile, was present for about 40 minutes, on 31st August 2018. That bird perched in bushes in the scrub, and dropped into the nearby brook, before flying off west. It transpired that today’s bird had been seen at Reculver about half an hour earlier but there were no subsequent sightings on Sheppey or elsewhere. Also noted were 5 Little Egrets on the beach off the Obs, 33 Mallard at the mouth of the brook, a single Redshank, 33 Turnstones and 26 Mediterranean Gulls flying west. There were two Lesser Whitethroats and two juvenile Long-tailed Tits along the east bank and 66 Carrion Crows gathered on the beach.

Butterflies noted were Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Small and Green-veined Whites, and Comma and a Jersey Tiger moth was also seen.

A total of 71 species for the month was a little below the ten-year average of 73.6 species. There were two additions to the year list; an early, or perhaps wandering, Garden Warbler on 15th and a Black-tailed Godwit on 29th. However, the annual total for the end of July of 140 species is above the ten-year average of 136.4 species. A feature of this month is the return of wader species which included our first Sanderling and a maximum of 30 Turnstones on 28th and a maximum of 33 Whimbrels on 30th. A duck Eider offshore on 17th was only our second of the year.

A total of 140 species so far this year

136 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, light rain, light NW wind. There were three Little Egrets on the beach, 31 Mallard were gathered at the mouth of the brook early morning and, later, 27 Turnstones were along the shoreline off the Obs. Also noted were one Sandwich Tern east, four Sand Martins and 13 Swallows west. whilst a Green Woodpecker, calling at the back of the Elm Wood, was only the third report of the year.

30th

Cloudy, light northerly wind. There were four Little Egrets on the beach. 16 Oystercatchers flew east, and another seven were on the beach, nine Whimbrel flew west at 6.55 am and another nine were on the tidal ponds at 10.30 am, joining others to create a flock of 24 which settled on the shoreline of the Obs. 15 Turnstones were also noted. Also seen, two Swifts flew west and two juvenile Long-tailed Tits were along the east bank.

Butterflies noted included Comma and Holly Blue and a selection of day-flying moths were Lattice Heath, Shaded Broad-bar, Rush Veneer and the now regular Jersey Tiger.

29th

A summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit which flew west over the shingle was our first of the year. Also noted were a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin and a Hobby.

28th

Sunny, light northerly wind. Our first returning Sanderling and an increase to 30 Turnstones. There were four Little Egrets on the beach. Also noted were six Swifts west, a Grey Wagtail over the Obs and a Greenfinch trilling from the bushes opposite the Obs.

Moths noted were a Jersey Tiger in the scrub and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth along the upper brook.

27th

Five Shovelers flew west and 20 Common Scoters flew east. One Bar-tailed Godwit was noted. Five Crossbills flew west over the football pitch; our second record of the in this invasion year. The pair of Moorhens continue to look after their five chicks.

26th

Cloudy, light westerly wind. There were five Little Egrets, four along the shoreline and one on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were eight Oystercatchers on the beach, three Redshanks along the shoreline and two Turnstones. Also noted were two Sandwich Terns, and one Swift and six Swallows west.

25th

Northerly wind. A single Brent Goose was on the beach. Waders noted were 23 Oystercatchers, a Whimbrel heard and two Curlews west. Also noted were a Peregrine along the beach and two Sand Martins.

24th

Cloudy, moderate NNW wind. Three Gannets flew west, including two juveniles and a flock of c70 Common Scoters wheeled around offshore before heading east. Waders noted were eight Oystercatchers and single Ringed Plover, Redshank and Turnstone on the beach. Six adult Common Gulls flew west, singly, and there were seven immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted were a Sandwich Tern, five Swifts and three Sand Martins west and a Chaffinch heard calling by the Obs was the first report this month.

Another Jersey Tiger was seen, at the Obs.

23rd

Cloudy, light NW wind. There were two Little Egrets along the shoreline. Waders noted were 12 Oystercatchers on the beach, three Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin flying west along the shoreline and five Turnstones between the groynes. Also noted were 15 Swifts, four Sand Martins and five Swallows west.

Butterflies noted were Gatekeeper, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown whilst, one-two dragonflies around the churchard might have been Migrant Hawkers.

22nd

Common Scoter, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper were noted, there were “large pulses” of Swifts and a few Swallows.

21st

Sunny periods after heavy overnight rain, light SW wind. There were three Little Egrets on the beach. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers on the beach and three Turnstones in full breeding plumage on the groynes. An adult Great Black-backed Gull was accompanied by two begging juveniles. There origin is unknown but this gull rarely breeds in Kent. The recent rain has finally half-filled the Marsh Pool and there was also some water in the Obs Pool. No waders on the Marsh Pool but there were 71 Black-headed Gulls and two Little Egrets resting there at high tide. Also noted were 27 Swifts west and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. There was a duck Mallard with six well-grown ducklings along the middle brook and a Moorhen with five very small chicks below the sluice.

19th

Cloudy, some light rain after overnight downpours, light SE wind. Three Gannets flew east and there were two Little Egrets on the beach. There were four Oystercatchers on the beach, three Common Sandpipers flew along the shoreline and an adult Ringed Plover was the first returning bird.

18th

Sunny, warm and humid, calm. There were six Oystercatchers on the beach and a total of 13 flew west. A Whimbrel on the shoreline flew off west and 13 Mediterranean Gulls on the beach included two juveniles. Also noted was a Lesser Whitethroat which flew across to the brambles opposite the Obs.

17th

Sunny, warm and humid, calm. A duck Eider, which drifted east on the offshore, was only our second of the year after one in April. Waders noted were six Oystercatchers on the beach, a party of four Whimbrel west and four Common Sandpipers which departed west from the beach. Also noted were a Swift heading west, Great Spotted Woodpecker, calling in the sewage works, two Grey Wagtails which flew over the scout hut, snatches of song from a Lesser Whitethroat around the Elm Wood, 90 Carrion Crows amassing on the beach and a Buzzard drifting west beyond the estate.

Butterflies included Common Blue, Essex Skipper and a Small Copper.

16th

Sunny periods, moderate westerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, a Gannet flew east and there were two Little Egrets on the beach. A Whimbrel was heard calling. A few Mediterranean Gulls included a juvenile, there were two adult Common Gulls, two Sandwich Terns flew west and an adult and juvenile Common Tern rested on the beach. A pair of Moorhens along the middle brook had at least two small chicks. Also noted were three Swifts, two Sand Martins and a Swallow heading west.

Butterflies included Speckled Wood and Red Admiral.

15th

Four Common Sandpipers were on the shingle and an unusually early Garden Warbler showed well along the east bank.

14th

Sunny periods, warm, light to moderate SW wind. There was one Little Egret on the beach and 18 Mallard were gathered in the brook below the sluice. There were eight Oystercatchers on the beach, a Bar-tailed Godwit flew west and a Greenshank, the first of the return passage, was along the shoreline. There were ten Mediterranean Gulls and 20 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and an adult Common Gull flew east. Also noted were seven Swifts and a House Martin west and three Pied Wagtails on the beach.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined Whites, an abundance of Gatekeepers, a tatty Small Skipper, a Peacock, a Common Blue and a Marbled White. In addition, two Jersey Tiger moths were seen, one accompanied by a Box Bug.

10th

Very warm. There were three Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were noted, and there was the expected build-up of Mediterranean Gulls, with 45 including some juveniles. An Oystercatcher, six Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail flew west.

9th

A westerly breeze. There were three Oystercatchers, and two Whimbrel on the beach. Swifts and four Swallows were noted and a Yellow Wagtail flew west.

8th

A cold morning with blustery winds. Good views enjoyed of a Hobby over the scrub and a distant Kittiwake.

5th

A moderate SW wind with rain. Two Swifts and a Swallow were noted.

3rd

A Redshank was heard. Also a Jay and a Goldfinch.

2nd

Cloudy, cooler, light westerly wind. A Great Crested Grebe was offshore, two immature Gannets were fishing offshore, there were four Little Egrets along the shoreline and a flock of 25 Common Scoters flew east. An Oystercatcher, a calling Whimbrel and a single adult Dunlin were the only waders noted. There were 21 Mediterranean Gulls on the beach, with two second calendar year Common Gulls amongst the, 15 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and three Sandwich Terns offshore. Also noted, a single Yellow Wagtail flew west.

Butterflies noted were Gatekeeper, several, Meadow Brown, Green-veined and Small White and Marbled White.

1st

Two Whimbrel landed on the beach and an Oystercatcher was heard calling.

A total of 65 species recorded during the month was another below par total compared to a ten-year average of 69.9 species. Only one species, Crossbill, was added to the year list although, at 138 species, it remains above the average for this time of the year of 133.8 species. June may be the start of the meteorological summer but with five Dunlin and a Sanderling, late spring migrants on 3rd, and three Common Sandpipers, early returning birds on 28th, things are not that simple.

A total of 138 species so far this year

132 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny, very warm, light easterly wind. Four adult Mute Swans were resting close inshore. Two Oystercatchers, and two Curlews west were trhe only waders noted. A Grey Wagtail was along the upper brook.

28th

Cloudy, warm, light SW wind. An immature Gannet flew west and a Grey Heron flew east over the estate. Three Common Sandpipers on the groynes at the e astern end of the beach were the first returning birds. Four Oystercatchers were also seen. Also noted were 34 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, 39 Swifts and a Yellow Wagtail flew west and a Lesser Whitethroat was by the Obs.

26th

Cloudy, warm, moderate SW wind. Two Gannets flew east and there were two Little Egrets on the beach. Two Oystercatchers flew west, another was on the beach, six Curlews, two and four singles flew west, and five Turnstones were between the groynes at the eastern end of the beach. A Great Spotted Woodpecker in the scrub was our first report here since March. Evidence of post-breeding dispersal. Also noted were a Sandwich Tern east and, 16 Swifts west.

Our first Gatekeeper of the year was at the Obs. This brings the total of species of butterfly to 21. As the all time list is only 26, few additions can be expected. Clouded Yellow, Brown Argus, Wall, Ringlet and Purple Hairstreak remain to be seen.

25th

Sunny, warm, moderate SW wind. An influx of Mediterranean Gulls with ten west and 11 resting on the beach. Single Oystercatcher and Curlew were also noted.

A good morning for butterflies with 12 species recorded including a Brimstone at the Obs, which danced around in a spiral, in the company of five Small Whites.

23rd

Sunny, fresh SW wind. Five Crossbills flew west low over the sluice at 6.40 am, “chipping” as they went. Not a common species here but there have been large numbers in the county recently so not a total surprise. Very little else of note; one Curlew west, five Mediterranean Gulls west, six Swifts and a Swallow west, and two Lesser Whitethroats together along the east bank. 73 Carrion Crows on the beach was a high count.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined White, Marbled White, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Comma and our second Small Copper of the year.

21st

A Great Crested Grebe offshore, a Turnstone and two Swifts.

20th

An easterly breeze. A Great Crested Grebe was offshore, two Gannets flew east and a Redshank was heard.

19th

Sunny, very warm and calm. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, a Gannet flew east and there were ten Little Egrets along the shoreline. An Oystercatcher and a Curlew flew west. Also noted were five Swifts and two Swallows.

18th

Sunny, warm, light westerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, seven Little Egrets along the shoreline and waders were represented by one Oystercatcher, two Turnstones and a Curlew flew east. 38 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included two adults. Also noted was a Swift and three Swallows.

The Marsh Pool is drying up rapidly.

17th

A Great Crested Grebe was offshore, nine Little Egrets and 23 Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach.

16th

Sunny, some light cloud, warm, light SW wind. A Fulmar flew west, a Gannet was offshore, eight Little Egrets were along the shoreline and 14 Common Scoters flew east. Waders noted were nine Oystercatchers on the beach and flying east, five Lapwings west and six Turnstones between the groynes. An adult Mediterranean Gull and 26 Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Also noted was a Red Kite soaring south of the estate, a Stock Dove on the coastal path, two Swifts, three Swallows, a Yellow Wagtail west and a Lesser Whitethroat at the Obs.

Nine species of butterfly were Small White, Marbled White, Small and Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, and Comma and Red Admiral. An Emperor dragonfly patrolled the brook above the sluice.

14th

Light cloud, warm, moderate SW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, eight Little Egrets along the shoreline, two Gadwall and three Curlews flew west and three Mediterranean Gulls flew west and another four were on the beach. Also noted was one Stock Dove, a Swift flying west and a Lesser Whitethroat.

A Drinker moth caterpillar and a Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet moth were noted. The latter has been scarce or absent in the last few years.

13th

Four Gadwall flew east and three Little Egrets and three Swallows were also noted.

12th

Sunny, warm, moderate easterly wind. 0ne Great Crested Grebe was offshore, seven Gannets flew east and there were two Little Egrets along the shoreline. Also noted was a Sandwich Tern flying east.

11th

Sunny, light easterly wind. Three Great Crested Grebes were offshore, a Fulmar and four Gannets flew east and eight Oystercatchers were along the shoreline by the chalets. There were 26 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach with only one adult. Also noted was a single Swallow and a snatch of song from a Lesser Whitethroat.

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

9th

Sunny, light SW wind. One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, there were four Mute Swans on the sea towards Hampton, five Shelducks flew west, and two flew east, and a flock of 17 Common Scoters flew east. There were two Little Egrets along the shoreline towards Hampton and, again, a Redshank along the shoreline was the only wader. Four Mediterranean Gulls and four Sandwich Terns flew west. A distant auk, described as a “Guilledot”, flew west, and a Hobby, a glimpse of a Lesser Whitethroat, elusive when not singing, two Stock Doves, and four Long-tailed Tits at the Obs, were also noted.

Butterflies recorded were Large Skipper, Small White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Speckled Wood.

8th

A very quiet morning but the highlight was several pulses, of 110+ Swifts, screaming as they flew through.

7th

Cloudy, rain until 7.40 am, light SW wind. Three Great Crested Grebes were offshore, a single Brent Goose was on the beach and a Little Egret was on the beach, on the Marsh Pool and then roosting along the east bank. Three Oystercatchers on the beach flew off west and three Turnstones flew west. There were two Sandwich Terns offshore and a party of six Common Terns flew west. A Song Thrush, with Blackbirds on the grass west of the skate park, was the first reported since March!

5th

Cloudy, light rain on and off from 7.15 am, light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Brent Geese on the beach, a Shelduck flew west and a Little Egret was on the Marsh Pool. A Redshank in the remnant brook was the only wader noted. Five Mediterranean Gulls and three Sandwich Terns flew west and 26 Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach. Also noted were two Stock Doves, eight Swifts and two Swallows.

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.