130 species so far this year

135 species by this time last year

20th

Sunny periods, warmer, moderate SDW wind. Seven Gannets flew west, a Grey Heron flew west high inland and an Avocet and a Common Sandpiper were on the Marsh Pool. Five Mediterranean Gulls flew east, a high count of 61 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach included only four adults and a Sandwich Tern flew east. Pick of the day were two Spotted Flycatchers, one in the Elm Wood and one behind the Obs. Vis mig included 29 Swifts, only one Swallow and 30 House Martins, including a pulse of 19 low over the sea; all west.

18th

Sunny, light SW wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Little Egrets on the beach and a drake Shelduck on the Marsh Pool. Six Oystercatchers were the only waders seen, there were 28 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and two Common Terns flew west. Highlight of the day was a Cuckoo, seen and heard briefly in the bushes opposite the Obs. Our first of the year and a typical date. Vis mig noted was two Swifts, ten Swallows and nine House Martins. The Sedge Warbler was in territory for its 17th day.

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

17th

A Spotted Flycatcher, in a sycamore east of the Marsh Pool, was our first of this increasingly scarce migrant this year. 17 Turnstones was the highest count this month and, also noted, the Sedge Warbler was singing and in display flight, and two Grey Herons were seen.

16th

Sunny, light westerly wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Shelduck dropped onto the Marsh Pool. One Oystercatcher flying west was the only wader recorded. Four Mediterranean Gull flew high over head and there were 41 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted were three Sand Martins, 13 Swallows and two House Martins Red west and a party of six Long-tailed Tits most of which were juveniles.

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

15th

One Great Crested Grebe was offshore, six Gannets flew east and the Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool. Four Oystercatchers flew west. There were eight House Martins, Swifts and Swallows were also noted and a Reed Warbler.

14th

Cloudy, cold, moderate NW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore and four Shelducks flew west. There was still some vis mig with 16 Swifts, eight Swallows, a House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail west. Also noted was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, heard calling, perhaps surprisingly, only our first Jay of the year, in the Elm Wood and a Greenfinch singing along the upper brook.

13th

Sunny, shower, light Westerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, three Common Sandpipers on the beach were the only waders, and six Common Terns had joined the gulls in their feeding frenzy offshore. There were 25 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was collecting grass cuttings, presumably for a nest nearby. The change to a westerly wind encouraged some vis mig with 22 Swifts, 27 Swallows, a House Martin and two Yellow Wagtails west. The Sedge Warbler continues in territory by the caravan park but, presumably, a different bird was singing near the Obs. A Reed Warbler was seen and heard briefly along the east bank.

12th

There were three summer plumage Sanderlings. All three hirundines were recorded. As well as the “resident” Sedge Warbler, our second Reed Warbler of the spring was also singing. A Reed Bunting was also noted.

11th

A quiet morning. The Sedge Warbler was present for its 10th day.

10th

Five Swifts were seen.

9th

Sunny, warmer, light NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and seven Gannets flew east. The Avocet was again on the Marsh Pool where the pair of Shelducks also made an appearance. Other waders noted were 27 Oystercatchers, 26 flew west and one on the beach, a Whimbrel flew west, a Redshank was on the beach and a Greenshank was heard. Also noted were 40 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, almost all immatures, two Stock Doves, five Swallows west, the Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the bushes opposite the Obs and a Chaffinch singing in the churchyard. The first juvenile Starlings of the year, about seven, were perhaps a few days earlier than usual.

8th

An improvement in the wader collective. An Avocet was on the Marsh Pool, a summer plumage Grey Plover and seven summer plumage Sanderlings were on the beach, three Turnstones were on the groynes and another five flew west. The Sedge Warbler was still in residence and another Willow Warbler (only our third this spring) was noted.

7th

Sunny, cool, with a light NE wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Little Egrets on the beach. Waders noted were ten Oystercatchers, nine flying east, a lone Curlew and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. There was an increase to 45 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and a single Sandwich Tern offshore. Also noted were three Swallows, the Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat singing in the s crub and a Chaffinch singing in the churchyard.

A Small Heath was our 11th butterfly of the year.

6th

Cloudy, cool, moderate NE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Gannets flew east, the pair of Shelducks was on the Marsh Pool and the Mallard broods were down to five and six ducklings. Five Oystercatchers were the only waders and there were 25 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted were three Swifts flying low against the NE winds, seven Swallows west and the singing Sedge Warbler was present for its fifth day.

5th

A Little Tern flew west at 7 am and a Reed Bunting was present in the scrub.

4th

Cloudy, cool, light NE wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore. An Osprey that flew west close inshore at 9.35 am was our second record this year. A pair of Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool and broods of five and 12 Mallards were noted. Two Oystercatchers and a Curlew were the only waders seen. Also noted was a Buzzard flying west at 7.45 am, five Swallows west and the singing Sedge Warbler was present for its third day.

2nd

Sunny, warm, light SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Little Egrets on the beach. A Mute Swan offshore was joined by another four, which had been seen flying west by Herne Bay. Two Shelducks and 12 Common Scoters flew west and another two Shelducks were on the Marsh Pool. A single Curlew and Turnstone were the only waders recorded. There were 36 immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. A Sedge Warbler and a Reed Bunting were singing in the grassland west of the caravan park. Also noted were a Buzzard displaying over Studd Hill and a Swallow and a Yellow Wagtail, both flying west.

1st

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, one Little Egret, and a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool. Waders noted were a Curlew on the beach and, on the rising tide, an Avocet on the Marsh Pool, a summer plumage Spotted Redshank on the shoreline which was only our second spring record at the site, with a flock of 17 Common Sandpipers and a Ringed Plover. Two Turnstones were also noted. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west. A Hobby flew east over the Marsh Pool an also noted were a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, unusual at this time of the year, the Cetti’s Warbler and broods of five and 12 Mallard ducklings.

Butterflies noted were Small and Green-veined Whites, a female Orange-tip and a Red Admiral.

The total of 87 species for the month was below the ten-year average of 93.9 species. The year total of 124 species was just below the ten-year average of 125.9. It was a quiet month with perhaps the best birds being two Spoonbills on the beach at dawn on 6th, a flyby Little Ringed Plover on 11th and the record-breaking 30 Common Sandpipers that came in with the tide on 30th. However, most summer visitors had made some sort of appearance by the end of the month, albeit in small numbers, with Swift just making it on 30th. The dominance of NE winds for the second half of the month, combined with clear skies, had much to do with the poor outcome.

A total of 124 species so far this year

131 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny, moderate easterly wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore, and three Shelducks, a pair and another drake, were on the shingle. A single Curlew was on the beach and then, later, a flock of 30 Common Sandpipers appeared on the shoreline on the incoming tide. One of the largest gatherings noted at this site. Our first Swift of the year flew east along the promenade at 7.05 am. Also of note, a Greenfinch was “wheezing” along the upper brook.

29th

Sunny, cool, fresh NE wind. Very little to report in uncomfortable conditions. A Great Crested Grebe flew east, two Shelducks were on the beach. There were two Swallows, the Cetti’s Warbler continues to sing and a Long-tailed Tit was in the churchyard.

27th

Sunny, light NE wind. There were ten Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Little Egrets on the beach and a pair of Shelducks on the sea and the Marsh Pool. The only waders were two Oystercatchers, a single Curlew and a Turnstone. Ten Mediterranean Gulls flew east, ten Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach and two Sandwich Terns were offshore. Also noted were two Sand Martins, ten Swallows west, a single Redpoll heard calling as it flew over the Obs, a Lesser Whitethroat in song in the Elm Wood and two Buzzards soaring over Studd Hill.

Butterflies noted were Speckled Wood, Orange-tip, Peacock, Small White and Brimstone.

26th

Two Avocets flew east, and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew west along the shingle.

25th

Cloudy then sunny, calm. There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore and our first brood of Mallard ducklings, eight, were along Coot Strait. Waders noted were one Oystercatcher, two Curlews, a Whimbrel west, two Snipe in the Marsh pool and 23 Turnstones between the groynes. There were 16 Great Black-backed Gulls, only one adult, on the beach. A Reed Warbler, new for the year, was heard and showed well along the east bank. Also noted were 24 Swallows west and two singing Lesser Whitethroats, in the Elm Wood and in the scrub.

24th

More activity today. A Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool and two Gadwall flew east. A Marsh Harrier flew east, two Whimbrel flew east with a Curlew, and a group of four flew west. Some visible migration with a few Sand Martins and 30+ Swallows west, a Yellow Wagtail on the shingle ridge, a Wheatear, and a Siskin flew over calling.

23rd

Sunny, cool, light NE wind. One Gannet flew west and the Brent Goose remained on the beach. Waders noted included four Oystercatchers east, a Snipe on the Marsh Pool, a Curlew and a Greenshank. Also noted was a Garden Warbler singing in the scrub, our first of the year and one of the less common warblers here, and a Greenfinch trilling by the entrance to the sewage works.

22nd

Sunny, cool, light NE wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, five Gannets flew east and the Brent Goose was on the beach. A Common Sandpiper in the brook was our first of the year and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew east. There were 20 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Two Lesser Whitethroats were in song, in the Elm Wood and in the bushes opposite the Obs.

A Comma and a Red Admiral brought our year list of butterflies to ten. Green-veined White was also seen.

20th

Sunny, cooling NE wind. There were eight Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Canada Geese flew over the area and the Brent Goose was on the beach. 11 Mediterranean Gulls flew east. Two Swallows flew west and a Lesser Whitethroat sand in the Elm Wood.

18th

Sunny, calm. There were 12 Great Crested Grebes offshore, seven Shelducks flew west and the lingering Brent Goose was on the beach. Waders included seven Oystercatchers and a Whimbrel west, two Curlews and a Redshank on the beach and 98 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Eight Mediterranean Gulls and two immature Common Gulls flew west, there were 14 immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, two Sandwich Terns offshore and three Common Terns flew west. A loud Green Woodpecker, chased by a Woodpigeon through the Obs trees, was our first of the year. Also noted were four Sand Martins, 12 Swallows and three House Martins west, a Wheatear, our first Lesser Whitethroat in song in the scrub, and a Willow Warbler in song along the upper scrub and later by the Obs.

A Wall butterfly, scarce at this site, was at the Obs and an Orange-tip, a Small and Green-veined White were also seen.

17th

One Fulmar flew west and the lingering Brent Goose was on the beach. A Whimbrel west was our first of the year, there were two Common Terns offshore and, finally, a Redpoll west over the Obs was also new for the year.

16th

Sunny periods, light SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Shelducks flew west and there were single Little Egret and Brent Goose on the beach. Waders noted were one Curlew, one Snipe in the Marsh Pool and 64 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Also noted, five Swallows flew west and 11 Goldfinches flew west and two male Wheatears appeared on the groynes at 10 am.

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

15th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were eight Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Gannet flew east and a single Brent Goose was on the beach. Waders included 35 Oystercatchers west, two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 50 Turnstones between the groynes. A Marsh Harrier flew west over the sea. There were 132 Herring Gulls on the beach and nine Sandwich Terns offshore. Also noted were five Swallows and 22 Goldfinches west whilst another Goldfinch was singing along the upper brook.

Our first Holly Blue was in the churchyard and Small and Green-veined Whites were also noted.

13th

There were nine Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Shelducks, one west and two offshore, and a Brent Goose on the beach. Waders included one Ringed Plover, 16 Sanderlings and a Dunlin on the beach, two Snipe and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 59 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Flocks of Mediterranean Gulls, totalling 107, flew west and seven Sandwich Terns were offshore.

12th

A migrant Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler along the brook were both additions to the year list.

11th

Cloudy, cool with a freshening SE wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, five Gannets flew east, a Shelduck flew west, and another appeared on the Marsh Pool. A Little Ringed Plover calling, flew west over the beach at 10.20 am. Other waders noted included six Sanderlings and a Dunlin on the beach, a Snipe on the Marsh Pool and 50 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Vis mig lacked variety but 24 Swallows and 31 Goldfinches flew west.

10th

A Sand Martin and 50+ Swallows flew west and a Yellow Wagtail was our first of the year.

9th

Sunny, very warm, calm. There were ten Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Canada Geese on the sea drifting towards Hampton, and a duck Red-breasted Merganser close inshore. There were two Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. Waders included five Sanderlings and two Redshanks on the beach and five Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A Marsh Harrier flew west over the sea at 8.15 am. Also noted were two Sandwich Terns offshore, a Swallow and a Meadow Pipit west, and three Whitethroats in song.

All five species of butterfly noted so far were seen; Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small White and Orange-tip.

8th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. Three Great Crested Grebes offshore included a pair displaying. Two Gadwall flew west, two Common Scoters flew east and a duck Red-breasted Merganser was offshore. Waders included seven Sanderlings on the beach and three Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Two Sandwich Terns occupied their favourite “8 knot” buoy. An immature male Wheatear was on the beach and our first Whitethroat of the year was seen in the bushes opposite the Obs.

The first Orange-tip butterfly of the year was at the Obs.

7th

There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders included our first Green Sandpiper of the year, a single Ringed Plover and six Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted, a single Swallow flew west.

6th

Sunny, warmer, calm. There were two Spoonbills on the beach at dawn but they soon flew off west. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and four Brent Geese again on the beach. Waders included 21 Sanderlings and five Redshanks on the beach and four Snipe on the Marsh Pool. There were two adult Mediterranean Gulls on the beach. The Cetti’s Warbler was heard, a Blackcap was singing along the east bank and two Chiffchaffs were also in song.

The warmer weather brough out the butterflies for the first time this month. Peacock and Brimstone, Speckled Wood and Small White. Three adult foxes were present in the grass between the east bank and the brook.

4th

Sunny periods, light SW wind. Six Red-throated Divers flew west, there were five Great Crested Grebes offshore, four Brent Geese on the beach, a Shelduck flew west and a duck Red-breasted Merganser was offshore. Waders included 33 Oystercatchers, ten Sanderlings and six Redshanks on the beach, two Snipe on the Marsh Pool and 60 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls and an immature Common Gull flew west. The Cetti’s Warbler and three Chiffchaffs were present and three Goldfinches and two Siskins flew west.

3rd

There were six Brent Geese on the beach, three Snipe on the Marsh Pool and two Sandwich Terns flew west. 16 Sand Martins, two Swallows and a House Martin flew west. A Wheatear was in the scrub and a Raven flew over the scrub.

2nd

Cloudy, moderate northerly wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, 21 Brent Geese on the beach and two Shelducks flew west. Waders included 12 Sanderlings, a Snipe on the Marsh Pool and 55 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Three Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Gulls and two Kittiwakes flew west. Also noted was one Meadow Pipit west, the Cetti’s Warbler and two Chiffchaffs.

1st

Light cloud, calm. Eight Red-throated Divers flew east, another three were offshore, ten Great Crested Grebes were offshore and a Red-necked Grebe, last seen here on March 18th, but presumably the same individual seen regularly off the Tankerton slopes, was also offshore. There were 11 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 27 Oystercatchers and nine Sanderlings on the beach. six Snipe and 12 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and 56 Turnstones roosting between the groynes. No sign of the Purple Sandpiper last seen on March 30th. Seven Great Black-backed Gull, only one adult, were on the beach. Also noted were eight Sand Martins west low over the sea.

A total of 76 species is very poor, compared with a ten-year average of 86, and last years high total of 95 species. The first quarter total of 101 species is also low with a ten-year average of 105.2. Only six species were added to the year list, a Red-necked Grebe on 18th and an Osprey on 25th, our earliest, were the best. Of classic summer visitors, only Swallow made it before the end of the month.

101 species so far this year

112 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, cool. moderate NW wind. One Red-throated Diver flew west, there were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Greylag Geese flew west over the Obs, 24 Common Scoters flew west, including a flock of 22 close inshore, and there were five Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 25 Oystercatchers and 16 Sanderlings on the beach, two Snipe on the Marsh Pool, eight Curlews and 11 Redshanks. Eight Mediterranean Gulls flew east, a Stock Dove was on the coastal path, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was only our second of the year, 37 Meadow Pipits flew west and the Cetti’s Warbler was still present. Finally, three Corn Buntings in the scrub early morning included a singing bird and 24 Linnets was ahigh count.

30th

Sunny periods, cool, fresh WNW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Greylag Geese flew east, two Shelducks flew west and a single Brent Goose was on the beach. Waders included 19 Oystercatchers roosting on the shingle ridge, eight Sanderlings on the beach, the Purple Sandpiper between the groynes and five Snipe and four Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Also noted, one Mediterranean Gull east, five Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, two Swallows, the Cetti’s Warbler and three singing Chiffchaffs.

28th

Sunny, moderate westerly wind. One Red-throated Diver flew west, a single Brent Goose was on the beach and a duck Teal on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 18 Sanderlings, 20 Turnstones and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes. 59 Black-headed Gulls and two immature Common Gulls flew west and there were 84 Herring Gulls on the beach.

27th

There were a few Red-throated Divers offshore, a Velvet Scoter flew west at 6.20 am and a flock of c20 Common Scoters flew west later. Waders included Ringed Plover and the Purple Sandpiper. There were four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Some Siskins, new for the year, flew west in the company of Goldfinches.

26th

Sunny, cold, fresh NW wind. There were nine Great Crested Grebes offshore and ten Brent Geese on the beach. Three Shovelers and 12 Snipe were on the Marsh Pool and 18 Sanderlings on the beach.

25th

Sunny, cold with a strong NW wind. There were 12 Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Shelducks flew west and 25 Brent Geese were on the beach. An Osprey, that drifted north over the sea at 7.30 am, was the earliest ever to be recorded at the site, although a number of others had been recorded in the county. Waders included 25 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Two Swallows west were the first of the year and eight Meadow Pipits, also heading west, were also noted.

23rd

Sunny but a bit misty, light northerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, six Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, three Little Egrets and 61 Brent Geese on the beach and four Teal and a pair of Shovelers on the Marsh Pool.

21st

Sunny, with a cooling NE wind. There were two Red-throated Divers, four Great Crested Grebes and two Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, and 39 Brent Geese on the beach. Five Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included a high count of 80 Oystercatchers on the beach, three Ringed Plovers, 14 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper.

20th

A misty morning. There were six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and three Teal and three Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. A Red Kite flew NW over the sea and also noted were a Mediterranean Gull west and the Cetti’s Warbler.

19th

Sunny, light NE wind. There were three Red-throated Divers, five Great Crested Grebes, including a pair displaying, and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Six Little Egrets were on the Hampton flats and 26 Brent Geese were on the beach. There were Teal and six Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included a high count of 80 Oystercatchers on the beach, there were also 14 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. The Cetti’s Warbler continues to be heard and there were two Chiffchaffs.

Two Peacock butterflies were seen.

18th

Sunny, warm, light SE wind. There were six Red-throated Divers, five Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore but the highlight was a Red-necked Grebe, seen briefly but well, close inshore. Our first here since February 2024. It was later seen off the Tankerton slopes, where it remained until 25th. A Fulmar and two Gannets flew east, two Canada Geese flew east, returning west about an hour later, and two Little Egrets flew west. There were 18 Brent Geese on the beach and three Teal and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were 50 Oystercatchers on the beach, the Cetti’s Warbler, four Chiffchaffs and a Reed Bunting.

One or more Brimstone butterflies patrolled the Obs.

17th

Two Red-throated Divers and two Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Two Teal and four Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and the Purple Sandpiper was also seen.

16th

Sunny, light cloud, light SW wind. There were three Red-throated Divers and five Great Crested Grebes offshore and 44 Brent Geese on the beach. A pair of Teal and two pairs of Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included four Ringed Plovers, 34 Sanderlings, eight Dunlin and the Purple Sandpiper. Our first Red Kite of the year was over the church at midday, and also noted were a Peregrine that flew west over the Obs, two adult Mediterranean Gulls, a Song Thrush, the Cetti’s Warbler and two Chiffchaffs.

14th

Sunny intervals, cold, light SW wind. One Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebes, and four Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and three Gannets flew east. Five Greylag Geese flew east inland (presumably the same birds that were seen at Herne Bay Downs), there were 80 Brent Geese on the beach and two Shelducks flew west. One pair of Teal and six Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included three Ringed Plovers, nine Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted was a Stock Dove, that paid a brief visit to the beach, and was new for the year, and a Skylark that flew west.

12th

Sunny periods with a strong SW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Gannets flew east, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and one Little Egret and 44 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included four Ringed Plovers, 24 Sanderlings and a Dunlin. Five Teal and six Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were five Mediterranean Gulls west, three Meadow Pipits west and the Cetti;s Warbler, which showed well in the bushes along the path by the Obs, and a single Reed Bunting.

11th

Sunny, freshening SW wind. One Red-throated Diver flew west, there was one Great Crested Grebe offshore, 108 Brent Geese on the beach and two Shelducks flew west. Five Teal and six Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and waders included 30 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper. Also noted were two Mediterranean Gulls west and a pair of Reed Buntings near the Marsh Pool.

10th

There were two Red-throated Divers and seven Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Six Teal and four Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool and a Golden Plover on the beach was the pick of the waders. The Cetti’s Warbler was still present.

9th

Foggy, not clearing over the sea. There were three Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and a Little Egret and 12 Brent Geese on the beach. Five Teal, four Shovelers and two Moorhens were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and a good count of 34 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Also noted was a Buzzard circling low over the Obs in the mist and the Cetti’s Warbler.

7th

Cloudy, poor visibility, light NE wind. Two Great Crested Grebes were offshore and six Red-breasted Mergansers gathered with the tidal ponds. Two Shelducks flew east and there were four Teal and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool and 30 visible Snipe. Other waders included a high count of 60 Oystercatchers on the beach, with 11 Sanderlings and 20 Curlews also on the beach. No Ringed Plovers or Dunlin were noted. A distinctive Herring Gull of the race argentatus (from Sandinavia and the Baltic) was on the beach.

5th

Sunny, mild, light southerly wind. There were five Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, eight Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Two drake Goldeneyes offshore lingered all morning (they were reported at Seasalter in the afternoon). They were seen to display although there were no females present! A Fulmar flew west and there were c140 Brent Geese on the beach. Teal and Shovelers were in the Marsh Pool along with 30 visible Snipe. Also noted were two vocal Ravens that came in off the beach heading SE, a Kingfisher (the first since January), along the beach and across to the brook, the Cetti’s Warbler and a Chiffchaff.

A Brimstone butterfly was flying around the Obs.

3rd

The Purple Sandpiper, a female Stonechat and three Long-tailed Tits were noted.

2nd

Sunny, moderate SW wind. There were two Red-throated Divers, five Great Crested Grebes and three Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Gannets have been notable for their absence this year so a line of 20 adults flying west was most welcome, many heading back east. There were 106 Brent Geese on the beach and waders included 20 Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper and a Dunlin. Four Shovelers, four Teal and two Moorhens were on the Marsh Pool together with good numbers of Snipe. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west and two more were on the beach. Also noted was a soaring Buzzard, the Cetti’s Warbler and a Chiffchaff.

The total of 76 species for the month was a little below the ten-year average of 78 species. However, the total so far this year of 95 species was a little above the ten-year average of 93.2 species. 12 species were added to the year total during the month, most not unexpected but a Woodcock in off the sea on 2nd and four Scaup briefly offshore on 3rd were most welcome whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit on the beach on 4th has been surprisingly scarce as a winter bird in recent years.

95 species seen so far this year

89 species seen by this time last year

28th

Cloudy, fresh westerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, eight Great Crested Grebes and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Two Shelducks flew west and a Canada Goose was on the Marsh Pool (our first of the year and unusual on the pool as most are just flyovers). There were also six Teal, four Mallards and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Waders included ten Ringed Plovers and four Dunlin. Also noted were a Goldcrest along the sewage works fence west of the skate park, a Chiffchaff and two Long-tailed Tits at the Obs and a Chaffinch singing along the upper brook.

26th

Cloudy, moderate SW wind. Two Shelducks flew west and there were seven Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Six Teal and four Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. There were 74 Sanderlings roosting between the groynes, 21 Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool but no Ringed Plover or Dunlin were seen. The Cetti’s Warbler was heard again, a Chiffchaff was singing along the sewage works fence, west of the skate park, and two were at the Obs.

25th

Sunny, warm, light southerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver, seven Great Crested Grebes and 11 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. A flock of 170 Brent Geese was the highest count for some time and there were also two Little Egrets on the beach. Waders included 41 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper in the East Bay. Six Teal and six Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. There were four Mediterranean Gulls, two flew west and two were on the beach, six Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and Guillemot was sitting on the sea. Also noted were our first two Buzzards circling south of the church, a Skylark flew west, the Cetti’s Warbler was in the brambles nearest the “mini-forest” and a Chiffchaff was singing at Lang Court.

The warm Spring-like weather brought out our first butterflies, Brimstone and Peacock, as well as a Seven-spot Ladybird and a bumble-bee.

23rd

Sunny, mild, light SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore (all in breeding plumage now). 105 Brent Geese on the beach included only four juveniles. There were four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and two Shelducks flew west. Five Teal and four Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. A sign of birds on the move with two high-flying Jackdaws west over the sewage works and three Rooks west over the sea.

21st

A Common Scoter and six Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and six Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. A Mediterranean Gull was on the beach amongst the Black-headed Gulls.

20th

There were two Red-throated Divers and 15 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and six Teal and four Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were Sparrowhawk, Song Thrush and the Cetti’s Warbler was heard again.

17th

A Rock Pipit flying west was our first of the year.

16th

Sunny, milder, moderate westerly wind. There were nine Great Crested Grebes and seven Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. A Little Egret and ten Brent Geese were on the beach; one Brent Goose was later on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 42 Ringed Plovers on the beach in front of the Obs and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes. Five Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool where, at high tide.a gathering of gulls included c150 Black-headed Gulls, 20 Common Gulls, two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Also noted were a singing Chiffchaff in the Scout Wood and the pair of Stonechats.

14th

Cloudy, cold, fresh northerly wind. One Red-throated Diver offshore, five Teal and seven Shovelers on the Marsh Pool (counted when flushed by the park run). The Purple Sandpiper was still present. An adult Kittiwake flew east. Good conditions for sea watching in the autumn but not at this time of the year!

13th

Cloudy, light rain showers, calm then a cooling NE wind. A Great Northern Diver, a Fulmar and a Guillemot flew east, and four Shelducks flew west and three flew east and a flock of 18 Common Scoters flew west. There were 15 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and five Teal and five Shovelers on the Marsh Pool. The Purple Sandpiper was again roosting between the groynes. Five Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach.

10th

A Great Northern Diver and 20 Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore, two Egyptian Geese flew east and six Wigeon flew west. Six Teal and two Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were a Skylark flying west and a Reed Bunting.

9th

Cloudy, mild, light southerly wind. A Great Northern Diver, three Great Crested Grebes and 14 Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Two Shelducks flew west and a Little Egret and 44 Brent Geese were on the beach. Four Teal and three Shovelers were on the Marsh Pool. Also noted were three Meadow Pipits, the female Stonechat, a female Blackcap and five Long-tailed Tits.

8th

All three diver species were noted including a Black-throated Diver and two Great Northern Divers. The Slavonian Grebe was offshore again and there were 18 Red-breasted Mergansers. A Skylark and a Reed Bunting were additions to the year list.

7th

Cloudy with steady rain. A Slavonian Grebe was on the sea off the Obs and 13 Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. There were 33 Brent Geese on the beach and five Teal, four Shovelers and the drake Pintail on the Marsh Pool.

4th

Sunny, light SE wind. One Great Northern Diver flew west and c25 Red-throated Divers flew east. Three Great Crested Grebes and eight Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. There were 24 Brent Geese on the beach, three Shelducks flew west and two Teal, three Shovelers and the drake Pintail were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 44 Oystercatchers on the beach, the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes, 24 Redshanks roosting on the Marsh Pool whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit dropped onto the beach late morning and settle to roost with the Oystercatchers. In recent years, Bar-tailed Godwits have been uncommon in winter despite the good numbers in the Swale. Also noted were nine Little Gulls feeding beyond the tidal ponds and eight Linnets in the bushes opposite the Obs.

A Water Vole in the brook was the first recorded this year and gives some hope that this species is lingering on.

3rd

Four Scaup, two drakes and two ducks, were on the sea drifting east (later seen to fly east at Reculver). Also seven Little Gulls flew east.

2nd

Cloudy, light SE wind. There were two Great Northern Divers and six Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Four Mute Swans, two adults and two juveniles, flew east, four Shelducks flew west and a party of six flew east. Three Teal, two Shovelers and the drake Pintail were on the Marsh Pool. Waders included 40 Oystercatchers on the shingle ridge at high tide, 50 Ringed Plovers on the beach off the Obs, where a Woodcock came in off the sea and appeared to drop into gardens along the Tankerton slopes. An adult Little Gull flew east, dropping onto the sea as it went, and an adult Kittiwake was on the asea off the Obs. The Cetti’s Warbler was heard again in bushes near the caravan park.

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.