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.

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

137 species so far this year

130 by this time last year

31st

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

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

30th

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

29th

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

Small Heath and Green-veined White butterflies were noted.

28th

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

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

27th

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

26th

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

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

24th

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

23rd

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

22nd

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

21st

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

20th

One House Martin flew over the Obs.

19th

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

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

18th

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

17th

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

16th

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

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

15th

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

14th

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

13th

The first Small Heath butterfly of the year was noted.

12th

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

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

10th

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

8th

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

7th

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

6th

Two Little Terns offshore were new for the year.

5th

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

4th

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

3rd

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

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

2nd

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

1st

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

Green-veined White and Speckled Wood butterflies were noted.

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

A total of 131 species so far this year

121 species by this time last year

30th

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

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

29th

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

28th

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

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

27th

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

26th

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

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

25th

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

24th

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

23rd

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

22nd

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

21st

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

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

19th

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

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

17th

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

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

16th

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

14th

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

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

13th

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

12th

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

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

11th

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

10th

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

9th

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

7th

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

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

6th

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

5th

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

4th

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

3rd

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

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

2nd

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

1st

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

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

A total of 112 species so far this year

104 species by this time last year

31st

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

A Comma butterfly was noted.

29th

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

28th

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

27th

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

26th

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

24th

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

23rd

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

22nd

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

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

21st

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

20th

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

19th

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

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

17th

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

15th

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

14th

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

13th

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

12th

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

10th

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

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

9th

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

8th

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

A single Brimstone butterfly was noted.

6th

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

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

4th

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

3rd

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

2nd

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

1st

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

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

A total of 89 species so far this year

A total of 89 species by this time last year

28th

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

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

27th

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

26th

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

25th

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

21st

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

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

20th

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

19th

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

18th

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

15th

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

14th

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

13th

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

12th

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

10th

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

9th

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

8th

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

6th

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

5th

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

3rd

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

1st

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