A total of 104 species for the month is very “average” with the ten-year average being 104.1 species. A generally quiet month boosted by the additions of five species to that list on the final day. Seven species were added to the year list, there were no great rarities but two Ospreys, on 9th and 14th, were most welcome.

A total of 155 species so far this year

156 species by this time last year

30th

Sunny and calm. A more lively day to end the month. There were two Red-throated Divers offshore. Five Grey Herons flew NW and there were five Little Egrets on the beach. A flock of 17 Greylag Geese flew NW towards Sheppey and a duck Common Scoter was on the sea. Waders included 27 Oystercatchers on the beach and six Snipe and eight Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Three Arctic Skuas; including two light-phase adults, flew west close inshore, a juvenile Little Gull close inshore was our first of the autumn and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew south over the skate park. A Razorbill close inshore of the Obs was the first specifically identified this year. A Red Kite, unusual here at this time of the year, flew west at 11.25 am and a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew west low over the sea at 11.50 am. Other birds noted included two Wheatears on the beach and a party of four Redpolls and a Siskin at the Obs.

29th

Cloudy, moderate NW wind. A Red-throated Diver flew east, six Gannets flew west, a flock of 40 Brent Geese flew east, another 25 west, seven Wigeon and 23 Common Scoters flew west. Waders included 24 Oystercatchers on the beach, a Sanderling roosting with Ringed Plovers and Turnstones, five Snipe on the Marsh Pool and two Curlews, our only record this month, flying west. Four Arctic Skuas were chasing terns distantly offshore.

28th

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were two breeding plumage Red-throated Divers offshore, three Common Scoters flew west and c30 circled around offshore. There were ten Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. Waders included one Snipe and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. c15 Common Terns were feeding offshore. Other birds noted included a westerly movement of Swallows and House Martins and a Wheatear on the groynes.

A large Fox Moth caterpillar crossed the path.

27th

Cloudy, light SW wind. One Red-throated Diver close inshore, three Gannets and nine Common Scoters east. Two Teal and a Guillemot flew west. Waders included single Dunlin and Sanderling, three Snipe on the Marsh Pool and 84 Turnstones on the beach. Other birds noted included a Hobby hunting beyond the houses.

26th

A Merlin flew west low over the sea.

25th

Sunny, light SW wind. One Red-throated Diver flew east. Five Mute Swans, three adults and two juveniles, were resting on the sea before flying off , first east and then back west. There were ten Little Egrets on the beach and the Marsh Pool and two Grey Herons flew west. Waders included two Dunlin on the beach and three Snipe on the Marsh Pool. There were three Mediterranean Gulls and five Common Gulls flew west. A total of 320 Herring Gulls on the beach included one of the Pitsea Landfill birds (see below). Other birds noted included our first Skylark of the autumn which landed on the shingle ridge, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail, two Jays, ten Linnets, and a Reed Bunting west.

The Herring Gull was ringed as a second calendar year bird on 8th March 2014. Subsequently it was recorded at Beddington Sewage Farm in May that year, here at Swalecliffe in November 2015, March 2018, October 2019 and December 2021, with a visit to a landfill site in Leicestershire in January 2019.

23rd

Sunny with a light westerly wind. A single Brent Goose which flew west was our first returning bird. Waders included a single Sanderling on the beach, two Golden Plovers west an six Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. 19 Sandwich Terns were resting on the tidal ponds. 53 Swallows and two House Martins flew west and other birds noted included a Sedge Warbler in the bushes opposite the Obs, six Blackcaps, five Jays, a Rook flying west and two Reed Buntings.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood Red Admiral and Peacock and Ivy Bees and Common Darter too.

22nd

There were three winter plumage Sanderlings on the beach. Two Sedge Warblers were together in the same bush, the “bushes were full of ” Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs and there was a Willow Warbler in the churchyard.

21st

Cloudy, light SW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes on the sea and two Grey Herons on the beach. An Arctic Skua and five Mediterranean Gulls flew west. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Grey Wagtail on the roof of a house in Brook Road and two Whitethroats.

A Hobby caught a hirundine over the beach, a Bar-tailed Godwit was on the beach and a Wheatear also seen.

19th

Cloudy with a fresh to strong SW wind. There were six Little Egrets and a Grey Heron on the beach. Waders included four Bar-tailed Godwits which landed briefly on the Hampton flats and a Snipe and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. An Arctic Skua was harrying terns offshore. Large numbers of House Martins poured west with an estimate of 3,500, most before 9 am, whilst there were only c25 Swallows, a single Swift and Sand Martin amongst them. 13 Meadow Pipits and a Grey Wagtail also flew west and there was a Wheatear on the beach.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and Comma and Common Darter dragonflies were also seen.

18th

Cloudy, moderate SW wind with rain from 10.30 am. Two Cattle Egrets on the Hampton flats were new for the year. A light-phase Arctic Skua was harrying terns offshore and five Arctic Terns flew west. Other birds noted included a Hobby, a Grey Wagtail, a Whinchat and three Wheatears.

16th

Sunny, calm. A Red-throated Diver on the sea flew off west. There were four Gannets offshore and a flock of nine Grey Herons which flew west over the sea had earlier been seen at Reculver. A drake Wigeon and four Teal flew west and another 12 Teal circled close inshore. Seven Common Scoters flew east and ten flew west. Waders included 47 Ringed Plovers on the Hampton flats, two Snipe on the Marsh Pool, three Greenshanks flying west with two briefly along the shoreline, and 72 Turnstones on the beach. A Grasshopper Warbler, flushed from vegetation by the brook, was a new bird for the year and a Reed Warbler and a Whitethroat were also seen.

A Brown Argus butterfly in the brook-side vegetation was a bit of a surprise and a Willow Emerald Damselfly was our first this year.

15th

A Marsh Harrier and an Arctic Skua flew west and eight Meadow Pipits were noted.

14th

Sunny, calm. A single Great Crested Grebe offshore was the first noted since July. There were five Little Egrets and a Grey Heron on the beach and 20 Common Scoters flew west. An Osprey, our second of the month, was fishing offshore for about 15 minutes before drifting off west. Waders included five Dunlin and a Snipe on the Marsh Pool, a Bar-tailed Godwit, and two Greenshanks on the shoreline which hung around for c40 minutes despite being flushed several times. An Arctic Skua was seen offshore. Other birds noted included a Hobby, Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker, three Meadow Pipits, a count of 75 Carrion Crows on the beach and four Greenfinches in the Elm Wood.

There were 17 Red Admirals taking the early morning sun in the top of an ivy-covered hedge along the upper brook. Small White and Speckled Wood wee also seen.

13th

Cloudy with a fresh NE wind. Two Red-throated Divers flew east, there were 24 Gannets offshore, three Brent Geese and two Wigeon flew west and there were c50 Common Scoters in flight offshore. Waders included a single Knot along the shoreline, seven Dunlin on the Marsh Pool and a single Redshank on the beach and the Marsh Pool. 24 Arctic Skuas and seven Great Skuas and an Arctic Tern flew west and two large auk sp flew east.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and two Red Admirals.

12th

The juvenile Spotted Redshank was on the Marsh Pool, but flew off west at 9.22 am, and there were also single Dunlin, Snipe and Common Sandpiper. Four Arctic Skuas flew west. Two Meadow Pipits also flew west.

11th

Cloudy, calm. There were four Gannets offshore, three Common Scoters flew west and a flock of c25 flew east. Five Little Egrets were on the Marsh Pool at high tide. Waders included a flock of 26 Redshanks together with two Spotted Redshanks on the beach, another juvenile Spotted Redshank commuting between the beach and the Marsh Pool and a Curlew Sandpiper, briefly on the shoreline with Ringed Plovers, which was new for the year. Later, a flock of 21 Knot flew west and there were single Snipe and Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included three Buzzards apparently displaying in the skies above Studd Hill, a Kingfisher, 30 Swallows west, one Meadow Pipit west, a Grey Wagtail, a Wheatear and a Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.

10th

Three Gannets flew west and there were seven Little Egrets on the beach. Waders included 16 Oystercatchers, 30 Ringed Plovers, 50+ Turnstones and a Common Sandpiper. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Yellow Wagtails west, a Grey Wagtail and six Jays.

9th

Sunny, very warm, calm. An Osprey that flew west over the sea at 6.40 am was our first here since 2020. Two Greylag Geese flew west, two Teal flew east and three flew west, and there were seven Little Egrets on the beach. Waders included a flock of 15 Ringed Plovers west and 67 on the beach, five Dunlin west, two Bar-tailed Godwits stopping briefly on the beach before heading west, and two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. Three Arctic Skuas and an adult Mediterranean Gull also flew west. Other birds noted included a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Grey Wagtail.

8th

A Dunlin, two Snipe and a Common Sandpiper were on the Marsh Pool.

7th

Foggy with mist lingering over the sea until 11.30 am. Calm. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the grass near the Marsh Pool and disappeared into the mist. Our first here for two years. Waders included four Snipe and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included two Kingfishers flying down the brook towards the sluice, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, two Whitethroats, five Blackcaps and a Willow Warbler.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood and Comma and a Wasp Spider was seen in the scrub.

6th

Misty/light cloud, warm, calm. A drake Wigeon close inshore flew off west. Waders included four Knot east along the shoreline, ten Dunlin resting on the shoreline which flew off west and, another on the Marsh Pool, and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. 212 Herring Gulls on the beach were mostly adults and there were 20+ Sandwich Terns fishing offshore and a single Common Tern. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail and Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and a male Blackcap in the bushes opposite the Obs.

5th

Six Bar-tailed Godwits flew west and two flew east, and there were two Snipe on the Marsh Pool. 37 Sandwich Terns flew east, others were fishing offshore during the morning, and 31 Common Terns flew west. A Guillemot flew east and a Redstart, brighter than yesterday’s bird, was seen in the scrub.

4th

Cloudy at first, calm. Waders included two Dunlin on the beach and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. A female/immature Redstart that flew by the Obs and into the bushes opposite was new for the year but only showed briefly. Our second Whinchat of the year was nearby behind the Obs Pool. A Lesser Whitethroat was also seen.

Butterflies seen were Small White and Small Heath,

2nd

Sunny and calm. Four Gannets, a Shelduck and 20 Common Scoters flew east and two Teal flew west. Waders included a flock of Knot and Bar-tailed Godwits, about eight of each, that flew west, three Green Sandpipers over the area early morning which eventually flew off west, a Dunlin, a Snipe and two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool and single Whimbrel and Redshank heard calling. Four Arctic Skuas also flew west. Other birds noted included a Sedge Warbler and a Willow Warbler and four Jays together along the east bank.

1st

Cloudy, rain until 9am, calm. There were ten Gannets offshore, a Grey Heron was on the beach and two Shelduck flying west landed on the sea. Waders included a Spotted Redshank calling constantly as it flew west at 9.20 am, only our second this year, a flock of 12 Knot west, three Redshanks west and another on the Marsh Pool, and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. Six Arctic Skuas flew east together and a Guillemot flew east close inshore. Two vocal Sandwich Terns flew south over the football pitch and away inland. Other birds of noted included a Kingfisher along the middle brook and a bright male Wheatear on the shingle ridge.

Small White butterflies are still plentiful and a Holly Blue was also seen.

A total of 92 species was slightly above the ten-year average of 89.8. There were eight additions to the year list, six sea birds and waders and just two passerines and all but the Balearic Shearwaters on 31st, reasonably expected.

148 species so far this year

150 species by the same time last year

31st

Light cloud, calm. Two Balearic Shearwaters flew east over the flat calm sea. Our fifth record of this species and our first since 2015. 11 Gannets also flew east and there were 11 Little Egrets along the shoreline early morning. Four Avocets dropped onto the Marsh Pool at 9am. There was one adult and three juveniles, the same combination as on 19th, and they may well have been the same birds. They also remained for some time. Other waders noted included a Whimbrel west, a Greenshank that landed on the shoreline off the Obs and a Redshank and two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Stock Dove, three Sand Martins and 15 Swallows west, a Grey Wagtail, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.

The rarest sighting of the day, however, was a pod of four Common Dolphins which gave excellent views on the flat calm sea as they headed west towards Whitstable. They were then photographed by the Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat. In over 30 years, these were the first dolphins we have recorded here. Also, a Jersey Tiger moth was seen at the Obs.

30th

Cloudy with a light WNW wind. One Gannet flew east. Waders on the move included two summer plumage Golden Plovers, four Knot (new for the year), a Sanderling pausing briefly on the spit, two Dunlin and six Whimbrel. There were also 12 Oystercatchers on the beach and a Redshank and three Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. A flock of ten Commic Terns west included at least one Arctic Tern.

28th

Cloudy with a light NW wind. 15 Gannets flew east, there were six Little Egrets on the beach and a gathering of 29 Mallard along the middle brook. Waders included a single Curlew west and two Common Sandpipers and a Redshank on the Marsh Pool. Other birds of note included three Grey Wagtails, two Lesser Whitethroats, a flock of 19 Long-tailed Tits and a Carrion Crow on the beach which appeared to show some influence of Hooded Crow.

26th

Sunny with a light westerly wind. There were seven Little Egrets on the beach early morning. Waders included one Whimbrel west and four Common Sandpipers, two on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included four Sand Martins and a House Martin west, the latter our first since June, a Sedge Warbler along the east bank and a Willow Warbler in the beach vegetation.

25th

A Whimbrel and a Curlew flew west together and two Common Sandpipers and a Redshank were on the Marsh Pool.

24th

Cloudy and calm with heavy rain between 8 and 9 am. There were 12 Little Egrets in the brook early morning and two Teal and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. After the rain, a Whinchat, our first of the year, was seen briefly in bushes along the coastal path and a juvenile Tufted Duck on the Marsh Pool. Occasionally seen in over the sea, this is perhaps the first to be seen on the pool. Other birds noted included three Dunlin along the shoreline, three Grey Wagtails in the brook near the Marsh Pool and on the beach and Cetti’s Warbler and Willow Warbler were heard.

23rd

Sunny and calm. There were 18 Mallard in the brook. Waders included three Whimbrel, and a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. There were 18 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and a Guillemot, only our second record of the year, swam steadily east close inshore. Other birds noted include three Stock Doves, two Yellow Wagtails and six warbler species included Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and two Willow Warblers.

21st

Misty over the sea, then sunny with a light easterly wind. There were five Little Egrets on the beach and two Shovelers flew east close inshore. Waders included 12 Oystercatchers and 34 Ringed Plovers on the beach and a Redshank and three Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. Seven Common Terns flew west. Other birds noted included a Kingfisher on the beach, 50 Swallows west, three Grey Wagtails, the Cetti’s Warbler in “conversational” song by the Scout Hut and a juvenile Willow Warbler in the Elm Wood.

19th

Sunny, light SW wind. The highlight of the day was four Avocets, an adult and three juveniles, on the Marsh Pool. Uniquely, they were present from early morning into the afternoon at least. Other waders noted included a Sanderling on the beach, five Whimbrel, four on the beach and one west, a Greenshank west, two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool and five Redshanks there later on. Two Black Terns were with other terns and gulls feeding offshore towards the Street. Later, the number increased to at least 12. Also noted were a Grey Heron west over the sea, three Little Egrets, a Sand Martin and 25 Swallows west and a Lesser Whitethroat along the east bank.

18th

There were still five Chub in the brook.

17th

Sunny with a light easterly wind. 25 Gannets flew east, there were seven Little Egrets on the beach, 12 Teal on the tidal ponds flew off west, another was in the middle brook and c20 Common Scoters flew east. Waders included out first returning Snipe flying east, two Dunlin east along the shoreline, 14 Whimbrel including a flock of 12 west, four Greenshanks west and three Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. A flock of nine Mediterranean Gulls flew west. A Wheatear was on the shingle ridge.

16th

There were two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool and a Wheatear along the coastal path.

15th

Sunny, warm with a light southerly wind. A Little Egret was seen on the Marsh Pool and the beach and two Grey Herons flew west low over the sea. An increase in wader numbers with 87 Turnstones and 36 Ringed Plovers roosting between the groynes. Seven Whimbrel rested briefly on the beach, a Common Sandpiper was along the lower brook and four Oystercatchers were on the beach. There were 15 Great Black-backed Gulls, including two adults, on the beach. Also noted were six Swallows and a Grey Wagtail.

Butterflies included a Comma and a late Meadow Brown.

Weasels are seen fairly often but usually afford only the briefest of glimpses. However, one burst out of the vegetation along the middle brook and sped in a wide arc across the football pitch. It was visible long enough to catch perhaps the first photograph from this site.

14th

Another quiet morning. There was a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool, two Buzzards over the estate and a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub.

A Small Heath butterfly around the Obs was our 14th species for the month.

13th

There were five Whimbrel on the beach and a Hobby flew west.

Brief views of a Wall butterfly by the Obs was our 23rd species of the year. Only our fourth record but this species does appear to be recolonising along this coastline.

A Black Stork was first seen at Pegwell Bay on 11th and remained in the Sandwich Bay area until the morning of 13th. It was reported there at 10.17 am but at 11.30 am it was seen flying west low over Tankerton. It was also seen over Seasalter and the next day had relocated to Capel Fleet on the Isle of Sheppey. Possibly, this bird, which would have been a first for the site, could have been seen from the site before it reached Tankerton but we weren’t there!

11th

A flock of 40+ Bar-tailed Godwits flew west. A “trickle” of Sandwich Terns, Common Terns and Swallows flew west and a Swift was seen over the sewage works.

10th

Sunny, warm, light southerly wind. There were three Little Egrets on the beach. Waders noted were 11 Oystercatchers, eight flew east, three on the beach, 31 Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin and 47 Turnstones roosting between the groynes and two Common Sandpipers on the Marsh Pool. There were four Mediterranean Gulls, including two juveniles, on the beach. Other birds noted were a Wheatear on the shingle ridge and two Willow Warblers.

Butterflies seen were Small White, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Green-veined White and Peacock. A mating pair of Common Darter dragonflies were also seen. A shoal of 12 red-finned fish by the sluice were, by consensus, Chub. Not been seen here before as far as we know.

9th

Sunny with a light WNW wind. A Great Skua was seen chasing terns and gulls distantly offshore and resting on the sea, and a dark-phase Arctic Skua flew west. A party of four Gadwall and two Shovelers flew west. Waders noted included 12 Oystercatchers east and two on the beach, c25 Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin on the beach, a Whimbrel and six Redshanks west, and a Common Sandpiper was on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Swift, an immature female Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, two Yellow Wagtails west, three Grey Wagtails in the brook by the sluice, a Wheatear, a Song Thrush along the east bank, a Garden Warbler by the Obs, the Cetti’s Warbler was heard again and there were two juvenile Willow Warblers.

7th

Sunny, moderate SW wind. Six Shelducks flew east, there were 13 Mallard in Coot Strait, two Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool an a Grey Heron flew west then east over the sea. A Sanderling was with the Turnstones roosting between the groynes and a Common Sandpiper flew west. There were 14 Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. More interest came away from the beach with the Pied Flycatcher appearing around the Obs several times, both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, a Cetti’s Warbler, a Sedge Warbler by the Obs, a Lesser Whitethroat in the scrub and three juvenile Willow Warblers. One Sand Martin flew west, there were two Swallows and a Grey Wagtail.

A good selection of butterflies included Holly and Common Blues and late Meadow Brown and Small Skipper.

6th

Three Arctic Terns (our first of the year) flew east close inshore early morning and several parties of Common/Arctic Terns also flew east but too distant for specific identification. A Gadwall and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew west over the sea. Most surprising, however, was an early Pied Flycatcher along the east bank. This species has become more irregular in recent years, a few were seen last year, but its was seen in only four of the last ten years. Our earliest was in late July 2002. Also present was our first returning Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler, three Willow Warblers whilst a Reed Bunting flew west by the Obs.

5th

Cloudy, showers, light SW wind. A Fulmar flew west (usually fairly regular in spring an summer but this was the first since May). One Gannet flew east, there were three juvenile Shelducks on the tidal ponds which flew west, a juvenile Shoveler circled over the beach and flew on east (12 east on February 23rd was the only previous record this year) and three Common Scoters flew west. Waders noted were four Oystercatchers on the beach, 13 Ringed Plovers on Hampton flats, two adult summer plumage Grey Plovers west, at least four Dunlin west amongst Ringed Plovers, one Curlew and two Greenshanks west and Turnstones were also present. Four adult Common Gulls flew west, the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull with two juveniles was again on the beach as were ten immature Great Black-backed Gulls. Two Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns were also seen. A second sighting of Kingfisher (after one on July 29th) raised hopes that they might become regular from now on into the winter. Also noted was a Cetti’s Wabler on the edge of the Scout Wood (having not been heard or seen since June 24th). A juvenile Willow Warbler was at the Obs.

It was a surprise to see a lot of water in the Marsh Pool as the wet July failed to prevent it from drying out completely. Apparently, nearby at Chestfield an inch of rain fallen in 45 minutes!

3rd

Cloudy, moderate NW wind. The first day with conditions favouring a sea watch. 49 Gannets and 95 Kittiwakes flew west early morning with two dark-phase Arctic Skuas west at 11.10 am. Ten Teal and ten Common Scoters also flew west. Waders noted included seven Oystercatchers and an adult summer plumage Grey Plover and three Whimbrel flew west. Other birds noted included three Swifts west and a juvenile Willow Warbler at the Obs.

2nd

A light-phase Arctic Skua, our first skua of the year, flew west at 11.04 am. 27 Common Terns also flew west and a Common Sandpiper was present.

1st

Sunny, moderate SW wind. One Gannet flew east. Waders included 60 Turnstones and eight Ringed Plovers roosting between the groynes, three Whimbrel west and single Oystercatcher, Curlew and Redshank on the beach. There were ten Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Other birds noted included one Stock Dove, one Sand Martin and one Swallow west, a Grey Wagtail, and a juvenile Willow Warbler at the Obs.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Common Blue and Speckled Wood and a Brown-banded Bee.

A total of 70 species for the month was below the ten-year average of 73.6. There was a strong movement of Swifts in the first half of the month. A build up of Mediterranean Gulls peaked at 93 on 8th. Four Dutch-ringed birds were noted and included one individual of 17 years of age. Typically, wader numbers increased towards the end of the month with a total of 77 Whimbrel, including 32 on 29th, and a maximum of 65 Turnstones on 27th. A juvenile Cuckoo on 25th was noteworthy and a Willow Warbler on 31st a hint of things to come. Finally, our first Kingfisher of the year appeared on 29th.

A total of 140 species so far this year

142 species by this time last year

31st

Cloudy, moderate SW wind. Two Gannets flew east. Waders noted were three Oystercatchers on the beach, 19 Whimbrel including eight that rested on the shoreline and four Curlews. There were four Sandwich Terns offshore and seven Common Terns flew west. Other birds noted included 115 Swifts and two Sand Martins west, our first juvenile Willow Warbler at the Obs on a typical date, and a Jay along the brook.

Butterflies noted included a Painted Lady and also at the Obs there was a Brown-banded Bee and a Roessel’s Bush Cricket.

29th

Cloudy, with a shower and a light SW wind. Single Gannets flew east and west, a Grey Heron flew east and three Common Scoters flew east. Waders included a flock of 26 Whimbrel that circled the beach seeking to land but moved on west and another flock of six. A Greenshank that landed on the beach was the first returning bird, a Common Sandpiper flew along the shoreline and there were also two Ringed Plovers and a Redshank on the beach. Six Mediterranean Gulls on the beach included three juveniles. A Kingfisher flew down along the middle brook and over the sluice. Our first this year after normally wintering individuals disappeared during a cold spell in December. Other birds noted included three Stock Doves which flew off the shingle ridge and eight Swifts and a Hobby west.

28th

Cloudy, light SW wind. A Great Crested Grebe offshore was our first since June 22nd. Seven Common Scoters flew east and there were five Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. A Common Sandpiper was on the beach and there were also 25 Turnstones and a single Ringed Plover.

27th

Cloudy with a light SW wind. Seven Gannets and four Common Scoters flew east. Waders noted were 65 Turnstones roosting between the groynes with two Ringed Plovers, 12 Whimbrel, including eight resting along the shoreline, a Curlew east, and single Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Redshank on the beach. Gulls included two adult Common Gulls west, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls with two juveniles, 75 juvenile Herring Gulls and five immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Four Sandwich Terns and seven Common Terns flew west. Other birds noted included a Stock Dove, 25 Swifts, seven Sand Martins and a Swallow west.

A female Common Blue, not very common here these days, was at the Obs and a Jersey Tiger moth was a welcome site.

26th

Sunny with a light SW wind. Two Gannets were offshore and there were five Little Egrets present. The Turnstone count rose to 42 and there were three Ringed Plovers and another Sanderling with them. One Oystercatcher was on the beach and a Redshank was heard. There were 40 juvenile Herring Gulls, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls with three juveniles and three immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. There were also six Sandwich Terns offshore. Other birds noted included two distantly displaying Buzzards, single Sand Martin and Swallow west, a Grey Wagtail in the brook by the sluice, three Jays along the east bank and 53 Carrion Crows on the beach.

Our first Small Copper butterfly of the year was seen along the coastal path. Our 22nd species of the year and 20th this month.

25th

A juvenile Cuckoo pitched in at the Obs during the morning. Two Lapwings and 17 Turnstones were also noted.

24th

Cloudy, light SW wind. An increase in the number of Turnstones with 28 roosting between the groynes accompanied by five Ringed Plovers and our first returning Sanderling. One Oystercatcher was on the beach and another four flew west and there was a Redshank in the remnant brook. There were three Mediterranean Gulls, an adult Common Gull and four Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also noted was a Stock Dove on the shingle ridge, a few Sand Martins and four Swallows west.

22nd

Sunny periods, light southerly wind. Two Gannets flew west and there were five Little Egrets on the beach. Our first returning Common Sandpiper was beach-hopping west along the shoreline, a Whimbrel touched down briefly on the shoreline also on its way west and eight Turnstones, all but one in full breeding plumage, rested between the groynes. Amongst the gulls there on the beach were six Mediterranean Gulls and five Great Black-backed Gulls. A party of 15 Swifts circled over the estate heading east, two Sand Martins, six Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail flew west.

20th

Cloudy with a light NE wind. One Gannet flew east and there were seven Little Egrets on the Hampton flats. A Ringed Plover heard was the only wader, ten Mediterranean Gulls on the beach included two juveniles and a Sandwich Tern was offshore. Little else but there were two Stock Doves, a single Swift, a Grey Wagtail, and five Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

19th

Cloudy, showers, light westerly wind. There were seven Little Egrets on the beach. A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew west at 8.45 am. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers on the beach and a single Turnstone on the beach, six Whimbrel, a single and a party of five, and a Curlew west and a Redshank. A total of 46 Mediterranean Gulls gathered on the beach on the incomong tide and included five juveniles. Other birds noted included six Swifts and ten Sand Martins west, four Swallows, a Grey Wagtail and eight Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

There were a number of ringed Mediterranean Gulls in the flock including two with only unreadable metal rings and an English colour-ringed bird that sat down before its details could be read. However, there were two more Dutch-ringed birds. One was rung as an adult in 2018, was then seen in Belgium, on a number of occasions at Copt Point in Folkestone and back in the Netherlands last year. The other was rung as a pullus (chick) in 2006 and is thus 17 years old! Again there have been many reports from Copt Point, in Belgium in 2019, and in SW France in February last year.

18th

Single Oystercatcher and Curlew were noted. Two Grey Wagtails were along the brook and a Reed Warbler was heard singing behind the Obs.

17th

Cloudy, moderate SW wind. Three Gannets flew west. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers on the beach, a Ringed Plover, five Whimbrel, two on the tidal ponds and a group of three west, a single Redshank on the Marsh Pool, and two Turnstones on the groynes. As the tide came in, gulls and terns gathered on the beach including 12 Mediterranean Gulls, three Sandwich Terns, including a juvenile, and seven Common Terns. One Swift and three Swallows flew west.

15th

Sunny then cloudy with a heavy rain shower, moderate SW wind. Waders noted were one Oystercatcher on the beach, two Curlews, a Redshank and nine Turnstones on the groynes. There were single Sandwich and Common Terns offshore. Early morning passage of Swifts with 175 west, also seven Sand Martins west and a Yellow Wagtail was heard calling. A Hobby came in off the sea at 4.30 pm.

13th

Sunny with a light SW wind. One Gannet flew west, two Little Egrets flew west with another five on the Marsh Pool. Waders were an Oystercatcher, a Whimbrel, two Curlews and six Turnstones on the beach and five Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. There were also 14 Mediterranean Gulls and an adult Common Gull on the Marsh Pool. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull with a juvenile was on the beach. Other birds note dincluded 157 Swifts west, a Great Spotted Woodpecker which flew into the trees by the Obs and a Yellow Wagtail which dropped in by the Marsh Pool.

Another Dutch-ringed Mediterranean Gull was present on the Marsh Pool. This individual was ringed on 20th May 2022, only two days after the one here on 8th, and also as a third calendar year bird. It appears to have spent this breeding season in the Loire Valley in France.

A Brimstone at the Obs was our 18th species for the month.

12th

Sunny with a light SW wind. The only waders noted were a single Curlew flying west and a Whimbrel heard calling. There were two Stock Doves on the muddy margin to the Marsh pool where towards high tide 30 Mediterranean Gulls and a second calendar year Common Gull had gathered. Swifts were on the move again with 255 west by 7.15 am. Also noted were three Sand Martins and a Swallow west.

A Large White butterfly at the Obs was the 17th species for the month.

10th

Sunny with a light southerly wind. There were five Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and a Grey Heron flew east over the area. A Whimbrel flew west over the tidal ponds and a Redshank was heard calling. 13 Mediterranean Gulls were resting on the Marsh Pool, there were four immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach and three Sandwich Terns offshore. Other birds noted included 50 Swifts and three Sand Martins west, 12 Swallows and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. The male Greenfinch was again in the Elm Wood and a juvenile Goldfinch was in trees along the east bank.

Nine species of butterfly were recorded and a European Corn-borer moth was seen along the upper brook.

8th

Sunny, warm and calm. Two Brent Geese wee on the beach all morning. Presumably, they have strayed from the summering flock that usually hangs around in the Medway estuary. A flock of 76 Mediterranean Gulls were gathered on the beach with another 17 on the Marsh Pool. There were also four Little Egrets on the pool. Waders were represented only by single Oystercatcher on the beach and a Lapwing that circled over the beach. Four Sandwich Terns flew east but there was little else of note.

One of the Mediterranean Gulls on the Marsh Pool had been rung as a third calendar year bird in May 2022 in the Netherlands. Subsequent sightings were from Copt Point, for a few days in August that year, and two sightings in Brittany during the winter. Thanks to Camille Duponcheel for the information.

A Peacock butterfly at the Obs was our 16th species for the month.

6th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were 19 Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. A Ringed Plover was on the shoreline by the Obs and a Curlew flew west. There were five Mediterranean Gulls and five Great Black-backed Gulls, including one adult, on the beach and three Sandwich Terns offshore including one juvenile. 40 Swifts flew west, a Grey Wagtail was heard calling and there were six juvenile Long-tailed Tits at the Obs.

Amongst the butterflies at the Obs was a Painted Lady.

5th

Sunny, moderate SW wind. There were 18 Little Egrets, three Redshanks and a Green Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool. A Sandwich Tern was offshore and three single Common Terns flew west. The heaviest passage of Swifts this year with 159 heading west, most in the early morning. Other birds included a Grey Wagtail by the sluice and a Song Thrush singing briefly near the Obs; our first since May.

Nine species of butterfly included Red Admiral and Speckled Wood bringing the month total to 13 species.

3rd

Sunny with a fresh westerly wind. One Gannet flew east, there were eight Little Egrets and a Redshank on the Marsh Pool and three Curlews on the Hampton flats. Four Mediterranean Gulls flew west and there were three Sandwich Terns offshore. A Meadow Pipit was displaying in the grassland although none had been seen here since May.

A total of 11 species of butterfly were noted, mainly around the Obs; they included our first Essex Skipper, another early Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Green-veined White, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell.

1st

Cloudy, fresh westerly wind. There were seven Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool. No waders were noted today! There were four Sandwich Terns close inshore, a Hobby flew west close by the Obs and a Reed Warbler was singing along the east bank.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Small Skipper and Marbled White.

The total of 67 species during the month was a bit below the ten-year average of 69.9 species. A Guillemot on 13th was the first specifically identified auk of the year (there have been very few) and the year total of 139 species is well above the ten-year average for the end of June of 133.8 species. There was little else of note but two Avocets west on 3rd, three Hobbies on 10th and a Green Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool on 28th will have to suffice.

A total of 139 species so far this year

142 species by this time last year

30th

Waders noted were a Ringed Plover and five Turnstones on the beach and a Curlew flying west. There were five Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool and six Mediterranean Gulls on the beach. A Great Spotted Woodpecker around the Obs was only the second record this year after one on February 2nd. A Reed Warbler was also present.

29th

Cloudy with light westerly wind and light rain showers. There were six Little Egrets and a Grey Heron on the Marsh Pool. A single Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover were on the beach and two Turnstones were on the groynes. There were four Mediterranean Gulls on the beach, another seven flew west and two Sandwich Terns flew west. Other birds noted included 21 Mallard, a Stock Dove and a Grey Wagtail.

28th

Cloudy with a light SW wind. Seven Gannets flew west and a Grey Heron flew west high over the area harassed by a Herring Gull. A Green Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool was an early returning migrant and was present for much of the day. Unusually, a Curlew was also present on the pool late morning. Also, six Little Egrets were also there. A single Ringed Plover took off in display flight from the beach when disturbed by a dog walker and seven Turnstones were on the groynes. Six Mediterranean Gulls and three immature Great Black-backed Gulls were on the beach and three Sandwich Terns flew west. Other birds noted included seven Swifts west, three Swallows, a Grey Wagtail by the sluice and a Reed Warbler in song at the back of the Obs.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Meadow Brown, Small and Large Skippers, Marbled White and our first Common Blue of the year. A Banded Demoiselle is a scarce dragonfly here.

27th

There were nine Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool, two Sand Martins flew west and a juvenile Grey Wagtail was on the roof of the scout hut.

26th

Sunny but clouding over, cooler, moderate SW wind. There were four Little Egrets on the Marsh Pool, a Curlew flew west over the beach, there were two immature Mediterranean Gulls and eight Great Black-backed Gulls, including seven on the beach. Seven fully-grown ducklings were along the middle brook. Six Swifts flew west.

Butterflies seen were Small White, Holly Blue, Comma, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and Marbled White.

24th

Sunny, calm, warm. A pair of Teal, a Little Egret and a Grey Heron were on the Marsh Pool. A Turnstone on the groynes at the eastern end of the beach was our first this month and a Ringed Plover was also seen. A third calendar year Mediterranean Gull was on the beach, with five immature Great Black-backed Gulls, and a Sandwich Tern was close inshore. Two Cetti’s Warblers could be heard “ticking” in the Elm Wood.

A boost to our butterfly year list with Comma, Small Skipper and Marbled White all new for the year. Eight species on the day and a total of 19 species for the year. A Lunar Hornet Clearwing at the Obs was a new moth for the site.

22nd

Sunny, warm, light SW wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe on the sea, five Little Egrets between the beach and the Marsh Pool where there was also an adult Grey Heron and a Redshank. Two Lapwings circled low over the beach and there were three Oystercatchers along the shoreline by the Obs. Three Mediterranean Gulls flew west and a second calendar year Common Gull was on the beach with Black-headed Gulls. Other birds noted included a Hobby hunting over the area early morning, one Stock Dove, five Swifts and single Sand Martin and Swallow and a Cetti’s Warbler calling persistently by the Obs. There were c10 Long-tailed Tits by the Obs, a Jay along the east bank and a male Greenfinch in the Elm Wood.

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

21st

Sunny, warm, light SW wind. A Ringed Plover on the shingle ridge was flushed by dog walkers. There were two Sandwich Terns on the red buoy. Three Sand Martins and a Swallow flew west and there were three Reed Warblers in song. A troop of ten Magpies were on the football pitch.

Five species of butterfly included our first Brown Argus of the year. Meadow Browns were numerous and a Small Tortoiseshell was also seen.

20th

Cloudy, light SE wind, heavy rain from 8.50 am. Seven Gannets, an adult Mediterranean Gull and single Sandwich and Common Terns flew east. A flock of 23 Lapwings flew SE into the storm.

19th

Adult Moorhen feeding three chicks in the brook.

18th

Two Mute Swans off the beach.

17th

A Cetti’s Warbler was heard and seen briefly. There had been at least one individual present since last September but it had not been heard or seen since 24th May. A quiet period whilst it got on with the job of bringing up a family, a new bird or a returnee? A Jay which flew into the scrub was the first recorded this month.

At this time of the year, attention inevitably turns to creatures other than bird. Our first Large Skipper of the year was a little late, several nettles at the Obs were festooned with Peacock butterfly caterpillars and Holly Blue was also seen. Our first ever record of an orchid, the Common Spotted Orchid, was welcome and surprising.

15th

Eight Teal flew west and an adult and a juvenile Swallow were feeding over the beach.

14th

Sunny with a light NE breeze. Three Gannets flew east and three Mallards flew west. Waders noted were eight Oystercatchers west and a Ringed Plover heard; two species that have or potentially would nest if not for the excessive level of disturbance.

13th

Cooler. A Guillemot flew east; our first specifically identified auk of the year! A Red Kite flew west over the football pitch, a Lapwing circled over the area and two Curlews flew west. Also, four juvenile Long-tailed Tits were seen along the east bank.

Speckled Wood and Small White were the only butterflies noted.

12th

Cloudy, warm. Two Great Crested Grebes offshore and two Shelducks flew west.

11th

Sunny, warm, light NE wind. There was one Great Crested Grebe offshore. A second calendar year Common Gull was on the beach with eight immature Great Black-backed Gulls. A single Stock Dove and a Swift were also noted.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood and a single Green Oak Tortrix was seen in the grass by the Obs, a migrant that has been filling moth traps throughout the county and beyond.

10th

Sunny, much warmer with a light easterly wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore and a Gannet flew east. Raptors responded to the heat with five species recorded including three Hobbies circling over the area. There were three Oystercatchers on the beach, a Lapwing circled over the beach, a Curlew flew west and a Redshank was on the Marsh Pool. A Common Tern landed on a buoy by the tidal ponds and a Sandwich Tern fished offshore. A few Swifts and House Martins were also noted.

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

8th

Cloudy, moderate NE wind. Two Gannets flew east. Four Oystercatchers flew east along the shoreline and two Sandwich Terns flew east. The Mallard brood with six ducklings seen for the first time this month in the brook below the sluice. There were three Stock Doves on the shingle ridge and a single Sand Martin was noted.

One Speckled Wood butterfly seen.

7th

A Reed Warbler was singing sporadically in the bushes opposite the Obs.

6th

Cloudy, cool with a moderate NE wind. Three Gannets flew east and a Grey Heron flew west. The pair of Oystercatchers were calling and displaying over the area, a Curlew flew west and a Ringed Plover was also seen. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls and two second calendar year Common Gulls flew east and there were ten immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach. Also seen were two Stock Doves on the beach, a juvenile Pied Wagtail on the football pitch, a Chaffinch was singing along the upper brook and a Greenfinch was singing in the Elm Wood.

5th

A flock of 20 Canada Goose on the tidal ponds was a very high count for any time of the year. Two Shelducks were also noted, a Hobby flew north over the Marsh Pool and there was a high count of eight Greenfinches between the car park and the sewage works.

3rd

Two Avocets flew NW, a single Sandwich Tern was noted and Swift and all three hirundines put in an appearance.

1st

A few Gannets were offshore and a group of ten flew east later. One Common Scoter and two Common Terns flew east and the pair of Oystercatchers were also present. Two Stock Doves were on the coastal path.

An unusual and un-spring like month with a fresh wind stuck in a northerly direction from 13th onwards. The total of 91 species was above the ten-year average of 83.5, and the year total of 138 is also above the ten-year average of 133.8 species. However, only six species were added to the year list with our the fourth Marsh Warbler for the site and an unusual spring Spotted Redshank on 22nd and our second earliest Spotted Flycatcher on 1st, only three days after our earliest ever.

138 species so far this year

141 species by this time last year

31st

Three Grey Plovers, two in breeding plumage, flew south and a Redshank, the first here since 27th April, dropped onto the beach.

We were graced by the attractive moth, alabonia geoffrella (colloquially known as “Geoff”) with six present in the scrub.

30th

Cloudy, cool with a fresh NE wind – again! A few Gannets flew east. The pair of Oystercatchers and three Common Sandpipers were on the Marsh Pool and a Ringed Plover, rather optimistically, was displaying over the shingle ridge. Two Stock Doves were also seen on the shingle ridge.

29th

Cloudy with a fresh NE wind. We continue to be stuck if the cool NE airflow. One Fulmar and 16 Gannets flew east. A Common Sandpiper was the only wader noted. There were 14 immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, a significant increase, and six Sandwich Terns flew west. A Hobby flew west over the Obs.

27th

Sunny with a moderate easterly wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore and 18 Gannets flew east. The pair of Oystercatchers, a Common Sandpiper and a Ringed Plover was on the Marsh Pool and a single Turnstone was also noted. There were four immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach.

Green-veined White and Holly Blue butterflies were seen.

25th

Cloudy with a moderate northerly wind. Four Gannets flew east. There were three Red Kites, one flew west and two flew NW low over the area. There were four Oystercatchers, and a Common Sandpiper was on the Marsh Pool. A Nightingale, flushed from the alexanders by the path by the Obs, was unexpected. There were five Jackdaws over the beach and 60 Carrion Crows collected on the shingle ridge.

24th

Sunny with a light NW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore and three Tufted Ducks, two drakes and a duck, flew west. A Red Kite flew west, a male Marsh Harrier drifted east and the only waders noted were six Oystercatchers and two Turnstones. One Skylark was over the area and nine House Martins flew west.

Butterflies noted were Small White, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Red Admiral and Orange-tip.

23rd

Three distant auk species flying east were the first to be noted this year.

22nd

Cloudy with a moderate northerly wind. Against all expectations, there was some interest this morning. Andy picked up some quiet but interesting warbling along the middle brook which later blossomed into a full-blown Marsh Warbler song. It sang well in the morning and showed briefly a few times, but couldn’t be heard in the afternoon and was not present the next day. Only our fourth record and the earliest. This fits well with a new arrival of this late species, whilst the other three records between June 15th and July 10th, were more likely have been relocating birds. In addition, three Greenshanks flew off the tidal ponds in the company of a Spotted Redshank heading west at 8.55 am. Otherwise, very quiet with two Shelducks west and the “resident” pair of Oystercatchers. The duck Mallard continues to raise its seven ducklings.

20th

Cloudy with a fresh NE wind. Five Gannets flew east and four flew west. Waders noted were the pair of Oystercatchers, a Lapwing on the Marsh Pool and a Greenshank flew west at 9.47 am. Little else of note but a single House Martin flew west.

19th

Sunny/light cloud, light northerly wind. There were eight Great Crested Grebes offshore. There was an unexpectably large number of 14 Mallard with only one duck, on the Marsh Pool. A Lapwing along the shoreline was our first since February and other waders noted were nine Oystercatchers, including a pair on the Marsh Pool, a Common Sandpiper on the Marsh Pool and 19 Turnstones between the groynes. Other birds noted included a Stock Dove in the grassland and a single Swift west.

18th

Two Whimbrel flew west, two Common Sandpipers were on the tidal ponds with another two on the Marsh Pool. A Reed Warbler was also noted.

A year ago on this date our first ever record of Caspian Tern flew east over the area, which it also did on 20th.

17th

Sunny with a light northerly wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Fulmar and six Gannets flew east, five Shelducks flew west and two Barnacle Geese, an addition to the year list, flew east over the area at 7.38 am. The only waders noted were the pair of Oystercatchers on the beach and the Marsh Pool and two Turnstones on the beach. Two Red Kites flew west at 9.20 and 10.35 am. A Cuckoo, which flew west over the sewage works, had previously been heard calling in the scrub and our first juvenile Starling of the year was only a few days later than normal. .

Orange-tip and Small White butterflies were also noted.

15th

Cloudy, cool, fresh northerly wind. Three Great Crested Grebe offshore, seven Gannets flew east and a Shelduck flew west. The pair of Oystercatchers remained on the beach. A trickle of vis mig with three Swifts, 46 Swallows and three House Martins west.

14th

Four Avocets came in off the sea and dropped down to the Marsh Pool.

13th

Cloudy, cool, moderate NE wind. Two Gannets and 12 Common Scoters flew east. A pair of Oystercatchers were seen mating and nest-scraping on the shingle ridge. Other waders noted were a single Ringed Plover and eight Sanderlings and six Turnstones roosting between the groynes. Little vis mig but three House Martins flew north and two Yellow Wagtails flew west.

11th

Sunny with a light southerly wind. There were six Great Crested Grebes offshore, waders included six Oystercatchers, 21 Sanderlings and nine Turnstones roosting between the groynes, two Curlews and a Common Sandpiper along the brook. Other birds noted included a Hobby low over the coastal path and beach and a Reed Warbler singing quietly in the bushes opposite the Obs.

10th

Sunny with a light westerly wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes offshore. Waders noted were seven Oystercatchers, a single Ringed Plover and 20 Turnstones. A trickle of vis mig with six Swifts, c20 Swallows and seven Yellow Wagtails west. Reed Warbler showed well on the edge of the middle brook and a Stock Dove dropped into the grassland by the Obs Pool.

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

8th

Sunny periods, light southerly wind. Five Shelducks flew east and two Sandwich Terns flew east. Other birds included a single Curlew, a silent Garden Warbler along the east bank and a Jay.

Warm conditions encouraged a number of butterflies with our first Red Admiral, and Holly Blue, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip.

6th

Cloudy, mild, light southerly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and nine Gannets flew east. Waders noted were two Oystercatchers, a Sanderling and a Curlew and ten Turnstones. A Red Kite, which flew west at 11.20 am, was only our second of the year. Other birds included c10 Common Terns offshore and our first Reed Warbler of the year singing unseen along the east bank.

Butterflies noted were our first Holly Blue of the year and Green-veined White.

5th

A Ringed Plover was on the beach, four Whimbrel flew west and two Swifts were seen.

4th

Sunny, warmer, with a light NE wind. One Fulmar and two Greylag Geese flew west, two Gannets flew east and a Grey Heron on the tidal ponds flew off south. Waders included two Oystercatchers on the beach and single Whimbrel, Curlew and Greenshank. A flock of 12 Little Gulls moving west but dropping frequently on the sea and one Sandwich Tern flew east.

A Small Tortoiseshell and Orange-tip were noted.

3rd

Sunny, cool with a moderate NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe offshore, two Fulmars and six Gannets east, two Mute Swans west close inshore and a Little Egret and a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool. Waders included two Greenshanks on the tidal ponds, a Whimbrel on the beach by the Obs for as long as it took for the first dog walker to get to it, and single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on the beach. Other birds noted included a Swift and a Sand Martin west and a Chaffinch singing in the churchyard.

2nd

A Green Sandpiper was on the Marsh Pool.

1st

Sunny and warmer with a light westerly wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Canada Goose flew west along the shoreline and a Grey Heron flew west inland. Waders included six Oystercatchers, two Grey Plovers flying west and three Whimbrel on the beach which flew west early morning. Five Sandwich Terns flew east and two Common Terns flew west. The highlights of the day were our first Cuckoo of the year, which flew west at 6.30 am, and our second, and second earliest ever Spotted Flycatcher along the east bank. Other birds noted included 25 Yellow Wagtails west, a Wheatear on the shingle ridge, three Lesser Whitethroats, a Jay and two male Greenfinches in the churchyard and along the east bank. Finally, two Buzzards flew west and our first brood of Mallard, c12 ducklings, were along the middle brook.

Peacock and Small White butterflies were also noted.

A total of 132 species so far this year

133 species by this time last year

A total of 102 species for the month was significantly above the ten-year average of 94 species and the year total of 132 species was also above the ten-year average of 125.2 species. It was an interesting month and despite much cool weather there was a number of notable records: a breeding plumage Red-necked Grebe from 10th to 13th, a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on 12th, a Nightingale from 13th to 17th, a Crane on 20th, the Purple Sandpiper up to 24th, a Wood Sandpiper on 26th, our earliest ever Spotted Flycatcher on 28th and a Garden Warbler on 30th.

30th

Sunny with a light easterly wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Fulmar and four Sandwich Terns flew east. No vis mig but a Garden Warbler was singing high in the trees in the churchyard, where a Willow Warbler also sang for its third day, and a Sedge Warbler flew from the brook into the scrub.

29th

Mostly sunny, light NW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, three Gannets and a Grey Heron (first of the month) flew east and a Canada Goose flew west over the sea. There was a pair of Shelducks on the Marsh Pool and another four flew east. Waders included 15 Oystercatchers and 13 Turnstones. A flock of eight adult Kittiwakes flew east and seven Sandwich Terns flew east. Other birds included our first Hobby of the year with two sightings over the estate, five Swifts in off the sea, two Yellow Wagtails, a Sedge Warbler in song along the east bank and a Willow Warbler and a Greenfinch were singing in the churchyard.

A Brimstone and Small White butterflies were noted.

28th

The highlight of the day was a very early Spotted Flycatcher in the bluethroat bush. Our first April record for the site! A Gadwall flew east, there was a single Common Scoter and waders included a flock of 41 Sanderlings, a Whimbrel and four Common Sandpipers. Other birds included our first six Swifts of the year, a trickle of Swallows and Yellow Wagtails, two Wheatears, a Sedge Warbler and three Willow Warblers.

27th

Cloudy, cool, light SE wind. Two Fulmars and two Gannets, three Canada Geese, two Shelducks and five Common Scoters all flew east. Waders included a Ringed Plover, a Sanderling and 16 Turnstones on the beach, a single Redshank on the Marsh Pool, four Whimbrel and a Curlew. There were two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls and four immature Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach, two Common Gulls offshore and a Sandwich Tern flew west. Other birds included two Sand Martins and a Swallow, two Yellow Wagtails and a Lesser Whitethroat, new for the year, singing in the scrub.

26th

Light cloud, cool, light SE wind. A Wood Sandpiper heard calling as it flew west directly over the Obs art 8.20 am. Our first spring record and only the fifth record for the site after the first in August 2015 and three in August-September 2020. Other waders included ten Sanderlings on the beach, one Whimbrel west and a Redshank on the Marsh Pool. A flock of nine Canada Geese flew east and there were three Common Terns offshore.

24th

Sunny periods, cool, light northerly wind. Waders included our first Common Sandpiper of the year on the beach in the company of the Purple Sandpiper and a Sanderling. A male Marsh Harrier flew west at 8.45 am and other birds on the move included two Sand Martins, a House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail. A Sedge Warbler singing intermittently from the brambles near the Obs was another addition to the year list. A good one to get as we only had sightings on three dates last year.

22nd

Cloudy, calm. Waders included seven Whimbrel and five Curlews and a single Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A strong passage of Mediterranean Gulls with c90 going east. There were c25 Common Terns offshore, most towards the Street but some off the Obs. Other birds included a Green Woodpecker in flight over the area which then headed south over the football pitch, two Yellow Wagtails west and four Whitethroats,

20th

Sunny, cool with a fresh NE wind. The continuation of the cold blocking NE winds was not encouraging. However, at 7.10 am, a Common Crane was picked out as it flew west south of the church. It was not flying particularly high and was soon lost behind the trees that border the sewage works. This is the fifth record for the site, the first since 2007, and all but one have been in the spring. It was possibly associated with the easterly winds as were two adult Little Gulls that flew east; another addition to the year list. Otherwise, it was as quiet as anticipated, with one Fulmar east, one Gannet west, and waders that included a Bar-tailed Godwit on the beach, a Snipe and two Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and three Curlews.

19th

Sunny periods, cool with a fresh NE wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes offshore, a Fulmar and two Shelducks flew west, four Gannets flew east, and two Gadwall dropped onto the sea off the Obs late morning. Waders included a Green Sandpiper flying along the brook, new for the year, the Purple Sandpiper with 13 Turnstones on the beach on the incoming tide, three Whimbrel, one Curlew, a Snipe on the Marsh Pool, and one Redshank and a Greenshank heard calling. Two Swallows and a Yellow Wagtail were noted, a Greenfinch singing and in display flight was the first since early March and a female Linnet appeared to be carrying nesting material in the scrub.

18th

Two Brent Geese and a Marsh Harrier flew west, there was a single Sanderling on the beach and 20+ Linnets in the scrub. There was no sight or sound of the Nightingale.

17th

Sunny periods, cool with a light NE wind. A good wader morning with four Greenshanks on the tidal ponds early morning which flew off west, four Bar-tailed Godwits east (including two summer plumage males), and three Whimbrel, with another Bar-tailed Godwit, west. All three species were additions to the year list. Other waders included two Snipe and three Redshanks on the Marsh Pool and a Curlew on the beach. One Fulmar three Gannets, two adult Mediterranean Gulls and four Sandwich Terns, our first spring birds, flew east. A Green Woodpecker, heard calling twice but not seen, was also an addition to the year list. Other birds included five Sand Martins east, a Jay calling by the Obs and the Nightingale, unheard for most of the morning, which then gave a short burst of song and showed well.

16th

The Nightingale continues to sing and showed well.

15th

An unpleasant morning of rain and northerly winds but the Nightingale continued to sing.

14th

Cloudy, cool, light SE wind. Four Shelducks and a Gadwall flew east, a Marsh Harrier came in off the sea and flew on south, and waders included two Ringed Plovers and 64 Turnstones amongst the groynes and two Dunlin, one Snipe and eight Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. The Nightingale continued to sing in the Elm Wood, Swallows included four hawking around the Marsh Pool and a silent Whitethroat was in the scrub.

13th

A quiet morning was enlivened by a Nightingale singing strongly but unseen in the Elm Wood. Our first record for four years. Previous records have included return migrants in late July-early August in 1992, 1994 and 1995, four other April records in 2005, 2008, 2016 and 2019, presumably new arrivals, and a May record on 20th-22nd which is likely to have been relocating. Details of a ninth record in 2001 are at present lacking! Other birds included the Red-necked Grebe for its fourth day, a Yellow Wagtail west, a male Wheatear on the beach and a Whitethroat in the scrub.

A good morning for butterflies with the first Speckled Wood and Large White as well as Small White, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock.

12th

Cloudy, light SW wind. The Red-necked Grebe was again offshore, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore and an Egyptian Goose, new for the year, two Shelducks and a Gannet flew west. A Marsh Harrier flew west low over the sea and waders included the Purple Sandpiper, a Ringed Plover and 83 Turnstones roosting between the groynes, three Dunlin on the beach and four Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker paid a brief visit to the churchyard/Elm Wood area. This followed reports of one on December 16th and 17th last year and another (reported as a female) on January 9th. It has been such a rare species here that one wonders if there are one or two residing close by? Other birds noted included seven Swallows and two House Martins west and our first Whitethroat of the year in the scrub.

11th

The Purple Sandpiper was still present, a Yellow Wagtail flew west and a Willow Warbler was singing in the churchyard.

10th

Cloudy with light rain and a light SW wind. A Red-necked Grebe in breeding plumage off the skate park was new for the year. Only our second and latest April record. One Red-throated Diver was offshore and two Shelducks flew east. Waders included a three Dunlin on the beach and 14 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Our first significant show of visible migration included one Sand Martin, 27 Swallows and three House Martins, 210 Goldfinches, 18 Linnets and ten Redpolls, all heading west. A Willow Warbler was singing by the Obs.

9th

A single Wheatear was noted.

8th

Sunny and light cloud, light northerly wind. There was one Red-throated Diver and ten Great Crested Grebes offshore, with a drake Red-breasted Merganser on the tidal ponds and a drake Teal on the sea off the Obs late morning. Two Shelducks flew west, 14 Gannets and a flock of 25 Common Scoters flew east. Waders included two Sanderlings on the beach, six Snipe on the Marsh Pool and 22 Curlews west. Other birds noted included our first Yellow Wagtail and three Swallows.

7th

A Marsh Harrier flew west over the tidal ponds, the Purple Sandpiper was still present, three Swallows flew west and a House Martin feeding around the church was our first of the year.

6th

Cloudy with a light easterly wind. A Great Northern Diver lingered offshore, a Fulmar flew east, a Greylag Goose flew west and a lone Brent Goose was on the beach. Waders included 70 Sanderlings , 35 Turnstones and the Purple Sandpiper roosting between the groynes and four Snipe and six Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included 12 Swallows west and three singing Blackcaps.

5th

Sunny, a hard frost, light easterly wind. There were four Great Crested Grebes offshore, six Brent Geese on the tidal ponds and two Shelducks flew east. Waders included 13 Sanderlings and a Dunlin on the beach and four Snipe on the Marsh Pool. One Swallow flew east, a Blackcap was singing in the Scout Wood and three Linnets flew west.

4th

A Fulmar flew east, three Pintail, two drakes and a duck, and ten Greylag Geese were on the sea and four flew west.

A Small Tortoiseshell at the Obs was our fourth butterfly species of the year.

3rd

Sunny periods, light easterly wind. Two Red-throated Divers and three Shelducks flew west, three Gannets flew east and there were two Great Crested Grebes and two Canada Geese offshore. There were 12 visible Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included our first Redpoll of the year heading west as did a Stock Dove and two Swallows. A male Reed Bunting and a Corn Bunting posed on the same bush in the grassland.

The sun brought out our first Brimstone butterfly and Small White as well as another Peacock.

2nd

There were nine Brent Geese on the beach.

1st

Cloudy, with light rain and drizzle, light NW wind. There were two Great Crested Grebes and a Great Northern Diver offshore, three Red-throated Divers, two Shelducks and a Common Scoter flew west and a party of seven Wigeon flew east. There were six Brent Geese on the beach and the Purple Sandpiper was along the shoreline.

A total of 109 species so far this year

109 species by this time last year

A total of 79 species for the month was well below the ten-year average of 84.6 species. A few typical early summer visitors managed to get on to the month list with an early Wheatear on 16th and Sand Martin, Swallow and Willow Warbler towards the end of the month. However, the 109 species so far this year was above the ten-year average of 103.1.

30th

Cloudy, mild, light to moderate SW wind. There were three Great Crested Grebes and a Great Northern Diver offshore, two Gannets flew east and five flew west, a Greylag Goose and three Shelducks flew west and there were 19 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included 82 Sanderlings, the Purple Sandpiper, 50 Turnstones but only two Ringed Plovers roosting between the groynes and a Dunlin and 12 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included three Sand Martins, our first three Swallows of the year, a Rook west and another with Carrion Crows on the beach and our first Corn Bunting of the year in the grassland bushes.

29th

Cloudy, mild, light SW wind. An influx of Chiffchaffs and our first Willow Warbler of the year in the scrub. There were two Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and three Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. A Fulmar, only our second of the year, and five Shelducks flew west. Waders included our first Avocet of the year which settled briefly on the shoreline by the Obs before moving on west, the Purple Sandpiper on the groynes with Turnstones, and a Dunlin, 14 Snipe and seven Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Other birds included a female Blackcap, a Jay, and a Rook flying west.

28th

Cloudy, spots of rain, a light SW wind and rather miserable! A Red Kite that flew west at 7.45 am was additional to the year list. There were two Great Northern Divers offshore, two Mute Swans circled the area, two Greylag Geese, three Canada Geese and a Red-breasted Merganser flew west. The Purple Sandpiper was still present and three Chiffchaffs were also noted.

It is always frustrating when interesting birds fly west off the Tankerton slopes as it is almost certain they had passed Swalecliffe unnoticed. Two Spoonbills and a House Martin fitted into this category this morning.

27th

Sunny, cooler, light westerly wind. There were six Brent Geese on the beach and 28 Sanderlings and a Purple Sandpiper along the shoreline. 13 Snipe wee visible on the Marsh Pool. A steady movement, 23 in total, of Mediterranean Gulls heading east. Other birds noted included c20 Meadow Pipits west, five Chiffchaffs and a Jay.

25th

Sunny periods, mild, with a fresh westerly wind. There was a Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. One Greylag Goose flew west and there were ten Brent Geese offshore. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls flew west. Other birds noted included a Grey Wagtail by the sluice and three Chiffchaffs.

24th

There were two Great Northern Divers and a Red-breasted Merganser offshore, the Purple Sandpiper was roosting amongst a flock of 24 Turnstones and two Jays were also noted.

23rd

Sunny, mild, fresh SW wind. Two Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers and seven Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Three Shelducks close inshore flew off west. Waders included 21 Oystercatchers gathered on the beach on the incoming tide and 13 Sanderlings along the shoreline. Other birds noted included four Sand Martins west, a Meadow Pipit displaying in the grassland and a male Reed Bunting which dropped into the bushes opposite the Obs before flying on west.

Two Peacocks around the Obs were our first butterflies of the year.

22nd

There were three Great Northern Divers offshore, two off the Obs and one further west off the slopes and five Red-breasted Mergansers. The Purple Sandpiper was along the shoreline.

21st

The Great Northern Diver was offshore, two Rooks flew west and a Siskin, our first this year, flew west with Chaffinches.

20th

Cloudy, mild with a moderate SW wind. A Great Northern Diver, two Red-throated Divers, five Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Two Shelducks flew west and there were 42 Brent Geese offshore. Waders include the wintering Purple Sandpiper and a party of four Black-tailed Godwits, new for the year, heading west. Other birds noted included one Sand Martin, 120 Chaffinches and eight Goldfinches west.

18th

Cloudy, steady rain, light southerly wind. The Great Northern Diver was seen, offshore west of the Obs, for the first time this month and there were also c10 Red-throated Divers, three Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. An adult Gannet and six Shelducks flew west and there were 81 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper was on the groynes at the eastern end of the beach and 15 Snipe and eight Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. A flock of five Sand Martins flying west were an addition to the year list and other birds noted included two Wheatears and a Rock Pipit.

16th

Cloudy then sunny, mild (13.5 degrees C), moderate SW wind. There were two Red-throated Divers and six Great Crested Grebes offshore, two Shelducks flew east and three flew west and there were 71 Brent Geese on the beach. Waders included a Grey Plover (for the first time this month), the Purple Sandpiper and 91 Sanderlings along the shoreline. Four Mediterranean Gulls flew west. A male Wheatear on the shingle at the eastern end of the beach was new for the year whilst other birds noted included Meadow Pipits and a Rock Pipit west, eight Goldfinches west and a Chiffchaff.

15th

Sunny and calm. 30+ Common Scoters flew east. The Purple Sandpiper was on the beach, two Buzzards were over the estate and one over the sea, two Stonechats and a male Reed Bunting in the grassland.

14th

Cloudy, rain and strong NW wind. An unpleasant morning with little to report: there were 11 Brent Geese on the beach, a movement of c30 Meadow Pipits west, a pair of Stonechats in the scrub and two Long-tailed Tits at the Obs.

13th

Strong to gale force SW wind. A Grey Wagtail was in the brook and the Cetti’s Warbler continues to sing.

11th

Sunny, frost and calm. There were 12 Brent Geese on the beach and eight flew west along the beach. Two Greylag Geese flew west. three Shelducks were in flight along the beach and a flock of 13 Common Scoters headed east. Waders included 30 Oystercatchers, 13 Sanderlings along the shoreline, 40 Turnstones roosting along the groynes by the caravan park and ten Snipe and eight Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. There were five soaring Buzzards towards Studd Hill. Other birds included a Skylark flying west over the beach, a littoralis Rock Pipit between the groynes, a female Stonechat in the scrub and the Cetti’s Warbler singing in the brambles by the car park.

9th

Cloudy, steady rain, poor visibility offshore, and a light easterly wind. There were seven Red-throated Divers close inshore by the tidal ponds, three Great Crested Grebes and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. A party of seven Gannets flew west, a pair of Shelduck offshore but there were only two Brent Geese on the beach. A Ringed Plover was in display flight over the beach by the groynes and 16 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit and a Grey Wagtail, a male Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, 50 Carrion Crows on the beach and three Linnets.

Our first significant rain for some time resulted in the brook breaking through to the sea.

7th

12 Greylag Geese flew east and landed on the sea, the Purple Sandpiper was on the beach and an adult Mediterranean Gull was sat on the sea. Other birds noted included a pair of Stonechats in the scrub, Chiffchaff, Rook and Greenfinch.

6th

Cloudy, cold and calm. 120 Red-throated Divers flew east, presumably disturbed, and another c20 were on the sea. There were two Great Crested Grebes, two Gannets, and two drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Four Greylag Geese flew west, there were 42 Brent Geese on the beach and two drake Teal on the Marsh Pool. The Purple Sandpiper was on the beach between the groynes, ten Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool and eight Redshanks were roosting there. Other birds noted included a Rock Pipit and a Grey Wagtail, the Cetti’s Warbler was heard briefly for the first time since February 15th, a Blackcap was singing quietly in the Elm Wood, a Jay was along the east bank, three Jackdaws flew west, there were seven Goldfinches in the trees along the upper brook and a pair of Linnets were in the scrub where the male was in song.

With little rain, the brook is very low and blocked before it reaches the sea. It will take a lot of rain to beak through!

4th

Sunny periods, cold with a moderate NE wind. Two Gannets flew east. A Shelduck was on the Marsh Pool early morning, and two flew west, and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers also flew west. Waders included 24 Oystercatchers, 15 Ringed Plovers and 59 Dunlin roosting on the beach. The female Kestrel, hunting by the Obs, caught a lizard and dispatched it in flight.

2nd

Cloudy, cold with a moderate NE wind. There were 63 Sanderlings along the shoreline and five Curlew by the Obs. A presumed Great Black-backed Gull unusually had greyish-yellow legs. Other birds noted included excellent an prolonged views of the Water Rail by the wooden bridge and a male Stonechat near the Obs which may have been a migrant as the wintering male hasn’t been recorded since February 13th.

1st

Cloudy, cold with showers, moderate NE wind. One Great Crested Grebe and a Grey Heron flew east over the sea, one Shelduck flew west, there were four drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, 90 Brent Geese on the beach and four Teal on the Marsh Pool. Waders included c30 Sanderlings and the Purple Sandpiper along the shoreline. Small birds were scarce in the cold but included a Song Thrush, two Long-tailed Tits, a singing Chaffinch, a Goldfinch and two Linnets.

There was some “nasty stuff” leaking into the brook from the flap by the sewage works entrance.

A total of 90 species for the month, compared with the ten-year average of 77 species, was the highest total since 2012! The year total of 100 species compares with a ten-year average of 92.7 species. A high total of 14 species were added to the year list but only Ring-necked Parakeet on 21st was not recorded at all last year. A very quiet end to the month with little sign of spring.

100 species recorded so far this year

101 species by this time last year

27th

Sunshine and showers, cold, moderate NE wind. About 40 Red-throated Divers flew west distantly having been flushed by a boat. One Great Crested Grebe flew east, and there were four drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. A drake Teal was on the Marsh Pool and later two drakes landed along the shoreline by the Obs. The Purple Sandpiper was feeding along the shoreline west of the brook “outflow” along with other small waders. Other birds noted included two Buzzards interacting in the skies above the estate, a Grey Wagtail, and a Reed Bunting in the sluice.

25th

Sunny periods and a fresh northerly wind. The kind of weather one looks forward to in autumn but does little at this time of the year. A Kittiwake flying west was an addition to the year list bringing the total for the year up to 100 species. 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew west and two Gannets were offshore. Also three Shelducks flew west and three drake Red-breasted Mergansers flew east. A Chiffchaff, scarce in recent weeks, showed well in the Scout Wood.

24th

Cloudy, cooler with a light northerly wind. The Great Northern Diver and 11 Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore and there were c200 Brent Geese on the beach. A Chiffchaff was heard calling and a male Reed Bunting was in the bushes opposite the Obs.

23rd

Cloudy with a moderate northerly wind. The Great Northern Diver and four Gannets were offshore whilst a flock of 12 Shoveler flying east were new for the year.

22nd

Cloudy and calm. A Great Northern Diver and ten Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore, a Shelduck flew west and there were c130 Brent Geese on the beach. 19 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a Skylark west over the beach and a Grey Wagtail.

21st

Cloudy, calm then light SW wind. A Great Northern Diver, c15 Great Crested Grebes, six Red-breasted Mergansers and a drake Teal offshore. Two drake Common Scoters flew east, there were c200 Brent Geese offshore and three Little Egrets on the Hampton flats. Waders included 28 Oystercatchers and 37 Sanderlings on the beach and 20 visible Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Highlight of the day was a female Ring-necked Parakeet in the tallest tree along the upper brook; our first since December 2021! Also noted were the Water Rail, a Rock Pipit and a Grey Wagtail and the first female Stonechat since December 22nd.

20th

A Raven flew east at 8 am, an immature male Merlin, that came in off the sea and over the Obs at 9.28 am, was new for the year. A Black Brant was again on the beach with the Brents, a Great Northern Diver flew west at 11.15 am, two Canada Geese flew west and the Purple Sandpiper was present.

18th

There were several Great Crested Grebes offshore, a female Eider flew west at 10.20 am but there was no sign of any Red-throated Divers or Red-breasted Mergansers. The Purple Sandpiper was in the wader roost, an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the sea and there were two Goldcrests along the brook.

15th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were five Great Crested Grebes, three Red-breasted Mergansers and a number of Red-throated Divers offshore. Waders included 75 Sanderlings along the shoreline with the Purple Sandpiper. A Peregrine flew west close inshore and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull settled off the Obs. Other birds noted included one Stock Dove west, three Redwings, the Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap, a Reed Bunting and, new for the year, three Greenfinches over the sewage works and a male south over the changing rooms.

14th

A Great Northern Diver on the sea off the skate park was our first sighting since January 13th. Also noted were five Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, the male Stonechat, the Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap.

13th

Sunny, mild and calm. An adult Gannet flying east was the first of the month, there were seven Great Crested Grebes offshore, Red-throated Divers, an immature drake Gadwall on the tidal ponds and later on the Marsh Pool was new for the year, and two Shelduck flew west. The Grey Plover was on the “platform” by the caravan park and c20 Snipe were flushed from the Marsh Pool by a man with two dogs; unfortunately they are becoming a regular feature and he is not given to reasoning! Other birds noted included our first Buzzard of the year heading south over the estate, Grey Wagtail, the male Stonechat, Redwing and Jay.

There has been no definite sighting of the Pallas’s Warbler since 9th although few visiting birders are now looking for it. One visitor today did report the Water Rail and two Goldcrests.

11th

Cloudy, mild, light SW wind. There were c120 Brent Geese offshore, a Shelduck flew west and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers flew east. Waders included the Grey Plover on the platform and c20 Snipe flushed by a dog walker from the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included one Stock Dove west, Grey Wagtail, male Stonechat, Redwing, Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap, and a Jay along the upper brook and flying towards the Elm Wood.

9th

Light cloud, frost, calm. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying offshore, four drake Red-breasted Mergansers were also displaying to each other and another pair were also present by the tidal ponds. Waders included 30 Oystercatchers on the beach and the “resident” Grey Plover was also present. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull flew west close inshore. A Jack Snipe was flushed from the wet grassland. The Pallas’s Warbler showed well in the afternoon and other birds noted included the Water Rail and Grey Wagtail, Redwing, Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap.

8th

Foggy throughout the morning with a very heavy frost and -2.5 degrees C at 9.10 am. The sea was barely visible at any time. A Fieldfare in the scrubland trees was new for the year. Elsewhere, a Rock Pipit was at the mouth of the brook, a Grey Wagtail in the brook by the sewage works entrance and a Redwing was in the trees by the wooden bridge.

7th

A female Pochard, that flew west, was an addition to the year list and there were seven Red-breasted Mergansers seen offshore before the fog rolled in. The Pallas’s Warbler was reported in the afternoon.

6th

Foggy, partially clearing by 11 am. A Mute Swan and three Shelducks flew west, a pair of Wigeon were on the sea off the Obs together with three drake Red-breasted Mergansers. Interest in the Pallas’s Warbler is beginning to wane but it showed well in the ivy-covered trees by the wooden bridge this morning. The first confirmed report since 2nd. Other birds noted included Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail, the male Stonechat, a flock of ten Redwings in flight along the east bank and a Goldcrest.

4th

Cloudy and calm. A flock of 20+ White-fronted Geese flew west over the sea at 8 am and later a skein of 68 flew east high inland. A Greylag Goose that flew west high over the sea was new for the year and two Shelducks also flew west. The Purple Sandpiper was seen on the beach in front of the caravan park and there were ten Snipe and ten Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. The Water Rail was seen along the upper brook and, presumably a second bird, was seen briefly on the Marsh Pool. An adult Mediterranean Gull flying south over the Obs at 12.32 pm was another addition to the year list. Other birds noted included four Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, a Redwing along the east bank, the Cetti’s Warbler, a male Blackcap in a scratchy sub-song and a Chiffchaff.

3rd

The Purple Sandpiper was on beach by the platform. There were no reports of the Pallas’s Warbler today, although interest is declining now, but our other three warbler species, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff were all noted as well as Goldcrest. Other birds noted included the male Sparrowhawk, a Rock Pipit in the remnant brook, Grey Wagtail and six Pied Wagtails on the football pitch.

2nd

Sunny with a moderate westerly wind, milder. There were five Great Crested Grebes and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and, flushed by the Whitstable Boat Trip’s Ventura, 60 Red-throated Divers flew west. There were c200 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the beach with one Greater Canada Goose and a Black Brant. Waders included a flock of 50 Golden Plovers west, the Purple Sandpiper and the Grey Plover. Other birds noted included two Stock Doves west, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker in trees by the Obs, a Rock Pipit at the mouth of the brook, a Grey Wagtail, seven Pied Wagtails on the football pitch, two Redwings, a Mistle Thrush west, a Chiffchaff and the Pallas’s Warbler, apparently not seen until 1.46 pm.

1st

Sunny with a moderate SW wind. There were small numbers of Red-throated Divers and two Great Crested Grebes offshore and a single Shelduck flew west. Amongst waders there were c270 Golden Plovers west, including one flock of 150, four Lapwings west and the ever-present Grey Plover. Other birds noted included a male Sparrowhawk, which caught a Blackbird, the Pallas’s Warbler in the Elm Wood at 12.30 pm, whilst looking for the bird produced a Grey Wagtail, a Redwing and a Goldcrest, the male Stonechat and five Pied Wagtails and 45 Carrion Crows on the football pitch. A total of 50 species recorded to start the month.

The total of 86 species was a little above the ten-year average of 84.5 but lower than last year’s 90. This January was a very different month to last year. Species recorded last year but not this, and this year but not last, are listed below:

2022

Black-throated Diver. Slavonian Grebe. Shag. Shoveler. Velvet Scoter. Merlin. Knot. Black-tailed Godwit. Mediterranean Gull. Kittiwake. Guillemot. Razorbill. Black Guillemot. Kingfisher. Great Spotted Woodpecker. Fieldfare

2023

Scaup. Purple Sandpiper. Sandwich Tern. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Cetti’s Warbler. Blackcap. Pallas’s Warbler. Goldcrest. Rook. Raven. Bullfinch. Snow Bunting

The striking difference in these lists is the predominance of birds on the sea in 2022 and passerines in 2023. Four of this years species, in bold, were not seen at all last year.

A total of 86 species so far this year

90 species by the same time last year

31st

Sunny periods, fresh SW wind. Another quiet day on the sea with one Mute Swan flying west. The Purple Sandpiper was at the mouth of the brook early morning. The Pallas’s Warbler was reported again and other birds noted included the Little Grebe on the Marsh Pool, the male Stonechat and seven Redwings which dropped into the Elm Wood.

30th

Sunny, moderate NW wind. There were 120 Sanderlings along the shoreline by the Obs. Three Stock Doves, which flew NW by the Obs, was an addition to our year list and other birds noted included the Pallas’s Warbler (present for the last four weeks at least), the male Stonechat, a male Blackcap and two Goldcrests.

29th

The Pallas’s Warbler was reported today (per Birdguides).

28th

Sunny with a light northerly wind. There were 100+ Red-throated Divers offshore, many flying west as disturbed by boats, four Great Crested Grebes and seven drake Red-breasted Mergansers. The Purple Sandpiper was feeding along the shoreline in front of the Obs. This individual seems to prefer this site to Hampton where they have been seen more regularly in recent years. Other birds noted included the Pallas’s Warbler, now favouring the area around the Elm Wood, and a male Blackcap.

26th

Cloudy, cool, moderate northerly wind. The Little Grebe was on the Marsh Pool and there were two Great Crested Grebes and eight Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included 25 Golden Plover flying high NW and 25 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. The Water Rail was seen below the wooden bridge.

25th

Cloudy and cold with a light northerly wind. There were 20+ Red-throated Divers, six Great Crested Grebes and six drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and a brief visit from six Teal just after midday was an addition to the year list. The Little Grebe was again on the Marsh Pool, there were 55 Brent Geese on the beach and two Grey Herons on the tidal ponds. Waders included 33 Oystercatchers on the beach. The Pallas’s Warbler was seen in the area of the Elm Wood which it now seems to prefer. Other birds noted included the Water Rail by the bridge and eight Goldfinches in the Scout Wood.

24th

More birders than birds today it appears but visitors were rewarded with view of the Pallas’s Warbler.

23rd

Cloudy, cold, light NE wind. A good start to the morning when an immature male Scaup was found close inshore by the skate park in the company of three drake Red-breasted Mergansers. Only the fifth record of this species at the site, the bird remained for about an hour before flying off west. There were 95 Brent Geese on the beach and a Little Grebe was on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included the Pallas’s Warbler, the male Stonechat for the first time since the cold weather arrived, the Water Rail along the upper brook and a Goldcrest at the Obs.

22nd

The Pallas’s Warbler continues its presence.

21st

Sunny, cold, light NE wind. There were 20+ Red-throated Divers and four Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, two Shelduck flew west and a redhead Goldeneye, which flew west at 10.55 am, was new for the year. There were c120 Brent Geese offshore and a Little Grebe above the sluice was another addition to the year list. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper which showed well on the platform by the caravan park along with the Grey Plover. The Pallas’s Warbler continues to entertain to those with the patience or luck. Other birds along the brook included single Redwing and two male Blackcaps whilst a flock of eight Snow Buntings flew east along the beach by the caravan park providing a third addition to the year list.

20th

Amongst the birds noted today were the Pallas’s Warbler, Water Rail and Redwing.

19th

Sunny, cold with a hard frost, light westerly wind. The sea continues to underperform. A Shelduck flew west and four Common Scoters flew east. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper and 129 roosting Dunlin and the resident Grey Plover. Two Skylarks flying west were new for the year whilst down at the Pallas’s Warbler festivities other birds included a male Blackcap, three Rooks overhead, another addition to the year list, and a Redwing, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.

18th

The Pallas’s Warbler made a welcome reappearance and a Water Rail along the upper brook was its first sighting this year. Two Redwings and the male Blackcap were also seen. The sea remains “very quiet”.

17th

Sunny, cold with a light SW wind. 51 Red-throated Divers flew west including flocks of 25 and 22. There were seven drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and two Common Scoters flew east. Waders noted included the Grey Plover and 52 Sanderlings along the shoreline by the Obs. Other birds noted included a Jay by the sewage works entrance, an addition to the year list, Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests and 11 Long-tailed Tits heading along the upper brook from the Scout Wood. Eight Goldfinches flew along the upper brook.

There were no reports of the Pallas’s Warbler today.

16th

A Birdguides report of the Pallas’s Warbler at 3.55 pm.

15th

The Purple Sandpiper was reported on Birdguides “still by the caravan park” and the Pallas’s Warbler was reported at 12.36 pm and 3.54 pm.

14th

A Birdguides report of the Pallas’s Warbler “showing well along the brook between bridge and sewage works entrance” at 2.42 pm and of the Purple Sandpiper “commuting between the grass and beach by the coastguard cottages with Turnstones at 2.18 pm.

13th

Sunny with a fresh SW wind. A Great Northern Diver, in from the east, landed off the Obs, there were four drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and a drake Goosander, new for the year, flew west at 10.10 am. An immature Marsh Harrier flew west low over the sea and 60 Golden Plovers also headed west. The Pallas’s Warbler gave good views along the east bank, where there were also three Chiffchaffs, whilst a Goldcrest was at the Obs and a Rock Pipit appeared briefly in the remnant brook.

12th

Another day of rain and strong winds. The Great Northern Diver and a Rock Pipit were both noted.

11th

Sunny with a light SW wind. There were 10 Red-throated Divers, 12 Great Crested Grebes and six drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Wadrs included 38 Oystercatchers gathered on the incoming tide, 40 Golden Plovers west over the sea, a Grey Plover on the mudflats and 18 Snipe On the Marsh Pool. The Pallas’s Warbler showed well along the east bank whilst a Redwing briefly in trees along the upper brook and a male Blackcap on the edge of the Elm Wood were additions to the year list.

10th

Wet and windy weather kept locals and apparently Pallas’s Warbler hopefuls away. However, the Purple Sandpiper was seen on the beach in front of the caravan park and a good count of 54 Curlews were roosting on the fields behind the park.

9th

Sunny with a light SW wind. Ten Red-throated Divers and seven Great Crested Grebes were offshore, an immature Gannet flew west and 25 White-fronted Geese came in high from the east and were probably heading for Sheppey. Eight Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore. Waders included a group of seven Golden Plovers heading west. There were many birders looking for the the Pallas’s Warbler which didn’t show well until the afternoon despite the apparent good conditions. However, the increased level of observations resulted in finding a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood, presumably the bird seen on Dec 16th and 17th last year, and three Ravens heading east. Two good additions to the year list.

8th

A Grey Heron on the tidal ponds was new for the year and there were several reports of the Pallas’s Warbler during the day.

7th

Cloudy, some drizzle, fresh southerly wind. Six Red-throated Divers flew east and four Great Crested Grebes were offshore. Two Shelducks were on the tidal ponds and another flew west. Two duck Eiders by the tidal ponds drifted west through the morning and there were six Drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included 63 Ringed Plovers and 89 Dunlin roosting between the groynes and ten Snipe visible on the Marsh Pool. Two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the beach and a Sandwich Tern was fishing off the Obs. Despite the poor conditions, there were a couple of sightings of the Pallas’s Warbler in the sheltered areas by the sewage works entrance.

6th

A Great Northern Diver was seen by the tidal ponds, the Purple Sandpiper was noted again and, at high tide at lunchtime, there was a good count of 54 Curlews roosting on the sports fields behind the caravan park. The Pallas’s Warbler was also reported.

5th

Sunny, mild with a light SW wind. The Pallas’s Warbler continues its residency but kinder conditions led to more frequent appearances during the day. There were 20+ Red-throated Divers and 11 Great Crested Grebes offshore, five Shelducks flew west, two adult Mute Swans drifted east and 76 Brent Geese were on the beach. Other counts included 62 Ringed Plovers roosting between the groynes and 33 adult Common Gulls on the Marsh Pool. A Sandwich Tern flew west close inshore at 10.55 am. Other birds noted included two Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest.

4th

Cloudy, mild with a moderate SW wind. One Great Northern Diver and two Shelducks flew west, a Fulmar flew east, there were three Gannets offshore and six drake Red-breasted Mergansers on the sea. Waders included the Purple Sandpiper in amongst a flock of 143 roosting Sanderlings in front of the caravan park, a single Grey Plover there and two Lapwings flying west inland. The Pallas’s Warbler showed, for those with the patience to wait, along the east bank and other birds noted included up to five Goldcrests.

A Brown Rat showed well along the edge of the middle brook.

3rd

The Pallas’s Warbler was present again, though it continues to be elusive. A Gannet and a Marsh Harrier were additions to the year list.

2nd

Sunny periods , mild with a light SW wind. A good start to the day with seven White-fronted Geese west and our first ever January Sandwich Tern was truly eclipsed when Andy found a Pallas’s Warbler along the east bank. This is only our second record of the species after one in October 2019 and most unexpected at this time of the year. It proved elusive during the day with more than two hours after the initial sightings before it was refound. Some movement over the sea with six Shelducks and six Wigeon west, 11 Pintail and two Common Scoters east and eight Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Other birds noted included Cetti’s Warbler and three Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests, six Long-tailed Tits, 12 Linnets and a Reed Bunting.

1st

Cloudy, mild with a moderate SW wind. An improvement in the weather at least. Two Red-throated Divers and two Great Crested Grebes were offshore with six drake Red-breasted Mergansers and a pair of Wigeon flew west. A Purple Sandpiper was seen briefly amongst other roosting waders at the eastern end of the beach. Other waders included Golden Plover, a single Lapwing, 77 Sanderlings, 35 Snipe in the Marsh Pool and 14 Curlews heading west out of Studd Hill. Star bird of the day was a male Bullfinch in the elms by the car park which flew into the sewage works. A species not seen at all in 2022! Other birds noted included a Sparrowhawk, a Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, the male Stonechat, singing Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, ten Goldfinches and a Reed Bunting. A total of 53 species for the start of the year; about average.

A total of 171 species so far this year

169 species by this time last year and by the end of the year

31st

Cloudy, very mild, fresh SW wind and light rain. Five Red-throated Divers and a Shelduck flew west and there were three drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included the “resident” Grey Plover and 60 Golden Plovers flew west low over the sea. Other birds included a Song Thrush singing from the bushes opposite the Obs, a Goldcrest at the Obs, the Cetti’s Warbler in the brambles near the car park, a flock of 14 Goldfinches around the changing rooms and 12 Linnets along the coastal path. A quiet, fairly unpleasant end to the year.

29th

Sunny with a moderate SW wind. There were four drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore but only one Red-throated Diver and no Great Crested Grebe was seen. The redhead Goosander was again in the remnant brook and later flew by east. Waders included 70 Golden Plovers west over the sea, 22 Sanderlings along the beach and at least 18 visible Snipe on the Marsh Pool where a Little Grebe and the juvenile Moorhen still reside. Other birds noted included a Rock Pipit in the remnant brook, a male Stonechat, two Chiffchaffs and five Goldfinches.

26th

Sunny with a light westerly wind. Two Shelduck flew west and eight drake Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore but only single Red-throated Diver and Great Crested Grebe were noted. Waders included 33 Oystercatchers on the incoming tide and 30 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. A Little Grebe was also on the Marsh Pool and the Water Rail, if was indeed the same bird last seen on November 30th, was seen briefly from the wooden bridge by the sewage works. Other birds noted included the Cetti’s Warbler, heard in the brambles near the car park and a Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests along the east bank.

A Brown Rat showed well on the banks of the middle brook.

24th

Cloudy with a light SW wind. There were nine drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, a redhead Goosander was in the remnant brook early morning (presumably though not necessarily the bird last seen on 5th) and a pair of Velvet Scoters flew west at 10.38 and back east about 15 minutes later. An increase in Brent Geese with 98 on the beach. The drake Shoveler was again on the Marsh Pool for its fourth day. Waders included 77 Ringed Plovers and 48 Dunlin roosting between the groynes, the Grey Plover on its usual post, there were two Lapwings on the beach and ten flew west out at sea and 18 Snipe were on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included one Skylark west, the male Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests, ten Linnets and a Reed Bunting.

22nd

Cloudy, mild, shower, light SW wind. There were 10+ Red-throated Divers and seven Great Crested Grebes offshore and 33 Brent Geese along the shoreline. The drake Shoveler was still on the Marsh Pool, and briefly on the sea. There was also a Little Grebe, a juvenile Moorhen and 20 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Other birds noted included a single Skylark west, two Meadow Pipits, a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Stonechats around the mouth of the brook, a Chiffchaff at the Obs and two Long-tailed Tits.

21st

Cloudy, mild, light southerly wind. Quiet times with more interest on the Marsh Pool than the sea. There were two Little Grebes, a Little Egret, two drakes and a duck Teal, seven Mallards, a drake Shoveler and 21 visible Snipe on the Marsh Pool. A few Red-throated Divers and six Great Crested Grebes, including one in full breeding plumage, and 34 Brent Geese which flew down to Hampton. Other birds noted included a male Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler and Chiffchaff and ten Linnets.

20th

Sunny, much milder with a light northerly wind. There were six Red-throated Divers offshore but only a single Great Crested Grebe was noted. There were just four Brent Geese offshore on the high tide. Two drakes and a duck Teal, a Little Grebe, a juvenile Moorhen and at least 12 Snipe were visible on the Marsh Pool. One Grey Plover flew west and another was on the beach. Other birds noted included a male Stonechat, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest along the east bank, four Goldfinches in the churchyard and along the east bank and a female Reed Bunting in the scrub.

17th

Clouding over, cold still with a light SW wind. An immature Spoonbill flew west at 8.40 am and east at 9.40 am; our first December record for the site. A flock of seven Goosanders, a drake and six redheads, flew west at 8 am and two Red-breasted Mergansers were seen offshore. Waders included 200+ Lapwings and five Golden Plovers west. Other birds noted were a Grey Wagtail, three Song Thrushes, three Redwings, two Chiffchaffs and there was a reappearance of the male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood. This is the first to be seen for a second day; the previous records were in July 1995, February, June and November 1998, June 2005 and September 2020.

16th

The feeling of a quiet morning was rudely interrupted when a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker flew out of the sewage works over the Obs then flew along the brook where it was heard calling but not seen again. Apart from a report from a visiting birder when the Wryneck was present in September 2020, this is the first record here since 2005. With the decline of this species in the county, albeit its stronghold is in the nearby Blean Woods complex, this was a big surprise. It was seen by three of the lucky, but hard working, regulars. Other birds noted included a pair of Gadwall west, a Peregrine hunting waders over the beach, 40 Kittiwakes west, a Rock Pipit and a Greenfinch.

15th

Five Gadwalls flew west, two drake Pochards flew east then back west, and two Teal and five Red-breasted Mergansers were on the sea. A few Lapwings flew north, the Cetti’s Warbler was noted again and a Goldcrest was along the east bank.

14th

A Cetti’s Warbler was seen near the changing rooms. Presumably, the long-staying bird that has been remarkably silent in the last couple of weeks.

12th

Cloudy, some snow cover. There were five Great Crested Grebes offshore and seven drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, six Teal lingered along the shoreline and reduced numbers of Brent Geese, only 28, were on the beach. There were 33 Oystercatchers on the beach, the usual Grey Plover resting on the groynes and another flew west. Other birds included Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail, a Skylark came in off the sea, a Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest were in the Lang Court pines and a Snow Bunting circled over the beach calling.

10th

Sunny, hard frost, calm. There were nine Great Crested Grebes, four Eiders, an immature drake and three ducks, and three Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, a Gannet and a flock of 20 Teal flew west and a Great Northern Diver flew east. A Cattle Egret flew west at 11.50 am and a female Marsh Harrier also flew west. Waders included 34 Oystercatchers on the beach on the incoming tide, a Grey Plover on the beach and 55 Sanderlings along the shoreline by the Obs. The Sanderling “put up with” being chased persistently by a dog whilst the owners looked on. They did return but at what cost in energy spent! Other birds noted included a female Kingfisher, male Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Elm Wood and the pair of Stonechats lingering around the Obs.

9th

Sunny, cold with a light NW wind. The cold weather appears to have quietened things down so far. A Black-throated Diver was seen on the sea off the Obs before it flew off east. 12 Common Scoters flew east and a Shelduck and a drake Red-breasted Merganser flew west. The immature Little Gull was seen again offshore and also further east at Hampton. Other birds included a Rock Pipit and the pair of Stonechats hanging around the Obs.

8th

Sunny, cold (-1 to 3 degrees C), light NW wind. There was a Shelduck, a flock of 17 Teal and two Common Scoters west whilst a small group of Brent Geese included a plain brown bird, paler underneath, of the same size and presumably just a colour variation. There were also four drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Four species of raptor were seen; an immature Marsh Harrier flew west, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, and a Peregrine circling high to the SE. Waders included a Grey Plover and 56 Sanderlings on the beach and 84 Dunlin roosting between the groynes. A flock of c40 Curlews were in the air over Studd Hill. An immature Little Gull was lingering offshore. Other birds noted included Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker, one Skylark west, two Rock Pipits, a pair of Stonechats at the Obs, four Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and the ever scarcer Greenfinch.

7th

Cloudy, cold (3.5 degrees C on leaving), moderate NW wind. Two Mute Swans that flew west low over the sea were our first since August, nine Shelduck flew west, two Common Scoters flew east and there were five drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore. Waders included 40 Ringed Plovers, 28 Sanderlings and nine Dunlin roosting between the groynes, a single Grey Plover on the beach and c50 Golden Plovers west low over the sea. An adult and immature Little Gull flew west close inshore. Other birds included two Little Grebes in the brook, Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Grey Wagtails over the Obs and two Snow Buntings seen in flight several times over the coastal path.

6th

There were three Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and three Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, two Gannets offshore and a Chiffchaff was also noted.

5th

Cloudy, cold, light NE wind. There was one Great Northern Diver and three drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore, c12 Common Scoters flew west and the redhead Goosander was on the Marsh Pool. Wades included a Lapwing which landed briefly on the shingle ridge, 26 Curlews which flew towards Studd Hill and 13 Snipe and 31 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Two Kittiwakes flew east. Other birds included two Rock Pipits chasing each other around the mouth of the brook, two Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest.

3rd

Cloudy, cold with a light NE wind. There were two Great Northern Divers offshore, a Red-necked Grebe flew east with two Great Crested Grebes (an excellent comparison) and a Gannet flew west with a bright yellow “shawl” draped over its back (later seen in some distress at Faversham Creek). Three Shelducks and six Wigeon flew west, three duck Eiders offshore flew east, five Red-breasted Mergansers flew east close inshore and the redhead Goosander flew up the brook. A Purple Sandpiper which flew east close inshore, our first for two years, is likely to be the bird subsequently settled at Hampton. There were 40 Sanderlings on the shoreline, a single Bar-tailed Godwit was the first for some time, and 21 Snipe on the Marsh Pool. Five Little Gulls, including three immatures, 15 Kittiwakes flew east and a Sandwich Terns flew east. Other birds included a Kingfisher, two Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest at the Obs.

2nd

Two Great Northern Divers, a Red-necked Grebe, three Wigeon, a Teal and two Eiders.

1st

Cloudy with showers and a light NE breeze. There were two Great Northern Divers, a Red-necked Grebe and three Slavonian Grebes offshore. Six Shelducks and two Gadwall flew east, a Velvet Scoter and 17 Common Scoters flew east, there were two drake Red-breasted Mergansers offshore and the redhead Goosander was along the middle brook with Mallards. Waders included a Grey Plover, Sanderlings included the “injured” bird and there were 18 Redshanks on the Marsh Pool. Five Little Gulls flew west and eight Kittiwakes flew east. Other birds noted included one Little Grebe, a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff.