thursday 09.08.12 Dymchurch

An early morning sea watch from home produced my first gannets may of them diving for a shoal of fish just offshore. This was followed by 2 shearwaters flying east-west I assumed were Manx but after checking the Dungeness Web site ther have been daily sightings of Balearic Shearwaters so I bow to their ID and accept a new species to my Kent list

Wednesday 08.08.12 Dungeness

An invite from Phil Sharpe to join him on a visit to Dungeness was a welcome distration from my daily routine so met at the Power Station at 9.30 am on what was supposed to be a glorious sunny day but the sea mist held until lunchtime.
The patch was its usual busy self but did not see the reported Black or Artic terns but a little gull was present and a short visit from an Artic Skua caused a stit amongst the usual occupants.
Porpoises were present in good numbers but I noticed a larger species and a short time later Phil saw what could only be Dolphin jump out of the water.
Moved onto Arc where a Curlew Sandpiper in near summer plumage was present as well as Common Sand ,garganey and Black Tailed Godwit.
A walk round the reserve followed by now the sun which was now getting hotter .Bird numbers were low but a great day for butterflies even a Brown Argus

Sunday 15.07 Dymchurch

Early morning shore walk this time towards Dymchurch the Sea Wall bushes look excellent for migrants. Weather now blue sky and sea dead calm but still chilly.
A small flock of Sandwich terns on the beach.
New garden very small but very crowded with plants so no lawns , Goldfinch Blackbird with a Wren are the regular visitors along with Herring gulls .
Swifts have been regular in front of the rain squalls

Friday 13.07 DYMCHURCH

A new patch as we have moved from Larkfield to Dymchurch so a new list and a new patch to discover.
Previous owner was a keen gardner and has photos of many butterflys and appartently annual visits of Humming Bird Hawk moth.
Weather awfull with strong sw winds and frequent rain squalls .
First walk along shore towards Redoubt Tower
first bird was an oystercatcher on the beach with Herring gulls and a few Black Headed gulls then  a Med Gull swiftly followed close inshore was a Common Scoter. Birds flying in and out of the rocks I hoped for Rock Pipits but was Sparrows.  

04.07.12 Murder at No 18

A later trip to Sevenoak's gave great views of 5 Kingfishers and added an alien Egyptian Goose to the kent List

Sunday 01.07.12 NHGP

A quick trip to Holborough hoping for Southern Marsh Orchids but the field is very overgrown and because of the high water level decided not to tramp though. From the Metal hide watched a " buzzard" which appeared to have a White rump far in the distance. Drove to Upper Halling and scanned from there here saw a common Buzzard and a small flock of Med Gulls were in the field.

Friday 29.06.12 Sheppey

A few hours to spare so a pilgrimage to see Little Terns on Sheppey. Although the sun was shining there was a very strong wind. Only 2 Terns were seen both hunkered down either to get out of the wind or sitting on eggs. A far cry from the days when 17 + nests could be found here. Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers also appeared to be on nests. The return journey drove along the Elmley track a couple of Yellow Wagtails and distant views of Marsh harriers.