Friday 17/7

A shopping trip to Ashford was quicker than expected so returned via Orlestone Forest and came out without any sightimgs.On to Walland Marsh a view of a Marsh Harrier outside the pub was nice. Further along no sight of Tree Sparrows ,Then alongside the Lydd Model Areodrome, Val called Raptor and stopped the car, in the Adjacent field was a Juvenile Red Kite many attempts were made to catch prey but we saw no success before it left our sight.
We journied on to. Scotney hoping at last to see the Spoonbills again no luck  After that along Dengemarsh and Galloways .many Linnets but also Stonechats and Reed Buntings.
Then home with 33 species all seen from the car.
So a good afternoon

MONDAY 6TH JULY

Today managed to get a lift to North Kent and was very pleased to park in layby at Oare Marshes to find the Bonapartes Gull on the nearest island of mud where it stayed for at least half an hour before all birds were lifted by a noisy motorbike. Excellent views and is it the same bird coming back to Oare each year for its holidays. Only 32 species in the few hours which did include a Ring Necked Parakeet which are not present on the marsh.

Friday 19/06

Managing to get short or very short birding trips of late. And nothing exciting to report.Today returning late afternnoon we drove across the marsh. First stop was for 4 Turtle Doves which gave good views and music to our ears. Also there was Yellow Hammer /Skylark/Pheasant/Chaffinch and Swallows untill a Sparrow Hawk joined the party and ruined it as it sat on a nearby hedge.Further along added Reed & Sedge Warblers and Greenfinch. A good search for Tree Sparrows was fruitless. Parked at the side of the road listening when a small (young) Badger walked into the road in front of the car a mad rush for the camera before I remembeered it was at home.  We watched for a while at close range untill it saw us and rushed away up the road untill eventually going back into the Hedge.   I can not remember such close views. Futher up a Marsh Harrier was quartering a Potato field.. Passing the Chicken Farm the Little Owl was sitting on a large tank and kept his eyes on us untill it eventually flew. A very pleasant ride home.
Of note recently is the amount of Humming Bird Hawk Moths as yet none in my garden but babysitting at my daughters the other day there was a visit from at least one Moth if not more.

100 Thursday 02/04

When a lift offered to Dungeness and a pick up a few hours later was accepted as the weather was not too poor and there were no migrants on my list.
Yearly total is abysmal but as not driving any more it is to be expected.
Dropped off at Dengemarsh Road after not recording the little Owl the Hayfield held Little Egret Oystercatcher Widgeon Shelduck and Curlew. Walking round to the Hide all the usual Geese/Lapwing Swans and Little Grebe. Arriving at the crossroads outside the hide. A singing Sedge Warbler in a swarm of Insects was my first migrant and a welcome sight. Making 100 for 2015.Reed Bunting and Cettis were singing around the reserve Chiffchaff found on the rear track Main lake was quiet but Goldneye gadwall common gull chaffinch and Lesser Black backed Gull. The first calling Marsh  Frog was heard.

Friday 23/1

First post of 2015 although I have managed to get out on a few trips and yesterday even found the Night Heron at Nickolls quarry. Today only out at 2.15 but got Bittern in Flight Pintail Red Crested Pochard Bearded tit Chiffchaff  Gooseanderand Kingfisher all from Hanson Hide on Arc. 5 Marsh Harriers covered the lake. a great 2 hours

SUNDAY 28/12

Probably my last trip out this year and need an awful lot of new birds today to beef up my bird list of 2014.
My only new bird was Smew on ARC a trip down to the lighthouse was unusual as Gannets were very close to the beach . Back to the reserve and a few Gooseander were outside of the main hide..The drive back home gave up a few Yellowhammers near Haguelands. Total list for 2014 is now 155 a large drop from previous . How did I manage such good lists and was at work now retired and come up with such a poor list.

Friday 5/12

Not a birding day but at about 10 am went to the Chemist in Dymchurch and decided to go via Burmarsh and entered Dymchurch from the far end.
Just after leaving Burmarsh noticed a raptor in a ploughed field on the right hand side of the road as I got closer it took to the air and flew towards the Zoo.  For the first time since moving to Romney Marsh  I was watching a Ring Tailed Hen Harrier. One thought was a Rough Legged Buzzard but that was discounted immediately. .Further along the road the regular Buzzard was in its favourite bush/tree .
Rest of day spent at Maidstone Hospital