Saturday 25/5

Woke to bright sunshine instead of the forcast rain so decided on an early walk. Yesterday a Beaeater was reported at Dungeness and I have been remiss and not heard any booming. Arrived at Dengemarsh Road and walked onto the reserve, within minutes the distinctive Boom of a Bittern was heard.    A  long time since I last heard that and had always been a wish to hear at NHGP. Of course no Beaeater found and unusually no Hobbies seen. Reurned home after 2 hours with a list of 33 birds.

Tuesday 21/5

With a report of a Cattle Egret at Dungeness I had an hour to spare. On arrival with a few other cars scanned the Fields by the entrance track. Eventually picked out the Cattle Egret ( 147) alongside a dun cow which confirmed it was aptly named. While waiting and watching the song of Sedge/Reed Warbler and Whitethroat could be heard. Hobbies and Marsh Harrier put in an appearance total species 37.

Friday 17/5

A totally different day from yesterday now windy and cold. A 2 hour out while Val was having her hair done. Day started nice as on a quick visit to the local Tesco Express a Little Grebe in the land drain alongside. Tickmarsh seed dump had 4 Turtle doves and one stunning male Yellowhammer.Denge marsh had 2 Hobbies sitting on posts. A drive up the reserve track allowed me to see the pair of Scaup for the second time and hundreds of Hirundines. A nice Cuckoo was sitting on a stick by the Car Park. Species total was 40.

Thursday 16/5

A lunchtime walk with Val along the Canal at West Hythe. This turned out to be the warmest day of the year. All the usual birds one would expect but a fine Peregrine Falcon seen from the return Path. After a garden center visit we drop into Ticehurst lane Seed Patch to find 3 purring Turtle Doves (144)and as I crossed the Railway Line a 4th bird was sitting on one of the tracks.  38 species today

Wednesday 15-5

Up early after a night of very strong winds as not raining decided to try for the Green Winged Teal. No sign at south end of ARC and went onto the reserve. A very windy reserve managed to get to Makepeace hide where I was informed the GWT had not been located but Scaup were seen from Dennis Hide. So went back there to see a pair of Scaup (143) the first for a few years , scanned all the hirundines for something different. Went over to Arc and find a Drake Scaup right outside the hide ( Camera in car) again scanned all the hirundines with no luck. A Hobby crossed the lake and came straight towards me as it got near I said this is to come  in the hide but it veered off at the very last second a spectacular sight. 31 species seen.

Tuesday 14-5

Unable to get out untill late afternoon and was out only a short while when I got a call to return to see visitors.  So only got to the south end of ARC.
As I pulled up noticed a large light coloured wader in the shallows got the bins on a great Greenshank another new bird for the list within seconds a large Gull spooked the wader not to return. Only managed a total of 16 species. 

Friday 10/5

A trip to Ashford gave me the opportunity to visit Orleston Woods on the return trip. Only a quck pass thru visit but within Minutes managed Blue and Great Tit , Chaffinch,Wood Pidgeon,Magpie, Chiffchaff calling,Cuckoo,Great Spotted Woodpecker and great views of a favorite a Nuthatch. On return noticed the Orchids at Dungeness so must photo and ID

EARLY PURPLE ORCHID