Wednesday 02/12

Rain / Mist but not very cold

Yesterday we went to the reserve to buy some bird seed and as per the notice board the Long Eared Owl (LEO) was reported behind the Dipping  pond as this is the nearest attraction to the shop I decided to abandon the boss. As informed a great view just across the water slightly into the bush and looking at the little crowd.
Only 22 birds were recorded.

Today Misty but again not very cold .
Was at Lydd today and the sun was out with a bit of blue sky Viz was better than yesterday so rushed down to the reserve. it was only 2-3 miles from  where I left but on getting there found Rain / strong wind and grey overcast sky as poor as yesterday.
Again the LEO was present now facing left from where we were. So Viz was no better than yesterday.
27 birds were recorded including the LEO and an unusual bird for the marsh a Great Spotted Woodpecker.So 2 days and 2 new birds to the my Kent bird 2015 list .

WEDNESDAY 25/11

Managed to get out at 2.30 till dark ( not very long ) Did not forget the Camera so stuck to the marshes hoping for photos of Tree Sparrow or Snow bunting. Flocks of Fieldfare were all over the place but due to low sun trying to pick out Redwings was impossible. Included was Kestrel a Buzzard which flew at car height in front of me then a Sparrow hawk, finally passed the Chicken sheds and a quick scan for Little Owl but was surprised by a Barn Owl which lifted out of the reeds opposite the sheds and I followed it to the railway line where it flew left and out of sight.
So the list was comprised of all the regular birds,and a good selection of raptors.
Just wish I could get out on my feet more often.Birding from the car is not bad but not great.

Sunday 22/11 A SURPRISE AT MIDGLEY DRYING BARNS

Most trips lately have been Dungeness / Reserve and very little walking so most of the usual birds seen with little new.
Today Sunday decided that it would be Romney and Walland Marsh interest was started with at least two Little Gulls in a ploughed field with all the other gulls. The feeding area gave Reed Bunting/Chaffinch/Tree Sparrow/Yellow hammer/Blue Tit/Dunnock/Greenfinch and Moorhen so a good area.
Further along Fieldfares were plentiful 50+ the first of winter and a Green Woodpecker.
Now  pulled into Midgley Drying Barns there was little if any spilled grain so a lack of birds but a Pied Wagtail was walking towards us followed by a first winter female SNOW BUNTING as usual it approached right up to the car with no sign of being scared. Had not picked up the camera and realised I had even left the mobile phone on the table at home as the bird fed right outside the drivers side of the car.
Only thirty birds seen but decided my luck could not carry on so went home for lunch.
Out for 2 hours only.

Sunday 8th November

CHARM OF GOLDFINCHES

Have got out only a few times lately with little to report except managed Goldcrest on every outing so a bumper year for them.
12 days ago a charm of Goldfinches descended on my sun flower hearts feeder which is within 6 feet of the back windows they have dominated this from dawn till dusk and it has to be filled at least once a day.  On one occasion I managed to count 42 birds but there was in excess  of that on some days.
These have been a glorious sight and has impressed all visitors to the house, birders or not.
48 Hours ago I filled the feeder and seen no sight of them so hopefully their migration is a great success at my expense.
By coincidence there is just one on the feeder as I type but sparrows and tits now get a look  in.

WEDNESDAY 21/10

Just spent 5 days on a non birding break in France there was little of note except leaving the house within 100 yards disturbed a Barn Owl which gave excellent views for a few minutes and only the call of the Ferry made us move on. One of my friends had never seen a wild owl of any sort and was impressed. During the trip slowed down to show everyone an Egret in the roadside ditch which transpired to be a Spoonbill.
Yesterday managed to get out 10 till 2 and was very pleased to get good views of the Rough Legged Buzzard at Scotney. I flushed a Snipe and at lloyds great views ( no Camera ) of a Black Redstart.
Must get out more.

WEDNESDAY 30/9

Am managing to get out for a short time most days and yesterday 29/9 went to the reserve to see from the shop Great White Egret- Little Egret - Grey Heron and Cattle Egret.
30/9 managed Yellow wagtails all the feral geese and a good few Mipits. Birds of the day was Firecrest and Yellow Browed Warbler.

Wednesday 21/7

Dropped off at ARC Hanson Hide for 3 hours. 36 Species in total.
Excellent views of Little Stint and the whole time I was there a Little Gull was sitting on the water with 2 x 10 minute fly abouts. Many Sand Martins still on the move. Both Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers present. regrettanly no Megas so must try again tomorrow.