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.

Sunday 17.06 Rainham Marshes

With both myself and wife incapacitated we thought that our first visit to the above marshes should be on the cards. After collecting passports so we could enter Essex we arrived in bright sunshine to find an excellent reserve with admirable assets board walks / cafe / shops / excellent hides and lots for the younger visitor.
There was nothing on the boards that were not regular at the local patch so no new birds to any list but due to the amount of visitors and being kept to boardwalks birds seemed very approachable . Dabchicks with young were proving very photogenic ( if you could get to the front to photo ) Could only manage a short way round but must visit on a more appropriate day.
One big bird in the sky

 And 2 Sedge in the sedge

Wednesday 13.06.12 Dungeness

Many thanks to Phill Sharp a days visit to Dungeness today. After days of cold and torrential rain suprisingly today turned out beautifull. Buzzard from the M20 on the way down the back roads to Lydd showed nothing  so straight down to the Patch. Tide was well out but the first obvious sight was the amount of Harbour Porpoises as they appeared to be everywhere. Gannets , Sandwich and Common terns , Great Crested Grebes and Gulls were common. After a tip off we found 3 Roseate Terns sitting on the beach there was supposed to be an Artic as well but did not locate. While watching these a Black Tern flew in for a few minutes before passing on his way. From here a lunch at the Pilot was on the cards and then on to the reserve nothing of note on the notice board except the recently arrived Purple Heron. The reserve was quiet except for the exceptional numbers of Hobbies about. Manged short views of the Purple Heron as it flew about on 2 occasions. The trail  back showed one Bearded Tit and the refugia had 2 grass snakes a Wood Mouse and a Bank Vole.

Saturday 02.06.12 NHGP

Hit the 100th bird species for 2012  today with a Common Tern on Brooklands.
A common Lizard was seen outside the Fishermans Hut. other that the only thing of interest was what I presume is part of the Jubilee fly past

and as yet to identify Dragonfly  BROAD BODIED CHASER

Friday 01.06.12 NHGP

Three hours round the Brooklands area on an overcast but warm morning. Turtle Doves purring on the wires and all the usual birds plus a fly over Peregrine falcon and the first Med Gull at NHGP making 99 birds in 2012.

Youngster everywhere today Cute but not ready for the pot.
With many reports of Red Kite in Kent we were disappointed not to find any.