The Restharrow and Reed bed hides.

Little Grebe. Restharrow Scrape Hide Sandwich Bay.


Shoveller Duck. Restharrow Scrape Hide Sandwich Bay.


Water Rail. The Reed Bed Hide Stodmarsh Reserve.


Great Crested Grebe. The Reed Bed Hide Stodmarsh Reserve.

Where have all the Waxwings gone ?

I spent a couple of hours on the Grove ferry reserve this morning, with the sun shining and very little wind. Mindful of a Waxwing influx in the country at the moment, and with the birds turning up on 3 occasions at Grove ferry during the past week, I had high hopes of another encounter with these splendid birds from Scandinavia. Unfortunatly there was no sign of a Waxwing during the morning, with me not straying too far from the berry bushes below the viewing ramp, a spot they seem to favour when they visit the reserve. This is the same sopt where I was able to photograph them just under 2 years ago, during heavy frosts. Where have they all gone to at the moment? Not too much around, but it was soon evident that Bearded Tits were in plentiful supply.I think there must have been over 100 of them during the time spent on the reserve this morning, with a few photo opportunities along the path way between the Feast and Harrison's hide.



I met Martyn Wilson and Tim Gutsell, who were both photographing the birds as they were feeding on the floor, with Pete Solly and Mark Chidwick whom were further back along the path by the Harrison's drove hide. (Never mind Mark, you will have your camera back next week).



Several Skylarks were in the fields behind the hide, and 5 Stonechats were also seen, 2 by the Harrison’s hide and 3 perched on fence posts with a few Meadow Pipits in the field that leads down to the Marsh hide. 2 Marsh Harriers were seen, 1 Grey Heron but most of the time there was spent with the Bearded Tits. We walked back to the Feast hide, nothing but a pair of Redshank of any note there, so ended up back on the ramp for 15 minutes. Common Snipe, a Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits were flushed by a Marsh Harrier, with Lapwing and Golden Plover being the only other waders I noted. 2 Little Egrets were seen, before an increasing wind pushed over a grey cloud, releasing a shower, signalling time to beat a hasty retreat to the car and home.

Dungeness in the wind and rain.

I had to take my lorry for an MOT at 8 am, and my work afterwards was cancelled by phone en route to the testing station, so after a phone call to Mike Gould, we decided on a trip to Dungeness, in particular the Hanson hide on the arc pit, to see if we could catch up with the Penduline Tit that has been reported for the last couple of days. The whole journey down to Dunge was taken up with talk of how it would be a complete waste of time, due to the wind, and drizzle, leaving very little, or no chance of seeing anything, or obtaining any photographs. How wrong we were. On arrival, we noticed the Sandwich Bay twitchers car in the car park, and as we entered the Hanson hide, there was Steve Ray, in the best seat, taking photos of the Penduline Tit. It was not long before we edged him out of the way, and was both onto the bird, showing extremeley well, feeding on the reed mace heads, sometimes only a few metres from the hide windows.

Although the conditions were far from ideal, (do us bird photographers ever have conditions we do not moan about) it was made a little easier by the bird being close, and some useable images were obtained, far better than what I expected. Out on the pool was a Red-breasted Merganser, which came close enough for a few photos to be taken, the first time I have been able to get any photos of this species.

There were plenty of Pochard, Tufties and Gadwall, and pair of female Goldeneye was also seen. Seeing these made it possible to clinch an i.d on a pair of duck seen flying over the ramp at Grove ferry yesterday, which had me puzzled, but now am able to conclude that they were a pair of female Goldeneyes. I do not often see these ducks in flight, so it was good to sort out the i.d issues. A call that even I could hear, was coming from bushes just outside of the hide window, and a chap from behind us spotted the perpetrator, a Pallas’s Warbler, moving through the bushes. I was able to see it, just for a few seconds as it was out in the open, and then we were restricted to glimpses of it as it moved deeper into the vegetation. We had a few more sightings of the Penduline Tit, on one occasion it was on a reed stem just outside of the hide window.



The drizzle intensified, telling us it was time to retreat to the coffee machine in the visitors centre, and found Norman Mc Canch has a painting and drawing exhibition set up there, so we spent half an hour looking at his work. Excellent stuff and he does not need to go to the expense of a camera. A morning where we expected nothing and ended up with a Penduline Tit, Pallas’s Warbler and a photographable Red-breasted Merganser. Shame about the weather, but it is October.

A Bohemian Waxody.

It was a different morning today, with the wind a little lighter, and bright sunshine in a largely cloudless sky. I chose my local patch, Grove ferry for this morning’s outing, resisting the temptation to take another look at the Snow Buntings seen at Reculver yesterday. It was very quiet at Grove, a Green Woodpecker hanging on to the side of the Cuckoo tree, 6 Bearded Tits seen over the reed bed, and nothing of interest in the Feast hide. I carried on up the track, making my way to the Marsh hide where a hovering Kestrel was seen by the middle drove, and several Redwing in the berry bushes on the North side of the track leading to the marsh hide. Richard Bartlett caught me up as I was nearing the hide, and he joined me for the 20 minutes I stayed there. The Marsh hide was about the same as the rest of the reserve this morning, quiet, but a distant Male Marsh Harrier was hunting the water meadows, and an even further Sparrow hawk was seen high up over the village of Upstreet. (Birding at its best) I told Richard the excitement was too much for me, said my good byes and made my way back, intending for an early return home. A quick look in the Feast hide, where there was still nothing, I was informed that I had just missed a Kingfisher on the post, (it's funny how I am always being informed that I have just missed a Kingfisher on entry to this hide, unlucky or what) and as I was nearing the bend in the path below the ramp, I caught site of a familiar shape perched high up in a Hawthorn just below the viewing platform. A Waxwing, on sentry duty, and after a few seconds, it was joined by two more.

I watched, as well as phoning Martyn Wilson, whom I knew to be on site, and a long 20 minutes passed, (he was right down by paddy's bench) before Martyn arrived, along with Mark Chidwick and Sue Morton. It was lucky, as there was not a person that passed by, or any one visiting the ramp, as this was all that would be needed to flush the birds. We were able to get some great close up photos, and the birds were there for about 10 minutes before some people arrived on the ramp, inadvertently flushing the 3 birds from the Hawthorn bush.

They flew towards the reserve entrance gate, and despite a thorough search of the area, they could not be re located. A rather poor morning, transformed at the drop of a hat, and I actually returned home with over 200 photos (Sorry Richard, it was too far to run back and tell you they were there). While looking for the Waxwings I noted 15 Fieldfares fly over, several Redwing with Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, feeding on the plentiful berries, 1 Cettis Warbler seen and not heard for a change, and a pair of Bearded Tits were in the reeds by the entrance to the paddock.

Snow at Reculver.

Not a nice morning weather wise today, so it was not until early afternoon until I ventured out of the front door. I had decided on a stroll down the sea wall from Reculver towers to Cold Harbour and back, taking my 100 to 400mm zoom lens as it is a bit smaller and lighter, and also I was not expecting much in the way of photo opportunities. It was still rather windy, coming from the west, with cloud, breaking now and again to let out small bursts of sunshine. About 300 metres past the towers I came across 3 Snow Buntings, my first this autumn, and spent the time with them, trying to get some photos.

There were 2 Adults with a juvenile bird, all being rather flighty, and kept flying off down the beach, as people walking along the sea wall path passed them, before returning to where they left. I did manage to get quite close to them, sitting on the wall and letting them come to me, allowing me to get a few photographs as they were busily feeding in amongst the shingle on the beach.

There were a few Meadow Pipits about, and several Turnstones were along the tidal edge, which was at its highest point when I arrived. There were numerous Cormorants, sitting on the metal posts and buoys out at sea, and that was about it. I never got further than the Snow Buntings, and on the way back I was watching a Kestrel by the Oyster farm, as it dived into a grassy bank, obviously seeing its next meal, but after a few minutes the Kestrel flew off, having missed its target, presumably escaping in the long grass just before the Kestrel pounced.



MISSED.

The week that was.

I only managed two outings during the past week, a half morning on Wednesday at Sandwich Bay, where most of the time was spent trying to get Goldcrest photos, along with Mike Gould and Tim Gutsell, and Thursday morning was spent at Grove ferry where once again I bumped into Tim Gutsell. As is the norm with the Goldcrest's, there were a few about but very tricky trying to get them still long enough for a photo.

We were able to get plenty of photos, a few keepers but mostly bin fillers. A dificult task trying to capture these Goldcrests on camera at this location, but good fun trying.

Chiffchaffs were seen, and there was a huge arrival of Blackbirds, which seemed to occupy every tree and bush in the Elms.

Thursday, and a half hearted search for the Great Grey Shrike at Grove drew a blank, and also I could not locate the Wilson's phalarope either. The Feast hide had a couple of Tufted Duck that were new, and the only waders being Common Snipe, (Lapwing as well) which were around the pool fringes, as the water levels have risen after the rain earlier on in the week. There were several Bearded Tits along the Harrison's drove, more this autumn than I have encountered for over a year. Good to see. An hour in the Marsh hide, where all of note was a young Grey Heron, asleep for a while but awoke and put on a show for us, fishing in the dyke right in front of the hide. Only a Grey Heron, but it kept Tim and me busy for 30 minutes, and a lot better than a Coot.

Plenty of activity around the ramp on the way out, with Reed Buntings, Chaffinch Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits in good numbers, and several Redwing in the paddocks, feeding on the abundance of berries present.

Once, Twice and Three times a Wilson's.

An early return to Grove this morning, although not early enough to beat Martyn, Mark and Mark, where we were joined by Steve Ray as we left our cars and walked up to the viewing ramp. Early doors saw some fantastic light conditions, as we watched 3 Kestrels out early, and 2 Sparrowhawks, one buzzing us very closely in hot pursuit of a Fieldfare. It veered of unsuccessful, leaving its target to carry on unscathed. A bit of Vis mig going on overhead, (listen to me, I sound like a birdwatcher) as several flocks of birds were seen throughout a 30 minute period. There were Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Brambling, (2 flocks of 12 and 4) with Song Thrushes, Redwing and Fieldfares seen as well. Reed Buntings were plentiful, looking strangely yellow in the early morning sunlight, with Wigeon, and Pintail seen out on the pool in front of the ramp. Also from the ramp,2 Grey Herons, 4 Curlew, 5 Marsh Harriers out of roost, and about 8000 Starlings, all in a ball before splitting into 2 groups and dispersing. There were 3 Ruff, numerous Common Snipe seen dropping into various pools and a Cettis Warbler was heard from the ramp. We saw a Stonechat as we left the ramp, deciding to go and see if we could re locate yesterdays Great Grey Shrike. On the walk down to the Marsh hide there were still several flocks of Swallows moving through, and still Thrushes being seen over head. Not much from the hide, a male Marsh Harrier, so we moved on, still looking for the Shrike. By 11 o clock we had still not seen the Shrike, so we moved back to the Feast hide. A birder told us he had seen either a Wilson's or Grey Phalarope on the water meadows, which had us all trekking down there via the river bank, but on arrival just 2 Ruff and a pair of Water Pipits. Another birder on our way back told us he thought a Grey Phalarope was at Harrison's, so off we set, in haste. On arrival at the Harrison's hide, we found "a", or "the" Wilson's Phalarope. It took flight shortly afterwards, showing no white in the wing, a white rump and protruding legs from its tail, undoubtedly a Wilson's, provoking discussion as to whether this was the same bird that has visited the reserve on two previous occasions. I suspect it may be, but strange that it keeps popping up at Grove periodically over the past month or so. This is now the third time I have seen a Wilsons Phalarope at Grove ferry, each time with no news of the bird for a while, and then one re appearing. Strange, as prior to the 9th September, I had never seen one at all. The Phalarope landed again in the pool out in front of the hide, and whilst watching the Phalarope, I spotted the Great Grey Shrike on a bush over towards the middle drove behind us, and wandered off to try and get a better photo than yesterday.

Got a few, but no better, and then decided to call it a day, leaving with Tim Gutsell and Martyn, agreeing that today had been one of the better days at Grove.

Great Grey Grove.

I drove to the fisherman's car park at Chambers wall, Reculver, but never got out of the car, due to a fierce Northerly wind. The wind meant that my intended bush bashing exercise would be pointless, so plan b was hatched and implemented on the spot. The sea watching brigade would no doubt be quivering with excitement, but I left shivering in disappointment, driving over to Stodmarsh, which would be a little more sheltered from the elements. This, as it turned out, proved to be a good move. I parked and was on my way to the marsh hide, when I got a text from Martyn Wilson, saying he had found a Great Grey Shrike at the middle drove. Bingo, I was only 5 minutes away, and soon saw Martyn standing by the gate at the bottom of the middle drove. Straight away I was able to view the Shrike, sitting up on top of the Hawthorn bushes between the path to the marsh hide and the oxbow.

Although distant, a few record shots were obtained, the Shrike never staying too long in the same bush.

A pair of Gulls seen high over the houses at Upstreet caused a stir, suspected Sabine’s, (what would of been a life tick for me) but after Martyn got his scope onto them, they quickly evaporated into Kittiwakes, but still an excellent sighting in the Stour valley, and a valley tick for me. Due to the wind, birds were pretty scarce, with the pick of the day being the gulls and the Shrike, 2 Marsh Harriers, both males, a pair of Mistle Thrushes, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Cettis Warblers,(heard) and several bursts of Swallows passing throughout the morning.
Today has been the first visit by me to the Marsh hide and the Reed bed hide for a couple of months. The two areas have been completely transformed, by Natural England, and are in an excellent shape, allowing superb viewing from each of the hides. Also the path between the Middle Drove and the Marsh hide have been much improved, allowing a much easier access to the hide from the Grove ferry end. A job well done, no mean feat in today’s economical climate. Let’s hope the Harrison's Drove area is earmarked for the same treatment. I ended up in the Reed bed hide, somewhat amazed at the views now available, and although there were only the normal wild fowl present, I would like to think that the area will attract a bit more during the coming Winter months. A smart looking Great Crested Grebe was fishing in the pool close to the hide.

Work, rest and play.

One of my jobs with the lorry yesterday, entailed collecting some road stone from Ramsgate harbour, and once the collection was done, I made a detour en route to the delivery, and parked in Elmwood Avenue at Joss Bay. A 2 minute walk along the cliff top back towards Broadstairs, and I immediately found the 2 Shore Larks, feeding on the shingle around the pumping station. No one else present, so I sat on a concrete step and had the birds to myself for 15 minutes, allowing some reasonable photos given that the light was far from adequate. It helped that the birds did not mind me being there, and both were feeding within a few metres from where I was sitting. This makes obtaining a photo that much easier. I left as I had to get my stone delivered, and I was back on my way 20 minutes after arriving, with photos in the bag. If only it was always that easy. I noted a Wheatear whilst with the Larks, and there were several Meadow Pipits feeding in and around the cabbage field.

A Pair of Pallas's Warblers at Pegwell.

Another day off, and a careful perusal of the weather forecasts sent me off in the direction of Dungeness. It seemed that there was a North/South divide through Kent today, with the sunshine forecast for the south of the county. A serious accident on the Ashford to Brenzett road, meant a detour adding 30 minutes to the journey time, but bearing in mind that there was a fatality involved, my inconvenience seemed insignificant. I arrived at Scotney, to find very little in the way of birds, but on close inspection of the field, there was not a hint of a mushroom either, so I wonder if the mushroom men had been out again early. There were a few Geese, grey and Canada's, plus a single white one, a farmyard special. There were Golden Plover over the back of the lake, and I could see some Dunlin on one of the spits. A large flock of Linnets and Meadow Pipits were around the entrance of the Scotney farm road.
I moved onto Dungeness, and the area around the lighthouse was very busy, with Meadow Pipits, at least 40 Pied and White Wagtails, 40 + Goldfinches and lots of Linnets. There was also a Male and Female Wheatear on the shingle by the station. I sat in the car as they foraged for food on the ground around my car, and then quietly getting out of my car and sitting on the kerb, they came within 10 feet, looking at me somewhat inquisitively. Not one to spurn an opportunity, some decent photos was taken at a really close range.

They did not bother that I was there at all, and carried on feeding around me. The Male seemed a little more wary of me than the female, always keeping a little further back, and never taking his eyes off of me.

I noted a couple of Goldcrest’s in the lighthouse garden, this species seemingly everywhere in Kent at the moment. A couple of Stonechats proved a little more shy than the birds around the lighthouse as I drove down the road to the RSPB reserve, but was able to get a few photos.

I saw 2 Marsh Harriers flying over the new diggings, and more Linnets and Goldfinches. Another Goldcrest was seen in the RSPB car park. I returned back towards home, stopping off at the church in Long rock at Tankerton, where there was a flock of 18 Brambling feeding in the car park. Another photo opportunity gratefully accepted, before being alerted to the discovery of 2 Pallas's Warblers in the bushes below the Viking ship at Pegwell Bay.

I set of for Pegwell, thinking that these would be extremely difficult to photograph, but I have only seen this species once before at Wouldham near the river Medway a few years ago. As predicted they were very difficult to photograph, but I did get some good views, a lot better than my last encounter with a Pallas's.

On several occasions they were seen hovering, picking off flies, but too far up the cliff to get the camera onto. A few very dodgy record shots posted here, instead of the bin.

There were several Goldcrest’s in the sycamore that the Pallas's Warblers were feeding in, and at least 22 Long-tailed Tits, all in one flock moved through the bushes in a Northerly direction. A great day out with a lot of birds seen, mostly the norm, but in good numbers, Brambling numbers are astonishing, finishing off with a pair of crackers.

A large helping of bad luck.

Saturday was a day trip to Dungeness for me. My wife and daughter were in London for the day, so taking advantage, I set of for Scotney, and after listening to the weather forecast, I was stood in the pull in just past the entrance to Scotney farm, freezing, in shirt sleeves, just before 7.00 am. The warm temperatures and bright sunshine that was promised, never materialised, the whole day never escaping from a dark and gloomy mist, feeling cold, in a fairly stiff easerly breeze. It was a good job I had an old work coat in the back of the car, which was much needed. How can the forecasters continually get the weather predictions so wrong? I latched onto one of the Buff-breasted Sandpipers straight away, feeding quite close to the fence. It was still dark and gloomy, but a few record shots were obtained.

I decided to wait in the car, to see if I could get a few photos later, when the light got a little better. The Sandpiper was flushed of by a Lapwing, but I could still see it a little further out in the field.

A Sparrow-hawk was seen, flying in from the rifle ranges behind me, landing briefly in the field before moving on, and whilst walking past the field before the Scotney farm entrace track, a Peregine caused havock with the Lapwing and Plovers on the grass, scattering them in all directions.
Then an unexpected event unfolded, giving me the title to this post. Four men armed with Tesco carrier bags entered the field, and spread across the width of the field, walking the entire length, stripped the field bare of the heavy overnight crop of mushrooms. The unfortunate thing was that every single bird was flushed from the field, some 1000 plus Golden Plover, several hundred Lapwing and a few Dunlin were noted, and of course also my target, the 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers.

The only good thing was being able to pick out the Sandpipers in flight, as they circled around in amongst the numerous Golden Plover. They moved off, preferring to find a quieter part to feed on, and I never saw them again. Just one of those things I suppose, the farmer wanting his mushrooms for Sunday breakfast, but a little bit of bad luck picking that day to try and get photos of the Buffs. I must admit that the thought of picking a few earlier on had entered my head, but thought better of it.
I moved on to the lighthouse area by the Dungeness obs, where I saw a Black Redstart and a Firecrest in the lighthouse garden, returning to Scotney later, but as mentioned the Buff breasted Sandpipers were not relocated, but could of been in with the Returning Golden Plovers that were on the edge of the lake, about 60 metres away from where I was parked in the pull in.
Today I spent a couple of hours by the Elms on the Sandwich Bay estate, and it was quickly noticeable that there had been an influx of Goldcrest's arriving overnight.

I had several in the bushes past the Chequers pub as I drove up and down the Ancient highway looking to see if there were any Short-eared Owls on the fence posts. Back at the entrance gate to the Elms, there were at least 20 Goldcrest's in the trees and bushes, but continually flitting in and out of view, leaving photography a little tricky.

Two Chiffchaffs passed through the bushes, and several flocks of Goldfinches passed overhead. There was a flock of at least 100 Goldfinches feeding on the Teasel behind the Restharrow scrape. I was joined by Steve Ray, where we had an hour trying to get a few photos. We then called it a day, and went back to the obs for a cup of coffee, leaving 5 or 6 photographers that had gathered, with the Crest's.

Bush bashing at Bockhill.

A change in scenery for me today, parking my car at the monument on the cliff top at Bockhill, with my thinking that October needs to be spent near to the coast, if one wants to catch up with any passing migrants. I kicked the bushes in and around the monument, and it soon became evident that there had been a clear out over night, with just a few Chiffchaffs seen, along with 1 male Blackcap, a pair of Dunnock's and a pair of Chaffinches overhead. I then met Tony Morris, and we walked down the cliff top path to Hope point, chatting, making up for the lack of any bird life. I saw 2 Lesser Whitethroats in the scrub down in the dip at Hope point, and several flocks of Goldfinches were seen overhead. We were joined by Brendan Ryan and Jack Chantler, as we returned to the monument. Several Mipits seen, but that was about it for that migration mecca known as Bockhill. I moved on to Sandwich Bay, where it was also fairly quiet, although I did see 4 Whinchats around the Dickson's corner area, and later 3 Wheatears.

Once again there seemed to be a large number of Goldfinches about, and a small flock of Siskins (approx 12) flew over the field towards Restharrow. A Kestrel allowed a few photos, posing nicely, and apart from one other Kestrel, that was all I saw on the raptor front.

Ending up in the Restharrow hide, alone I opened a window to find 2 Wigeon on the island in front of me, about as close as was possible to the hide.
Only one wader, a Dunlin, although I suppose a few Snipe were no doubt hiding around the pool edge. I ended up back at Dickson's corner, with Mr and Mrs Vurley, attempting to get some Whinchat photographs. Not much of a species list, but a nice day spent in excellent company.

Grove ferry and a Short-eared Owl

A walk around the Grove ferry end of the Stodmarsh reserve this morning, bumping into Martyn Wilson, Steve Ray and Mark Chidwick, resulted in a few photo opportunities, when Mark spotted a Short-eared Owl sitting on a fence post by the Harrisons drove hide.

It was seen by them early on, flying over the ramp, probably a new arrival, wet and looking sorry for itself, and was seen throughout the morning on various fence posts, sunning itself when the sun decided to shine. I was able to grab a few flight shots of the bird, although a little distant, as it started to hunt over the grassy fields between the Harrisons and middle drove,

but my best photos were obtained from the top of the Harrisons drove path, by a five barred gate, with the Owl perched on an electric fence post out in a field, just short of the Southern entrance to the reserve. A cracking bird and only the 2nd occasion that I have seen this species at Grove ferry.

Other bits of interest were several flocks of Bearded Tits, being very active along the Harrisons drove path, a couple of late staying Reed and Sedge Warblers, a female Blackcap as I entered the reserve, Ruff, Green Sandpipers, a single Black-tailed Godwit and all of the usual wildfowl on the pools in front of the Feast hide and the viewing ramp.