Swanscombe Part 3 - February

A trickier month to get out through a mixture of inclement weather, a lack of water proofing in my camera, and unfavourable shifts at work. However, I made what I could of it and still got a fair few birds.

Before the storms hit, a lot more bumblebees were seen waking up and starting to move around the area. Still lethargic from winter, most were happy to be picked up and moved to suitable areas where they were less likely to be stepped on or eaten!

The Cetti's Warblers put on a real show this month as they started to set out their breeding territories. I havent fact-checked this but i imagine they get in there early before the sunner arrivals of other competitors. Talking of, the first Chiff of the year was heard late Feb. Traditionally a summer warbler, they are now resident in a few spots in the UK, particularly in the south. Stonechats, Robins and Mipits were also abundant and obviously marking up territory to begin their seasons, and the Skylarks are starting to become more noticeable.

Although not a great spot for waders in my experience, a low tide visit yielded Turnstone, Dunlin, Grey Plover and Redshank. A Common Sandpiper seems to be wintering (fairly unusual for this area) and is a regular sighting. 2 Green Sands were also seen during the month.

I was hoping for a few new species in the wake of Storm Eunice, maybe some birds being moved around in the wind. However the only find of note were large numbers of Canada Geese, which were absent for some reason in January. It could just be that they arrive to breed, but could also be displaced birds from other areas. Whilst on the subject of geese, the Egyptians seen briefly in January were found everytime this month so will now be assumed resident.

For the final visit of the month, I went with some of the local experts to assist them with ringing on Botany Marsh. We got a fair few species of Tit and Finch, Dunnock and Cetti's but the highlight was undoubtedly a stunning male Kingfisher! It was fascinating to see the process and get involved as much as my lack of license allowed, and also to find out numerous tips for sexing and aging individuals that can then be applied in the field and up my birding game. I'll certainly be joining them again! Big thanks to Terry for letting me tag along!

February Full List

Woodpigeon 

Collared Dove

Feral Dove 

Carrion Crow

Raven 

Jackdaw

Magpie

Pheasant

Chaffinch

Goldfinch

Greenfinch 

Linnet

House Sparrow

Blackbird

Song Thrush

Robin

Stonechat 

Starling

Meadow Pipit 

Skylark

Dunnock

Wren

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Bearded Tit

Cetti's Warbler 

Chiffchaff 

Pied Wagtail 

Mallard

Gadwall

Teal

Tufted Duck

Shelduck

Egyptian Goose

Canada Goose (lots post Eunice)

Greylag Goose

Grey Heron 

Coot

Moorhen

Water Rail

Kingfisher 

Black Headed Gull 

Common Gull 

Herring Gull

Cormorant 

Common Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper (central reservoir)

Dunlin

Turnstone

Redshank

Grey Plover

Peregrine

Kestrel

Buzzard

Marsh Harrier 

Total 55

Running Total for the Year 73