Jan-March Round Up

Despite the main focus for the year being on Swanscombe SSSI, I have still found time for some other birding trips and volunteering with the RSPB, and I thought I'd round up the highlights here, starting with the elusive Shags at Chatham Dockside. They spent last winter here and I was unable to find them, however on a January shopping trip with the missus I decided to bring the camera and try my luck, and caught a pair at fairly close range! 

The following week took us for a nice beach stroll around the Broadstairs area, until she realised I was definitely sneakily birding 😂😂

Fulmar were plentiful, as were some outrageous views of some particularly tame Turnstone. Rock Pipit was also a nice addition despite her failing to see why I was so excited over such a small nondescript brown bird!

Winter wouldn't be complete without a visit to Sheppey, and a bumper 79 species day in the Shellness area in early Feb was absolutely fantastic. A dawn male Hen Harrier, Merlin, White Fronted Geese and the 7 Leysdown Shorelarks were all highlights, along with Snipe, Bearded Tit, Brambling, and numerous Waders making up a strong supporting cast.

The last week of February took me to East Blean with some friends for a wonderful morning stalking the forests following the sounds of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. We were rewarded with the briefest of glimpses (along with the usual woodland passerines) before heading off to the Stour Valley to spot the gnawed up tree trunks that can only mean the reintroduced Beaver population is doing well! The day was rounded off at Stodmarsh where we were treated to great views of Water Pipit, some incredibly tame Robins, and all the marshland favourites.

Northward Hill has had huge numbers of Brambling, one of which I finally managed a half decent shot of (shame about the branches), and it's been great to get back with the guys post Christmas break and catch up with preparing the site for the breeding passerines, but I've managed to dip all the rarities showing up at Cliffe and Alpha Pool, as is my luck!

Of course i took the opportunity to visit Riverside Country Park as the weather changed and sure enough I was rewarded with 8 Adders. All bar one were males, and although I didn't manage to witness their courtship dancing, it's always a pleasure to be so close to my favourite UK animal

During March I also squeezed in a trip to Oxfordshire with the other half. A couple of nights in a Shepherds Hut off the beaten track were well needed, a tranquil setting in a woodland surrounded by Tawny Owls and Muntjac, and not far from quaint towns and picturesque walks in the Cotswolds. Waking up every morning to the sounds of the forest is something I could definitely get used to! Counted nearly 150 Kites during our stay too! 

The year list stands at 117, sorry this has been a long post but ive tried to keep it as brief as I could, here's to a promising Spring!