Dave Brown

[dave brown]

Here in Kent the Autumn migration for birds and insects has been very disappointing. The movement of Red Admirals has so far failed to materialise and there is hardly any moths at all, migrants or residents. There is some movement of birds, in particualar Jays, but where are the scarce ones we all love to see once a year.
There has been reports of Dartford Warbler, Rough Legged Buzzard and Penduline Tit, but only seen by the finders and not the general masses.

SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER 2012.
It had to be Dungeness on such a fine day. A walk around the recording area produced a Ring Ouzel, at least 6 Jays, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin, Redpoll, Skylark, 9 Swallows, 2 Sparrowhawks, Migrant Hawker, 2 Red Admirals, 10 Chiffchaffs. Most strange of all was the sight of 4 Brent Geese on the beach with the public walking about. They must have been tired as no feeding conditions exist there. The only decent moths were Feathered Brindle and Feathered Ranunclus.
At the ARC pit we saw 5 Common Buzzards fly towards the coast. Ten minutes later we saw another 4, but this time they seemed more local as they just circled around, joined by 1 Marsh Harrier and a Merlin. Also present was 1 Cettis Warblers, 23 Swallows, 12 Chiffchaffs and 3 Goldcrests.
The day ended happily at Hamstreet viewing a Delicate Moth and 2 Beaded Chestnuts, with groups of 3 and 2 Jays flying over. The Delicate is still quite a scarce moth in Kent so this opportunity to view was most welcome.

MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2012.
I was up early and first in line for the dreaded flu jab, followed by a visit to Seasalter. A scarce bird at last with a Red Breasted Goose reported in a flock of Dark Bellied Brents. It showed fairly well bobbing about on the sea with a group of about 40 Brents. Their feeding area of eel grass was covered by the high tide
so they sat out the time on the sea rather than in the nearby fields. In total there was about 500 Brents spread along a mile or so stretch. Whilst watching this someone nearby called out Bonxie. Sure enough 3 of them were heading into the Swale into a South Westerly wind. Most unusual, as this part of the coast gives better sea movement with a Northerly aspect.
In the 2 or so hours we were present a continous and steady movement of Chaffinches and House Martins took place, only interuppted when a Peregrine put in an appearance. We did see 2 Red Admirals and 4 Common Darters but little else insect wise.

I have included a few photos, but will add some moth photos later in the week.
Dave

[dave brown]

Kents quiet spell continues. What there has been we have missed so I will say no more.

TUESDAY 16 OCT 2012.
A day at Dungeness for a change A mix of sea watching and walking around the RSPB/ ARC pit complex produced 2 Ravens, 2 Cettis Warblers, 8 Swallows, Marsh Harrier, 10 Chiffchaffs, 4 Artic Skua, 36 Gannets, 12 Auk sp (probably all Razorbills), a Red Throated Diver, Med Gull, 8 Kittiwakes, 6 Sandwich Terns and 4 Common Terns. Not too exciting but great to be out watching wildlife.

THURSDAY 18 OCT 2012.
Yesterday there had been some decent sea movement off Dungeness (14 Sooty Shearwaters), but not today. We did see a few Razorbills, Gannets and Sandwich Terns but not much else. On the beach was the presumed returning Glaucous Gull from last winter. Its now in 3rd winter plumnage with some grey showing through on the back. Hopefully it will remain all winter with the fishing boats being its favoured spot. The only other new bird was a Great White Egret on New Diggings. There are now 3 birds around the area with one usually seen from the main road. The other two are normally on Burrowes Pit or Dengemarsh. What with up to 10 Little Egrets and good numbers of Cettis Warblers the RSPB is looking more Med like every day. If only the sun would respond.

Insect numbers have really dropped off with only a few Migrant Hawkers, Large Whites and a couple of Red Admirals noted. They may just make November this year and certainly no sign so far of a big Red Admiral Autumn movement.

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 20 OCT 2012.
We awoke to signs of some migration. Over our house between 07.00 hrs and 09.30 hrs we saw and heard 4 Crossbills, 60 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 6 Blackbirds, 150 Chaffinches, 80 Goldfinch, 8 Siskins, 5 Redpolls and 2 Skylarks. What better reason do you need to head for the coast and check the bushes. Later that morning we arrived at St Margarets for a casual walk round in wonderful sunshine. It was a really nice Autumn day and the butterflies tried to respond. We only saw two species, Red Admiral and Large White, 2 of the former but 8 of the latter. A few Migrant Hawkers represented the dragonflies. There was no sign of any rare birds, but it was enjoyable just to see a decent number of birds. Birds seen were Ring Ouzel, Fircrest, 12 Goldcrests, 16 Jays, 8 Skylarks, 35 Goldfinches, 60 Swallows, 20 Song Thrushes, 8 Blackbirds, 20 Chaffinches, 11 Redpolls, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Raven.

We ended the day round our friends house at Hamstreet to view a reasonable collection of moths for this time of the year. On show was Red-Green Carpet, Beaded Chestnut, Oak Nycteoline, Carnation Tortix, Barred Sallow and Cypress Carpet, Green-Brindled Crescent, with a Common Buzzard circling the house. A really nice end to a most enjoyable day.
Dave

[dave brown]

Butterflies hang on, just.

MONDAY 22 OCTOBER 2012.
We were late out today so it was somewhere local. With news of a Pallas's Warbler at Samphire Hoe we decided that was the place to go. It turned out to be a good move for it was probably the only place in Kent not shrouded in fog. Infact it was a most pleasant and warm afternoon with the a local temperature of 18 degrees. The Pallas's Warbler was quite mobile but did show regualarly, although always on the other side of the railway line so no one managed a photo. It was a well marked individual and its yellowish rump stood out as it sort of hovered to catch insects on a ivy bush. Also on show was 2 Ring Ouzels, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, Coal Tit, Peregrine and Britains most well known twitcher, Lee Evans. Obviously touring Britain clocking up his year list.
Despite the pleasant weather insects were hard to come by, although Red Admiral, Large White and 2 Migrant Hawkers kept the flag flying.

TUESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2012
With signs of bird migration from the north today we visited Thanet. Margate Cementry produced 1 Firecrest, 40 Goldcrests, 32 Redwings, 14 Jays, several Song Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs, 35 Chaffinches, Redpoll and many Robins.
When is a Bird not a Bird? When its a Ringed Necked Parakeet, and we saw 5 of the damm things. Some people love them but I find they are very noisey and frighten most other things off. They have their place in nature, but its not in Britain. In some parts of London and the South East they gather at dusk in their hundreds and can be heard for some distance. I much prefer the humble Starling, which when seen close up the plumage details is actually quite stunning.

WEDNESDAY 24 OCT 2012.
A bit of a insect day at our favourite place of Dungeness. Thanks to the excellant observatory warden and his team on show was a good range of migrant and domestic moths. These included 2 Vestrals, Delicate, Scarce Bordered Straw, Pearly Underwing, a number of Rush Veneer (actually 60 had been trapped) and a Pink Barred Sallow. A prolonged watch from Dengemarsh Gulley saw 2 Peacock butterflies, 2 Ravens, 227 Goldfinches, 12 Siskins, 40 Redpolls, 25 Skylarks, 65 Meadow Pipits, 20 Redwings, 6 Blackbirds, 5 Song Thrushes, 5 Reed Buntings, Merlin, Black Redstart and 18 Chaffinches. A further 3 Black Redstarts were around the new Lighthouse. We did not see it ourselves but the Glaucous Gull was still present around the fishing boats. A really good day.

FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER 2012.
With strong Northerly winds forecast it was time to dabble in the black art of seawatching. We choose Minnis bay and it proved a good move. We saw 4 Great Skuas, a Pomarine Skua, 10 Little Gulls, 50 Kittiwakes, 60 Gannets, 125 Brent Geese, 200 Common Scoter, 11 Red Breatsed Merganisers, a Diver Sp, and 5 Auk Sp. Some other ducks were moving but proved hard to identify due to distance. At home we had 1 Peacock Butterfly.

Not a bad week although still no sign of any butterfly migration. Surely its too late in the year now.

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 27 OCT 2012
More very strong Northerly winds forecast for today so it was back to Minnis Bay for a second day of sea watching. It turned out to be very strong winds with little moving, although what was moving was quality birds for Kent. The strength of the wind was such that many birds were pushed quite close to the shore, indeed, some were almost level with the sea wall. The best bird, and only seen by our son and a few others further east, was a Storm Petrel. This was pushed to within a hundred metres of the shore. Despite him calling directions I failed to pick it up. Luckily we all have seen Storm Petrel in Kent before when Dungeness experienced an early summer movement a few years ago. At 10.20 hours all 3 of us picked up a Manx Shearwater heading east, shortly followed by 3 Great Skuas and 2 Artic Skuas. Other birds noted was a Pomarine Skua, 4 Little Gulls, 17 Brent Geese, 21 Gannets, Kittiwakes, a Swallow and a possible Little Auk. That disappeared before we could positively ID it. We also saw a few Skylarks and Goldfinces hugging the shore as they flew by. To be honest the numbers seen was poor return for 4 hours of sea watching, but it was interesting just watching the high waves hit the sea wall and then cover the entire road with spray. Even at our high advantage point we was still getting covered in sea spray.

SUNDAY 28 OCT 2012
A early morning text sent us to Walland Marsh for the opportunity to see 2 Whooper Swans in amongst a group of Mute Swans. Although we see Whoopers most winters they are still a scarce bird in Kent so well worth the effort. A tour of Dungeness was disappointing with all the usual suspects still present. A Common Scoter on ARC pit was presumbly a bird blown in off the sea following the previous days strong winds. We did see 2 insects, one Peacock butterfly and 1 Migrant Hawker.

TUESDAY 30TH OCT 2012.
With the prospect of a fine day on offer we headed for St Margarets. We hoped for a little late migration but generally things were quiet. We did see 17 Swallows and a small passage of Goldfinches and Redpolls, together with 3 Crossbills and 4 Jays. A long walk produced just one butterfly, a Red Admiral. With a mixed bag of weather predicated I can't see us recording many more butterfly sightings.
We were just about to return home when a message sent us to Oare Marshes where a stunning Male Penduline Tit had just been found. We saw it immediately on arrival at the site in a ditch near the East Flood hide. It remained on show on and off for the next two hours. A hunting Barn Owl in broad day light and sunshine was a bit of a surprise, although the Common Buzzard and Peregrine was more expected. We saw just one Migrant Hawker and like the butterflies, there can't be to many more of them this year.

An enjoyable, if hard work, period of nature watching.
Dave.

[dave brown]

TWO OUT OF THREE NOT BAD, SO NEARLY THREE OUT OF THREE AND THE BUTTERFLIES RETURN.
I am referring to the Penduline Tit in Kent. You will note from our last entry that we managed to see the one at Oare last Tuesday, well on Monday (5 November) we had a text to say one was currently showing in front of Hansons Hide at Dungeness. We were already on our way to Dung so this message was a bonus, but in the 20 minutes or so that we took to get there it disappeared. Despite a wait of an hour or so, and an attempt to spread the search over a wider area, we failed to see this bird. It is an interesting sighting as it was ringed, so may well be the returning bird of the last two winters. Where does it go to for the summer? A Long Tailed duck from Makepeace hide was too distant for photgraphy. Swallows are still passing through with 3 over the ARC pit, and at least 3 Great White Egrets on Burrowes pit. Finally a visit to Walland produced the 2 Whooper Swans and 6 Tree Sparrows.

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2012.
A trip to Grove Ferry in fine sunshine was rewarded with 2 Red Admirals and 3 Common Darters. Insects are still hanging on in this mild spell for Kent. A Water Pipit flew over calling, and over 200 Fieldfares and 8 Redwings was a sign of continuing migration. The reedbeds held 5 Bearded Tits, 2 Water Rails, 2 Cettis Warblers and 3 Marsh Harriers.

THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2012.
A report of a Penduline calling early morning near Feast Hide at Grove Ferry by one of the locals was enough to encourage us back to Grove Ferry. Late morning saw us arrive at the Feast Hide and within 10 minutes my wife had found a Penduline Tit feeding on reed mace. It was only on view for a few minutes when it disappeared towards the front of Feast hide. Whilst waiting for it to return we heard another one call behind us so naturally thought that it somehow passed us and moved through, but realise now this could have been a different bird. After 45 minutes, with no further sight or sound, we made our way back to the car park noting no butterflies but still 1 Migrant Hawker and 2 Common Darters. A mixed flock of Fieldfares, Redwings and a couple of Reed Bunting were in the entrance copse. We passed one other couple and informed them of our Penduline Tit sighting. We later learnt that 3 Penduline Tits had been seen 40 minutes after we left, and the number increased to 4 birds the next morning.

So why all the excitement over the Penduline Tit. Well in the 70's and 80's this species was being widely predicated to be the next one to colonise Britain from the Continent. It never happened, although sightings have been regular ever since. Now we have at least 6 birds in Kent at 3 different locations, in the space of a week, so could this year be the one they stay and bred? The next few months could be very interesting.

Dave

[dave brown]

SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2012.
A morning visit to Pett Level in pleasant sunshine proved very quiet. Yhe only highlight being 3 Common Buzzards going high north along the sea wall, so may well have been on migration. We were about to make a slow drive home when news broke of a sighting of a Crane near Scotney early morning. We thought that it was worth checking so 30 minutes later saw us looking across Scotney gravel pits. Two other people there said it had not been seen for several hours and they drove off. Minutes later we picked up the bird flying over the windmills, slowly gaining height and heading north all the time. We watched the bird for some twenty minutes until finally we lost it flying somewhere near New Romney and thought that was it. We had released the news and other local birders were now arriving to be told that we had seen it fly off. Suddenly it was there, back in the same field. No one had seen it fly back in and for such a large bird this was amazing. It was always too far for photos but still a nice bird to see. Support was in the form of 2 Common Buzzards, a Marsh Harrier, Ringtail Hen Harrier and nearby 10 Tree Sparrows and a Yellowhammer.

TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2012.
Another visit to Grove Ferry but this time very quiet. Well actually very noisey as two parties of school children were visiting the reserve. They seemed to be enjoying the expierence even if we were finding birding hard. 2 Water Rails called, as did a Cettis Warbler. 5 Bearded Tits pinged in the reeds but proved hard to see, 350 Fieldfares and 15 Redwings flew over and were probably heading for the local orchards for the fallen apples.

WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2012.
We started the day looking for a Snow Bunting at Littlestone without success. A visit to Dungeness ARC pit produced 2 Peregrines disturbing all the ducks, but little else on offer. Till now we had been wondering where all the local birders were. We had seen none of the regulars at all, which is unusal. Suddenly a phone call explained all. They were watching a Pallas's Warbler in the Observatory garden. Ten minutes later we too were enjoying views of the rarity from Siberi, supported by a Firecrest, several Goldcrests and a Black Redstart. We then had a call to say that the Snow Bunting was back at Littlestone and showing well alongside the sea wall that backs onto the golf course. It was showing well when we arrived and seemed undisturbed by the many dog walkers passing by.

Uptil now we have not mentioned any insects but all that was about to change thanks to our good friend at Ruckinge. He had a few moths for us to see and so we ended the day seeing the stunning Merveille du Jour, 2 Feathered Thorns, 2 Cypress Pugs, 2 Sprawlers, Rusty Dot Pearl, Grey Shoulder Knot, 3 Red Green Carpet, November and December moth. What a day of wildlife watching.

[dave brown]

Things have been fairly quiet here in Kent, although a brief and photographed Desert Warbler at Samphire Hoe would have attracted many if it had stayed. Despite this we have still enjoyed ourselves and have seen a few insects.

SATURDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2012.
A day spent decorating was livened up by sightings of a Red Admiral in the garden and a late Swallow over the house heading South West. Later we also had 9 Fieldfares and 2 Redwings fly around. Not our latest Red Admiral, but getting close.

SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2012.
A trip to the Military Canal at Hamstreet saw us connect with a freshly arrived Great White Egret, joined by a Little Egret. Whilst along the edge of the canal we counted 3 Common Darter and a Green Sandpiper. The wood complex was quiet although we did see a November moth. Arriving home for a cup of tea we watched a Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk fly over the garden. We toured the local area in the afternoon but only a Common Buzzard at Godmersham was of interest.

MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2012.
Today was a housework and gardening day. It was whilst pruning some rose bushes that our son saw 4 Waxwings land in our neighbours tree. In the time it took me to get the camera they were gone, flying off west. Hopefully they are still local and feeding on some berry bush. Perhaps the start of Kents invasion following large numbers further north.

Over the last few days we have been seeing a mouse in the garden (despite the 2 cats next door). Rodents are not my best subject but I believe it is a Wood Mouse, and attach a photo taken in the early morning poor light. I hope that it survives but I think the odds are stacked against it.
Dave

[Neil Freeman]

Hi Dave,

Looks like a Wood Mouse to me going by the larger ears and eyes and pale underside.

Cheers,

Neil F.

[dave brown]

Thanks Neil for the confirmation of the mouse. Surprisingly it still survives despite the cats smellling around the area. They seem to know of its presence, but equally it must know of them, presumably hence the term playing cat and mouse.
We have not had any luck refinding the Waxwings so presume they have moved on.

TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012.
Today we started off at Walland Marsh seeing the 2 adult Whooper Swans in amongst the flock of Mute Swans. Near Midley we also saw 6 Tree Sparrows and 100 plus Fieldfares, but no sign of the recent Brambling. Then to Scotney Gravel Pits to see 3 Pintails and a Marsh Harrier. Next was a look from the road across the New Diggings (part of the RSPB Reserve) where there was now 4 Great White Egrets. On the opposite side of the road (ARC pit) was 1 Little Egret and 2 Goldeneye. With fairly strong winds we thought that a sea watch maybe worthwhile. In the event it was just Kittiwakes (many), Auks (numerous-mainly Gullimots) and Gannets, with 14 Common Scoter, that were passing. The 3rd Winter Glaucous Gull was patrolling up and down the beach, often landing by the fishing boats and loafing around. At the moment this bird is pretty realiable in its movements and presence, it is seen on most days for most of the day. Often just off the sea end of the concrete road leading to the fishing boats.
We ended the day at Littlestone beach where last weeks Snow Bunting has been joined by a second bird. Its nice to have a mate on cold and windy days with the extra pair of eyes scanning for predators. They are both very tame and will show down to 6 metres.

There is little else to report now with the onset of winter so I will do another blast from the past. This time its a flower called the Marsh Gentian, which I believe has one of the most stunning blue colours in the British wild plant world. The attached photo was taken at a location in Ashdown Forest on the 25 August 2007 where we found 64 spikes in a small fenced area for their protection but alongside a public footpath. We visit Ashdown Forest several times a year as it is a fantastic spot and is the nearest location to us with Silver Studded Blue present. It also holds Black Darter and Small Red Damselfly. On a hot day its great just having a slow walk and letting the wildlife come to you.
Dave

[dave brown]

Winter appears to be here.
For most of the past 7 days the weather has been dire and the wildlife has responded accordingly. To be honest very little wildlife has changed over the past couple of weeks so it has been an easy decision for us to continue with the decorating and house maintenance. Being at home has brought benefits and possibly our last sighting of a butterfly this year. A Red Admiral visited the garden several times on Sunday but its chances of finding any nectar must have been very low. I tried to help by putting out a butterfly solution soaked onto a sponge, but I did not see it feed on it. We have seen Redwings and Fieldfares on most days flying around the area, or sitting at the tops of trees, also Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and today a Common Buzzard. Not bad for an urban garden and a watchful eye (now you know why the decorating takes me so long).
My blast from the past today is mainly for Jack. We have never been to Mull but have viewed it many times from Kilchoan, just across the water. I attach a photo taken on our visit in 2007 of the small daily ferry leaving Kilchoan for Mull, which is the land mass behind. Standing where we were we could, with a telescope, easily see all the different and brightly coloured houses on Tobermory. Mull looked very tempting, but I am not a good sea traveller, and that boat looked small on a big sea. Still the wildlife around Kilchoan was excellant, although I can't say the same for the June weather. I am sure that Jack will enjoy his time on Mull with all the wildlife (once the rain stops).

[dave brown]

The sun brings the birders out, but not the butterflies (well it was only 4 degrees).
SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2012.
Today was most enjoyable with pleasant sunshine but very cold temperatures. We were aware that 5 Waxwings had been seen on Walland Marsh yesterday so it was time to visit one of our regular patches. The news had attracted a number of birders, both local and visitor. Most eventually caught up with the Waxwing although they were quite mobile, as was the 1000 plus Fieldfares and 160 plus Redwings. We saw a total of 4 Waxwings, including 2 feeding close to the road at Cheyne Court. Also present was 6 Tree Sparrows and a large number of Chaffinchs, thanks to the local farmer who puts seed out for the smaller birds. We did not see it but the wintering Crane was reported, as was a Ringtail Hen Harrier.
Next was Dungeness New Diggings and the ARC pit where the Juvenile Black Throated Diver and a Great White Egret were on show. Finally we ended the day at the Orbital Industrial Park at Ashford where 38 Waxwings were showing and feeding close to Kent Paper Works and the Nissan Showroom.
A really good winters day in the field.
Dave

[dave brown]

The Waxwings continue.
Yesterday we had 18 Waxwings visit next doors tree. They rested and trilled for about 10 minutes before flying off east.

Wednesday 5th December 2012.
Another text from a friend had us heading to Hamstreet where 28 Waxwings had been present early morning. We arrived too late to see them but noted a big increase in Fieldfare and Redwing numbers. Next was a visit to Pett Level where we hoped a Hen Harrier or Short Eared Owl may be present. We did not see one and to be honest it was fairly quiet. We then headed to Walland Marsh where the Waxwing flock had increased to 10. The place is still alive with large numbers of Thruhes, and especially Fieldfares. The Lapwing and Golden Plovers numbers are also building so perhaps they will attract something special. Last year it was a Dotterel for a couple of days. Dungeness remains much the same with the 3W Glaucous Gull and the 4 Great White Egrets.

dave

[dave brown]

So far in December we have seen not one butterfly, moth or bee. In fact its been dam cold most days. I think that must be it now until March, but we thought that last year and a good moth turned up (Black Spotted Chestnut on Thanet).
THURSDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2012.
It was bitterly cold at Oare Marsh when we arrived and the poor showing of birds did not warm us up. From the reserve we saw 4 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, Peregrine, 6 Pintail, 6 Snipe and a Little Egret. Otherwise it was the common waders and ducks on offer. Most of the East Flood was frozen over so that explained the absence of birds.
Next was a spot just off the busy A299 near Dargate where 8 Waxwings were on show. We could hear others trilling away below the bridge but we could not see them because of the bushes. These birds were supported by good numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings. We had planned to visit Seasalter, but it was so cold that a warm fire at home was too much of a temptation.
SUNDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2012.
A return visit to Dargate found 22 Waxwings, again supported by good numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings. Next was Hampton, but we failed to see the Purple Sandpiper. A bonus was a Shag that flew by and headed towards Herne Bay. A few have been reported off the Kent Coast this winter although it is still a good Kent bird. The sea was otherwise fairly quiet. Our final visit of the day was to Stodmarsh. Surprisingly we saw no other birders in our visit of one and half hours. A few families were out walking in the bright but cold sunshine. A Brambling flew into the Alder wood calling, as did 2 Siskins but otherwise the wood was quiet. Whilst scanning the distance for Marsh Harriers, of which there was 5, we noticed a Great White Egret siting in the Cormorant tree. Clearly very much bigger than the Cormorants, it preened and seemed reasonably settled, although whether it stays remains to be seen. There was two there earlier in the year so whether this is one of those returning birds is open to debate. Of note was the very large number of Teal and Shoveler present.
MONDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2012.
A successful visit to Johnsons Corner, Hamstreet, found us connecting with 22 Waxwings although 36 have been recorded there today. Next was a tour of Dungeness but little has changed lately. 2 Redhead Smew have arrived on the RSPB but there was no sign of yesterdays Ringed Necked Duck up until the time we left mid afternoon. Duck numbers are still very low for this time of the year. We did see 2 Tree Sparrows around Boulderwall Farm at the entrance track but with no real change it was time for home and a cup of tea.
Hopefully things will improve soon.
Dave

[dave brown]

The Waxwings continue.
TUESDAY 11 DEC 2012.
An excellant start to the day with 2 Waxwings on our berry bush. They did not stay long, nor did they return. They however set the theme for the day with 30 Waxwings at Johnson Corner Hamstreet and a further 25 near the North exit off the B2070 into Hamstreet. A Little Egret was on the Military Canal and 2 Common Buzzards on the edge of Walland Marsh. The Marsh was still full of Fieldfares and Redwings, although the berries are fast disappearing. Next was Pett Level where a female Merlin, 2 Common Buzzards and 2 Marsh Harriers were the highlights. We had hoped that the frozen pits would encourage a Bittern to show itself, but it was not to be.
WEDNESDAY 12 DEC 2012.
Still freezing cold, frozen pits and not too many birds. 4 Rock Pipits fed along the shore and 2 Marsh Harriers over the Swale was encouraging but most waders remained elusive. 14 Reed Buntings fed in the reeds and 9 Snipe sat on the frozen pit, as did at least 100 Dunlin and a few Ringed Plovers. It was time to try elsewhere. A flock of 200 Wigeon sat on the sea at Seasalter. This flock also contained 1 Teal and 1 Pinteal. There was 9 Black Tailed and 1 Bar Tailed Godwit on the shore plus lots of Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew and Grey Plover. Last stop of the day was Dargate where only 8 Waxwings were present.
THURSDAY 13 DEC 2012.
A Black Throated Diver has been present in Dover (Granville) Docks for a few days so today was time to visit. Thanks to the kind Dover Harbour staff who allowed us escorted access to the other side of the fence we were able to enjoy very good views of the bird diving amongst the moored boats. The staff were very friendly and understanding of the needs of us birders who preferred not to have to view through a fence. Also present was a Grey Wagtail and a Rock Pipit. We ended the day at Deal where, looking towards the pier, a flock of 81 Scoter contained at least 4 Velvet Scoter. The white in the wings was a give away every time they took flight. We did check for a Surf Scoter, but perhaps this is a species for the future. There was at least 25 Red Throated and 1 Black Throated Diver in the area, with many more Red Throateds passing at sea. 18 Auks passed at sea all heading west.
A really good few days although the weather has been very cold.
Dave

[dave brown]

WHAT A GOOD WEEKEND (if you ignore the 2 hours on the M25).
SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER 2012.
I have mentioned before that these days we do very little twitching outside of Kent/ East Sussex, however the lure of the Buff-bellied Pipit at the Queen Mother Reservoir, West London, was too much to resist. It should only be about an hour and a half from home, but of course there's the M25 to consider. We travelled late morning and so did very one else. It took us 12 minutes to do the last 1/2 mile having been travelling at 30-40 mph since Junction 7 (M23). Then there is the roadworks from Junction 5 to Clacketts Services. What is it about the M25 that makes it a nightmare most hours of the day. Unlike the organisation of the Buff-bellied Pipit, which was one of the best twitches I have been on. You were greeted at the gate with a friendly smile and full directions to the bird and details of the parking arrangements with the sailing club, plus they had arranged full use of all the facilites of the sailing club. Very handy on a cold and blowey day.
The bird showed well most of the day, although photograhy was difficult in the poor light with my Lumix camera. (I note the new Lumix FZ200 goes down to F2.8 through the range of magnification, but is beyond my pocket at the moment). Earlier people had seen 2 Red KItes, Red Necked Grebe and Long Tailed Duck. The water was very choppy when we was there, even the sailors had retreated to the comfort of the club, so we saw none of those. The locals have raised nearly £800 so far and if it stays over the Christmas period I am sure that it will top £1,000, with proceeds going to the Berkshire Birding Society. A good bird and a very well run Birding Club by a really friendly group of people. 4 Common Buzzards were seen on the journey.
SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER 2012.
Today was a day of more Waxwings. We saw 3 at Hersden (near Sturry), although a group of 25 had been seen a little earlier. Grove Ferry was still full of Fieldfares with well over 1,000. We ended the day at a location south of Canterbury where, after a long wait, 4 Hawfinches came into a pre dusk roost. Our son saw 2 the other side of the wood, but we presume that these may have been part of the 4. Also seen or heard was 6 Siskins, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Tawny Owls and one Little Owl. It was also nice to meet up and chat with a number of the local birding community.

Note- We still have not seen one butterfly or moth this December despite looking hard.

[dave brown]

THE YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE

There has already been many good summaries of the year, supported by an excellant range of photographs, on other Personal Diaries. I do not propose to take this route but rather just do an overall summary. Well 2012 has been an interesting year, mainly because of the poor weather. Infact it was so poor in July that it cost us a pre paid week in Scotland. It was so wet and cold that it would have been a complete waste of time and money, as in the event it rained there every day and temperatures never got above 13 degrees. We had so looked forward to seeing Northern Damselfly, Northern Emerald, Azure Hawker, a range of Orchids, Mountain Ringlet and hopefully an early Scotch Argus. With the exception of the Wall, Meadow Brown and Dingy Skipper all our local butterflies appeared to have a poor, or very poor, year.
It was hard work on some days with butterfly numbers in single figures rather than dozens or hundreds.
Now for our personal highlights, and there was a few. We saw 2 new species of butterflies, Brown Hairstreak (thanks to Neil) and Monarch. We also saw 3 new birds, Western Sandpiper (Cley), Short Billed Dowitcher (Weymouth) and Buff-bellied Pipit (Queen Mother Reservoir). Thanks to the excellant Dungeness Observatory team and a good friend at Ruckinge we managed a few new moths and plants. Dungeness and its very friendly group of watchers managed to keep pulling a few goodies out of the hat when things went quiet. Its a privilege to be a part of that group which ensures full daily coverage of one of Britains best migration spots. We just need someone to find a twitchable Camberwell Beauty or a Large Tortoiseshell and we will all be happy.

TUESDAY 18 DEC 2012.
I am pleased to report that a Peacock butterfly was seen on the RSPB reserve at Dungeness yesterday. Today we saw the usual suspects although duck numbers are building slowly. 2 Great White Egrets were on New Diggings, 2 Goosanders, 2 Smew (male and female) and 3 Marsh Harriers were on Burrows PIt. There was no sign of the long staying Black Throated Diver on New Diggings, but a few Tree Sparrows were around Boulderwall Farm. Most of the Thrushes have moved from Walland Marsh having stripped the berry bushes clean although Tree Sparrows remain near Midley, as does a group of Bewick Swans. We did not look for it ourselves but the Glaucous Gull remains around the fishing boats. The group of Waxwings at Johnsons Corner Hamstreet also appears to have moved on. Little unusual was on Scotney Gravel pits and no sign of the Common Crane which has been seen on a few occasions over the last couple of weeks.

Dave

[dave brown]

THE WOOD MOUSE SURVIVES (for the moment).
Despite the attentions of the local cats the Wood Mouse continues to be seen. It collects seeds and other things we place out for it. I think that this poor weather maybe helping as the neighbours cats much prefer to be home in the warm.

With Christmas fast approaching the number of birders we see out at the moment is very low, although the committed, (perhaps we should be), continue to cover the area. With little new being found on Friday (21st) we decided to visit Pett Level for a change. Little was happening until we were just about to leave when out of nowhere 2 Ravens flew over calling and then landed on the beach. This is the first we have seen them there since the spring. We are sure that they are still local, but this very good bird for East Sussex has remained out of our reach for most of the latter part of the year. Also present was 2 Marsh Harriers, 100 plus Curlew, many Lapwings, a lone Brent Goose and a Common Buzzard.
Next was Scotney Gravel pits where the Barnacle Geese population (feral?) has built up to 80. Impossible to say where they come from although Holland must be high on the agenda. There was no sign of the Common Crane just good numbers of common wildfowl. Lapwing numbers continue to build with small numbers of Golden Plover. Finally a tour around Walland Marsh produced very little really. Fieldfare numbers are now very low and we only saw 2 Marsh Harriers and one Common Buzzard.

SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER 2012.
We really should have been thinking of Christmas shopping but a message informing us of a Great White Egret at Conningbrook Gravel pits (Ashford) sounded better, so 30 minutes later we were watching a Great White Egret and 6 Ltttle Egrets. Late afternoon we went back for second helpings and this time they were joined by 150 Lapwings and 200 Fieldfares. Very little else appeared as darkness fell. With only one day left before Xmas we really should consider some shopping.
We wish everyone a very Happy and peaceful Christmas.
Dave

[dave brown]

In between the usual Christmas family duties we managed to squeeze in a little local birding on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve we revisited
Conningbrook Gravel Pits where the Great White Egret was still present feeding around the eastern edge of the main pit, supported by 3 Little Egrets. A flock of 75 Fieldfares was in the hedgerows and 6 Yellowhammers feeding on a farmers track. Christmas Day was showery but surprising busy on the local roads. A flock of 44 Waxwings was present in trees adjacent to the KIngs Head Public House, Shadoxhurst. We then tried to visit Eastwell Lake but the approach roads were starting to flood in places so we decided to return home and a nice Christmas meal. At least our roads were passable with care, unlike the unfortunate areas in other parts of the country. There seems to be no end in sight for this current spell of very wet weather and some people must be dreading the thought of being flooded for the third time this year. Lets hope for a prolonged dry spell in January.

[dave brown]

With continuing poor weather and little new around, Dungeness has hardly changed for a couple of weeks, I thought that it was time for another blast from the past. This time with a slightly different twist. Not a bird, insect or plant but rather a place. That place lies within our favourite part of Britain, Northern Scotland. The location is good for Large Heath, Azure Hawker, Northern Emerald, White Faced Darter, Golden Ringed Dragonfly, Black and Highland Darter and finally Creeping Ladies Tresses. Obviously not all at the same time but very late June, to end of July, will see you connect with most. That location is called Bridge of Grudie on the A382 between Kinlochewe and Gairloch. If the list of Scottish specialities does not make you mouth water then the scenery will certainly do so. The spot is alongside Loch Maree a mile or so past the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Visitor centre. It's where the River Grudie passes under the A832. The whole area is full of small bogs and is very wet underfoot, so take care. Watch where you walk although we managed it quite easily with only walking boots. We have done several visits to the site and found the area North of the road, near the old bridge, is good for Northern Emerald and Golden Ringed Dragonfly. The area South of the road was best for Azure Hawker, but like any location insects move around so it is best to spend a few hours here and check both sides. Beinn Eighe nature trails are also good for dragonflies but has more visitors. Slatterdale is the new hot spot for Azure Hawker and is further along the road, just past the Loch Maree Hotel.
The scenery between Achnasheen and Gairloch is some of the most beautiful in Britain and is worth the visit alone. The A832 is a pretty good road, having been upgraded in recent years. You also stand a good chance of seeing White Tailed Eagle and Merlin around Loch Maree, with Otter at nearby Gairloch. So if you are staying in the Aviemore or Inverness area in late June or July treat yourself to a day out and be blown away by the scenery, and stand a chance of some good insects at the same time.

PS. This site and all this information is in the public domain, including several Site Guide books. However, it is remote and visitor numbers to the Bridge of Grudie are very low. The most we have seen is 3 others when we visited in early July 2006.