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WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2011.
After the stunning moth and a mega bird the next day was very quiet. No decent birds and very few butterflies, so a phone call from a friend inviting me to view another good moth early on Wednesday came as bit of a surprise. He traps near Hamstreet and had another excellant moth called Clifden Nonpareil. A large moth with a beautiful pattern and when its wings were open there was this splendid blue colour. There can't be many better moths than this and it was a new one for us. It is a very scarce migrant, but is suspected of breeding in Kent. Other moths in the trap included Dark Chestnut, Chestnut, Large Wainscott, Lunar Underwing, Yellow Line Quarker, Sallow, Barred Sallow, Angle Shades, Vines Rustic, Hebrew Character, Shuttle Shaped Dart, Silver Y, White Spot and Rosy Rustic.
Not a bad haul for this time of the year and certainly welcome during this barren spell for butterflies.
Dave

A HAT TRICK DAY
No, not bowling for England, but rather our 3rd good moth this week. On Thursday 6th October we arrived at Dungeness Observatory to see a CRIMSON SPECKLED which had been trapped. This is another very attractive and rare migrant moth. It appears that there has been a small influx into Britain this past week, and even got a mention on BBC Autumnwatch. The attached photo shows it to be a very eye catching moth, and one we have only seen once previously in many years of wildlife watching. Also present was a Vestal moth. Birds seen during th day included the seemingly resident Great White Egret, Hobby, 18 House Martins, 2 Artic Skuas and a Wheatear. Driving back through Walland marsh we were pleased to see 11 Red Admirals and a late Hobby.
Friday 7th October 2011.
We did visit Dungeness to look for the Glossy Ibis but to no avail. It was really very quiet, although we did see the Great White Egret again.
Saturday 8th October 2011.
A trip to Oare Marsh proved disappointing with only 3 Little Stints and 200 Avocets of note. Again we could not find any Clouded Yellows at a location which has proved very good on previous years.

We put many hours into our hobby out in the field but many are disappointing, just like the last two days. It is always the chance of a good day that inspires us to keep trying.
Dave

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2011
Today was a good day and justified our many trips to Dungeness. Nothing mega was seen but rather a steady stream of good things. There was clearly an influx of Red Admirals going on. We actually saw a few come in off the sea. In total we saw 32, including 2 resting on the fishing boats. They must have been exhausted. We are aware that the Warden saw over 70 around the recording area. Sea watching for nearly 3 hours produced 1 Balareric Shearwater, 21 Great Skuas, 15 Artic Skuas, 1020 Brent Geese, 75 Common Scoter, 2 Razorbills, 25 Sandwich Terns, 10 Common Terns, 1 Artic Tern and 2 Red Throated Divers. Turning our attention to the land we saw the Great White Egret, an adult Yellow Legged Herring Gull, 10 Siskins and the more common waders. A tour of Walland Marsh produced the 2 Common Cranes, 3 Common Buzzards, Hobby, 12 Swallows, Sparowhawk and a late Whinchat. A really enjoyable day.
MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2011.
Back to normal. Dungeness only produced 21 Red Admirals so clearly many must have made their way inland. Birding was quiet with just a Merlin of note. 4 late House Martins were around Walland Marsh.
TUESDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2011.
A trip to Pett Level today for a change. We were hoping for a few migrants but in reality only 29 Swallows and 5 Little Egrets were noteworthy. Calling in at Walland Marsh on the way home we were pleased to see 8 Red Admirals and 3 Large Whites hanging on in the late autumn sunshine. We keep thinking the season must be over, but out pops the sunshine and a few more butterflies appear.
Dave

WED 12TH OCTOBER 2011
A visit to Oare Marsh produced little of note, although a Ring Tail Hen Harrier hunted the eastern edge and a Peregrine sent everything into panic on several occasions. Otherwise only 2 Little Stints, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 200 Avocts were of note.
THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2011.
We decided to try the moth trap for probably the last time this year. Only 3 moths were caught. Red Line Quaker, Common Marbled Carpet and a Large Yellow Underwing. A visit to Dungeness found that they had fared little better, although the Vestal and Mallow which they had trapped are unlikely to visit our garden.
It was quiet on the bird front, with only a Common Crossbill and Rock Pipit of note.
FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2011.
Today was warmer and the wind easterly so we visited Shuart Farm near Minnis Bay. A very elusive YELLOW BROWED WARBLER was seen and heard on two occasions. Also a few Redwings were passing overhead. Butterflies were on the wing with 8 Red Admirals and 1 Large White. A check of the Willow Emerald site at Chislet failed to find any so that is probably it for this year.
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2011.
Another warm day with easterly winds so a visit to Dungeness was on the cards. We arrived at the Observatory just as they were about to release a PALLAS'S WARBLER in front of about 60 people. Its a few years since we have seen such a crowd there to witness this event. About half the crowd were visitors from the RSPB on one of their migration watch days. For many this must have been their first rarity and what better way than to see it close in the hand. This was supported by a fine Sparrowhawk and a number of Redpolls in a variety of different attire. Some of which were suggestive of Mealy (or Common) Redpoll with a fairly whiteish and lightly streaked rump. A Firecrest was seen in the moat and the PECTORAL SANDPIPER was on Hookers Pit. For a change the number of species of Butterflies seen increased with 2 Peacocks, 5 Red Admirals, Large White and 4 Speckled Woods.
Another good period of nature watching.
Dave

SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2011
For a change we thought that we would check Hamstreet Woods. It was warm and sunny so there was a chance of late butterflies, also we were hoping for a flock of Crossbills as many have been reported at migration points. Alas, we saw no butterflies, neither Crossbills, but we did see a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and 38 Redpolls before a Sparrowhawk flew over and sent most things into hiding. After checking a few local fields we decided it was time for home and a cup of coffee. We had just made a cup when news of a Daurian Shrike at Cliffe Pools broke. An hour or so late we were looking at a superb male DAURIAN SHRIKE. It was a little stunner but beyond the range of most cameras on site. This was a race of the Isabelline Shrike, although most authorities now treat Daurian and Turkestan Shrike as seperate species. We have seen both races/ species in Kent with the last Daurian Shrike on Worth Marshes in 1993. It attracted many Kent birders and others from afar.
MONDAY 17th -THURSDAY 20th OCTOBER 2011.
During this period we stuck to local patch watching hoping for something special. It was not to be, but we did see 2 Wheatears, a flock of 30 Skylarks, Little Egret, several Common Buzzards, 4 Fallow Deer and several Red Admirals. The weather was really nice, although cold at times, but the wildlife did not quite match up.
Hopefully next week will bring better goodies.
Dave

I have attached a record shot of the Daurian Shrike at Cliffe. I really can't afford the cost of some of lens used by birders these days so I have to accept what I can produce with my Lumix camera.
SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER 2011.
A trip to Oare Marshes did not produce anything of real note. A Little Stint, 2 Rock Pipits and a Common Buzzard were the best. Whilst we were there news broke of a Great Grey Shrike that had been seen at Oare 2 hours earlier but despite us searching for a couple of hours it must have moved on.
SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2011.
Today we visited Reculver marshes and caught up with the Rough Legged Buzzard that had been present for a few days. It was quite distant and elusive but we had reasonable views in the morning. We discussed leaving and checking other locations but for some strange reason we carried on looking for migrants, then at 13.15 hrs we picked up a raptor over Minnis Bay. It was clearly a OSPREY and probably the latest we have ever seen. It then flew over Reculver Marsh at 13.20 hrs and headed inland towards Grove Ferry. It was time to track it. Not via the Roy Dennis tracking satellite system but the good old follow that bird in the car. We arrived at Grove Ferry at 13.45 hrs just in time to see it pass over, then over Stodmarsh at 13.50 hrs still heading south. Other birds at Reculver were Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk. In good weather we saw a Red Admiral and Large White plus a Migrant Darter and Common Darter.
So not quite over yet.
Dave

SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2011
Dungeness had been fairly quiet during the week, although good numbers of Common Redpolls were still being ringed, so we decided to try East Kent for a change. We started at Sandwich Bay where we located a fine looking Firecrest in the Elms. What a smart looking bird the Firecrest is. It is often under rated when compared to similar rarities at this time of the year. Over the Elms we saw 1 Crossbill, 15 Siskins, 6 Redpolls, 5 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Restharrow pool saw a Jack Snipe. Once located it was was easy to keep track of because of its habit of contant bobbing. Also there was 12 Snipe and a very late Curlew Sandpiper.
Insects were represented by a late Small White sunning itself and a Migrant Hawker.
Next stop was Stodmarsh where a GLOSSY IBIS was on view from the Marsh Hide. This bird had been present a couple of days so it was no surprise when it walked up out of a ditch and preened. Just as nice was the 5 Water Pipits present, two of which gave decent views. 2 Water Rails were heard giving their scream call.
The warm weather attracted 11 Common Darters, 1 Migrant Hawkers and 2 Red Admirals.
SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2011
For once Dungeness let us down and very little of note was recorded. A late Mallow moth was on show, but otherwise the note book stayed closed.
WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2011.
We received a message saying that a Juvenile Purple Heron was present along Dengemarsh but it had clearly moved on time we arrived. The Great White Egret was still present on Hookers pit, as was a Bittern, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers and a Stonechat.
Hopefully this month will still bring a few late surprises.
Dave

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2011
The weather this weekend in Kent was poor but not impossible. It was dull, cloudy and with long periods of fine rain. There was no chance of any flying insects,
but as it turned out 2 good moths were caught in the traps at Dungeness.
We started at West Hythe where after a wait of nearly two hours the Juvenile ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD suddenly appeared on top of a bush. The light and distance made photography impossible but good views were had through the telescope. A Common Buzzard was also present, with a Grey Wagtail on the canal.
A flock of 50 dark geese flew over but proved diffcult to identify. The feeling was they were Dark Beliied Brents, but came from over land and headed out to sea, so a little confusing but not an unknown flight pattern.
Next call was Dungeness where the 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was on view at the fishing boats. The ARC pit held a Long Tailed Duck and a Goldeneye.
We ended the day checking Walland Marsh hoping to see the Pallid Harrier seen the previous day. Despite waiting for the harriers to come into roost the Pallid failed to show to the assembled crowd of 30 or so souls braving the poor weather.
SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2011.
If anything the weather was slightly worse than yesterday with the added factor of a cold wind. All we could do was catch up on the two rare moths caught the previous day. The first was a fine RED HEADED CHESNUT on the RSPB reserve. Thank you to the friendly staff on duty that day who arranged viewing for any one interested. The second was a COSMOPOLITAN caught at the Observatory. Again, thank you to the observatory team for the viewing. Both moths are rare to Britain and especially Kent.
The other highlight of the day was the mass arrival of Blackbirds. Although we did not see them all the obs counted well over 1,200 around the recording area.
An impressive sight indeed.
Dave

dave brown wrote:The other highlight of the day was the mass arrival of Blackbirds. Although we did not see them all the obs counted well over 1,200 around the recording area.
An impressive sight indeed.

Hiya Dave,

seeing some 1200 Blackbirds "chukking" away in The Desert must have been almost as rare as the moths - and a somewhat more obvious indicator of mass dispersal. Wish I'd been there to witness the spectacle! I did have a similar experience on Portland a few years back, almost every rock, boulder and small bush had a Robin perched on top. No idea of numbers, but certainly many hundreds fresh in from the continent. It's always going to be a thrill catching up with a Daurian Shrike or Pallid Harrier, but these mass influxes can be just as rewarding (although I guess I'd probably retract that statement if the bird in question was a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater or Prothonotory Warbler, lol)

Keep up the good birding mate, it always makes for an interesting read!

Gibster.

A missed Kent birding experience.
Gibster, thanks for your encouragement. You mentioned that the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater would be a very rewarding bird to see and indeed it is the sort of bird that most birders get excited about. So I will bite the bullet and tell about my biggest Kent dip to date. Yes it invoved the Blue- cheeked Bee-eater, present for a few hours at St Margarets on the 22nd July 2009. On that day I was at work in an important meeting when the news first broke. I am not one to panic easily, so I took stock and felt that a bird such as this was likely to fly off once it had rested from its migration flight, and indeed it was quite mobile from all accounts. However, one hour later it was still in the area and being seen on and off. Well that was it, Chairman of the meeting or not, I made an excuse to close the meeting suddenly, (those who know me well realised something was about as I had received a couple of calls), and departed for home to pick up the car and family. An hour or so later we arrived at St Margarets and after eventually finding somewhere to park we walked into a field to be told that the bird had flown.
Yes, it had flown and straight towards us. My son suddenly said I can hear the Bee-eater near us. He was right, we could all hear it, but could I pick it up to see it. No, is the answer. He did though and said there it is and despite him and others pointing and giving directions I still could not see it. So my son has Blue-Cheeked Bee-eater on his list and my wife and I do not, despite us standing near him. It was not seen again, and now every time someone mentions Blue-cheek Bee-eater he just looks at us and smiles. Oh, to be young again with super vision and no need for glasses.
Dave

Okay, what’s going on? It’s mid November and yesterday I was wearing just a tee shirt in the garden. Yesterday we walked along the beach at Margate and the temperature was 15-16 degrees, warmer than most June days. We even saw 2 Red Admirals flying around, one at Minnis Bay and one near Reculver. Mind you I am not complaining, it is really good to have such warm days to enjoy.

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2011.
The good moth theme continued, when following a call from a friend we were able to enjoy another Red Headed Chestnut, supported by Scarce Umber, Mervelle du jour, Silver Y, Chestnut and December moth. What a good, but strange mix for mid November. In a field viewed from his house we could see a GREAT WHITE EGRET, Common Buzzard and 8 Little Egrets. The Great White is clearly a different bird to that seen at Dungeness as that bird is still present on Dengemarsh. What a brilliant hour or so of nature watching.

SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2011.
Today we visited Margate to view the EASTERN BLACK REDSTART which had been present for 2 days. Although it is only a sub species of the Black Redstart it is a little stunner and was attracting a lot of attention from twitchers and non birders alike. I was a little surprised to see so many birders with numbers approaching 40 during the time we were there, and some clearly having travelled a distance. This bird is of the form found around Turkey and Western Asia and certainly looks more attractive than the normal form seen in Britain.
Also seen 5 Rock Pipits, 50 plus Sanderling, 5 Gannets and a Red Breasted Merganser. At Minnis Bay we noted 8 Eider, a scarce but regular duck off the Kent Coast. We spent the rest of the day enjoying the fine late autumn weather.

A good end to a most enjoyable weekend.

Dave

TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2011
I had said to myself to give Dungeness a miss for a few days to catch up on the decorating before the onset of the real cold weather, but the excellant Observatory Warden and loyal group of local watchers were determined to mess up my plans. So it was that today they found a 1st winter Desert Wheatear near the observatory. A good rare bird for Britain and enough to entice us down to Dung for a view, but obviously not exciting enough for others as only four other people were searching when we arrived. It was late afternoon when my son relocated it near the old lighthouse and so the gathering group of only 8 people were able to enjoy decent views of this rare bird. The poor record shot reflects the dullness of the day with overall cloud and some mist, but probably the very reason why it sought the safety of land in the first place.
Dungeness was otherwise very quiet except for a Raven near the Power Station, and a Merlin over the approach road. I also saw a late Red Admiral earlier in the day near home.
Back to the decorating, with one ear on the mobile.
Dave

The butterfly sightings continue, just.
FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2011.
Today we checked the Hamstreet area and saw last weekends GREAT WHITE EGRET near the garden centre, along with 6 Little Egrets. It looks right at home with its smaller cousins so hopefully will remain for some time. Next was Warehorne and to our surprise we saw 3 Common Darters and a Red Admiral enjoying the late autumn sunshine. We then moved around the area and saw our first big flocks of Fieldfares this autumn. 3 Flocks totalled 210 along with 5 Redwings and another Red Admiral. We ended up at Dungeness ARC pit where a new GREAT WHITE EGRET was on show from Hanson hide. The long staying bird was still present on Hookers pit.
SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2011.
Time to visit Oare Marshes for a change where things were fairly quiet, although a Short Eared Owl hunted near the car park from mid afternoon. A Water Pipit was seen from the West Hide and 2 Greenshanks flew over. Otherwise it was much the same as on previous visits. It was a beautiful day and worth the walk around the reserve even if wildlife was thin on the ground..
SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2011
Another sunny and enjoyable day, not like a usual November day at all. The ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD was showing at West Hythe on our arrival before it headed off to the nearby hills, presumably to feed. Another Red Admiral was seen. Next was Dungeness ARC pit where the GREAT WHITE EGRET was on show, together with the Long Tailed Duck, a Redhead Smew, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Kingfishers (one fishing in front of the hide), Water Rail and Cettis Warbler. Dengemarsh held the second GREAT WHITE EGRET, a Little Egret and Marsh Harrier.
A most enjoyable weekend.
Dave

So how long until these GWEs start to breed down at Rommey/on the Dungeness peninsular, I wonder????

How many are there?
Well Gibster, breeding Great White Egrets could be on the cards. It may help if we could work out exactly how many there are in Kent at present. In my view there is a minimum of four and possibly as many as seven or eight. There are 2 at Dungeness, 1 at Hamstreet, 2 at various locations on the Isle of Sheppey, 2 have been seen near Appledore and 1 seen at Chartham and Ashford. Clearly there is some duplication going on, but as many are being seen on the same day numbers may be greater than we think. Some are hanging around with Little Egrets, and as that species is breeding in Britain there is some hope for the Greats.
FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2011.
Due to decorating a quick afternoon visit to Dungeness was all we could achieve. A two hour visit to the ARC Pit produced the Great White Egret and 5 Little Egrets. Several flight views of a Bittern, the Long Tailed Duck, 3 Redhead Smew, a female Goldeneye, Pintail, Gadwall and all the usual ducks.
SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2011.
A quick visit to Hamstreet found 2 Great White Egrets along the Military Canal near the Garden Centre. These two looked attached to each other and could well be a male/ female pair. They followed each other everywhere and stood next to one another for long periods. If only it was April this could have been interesting. The local woods were fairly quiet so most birds must be moving into the gardens now as the natural food supply runs down with the steady drop in temperature.
It has been a most enjoyable November with warm days and late butterflies. Regretably, thats probably it butterfly wise until next March, but you never know.
Dave

How many are there, update?
Following on from my previous update we visited Capel Fleet on the Isle of Sheppey yesterday. The main reason was to look for raptors at this well known raptor hotspot, but we also took the opportunity to look for the Great White Egret(s). We were successful with one Great White Egret being seen on two occasions in the afternoon. The question is, did we see one or two different birds. The second was seen some 100 metres from the first, although the first bird was out of view we had not seen it move though the reedbed or along any of the ditches. The sighting was from the RSPB viewpoint where two birds have been seen together on occasions. Either way a good bird see and part of the influx into Kent.
Other birds seen include 9 Marsh Harriers, 2 Ringtail Hen Harriers, Sparrowhawk, 15 Corn Buntings and 150 Brent Geese. We left before dusk so did not see any of the reported Short Eared or Barn Owls.
A really enjoyable day, but too cold for any insect activity for our second weekend running.
Dave

No chance of any butterfly activity here in Kent over the last few days, with cold and wet windy weather. The best we could manage insect wise was one Humble Bee at New Romney, and that looked out of place in between the showers.
THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2011.
We drove around the Eastwell area to follow up the previous days sighting of a Rough Legged Buzzard. It was more sensible than us and, if still present, was clearly sitting up in a tree out of the wind and rain.
FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2011.
A visit to West Hythe found the Rough Legged Buzzard immediately on arrival. It was flying around its chosen home of the old quarry and hunting by hovering every hundred metres or so.
Next was the ARC pit at Dungeness, which for once was disappointing. We did see the Great White Egret and 4 LIttle Egrets, but most of the ducks and waders had gone. Neither was there any sign of a Bittern, although one had been seen from Hanson hide earlier in the day. A chiffchaff was following the Long Tailed Tit flock. A water Rail was in front of the hide, 30 Pintail flew over the pit, a female Goldeneye was present and 17 Tree Sparrows were near the car park.
A check of the point found the bushes quiet except for a Stonechat and 2 distant Marsh Harriers, a drive around Walland Marsh failed to locate the possible Pallid Harrier, which was seen 10 days ago but not since. Apparently it is a very orange Harrier showing the features of Pallid and is presumably the same Pallid that was seen a month ago. Thats hope its seen well enough and long enough for all to enjoy.
SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2011.
No birding today but it was much warmer in the sun. Perhaps there is still a chance of a December butterfly yet. We will keep looking.
Dave

How many are there, update upon update?
I have been made aware that 4 Great White Egrets were seen on the Isle of Sheppey during the week. These 4, together with the 2 at Hamstreet and 2 at Dungeness, make a minimum of 8 in Kent. This bodes well for the spring. Hopefully they will meet up somewhere and who knows. Its relative, the Little Egret, spread very quickly throughout Britain. It went from rarity status to breeding status and just about everywhere within 20 years. Probably one species that has benefited from Global warming, a willingness to wander and an increase in Nature Reserves. This is unlike many of our butterfly species, where colonies have become isolated from each other and most now relaying on mans desire to protect ancd manage their habitat. If only we could turn the clock back I am sure that things could be so much better for wildlife, now that we understand their needs.
SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2011.
We decided upon another visit to Elmley RSPB. No particular reason, but everywhere else was quiet. We presume that was because everyone was in Norfolk watching the Western Sandpiper at Cley, so little was being checked elsewhere. We saw 30 Whitefronted Geese, 1 Tundra Bean Goose, 2 Marsh Harriers, a Ringtail Hen Harrier, Little Egret, but best of all a GREAT WHITE EGRET flew over the entrance track at 12.15 hours, then over Kingshill Farm and finally lost to view when it came down the other side of the flood. We shall assume that it is one of the existing birds rather than a new bird, but you never know. They are an oddity in flight. Big (Grey Heron size) and white with a obvious stonking great yellow bill and very long trailing legs.
Next was Capel Fleet and Leysdown. Currently a Short Eared Owl hot spot with a minimum of 11 seen in the afternoon from about 14.00 hours. Most fairly close to road at the end of Leysdown or the road that goes through Capel Fleet. One Barn Owl, 12 Marsh Harriers, Ringtail Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 11 Corn Bunting and 2 Green Sandpipers. Strangley we saw no Merlin or Peregrine, but thats not to say they are not there. A really enjoyable day.
Dave

WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER 2011.
An insect at last. A moth flew into our kitchen after we opened the door to put something in the recycle bin. It turned out to be a poor condition Winter moth and not the more expected December moth.
THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2011.
The weather was poor to say the least but we thought it may be worth checking Dungeness as you never know what the poor weather will disperse. Not much was the answer. In fact the only new thing of note was a 1st Winter Caspian Gull, otherwise much the same as before.
FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2011.
We checked a local copse to find that one Long Eared Owl had returned for the winter. Hopefully more will join it soon. We then moved on one of Kents best winter sites for Hawfinch near Canterbury. Despite a 2 hour wait until 15.30 hrs we failed to see any. May be its a little early, or more likely the tree felling currently underway may have distrurbed them. It was not without its treats though as we saw flocks of 4 and 3, plus a single, of Brambling. Several Siskins were seen, together with a Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.
SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2011.
There was no sign of yesterdays Great Northern Diver off Samphire Hoe (Dover), nor the one at Hythe. Also the wintering Rough Legged Buzzard was not at its usual spot at West Hythe. There was one Purple Sandpiper on the sea front at Hythe. There was also a large number of Med Gulls off Copt Point, Folkestone. At least 40 were flying around the area with most being adult birds. In my view this is still the best place in Britain to see them in Winter, although numbers are down from the 100 plus figures of ten years ago. We then made our way home through the Shopping chaos known as Christmas. It now seems to be a contest on how many shopping bags you can carry in the two weeks before the 25th, only limited by how much is left on the credit card. We still enjoy it though.
Dave

SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2011.
We started the day by driving around the Dymchurch and New Romney area, basically just looking. A Common Buzzard and Little Egret were seen near St Mary in the Marsh. As usual we called in at Dungeness, more in hope than anticiaption. The sea was interesting with lots of auks, mainly Guillemots, but a few Razorbills were identified, and kittiwakes. Additional sightings included a Black Throated Diver, several Gannets and 8 Common Scoter. A Slavonian Grebe tried to hide in the vegetation at the ARC pit but little esle seen there. Our last port of call was Pett Level where 5 White Fronted Geese and 4 Pint Footed Geese were on show from the road. Whist watching the geese a Raven dropped down in front of us. This was unexpected as we have not seen one there since the spring. Finally 2 Common Buzzards were flying around in the background.
During the day, at an unnamed location, we had the pleasure of seeing a female Ruddy Duck. This is now a very scarce bird since the Goverment decided to blast them out the sky, or the reedbeds, at vast expense. I understand all the arguments for doing it, but I personally think the money could have been better spent on buying land for nature conservation in general, thus protecting far more species. I just hope that other countries support the White Headed Duck as much as us, otherwise its been in vain.
Dave