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Is it January? Is it March? Or is it both?
Well the date is certainly early January, but the temperatures are more like mid March. The moth we saw today is March both by name and nature. The March Moth does not usually appear until late February or early March so todays sighting in the hand is almost 6 weeks early. It must surely be as a result of temperatures around 10-12 degrees over recent days, despite the dull light.
In between Xmas duties and decorating we have squeezed in a little nature watching.
30 DECEMBER 2012
The Great White Egret remained on Conningbrook Gravel pits with 3 Little Egrets and a Peregrine. Next stop was Elmley RSPB where 26 Ruff, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard where along the entrance track. Funton produced 100 Avocets and lots of Pintail and Wigeon. Near Leysdown, at the junction with the Harty Ferry Road, we saw a flock of 13 Waxwings feeding in roadside bushes. Finally we saw 5 Brambling in with 200 Chaffinches feeding on Sunflower seed around Muswell Manor. 25 more Waxwings were at Bobbing near the Jenny Wren pub.
01 JANUARY 2013.
We anticiapted that Dungeness would be crowded to overflowing, and by all accounts it was, so we headed to Grove Ferry and only found 4 other birders there.
9 Waxwings were present near the viewing ramp. The reedbeds produced Stonechat, Cettis Warbler, Bearded Tit, Ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard, Water Pipit, Snipe and Little Egret. There was 4 Bewick Swans on Chislet Marshes and to end the day we watched 4 Hawfinches come into roost at the site near Canterbury.
02 JANUARY 2013.
A Waxwing visited our next door neighbours TV ariel for 5 minutes in the morning. It may have been looking for its mates judging by the numbers appearing in Kent at the moment.
04 JANUARY 2013.
Now that visitor numbers will be lower due to people returning to work it was time to visit Dungeness. What a good day. We started on Walland Marsh seeing the wintering Common Crane, 2 Whooper Swans, 29 Bewick Swans, Merlin, 4 Tree Sparrows, 2 Marsh Harriers and 30 Fieldfares. Next stop was the ARC pit to see a fine male Smew accompanied by 3 females. Then the opposite with 3 male Goldeneyes with 1 female (trouble brewing there). 1 Great White Egret with many Shoveller, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Lapwing. There was 2 Great White Egrets and a Little Egret on New Diggings. Burrowes Pit produced Goosander, 12 Pintails, 3 Goldeneyes and many Wigeon. 3 Tree Sparrows were present around Boulderwall Farm. The sea was exciting with the Glaucous Gull still present, 24 Gannets, 12 Kittiwakes, 5 Razorbills, many Auks, Red Throated Divers and Great Crested Grebes. We ended the day at Scotney Gravel pits and the place was heaving with birds. The number of Golden Plover must have been 5,000 plus a few thousand Lapwing. Very large numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and 8 Pintail. Also one Slavonian Grebe, Marsh Harrier and 5 Whitefronts. What a brillant day.
05 JANUARY 2013.
Intending to have a lazy day today a message informing us of a Bean Goose on Scotney soon changed that. We picked up the Tundra Bean Goose almost immediatley on arrival, along with 12 Pintail and yesterdays Slavonian Grebe. The large numbers of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Wigeon remained. We again saw the Common Crane near the Woolpack Inn.
We ended the day at our friends house enjoying views of the March Moth, 2 Mottled Umbers, Chestnut and Early Moth. Another good day in the field.

Dave

One becomes Two.
Not only does our garden Wood Mouse survive the local cats but it has now been joined by another (Mrs?). This second one appears to have whiter cheeks but I have no idea whether its a pair or just two Wood Mice. We have taken to feeding them by leaving hearts, other seeds and the odd piece of cheese. All taken quite quickly as they dart to and fro.
Birding has taken a back seat recently as we catch up on decorating although we have still squeezed in a little watching. On Tuesday a days local birding produced 3 Little Egrets on Conningbrook and a nice male Goosander on Eastwell Lake. On Wednesday (9th Jan) news of 2 Scaup sent us to Oare Marshes where we enjoyed views of a male and female Scaup on the East Flood. Also 6 Pintail, Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harriers and 250 Brent Geese (on the Swale). The light was too poor for photographs of the Scaup, which would have been nice as these are now a scarce bird in Kent.
On Wednesday there had been a mass movement of Auks off the Dungeness coast. At least 30,000 birds, of which 18,000 were Razorbills. This must have been an impressive sight and certainly most unusual for Kent. The next day a further 12,000 were logged, again with the majority being Razorbills. We did not go out until the afternoon (Thursday) by which time the big movement had ceased, although we did see good numbers of both Gullimot and Razorbill. These were joined by Red Throated Divers and at least 20 Kittiwakes. Another feature at present is the large number of Great Crested Grebes in the bay with estimates of at least 2,000.
The ARC pit held a Great White Egret, 3 Goldeneyes, Little Egret, many Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveller and Teal. Finally 2 Chiffchaffs were at the Dungeness end of the pit. Our first this year.
We ended the day checking the waders around the coast between Lade and St Marys Bay but found nothing out of the ordinary, just more auks sitting on the sea.
Dave

With snow falling across quite a few counties today I thought that I would try and cheer you up with a reminder of a real goodie to look forward to. That goodie is the Chequered Skipper. For most UK members that means a very long journey (except for Jack), and possibly as part of a holiday, in what can only be described as a stunning part of the British Isles. Most visitors from the South head for the nearest location, namely Glasdrum, which can be very busy at the peak times. We made such a journey in June 2011 and the attached photo of the entrance welcome sign was taken just before 6am. It was nice and sunny until about 9am when cloud and drizzle arrived. Needless to say we saw none that morning but luckily we caught up with Chequered Skipper later in the week at Strontian. It will be interesting to see how the species, and others, fare this year following the appalling weather of 2012.

SUNDAY 13 JAN 2013
Today was a mix of family visiting and birding. We stopped by the beach at Seasalter where there was good numbers of common waders, including a big group of Curlew. We then checked the area around the Tesco's and the adjacent estate at Whitstable where a flock of Waxwings had been present, but no sign today. Our final call was Hampton Pier near Herne Bay where 2 Purple Sandpipers were present, along with a adult Med Gull, 14 Brent Geese, 7 Red Throated Divers and 2 Common Scoter. Two geese seen flying very briefly between houses near Swalecliffe were probably Egyptian, but the views were too brief for positive ID. There is not much else that looks like them but this would be an unusual sighting for North Kent. The day was very dull and bitterly cold so it was nice to get home in the warm.
TUESDAY 15 JAN 2013
A visit to Pett Level produced 2 Whitefronted Geese, 2 Common Buzzard and 2 Marsh Harriers. Otherwsie it was just good numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Curlew and Lapwing. There was no sign of the Common Crane on Walland, just Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier. The ARC pit was very quiet with just 2 Goldeneye and many Shoveler of note. A Firecrest was showing near the Willow Trail and finally a Great White Egret was on New Diggings. Nearby Scotney was really quiet after the excesses of last week. Most of the Geese and Ducks had disappeared and very few Lapwings or Golden Plover were present.
THURSDAY 17JAN 2013.
Scotney was much better today with most of the geese (feral) returning. Good numbers of Wigeon but best of all was 2 Slavonian Grebes showing in the middle bay of the pit. Another visit to the ARC pit produced a female Smew, Redwing and 3 Marsh Harriers, otherwise much the same as the last few visits. 2 Great White Egrets and 1 Little Egret on the New Diggings but still no sign of the Common Crane on Walland. Despite the cold quite a few insects, mainly knats, were on the wing and providing food for the roving Tit flocks.
With the weather we have just had, and that forecast, I think there is little chance of any moths or butterflies here in Kent for the rest of January. Roll on spring.

Like most people we have stayed indoors the last few days. However, we have still enjoyed some wildlife. The first goodie to visit the garden was a Redwing, followed by Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush and perhaps best of all, a female Blackcap. This species has become more common in winters over the last decade. They could be birds that no longer migrate back to Africa but more likely they have moved off the cold continent. Four Lapwings, 10 Fieldfares and 2 Skylarks flew over yesterday and today a Sparrowhawk passed through the garden looking for a snack. Finally both Wood mice have been showing on and off.
Its interesting to note the increase in numbers visiting the feeders. Chaffinchs are up to seven, Greenfinches five and Blackbirds seventeen. Hopefully this cold snap is just short and we can get back normal soon.

Despite the cold and snow we have actually enjoyed a few good days of nature watching.
TUESDAY 22 JAN 2013. DUNGENESS AREA
The day started at the ARC pit watching the seemingly resident GREAT WHITE EGRET, along with 3 Goldeneye, 2 Marsh Harriers and a male Merlin. Over the road at New Diggings a male Smew was joined by 5 females. 2 Goldeneye also present. A visit to Scotney pit found the usual birds with an increase in numbers of Wigeon, Redwing and Fieldfare. A look over the sea still found good numbers of Gullimots, Razorbills, Gannets, Kittiwakes and Red Throated Divers. Nearby the sailing club at Littlestone produced 2 very showy Snow Buntings. These were probably the birds seen before Xmas a couple of miles away, although one seemd to have a habit of cocking its tail. A feature not noted on the other two.
WEDNESDAY 23 JAN 2013. PETT LEVEL AND DUNGENESS
Following a period of bad weather we thought a check of Pett Level would be beneifical but it was much as normal except for a flock of 90 Brent Geese feeding at the village end. Numbers of Wigeon had increased here also. Next was Scotney Pit where a Bean Goose and 2 Whitefronted Geese were in with the feral flock of Greylags and Barnacle Geese. The ARC pit held the usual Great White Egret and good numbers of common duck. 2 Marsh Harriers hunted for their lunch. Just as we were leaving a flock of 28 White Fronted Geese flew over the car park and headed towards the Visitor Centre. On New Diggings was 3 Great White Egrets, 1 Little Egret and 14 female Smew, but no sign of the white males. A drive along Dengemarsh found 2 Ravens and 2 more Marsh Harriers. During the day we had also seen a fine male Ruddy Duck (see Fridays notes).
FRIDAY 25 JAN 2013.
The first thing we noticed on arrival at Dungeness was the distinct lack of duck and waders on most of the pits. Someone told us that a Ruddy Duck shoot had occured the previous day. If true that would explain the absence of duck, in particular the Ruddy Duck. The Great White Egret was still on the ARC pit along with a few Wigeon and Goldeneye. Scotney still held 2 White Fronted Geese and many Wigeon. We spent a little time sea watching near Littlestone where the surprise was a female Smew flying past. A flock of 75 Common Scoter kept flying to and fro but most of the Auks, Gannets and Red Throated Divers were heading West.
SATURDAY 26 JAN 2013.
We started with a sea watch near Littlestone and this time we found a Velvet Scoter in with the Common Scoter flock. Easy to identify when flying withtheir obvious white flashes in the wings. Large numbers of Auks, Gannets and Red Throated Divers still passing West. Nearby the 2 Snow Buntings were still present and again showing well. The 3 winter Glaucous Gull was showing well by the fishing boats. This time there was 2 Great White Egrets and 3 Marsh Harriers on the ARC/ New Diggings. The RSPB approach track produced 7 Barnacle Geese, these are believed to be the real thing as they were seen arriving with 6 White Fronted Geese of which one was still present. (The feral flock of Barnacle Geese are still present at Scotney and their numbers have remained constant).
Also present here was a Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Little Egret. At Scotney Gravel pits 16 White Fronted Geese flew over and went south. Nearby the Common Crane showed distantly for the first time in over a week. The day ended with a fine Barn Owl along the Dengemarsh Road.
What a great few days.
Dave

Hi Dave,
i always look forward to reading your posts, just excellent. I just had to comment on your Snow Bunting, a beautiful photo, reminded me of when i saw one in summer plumage on Unst, Shetland. Look forward to reading more.
All the best, Nick.

Thanks Nick. I agree with you that the Snow Bunting is a stunning looking bird, especially like yours when in full Summer plumnage. I am lucky living within 25 miles of the coast, which means that we see Snow Bunting most years. They are very scarce inland, but of course more frequent in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. For anyone visiting Speyside we have seen them around the Cairngorm Ski lift and car park in late Spring and early Summer. We would love to do Unst but my stomach does not approve of that patch of water between the mainland and the island.
SUNDAY 27 JAN 2013.
We were sitting in the living room having a cup of tea when 2 Waxwings descended on our garden feeders and investigated the apples. They only stayed a few moments but I did manage to capture one shot. The numbers around East Kent have fallen off quite quickly so presumably they moved West and South before the onset of the snow. With a fresh bounce in our step we decided to visit Pett Level as the numbers of geese arriving off the Continent have been increasing and Pett is as good as anywhere to see them. We found at least 9 Whitefronts, with a number more tucked behind a ridge. There was many Wigeon, Curlews and Fieldfare but surprising little else other than a Marsh Harrier. As we drove along the road 2 Ravens appeared and landed in a field adjacent to the road.
With a sighting of a Red Necked Grebe near Scotney that proved to be our next destination. Despite us being there within an hour of the sighting we failed to locate it, as did several other birders. Likewise an Egyptian Goose seen with 12 Bewick Swans. We found the Swans but not the Goose. Scotney itself produced 2 Pintail, many Wigeon and Fieldfares with a few Redwings and a Marsh Harrier. We ended the day at Hamstreet seeing a hunting Barn Owl and a stag Fallow Deer escorting 9 females.
A day of mixed fortunes but really enjoyable.
MONDAY 28 JAN 2013.
Today was a local day with good numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings seen, together with a male Goosander and Little Egret on Eastwell lake. We think that the weather was unsuitable for Raptors as no sign of any Buzzards.

Reflecting back on the last week or so of bad weather the bird life has actualy been quite good. Other people must have had the same view for Saturday at Dungeness proved to be very crowded at the popular spots. Unlike in the week when sometimes the only other people we saw was the friendly Observatory Warden and a couple of the local regulars. It was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves.
Dave

A bit of a quiet week for us. With so little changing its meant we have been able to catch up on domestic duties.
WED 30 JAN 2013.
We thought that a visit to Samphire Hoe would be of interest due to the recent large movement of Auks off the Kent Coast. Whilst there was movement it was not as good as we expected. A showy Stonechat was on the approach road but only 8 Red Throated Divers and 50 auks in about an hour of watching meant we were soon keen to move on. Next was Folkestone (Copt Point) were 20 adult and 2 1st winter Med Gulls, 75 Auks and 2 Red Throated Divers provided the interest. It was soon back home to the decorating (and the warm).
THURSDAY 31 JAN 2013.
Another cold day near the coast (we never learn). This time our effort was given to Oare Marshes where little was happening except for 2 Red Breasted Mergansers on the sea, a Common Seal and 200 Brents. The East Flood held the usual common waders although the numbers of Snipe have increased with one group of at least 15.
SATURDAY 02 FEB 2013.
Good old Dungeness and this time a few decent birds. The ARC pit and New Diggings held Great White Egret, 2 Bitterns in flight, 1 male and 10 female Smew, Goldeneye, female Red Crested Pochard and Marsh Harrier. Next was Boulderwall Farm area where another Great White Egreat was on view, together with 7 Barnacle Geese and Marsh Harrier. 2 more Great White Egrets were on Dengemarsh (thats a minimum of 4 in the area), with 2 Stonechats on Galloways. Scotney still held good numbers of all the common wildfowl and Lapwings.
We stayed in on Sunday but were rewarded by a Waxwing visiting the garden late morning and the regular female Blackcap.
MONDAY 04 FEB 2013.
Dungeness again, but with a slight variation. We visited Lade Gravel Pits to view a Black Throated Diver found by one of the regulars. It was on view when we arrived and supported by 2 Goldeneye, female Smew, Great White Egreat and a flushed Woodcock. There was no sign of the Snow Buntings at Littlestone so next was the ARC pit where 2 stunning male Smew were present and sleeping in the the Pochard flock. If only they knew that a flock of female Smew were just over the road on New Diggings, or perhaps the females knew and were keeping out of sight. Boulderwall held the usual 7 Barnacle Geese and the Common Buzzard was back sitting on the fence posts. Apart from half hearted attempts by a Marsh Harrier to catch a Lapwing litlte else was happening so time for home.
In todays blast from the past I have included a photo for Water Aven. A very scarce plant in Southern England but more common in Northern parts and Scotland, which is where we saw this one. It was beside a small Scottish stream and was noted when we stopped to view a Golden Eagle.

COLD AND GREY
That's all I will say about this dismal weather.
WEDNESDAY 6 FEB 2013.
Today saw us at Oare Marshes looking at not much in particular. The highlights being 2 Common Buzzards, Marsh Harrier and 2 Pintails. Nearby Graveney held decent numbers of common waders with 3 Black Tailed Godwits, our first this year.
FRIDAY 8 FEB 2013.
Back to good old Dungeness, but with little change from previous visits. A male Smew was on ARC pits alongside 4 Goldeneye. A Chiffchaff was in roadside bushes. Dengemarsh gave us Great White Egret, 4 Barnacle Geese, 3 Marsh Harriers, and just as we were leaving, a flock of 20 Whitefronted Geese flew in across the ranges and landed by the reed beds. Scotney held many geese with 2 Tundra Beans being the best, also very good numbers of Wigeon. A drive across Walland Marsh found 200 Bewick and 2 Whooper Swans, 6 Yellowhammers and many Fieldfares.
SUNDAY 10 FEB 2013.
A visit to Pett Level saw 23 Brent Geese on the fields but little else in freezing and windy conditions. Snow started to fall and we could not wait to return home.
TUESDAY 12 FEB 2013.
With a male Penduline Tit present at Stodmarsh and showing well for 3 days it was a case of wish we had not bothered. On our arrival the sound of chainsaws operating near its preferred spot meant most birds had taken a holiday to less noisy parts. We can't complain as this reserve needs some loving attention and there has certainly been a big and appreciated effort this winter. The only good birds seen in a 2 hour walk around was 2 Cetti's Warblers and 2 Water Rails.
WEDNESDAY 13 FEB 2013.
Today was sunny, very cold, but best of all quite. So today saw us back at Stodmarsh watching a stunning Penduline Tit on reed mace adjacent to the Alder Wood. They are a beautiful bird, looking rather like a small Red Backed Shrike. In the same part of the reed bed a female Bearded Tit was present, 2 Common Buzzards over, whilst nearby 6 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Marsh Harriers, 50 Siskins and 8 Redpolls were noted. A female Goosander was on the main pit.
Whilst driving home we spotted a Waxwing sitting on the wires outside Shalmsford Street Church. A very good end to the day.

Not the most productive period of bird watching, but considering the raw cold weather we could not expect much. It certainly makes you appreciate the forthcoming days of spring.
Dave

The good news, Dave, is that things look to be turning brighter over the coming days and the long range forecast is for more of the same. Whilst air temperatures might still be suppressed, strong sunshine in the latter half of February (when the sun is much higher in the sky than it is near the winter solstice) should see things start to awaken.

I agree with your "cold and grey" surmisal; Swansea has seemed more like Venus lately regarding persistent cloud cover, whereas temperatures have been more akin to Mars.

We all need a break from this, and I'm happy to trade for 7c maxima with mainly sunny skies.

FULL TO OVERFLOWING
No, not my beer glass but the car park today at Dungeness RSPB reserve. No one is sure why, other than it was the first warm day for weeks, but on our arrival we met a full car park. It's a big car park and can accommodate 50 vehicles plus. Strange really considering the bird life is much the same as the last few weeks. We were late arriving and so our first birds were along the RSPB entrance track at mid-day. 5 Bean Geese, 7 Barnacle Geese, 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard and many Curlew and Lapwings. A Bittern had been seen from there yesterday but no sign on our visit. Next was Littlestone Sailing Club and the 2 Snow Buntings had increased to 3 and were showing well. These birds are hard to see at first as they remain close to the ground and well hidden. With a little searching they will move and show themselves. Usually a few metres to the seaward side east of the building. Hundreds of Great Crested Grebes remain on the sea but most of the auks and divers appear to have moved on. All the usual common waders can be seen from here at low tide. Next was a look at the sea near the power station, with a beautiful male Black Redstart on the Power Station perimeter wall. The ARC/ New Diggings complex held the usual Smew and Goldeneye with a 3rd Great White Egret and several hunting Marsh Harriers. We again failed to see any Bitterns but it was still a good day in almost spring like conditions (11 degrees). It felt warm enough for a butterfly sighting, but it was not to be.

FULL TO OVERFLOWING: PART TWO
SATURDAY 16 FEB 2013.
It had to happen. It was Bittern watch day on the RSPB at Dungeness, together with a visit by a large group from the Sussex Ornithological Society, both the Visitor Centre and the ARC car park were always full until about 15.00 hours when things started to quieten down. The RSPB had staff and volunteers on duty but they always seemed busy. Luckily the SOS tour had their own leaders with them. We tried to help the less experienced visitors pick out the elusive 5 Bean Geese present from the approach track, but you can only stay so long.
Anyway, now to the sightings. Lade Gravel Pit held the Black Throated Diver and 2 Goldeneye on North Pit. The ARC & New Diggings complex held Bittern, 2 male and 2 female Smew, Goldeneye, 2 Marsh Harriers, Water Rail, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, Cettis Warblers, 7 Redwings, Great White Egret and Little Egret.
The RSPB entrance track held 8 Tree Sparrows, 5 Bean Geese, 7 Barnacle Geese, Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers and many Wigeon, Curlew and Lapwings. On Scotney was a female Scaup and a great end to the day was had when a Barn Owl flew across the road north of Lydd at 16.45 hours.
SUNDAY 17 FEB 2013.
With such fine weather it had to be Dungeness again with a view to finding Bittern. We started the day touring Walland to find 8 Tree Sparrows, 2 Corn Buntings, 6 Yellowhammers and 120 plus Bewick Swans (distant). Around the Caldecot area was 400 Fieldfares but no sign of the earlier Grey Partridge. In spring Dengemarsh is always good for Bittern and today was no exception with 4 different individuals seen in flight between midday and 14.00 hours. Also Great White Egret, 4 Marsh Harriers, 18 Curlews and many Lapwings. Next was the RSPB entrance trak where the 5 Bean Geese were still present, along with 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 12 Tree Sparrows, another Bittern (5 in one day is our best Kent record), and still many Wigeon, Lapwings and Curlews.
We ended the day on the ARC pit seeing another Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, Goldeneye, Kingfisher and 2 Chiffchaffs. On the way home we saw a Little Egret at Warehorne.
Over the weekend we continued to see the female Blackcap and at least one Wood Mouse in our garden.

I finish this update by just saying how much I enjoy reading other Personal Forums. I don't like to interfere too much and write replies to them all as it is their personal page, but there is some great stuff at the moment ranging from the Scientific to the scenic photo. From Birthday Wishes (for someone approaching 50 -Guy, best wishes), to those just wishing for Spring to arrive. What a great way to spend an hour or so reading updates from an interesting group of people.
Dave
PS. Do we go to Dungeness on Monday for the 4th day running? We shall see on the next update (once I have down loaded a few photos).

dave brown wrote:Do we go to Dungeness on Monday for the 4th day running?

Well of course we do. It was warm and sunny and where better to stand a chance of your first butterfly of the year. It was busy, but not like the weekend. After domestic duties we arrived at Dengemarsh to see 4 Bitterns in flight, also 2 Great White Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawk, with many Lapwings and Curlews. Next was the ARC/New Diggings complex where a stunning Firecrest was showing near the Hanson Hide. What a little gem this species is, one of our favourites. Also Chiffchaff, Cettis Warbler, 3 female Smew, 3 Goldeneye, Great White Egret, Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers and a beautiful Kingfisher.
Boulderwall Farm produced 5 Bean Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese (new for the year), 2 Marsh Harriers with many Wigeon, Lapwing and Curlew. On the way home we went via Walland and saw the 2 Grey Partridge near Caldecott. This species is getting scarcer in the Dungeness area when compared to 20 years ago so was nice to see. Finally a Kingfisher was hunting along the Military Canal.
TUESDAY 19 FEB 2013.
We started the day at Pett Level which was surprising quite, both bird and people wise. Geese were represented by 4 Pink Feet, 7 Whitefronts and 19 Brents. Also seen was 2 Common Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Snipe and many Wigeon. All the common waders were along the beach and lots of Great Crested Grebes were on the sea. On the way home we called in at Scotney but there was no sign of the Scaup and very little else to be honest.

Despite a pleasant weekend weather wise, and some good birding, we saw no butterflies. The only insects we noted was a few Bumble Bees and about a dozen honey bees on our heather at home. Neither do we have stunning photos of Alpine Accentor as posted by Padfield. They make our mouth water as they remind us of our only British sighting, which was at St Margaret's (Kent) in the Nineties. On the Continent they are normally found at higher altitude, which of course means beautiful and remote scenery.

The least we say about the weather for the next few days the better. It was cold, raw and bitter. Not a hope for any butterflies.
Dave

DIRE.
The title refers to the fact that this cold dull weather just seems to go on and on. Apart from Snow Drops and a micro moth we have seen little sign of spring. In the warm spell over a week ago Dungeness had seen its first Sandwich Terns of the year, but no further sign since. Can you blame them? Still, it will make us appreciate the warmth of Spring all the more when it arrives.
With little changing we have restricted our activities of late. On Friday (22 Feb) we called in at Littlestone but there was no sign of the Snow Buntings in a biting North Easterly. The waders on the beach included 2 Bar Tailed Godwits and 25 Sanderling. We like watching this dainty little wader running in and out of the incoming waves, picking off invertebrates and somehow always remaining dry. Next was Dungeness where the 3W Glaucous Gull remained around the two westerly fishing boats, also 20 Gannets, 30 Auks, 5 Kittiwakes and a Red Throated Diver. A look at the ARC pit only produced 2 Goldeneye, 3 Marsh Harriers and many Shoveler. Boulderwall Farm saw 2 Great White Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers but no sign of the geese and fewer Wigeon and Lapwings.
SUNDAY 24 FEB 2013.
This was one of those wish we didn't go out days. The temperature said 3 degrees but it felt more like minus 13. It was bitter in a raw strong wind. Walland Marsh produced 6 Tundra Bean Geese, 60 Whitefronted Geese and over 200 Greylags. In the same field was many Fieldfares and a large group of Wigeon and Teal. A few Marsh Harriers made half hearted attempts to hunt but I am sure even they felt cold. Time to be sensible and head home although we did see 2 Common Buzzards near Shadoxhurst.

The Blackcap is still a regular on our feeders and has been joined by 2 Long Tailed Tits.
Dave

IS SPRING REALLY AROUND THE CORNER?
Although the sun shone this afternoon here in Kent the temperature remained around 8 degrees and the cold North Easterly took the edge off. The whole week has been cold, dull and grey. The forecast for the coming week however looks more promising, which hopefully will lead to our first butterfly of the year. One thing we did see today in a sheltered spot was 2 Primroses out in full flower.
TUESDAY 26 FEB 2013.
We checked the Sandling & Hythe area where a Red Kite was seen last week but no sign today. We then checked the sea front at Hythe where 3 Purple Sandpipers were roosting on the groynes in front of Stade Hotel during the high tide. Next was St Botolphs Bridge where a fine male Merlin caused panic amongst the Fieldfares was it sped through, also a Green Sandpiper on the canal.Dungeness RSPB was very quiet with no sign of any Bitterns along Dengemarsh in biting weather. Even 2 hunting Marsh Harriers failed to flush any, just lots of Wigeon, Teal and Lapwings. We ended the day on Walland Marsh looking at 3 Whitefronted Geese, 220 Bewick Swans, (plus a separate group of 5 near Cheney Court), Common Buzzard and 5 Marsh Harriers. Numbers of Lapwings and Fieldfares remained high, but once we had seen 8 Tree Sparrows we gave up as the cold was getting to us.
THURSDAY 28 FEB 2013.
Another cold and dull day. A visit to Pett Level was made hoping to see the Pink Feet again, but this time there was no sign, just 9 White Fronted Geese. The fields contained many common waders, in particular 47 Turnstones, 9 Grey Plover and many Curlew. 20 Red Throated Divers were on the sea but little else. On the way home we called in at Warehorne to see a Nuthatch and 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers. We ended the day on Washford Estate, Ashford, watching 21 Waxwings along Langley Drive.
Today the garden female Blackcap was joined by a male bird. Hopefully they will remain in the area to breed.
SUNDAY 03 MARCH 2013.
The started well and ended well, it was the bit in between that was disappointing bird wise. We did however see our first Primroses of the year and lots of Crocus. Sights like this cheer you up when the weather suggests it is still winter. We started with 3 Common Buzzards circling over Conningbrook Gravel pits (Ashford), We did see 4 more Common Buzzards in the Sheldwich area but little else of note. On the way home we called in at Eastwell Park where 6 Common Buzzards were in the air and even better, 2 adult Med Gulls were on the lake. Med Gulls are still scarce in land so are always good to see when you least expect them.
One thing we have noticed here in Kent this winter is an apparent fall off in numbers of Little Egrets. For the last ten years or so we have managed to see at least one or two most days on our travels, even the odd one over the house. This year we have had days when we have seen none at all. Indeed, on some days Great White Egrets have been the more numerous species. Hopefully this is just the effect of the cold freezing the ditches and things will return to normal soon. We have got used to this dainty bird feeding along ditch's and dykes and look forward to its return to its recent status.
Dave

UP AND RUNNING
We are on the way with our first butterfly of the year. A Peacock near Grove Ferry yesterday was a fine way to start the butterfly year. A treat we have been looking forward to all winter. To make it even more appreciated was the fact it was accompanied by much birdsong. There was singing Skylarks, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, Mistle Thrush and Robins. A great day in the field.
MONDAY 04 MARCH 2013.
With fine weather forecast we anticipated that Bitterns could be flying around at Dungeness and we were not disappointed with 2 individuals seen on Dengemarsh, along with 4 displaying Marsh Harriers. Also noted in the area was 2 Great White Egrets, 5 Bean Geese, 7 Tree Sparrows, Red Legged Partridge and many Lapwings, Fieldfares and Wigeon. Driving home we saw a Common Buzzard near Brenzett.
TUESDAY 05 MARCH 2013.
We started off in a local wood where 4 Marsh Tits were calling and singing. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker called and a Common Buzzard flew over. We noted several flowering Primroses and Lesser Celandine. Next stop was the Stour Valley and Stodmarsh. Its a bit early for migrants but Marsh Harriers should have been displaying, but none were. We had excellent views of the long staying Penduline Tit in its favourite reed bed by the Alder wood. To photograph it proved almost impossible as it seems to favour the back of the reed bed, which means other reed mace is always in the way and its so difficult to focus on. We met a photographer who was on his fourth attempt, and many hours, to take photos, but without any real success. That's the secret with this particular bird. You need much patience or luck to take its picture. Otherwise just enjoy its beauty with your binoculars. It's normally less than 10 metres away.
WEDNESDAY 06 MARSH 2O13.
The third day in row with decent weather so back to Dungeness in case of a early migrant. There was a number of Chiffchaff's, including a singing bird, but we suspect that these were all wintering birds. A Bittern flew across the ARC pit, 6 Reed Buntings, a female Red Crested Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, a male Smew, 4 Water Rails, 5 Cetti's Warblers and a Marsh Harrier was supporting cast. In the Boulderwall/ Dengemarsh area was 1 Great White Egret, Sparrowhawk and 3 Marsh Harriers. The numbers of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Wigeon remains high.
It reached 16 degrees yesterday at Grove Ferry and 15 degrees today at Hamstreet. This really feels like spring.
Dave

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES
Its back to winter and freezing conditions. Any normal person would stay home in the warm and enjoy other things, but not us, (not sure what that says about our character), but we really enjoy wildlife watching whatever the conditions. So out we go, head to Dungeness and freeze.
SATURDAY 09 MARCH 2013.
A check of the beaches at New Romney and Littlestone gave us our first Sandwich Tern of the year. 12 Gannets were off the coast but otherwise the waders were much the same. A check of the fishing boats at Dungeness found the regular 3rd winter Glaucous Gull, along with a few auks, Gannets and Kittiwakes. A singing Black Redstart was near the Power Station perimeter wall. A timely phone call gave us the excuse to leave the bitter cold sea and head for the RSPB where the Observatory Warden was watching a Caspian Gull. We arrived a few minutes too late as it had flown off back to the beach, however a Yellow Legged Herring Gull was on show, as was a nice male Red Crested Pochard. He obviously didn't know that a female was across the road on another pit. We also caught a glimpse of a Sand Martin as it tried to catch what few insects were on the wing. Also 2 Great White Egrets, Little Egret, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Marsh Harriers. Numbers of Lapwings and Golden Plovers still remain quite high.
Going back across Walland marsh we were treated to fine views of a Ringtail Hen Harrier and 2 adult Med Gulls.
On arrival at home we were pleased to see 19 Waxwings in our next door neighbour's tree, followed shortly by a flyover Grey Wagtail and 12 Meadow Pipits.
SUNDAY 10 MARCH 2013.
What made us go out on such a cold day we will never know, but we are pleased that we did because as we checked the beach at Littlestone for any Snow Buntings (none) we received a message to say that 2 Penduline Tits were showing at the RSPB. We arrived at the car park where only 5 other cars were present, and it was a Sunday. It was bitter cold as we made the walk to near the ramp and found no other birders present what so ever. Our son soon found the two birds and we enjoyed prolonged, but distant views of both birds. Also seen was a Bittern in flight and 2 Great White Egrets. A Cettis Warbler was singing nearby trying to convince himself that it was not still winter. We also saw another Great White Egret, a Little Egret, 4 Goldeneye, Smew 14 Meadow Pipits, 7 Tree Sparrows, 4 Marsh Harriers and a Sparrowhawk. A White Wagtail was present on the ARC pit and we saw a Bittern in flight on Dengemarsh.
On the way back we saw 3 Little Egrets on the Military Canal at Hamstreet.
We failed to see any of the 4 Sand Martins seen by others around the RSPB. We also saw very few birders all day despite the reasonable showing of wildlife.
Dave

COLD, DULL AND CERTAINLY NOT SPRING.
We have been out wildlife watching since our last update but to be honest its been really disappointing. The winter birds are leaving and the summer ones are not arriving, meaning its been really hard work with little reward. Plants are no further forward than a week ago and there's no chance of any butterflies. To make it worse further snow is forecast. Never ones to be defeated we paid several visits to Dungeness, but even our favourite site has let us down.
WED 13 MARCH 2013.
A good search of Dungeness found all the regular birds in place. 2 Great White Egrets, 2 male and 9 female Smew, 2 Goldeneyes, 4 Marsh Harriers, 5 Cettis Warblers, 2 Water Rail, LIttle Egret, 7 Reed Buntings, 8 Tree Sparrows, a steady flow of Gannets, Auks and Red Throated Divers at sea, and finally the female Red Crested Pochard on Tower pit. Still reasonable number's of Wigeon and Lapwing around the general area. A Little Egret was on the Military Canal at Hamstreet.
THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2013.
The day started with a Peregrine over the house before we set off for Dungeness. The bird life was much the same as yesterday with the addition of a Common Buzzard near the airport.
SUNDAY 17 MARCH 2013.
We started with the intention of calling in at Dungeness but the day got wetter and colder so we only made Hamstreet and Fairfield. The highlights being Little Egret, 3 Coal Tits, Treecreeper and several flocks of Fieldfares. It was quickly home to a warm cup of tea.
MONDAY 18 MARCH 2013.
A hint of sun, but still only 6 degrees. We thought we would try our luck at Pett Level but this was as quiet as Dungeness. 5 Common Buzzards circled trying to take advantage of the weak sun. Otherwise it was Little Egret, 12 Brent Geese, Snipe, 100 Curlew, Red Throated Diver, many Wigeon and Lapwing.
Arriving home the sun got stronger, reaching the dizzy heights of 8 degrees. Deciding to do a bit of gardening we were rewarded when at 15.25 hours a Common Buzzard flew over followed by a Red KIte at 16.10 hours. It drifted slowly North West and was our first of the year.
TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2013.
Dungeness again, but even fewer birds today, although the sight of at least 2 feeding Harbour Porpoises was enjoyable.

ONE DEGREE, IT FELT MORE LIKE MINUS 5.
That was the temperature at Dungeness late yesterday morning. We froze in a biting easterly wind that made birding uncomfortable. Even the dog walkers were absent. I am getting on in years and this is the coldest March I can remember in Kent since March 1963. That year I dragged myself to school through snow drifts taller than myself that lasted into April. At least the snow has melted here, but its still very cold. The cold must have numbed the brain for we have been out birding on several days of late.
WED 20 MARCH 2013.
We checked the local areas of Eastwell and Chilham for any sight or sound of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, but failed miserably. We saw all the common woodland birds, including several Marsh Tits, but nothing out of the ordinary. 2 Common Buzzards were displaying near Wye.
THUR 21 MARCH 2013.
We had just arrived at the Sea Watching hide, Dungeness, when 3 Barnacle Geese flew by at sea, followed by flocks of 7 and 14 Brent Geese. The usual sea birds were passing in small numbers. We had arrived too late to see a big movement of over 300 Red Throated Divers moving West (PB), it was now just ones and twos. There was two welcome visitors on the sea front. The first was a handsome male Black Redstart and the second a male Wheatear. The 3rd Winter Glaucous was still around the fishing boats and a few Meadow Pipits were moving north. On the reserve our first Avocets of the year (2 No), Goldeneye, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Chiffchaff and 5 Tree Sparrows. A big surprise was to see 2 Kingfishers fly low across the Visitor Centre car park.
22 Waxwings were still in Hesta Way, Ashford. At 09.40 hours a Common Buzzard had flown over the house and headed North.
SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013.
As stated above Dungeness was cold, I mean really cold on the sea front. We restricted our time there to about 45 minutes and saw little unusual. Further along the beach at Littlestone numbers of Herring Gulls were high and feeding on things on the sea line. 25 Curlew flew over the road at New Romney being chased by a Peregrine. The RSPB held 2 Great White Egrets, a group of 4 and 3 Avocets, 2 Goldeneye, several female Smew, 3 Snipe, 50 Golden Plovers and 16 Reed Buntings. All the common duck were present as was a small influx of Ringed Plovers. Scotney Gravel pits held a few more waders than of late, including 8 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin.
Roll on the real Spring.