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Cold and Confusing
That can sum up the past few days. The weather has definitely turned cold and wet, meaning few butterflies, whilst confusion has reigned at Dungeness over reports and claims of the return of Tuesday's Semi-Palmated Sandpiper. It started on Thursday morning when we booked into the RSPB Visitor Centre with another local. We were greeted with the comment that we must be luckily as the Semi-P has just been reported in front of Firth Hide. We rushed round but despite a long search all we found was a Little Stint. Another regular had been in the hide most of the morning and had not seen any Semi-P, neither had any one mentioned it to the visitors sitting in the hide. Despite searching by a number of experienced people it was not seen that day. The next day, Friday, it was claimed distantly by a number of people. There was even a few record photographs taken, but these only proved that it was a adult Little Stint. The conclusion, supported by photographic evidence is that only the bird seen on the 10th and late on the 11th September was indeed a Semi-Palmated Sandpiper, and that all the other claims relate to a Little Stint.
THURSDAY 12 SEPT 2013
Well it was cold at Dungeness, but at least the sun was shining. This encouraged a Clouded Yellow and 2 Small Tortoiseshells to fly around Firth Hide. A few flying Migrant Hawkers proved that at least some insects were on the wing. The Observatory held the moths Vestal and Dark Spectacle with a few Small Coppers and Large Whites in sheltered spots. A tour around the local pits produced 4 Black Necked Grebes, 4 Little Egrets, 5 Ruff, Greenshank, Little Stint, Dunlin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 50 Sand Martins and 25 Swallows. The local Marsh Harriers kept flushing all the Golden Plover and Lapwings. Scotney Gravel pits still held the 2 Ruddy Shelduck and 15 Egyptian Geese.
FRIDAY 13 SEPT 2013.
As the week has progressed the showy Spotted Crake at Oare Marshes has become more elusive between visits. Today it did not show for over 4 hours and I must admit that with very little else being seen it was boring. The boredom was only broken when a Great Skua flew over the East Flood, scattering all the waders and gulls, and then landed on the Swale. What we did not realise at the time was that it had downed a Black Headed Gull onto the river and proceed to feed over the next 30 minutes. Its the first time that we have seen a Great Skua over the reserve although they are regular out int the estuary.
The only thing of note amongst the waders was a Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper. The only insects we noted all day was a few Migrant Hawkers.
SATURDAY 14 SEPT 2013.
Strong North Westerly winds had been predicated and this usually means Skuas and Shearwaters, but all we saw from Seasalter was 6 Arctic Skaus. We called in at Oare Marsh to learn that the Spotted Crake had not been seen for over 3 hours. Our luck was in when we noticed a group of birders suddenly move into a huddle. We made our way to the favoured ditch near the East Hide where the Spotted Crake was showing well. On the edge of the ditch we saw a few Migrant Hawkers, with a Common Blue and Small Copper.
SUNDAY 15 SEPT 2013.
We had just arrived at Lydd when a text message sent us straight to Dengemarsh Gully. A Ortolan Bunting was showing, at least it had been. After about an hour we had views of less than 2 minutes. The wind was getting stronger, and later reached gale force, so the bird obviously moved on to seek a more sheltered area. Amazingly we did see 3 Small Coppers, 2 Common Blues and a Small Heath in addition to 8 Migrant Hawkers. The gully itself held a few migrant birds in the form of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap. The local gravel pits and reserve held 2 Little Stints, 3 Little Egrets, female Red Crested Pochard, 2 Hobbys, Marsh Harrier, 100 plus Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 5 House Martins.
The sea was rough but all we could see was Gannets, Common Terns and Sandwich Terns. With the wind getting stronger we decided that Southampton v West Ham on the telly would be more interesting, but it was not.
We badly need a few warm days to bring the butterflies back out.

Confused Part Two
Following my comments yesterday I may have to rethink my views. Yesterday a stint/peep was seen distantly at Dungeness. My initial view, based on one photograph, was that it was a Little Stint. Today I saw a few more photographs and these look quite interesting. From some angles the bill looked thicker at the base, and the white lines on the back did not extend that long to form a typical Little Stint vee, and was quite dull in colour. It was not seen today by quite a group of us so in the meantime I will sit on the fence and hope that it reappears. There are 2 definite Juvenile Little Stints present on the ARC pit.
Just in case anyone is wondering why the identity remains unclear, then you only have to sit in Firth and Makepeace hides to realise that some of the islands are someway from the hides, or is it the other way around, and views are often unsatisfactory. Especially when trying to identify very small waders. The islands were probable constructed with Terns in mind and not small passage waders.

We noted no insect activity today at Dungeness other than Migrant Hawkers. The day did start sunny, but only 12 degrees, before rain came along at mid-day.

Mainly Whites
That has been the theme this week. We are still seeing many Large and Small Whites but little else. 2 Small Coppers today (Friday) and 1 Monday, Red Admiral (Wednesday) and a Clouded Yellow (Monday). Still good numbers of Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters but otherwise Insect activity is much reduced. Hopefully the predicated warm spell over the next few days will give one last batch of butterflies that may have to see us through the winter.
MONDAY 16 SEPT 2013.
The Spotted Crake at Oare Marshes has got a lot more elusive of late and a 2 hour observation period today failed to locate it. It can go missing for 3 or 4 hours at a time, but when it shows it still gives close views. Basically, all the usual waders today with 1 Common Buzzard. The Clouded Yellow was the best thing today.
TUESDAY 17 SEPT 2013.
Today at Dungeness we saw reasonable numbers of birds but to be honest they are much the same each day at the moment. Greenshank had increased to 3 and the only new bird was actually another American Wader in the form of a PECTORAL SANDPIPER. It started the day on the RSPB from Firth Hide but late in the afternoon we saw it on the ARC pit from Hansons Hide. In the evening it relocated yet again to the Southern End of the ARC pit, viewable from the road.
WEDNESDAY 18 SEPT 2013.
We had just arrived at Pett Level when we saw a Honey Buzzard come in high from the Rye direction at 11.55 hours, head over Pett and continue south over Fairlight and Hastings. Presumably on its way to Africa. We also saw 7 Common Buzzards, but the way they were hanging around suggests these were local rather than migrants. On the Marsh itself we saw 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hobbys, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Sandwich Terns, 4 Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk and 150 Curlew. Two Ravens flew other the pits and landed in with the sheep along the canal.
On the way home we saw a stunning KIngfisher along the Military Canal at Warehorne.
FRIDAY 20 SEPT 2013.
Dungeness again, not sure why but the RSPB car park and hides was full to overflowing, but birdlife was much the same as the last week or so. Willow Warblers have been replaced by Chiffchaffs, of which at least 25 were around the ARC pit. 1 Blackcap near the Screen Hide. The usual waders on the RSPB, with the Pectoral Sandpiper still at the southern end of the ARC pit, along with 3 Ruff, 9 Black Tailed Godwits, a Black Necked Grebe and 1 Hobby. The Great White Egret was still along Dengemarsh.

Over the course of the last week or so we have seen one female Ruddy Duck at an undisclosed location. Despite the vast sums of money spent on trying to eradicate it this species still hangs on in Britain. I just wish the same amount of money and effort was spent on eradicating the American mink, which does far more harm and damage to the native British Wildlife than any other species.

If that picture doesn't do the Clifden nonpareil justice, Dave, it must have been an amazing thing in real life! I've never seen one but they've been on my wishlist since childhood. Excellent find!

Guy

A meeting of happy UKB members.

Thanks Guy. Would you believe we have seen another Clifden nonpareil this week. Two in one year is a record for us. Perhaps another photo to follow.

The title refers to the excellent day we had on Tuesday when we saw two of the Kent bred Long Tailed Blues at Kingsdown in the fine company of Neil, Pauline and Trevor Sawyer. It was very nice to meet Pauline and Trevor for the first time. Pauline explained why she stops her own diary early but the temptation of the LTB's was too much to resist the journey.

SATURDAY 21ST SEPT 2013
We decided on a last minute visit to Stodmarsh in the hope of early migrants. There was indeed many Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins, together with 25 Chiffchaff's. Otherwise it was the usual things with 8 Water Rails, 6 Cetti's Warblers but only 1 Marsh Harrier. The only butterflies were 9 Speckled Woods and many Large and Small Whites. Dragonflies were represented by 40 Migrant Hawkers and 10 Common Darters.
We ended the day near Crundale to see a few late butterflies. 12 Meadow Browns, 1 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper with a few Large Whites.
SUNDAY 22ND SEPT 2013.
The overnight moth catch only produced 6 species with Light Emerald being the best. Next was Dungeness where we viewed Bloodvein and Pinion Streaked Snout moths at the Observatory, with 2 Small Coppers and a Peacock. Birds around the area were Male Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Wheatear, 2 Ravens, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 5 Dunlin, 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Little Egrets, Cetti's Warbler, Greenshank, 40 Chiffchaff's with many Swallows and Sand Martins passing through.
TUESDAY 24TH SEPT 2013.
What a day. It did not take long to join in with the finding of 2 male Long Tailed Blues, although we saw no further individuals in the 2.5 hours we were present. We left about 13.30 hours and not long after others were found including, I believe, one female. I have mentioned there was a meeting of UKB members but I am also aware that many Dungeness locals visited during the day with at least 6 in addition to ourselves. Despite the very quiet period around mid-day we did see a few Adnois Blues, 3 Chalkhill Blues, Common Blue, Small Copper and a number of Speckled Woods. We missed the Clouded Yellow that flew by but we did see two more when we stopped between Kingsdown and Walmer.
We ended the day at Ruckinge where our good friend had a nice selection of moths including Pale Eggar, Hoary Footman, Bordered Beauty, Brindled Green and Black Rustic. Days in the field do not come much better than this.
WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPT 2013.
Today was a day of domestic duties although we did visit our moth friend at Ruckinge. Our second Clifden Nonpareil of the year was on show. He had also trapped a Red Underwing, which although looks very similar when the wings are closed is only about half the size. The CNP is very big for a moth and is impressive in both size and colour. These were supported by Dusky Lemon Sallow, Range Sallow and Autumnal Rustic, with Common Buzzard and 50 Swallows over the garden and Spotted Flycatcher in the garden, this was another good day.
Dave

The day of the Wainscot.
THURSDAY 26 SEPT 2013.
A most welcome text saw us at Ruckinge looking at a good selection of Moths. The best was the migrant Convolulus Hawkmoth, but a fine support cast of Common Wainscot, Bulrush Wainscot and Webbs Wainscot. A new one for us was Oak Lutestring. Not bad for late September.
Next was a visit to Pett Level where surprisingly we found Canary Shouldered Thorn and 2 Snouts on a building wall. Butterfly wise it was hard work in the brisk wind with only 1 Red Admiral, Comma and Large & Small Whites. There was some bird migration going on with 350 Meadow Pipits, 230 Swallows and 20 Pied Wagtails. Amazingly all heading North rather than the expected southerly direction. Perhaps the strong easterly wind had some bearing on this, preventing a southern course out into the channel. Birds included 9 Common Buzzards, 3 Hobbys, 13 Little Egrets, 4 Brent Geese (our first of the autumn), 2 Ravens, 8 Gadwall, 15 Wigeon and a Sandwich Tern. We arrived home to find a Speckled Wood in the garden.
FRIDAY 27 SEPT 2013.
A trip to Dungeness provided Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, with many Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Lapwing and Golden Plover. The sun was strong enough to encourage one Small Heath, 2 Speckled Woods and 5 Large Whites. 20 Migrant Hawkers toured the bushes looking for insect prey.
SATURDAY 28 SEPT 2013.
During the week Member Marc Heath and friends had found 3 Long Tailed Blues at Shuart (near Reculver), so today we headed in that direction. On arrival it was clear our chances of seeing them was just about zero with a cold easterly wind keeping everything down. We did see 4 Speckled Woods, 15 Migrant Hawkers and 12 Common Darters but today was not a LTB day. We returned home via Seaton and Crundale seeing a Common Buzzard and Marsh Harrier at Seaton and 5 Common Buzzards, 54 Swallows and 25 House Martins at Crundale. Like Pett Level these birds were all heading North. In a very sheltered spot we found 3 Meadow Browns, a Red Admiral and several Large Whites.
These strong Easterly winds are making wildlife watching hard work.

SUNDAY 29 SEPT 2013
Today was quiet, but with a promise of warmer weather later in the day. Whilst deciding what to do in the circumstances we received a message saying that a Two Barred Crossbill had been seen in Challock Forest. With little hope of any butterflies it was to Challock that we headed. The Forest is a large area and the bird is very small so it is not surprising that we failed to find it. We spent a few hours searching along with about 20 other birders but our only reward was a flock of 8 Common Crossbills. Back home for a late lunch we received an update stating that it had been seen again by 2 more birders. Back into the Forest and this time 10 Common Crossbills but still no Two Barred. By now it was warming up and so it was no surprise to see 4 Speckled Woods and 6 Vapourer moths, with a Hobby hunting the numerous Migrant Hawkers.
MONDAY 30 SEPT 2013
We headed to St Margarets. If news broke of any Long Tailed Blues present at Kingsdown then it was only about a twenty five minute walk away. With no news on our arrival we decided to check the local area. I am not aware of any Everlasting Pea here but the area is always good for butterflies. Today we saw a good condition male Brimstone, a Comma, Red Admiral and 2 Speckled Woods but no Blues of any species. 10 Autumn Ladies Tresses on the grass around the Monument were going over but still nice to see. Bird wise it was very quiet with 300 Swallows, 8 Chiffchaffs and a Sparrowhawk being the best. Just as we were leaving we met a gentleman who had seen one male Long Tailed Blue all morning but that had disappeared just prior to its preferred patch being strimmed. We decided that the long walk would be LTB free so reluctantly headed home via Folkestone where we saw 57 Med Gulls along Crete Road.
TUESDAY 01 OCT 2013.
The day started with 227 Swallows and 4 Meadow Pipits over our garden, all heading North. Hearing that some migrant birds had been seen at Margate the previous day we thought we would check out the area. Where there are birds there may be migrant butterflies and moths. Our optimism quickly faded when all we could find was 1 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Jays and 4 noisy Ringed Necked Parakeets. We saw 2 Comma's, 3 Speckled Woods and 4 Vapourer moths.
Feeling a bit low our friend at Ruckinge saved the day with a decent catch of moths including Four Spotted Footman, Pale Mottled Willow, Canary Shouldered Thorn, Pink Barred Sallow, Grey Pine Carpet and Blair's Shoulder Knot.

When is Great followed by Less?
When its a bird of the shrike family. On Saturday the 05th we saw a Great Grey Shrike and on Sunday it was followed by a very smart Lesser Grey Shrike. Two shrikes in Kent in one weekend, it can't be bad.
THURSDAY 03 OCT 2013.
Butterflies were always going to be hard today because of the colder weather so we were grateful when our friend at Ruckinge said he had a good selection of moths. Indeed he had, including a very good Convolvulus Hawkmoth. Other moths were Scarce Bordered Straw, Brindled Green, Four Spotted Footman, Noctuella, Dusky Thorn, Large Wainscott, Deep-brown Dart, Yellow-line Quaker, Red-line Quaker, White Point, Black Rustic, Rosy Rustic, Beaded Chestnut, Lunar Underwing and Satellite. A really nice mix of immigrants and locals. Dungeness attracts us like a magnet but today's visit found much the same as the last few weeks. Great White Egrets had increased to 6 number on the RSPB, plus there was a Curlew Sandpiper and a female Ring Ouzel. Otherwise it was the same species, and probably the same birds, as on many previous visits. The only butterfly seen was one Red Admiral.
SATURDAY 05TH OCT 2013.
We started the day checking the St. Margarets area for any sign of migrant birds, butterflies or moths. It turned out to be a little disappointing with only a few Chiffchaffs, Swallows, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. We also saw 5 Red Admirals, 3 Comma's and 3 Speckled Woods.
Next was Sandwich Bay where a Jack Snipe was in front of Restharrow Hide, obvious by its constant bobbing. It proved impossible to photograph in amongst the reeds. Again migrants were thin on the ground with only a few Chiffchaffs. News came through that the Great Grey Shrike was still present on Thanet so 45 minutes later we found ourselves watching this magnificent bird as it feed along distant bushes. A few Large and Small whites were seen.
SUNDAY 06TH OCT 2013.
A pair of Kent's finest birders had found a Lesser Grey Shrike along Capel Fleet (Isle of Sheppy) late yesterday. The bird was still present this morning when we arrived early morning. A large number of Kent birders were already present proving that many still needed this for their Kent or Life list. We were luckily to see Kent's last record in 1995 at Sandwich. Still a very smart bird and well worth the long walk out to see it. It was never close enough for my bridge camera but other photographers managed record shots. We also saw 4 Bearded Tits, 2 Common Buzzards and 7 Marsh Harriers. We ended the day at Elmley seeing 2 more Common Buzzards, 6 Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawk, Green Sandpiper, 3 Red Admirals, 3 Commas and many Migrant Hawkers. Although the sun was out the numbers of butterflies was disappointing.

Catching up on our sightings.
Really behind at the moment, but our excuse is that we are either out in the field, or in bed with colds.

MONDAY 07 OCT 2013.
Today we visited the area between Minnis Bay and Reculver to look for Long Tailed Blues, as reported by fellow member Marc Heath. We managed to see at least 7 individuals, with our son seeing an additional male. The 7 sightings were made up of 5 males and 2 females. We also encountered a Painted Lady, 4 Comma's, 3 Red Admirals, 10 Large Whites and 3 Speckled Woods. Also noted 3 Vapourer moths, many Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters, with 3 Common Buzzards, 25 plus Chiffchaffs, our first Redwing of the Autumn, 5 Grey Wagtails, 2 Goldcrests, 4 Blackcaps and 4 Siskins. No photos of the LTB, they were too mobile. In addition I put the camera on a wrong setting.
On the way home we visited our friend at Ruckinge to see the following moths. 2 Delicate, 2 Vestal, Satellite, Feathered Ranunculus, Pine Carpet and Chestnut.
A most enjoyable October day in the field and with temperature that touched 21 degrees mid afternoon. Kent at its best.
TUESDAY 08 OCT 2013.
We visited KIngsdown Lees for more Long Tailed Blue, but it was not to be. As mentioned on the forum we failed to find any definite LTB. We had a possible but it flew before confirmation. We therefore suggested to other visitors that perhaps Minnis Bay would be a better option as it seems Kingsdown may no longer hold any numbers. We did see a Clouded Yellow as it flew along the cliff edge.
WEDNESDAY 09 OCT 2013.
A visit to Dungeness Obs found a good selection of moths on offer. Clancys Rustic was the best, with support by Gem and Vestal. There was also a Southern Oak Bush Cricket. The Clancys Rustic is a fairly new moth to Britain with the first being identified as recently as the year 2000. Since then there has been a number of records from Dungeness and East Kent. Given the number of moth traps run in this area it is unlikely to have been missed previously. It is named after a Dungeness resident who runs a trap and caught the first one.
The birdlife was much the same as previous visits with 4 Great White Egrets, 6 Little Egrets, 3 Little Stints and Common Buzzard being the best.
Again we called in at Ruckinge where again another good selection had been trapped overnight. Palpita Vitrealis, Spruce Carpet, Dusky-lemon Sallow, Green Brindled Crescent, Snout, Four Spotted Footman and Vestal.

RING OUZELS FALL OUT OF THE SKY.
THURSDAY 10 OCT 2013
Today the wind was forecast to be North Westerly and strong. No chance of butterflies today it was off to the seaside to do a bit of sea watching. It can be boring looking at the sea for hours, but when birds move it can be exciting. Today was a mixed day with a late morning spell spent at Tankerton. In 1.5 hours we saw 5 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 8 Brent Geese, 20 Common Scoters and 8 Gannets. The prize had to be the Grey Phalarope that flew west at 10.55 hours. With news of better sea movement off Reculver we moved further down the coast to that location. In the next two hours we saw another 3 Great Skuas, 7 Gannets and a Rock Pipit on the rocks in front of the car park.
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER 2013.
A trip to Dungeness provided 3 Red Admirals and a few Migrant Hawkers but little else insect wise. Around the pits we saw 6 Great White Egrets, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harrier, Juvenile Little Gull, 15 Egyptian Geese and best of all, a Bittern that flew close to the road and landed by Boulderwall Farm.
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2013.
Today was the day of the Ring Ouzel. We news of over 200 at Dungeness, 30 at Folkestone, over 200 at Beachy Head and large numbers at other coastal locations it came as no surprise to see 18 when we visited Abbottscliffe (near Dover). This is the upland version of the common Blackbird and is always a welcome sight here in Kent. Most years we only see a few but today was exceptional and most enjoyable. Other migrants included Brambling, 8 Redwings, 5 Song Thrushes, 10 Chiffchaffs and 20 House Martins. Although it was still cold as we drove along a minor road above Folkestone we did see 2 Red Admirals, with 2 more Redwings, 5 Chiffchaffs and a flock of 47 Med Gulls. This Autumn the number of Med Gulls being seen between Folkestone Harbour and Capel has been very high, with several counts of over 500. In the early eighties this area attracted many twitchers to see this delightful gull when numbers reached the dizzy heights of 20 or 30. Now it often outnumbers the Black Headed Gull in its preferred area.
We ended the day looking for migrants at Margate. Again birds were on the move with 12 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 6 Chiffchaffs, Firecrest, 4 Goldcrests but the star bird was a calling Yellow Browed Warbler. It was seen well by several birders but we only managed to hear it calling as it moved through the trees.
Butterflies were few but did include a Comma, 2 Red Admirals and a Speckled Wood.
SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2013.
It was pouring down and even flooded a few local roads, but the lure of Dungeness meant that we made the best of a poor day. It actually turned out quite well with GLOSSY IBIS showing in front of Firth Hide. Around the reserve we saw 9 Great White Egrets, yes 9. Actually 10 had been reported but we could not find number 10. 8 Little Egrets, a male Brambling, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Marsh Harriers, 6 Snipe, Sparrowhawk, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff, Dunlin, 25 Redwings and 3 Stonechats.
MONDAY 14 OCTOBER 2013.
A brief visit to Oare Marsh failed to find the Spotted Crake or Spotted Redshank but did reveal a Large White and Red Admiral. We met someone who had seen 3 Clouded Yellows during a brief warm spell when the dark clouds cleared. Otherwise it was much the same as previous Oare visits.
TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2013.
The previous day one of the Dungeness regulars had visited Hempsted Forest (near Cranbrook) and found a stunning male TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL. So today it was no surprise to see about 20 people present to look for this bird. We had to wait about 3 hours but in the end the bird flew in to drink at a local pool and gave distant but reasonable view to all those present. It was a beauty and well worth the long wait. Also 30 Common Crossbills with an amazing array and bill shapes and sizes. Some suggestive of Parrot Crossbill (see later in the week). An even bigger surprise was a male Brimstone that flew up and down the track. It appeared to be in reasonable condition. I will need to check our records, but this could be our latest one ever. Also a Comma and 3 Red Admirals.

Can this be right?
A little earlier I was sitting in the garden thinking about this update, in a tee shirt and a temperature of 19 degrees, and its very late October. Perhaps Jacks list of predication's for November is realistic for Kent after all. The only down side, despite the warmth I have yet to see a butterfly today. Plenty of bees and hoverflies on the Cosmos but no butterflies. Even the thought of Sunday nights gales does not damper the optimism for November butterflies.
THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER 2013.
Following a visit to the dreaded dentist we called in at nearby Stodmarsh. Our son had walked in front and when we entered Reedbed Hide he was all smiles and already filming away. There to the side of the hide was a Juvenile GLOSSY IBIS. It had been photographed in flight earlier in the week by one of the local regulars but it came as a bit of a surprise to see it right in front of us. The rest of Stodmarsh was surprisingly quiet but it was nice to see 4 Swallows hawking insects over the main lake.
It was getting warmer so a long journey up to Oare Marshes. The reason, we suspected Clouded Yellows would be on the wing. We were not disappointed with at least 4 individuals on the wing, plus a Red Admiral, with many Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters. For some reason Oare Marshes appears to be a regular spot for Clouded Yellow, even outside irruption years. The best bird on offer was a Spotted Redshank, with two Common Buzzards over Mocketts Hill.
FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2013.
Time to be confused again. Back into Hempsted Forest to see a bewilding array of Crossbill shapes and sizes. First, the easy bit. This time we failed to see the Two-barred Crossbill. Now the slightly harder bit. We saw a female and male Parrot Crossbill and are happy with the shape and size of both bird and bill. Then the confusing bit as we saw two additional flocks of Crossbills. A flock of 15 and one of 12 birds. A well known national birder managed to obtain sound recordings of the flock of 12 as they flew around several times and landed distantly in trees. These recordings were sent to a respected international bird sound recordist who said that the calls were of Parrot Crossbill. Easy, except two of the birds looked smaller. Were they just young birds, or Common Crossbills mixed in the Parrot Crossbill flock and not calling. Whatever the situation it is clear we have a influx of Parrot Crossbills into this part of Kent at the moment. A most welcome additional to many Kent birding lists.
Also seen, Brambling, 6 Siskins, Comma, 2 Red Admiral and seen by several people, another male Brimstone.
SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2013.
For the second time in four days we see a Glossy Ibis. This time one sitting in front of Hanson Hide was the reason for our smiles. After that it was hard work with only a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Pintail and a Chiffchaff of note. A feature though was at least 25 Migrant Hawkers and many Common Darters.
This two species look set to make it into November, despite the predicated forecast of gales.
MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2013.
No longer confused we headed into Hempsted Forest again. This time we saw 6 Parrot Crossbills (3 male and 3 female) feeding in trees for over an hour. The distance was still too great for my camera but a local managed some digiscoped video which confirmed the identification, and presumably will be used to support submission to the relevant Rarities committee. Another flock of 18 Crossbills, but these seemed all Common Crossbills. Again, no sign of the Two-barred Crossbill. Also, this time the only butterfly was a Red Admiral.

(A few photos to follow).

TUESDAY 22 OCT 2013
A trip to Pett Level but very little to report. All the usual waders and ducks with just one Marsh Harrier. A day that would have been better spent at home.

WEDNESDAY 23 OCT 2013.
The sun was shining but the wind was strong. A trip to the Dungeness area found no butterflies but 20 plus Common Darters, 5 Migrant Hawkers and a late Southern Hawker. Birds noted included 14 Sandwich Terns, 2 Greta White Egrets, 3 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier plus all the regular waders and ducks.

I have gone through a few recent photographs and include one of the Long Tailed Blue. Taken at Kingsdown Lees, its not the best photo I have taken, but it was the last of the Long Tailed Blues that we managed to photograph this year. I have included it to remind me of the great time we have had with this little beauty this year and of all the joy that our sightings of this species has given us. It would be nice to believe that next year will be a repeat but somehow I feel this is unlikely, unless we have a repeat of the prolonged warm Southerly winds that gave the South East a very pleasant summer.

Not much to write about
Well that's my excuse for not updating my diary recently. It really has been rather quiet and with it a realisation that the butterfly and dragonfly season has almost reached the very end.
A brief summary of visits since my last update.
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2013. A return visit to Hempsted Forest saw the male Two-barred Crossbill, a female Parrot Crossbill and two groups of Common Crossbills, 18 and 21 birds. A quick visit later in the day to Dungeness failed to find the Penduline Tit seen earlier. The long staying Glossy Ibis showed well, as did a Greenshank and a very late Curlew Sandpiper. Still at least 10 Migrant Hawkers on the wing but no butterflies.
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2013.
A visit to Foreness Point (Margate) to see the Pallid Swift, (would have been only our second Kent record in over 25 years), resulted in us missing it by about two minutes. It flew across the road as we parked up and got out of the car. Despite a wait of nearly 3 hours it failed to reappear.
SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2013.
A mid-day visit to Dungeness found the Glossy Ibis still on the ARC pit, also the Greenshank and a female Red Crested Pochard. 6 Migrant Hawkers and 9 Common Darters were the only insects noted.
MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2013.
Because we were at Dungeness yesterday the Pallid Swift at Foreness Point decided to show well for about four hours. In fact at one time it was joined by two other Pallid Swifts. I think they were all photographed. 3 together is probably a British record but we were not there to witness this rare event. So today we visited Foreness Point for another 3 hours, and yet again they or it failed to show. We did see 15 late Swallows and 3 House Martins and a Red Admiral. Other birders present had also seen a Clouded Yellow just before we arrived.
TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2013.
A very enjoyable visit to Dungeness saw us watching the Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret, 2 Greenshanks, 3 Water Rails, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Cettis Warblers, 4 Marsh Harriers, Goldeneye, 2 Swallows, and a female Merlin. We also watched a Bittern being attacked by a Marsh Harrier and then being forced down onto the water (ARC pit) before flying off into the reedbeds. Something we have never seen before. Insect wise it was very good with 2 Clouded Yellows, 1 Painted Lady, 10 Red Admirals, 2 Migrant Hawkers and 8 Common Darters.
WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2013.
A trip to Pett Level produced very little of note. A Snout (moth) resting on a white wall was unusual.

Thus ended a quiet period of wildlife watching for us at what can be a very exciting end to the migration period. All the action seemed to be on Shetland or the South West.

Not much to write about (part two)
Continuing the theme of poor weather and little change in the wildlife on offer in Kent. We have been out checking our usual locations but its much the same.
SUNDAY 3 NOV 2013
A trip to Oare Marshes saw much the same as last time. The highlights being a female Peregrine terrorising the birds over the reserve. Luckily from their point of view it seemed to miss all the targets, or was it just having fun? A Clouded Yellow was a nice surprise considering how cold it was. Perhaps our last of the season. A Red Admiral was also flying in a sheltered spot.
MON 4 NOV 2013
2 Purple Sandpipers were the highlight of our day at Dungeness. Purple Sandpiper is a very scarce bird at Dungeness with only a few sightings every decade or so, so two wandering around on the beach was something special. A Long Tailed duck was on Scotney gravel pits and a House Martin over the Reserve,otherwise no real change from the last few visits. 2 Peacocks had been seen by the Obs Warden and a Small Tortoiseshell was seen on the RSPB reserve.
THURSDAY 07 NOV 2013.
It was one of those days. We spent the morning checking out Pett Level where 12 Brent Geese and 3 Bearded Tits were the highlights, and Walland Marsh, where there was no highlights. We arrived home to make a cup of tea only to receive a call (thanks MC) to say that they had trapped a ARCTIC REDPOLL at Dungeness Observatory. This would have been a new Dungeness bird for us, and only about our fifth British record. There was no way we could have made the Observatory before its release, but the call was much appreciated because if we had still been around Walland (one hour earlier) we could have made it. The bird itself was a little beauty judging by the photos.
FRIDAY 08 NOV 2013
Another day at Dungeness and another quiet day with the usual sea and land birds. There are still a number of Great White Egrets present with 6 being the usual count. The Glossy Ibis wanders more now but can still be seen around the ARC pit or Boulderwall Farm. One Common Darter seen but no butterflies (well, it was cold and wet).

Is it all over?
The last week or so has been very hard work here in East Kent. We are now only seeing the odd Red Admiral, Common Darter or Migrant Hawker, and with each passing winters day the numbers get lower. We have now put the moth trap away for the winter following a poor season in our garden. We have relied on our good friends at Ruckinge, and Dungeness Observatory, for the majority of our decent moth sightings this year. I would like to say that butterflies are being replaced by some decent birds, but here in East Kent it has been very disappointing, with a few exceptions. The rest of Britain has had some real goodies, but they have mainly bypassed Kent. Even the common birds appear to be down in numbers. For instance, the totals of Goldcrests arriving this autumn at Dungeness has been extremely low. We could count the totals on both hands.
One bird arriving in decent numbers is the Redpoll, both Lesser and Common. The other bird seems to be the Crossbill, or rather the Parrot Crossbill. We have already had decent numbers and we are sure that others are yet to be found.
Well, what have we seen recently. Not much is the answer. We have seen more Common Crossbills and a Red KIte. The Black Kite seen several times in the Dungeness and Rye area has eluded us despite several attempt's to catch up with it. We almost caught up when it was reported near Brookland (on the edge of Walland Marsh), but time we got there it was so misty that we could not even seen the giant windmills let alone a bird of prey. 14 Bewick Swans have arrived on Walland for their winter holiday and the numbers of Fieldfares are raising, otherwise the Dungeness area is much the same as usual.
Hopefully something good is yet to be found. Even better if we are the ones to find it.

Since our last update we have seen neither a Butterfly or Dragonfly. We now assume that is all for this year, and what a year it has been in the butterfly world. The undoubted highlight is of course the Long Tailed Blue, but of interest was the high numbers of some common species. That us hope that next year is a repeat performance.
The birding world in East Kent has been very quiet. We finally caught up with the Black KIte between Lydd and New Romney on the 24th as it flew towards and over the main A259. It was last seen yesterday at Dungeness (26th) flying out to sea at 08.00 hours. Whether it comes back in somewhere along the coast, or continues into France. remains to be seen. Despite its rarity status in Britain very few birders were noted looking for it. In fact Dungeness has in the main been devoid of birders on most of our recent visits. Perhaps saving petrol and waiting for the real goodie to arrive. Other highlights we have seen include a Bittern in flight, Merlin, Goldeneye, a Woodcock sitting on the sea front rocks at Reculver (really weird record that, with photo to follow) and the first decent numbers of Fieldfares.
The usual Great White Egrets, Little Egrets, Bewick Swans and Tree Sparrows remain around the Dungeness area. Apart from Pintail and Wigeon duck numbers remain low, as do Bitterns.
Finally, we had good views of a Great White Egret flying over the house on the 24th. It had earlier been seen on Conningbrook by another local birder. This being a new bird seen from the house.
Hopefully things will improve shortly.

Hi Dave,

Mention of the Great White Egret prompts me to ask what the status of the various exotic herons is in Kent, since we seem to be knee-deep in them on the Somerset Levels.

Morning Dave - I have just been catching up with your diary and it has left me green with envy . Despite having recorded 60 species of birds in the garden including breeding Goldcrests, there are many birds I have never seen but have always wanted to, including Firecrest, Ring Ousel and Bearded Tit. Other than the birds which visit my garden I am not great on ID or bird calls and I have come to the conclusion that what I really need is to go out with an experienced birder cos the CD's of bird calls I bought are just not working for me . I also loved your accounts re LTB because yes, it was just so exciting wasn't it and great to be part of it. In fact, I'm now in danger of even getting interested in moths thanks to your diary

Thanks Pauline and Matsukaze for your comments.

Ladies first.
Yes Pauline, you are right. When you are starting the best way to learn about birds is to go out with an experienced birder. Once you are confident on the common birds it becomes much easier to tackle the more difficult and rarer birds. It is also about being aware of the best and likely locations to see particular species, and at what times of the year. I know you are a busy person but maybe you have a local bird club near you. They often run visits to nearby reserves or places of interest, and a leader will help with identification. They will also give you tips on bird calls and how to associate them with something you are familiar with. For instance, the song of the Corn Bunting sounds to most people like the rattling of a bunch of keys. We live too far apart for me to be able to help, but I am sure others may live closer.
As for moths, it is a cheap but satisfying hobby. You can buy a starter moth trap these days for about £100, a decent ID book for about £30, and you are away. It can be done in your own garden, so no time wasted travelling and expense on petrol. There are some really smashing looking moths, but be warned, some moths look very similar to other moths and can be a little frustrating to identify. Some moths even fly during the day so you can combine these whilst looking for butterflies.

Matsukaze. I am aware of how good Somerset Levels is for herons and is a must visit place for anyone birding in that area. In Kent the Little Egret was the first to invade in large numbers and is now a confirmed breeding species. You are unlucky if you do not see Little Egret on day out in Kent in suitable locations.
Great White Egret in Kent, for the moment seems to be visitor from September to April. Numbers do vary but I would guess that 10 plus birds are present during this period. With numbers increasing every year it can only be a matter of time before they breed. The Bittern is a bit more difficult as they are well hidden in Summer so you rely on the booming. They are increasing and do breed in very small numbers. Glossy Ibis has been a regular winter visitor in recent years but I am not aware of any staying to breed. The other well known herons, Little Bittern and Night Heron, remain visitors for the present.

One of those days
Thursday 28th November 2013.
We looked out of the window to see a thick blanket of mist. The weather forecast said that visibility on the North Kent coast would be poor all day, so when our son suggested Oare Marshes I convinced him that heading south would be a better option as we would see more. That's how it turned out, for by time we got to Pett Level the sun was shining and most of the mist had gone. It felt really pleasant as we began our watch with a fine Black Necked Grebe on the road side pool. Just then a message informed us that a Little Bunting had been found in Kent. This is a really good scarce bird for Kent, and the rest of the country for that matter, and you can guess where it was. That's right, Oare Marsh car park. Our son did not have to say another, (although he certainly did later), the look on his face said it all.
About hour and a half later we arrived at Oare Marshes to be told that the bird had been seen several times up until about 15 minutes before we arrived. 3 Hours later all we had seen was a 30 second flight view as it flew from the bush, where four birders had been watching it for a few minutes before we got onto it as it flew off. Our previous sighting of this smart looking bird in Kent was at Dungeness in 1990. Hopefully its not as long before the next one.
One other aspect of this day was the high number of Snipe present. One flock contained at least 400 birds as it without doubt the largest flock we have seen in Britain. They probably would have remained hidden in the vegetation had it not been for a beautiful male Hen Harrier that flew over the East Flood. All the usual common waders and ducks were present.
Friday 29th November 2013.
Well it had to be a repeat visit to Oare Marsh to look for the Little Bunting. No sign, and amazingly only 5 other birders present looking for it when we arrived.
Birds noted included Peregrine and a Cattle Egret on the other side of the Swale. It had been near the Harty Ferry Inn, but it flew towards Harty Church and then Shellness. Otherwise the usual waders and ducks.
Saturday 30th November 2013.
A visit to Elmley nature reserve was fairly routine with the usual Common Buzzards and Marsh Harriers present, also Barn Owl. This fine nature reserve has recently had a lot of work undertaken and is benefiting with large numbers of ducks and waders present.
Sunday 01st December 2013.
A visit to Dungeness found much the same as recent weeks, although 3 female Smew on ARC pit were new. The 1st winter Caspian Gull was still present around the fishing boats, having first been seen yesterday. There was no sign of the 1st winter Glaucous Gull seen earlier on the day on the RSPB reserve. A female Merlin was out on Walland Marsh.

Not a bad period really, but we do miss those warm summer days with butterflies flying all around us.