Sunday 15 January 2017


The Species list stands at 79 so far for 2017

View list Here



This blog replaces the posting that used to be on the KOS website sightings page.
If you would like to send any sightings to me for posting, you can at  martynwilson@talktalk.net


January 15th

A very damp drizzly day at Stodmarsh with this months WeBS count to do. No sign off any Otters today at the corner behind Tower hide but 3 Woodcocks passed on their way to roost, a Snipe was calling overhead and 2 Water Rails were heard, also two seen. Joined by Mark Chidwick for the Harriers we were lucky to see 5 Hen Harriers all leave roost together at 07:32 including two males and watched them as they slowly made their way towards the southern end of the reserve and out towards Seaton or wherever they go. Three minutes later 2 more ringtail Hen Harriers took flight and spent some time over the reeds behind Tower hide 7 Hen Harriers in total, magic. While watching these we had 11 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Barn Owl. As it was WeBS day we counted 183 Greylag Geese, 1132 Cormorants, 68 Mallards, 8 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 2 Great-crested Grebes, 227 Teal, 19 Pochards, 11 Coots, 6 Moorhens, a pair off Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Pintail and 3 Bewick's Swans, the two adults and 1 juvenile seen last week.New for the year were 3 Yellowhammers at Cow Corner and 16+ Corn Buntings just south of the village and nearby but, again, just beyond the recording boundary the Cattle Egret was in the hedged field. Other bits and bobs today included 1 Jay, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Mute Swans, 544 Lapwings, 1 Grey Heron and large numbers of Fieldfare and Blackbird.