Now that the snow and ice have gone from our
region it was time to get back to the Grove Ferry end of the recording area to
see what the weather had left behind. Alan was already getting ready as I
arrived at 6.10 this morning and we made our way to the ramp where a few
Fieldfares passed overhead. From hear sheltered from the strong westerly wind
we noted 250 Lapwings on the pool along with a pair of Pintail 8 Pochards and
300 odd Teal.
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| Soon to be gone Richborough Cooling Towers |
The Cooling Towers at Richborough looked splendid in the early
morning light and a flock of 45 Mute Swans flew out from a pool at the back
followed by another 10 that were in the company of 8 Bewick’s Swans. The first
three of only 6 Marsh Harriers were seen passing out of the reserve and when
one Harrier flushed the Lapwings, a single Black-tailed Godwit took flight with
them, this being a new species for the year for me. After a while we popped in
to Feast hide for a quick look noting only 5 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochards and a few
more Teal then it was onwards to the Harrison’s Drove Hide. Although looking
potentially good for a decent bird to turn up on the only thing there today was
a single Redshank. Next stop was the Marsh Hide where amongst the gathering of
Lapwings there were 5 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and another Black-tailed Godwit also, at
least 16 Snipe were on the edges of the water. The unringed Glossy Ibis flew up
and over the hide and dropped into the fields near Newbons Farm, 18+ Water
Pipits were scattered around the wet fields in front of the hide and a couple
of Marsh Harriers were patrolling the area.
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| Glossy Ibis |
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| Glossy Ibis |
Joined by Steve Ashton and Brendan
Ryan we had a natter, breakfast and a bit of a laugh before Brendan and I
carried on around the reserve putting up a Jack Snipe just after we left the
hide (another new bird for me this year although Brendan has had at least
four!) and we relocated the Glossy Ibis by the Caravan by Newbons Farm. From
the Lampen Wall there were 6 Shelduck, 5 Tundra Bean Geese, 7 Pintail (5
drakes), 74 Wigeon and plenty of Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck and
Teal. Also 10 Canada Geese dropped in and there were 2 Great-crested Grebes and
1 Little Grebe. As we drove to Collard’s there was a Little Egret on the old
turf fields opposite the Boat House whilst at Collard’s there were 8 Goldeneye
(3 drakes), more Wigeon, Pochard and Tufted Duck but not in big numbers while
Brendan got a year tick when 5 Linnets landed in a bush not far from where we
stood. No sign of any Firecrests in the spot we’d had them a few weeks back and
a final look at Cow Corner before we parted company for home in with a large
flock of Greylag Geese we re-found the 5 Tundra Bean Geese. I got home just in
time to see the gorgeous Jessica Ennis win the 60m hurdles and become the
fastest this year with a personal best of 7.87.
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| Jessica Ennis |
