First of I just want to mention I had my
first Wheatear of the year yesterday (Friday) on my way to work along the
Ancient Highway between Deal and Sandwich at 5.30 by the Clay Pigeon Shoot.
Today I met Alan at the gate at Grove Ferry and we made our way to the Ramp in
hope of connecting with the pair of Garganey that Chiddy found earlier in the
week. Apart from Cetti’s and Water Rail singing, one of the first birds seen
was a Bittern flying from the Feat hide pool over the main reed bed and out
towards Seaton. Other birds noted whilst on the ramp
included 8 Marsh Harriers, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 4
Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and a drake Wigeon but, no sign of
any Garganey.
 |
| male Tufted Duck |
Just as we were leaving
the Ramp a small gaggle of Geese flew in and soon revealed themselves to be 7
Pink-footed Geese that came over our heads and headed towards
Stodmarsh/Collard’s. A quick look in Feast hide added a further 8 Tufted Duck,
2 Pochards and 3 Little Grebes. Not a lot else to add until Marsh Hide, just a
few Skylark in song and a Kestrel over then at Marsh Hide we added 7 Ruff, 4
Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 14 Snipe, 1 drake Pintail, 3 Garganey including 2
drakes, 30 Water Pipits and a distant view of the two Glossy Ibises dropping on
to the Water Meadows.
 |
| drake Shoveler showing it's true colours |
 |
| drake Shoveler showing it's true colours |
Sue Morton joined Alan and I in the hide having just seen the two Garganey from the
Ramp confirming that 5 birds are present. The walk round through the Alder Wood
and along the Lampen Wall was very quiet with just another 4 Pochard and 21
Tufted Duck on the lake alongside 4 Great-crested Grebes. At the Water Meadows
we soon located the 2 adult Glossy Ibises close to the path near to the Oxbow
obscured partially by trees and passing 3 singing Chiffchaffs en-route. Six
Grey Herons were noted throughout the morning as well as 3 Green Sandpipers, 3
Sparrowhawks and 4 Green Woodpeckers. Back on the Ramp Alan spotted the 2nd
calendar male Hen Harrier out towards the Boat House while Grey Wagtails seemed
to be on the move with two south over the ramp followed by a further 3 west 10
minutes later. A single Curlew flying west was last to make the note book
before we departed. On the way through Sandwich I had 2 male Wheatears on Dickson's Corner along the Ancient Highway but they didn't allow a photo.