The Species list stands at 77 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 8th
A short morning at Stodmarsh revealed 2 calling Tawny Owls, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Snipe, 1 squealing Water Rail, 1 vocal Cetti's Warbler, 1000+ Fieldfare and on the lake, 86 Great Black-backed Gulls. The first of 17 Marsh Harriers left roost at 07:31, a Barn Owl crossed the reed bed at 07:32 and the male Hen Harrier passed through at 07:35. Two ringtail Hen Harriers left together at 07:37. The Cormorant roost left for the coast comprising at least 1100 birds, full tally at the next WeBS count. New for the year, along with Barn Owl were, Pintail with a duck and two drakes on the lake plus 20 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Great-crested Grebes as well as, Teal and Mallard. Another (tenuous) addition to the Valley year list was a Cattle Egret just outside the recording area but, just visible from the road to Stodmarsh on the boundary, in a hedged field between Seaton and Stodmarsh.
Highlight of the day and, probably the year!, was while waiting for Harriers I caught sight of a ripple in the dyke below me and, expecting the Beaver I'd seen before, was pleasantly surprised to see an Otter. It turned its head towards me then as it came forward the body then the tail surfaced and it swam to the bank below me before swimming towards the bank separating the dyke and the lake just south of Tower hide. Fantastic!
Highlight of the day and, probably the year!, was while waiting for Harriers I caught sight of a ripple in the dyke below me and, expecting the Beaver I'd seen before, was pleasantly surprised to see an Otter. It turned its head towards me then as it came forward the body then the tail surfaced and it swam to the bank below me before swimming towards the bank separating the dyke and the lake just south of Tower hide. Fantastic!
Cattle Egret 'close to' Stodmarsh
Click for larger image