The Species list stands at 147 so far for 2017
View list Here
If you would like to send any sightings to me for posting, you can at martynwilson@talktalk.net
June 4th
Starting the morning again at Stodmarsh we were privileged to see and hear up to 5 Cuckoo's, 3 Plus Bittern including 2 Boomers and one in flight (Russ and Brian Blackman also seeing a bird in flight a little later), 5+ Turtle Doves and plenty of Warbler song. There were at least 30 Swifts over Collard's with probably more during the day, a Barn Owl hunting over the Oxbow mid morning a flyby Kingfisher while on the Lampen Wall and 14 Gadwall, 6 Great-crested Grebes and 3 Tufted Duck on the lake. While chatting with Neil Burt and family a flock of 28 Black-tailed Godwits flew over and up the valley while 7 or so Marsh Harriers were using the warm air. Later while on the Ramp at Grove Neil messaged that he had an Oystercatcher in front of Reed bed hide and by chance a few minutes later I picked it up in flight scanning the sky for raptors! Neil also had a Red Kite west then Sue and I had 2 close Red Kites over the Ramp heading up valley and after Sue left and I was joined by Chris Gibbard we had another Red Kite west. Only 3 Hobbies seen (where are they this year!!), but at least 6 Common Buzzards. There were 12 Common Terns, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Jay, 3 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Stock Doves, 3 Kestrels, 1 Water Rail and several failed breeding?? Sand Martins over the reed bed. On the way to Grove from Stodmarsh Sue and I stopped at Preston and were fortunate enough to see the Spotted Flycatcher.
One of at least 3 Bitterns today
Red Kite with the sun behind it
Red Kite over the Ramp at Grove