The Stour Valley list for 2018 stands at 82 species so far.
January 1st
A tour around the Stour Valley on this first day of the new year to see haw many species we could muster was cut a little short by the onset of heavy rain falls late morning. However, Sue, Dave and Mark 'Chiddy' Chidwick managed to rack up 73 by visiting some of the less visited areas within the valley listing area. Mark adding both Tawny and Barn Owl before meeting at the Grove Ferry entrance gate. Last year we had 68 species on the 2nd and this year we missed out on Water Rail, Woodcock, Skylark and Chiffchaff but, we had Great-white Egret, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Green Sandpiper, Peregrine Falcon, Barn Owl and Coal Tit that we didn't get last year. The usual birds around the lakes at both ends, the 2 male Hen Harriers showing well early doors, 5 Water Pipits present and a pair of Stonechats along Harrison's. The Hawfinch whisperer Mr Chiddy not content with 5 birds on the last day of 2017, picked up another bird south over the Ramp at 08.10 today as well. The Alder Wood had Siskin and Treecreeper and around the Pub and bridge at Grove there was Mistle Thrush, Collared Dove, House Sparrow and 1 Grey Wagtail. Another 2 Grey Wagtails were at Cow Corner along with many of the Chaffinches we encountered. The 2 Coal Tits were here as well plus several Goldfinch. On Collard's we added Goldeneye, Wigeon and Great-crested Grebe. A full list of birds seen is at the link above.
Brian East added Shelduck at the Stodmarsh end on Jan 2nd while Marc Heath also had Shelduck and added Water Rail and Woodcock and Linnet, with a flock of 20 out of roost.
Brendan Ryan had yet another Hawfinch at Collard's on the 2nd making this winter an exceptional year for this monster finch with the only other sighting over the Lampen Wall on 25/102013. Brendan also added Chiffchaff, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Bring the years total to 79, a very good start.
On the 5th January Brendan added Common Gull and Redwing to the year list total.
On the 5th January Brendan added Common Gull and Redwing to the year list total.