The Stour Valley list for 2018 stands at 107 species so far.
March 10th
Early start at Grove Ferry revealed the 4 Shelducks Bryan had yesterday but just a pair of Pintail. The pool by the dipping pool has been completed and looks impressive and the island at Feast hide has been cleared, lots of dyke clearing happening as well. A male Hen Harrier was seen leaving roost at the Stodmarsh end, watched from the Ramp at Grove, and 6 Marsh Harriers noted. A Green Sandpiper was making use of the cleared areas at Feast hide and there were 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Redshank, 14 Snipe and 5 Water Pipits at Marsh hide. A lone male Linnet was singing on the Ramp. We made are way up to Collards for the Black-necked Grebe and sure enough it was still present if, a little distant. Also 2 Canada Geese with the Greylag flock. There were also 6 Goldeneye on Collard's (3 of each). Then it was on to Trenleypark Wood where we were treated to stunning views of 2 Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers not far inside the gate plus 4 Marsh Tits a little further on. It was also great to see 2 daytime flying Woodcock whilst watching the Marsh Tits.
March 9th
Had a quick look in at the ramp at midday and there were 3 male and 2 female Pintail and 4 Shelduck. 3 Marsh Harrier and 1 Common Buzzard were high overhead. A large pool is being dug out at the education area opposite the ramp and i believe the island at Feast hide is going to be finished off as time ran out last year. Bryan.
(Bryan East)