The Stour Valley list for 2018 stands at 160(+1) species so far.
September 1st
No sign of the Spotted Crake or, much else from the Ramp this morning due to a thick laying fog although, a very vocal Greenshank was calling but never seen. The best of the morning was spent near the Metal Bridge just beyond Harrison's Drove where the small birds seemed to be active. Seen here were 3 Common Redstarts including one banging adult male as well as 10 Whinchats, 4+ Lesser Whitethroats, 30 Common Whitethroats, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Blackcap, 20+ Reed Buntings, several Blue and Great Tits & Reed and Sedge Warblers. Three Golden Plovers flew over high east and a call from Rob Stokes informed us of a Spotted Flycatcher along the entrance track. The only other waders were, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe and 40 Lapwings. Also noted were 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Hobby, 1 Barn Owl and small parties of mixed hirrundines.
Male Common Redstart - Mark Chidwick