The Stour Valley list for 2019 stands at 70 species so far.
January 2nd
The annual New Years Day birding foray started at Stodmarsh on the Lampen Wall then, taking in Collard's, Grove Ferry, Collard's again, Trenleypark Wood and back to Stodmarsh village. The total number of species recorded was 69 with Richard Collins, Chiddy and Brendan Ryan adding species we missed such as Hen Harrier, Bittern, Siskin, Chiffchaff and Bullfinch. Also not seen today were Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Ring-necked Parakeet plus a few other common birds usually noted daily. The Full list can be found in the link above. Highlights today included 6 Pink-footed Geese, a Barn Owl, a Great-white Egret, 1 Russian White-fronted Goose, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 brownhead Goldeneye, 2 Common Buzzards, 15 Marsh Harriers, 1 Woodcock, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Water Pipits, 2 Stonechats and the ever scarcer Little Egret with one in Cow fields by Higham Farm. Today the 2nd January Brendan Ryan also added a Raven to the year list, it also being his first in the Valley. A long awaited new bird.
Pink-footed Goose - Bryan East