The Stour Valley list for 2019 stands at 104 species so far.
February 14th
With the spring like weather over the last few days things are livening up at the reserve. This morning there was a Black tailed godwit at David Feast hide, the island here is being re-stoned at the beginning of next week. Also seen were 2 Stonechat and 1 male Bullfinch. A Blackthorn tree is in blossom, this particular tree near Harrisons drove always seems to be the first to flower in the reserve.. At marsh hide 4 new island's have been made in the far pool and there were 6 Lapwing, 1 Skylark and 1 Water pipit there. Wednesday 13th Ben had a Raven over early morning and i had 1 Water pipit, 1 Marsh harrier and 1 Kingfisher. Tuesday 12th Richard had a ring tail Hen harrier at marsh hide and another birder had a Bittern at Reed bed hide. I had a pair of Marsh harrier's displaying at Stodmarsh and a pair of Sparrow hawk's displaying near Marsh hide, also seen were 1 Great black-backed gull 3 Grey heron, 2 Cetti's warbler,1 Great spotted woodpecker and 2 Tree creeper's. Monday 11th i had 3 Stonechat,1 Buzzard,1 Marsh harrier and 6 Reed bunting.
(Bryan East)
Black-tailed Godwit - Bryan East
Common Buzzard - Bryan East