The Stour Valley list for 2020stands at 89 species so far.
Please send your sightings to martynwilson@talktalk.net
January 5th
Both ends of the reserve were covered this weekend trying to add new species to the new year tally. A total of six more species were added and they were, Goosander, Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk, Skylark, Pied Wagtail and Yellowhammer. Chiddy added Raven today while fishing at Trenley lake, bringing the total to 83. Other noted birds included a Tawny Owl seen roosting in an old Great-spotted Woodpecker hole (poor picture below), 2 Woodcock just beyond Tower hide early Saturday, 3 Kestrels, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Great-white Egret and a fine drake Goosander on Saturday plus a redhead Goosander on Sunday. There wer at least 1400 Fieldfare in the orchard at Newbons farm but no Redwing could be located. A lone Barnacle Goose was with the Greylag flock as were 2 adult Russian White-fronted Geese on Saturday, no Barnacle but 3 adult White-fronts on Sunday. A flock of 24 Corn Buntings was above Collard's lake and today at least 20 Corn Buntings, 12 Yellowhammers and 2 Skylarks were on fields above Stodmarsh village. A single Shelduck remains and a roost of at least 75 Linnets left the Ramp bushes this morning. Stonechat, 2 Green Sandpipers, 13 Marsh Harriers and 4 Buzzards also noted alongside the more expected common birds.
Poor distant phonescoped shot of a Tawny Owl in a Woodpecker hole