Sumidoro

Leonardo, one of the REGUA Guides treated us to a great days birding at Sumidoro.   The list of birds seen, and the views we had were great.

A pair of displaying Blue-winged Macaw gave us a spectacular opportunity to watch their inter-action.   At times they flew in complete synchronicity, swooping and soaring - calling as they displayed.   Then, at rest in a near tree, they continued to pair-bond with pecking, grooming and contact 'chipping' to each other.   We spent ages just enjoying them and snapping away with the cameras - over a thousand shots must have been taken by the group in all - some taking more than others!

Blue-winged Macaw

We had several stops along the road, and were surprised at the number of birds to be found in the scrappiest bits of habitat.   One flock had over a dozen species and gave us all the chance to take our time over birds which had previously been very shy.   

There were also some delightful new species for our trip list including; Magpie Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Dusky-legged Guan, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Toco Toucan, Serra Antwren and Southern Beardless Tyrannulet.

Gilt-edged Tanager

The Three-toed Jacamar gave their usual brilliant showing with at least eight individuals being found. A very obliging Surucua Trogon sat right in front of us for ages, allowing great photo opportunities.   Grey-eyed Greenlet is another lovely species to find here, and once more Leonardo managed to get great views for us all.

A Ferruginous Pygmy Owl started to call and was mobbed by Violet-capped Woodnymphs and Tanagers.   This forced the Owl to fly further away from us, but still within lens distance for some.

Several American Kestrels were seen perched on wires and telegraph poles.   On the way back Leonardo had another couple of stops up his sleeve and one of our party's wish list was found at the first - Firewood Gatherer - what a great name.   Their nests were to be found in a nearby tree - typically made of twigs laid between the branches of the tree and the trunk.   Rufous Hornero nests (from the Ovenbird family) were also in the same tree - no need to describe what they look like I am sure!

Hornero nest

Streamer-tailed Tyrant responded immediately, giving a great display for everyone, even though the drizzle was starting to fall by this time. 

White-eared Puffbird

A couple of White-eared Puffbird (one of my favourite families) posed well in a tree for us as Curl-crested Jays flew around chattering to each other as they moved from tree to telegraph wire and back to tree.

In addition to all this we also saw Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Hangnest Tody-tyrant, Cliff Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Crested Oropendola, Rufous-headed Tanager, Uniform Finch, Pileated Finch, and Double-collared Seedeater.

What a great day!

Around and About

During my first ten days here, I had the luxury of a holiday, and spent time on day excursions to Rio - where for once the sun shone and we had great views from the top of the Sugar-Loaf Mountain, of both the City and many beaches stretching out below us and the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of the Corcovada.

Christ the Redeemer watching over Rio

The Botanic Gardens were great too with close views of Channel-billed Toucan, hybrid Common Marmosets, Rusty-margined Guan and Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail.

Added to this the trees and plants are fantastic and with Nicholas and Raquel as our guides we couldn't wish for better.

An al fresco lunch in the cobbled alleys of the old town with musicians playing typical Brazilian samba music made for a relaxing day in this hectic city.   A short walk nearby brought us to the original building where slaves were brought to Brazil on ships from Africa.   Having been to Ghana and seen the start of their journey, it somehow closed the circle for me.   Amazing to see the steps leading up from the original quay-side and the gate through which their future life began.   A very sobering sight indeed.

View from Sugar Loaf

After lunch Alcenir drove us along the 'Copacabana Crawl' so called as the traffic along this part of the city is so slow.   We were lucky and managed to get along without too much difficulty.   We did a complete circuit of the Bay and then made our way back to peace and serenity at the Reserve.

Bird watching in Paradise

Whatever anyone tells you, believe me, birding in Kent has nothing on Brazil!   I've just spent ten days on holiday at Regua, in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.   Followers will know that it is my second home, and will therefore skip, the next few blogs!   However, despite my regular trips the place just continues to deliver new delights every time.

Early morning from the Garden

The rainforest restoration is expanding rapidly and with that increased species diversity.   With 170,000 trees planted in the last twelve years, and a further 180,000 to go in over the next two years, there are going to be more changes still!

Around the lodge, the view of some of the surrounding mountains has been rescued from the rapidly expanding forest.   A moth wall has been erected and a grand new two-storey Belvedere has been built enabling great views of the wetland and the sunset over the mountains from the edge of the garden.   So good is this new viewpoint, we spent two hours there on our first morning enjoying tanager flocks and blue dacnis at eye level, and scanning the forest canopy for raptors and sloth.  No-one was in a hurry to leave and start the walk!

Familiar sights greet us also, the team at the lodge are as friendly as ever, nothing is too much trouble for them, and great food in the relaxed atmosphere is always a highlight here.   With the arguments between swallow-tailed hummingbirds still continuing over the feeders in the garden which they defend vociferously against the glittering-throated emerald and violet-capped woodnymph its just like coming home.

Chestnut-backed Antshrike

Blonde-crested woodpecker and white-tufted marmoset feeding in the bananas in the garden delayed breakfast and our departure on several days.   Whilst the call of channel-billed toucan and bare-necked bellbird accompanied our days as we relaxed around the pool and on the veranda.

Regua phase one

So, here I am on my annual sojourn to Regua the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Reserve north of Rio.   On my 8th visit now, so you would think that the magic would have faded!   No such luck, its still a fantastic place to go birdwatching and walking, and it makes my heart swell with delight as I get nearer to those distinctive mountains.

Updates to follow but this was to whet your appetite, or enable to get to sleep, depending on your ability to enjoy someone else's travels . . . . . I can hear the snores from here.   Zzzzzzzzzzzz

Cliffe in the Sunshine

This week our usual weekly walk took us to Cliffe.      We were met with a cacophany of sound from the Black-headed Gulls on the first pool, where there were also Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Coot and Canada Geese.   From the bushes and trees around the car park and along the first part of our walk were there several Blackcap, Dunnock - with a least one family group found, Wren, Woodpigeon, Magpie and Whitethroat.   Stock Dove was pointed out by Irene as it called from the Pinnacle area.   As Sally and I tried to video a stunning male Blackcap as it sang from the top of a bush, Irene and Malcolm were watching a Mediterranean Gull which had announced its arrival overhead.   Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Red Admiral and Common Blue Butterflies were seen as we continued our walk.   Goats Rue and Dog Rose were in full flower, with Creeping Cinquefoil, Eyebright and Hounds Tongue also identified.   Malcolm showed Irene and I how to identify Perforate St Johns Wort - with small perforations in the leaves which show will when you use an eyeglass!

Singing Male Blackcap

We continued along the path between the pools and heard Chiffchaff and Goldfinch.   A Blackbird alarmed as we continued along and a Nightingale shot across the path in front of us.   A Wren called from the depths of a bramble and mimicked part of Yellowhammer call within its repertoire.    Overhead Common Tern, Swallow and Skylark were seen and heard and a group of four Avocet were mobbing corvids ferociously, as presumably they had young nearby which were under threat.   Shelduck loafed around at the end of Flamingo pool, with a large number of Avocet, including several youngsters, and Oystercatchers.   A Meadow Pipit displayed as we neared the seawall, and a couple of Linnet flew ahead of us.

Holly Blue Butterfly

We had our lunch stop in the shelter of the seawall watching the tide come in, and piecing together the landmarks on the Essex side of the Thames.   After a well-earned rest we were off again to continue our circuit.    Along the way we managed to add a few more species to our list for the day including Crow, Kestrel, Stock Dove seen rather than heard, Starling, Greenfinch, a stunningly handsome male Stonechat, Marsh Harrier, Hobby and Pheasant.   Little Grebe squealed from one of the ditches running alongside the path.   Marsh Frogs croaked and Emperor Dragonfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were also identified.

From the Black Barn area we added to our wader list with Greenshank, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and lapwing.   Ducks on one of the deeper pools included Teal, Gadwall, and more Tufted Duck.     A female Reed Bunting called our attention as we were enjoying a family of Greenfinch which were feeding along the side of the path ahead of us.

Avocet Mobbing Corvids

The final part of the path gave us a brilliant show of Swift and Swallow - both in large numbers, and the occasional House Martin.   Curlew and Whimbrel, Little Egret, and the explosive call of the Cetti's Warbler helped us on our way back to the car.   The final addition was the sight of a family of Blue Tit.

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

Twenty-one of us joined Malcolm and Sally for this Tuesday walk at the ever-popular wildlife reserve at Sevenoaks.   From the car park we could hear Chiffchaff and Robin singing away enjoying the morning sunlight.   Willow Warbler and Garden Warbler were heard by the leading group, with Wren, Magpie and Jay added in quick succession by us all.    Willow seeds were blowing around on the breeze - an excellent display of seed distribution!

Common Spotted Orchid

A scan of the water from the small viewpoint added several water birds to our list, including Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Tufted Duck, Coot - with two still on nests - and Mute Swan.   A Song Thrush delighted us with its song, phrases being repeated two and three times making it easy to point out to everyone.   We are now experts!     Chaffinch called from perches in the trees and bushes as we continued our walk.   A black and yellow Longhorn Beetle intrigued us and Common Spotted Orchid and Figwort delighted us.   A family of Blue Tits with several young, "seeped" from their hiding places, keeping contact and reassuring each other as we passed by.   Malcolm pointed out sawfly galls on the willows, where bright red lumps appear as the gall develops.

Figwort

Our education was also expanded by finding Banded Demoiselle, Small Red-eyed Damselfly and Small Tortoiseshell Caterpillars.     A Grey Squirrel ran along branches above us sending birds off in fright.   Near one of the hides we found both Blackcap and Dunnock families.    The Blackcaps were rather secretive, with the youngsters huddled low down on a branch almost covered by grass, whilst the female looked on and the male ferried food back and forth to his young family.   The Dunnock on the other hand were sitting in a bare bush preening, with their parents keeping a watchful eye.

Red Admiral, Small White and Speckled Wood Butterflies were added by some and as we continued there were the distinctive "cigar-shaped" rolls of nettle leaves, which are the hiding place for Mother of Pearl Moth caterpillars.   Nettle Tap Moths were also quite numerous around the reserve - once we  saw one, we realised there were many of them around.

Nettle Tap Moth

From the main hide overlooking the largest lake we watched Pied Wagtail with their chick, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Mallard, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Egyptian Geese and Great Crested Grebe.   We also found a dead mole - but the less said about that the better . . . .

Rye Harbour Phase 2

Twice in four days?   Well Rye Harbour is a very special place for wildlife of all sorts.

The sightings in the car park were Herring gull, Starling and Goldfinch.   As we walked along the footpath we noted Salsify, Slender Thistle, Sea Kale and Yellow Horned Poppy in flower.   A couple of hairy moth caterpillars caught Malcolm's attention, Brown Tailed and Oak Eggar - further along we found another, the Pale Grass Eggar.   Our non-avian list rumbled along as we added Small Copper, Common Blue and Painted Lady butterflies.

Pale Grass Eggar

In the avian world however, it was a hectic whirl of parenting and defending nests which just makes our species look like amateurs.   Little Tern nests were being threatened by Rooks, Common Terns joined in the mobbing in an attempt to protect the youngsters.   Black-headed Gulls squawked away making a cacophonous din, constantly calling to each other, their chicks and their neighbours.   Often a chick or adult would get the geography a little wrong and what appeared to be vicious pecking and kicking would be called for until the interloper found its rightful nest and order was restored.

Painted Lady on Valerian

A group of Cormorants enjoyed peace on their own island drying their wings in the sunshine.   One adult was trying to encourage its fledgling to feed, and repeatedly dived then surfaced until the youngster got the message.   Three Little Egret hunted for small fish along the edges of the pools, keeping out of the main areas of contention.

Away from the water we heard a Cuckoo calling and found Wheatear families (potentially two) with adult males feeding fledglings which constantly begged for food.   We also found a male Linnet dutifully feeding its young.  Both species were encouraging their young to fend for themselves - but with what appeared to be little success.

A Ringed Plover was hunkered down in the shingle viewable from the new hide near Lime Kiln Cottage, it didn't move all the time we watched, so could be on a nest.   Several Avocet were adopting a similar pose.

Blurry, but a Skylark singing on high!

Several Mediterranean Gulls were on nests and we saw one chick which was preening by an adult.   The Common Terns were raising young too with at least four families viewable with young fluffy spotty chicks.  One family appeared to be reliant on one parent and hid behind a stone until food arrived.  Not the best of circumstances as when one of the chicks ventured out from its cover it got a vicious peck and head bashing from another adult Tern.    A second nest had a parent standing guard whilst its mate collected food, in the third chick was happily snuggled under mum or day and poked its head out from under the adult's wing every now and then to see how the neighbours were doing.   Other birds appeared to be sitting on nests and one couple looked as if they were still scraping out a nest, so there could be more young on the way.

Common Tern

A Great-crested Grebe and Little Grebe were also noted amongst the other occupants of the Ternery Pool which included Tufted Duck, Mallard, Greylag Geese with young, and a large contingent of Sandwich Terns.

On our return journey Sally spotted a couple of Stock Dove feeding in the shingle ridges and a Hobby shot through with some Swallows.

Happy Birthday Phil

I had a great day in Rye with Phil on Sunday.   The weather was kind most of the day.   After cups of tea and birthday gifts we went off to Pett Levels for a walk.   This is where the "most of the day" came in as the heavens opened and heavy rain fell.

We decided to go to the shelter of one of the hides in the nearby reserve.   The list of birds came thick and fast, giving me a great opportunity to use the new BirdTrack app!   Amongst those birds seen were Canada Geese, Greylag, Gadwall, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Coot, Common Tern, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Mallard, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Shoveler and Tufted Duck.   A large number of Swift fed over the water, and several Swallow were also spotted.

On nearby fields Woodpigeons fed amongst the deer.   Around the hide we heard Sedge and Reed Warbler in the reedbeds alongside the ditches and scrape and saw a Reed Bunting.   On the way back for lunch we found Stock Dove and Pheasant in the fields.

Back home and the benefits of living in the middle of a field are always a delight for me - the place is absolutely surrounded by birds!   From the kitchen window we watched the feeders where Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush,  Dunnock, Goldfinch, Magpie and Nuthatch took advantage of the goodies available.  

A pair of Marsh Harrier hunted over the reedbeds, and we were lucky enough to see a food exchange.   A female Sparrowhawk shot past right in front of us, but immediately disappeared.

The weather improved so we took off to Rye Harbour for a wander.   Many birds were repeats of this morning's sightings, but we also added some great species.   Walking down the path we had Rock Pipit displaying, with Skylark also singing from high up.   Three Wheatear were spotted from the hide along with Little Tern calling overhead.   As we continued following the river Lesser and Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, a hovering Kestrel and a couple of Linnet were added.  

From the scrape we had huge numbers of Black-headed Gulls with a few Mediterranean thrown in for good measure.   One of the islands had about 20 Sandwich Terns, it was hard to tell if they were on nests, but a few of them did appear to be quite hunkered down - so lets hope so.   Cormorants were grouped on the far side of the water, and a lone Little Egret rested on the edge.  

Walking back through the caravan park I noticed what I thought were two Stock Doves on the ground, just as I started to say it though, I realised that I was wrong - one was a Woodpigeon and the other was a Cuckoo.   Great to see one in the open, but sitting on the ground was not where I would have expected one!

A fantastic Curry for dinner in Rye topped off with a House Martin made my day, and the App performed brilliantly - no keying in, just pressed "upload" and the whole day's sightings were submitted in a second.

p.s my first Cream Spot Tiger Moth of the year also noted.

Stodmarsh

A trip to Stodmarsh this week with the usual Wednesday crew, proved to be a great success.   The highlight, and the last sighting of the day, being great views of an Osprey hunting over the lakes, but more of that later.

The reedbeds which had been cut during the winter have regrown and bird song in the woodland was varied and surrounded us as we started out from the car park.   Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren and Robin all sang well.   A Great Spotted Woodpecker "chipped" in the background.   The usual friendly Robins were not in their usual place - presumably they were too busy with their nests/young to hang about waiting for passing provisions.

Shield Bugs mating

As we emerged towards the wetland areas Sedge and Reed Warbler sang from within the reedbeds, keeping out of the windy weather.   From the hide we watched a families of Coot, Greylag Geese, and Mallard.   We had huge numbers of Swift feeding over the water, with a couple of Swallow and at least one House Martin joining in.   Just as we commented on the lack of Hobby, one was spotted.   Marsh Harriers were in the air virtually all day with a couple of females and a male hunting over the reedbeds and fields.

A Gadwall pair kept to the quieter waters, and several Lapwing were loafing around the muddy edges, a little too relaxed to be breeding birds we decided.   Large flocks of Starling and Jackdaw were disturbed by the warden and colleagues walking through the fields.   A Common Tern made regular circuits of the ditches and lakes looking for fish.

Ragged Robin

Wild Celery Apium graveolens (thanks to Sally for the ID) grew alongside the track, and a gall which grows on oak catkins was found, much to Malcolm's delight.

We made our way back to the car for a relaxing drink before we started homeward.   Malcolm noticed that the Osprey reported the previous day, had been seen again earlier today, so off we went to look for it.

From the hide we watched more Swift feeding and a Grey Heron standing motionless in the pool before us.   Then in the distance Malcolm spotted the distinctive flight and colouring of a hunting Osprey - my first in Kent ever, and a real treat.   We watched for ages as it was mobbed by Crows, soaring high over the hillsides and then returning back to hunt over the lake.   A great end to a good day out.

Osprey

Old Hall Marshes

Ken and I went off to Old Hall Marshes yesterday, leaving Pam at home preparing an excellent Rick Stein spicy Shepherds Pie!

A great day with lots of singing Reed and Sedge Warbler, Cettis, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Blackcap, and the occasional Whitethroat were enjoyed.   

Sedge Warbler

A fine male Marsh Harrier hunted all day giving us some lovely (if distant) views.   A flock of probably 75 Starling were disturbed by the harrier with regular occurence throughout the day. 

We were accompanied by  Skylark singing and diving in their display flight all day long.

Reed Bunting

Cormorant, Coot, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Canada and Greylag Geese and at least ten Shelduck were enjoying the safety of the scrapes.   A single Common Tern flew over as we neared the sea wall, where several Oystercater and three Grey Plover were feeding.   A few Lapwing stood around on the salt marshes and the marshy fields, but there was no apparent indication of nesting.

Non-avian species included Small Heath Butterfly, many Common Blues, several (as yet unidentified) damselfly, Solitary Bee and Hoverfly.

Small Heath

All in all a great day out, topped off with that delicious dinner.

Thanks to Pam and Ken for another lovely few days. 

8 Miles at Knole

From the title you'd might think I have been on a route march - but no, just a simple outdoor meeting with my local RSPB Group which took us on two circuits of this excellent part of Kent.

Greater Celandine

First birds on the list were a pair of Ring-necked Parakeets, with a further five within the park itself.   We found Greater Celandine along the footpath.  Among the highlights were once again, Skylark singing well over the rough grassland, several Yellowhammer calling and with some patience seen well by all, and Wren which are obviously far more interested in protecting their territories than their identities at this time of year - I don't remember ever having such great views of them as I have in the last week.

Stock Dove and Swallow were along the Duchess Walk, and a Pied Wagtail juvenile fed with a parent close by.   Mistle Thrush were seen near where we had found them a couple of weeks ago and Blackcap sang well all day.   We did find some Whitethroat, Greenfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker nest.

Redstart

Highlight was by far hearing and seeing Common Redstart which everyone enjoyed.

Feeling the heat at Hothfield

A great day out today with the usual band of walkers.   It started a little overcast, and quite cool, but as the day wore on it cleared and blue sky and sunshine warmed us well.

This was good news as we had chosen to go to the bogs and heathland at KWT's Hothfield Heath and without some sun it would be a little quiet.

Cotton grass in the Bog

Our bird list was healthy with the stars of the show (for me) being at least five singing Yellowhammer.   During the day we saw a couple of Wren which were very bravely singing from the top of exposed saplings - most unlike their usual demeanour.

Singing birds were the speciality of the day, and without some knowledge we would have been stumped.   We also saw a good range of birds well, including Chiffchaff, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Whitethroat, Green Woodpecker, Great Tit, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, and Willow Warbler.

Round-leaved Sundew

At one stage we had Swift, Swallow and House Martin feeding low over the trees where the insects were probably at their densest.   A Common Buzzard circled overhead, being mobbed by a half-hearted Carrion Crow.   Magpie, Jackdaw and several Jay added to our Corvid collection.   Several Mistle Thrush were spotted by Malcolm.

A Reed Bunting was chipping away from the top of a sedge in the middle of one of the bog areas, and as we continued around the Reserve we found nest sites of Blackcap, Blue Tit, Jay, and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Yellowhammer

A rather energetic pair of pheasant were flirting and attempting to mate half way up a rather large but obviously inadequate tree.   Every time both birds landed on the same branch they came tumbling towards the ground, entertaining to see but probably not the best way to ensure survival of the species.

A Garden Warbler sang beautifully almost duetting with a Blackcap and causing us some confusion.

Birds were not the only delight today, and with its bog specialities Hothfield always tests our knowledge and memories!

Small Copper Butterfly

Lousewort, Round-leaved Sundew, Dwarf and Common Gorse and a rather small bedstraw which needs more investigation, as does a rather small sorrel.

Butterflies seen included Large White, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Small Copper and we also noted Scorpion Fly, Banded Demoiselle, Broad-bodied Chaser, Large Red Damselfly and Azure Damselfly

Skeggy

I've just spent the last few days with a friend and her two boys in Skegness.   This was a real "re-visit the past" moment for me, as my first 18 years' holidays were generally taken here (with the odd foray to Mablethorpe, Hunstanton, Ingoldmells, and mid-Wales).

Sadly not wild, but I couldn't resist
taking a snap or three (actually about 30
but with digital it's easy to delete . . 

The last time I returned was about 15 years ago, and it was a rather sad place - a typical seaside town badly in need of income and development.   This time I was delighted to see that they have gone full circle and it is now once again, a thriving "resort" which was not that dissimilar to my childhood memories.   The seafront has been developed and has bright new buildings housing the same amusement arcades and food outlets.   The main street is full of both national and local shops, and you could still find candy floss, rock and kiss me quick hats - so many happy memories were re-lived.

"our" Bunny

"Our" guest house is still there, but the pub garden where I remember hearing Lola played over and over again in the summer of 1970 has now been built on.

The beach is still a wide beautiful sandy area just made for football and other beach games.

Beachcombing along this coast is great, I still remember having the yearly challenge with Dad on who could find the smallest most perfectly formed shell - some of them are still in a dish at home.   This year we did wander along a nearby beach and collected shells and were amazed how many starfish had been stranded along the high tide line.

Gorgeous eyes

Our accommodation was a modern lodge caravan - quite an improvement on the 4 berth 'vans of old - on a purpose built park, and although on the face of it you wouldn't expect a great deal of wildlife here, we were greatly impressed.

Young rabbits came close enough for photos - encouraged by our feeding them carrots, celery and cucumber each day.   Skylark were displaying and appeared to be nesting in the long grass which has so far been left next to our plot, Starlings, Kesstrel and Mistle Thrushes were also a daily sighting here.

Barney

Between each of the "avenues" of caravans were small ponds with landscaped areas and waterfalls.   The rabbits hae claimed the waterfall foundation as a purpose built warren.   On the water we saw Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Moorhens - with at least 10 chicks, Mallard - with up to 7 chicks.

The boys loved the wildlife, and I had a nostalgic trip.

Knole Park

Our weekly walk took us to Knole Park this week, and although it wasn't the best of weather, it was a least a bit brighter than yesterday.

We wandered along a line of oak trees looking for Galls and did find Andricus quercus-ramuli - Cotton Wood Gall to you and I.   This is a gall made by a Gall Wasp, and it literally looks as if a cotton wool ball is stuck to the branch of the oak tree.   This was the highlight of Malcolm's day as the Gall is quite hard to find.

Andricus quercus-ramuli

We continued along the line of trees listening for any birds that may be singing.   Skylark was the first "hearing", then we saw a Blackbird carrying food, a group of around 35 Jackdaw called from the top of a tree where they were nesting.   Knole has many old trees which are decaying and have plenty of holes and crevices for them to use.   Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, and Mistle Thrush all appeared in quick succession.   

As we moved along The Gallops we found Stock Dove, a group of four Ring-necked Parakeets, Wren, Chiffchaff and Woodpigeon were also present.   A couple of Swallow were feeding around the house and at one stage they perched on top of one of the ornate chimney pots.

Robin, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush also sang as we continued along towards our lunch stop.   We were in the area where Tree Pipit used to be found, but sadly, none were seen or heard today.

Old hole ridden trunk

Kestrel hovered and Grey Heron leisurely flew across the parkland, and as we walked towards the small pond, Sally saw a small bird flitting around in a nearby tree.   We watched and waited and eventually Malcolm spotted a Redstart.   It flew to the ground then regained its former perch and it seemed as if it suddenly realised that we were there.   The bird stayed on the end of an overhanging bough, appearing to watch us until it decided we were no threat and carried on with its circuit of territory.   

We continued on, stopping at the pond to watch Mallard and Moorhen.  Our next distraction was a buzzard spotted gaining height as it circled ahead of us.   A second Redstart was heard as we approached the golf course, but we could not see the bird, although a Nuthatch fed in a tree in front of us.

Nearing the house I heard a Yellowhammer, it was in a bush just ahead of us, and after a few calls it decided to make a dash for it and shot out across the path and into the distance.   Just far enough to feel safe from approaching people, but still close enough to be heard.

Pied Wagtail completed our Knole Bird list, but we did have a short distraction from Malcolm as we hunted for more galls - this time on a Turkey Oak.   Apparently we have to go back later in the year!

Soon it was time to go on to Horton Kirby and our meeting with the Rainbows.   We met in Westminster Field and did a walk along the River Darent there.   Many of the children had binoculars and one also had a bird book.   We saw Swift overhead and a Sparrowhawk circled overhead for several minutes enabling all the girls to see the bird.   Buttercup and Dandelion seedheads gave us all entertainment as we shared our "do you like butter" and "what time is it?" experiences.

Cuckoo Pint

Their next sighting was a Moorhen on the river, and we then moved along to the more wooded area.   Here Blackbird, Robin, Crow and Blackcap were either seen or heard or both!

Then it was onto our star turn and the Chiffchaff nest area.   The girls all sat quietly whilst Malcolm explained to them what we had found the day before, and although we could hear the contact "chipping" the bird would not show itself.   We continued along the path, looking at the flowers we could find and looking for feathers and other items of interest.   Cow Parsley was in abundance and when we found a patch of Cleavers there was much amusement as it stuck to our clothing.   Seed dispersal in action!

Soon it was time to retrace our steps, with a quiet approach to the Chiffchaff enabling some of us to finally see a bird near the nest area.   We moved swiftly on, back to meet mum or dad, with thanks and farewells. 

Lullingstone

A cold and grey morning's walk at Lullingstone this week certainly added to my "heard" list rather than species seen!   There weren't even any butterflies or many flowers to enjoy with such a delayed early summer.

English Bluebells

Crosswort was good to see, along with the twisted bark on the trunk of Sweet Chestnut trees.  Another delight was watching Swifts mating on the wing - I had only seen this a few times before this year, but I have obviously been luckier (or more observant!) this year with a least a dozen sightings over the last week.

Sweet Chestnut flower

House Martin and Swallow were feeding over the fields and lake near Lullingstone Castle, and although we heard several Whitethroat this morning, Blackcap were surprisingly quiet, although as I walked ahead of the group at one stage I found a singing male perched on some dead wood.   Willow Warbler serenaded part of our woodland walk, but it appeared to be only one bird.

Rough Hawksbeard (Crepis biennis) was of particular interest to Malcolm as it is home to a gall later in the year.

Crosswort

In the afternoon, we moved off to Horton Kirby to recce our walk the next day with the local Rainbows group, we did find a Chiffchaff nest, and had a Sparrowhawk circling overhead.

Gibraltar Point

I spent last weekend at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire.

On the way up we stopped off at Lakenheath were a Red-footed falcon gave a superb show, and two Golden Oriole flew right over our heads, giving their alarm call as they went.  Then it was on to Lincolnshire.

Avocet

Although the weather was not as good as my last May visit (in 2010) it was at least dry.   I felt that perhaps the bird watching hadn't been as good, but I only saw one less species this time, so it may be that I have just found my level as a bird finder!

Anyway, by far the highlights were on Saturday evening when I had the joy of listening to three separate Grasshopper warblers, and watched a Barn Owl hunting over the fields.   At one stage it came past with a vole in its talons, with the light fading it gave an atmospheric close to our day.

Barn Owl carrying vole

Before we left on Sunday there was the delight of Turtle Dove, yet another Grasshopper Warbler, close views of Corn Bunting, Whitethroat and Yellowhammer, and a Short-eared Owl.

Interestingly they have a flock of around 27 Jays on the reserve at the moment, they appear to have migrated south last winter and do not seem keen to take on the North Sea migration back!   They were easily seen and had a regular circuit so we all had great views of them.   They are so rarely seen at the Reserve, they are not even on their checklist!

Corn Bunting

On the way home we stopped at Frampton Marsh, Whimbrel, Little Gull and Temminck's Stint were the highlights amongst the many other species which were seen.

Happy days!

Oare - more than just a backstop; and Milton Creek - a new experience

So, given that we had a great Sunday, we were keen to repeat the experience nearer home, on Wednesday.   Unfortunately the weather had other ideas and we mulled over our destination for quite a while - long enough for Malcolm to feed the birds, Sally to explain why they had ended up with 4 kg of live meal-worms this week, and Irene and I to be grateful that we didn't have 4 kg!

Eventually we decided that with windy (potentially wet) weather we needed hides and also somewhere close by, so off to Oare we went.

Oare looking deceptively sunny and calm

It was very blowy when we arrived and we were rather reluctant to get out of the car, but with the windows wound down I could hear Whitethroat.   By the slipway there were very few birds as the tide was extremely low, but we did find a couple of Ringed Plover, some Shelduck, and Black-headed Gull.   Swifts flew overhead, I find it amazing that they can control their flight in such strong gusty wind.

Along the seawall we were virtually blown off the top by the big gusts of southerly winds, and the only bird we could hear was Skylark - again it was bewildering that they could still manage to control their flight in these unstable conditions.   We decided that we wouldn't be able to see anything well from here so moved back towards the scrape and some shelter.   At the start of the path which leads west we found Chaffinch, Greenfinch and House Sparrow.   A Grey Heron flew in the distance, a Little Egret was in a reed-bed having it's long head plumes blown about.  

New workings at Milton Creek

A female Marsh Harrier battled against the wind and was mobbed by a pair of Lapwing.   Unfortunately we later saw a Carrion Crow take a Lapwing chick, some time later it went back for more but the adult birds appeared to fend it off the second time.   Nature can be very cruel sometimes, but survival is the only instinct every other species has.

From the road Malcolm spotted House Martin, and there were several mixed in with a huge flock of Swifts and Swallows.  They were all being pushed down low over the water to find insects, as they tried to seek some shelter from the wind.

In front of the Hide south of the East Flood we could see four Coot nests, Tufted Duck, over 150 Black-tailed Godwit, Mallard, Starling, a single Avocet (usually there are many to be seen in the area even at low tide) and several Gadwall were also found here.  

We decided to move to the other side of the road and try the hide in the grazing land as the tide was still quite a way out and we needed to stay in a sheltered area.   We added Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Blackbird, Moorhen, Peregrine, Hobby, Little Grebe, Shoveler, a pair of displaying Oystercatcher, Redshank, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Canada Geese, Pheasant and the find of the day - a pair of Yellow Wagtail.   Not the greatest of views - they shot past us twice whilst we were in the hide, both times they were moving at high speed, but their yellow plumage and call immediately identified them.

Old ship hulls in the mud by the creek

Whilst we had lunch the Hobby gave us several fly-pasts and Swallow, Swift and House Martin were also feeding close in to the hide giving us remarkably close views.   The rain started, and we decided that it was time to move on, so as soon as the rain stopped we went back to the car park, and on to a new site for us - Milton Creek Country Park.

After an abortive parking up we finally found somewhere to park the car near the main part of the park.  This is an area which has been reclaimed from a landfill site, gravel pit and brick works.   Although very new the idea is to create a safe green space in the middle of an urban area in Kent.   The signage is still to be installed and we needed to use our GPS to get to the creek viewpoint areas, but we still managed to get an impressive list which included Magpie, Starling, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat, Linnet, Collared Dove, a pair of Kestrel, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Green Woodpecker and Reed Warbler.   The highlight of the park came in a thrilling ten minutes when we heard Cuckoo - which Sally and I managed to see as it left a nearby tree - and two Nightingale, the first was signing well close to the path, the second was further in some deep scrub, but still distinctly recognisable.

Migrant Heaven - the Water Treatment Works!

The Park needs to mature but there is great potential for the wilder areas as it grows.   The Saxon Shore Way passes though part of the park, following the Creek.

Minsmere

Had a great day at Minsmere at the weekend.  A group trip with over 40 of us swarming over the reserve.  We saw 90 species in all, but I managed 77.

Highlights for me were hearing Willow Warbler - sadly I rarely hear them locally - seeing a pair of Stone-curlew at their nest, seeing a Tawny Owl and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Nesting Avocet

There were lots of other great things to watch though, including great views of  a male Marsh Harrier and two females (one with green wing-tags which refused to give up their codes unfortunately), several Hobby feeding low over the reedbed.   We had Avocet, Oystercatcher and Black-headed Gull on the nest right in front of the hide, and lovely views of Common Tern, Kittiwake, Redshank and Common Sandpiper.

A Nightingale sang well as we stood in the car park on arrival, and we also heard several Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap and a Garden Warbler sang long enough for us to get reasonable views.

North Scrape

Spoonbill stood along the side of a distant pool, and it was only when it started to preen that I could see the "spoon" against its white plumage.  Lapwing were displaying and piping - great to hear even though we see them regularly nearer home.

Swift, Swallow and Sand Martin were going through in great numbers and feeding low over the scrapes and reedbeds.  

Back home

The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a busy time with lots of house and garden work, setting up my BBS walks and trying to catch up on on those little jobs which didn't seem that urgent when I went on holiday!

So, gardening and housework done (sort of) and it was off out to recce my two BBS walks.   Both went well, although one has an area that is totally inaccessible (unless you have wings!) and where the landowner is rather forthright in his comments.   Good job I'm used to football crowds and wasn't overly offended.

Green-veined White

Last Wednesday Irene and I did a walk around one of the BBS squares and had a lovely sunny wander through a small wood and some fields.   Whitethroat, Blackcap and large numbers of Blue Tit and Chaffinch were our main counts.   We did find a predated egg at one stage, but have been unable to identify it - probably from one of the nearby farms as it was rather large!

Water on Great Bells

A couple of days ago I visited Great Bells on Sheppey with the RSPB to see what is being achieved there - given their loss of the Elmley Reserve to ECT.   [note that whilst the original Elmley reserve will remain open to the public as previously, Great Bells is a sanctuary reserve with no public access.]   Having been involved in a couple of surveys of the site when it's management was originally taken over by the RSPB,  it was interesting to see how the new rills and bunds have changed the site and once the installation of a new pumping system takes place, hopefully more water on the site will bring about an improved habitat for birds and wildlife in general.

Yesterday the whole Wednesday squad were back together and we went off to Cliffe Pools.   We had a lovely walk in sunshine, even though the wind did play havoc with Malcolm's hearing aid and Sally, Irene and my hairdo!!

Great Migrant Habitat at Cliffe

We had several Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, Nightingale, Cuckoo, Common Tern, Swallows and Swifts to enthral us. Added to those summer migrants, we also counted around 150 Avocets, many of them appeared to be settled on one of the islands - so potentially nesting.   Redshank, Whimbrel, and Oystercatchers were feeding in the fields around the pools.   Cetti's Warbler and Dunnock were singing well, and a Chiffchaff was skulking about low in the brambles with nesting material.

Spot the Lapwing nest!

We found Lapwing nesting in the nearby fields, some of them appear to have chosen a dangerous spot, in the path of some rather large-footed horses, but hopefully nature will find a way of making it work - can you spot the bird on the nest?

With a Marsh Harrier in the distance, two Hobby and a Peregrine overhead our day was complete.

Here's looking forward to a great day at Minsmere!