Each year I join a Grey Wagtail survey. Five of us visit several sites along the River Darent from Horton Kirby to Shoreham.
Each year we look for evidence of breeding. This year we ended up doing two surveys. The first on 30th May was very disappointing, with only two sites giving us sitings, and potential breeding. We were quite concerned that recent flooding had affected the nest sites, but were hopeful that if the birds had been flooded out, there was a chance that would try again.
At the first site we found a couple, who were feeding themselves, but didn't seem to be interested in nest building or feeding young. As the adults were feeding on a local playing field, dogs running around forced them onto a roof where they kept careful watch on both the dogs and human traffic below.
At one of the two successful sites we had great views of an adult feeding a young bird. Enjoy watching for yourself here.
Just looking through the photographs from a trip to Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, earlier this year and found this of Green Tiger Beetles Cicindela campestris, it may be showing a pair copulating or the male defending the female. They prefer clear heathland and brown sites which lie undisturbed to help them find their prey. The clear land is warmed by the sun and this helps young to grow quickly, and also encourages strength in the adults so they are more efficient hunters.
These beetles lead a fascinating life underground, feeding on spiders ants caterpillars and other invertebrates - anything small enough to fit down their burrow! This is a great example of the co-dependency of species and the need for all creatures to be protected. For more information see below:
The Plan
Starting off with a wander around the wetlands, and the prospect of breakfast - so far so good.
After breakfast a meeting with one of the staff to discuss how to manage the fringes of the water for wildlife and to enable better views of rails and crakes. The Reality
At the conservation centre, bumped into one of the volunteers that I needed a photo of, so a walk to the Nursery, interview and photos taken. Back to the Conservation Centre to be met with the prospect of an exercise class. Luckily I had the camera and used that as my shield - taking photographs and video of the participants. Both staff, volunteers and visitors joined in.
Whilst photographing the class, a group of children from a local secondary school left their classroom and swarmed across the courtyard - with calls for their photograph to be taken. Photographs duly done I returned to the exercise class, only to be called away again for yet more photographs of the children, this time of the Professor explaining the vital role that forests have to play in the rain cycle and catchment area of the Upper Guapiaçu River.
Back to the exercise class. Moments later, the Bromeliad Researchers were apparently doing something very interesting and "worth a photograph". Watching as they washed, measured, collected botanical fauna, more photographs were taken.
Then the School children went off for a walk around the wetland and photographs were required.
Into the laboratory for the final stage in the Bromeliad Research process. Discussions were taking place regarding some medical support required for a staff member, over an hour later plans were in place to resolve the issue - more of which later!
Quick break for lunch, then off to the nearest town to complete the medical purchase in a local bank. After two abortive attempts to make a transaction, returned to the vehicle which by then had a flat tyre.
Luckily we were opposite a physiotherapy clinic who kindly took us into their air conditioned reception, offered coffee and cold water (and the use of facilities) whilst we waited for our Knights in Shining Armour to bring life to the vehicle. Some two hours later, we were on our way to the Supercercado for supplies.
Finally back at the lodge at 6:50, just in time for Caipirinha and dinner.
A bright and sunny day on the North Kent Coast - the decision aided by a huge traffic jam which made travel via the A2 impossible in any direction!
Strolling towards the seawall was great with male Marsh Harrier hunting, a Raven 'cronking' and a Kestrel hovering.
Marsh Harrier
As the tide was rising it was a race to get to the Egypt Bay roost before it was too late, but we did pretty well, with large numbers of duck - mainly Shelduck and Wigeon - Brent Geese, Grey Heron and Cormorant.
Raven
With the tide nearing its zenith waders started to move and there were huge flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit with Redshank, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher and Turnstone mixed in.
Rock Pipit fed along the waters edge, at least three pairs of Stonechat were noted along the seawall, long with Linnet and Meadow Pipit.
Rock Pipit
After a quick lunch (sheltered from the wind) the tide was dropping and a return to Allhallows seemed the best option. As the shallow water quickly receded, there were large flocks of waders, ducks and geese gathering on the beach below the caravan park, so we headed off to see if we could add to our days sightings.
Mixed Waders
Not long to wait as the birds were feeding frantically on the newly uncovered sand. Curlew, at least ten Ringed Plover, a few Avocet and yet more Knot were mixed in with increasing numbers of mixed waders and waterfowl.
On a freezing January day Rainham gave a few good reasons to get out to enjoy the delights of wildlife yet again.
Welcome to Rainham!
Teal by the scrape
Little Egret looking for food
The birds weren't the only creatures delighting us - although the Shrew could at least have had a pulse!
Recently deceased and hopefully something took advantage of this small morsel
Then the dilemma - if it were a water vole then everyone would be delighted and coo, but it isn't, so how do you feel about another of natures creatures taking advantage of the fallen seeds?
Brown Rat
But the final thrill of the day went back to our avian friends and a Barn Owl quartering across the fields looking for food. It attracted the attention of some other birds too - here's the Owl defending itself against Magpie.
Spot the Barn Owl! Lol
So all in all a great day, just shows how good wildlife is for us!
Birding on January 1st has been a given for the last 30 years or more - harder now than ever as the rigours of Christmas and the associated late nights and (dare I say) alcohol take their toll!
Sanderling by the roadside
Shellness gave an excellent reason to make the effort, with a rising tide pushing a huge number of waders up towards us and their high tide roost. Timing was spot on and the birds performed brilliantly.
Turnstone fed on the beach within feet of us, Ringed Plover, and a very obliging Sanderling joined in - the latter vying with Pied Wagtail as it pecked around on the roadside. Over the fields in the distance there were several Marsh Harrier and one Ring-tail - despite best efforts I couldn't get anyone else onto it and it did not re-appear sadly. :-(
Walking along the seawall towards Shellness from Leysdown gave an excellent opportunity to watch as the birds were pushed up towards us. Brent Geese started to gather, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Oystercatcher and huge number of Knot were mixed in with Dunlin and the occasional Grey Plover.
Oystercatchers gathering
By the time we got to Shellness the tide was virtually in but the last vestiges of mud flats held more concentrated numbers of waders. They were busily feeding and allowed us to get quite close. Several pairs of Stonechat were seen, the males appearing to take the higher perches on last year's dead seed heads, whilst the females stayed closer to the ground.
Mixed waders at the high tide roost - Oystercatchers in greatest number
Continuing to the end of the spit we found an area where ducks were gathered, mainly Shelduck, but there were a few Teal and the occasional Wigeon too - great to hear their whistling call across the marshes.
A Kestrel spent some time watching as we approached, perching on a post and occasionally giving a glance back before finally deciding we were getting just a little too close and flying off to land just feet inside the protected area.
Kestrel
Back at Leysdown for lunch and some time to scan the sea - the highlight being around a dozen Red-throated Diver.
Off to Capel Fleet for some Marsh Harriers, we had around seven swirling around coming in to roost as the rain started and so it was time to head home.
Led a walk at Elmley today. On the track into the main reserve we saw Marsh Harrier, Curlew, Skylark, and many Lapwing. On the sacrificial crop near the farm Goldfinch and Linnet fed, and a Robin 'ticked' as it joined them.
Elmley is always a great venue, and even though the weather forecast was cloudy and rain, ten of us gathered at the car park on a sunny morning with a stiff westerly breeze but hardly a cloud.
The bird feeders had their usual House Sparrow and Goldfinch with the farm chickens pecking below and vying with Moorhen for fallen seeds.
See slow motion of Kestrel hovering above.
As we wandered along the track we had great views of Stonechat, Curlew and a very close Kestrel which was perched on a nearby fence post and then gave a wonderful show as it hovered in front of us.
On the lakes there were Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot and Teal. The tide was out but there were a few Redshank, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover on the mud flats of the river. We continued our walk towards the hides finding Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail on the way.
From the hides we watched several Common Buzzard, and at least five Marsh Harrier. Flocks of Brent Goose, Shelduck, Shoveler and Teal flew onto the reserve as the tide came in. Egyptian Goose, and White-fronted Goose were some way off but gave reasonable views. The White-fronts had very well marked barring and were great to see. Grey Heron, Greylag and Canada Geese, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gull were all added to our ever-growing list. A Merlin was seen perched first on a fence post and then on a piece of farm equipment, again great views were had by all.
Elmley looking wonderful!
A second visit to Well Marsh Hide provided the highlight of the day for me - a stunning ringtail Hen Harrier! It flew low and quick and was a real treat. We all dashed from the hide to follow its progress along the seawall! A second pass a few moments later was more distant but the white rump still brightly visible.
After a while we re-traced our steps as the clouds gathered. Turnstone were added as they fed along the edge of the river.
After our farewells we drove back down the long track with rain starting to fall - excellent timing.
Elmley had a final treat for some of us though - as Malcolm spotted a Barn Owl hunting. An excellent end to a lovely day.
All our Wader sightings were sent through to Wader Conservation World Watch which took place on 5th & 6th November.
My most recent birding "quest" has been Jack Snipe. After seeing my first on St Mary's, IOS in 1991, there has been a lack of attention to this species, so a couple of years ago, having achieved the previous goal (Lesser Spotted Woodpecker), JS moved to the top of my UK wish-list.
Not wishing to flush a bird has costs me several opportunities, but in the last couple of weeks I have been an extremely lucky lady.
First came a chance meeting with a local group of birders at Dungeness - and thanks to them for sharing! Although being extremely hard to find amongst the rocks and legs of Northern Lapwing and Grey Heron, and with a rather annoying willow moving in a stiff breeze, it was a less than satisfactory view. Added to which it didn't even have the good grace to "bob".
I said it was less than satisfactory!
However, my (fast becoming) local patch of Rainham Marshes awaited and last week gave fantastic views of a Jack Snipe - no Willows in the way, no Lapwing or Grey Heron complicating the view and with a Common Snipe nearby for comparison and joy of joy - it bobbed constantly! Yippee!
Day one, and after a very long journey and a good nights sleep, I was keen to get out and see where we had landed.
The volcanic landscape was dramatic, with the morning skies bright everywhere except over the nearby volcanic hills where the top was clad in a dark thick cloud from which it failed to emerge all day.
Common Tern
A wander along the promenade seemed the best introduction to this iconic destination. Having Azores on my wish list for over 20 years (with a short intermission when Andy and Fergie honeymooned there) to finally arrive was a thrill in itself.
Along the lowlands and the coast blue skies appeared. One of the first birds seen was Common Tern feeding in the small rock pools. House Sparrow and Common Starling were the most numerous birds, with Blackbird appearing as we continued along the coast. Yellow-legged was the only Gull seen (without bins!).
Along the marina wall, Voyagers have their motifs painted and shoals of fish swam alongside the pontoons.
After a leisurely breakfast, the rest of the day was spent walking around the south and east of the town "being a tourist" enjoying stunning architecture and beautiful scenes.
Churches were either stunningly ornate and slathered in gold or simple and welcoming. Colours abounded with buildings painted in all colours of the rainbow. The pavements are patterned with nautical symbols, stripes and even stars. Not just in the main thoroughfares, but the backstreets as well.
Harbour decorations
Shops sell everything from food to garden tools, and then others just cheese or meat. With a strong link to Brazil, the similarities are endless. I see where Brazil gets its idiosyncrasies from!
Blackcap seemed to be everywhere - with their calls ringing out along the seafront from almost every tree we passed. Try as we might, they were a nightmare to see - flitting from branch to branch as males chased each
other.
The main square
Coffee stops by the sea and ice cream - swiftly followed by caipirinha - were great ways to soak up the atmosphere. Seafood and salads are served in amazing combinations. Tuna salad composing of chick peas, tomato, lettuce, Apple, egg, croutons, shredded tuna, topped off with copious amounts of toasted, flaked almonds. Absolutely delicious!
Sometimes you wonder why you went out looking for wildlife. This was one such day :-(
Bracket Fungi
Apart from the Fallow and Sika Deer there was precious little else to find.
Sika Deer enjoy the pondweed
Fallow Deer looking out for stray golfballs!
Not one butterfly, beetle, in fact no insects at all, few flowers but some beautifully mown golf fairways - Lol!
Decaying tree stump (complete with bag of dog poo)
Sadly, stinging nettle beds had been sprayed (presumably as they are too close to the path and may cause injury) and, probably more understandable, Arum lily clumps had been poisoned.
Wood Spurge escapes the chop
Even in our "wild" open places we are tidying up, clearing out anything that we think might be of harm - well, everything has a downside to it, perhaps it is time we looked at ourselves and decided whether the 'pros' we add to the world are worth the weight of the 'cons'.
