Tuesday 11th December

The rumours of my demise are untrue....just been working like mad recently and my wife is 3 months pregnant with or 4th child so things have been a bit hectic. I did however get out today between 9 and 11.30. It was a beautiful bright morning.

I parked in the country park car park which I don't usually do. I was hoping I might see something interesting in the small wood there but it was very quiet. I did however get good views of a Great Spotted Woodpecker high in a Silver Birch and then close by a pair of Stonechat showed really well.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER

STONECHAT MALE

A few Redwing 'seeeped' as they flew over and Greenfinch and Goldfinch were feeding on the teasels. I had really good views of a single Water Vole near the divers car park. I completely mucked my photos up though which was a shame.

There wasn't much on Abbey Mead which was surprising as it was so cold. Walking around the bottom of the lake I had good views of 2+ Goldcrest and the first of 10 Bullfinch. Along the Medway there were Redwing everywhere and the first of 2 Cettis called.


Back along the Millstream I scanned again for Bittern but no sign. 8 Cormorant here as well as Shoveler, Gadwall and Pochard. Back to the car park I added Mistle Thrush feeding on the ground.

CORMORANT & SHOVELER

MISTLE THRUSH

Back at home in Birling around 12 I looked out of the kitchen window and had great views of 3 Buzzard circling low and then moving towards Ryarsh. Later at around 1.45 I had another Buzzard high flying towards the North Downs in Ryarsh. Also 6+ Red Legged Partridge in Birling.

GREY SQUIRREL