Sunday 7th December

Firstly some late news from Friday. I was caught in horrendous traffic on the way home from work so was driving down the country lane between Snodland and Birling at about 8pm. I had fantastic views in my full beam of a Tawny Owl on a branch over the road.

Out at New Hythe today from 1.30 until 4.45, I parked by Alders and walked around the lake in the fantastic winter sunshine. Alders had large numbers of duck and gulls and the Alders held 6 Siskin, a single Redpoll, a Treecreeper and several Goldcrest, 2 Kingfisher were also seen/heard. A Grey Wagtail went over as I reached the bridge by the Millstream a Buzzard flew in low from the Leybourne Lakes car park area and then gained height and circled over the Scrape. There were the constant sharp calls of Redwing as they flew over and fed on hawthorn.

Pochard

Black Headed Gull

Gadwall

I walked down towards the scrape and had good views of a pair of Stonechat. A Chiffchaff was associating with a mixed Tit flock in the scrub.

Stonechat

I retraced my steps and walked back around Alders. I then drove around to the Water Works entrance for a Bittern vigel. Again no sign but the constant sound of Goldcrest in the trees here, a 'singing' (if you can call it singing!) Cettis and several Water Rail.

Long Tailed Tit

Great Tit