Wednesday 8th December 2010

25+ Lesser Redpolls were still in the silver birches at the north end of Oaken Wood this morning, and seemed more confiding than on previous occasions - food becoming short I guess.  Also 6+ Bullfinches along Gallagher's Gallop and a couple of Goldcrests near Gallagher's Underpass - the first time I've had them here.

What should have been a short cycle to Bradbourne House, East Malling at lunchtime turned into a nightmare as I developed another puncture.  Discarding my bike in the hedge (!) I carried on on foot.  Walking through a plot of head height Miscanthus I disturbed 6x Pheasants a couple of Dunnocks and probably a few rodents telling by the speed at which a Kestrel appeared from nowhere!  20+ Linnets were still feeding on the weedy area alongside the track to Park Farm. 

At Bradbourne Lake I noted a single Pochard, but not the nasal ringed bird, 1x Tufted Duck (not regular here) and 10x Gadwall (a high count for this site). 

A GS Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, 2x Greenfinch and a Jay all added some interest along the tree line.  Mike Easterbrook was spotted on the other side of the lake and inadvertently flushed a couple of Lapwing my way - they settled down on the pavillion field with three others amongst a flock of Black-headed and Common Gull (x10).  Three Snipe took flight as we walked towards the stream.  Walking back along the norethern edge of the lake, and meeting Sue, we picked out 4x Little Grebe and Grey Wagtail and had the briefest of views of a Sparrowhawk speeding low through the trees.

Monday 3rd May

After yesterday's deluge it was good to see a few clouds with silver linings!  I was pleased to get out the house for a cycle around Barming Woods with my lads.  Nothing out of the ordinary, more Blackcap and Garden Warbler song, I was hoping to maybe hear a Turtle Dove but the clattering of the coppice in the strong NE put pay to that.  Back at home I was pleased to see three fledgling Dunnocks in the garden - the first young of Spring I've seen.

At a loose end looking after the kids (my wife was working a 12-hour shift) I decided to take them trainspotting - they're both into trains - Lenham Heath seemed the ideal place for some reason!  I was pleased to see the Hoopoe again - such an exotic bird to have in the neighbourhood.  I managed a couple of poor record shots before it took flight, giving fantastic views as it dipped and rose through the air.  Nearby a Willow Warbler was singing, five Linnets were tinkling away and a couple of Swallows sat on the wires in Harrietsham.