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The RSPB Maidstone Local Group - Field Trip Summary 2008/9 |
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The RSPB Maidstone Local Group - Field Trip Summary 2008/9 |
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Thanks to, David, Bob and Simon for combining to help lead many of these trips and to all members who supported the field meetings.
We endeavour to seek out new venues and interesting coach outings and welcome your preferences and ideas for future trips.
On a beautiful autumn day 11 members turned up to explore this Sussex reserve. Our full itinerary was to cover all of the varied habitats. The coastal section alongside the river estuary, seashore and beach reserve provided views of numerous wheatears and the wader species present, but little else was found from the hides about the Ternery Pool. Turning inland at the end of the Long Pit and into the small copse meant a different habitat and new birds including superb views of Lesser Whitethroat. Lunch was taken in the Hide at Castle water where a Peregrine put on a great display causing serious alarm amongst the large flocks of lapwings. 5 species of raptor were seen during the day. The return route saw us back at the car park by 3.00pm after a long but hopefully enjoyable walk.
A total of 70 species were recorded.
14 members met Bob at the Leysdown seawall and due to a low tide it was decided to start at the Raptor watchpoint at Capel. Along the Capel road first sightings included Stonechat, Corn Bunting and Meadow Pipits. At the viewing mound a flock of Bearded Tits in the adjacent reedbed soon aroused interest amongst the photographers in the group. Raptors seen included Peregrine, Marsh and Hen Harriers to which were added Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, Little Egret and Little Grebe. Back at Leysdown the group walked to Shellness. This gave the opportunity to check both the shoreline on one side and the open marshes on the other. In addition to the usual wader species for the area huge numbers of Starlings and Lapwings with a few Golden Plovers were noted. Some 2000 Oystercatchers flew out from the Swale, which were later found roosting on the beach. Whilst eating lunch two Red-breasted Mergansers were located together with a number of Brent Geese and Common Scoter.
66 species of birds, three Butterfly species and one Dragonfly were recorded making it a successful day helped by the excellent weather.
It snowed as we left for Essex, a first for our coach outings and luckily despite being heavy at times it did not affect travelling on the roads. On arrival at the reserve it soon changed to cold heavy rain that lasted for several hours and made things very unpleasant. We managed to get into a hide for some shelter even so our optical equipment by now was difficult to use. Whilst we did not see any unusual species, the estuary mud attracted a nice range of wader birds with flocks of Knot and Dunlin seen at close quarters. Also to be found were Avocets, Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and Redshank. Large flocks of Brent Geese were present along with a few Pink-footed Geese. It eventually stopped raining and the sun even appeared for the post noon period allowing us to explore the rest of this delightful reserve. Our walk produced Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, Little Grebes and a fine male Sparrowhawk among the bushes. Golden Plover looking so much better in the sunshine were to be found on the estuary shoreline along with Red-breasted Mergansers in mid-channel. This was a well worth visit to a reserve, new to most with excellent facilities at the visitor centre. 60 species in total were seen with mammals including Grey Squirrel, Fox and Rabbit .
12 members met at the café car park for our annual pre-Christmas walk. We were fortunate that Simon was available to guide us around his local patch taking us to parts of the park not familiar to many of the group. Some excellent birds were soon being added to our list but perhaps of equal interest was Simon’s in depth knowledge about the history of the park since the seventeenth century and the future plans for its development. During our stroll he also showed us the many different species of trees to be found within the park including some very special and rare specimens. A total of 42 species were recorded, including Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Jay and Goldcrest. In true tradition the day concluded with David once again providing Sherry and Mince pies.
This was the Group’s first visit to the new RSPB flagship reserve situated adjacent to the River Thames in the Outer London Area. Before setting off around the reserve the 11 members visited the innovative visitor centre, with its huge picture windows that look out across the marshes. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards. There were good numbers of birds to be seen on the open lagoons including large numbers of Lapwings, Ducks and Gulls. Snipe and pipits were to be found huddled up out of the cold wind. The reserve has some excellent feeding stations that attracted impressive numbers of Goldfinch and Greenfinch. Sadly we failed to find the Penduline Tits, seen the previous week due no doubt to the cold windy conditions. Despite its location on the edge of London this is a large reserve that can feel a wild place at times. Everyone agreed it was a worthwhile experience.
18 members turned out on a rather cloudy day with only glimpses of the sun. Walking down Linton hill we soon passed the very active Rook colony where much cawing could be heard. Into the Park and away from the traffic noise we soon began to add a good selection of birds to the day list. Thanks again to the good hearing of Simon we soon found Siskins along with Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Long Tailed Tits and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Moving on to Laddingford Lane a small flock of Chaffinch included some beautiful Bramblings that were very much admired. On route to Boughton Monchelsea a lovely male Bullfinch was spotted and a Yellowhammer sang on territory. The lake in Boughton Park provided us with the usual waterbirds including Little Grebes. At Chart Mill reservoir we took a well-earned lunch break before moving upwards towards the Greensand way. Once at the top of the steep stairway and onto the footpath the walk back to Linton was fairly easy. The Goat sanctuary at Weirton provided a brief rest while we watched the antics of a very playful young goat. After a short break in Boughton Monchelsea churchyard to see the Fallow Deer we returned to Linton. Most if not all were tired after a five-hour walk but everyone enjoyed some good birdwatching with a total of 50 species being noted.
On a bright, early spring day 8 members enjoyed a walk around the Sevenoaks and Bough Beech Wildlife Trust Reserves, recording a total of 51 species. The morning was spent at the Sevenoaks Reserve where a good selection of wildfowl and waders were seen, including the resident pair of Egyptian Geese. Highlights included Cetti's Warbler, Redpoll, Siskin, Chiff Chaff and an early Blackcap. It was also a joy to see a Comma butterfly warming itself up in the spring sunshine. After lunch we headed to Bough Beech where, after parking along the causeway, we quickly located the Great Northern Diver out on the reservoir. The Heronry in the wood opposite the reservoir was busy with activity, both Brambling and Marsh Tit were observed on the feeding station in the orchard and a walk around the nature trail provided a nice opportunity to enjoy the early spring flowers, including Primrose and Lady's Smock. As we returned to the causeway a pair of Common Buzzard could be seen flying over the wood.
15 members met 6.00am at Faggs Wood, Hamstreet on a cold and cloudy day The cold wind affected the number of birds seen or heard, however we did find most species that could have been expected including Nightingales with their magnificent song. Dungeness lived up to its reputation, the very cold northeasterly wind making it very uncomfortable particularly on the seafront when trying to add a few seabirds to the day list. This had an effect on seabird movement up the channel and we could have had many more species in better conditions. Bird of the day was undoubtedly the male Ring Ouzel that was present on the reserve access track. We saw 88 species over the day, which was a good count despite the conditions and everyone agreed it was well worth the early start.
10 members enjoyed clear skies and warm sunshine for this months outdoor meeting at Ashdown Forest, where we tallied up a very respectable 39 bird species. We began the day at the Old Lodge nature reserve where it was wonderful to see the specialist birds that were present. Highlights included Tree Pipit, Woodlark, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Raven and Hobby. The group also enjoyed the opportunity to observe a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers feeding young at their nest, several Large Red Damselflies were seen by the pools, towards the pine plantations an endearing young Grey Squirrel allowed very close approach, and lots of Common Lizards and Painted Lady butterflies were seen.
After completing the circuit of Old Lodge we then moved on to Gills Lap, where we had a bite to eat and then set out to explore the heathland. Whitethroats were soon picked up and a Turtle Dove was heard 'purring' in the pines by a few members of the group. As we made our way along the track at the top of the heath 3 Dartford Warblers were spotted, and it was also nice to add Reed Bunting, Stonechat and Crossbill to the list. The heathland also added Sand Lizard, and Large White, Small Heath and Green Hairstreak butterflies.
Before leaving for home, half of the group made a final stop at the Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre. After watching a Broad-bodied Chaser flying low over the wildlife pond, the visit was nicely rounded off with amazing views of a Grass Snake hunting the Smooth and Great Crested Newts that could be seen in the water.
On a mild but cloudy evening 14 members turned out to share an evening searching for Nightjars. A male bird was seen in good light as it flew past a few times and 3 more were heard churring as the light faded. The group also enjoyed views of two handsome Fallow bucks as they stepped out in front of us whilst waiting for the first Nightjar, a roding Woodcock was seen over the coppiced Sweet Chestnut, and a pair of Common Pippistrelle were detected on our return route back to the car park. Species seen included Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wren, Chiff Chaff, Robin, Woodpigeon, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Pheasant, Nightjar, Woodcock. Non – avian Fallow Deer, Common Pippistrelle bats.
On a beautiful early summers day our coach of 26 members set off for the New Forest. On arrival we split into two groups each making a 3hr. circular walk through lovely habitat. The birds did not let us down and we soon found Redstart, Honey Buzzard, Crossbill, Hawfinch and Tree Pipits, together with good numbers of Siskin, Treecreeper and all the common woodland species. Dragonflies were also interesting with at least 5 different varieties seen including a Golden Ringed, the longest of the Hawker Dragonflies. Lunch was taken on the ‘ridge overlooking the open forest before boarding the coach to our second site ‘The new Forest Reptile Centre’. Here we had the opportunity to view all of our native species and view nesting Goshawks via the TV monitor set up by the RSPB. Some made another short circular walk before returning to the coach and back to Kent. The weather, the National park habitat and some very good sightings made it a memorable day.
On a very blustery but sunny day, 13 members attended this month's outdoor meeting at the Cliffe Pools RSPB reserve and enjoyed over 50 species of bird, 9 species of butterfly, and 4 Odonata.
It was lovely to hear so many skylarks singing, and it was a nice surprise to see adult Little Grebes feeding young. A good selection of waders were seen, including Little Ringed Plover, Avocet, Greenshank, and a roost of 30+ Redshank. A Common Tern was seen feeding along a ditch in the marshes and a Sandwich Tern flew in from the Thames as we walked along the sea wall.
The many nectar rich flowers growing along the paths managed to attract plenty of butterflies despite the windy conditions, with highlights including Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell. Every Ragwort plant appeared to be covered in the yellow and black stripy caterpillars of the Cinnibar moth, and it was also nice to see a fresh Migrant Hawker and 2 Darter species.
On a day which began cool and overcast but by mid-morning was under clear blue skies and lovely sunshine, 7 members turned out for a very enjoyable walk around the Kent Wildlife Trust reserve at Oare Marshes. As the tide was high on arrival we headed for the west and east floods first.
The west flood held a group of 10+ Little Egrets and some of the group managed to see Wood Sandpiper. From the hide we managed to see Little Grebes with chicks, a fleeting glimpse of a Kingfisher, a few Green Sandpipers, a brilliant view of a Water Rail as it crept between clumps of rushes, and it was entertaining to watch the Konik ponies acting as mobile perches for the flocks of Starling that were present.
On the East Flood excellent numbers of waders could be seen in a variety of plumages. Flocks of Black-tailed Godwits and Golden Plovers were the most prominent and with a lot of the birds in breeding plumage they were a beautiful sight. A few Curlew Sandpipers, Ruffs, Redshanks, Greenshanks, and Avocets were also picked out. The Sea Wall Hide provided us with views of Ringed Plover, Dunlin, and a group of 5 seals on Horse Island Spit.
Several Whimbrel and a single Curlew were found on the mudflats along the Swale, and lots of Yellow Wagtails were heard and seen throughout the visit. Common and Ruddy Darters were spotted around the pools and ditches, and 8 species of butterfly were noted including Painted Lady, impressive numbers of Common Blue and a single Clouded Yellow being the highlights.
Overall 56 species of bird were seen.
