The Hollies, Lamorbey Park and The Glade, Sidcup
Eric Brown , Wednesday 26 December 2007, 10am to 11.15am

A one hour walk to clear Christmas excess!

Bird list
Blackbird, redwing, ring-necked parakeet, great spotted woodpecker (2), blue tit. great tit, coal tit (4), long-tailed tit (12), woodpigeon, black headed gull, common gull, magpie, collared dove, robin, song thrush, mallard, tufted duck, shoveler (f), coot, moorhen, Canada goose, starling, chaffinch. 23 species.

Weather: Cold with bright sunshine

Funton Creek, Capel Fleet, Elmley approach road
Maurice Ewart, Eric Brown, John Carter, Tony Dunstan Tuesday 11 December 2007, 10.45am to 3.30pm

A visit to Funton Creek on a rising tide followed by 2 ½ hours at Capel Fleet raptor viewpoint, then a short trip down the entrance track at Elmley.

Bird List

Funton Creek
Great crested grebe (12+), cormorant, little egret, grey heron, mute swan, brent goose (50+), shelduck (100+), wigeon, teal, mallard, pintail (100+), shoveler, marsh harrier, kestrel, pheasant, oystercatcher, avocet (200+), ringed plover , grey plover , lapwing, knot, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, turnstone, black headed gull, common gull, collared dove, woodpigeon, meadow pipit, pied wagtail, stonechat (2), blackbird, fieldfare, song thrush, redwing, mistle thrush, magpie, rook, carrion crow, starling, chaffinch, greenfinch, reed bunting, possible sparrowhawk.

Capel Fleet
Little grebe, gadwall, greylag goose, peregrine (2), kestrel, merlin, common buzzard (3), rough–legged buzzard (2 - adult female + juv), hen harrier (2+ ringtails), marsh harrier (10+), barn owl, green sandpiper (2), golden plover (200+), lapwing (300+), green woodpecker (2), robin, stonechat (2), corn bunting (15+), reed bunting, red-legged partridge, bearded tit (heard only), house sparrow, chaffinch, starling, carrion crow, woodpigeon.

Elmley
Little owl, short-eared owl (3), tufted duck, coot, moorhen.

General observations
Plenty winter thrushes in hedgerows on Raspberry Lane between Kingsferry Bridge and Funton Creek. Surprisingly large numbers of pintail in the creek. Unbelievable raptor action with seven species definitely sighted, one more "possible" and three owl species.

Large female peregrine had several attempts at taking prey from a marsh harrier in the air and later seen attacking a carrion crow. Hen harrier also seen harassing the juvenile rough-legged buzzard. Barn owl in its box seen from the viewpoint. Short eared owls seen fighting with a kestrel at Elmley. One owl gave great views on the ground with prey at 50 metres. Little owl sunning itself in oaks behind toilet block. Up to 9 short-eared owls reported on Sheppey.

Weather:Cold, crisp, sunny day with light N/W wind

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Maurice Ewart and Eric Brown, Tuesday 4 December 2007, 10.30am to 2pm

Highlight a flock of at least 40 siskins feeding frenziedly in trees near the tower hide. They were accompanied by blue, long tailed and great tits. A pair of great crested grebes appeared to perform partial courtship dance with head shaking etc. A mating couple in the main hide turned out to be human rather than avian and disappeared rapidly after adjusting ruffled plumage!

Bird List
Blackbird, chaffinch, carrion crow, coot, cormorant, tufted duck gadwall (50+), goldcrest (3), greylag goose (100+), great crested grebe, black headed gull, common gull, lesser black backed gull, grey heron, jay, kingfisher (2),lapwing (100+), magpie, mallard, moorhen, ring necked parakeet, pheasant, pochard (12), robin (4), siskin (40+), snipe (12), starling, mute swan, teal, song thrush, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tit, great spotted woodpecker, woodpigeon, wren 35 species.

Weather: Dull, overcast with frequent drizzle

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
John Turner Wednesday 28 November, 10.00am to 12.45pm

The day started well with a party of five siskins in the trees in the car park. The highlights were to be found walking along the path past the willow hide between the North Lake and the main lake. More siskins were spotted with a party of tits and several good views were obtained of a female lesser spotted woodpecker flying from tree to tree in front. Further along the track a treecreeper was also seen. On the way back there were further sightings of the female woodpecker which was joined by a male. While watching these cavorting in the trees a brown bird was flushed from the undergrowth which was confirmed as a woodcock by somebody walking towards me as it flew over.

Bird list
Black headed gull, common gull, mute swan, greylag geese, Canada geese, great crested grebe, coot, moorhen, grey heron, cormorant, pochard, tufted duck, ruddy duck, shoveler, teal, gadwall, crow, magpie, jay, wood pigeon, pheasant, woodcock, lapwing, snipe, greater spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker (2), treecreeper, ring necked parakeet, song thrush, mistle thrush, blackbird, starling, great tit, blue tit, long tailed tit, robin, wren, dunnock, grey wagtail, chaffinch, siskin. 41 species

Weather: Overcast

Seasalter
Maurice Ewart, Eric Brown, John Carter, Monday 26 November 2007, 10.40am to 3.00pm

A walk west along the Saxon Shore Way from the Sportsman pub through the South Swale KWT reserve to Castle Coote Bird Sanctuary for snow bunting flock.

Bird List
Great crested grebe (8+), cormorant, grey heron, little egret, mute swan, brent goose( up to 1,000), shelduck, wigeon, mallard, common scoter (2 f), marsh harrier (5+), hen harrier (f), kestrel (2), peregrine , oystercatcher (500+), ringed plover (50+), golden plover (1000+), grey plover, lapwing, sanderling (5/6), dunlin, snipe, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, turnstone (500+), black-headed gull, common gull, lesser black backed gull, herring gull, great black backed gull, woodpigeon, skylark, pied wagtail, wren, robin, stonechat (6), blackbird, fieldfare (20+), blue tit, great tit, magpie, carrion crow, starling, house sparrow, chaffinch, snow bunting (11), reed bunting (10+). 48 species

General Observations
Large numbers of golden plover and lapwing fed in the fields before the former flew across to Shellness to roost. The brent geese moved constantly between land and sea giving superb views all day. The snow buntings were eventually located feeding on the shoreline at high tide at Castle Coote. The peregrine was on its usual perch on the pylon overlooking Nagden Marshes while the ringtail hen harrier gave an excellent prolonged view as it flew up the Swale and onto Sheppey. 2 female common scoters spotted in mid-channel were a surprise find on our return walk.

Weather: Dry and fine with sunshine increasing during the day. Light wind. Fairly cold. Visibility - excellent

Isle of Sheppey, Kent
John Carter, Maurice Ewart, Eric Brown, Monday 12 November 2007, 10.25am to 4.10pm

A Sheppey tour including Leysdown sea front, Capel Fleet, Harty Ferry Road Raptor Viewpoint and views of the Swale from Harty Ferry Inn car park. No sign of two reported rough legged buzzards or owls but still an outstanding day. Highlights were an exhausted little auk trying to avoid attention from gulls 20 yards off Leysdown beach, flocks of corn bunting and brambling at the raptor viewpoint, huge starling flocks, a hunting hen harrier, Bewick's in the fields and peregrine and merlin on the ground near the raptor viewpoint.

Bird List
Golden plover, moorhen, blackbird, house sparrow, jackdaw, carrion crow, black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black backed gull, common gull, pied wagtail, stonechat (5), song thrush, cormorant, meadow pipit, woodpigeon, rock dove, red-legged partridge, starling (300+), kestrel, marsh harrier (8+), oystercatcher, turnstone, sanderling (6), little auk, redshank, wren, stock dove, magpie, sparrowhawk (3), green woodpecker, mistle thrush, teal, mallard, mute swan, Bewick's swan, hen harrier (ring-tailed), greylag goose (100+), snow goose (2), wigeon, shelduck, bar-headed goose, grey heron, greenfinch, chaffinch, blue tit, robin, lapwing, green sandpiper (2), merlin (F), peregrine, coot, corn bunting (20), brambling (25-30), ruff, fieldfare, reed bunting, little egret (8+), dunlin, curlew, grey plover, Brent goose (80+), colared dove, black tailed godwit (40+),. tufted duck, great crested grebe. TOTAL 66 species.

General Observations
Common seals (2) on Swale

Weather: Cold with bright sunshine

Bough Beech Reservoir, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
John Carter, Maurice Ewart, Eric Brown, Tuesday 6 November 2007, 10.05am to 4.10pm

Trip to find reported red-crested pochard pair at BB successful and a small, dumpy, brown-grey duck with white around bill and white "spectacles" face pattern picked out among the pochard identified as female ring-necked duck. The redpoll fed low down in a wooded field on willowherb, plucking beakfulls of the cotton-like tops containing seeds.

Bird List

Bough Beech;
Blackbird, bullfinch(male), chaffinch, carrion crow, coot, cormorant, mandarin, tufted duck, fieldfare (4+), gadwall, greylag goose, Canada goose, great crested grebe, greenfinch, black headed gull, common gull, lesser black backed gull, grey heron, jay, jackdaw, kingfisher, lapwing, magpie, mallard, meadow pipit, moorhen, nuthatch, pochard, red-crested pochard (pair), lesser redpoll (2), robin, common sandpiper, shoveler, sparrowhawk (3), starling, mute swan, teal (77), blue tit, great tit, pied wagtail, wigeon, great spotted woodpecker, woodpigeon, wren. TOTAL 44

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve;
Many of above plus snipe (14), collared dove, pheasant, little grebe, mistle thrush, long-tailed tit, grey wagtail. TOTAL 7

General Observations
Bough Beech (near feeders) Red admiral butterfly, common darter. Also jet black rabbit in field opposite sand martin bank.

Weather: Bright, unbroken sunshine. Warm.

Cliffe Marshes
Eric Brown, Wednesday 17 October, 10am to 3.00pm

Second attempt at locating the great grey shrike successful after searching another four hours. Two other birders had not seen it but I bumped into a helpful local who is not a birdwatcher but had been shown the shrike by a dozen birders the previous Sunday. For anyone who wants it: park Pond Hill at entrance to Cliffe RSPB. Walk forward passing Church Close on right and turn right onto footpath with ditch on left. Pass Footpath RS57 sign and walk out onto marsh now with ditches both sides of path. Scan trees especially where path swings suddenly left(in two places). Bird favours trees with bare branches and perches conspicuously at top. I watched it for 40 minutes, perching and hunting dragonflies. At one point a raptor swooped through my scope view near the shrike. As I transferred to bins the raptor(peregrine ? sparrowhawk ?) became a dot in the sky and the gg shrike disappeared. As minutes passed I began to fear the worst until I picked it up again on top of a more distant bush. A life tick for me. Bird has been present at least a week and may overwinter.

Bird List
Great grey shrike, goldfinch, little egret, stonechat, skylark, dunnock, red legged partridge, pied wagtail, robin.

General Observations
Dragonflies, red admiral butterfly

Weather: Bright sunshine, cold wind

Rosemary Road Allotments, Rosemary Road, Welling
Jean and Alan Mayes. Sunday 23 September 2007, 1pm

A wheatear was seen on a wooden framework on one of the allotments. It flew across onto another perch showing its white rump. It bobbed and flicked its tail.

Weather: Bright, warm, no wind

Foots Cray Meadows
Maurice Ewart, Thursday 6 September 2007, 11.00am - 12.30pm

A walk along the bank of the River Cray past Five Arches and then back to Footscray on the other side

Bird List
Mute Swan (2) + 6 cygnets, mallard, coot, moorhen, carrion crow, jackdaw, magpie, kestrel, ring-necked parakeet, blackbird, kingfisher, great spotted woodpecker, chiffchaff, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tits (still with young), greenfinch, goldfinch, chaffinch, dunnock, wren.

General Observations
One terrapin also seen. Much disturbance from dogs in the water all along the river. Kingfisher fishing from a tree that has fallen across the river.

Weather: Warm, mainly cloudy and quite humid

Horsham Road, Bexleyheath
Ralph Todd, Sunday 29 July 2007, 11.15am

I was just settling down to read the Sunday papers and listen to "Desert Island Discs" when I glanced out of the window and saw a goshawk circling high above the Warren. Within a few seconds it moved in an easterly/south easterly direction towards Joydens/Church Wood (on the border between Bexley and Dartford). White stork and red kite also made recent appearances over Bexley. We have also seen occasional peregrine (presumably from the Thames locations), a single buzzard and a single honey buzzard. I find this goshawk record probably the most surprising of them all - particularly at this time of year.

Danson Park, Bexleyheath
John Turner, Monday 9 July 2007 a.m.

A pair of spotted flycatchers were bathing near the pond in the formal gardens and later hunting from a nearby tree.

Weather: Dry with some sunshine

Crossness Nature Reserve, Abbey Wood
Eric Brown, Tuesday 3 July 2007, 11.00am to 1.30pm

A short walk mainly to locate dragonflies and damselflies

Bird List
Swift, house martin, whitethroat, reed bunting, reed warbler, little grebe(five young), linnet, greenfinch, black headed gull, lesser black backed gull, cormorant, grey heron, canada goose, moorhen, black swan, green sandpiper, house sparrow, spotted flycatcher, starling, kestrel, lapwing, dunnock, carrion crow, mallard (Total 23 species)

General Observations
Butterflies; meadow brown, peacock, red admiral, small white, green veined white

Dragonfly: Emperor

Damselfy: Blue-tailed

Also stickleback, leech

Weather: Fine but too windy for many dragonflies and damselflies

Black headed gull. Picture by Trevor Minns

Crossness Southern Marshes, Abbey Wood
Eric Brown & Maurice Ewart, Wednesday 30 May 2007, 10.40am to 11.10am

We bumped into Ralph Todd, Group Founder and SE London and N Kent RSPB rep, as we parked near the Thamesmead boathouse for a squacco heron reported the previous afternoon. Ralph directed us to follow a wooden paling fence and when we reached a concrete viewing screen the superb adult squacco heron could easily be seen. It fed busily near the pond within a few metres catching insects and at least one fish. A crowd of about 20 admired the buff-coloured bird that suddenly became white as it flew, slightly resembling little egret or even barn owl. After spending a few minutes investigating a nearby ditch it returned to the pond, its black-tipped blue bill showing clearly in weak sunshine. More accustomed to the Mediterranean coast, the bird must have felt chilly during this cold, wet spell. A birder from Tadworth, Surrey, said it was the first squacco heron to be recorded in London since 1866. At this rate we won't see another in the capital! Thanks to Alex Ramsey who promptly reported the bird to the telephone services. If Alex or a friend reads this please get in touch (see contacts page). Further info on the purple heron also reported at the same time would be excellent. It could not be found today.

Bird List
Squacco heron, stonechat (breeding pair), greenfinch, whitethroat (numerous), grey heron (numerous) reed warbler, swift.

This squacco heron was seen by hundreds of vsitors during an 11-day stay at Crossness from May 29 to June 8. Here, wind ruffles the squacco heron's feathers. Picture taken on Sunday 3 June by Dave Hutton.
Squacco Heron Crossness Southern Marshes 29 May 2007 Pictures: Mick Southcott

General Observations
Crossness Nature Reserve warden Karen Sutton was on hand to ensure everyone got a good view.

Weather: Sunshine and showers, cool.

For more information on the squacco heron see News Review.

Squacco Heron Twitchers at Crossness Southern Marshes Viewing Screen 30 May 2007

Footscray Meadows
Ian and Carol Moffatt, Saturday 12 May 2007, 11.00am

A pair of mute swans have produced seven cygnets and were on show near Five Arches Bridge

Weathe: Fine, sunny spells

Swan family at Foots Cray Meadows. Picture by Trevor Minns

Crossness Point
Jean and Alan Mayes, Sunday 6 May 2007, 15.30

Two whitethroats perching on different low trees along the riverside, both singing

Weather: Cloudy bright, warm, no wind

Langdon Cliffs and Samphire Hoe, Dover
John Carter, Tony Dunstan, Doreen Newson, Eric Brown, Wednesday 25 April 2007, 11.30am

Ring ouzel first observed by Eric Brown (while lunching) when it emerged from a gorse bush onto grass cliff path. Appeared to be a recent arrival as it fed frenziedly on insects, paying no attention to a nearby courting couple and allowing Tony Dunstan to stalk it down to about 50 yards for photographs. Observed for at least half an hour before flying off but returned within minutes. A ring ouzel was also spotted during this time in a treetop some 500 yards away from the original. This bird flew off inland before the first reappeared. We were all convinced this was a second bird as it lacked the silvery wing panel clearly visible on the first. Agreed both were males with very clear white crescents. A life tick for John Carter, a first Kent tick for Eric Brown and Doreen Newson who last saw a Ring ouzel in 1989.

Ring Ouzel at Langdon Cliffs. Picture: Anthony Dunstan

Bird List
Langdon Cliffs: peregrine, skylark (numerous), linnet, meadow pipit (numerous), fulmar (10), kittiwake (12), jackdaw, herring gull.

Langdon Hole (12.45) ring ouzel (2), whitethroat, swallow (4), magpie, carrion crow.

Samphire Hoe (2.20pm to 4.15pm) Peregrine (2), stonechat, sand martin, cormorant.

Fulmar at Langdon Cliffs. Picture: Anthony Dunstan

General Observations
Butterflies: large white, small white

Plants: sea cabbage, samphire

Weather: Fine, warm sunshine

New Hythe Gravel Pits/Holborough Marsh KWT Reserve
Maurice Ewart, Monday 16 April 2007, 11.15am to 3.15pm

A walk round Brooklands Lake and Abbey Mead Pit then a visit to Holborough Marsh on the banks of the Medway at Snodland

Bird list
Great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, greylag, Canada goose, shelduck, mallard, tufted duck, sparrowhawk, pheasant, water rail (h), moorhen, coot, black headed gull, lesser black backed gull, herring gull, collared dove, wood pigeon, cuckoo (2) + 1 h, green woodpecker (h), swallow (2), wren, dunnock, nightingale (2), blackbird, song thrush, cetti’s warber (13+), sedge warbler, whitethroat (4), blackcap (many), chiffchaff (many), willow warbler (3), blue tit, great tit, jay, magpie, carrion crow, starling, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, reed bunting. 43 species.

General Observations
I saw at least 8 cetti’s warblers. This is a good time to see them as they are very active. First willow warblers, whitethroats and sedge warbler seen this year all singing in prominent places. Few swallows and no house martins there yet. Male cuckoo was displaying to female behind Brooklands Lake giving excellent views. Other heard at HM.

Nightingales were at HM. Took me over ½ hour to find and photograph one in the open. Several young herons flapping their wings on their nests in the heronry behind Abbey Mead.

Butterflies included peacock, orange tip, speckled wood and one of the whites.

Weather: Warm, sunny with light breeze

Rosemary Road Allotments, Rosemary Road, Welling
Jean and Alan Mayes, Sunday 15 April 2007, 11.00am

A male wheatear flew onto a wooden framework on one of the allotments. It bobbed and flicked its tail. After a couple of minutes, it flew off, its white rump clearly visible.

Weather: Warm sunshine, no wind

Crossness Thames path
Doug Knock, Sunday 8 April 2007, 3.00pm

Bird List
Oystercatcher (4), redshank (10+), grey phalarope, gadwall (10+), teal (10+), shelduck (10+), shoveler (2)

Weather: Sunny, light breeze

Footscray Meadows
Philip Cliffe, Tuesday 27 March 2007, 10:00am

Water rail spotted walking from Bexley towards Footscray (river on right) just before a concrete culvert enters from the left and opposite a lone hawthorn bush.

Weather: Warm, sunny

Footscray Meadows
Ian & Jackie Tappenden, Sunday 25 March 2007, 13:00

Bird List
Black headed gull (40+), mallard (27), coots (13), tufted duck (10), moorhen (6), mute swans (2), carrion crow (50+), ring-necked parakeet (9), herring gull, greenfinch, woodpigeon (5), magpie (4), great tit (3), grey wagtail (3), kingfisher, robin (2), long tailed tit (2), blackbird (4), blue tit.

Weather: Warm (16°C), slight breeze, light cloud

Purpose of visit to give a filmed interview for new website "Walk London" on birds to be found on Green Chain Wallk at FCM. No binoculars or notebook carried but managed to remember a few species.

Bird List
Moorhen, coot, mute swan, carrion crow, magpie, mallard, tufted duck, sparrowhawk, nuthatch (2), ring necked parakeet (8), grey wagtail, blue tit, great tit

Weather: Sunshine, cold wind

Thamesmead Riverbank, Abbey Wood
Maurice Ewart, John Turner and Eric Brown, Tuesday 13 March 2007, 10.00am

Target bird grey phalarope immediately located adjacent golf club driving range busily plucking insects from water’s edge

Bird list
Grey phalarope (winter plumage), redshank (numerous), grey heron, shelduck (numerous), mallard, black headed gull, herring gull, common gull, lesser black backed gull, great black backed gull

Grey phalarope first reported late January

Weather : Bright sunshine, warm

Footscray Meadows
Jackie & Ian Tappenden, Sunday 4 March 2007, 11.30am to 1.00pm

Five Arches bridge to penny farthing bridge and return

Bird List
robin (4), mallard (30+), tufted duck (12), coot (7), mute swan (2), moorhen (9), black headed gulls (70+), little grebe (2), blackbird (6), magpie (5), ring-necked parakeet (9), woodpigeon (5), starling (3), jay, carrion crow (12+), mistle thrush (2), blue tit, great tit.

Weather: Moderate to heavy rain, light wind, overcast, 8° C

Footscray Meadows
Eric Brown, Friday 2 March 2007, 2.00pm to 3.05pm

Five Arches Bridge at Footscray Meadows. Picture by Trevor Minns

A quick walk from the St Andrews Road entrance along a short stretch of river Cray to Five Arches Bridge and back produced 25 species in an hour. Walk dominated by corvids, ring necked parakeets and dogs, of which I counted 13. Highlight a sparrowhawk gliding between trees across river towards a playing field. It, or another, was sighted again soaring while being mobbed by a crow.

Bird List
Blackbird, chaffinch, carrion crow, coot, tufted duck, dunnock, black-headed gull, jay, kestrel, mallard, moorhen, ring-necked parakeet, robin, house sparrow, sparrowhawk, starling, mute swan, blue, great and long-tailed tit, great spotted woodpecker , green woodpecker, wren.

Female tufted duck with young at Footscray Meadows. Picture: Trevor Minns

General Observations
Grey squirrels too numerous to count.

Weather: Bright sunshine after rain. Muddy paths.

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Eric Brown, Tuesday 20 February 2007,1.15pm to 3.00pm

Walk curtailed by increasingly heavy rain.

Bird List
Siskin (6) in mixed flock with goldfinches, tits and two goldcrest. Also great spotted and green woodpecker.

Weather: Overcast, drizzle turning to steady rain

Bough Beech Reservoir
Eric Brown, Monday 19 February 2007, 11.00am to 1.20pm

Bird List
Blackbird, chaffinch, carrion crow, coot cormorant, red-throated diver, collared dove, tufted duck, dunnock, gadwall, grey heron (30+), jay (4), magpie, mallard, moorhen, pheasant, pochard, robin, greenfinch, shelduck, starling, teal, ring-necked duck, song thrush, blue, great, long-tailed and marsh tit, wigeon, green woodpecker, woodpigeon, wren, black-headed gull, lesser-black backed gull, cormorant. Total 34

General Observations
Excellent views of target birds red-throated diver and ring-necked duck adjacent causeway.

Weather:Cloudy, cold wind

Footscray Meadows
Ian & Jackie Tappenden, Thursday 8 February 2007, 13:00

Little Egret perched in tree near Five Arches bridge.

Bird List
Little Egret, mute swans (2), coot, mallard, black-headed gull, carrion crow, blackbird, ring-necked parakeet, magpie.

Weather: Lying snow

Grain, Allhallows, Cliffe Pools
Gill Page, John Turner, John Carter, Eric Brown, Tuesday 30 January 2007, 10.15am to 3.15pm

A tour to see recently reported waxwing at Grain, wader roost and reported great northern diver at Allhallows and another at Cliffe.

Bird List
Grain: redwing (7), house sparrow, blackbird, dunnock, goldfinch, stonechat, cormorant, blue tit, great tit, black headed gull, turnstone, dunlin, sanderling (9), oystercatcher, brent goose (12), redshank.

Allhallows: (different species only) shelduck, little grebe, wigeon, pied wagtail, ringed plover, grey plover, curlew, black tailed godwit, lapwing, kestrel (2), knot, greenfinch, song thrush, mistle thrush, mute swan, moorhen.

Cliffe: (different species only) fieldfare (60+), coot, great crested grebe . Total 35.

General Observations
Missed out on target birds but the numbers of redwing and fieldfare seen were record numbers in one place this year for each of the four participants.

Weather: Dull, overcast, murky and near dark by 2pm

Wellington Road, Bexley
Name witheld, Monday 29 January 2007, time unknown

A kingfisher visited this suburban garden to extract goldfish from the pond. It, or another, had also visited in the summer.

Weather: Cloudy, dull

Bough Beech Reservoir
Eric Brown, Maurice Ewart, Monday 29 January 2007, 10.20am to 1.45pm

Excursion to see ring-necked duck

Bird List
(Main species only) Grey wagtail, white wagtail, sparrowhawk, nuthatch, ring-necked duck, coal tit, redwing (6), snipe (4), mandarin (15), Egyptian goose.

General Observations
The female ring-necked duck had been at this site some weeks but proved elusive. At first the North American visitor hid under overhanging trees on the main reservoir but eventually emerged and swam slowly across with a male tufted duck a few hundred yards from causeway. Don't bother looking for a ring on the neck. Note sloping shape at back of head, white "spectacles" around eye and white ring on black tipped bill. Fourteen male mandarins in full livery accompanied by a single female a spectacular sight. Egyptian goose in Oast House scrape appeared to have injured a leg.

Weather: Cloudy with bright periods

Lamorbey Park, Sidcup
Maurice Ewart, Saturday 27 January 2007, 10.00am to 2.30pm

Big Garden Birdwatch event

Bird List
Sparrowhawk (2), kestrel, grey heron, cormorant (2), little grebe, mallard, tufted duck (2), coot, moorhen, black-headed gull, blackbird, robin, song thrush, mistle thrush (2), redwing (2), jay (3), carrion crow, magpie, stock dove, wood pigeon, starling, ring-necked parakeet, great spotted woodpecker (2), greenfinch (2), chaffinch, great tit, blue tit, coal tit, long-tailed tit. Green woodpecker heard but not seen. 30 species

General Observations
Most sightings were in morning. Surprising omissions were collared dove and house sparrow both of which I saw when walking to the park from Sidcup station.

Weather: Bright, mostly sunny. Little wind due to the sheltered position of the lake.

Footscray Meadows
Maurice Ewart, Wednesday 24 January 2007, 14.45 - 16.30

A walk from the Stables to Five Arches then north along the Cray returning on the other bank to Footscray.

Bird List
Little grebe (4), mallard, gadwall (6), tufted duck, coot, moorhen, green sandpiper, mute swan, cormorant, grey heron , black-headed gull, kestrel, carrion crow, magpie, wood pigeon, stock dove, great spotted woodpecker , ring-necked parakeet, mistle thrush (2), song thrush (10+), redwing (6), blackbird, robin, great tit, blue tit, long-tailed tit, starling, dunnock, wren, goldfinch, chaffinch, grey wagtail (3). 32 species.

Coot at Footscray Meadows. Picture: Trevor Minns

General Observations
Flushed the green sandpiper by accident when photographing a grey wagtail. Thrushes and blackbirds singing with gusto. Redwings seen behind the church at corner of Rectory Lane. No kingfishers although still being seen regularly by dog walkers.

Weather: Mostly sunny. Wind light. Not cold after early morning snow

Oare Marshes Kent Wildlife Trust reserve
John Carter, John Turner, Eric Brown, Tuesday 23 January 2007, 10.25am to 4.10pm

Bird List
Blackbird, reed bunting, carrion crow, coot, cormorant, curlew, eider duck(male), tufted duck, little egret (6), gadwall, black-tailed godwit (2), brent goose, greylag goose, little grebe, great crested grebe, greenfinch, black headed gull, common gull, herring gull, great black backed gull, marsh harrier (6), grey heron, jackdaw, kestrel, lapwing, magpie, mallard, red-breasted merganser, moorhen, oystercatcher, pheasant, pintail, rock pipit (2), redshank, robin, rook, shelduck, shoveler (100+), house sparrow, sparrowhawk, starling, stonechat (8), mute swan, teal, mistle thrush, bearded tit (2), pied wagtail, wigeon, woodpigeon, long-billed dowitcher. Total 50 species

General Observations
Bearded tits showed well on reeds near water pump next to car park. Long billed dowitcher elusive until emerged from reeds on island in front of main hide when wind dropped. A superb male eider and red breasted merganser obliged in front of the sea wall hide where there was a regular procession of marsh harriers. A large shoot involving up to 40 people and several dogs near Harty Ferry Inn may have deterred owls and some other raptors. An injured female pheasant landed in mid river and was attacked by gulls.

Weather: Cold, windy with sunny spells

Oare Marshes
Maurice Ewart, Friday 19 January 2007, 10.45 – 16.15

Bird list
Little grebe, great crested grebe, cormorant, little egret (3), grey heron, mute swan, greylag goose, brent goose, shelduck, wigeon, gadwall, teal, mallard, pintail, shoveler, tufted duck, red breasted merganser (3), ruddy duck, marsh harrier (2), sparrowhawk , kestrel (2), pheasant, water rail (heard), moorhen, coot, oystercatcher, grey plover (2), lapwing, little stint , dunlin (6), snipe (14), black-tailed godwit (4), curlew (50+), redshank, turnstone , black-headed gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, great black-backed gull, collared dove, stock dove, wood pigeon, skylark, meadow pipit (2), rock pipit (3), pied wagtail, dunnock, robin, stonechat , blackbird, song thrush (2), cettis warber (1h), bearded tit (h), blue tit, magpie, jackdaw, rook, carrion crow, starling, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, linnet (7), reed bunting (64 species).

General Observations
Arrived just before high tide. Too much water on east flood and most waders roosting on Sheppey side. Barn owls have moved to Sheppey and usually come out east of Ferry Inn just after 4pm. Just missed red necked grebe on Swale. Little owls can generally be seen on concrete block looking back SE from Dans Dock (just west of west flood boundary along seawall).

Weather: Bright, mostly sunny and mild. Wind still strong sw

Bough Beech Reservoir
John Carter and Eric Brown, Monday 15 January 2007, 10.15am to 1.20pm

Target was a ring-necked duck reported every day here for the previous week but not seen on this occasion ! The Egyptian Goose on the Oast House pool appeared to be injured. A common buzzard mobbed by a crow appeared over towards Hever followed soon after by another flying much lower and giving good views. Within minutes six more had been located circling together high in the direction of Brasted and Sundridge. No brambling or marsh tits on feeders.

Bird List
Blackbird, bullfinch, common buzzard (8), dunnock, tufted duck, fieldfare (6+), gadwall, goldcrest, goldfinch, Egyptian goose, great crested grebe (numerous), greenfinch, black headed gull, common gull, lesser-black backed gull, grey heron, jackdaw, jay kestrel, lapwing, magpie, mallard, mandarin, moorhen, nuthatch, pheasant, pochard, robin, shoveler, snipe (5), sparrowhawk, starling, teal, blue tit, great tit, wigeon (numerous), great spotted woodpecker (drumming), woodpigeon, reed bunting, green woodpecker. TOTAL 46

General Observations
Water levels at the reservoir have changed radically since the hot, dry summer. The island on the nature reserve side of the causeway has virtually disappeared and little of the concrete banks can be seen. The wind whipped large waves across the water.

Weather: Bright sunshine, strong, cold wind.

New Hythe Gravel Pits (Brooklands Lake)
Eric Brown and John Turner, Wednesday 10 January 2007, 10am to 2pm

A walk around Brooklands Lake and the next pit on VERY muddy footpaths. The female ferruginous duck hid in reeds adjacent to railway line until shortly after 1pm when it emerged into brilliant sunshine for a bout of relaxed preening. One Cetti’s warbler was heard in almost full song, another in weaker voice. Nervous redwing fed on berries alongside path between lakes. Big surprise was the chiffchaffs, one making insect catching sorties from reed tops and almost hovering within a few feet of path alongside the (smelly) factory. A dozen species were noted from benches near the café.

Bird List
Blackbird, bullfinch, chiffchaff (2), carrion crow, coot, cormorant, collared dove, ferruginous duck, tufted duck, dunnock, gadwall, goldcrest, goldeneye (pair), Canada goose, great crested grebe, black headed gull, jay, kestrel (3), lapwing (9), magpie, mallard, moorhen, ring necked parakeet, pochard, kingfisher, redwing (6), robin, shelduck, starling, mute swan (2), mistle thrush, song thrush, blue tit, great tit, long tailed tit, Cetti’s warbler, great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, woodpigeon, wren. TOTAL 40 species

Weather: Overcast with heavy showers turning to bright sunshine. Mild.

Bough Beech Reservoir
John Turner Tuesday 9 January 2007 10.15am to 12.45pm

The reservoir was very full and extremely strong wind made it choppy. Consequently the duck were sheltering in the NE corner of the reservoir behind the tree covered peninsular. The feeders were full of activity with visits from tits and finches as well as a nuthatch which was seen taking peanuts from inside a lidless feeder.

Bird List
Ring necked duck (female), mandarin (6), pochard (30+), tufted duck (25+), wigeon (20+), teal (10), gadwall (2), shoveler (2), mallard (8), great crested grebe (9), coot (lots), black headed gull (lots), lesser black backed gull, grey heron, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, blue tit (many), great tit (many), greenfinch (12), chaffinch (10), goldfinch (2), reed bunting, fieldfare.

Weather: Overcast and windy.

Footscray Meadows
John Carter, Monday 8 January 2007, 10.30am to 1.00pm

Parking near the Road Safety Centre in Footscray, this was a walk around the edge of FCM and back along the river. Footpaths very muddy in places.

Bird List
Blackbird, carrion crow, coot, collared dove, tufted duck, dunnock, little egret, goldfinch (9), little grebe (5), greenfinch, black headed gull, grey heron, jay, kestrel, magpie, mallard (21), moorhen, ring necked parakeet (50+), robin, starling, mute swan (2), mistle thrush, song thrush, blue tit, great tit, long tailed tit, great spotted woodpecker (3), green woodpecker, woodpigeon, wren. Total 30.

Mute swan at Footscray Meadows. Picture by Trevor Minns

General Observations
Noisy work was in progress involving a JCB and a gang felling trees on islands in the middle of the "lake". This must have deterred some birds including, perhaps, the kingfisher! The JCB left huge muddy tyre tracks across the grass.

Weather: Cloudy, overcast, rain from 12.30pm

Jubilee Way, Sidcup
Maurice Ewart, Monday 8 January 2007, At intervals all day

3 redwings feeding in garden on holly berries. Also seen in ivy.

First redwings seen in this garden this winter.

Last winter first one seen in garden on 29 November and in previous year on 2 December. In each year song thrush has been present at the same time. Holly berries had disappeared by mid December last winter but a good number still evident this winter.

Weather: Dull, mild, breezy