Wednesday 14 March 2012

Off Piste

Faggs Wood - 0820hrs- dull, murky, start, brighter later, e2 - In company with Marshman deserted the flatlands today for the woods, kicking off in Orlestone forest. Plenty of activity around the car park where food continues to be placed out for and gratefully received by the birds; Nuthatch, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Long-tailed and Coal Tits all noted, plus a Redwing and Sparrowhawk overhead. A circuit delivered Siskins, Redpolls and a couple of parties of Crossbills calling overhead, several Bullfinches, Goldcrests and more Long-tailed Tits and Nuthatches. So, despite the grotty conditions not a bad return.
Hothfield Common - 1045hrs - First visit for quite a while to this terrifically atmospheric site managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust; an open valley bog with relict heathland and scattered timber, grazed by a small herd of Konik ponies. Best bird here was Yellowhammer of which there were at least 4 singing males, also Mistle Thrush, 2 peckers, Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches and Treecreepers.
North Downs - 1200hrs - Revisited a raptor viewpoint site from last year, but as the sun had only just broke through all we could muster were 4 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk. Also present Linnets, Green and Greater pecker, singing Skylarks and Yammers.



                                           Hothfield Common & Konik or Polish Ponies

ps: back on the Marsh there was no sign of yesterdays Bean Goose, but an Egyptian Goose was reported on the fields at the back of Hookers, plus 2 Black-necked Grebes on ARC.

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