Had arranged to attend a meet of members of an internet forum I'm a member of at Stodmarsh in Kent. I've heard of Stodmarsh but never been so was interested to visit. The signs were good when a Marsh Harrier flew alongside the A28.
In the event there was only 6 of us so off we went. I don't know the names of the hides etc. We started at the Grove Ferry Inn.
From and on the way to the ramp we quickly saw Linnet, Whitethroat, House Martin & Swallow, Song Thrush lots of common ducks, a few Common Terns, Redshank, and a Ringed Plover. We heard the first of MANY Cetti's Warblers and had a brief flight view. A cuckoo sang and was perched in a dead tree. There were quite a few sedge warbler showing and from the first hide saw our first Reed Warbler AND my first Bearded Tit of the year also some Ruddy Duck. Onwards and upwards lots of Reed Buntings on the trail and a few views of Marsh Harrier. Also 4 Mistle Thrush having a "discussion".
On the trail we had brief view of Hobby but one was perched up at the next hide giving super views and a second was found. The hobby's sat for ages and then gave superb flight views coming really close. Nice to find a couple of Wood Sandpiper with the Redshank and a yellow wagtail. Also had summer plumage Bar Tailed Godwit.
The next bit of the trail was more wooded and we had Willowchiff (I never got good views), Blackcap and Garden Warbler. Nightingale heard and a pair of Bullfinch. The rain started at this point.
We had lunch at the next hide which gave super views of Marsh Harrier. Lots of Reed Warblers and I had brief views of a pair of Beardies. Also distant views of Common Tern and Great Crested Grebe.
The rain had eased by now so on we went.
We kept hearing Cuckoo on our walk and one more perched up. Swifts were zipping over our heads and Sand Martins were very evident.
The final hide delivered another Ringed Plover and a Little Egret and nice views of Linnet.
Back to the ramp and a Sparrowhawk had got something but he got mugged by a crow and lots his afternoon tea. The rain start again and was heavier so we called it a day.
Very enjoyable walk, thanks to Robin for organising.
Given the reserve was North East of Canterbury I got nice sightings of the cathedral.
2 comments:
Sounds like a fine day.
And you got rain and we didn't - isn't that something?
I would love to hear a nightingale sing. That sounds like a great day.
And Digi-B needn't have spoken too soon. I might need a canoe to get out my drive later. It started raining at 7ish last night and has been unceasingly torrential ever since.
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