November 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Tuesday 10th November

After the mist had cleared I had a couple of hours spare, I didn't have time to cover all the area so I decided to spend what time I had wandering around the cemo. It was also pretty nice to see good birds showing well away from the recent blustery winds. On show today were 5 Firecrests which were pretty much together all the time, also 3 Woodcocks which I managed to flush from under some bramble bushes. Other bits included 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskins, 5 Fieldfares, 7 Redwings, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnets, 2 Pied Wagtails and 20 Black-headed Gulls north.

Friday 6th November

Today I covered the area between 9:30am - 12:20pm, which produced a nice little variety, best of all and now a rare bird for the site was a Bullfinch present in the crematorium which was certainly a pleasant sighting after such a long time. When arriving there was a bit of vis mig taking place certainly with one species in particular with a morning total of 2,500 Starlings heading west, also 7 Siskins, 7 Redwings, 1 Fieldfare, 7 Chaffinches, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Linnets and 6 Jays. Other bits in the cemo included 2 Firecrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets and 1 Kestrel, with the paddocks holding 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Skylark and 1 Meadow Pipit and 150 Black-headed Gulls in adjacent field.

Tuesday 3rd November

Today I didn't get out until late morning and that was for a poor 20 minutes, but incredibly when entering the main cemetery entrance straight away I couldn't quite believe what was calling near the chapels, It was my 2nd Nuthatch for the year a rare bird in this neck of the woods, it called on and off showing twice in a 10 minute spell between 11:00 - 11:10am, but was not heard off or seen again after this time. The only previous record before these two was way back in October 1990.

Monday 2nd November

Great Spotted Woodpecker (2nd November 2009)

It was a lovely day walking round the site which was certainly better than yesterday's weather, the month started off well with the 6th Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn calling and showing occasionally in the cemo. There was a bit of vis mig taking place with 1 Brambling west, 7 Siskins north, 9 Chaffinches west, 42 Skylarks west, 8 Meadow Pipits south, 1 Reed Bunting south, 35 Starlings west and 12 Goldfinches north. Of interest there was also a slight movement of 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers including this very tied individual in the photo. This bird was seen coming in high from the east eventually dropping in trees by the paddocks where it stayed dosing on and off for a good 20 minutes (interesting to know where it may of come from). Other birds around the cemo included 1 Firecrest, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Redwings, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Linnets, 5 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 3 Ring-necked Parakeets. A walk in the paddocks produced 16 Grey Partridges, 1 Rook and 11 Pied Wagtails, with 60 Black-headed Gulls in nearby fields.

October 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Saturday 31st October

I could only get out for a couple of hours this morning between 8:30 - 10:30am, It seemed quite lively from the start with a bit of vis mig taking place. There was a total of 58 Skylarks with 38 birds heading west, and 20 in fields adjacent to the paddocks, also heading west were 2 Bramblings, 2 Siskins, 6 Fieldfares, 1000 Wood Pigeons, 15 Jackdaws and 200 Starlings. The cemetery held 1 Firecrest, 1 Woodcock, 23 Redwings, 3 Goldcrests, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Jays, 10 Grey Partridges, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Linnets, 2 Corn Buntings north, 1 Kestrel and 2 Pied Wagtails.

Thursday 29th October

Redwing (29th October 2009)

It was certainly a frustrating start to the morning with heavy fog dampening any possibility of seeing anything moving overhead, as it turned out there was very little anyway but when it cleared about 11:00am there was a few bits seen in the cemetery. Probably best of all was an Oystercatcher heading south, also 5 Bramblings, 13 Siskins, 5 Fieldfares, 3 Redwings, 1 Grey Wagtail north, 3 Goldcrests, 11 Chaffinches, 2 Chiffchaffs, 12 Jays, 10 Goldfinches, 300 Starlings west, 13 Grey Partridges by the paddocks, 3 Pied Wagtails, 4 Corn Buntings west, 23 Skylarks west, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 100 Black-headed Gulls, 400 Wood Pigeons, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. There was nothing to report in the allotments today but after a very brief half hour in there yesterday it produced 6 Crossbills heading north.

Tuesday 27th October

Peregrine (27th October 2009)

I started off at 8:30am a little later than usual and straight away there was signs that it could be a good day with thrushes on the move from the word go. I went into the cemo first where it was busy with calling Redwings and Fieldfares which started to emerge soon after, there was also many moving through heading south/west which continued to be the case throughout the day until I finally left at 3:00pm. Apart from this surprisingly the cemo was very quiet with grounded migrants with just 3 Goldcrests, but I must admit I was enjoying it more sitting on a nice cosy bench watching nearly 10,000 thrushes including the overall total of 7,105 Redwings and 2,295 Fieldfares passing through, rather than watching the other areas in depth. The short time in the allotments I had contributed to 2 Reed Buntings with 2 Lesser Redpolls and 3 Siskins by the paddocks. The cemo also held 14 Bramblings, 1 Crossbill, 58 Chaffinches west, 8 Linnets, 500 Starlings west, 8 Sparrowhawks west, 5 Kestrels west, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Green Woodpeckers. Just after 1pm, a Peregrine shot through the cemo at some speed with an eye on a Redwing but unfortunately for the bird it missed, and then landed on pylons by the paddocks where it showed for 5 minutes in front of the camera (hence picture). Other bits today included 21 Skylarks, 5 Meadow Pipits, 9 Pied Wagtails, 9 Ring-necked Parakeets, 50 Black-headed Gulls and 400 Wood Pigeons.

Saturday 24th October

It was certainly a very uneventful day highlights were just 10 Redwings, 10 Goldcrests, 13 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 10 Chaffinches, 5 Linnets, 3 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 4 Goldfinches and 2 Green Woodpeckers.

Friday 23rd October

It was very pleasant walking round today in such glorious weather, bird wise there was a few bits around but in general it was fairly quiet. The cemo area was certainly the busiest with a total of 9 Tree Sparrows heading west over the crematorium at 9:30am, followed by a Crossbill soon after, also 1 Brambling, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Redwings, 20 Chaffinches, 1 Grey Wagtail North, 3 Goldcrests, 700 Starlings west, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Siskins west, 1 Grey Heron west, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Sparrowhawks west and 9 Jays. The paddocks were very quiet with just 17 Skylarks, 2 Pied Wagtails and 2 Meadow Pipits with the allotments holding 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Linnets and a Kestrel.

Tuesday 20th October

Apart from a total of 65 Chaffinches heading west there was very little else moving through and generally quiet all round. Others seen today included a Common Buzzard south, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 10 Redwings, 10 Golden Plovers, 1 Blackcap, 2 Siskins, 1 Reed Bunting west, 2 Goldcrests, 15 Skylarks, 5 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker and 200 Starlings.

Monday 19th October

There was certainly a change in weather today with a cold South/Westerly, I was joined once again by Dave G and between us we covered the area for nearly 6 hours, in that time we recorded 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Brambling, 2 Siskins, 50 Redwings, 3 Fieldfares, 150 Chaffinches, 3 Grey Wagtails north/east, 21 Grey Partridges by the paddocks, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Buntings west, 56 Skylarks, 42 Goldfinches west, 20 Linnets, 15 Ring-necked Parakeets, 5 Alba Wagtails west, 5 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 40 Blackbirds, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 3 Green Woodpeckers.

Sunday 18th October

Due to other commitments I could only watch the cemo between 10:00am-12:10pm, when I arrived there was a few bits on the move not in great numbers but with a steady flow. The highlight was my 5th Yellow-browed Warbler for the autumn which was calling on and off for about 30 minutes between 10:30-11:00am, but was very mobile and very elusive. Others noted within the 2 hour watch included 5 Bramblings, 4 Fieldfares, 55 Redwings, 4 Chiffchaffs, 4 Siskins, 4 Goldcrests, 70 Chaffinches, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Sparrowhawks, 100 Starlings, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 3 Lapwings.

Friday 16th October

I covered the area this morning in blustery winds, even the most sheltered areas didn't escape a battering. Highlights were just 141 Redwings, 2 Bramblings, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Linnets and just a single Goldfinch. It was certainly a morning to forget, but away from the site I did manage to get 60 Goldfinches in my garden that briefly landed in a large sycamore before heading west.

Thursday 15th October

It was a nice day walking round in such lovely sunshine and light winds, I was joined once again by Dave G, and together we had a good wander round, It was pretty good at first light then it slowed down considerably especially after midday. Highlights were 9 Brent Geese north, with singles of Ring Ouzel, Firecrest, Blackcap, Reed Bunting and Snipe. There was a total of 64 Redwings, 64 Chaffinches and 4 Fieldfares east, with 8 Bramblings, 13 Siskins, 6 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldfinches, 20 Linnets and 3 Goldcrests in the cemo. At least 450 Starlings, 1 Reed Bunting and 150 Ring-necked Parakeets headed west, with 7 Meadow Pipits and 25 Linnets in the paddocks. The allotments were very quiet just 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Wednesday 14th October

Dave Gilbert and I covered the area over several hours with the weather once again looking very good but it was unlikely to achieve anywhere near yesterday's results, but as expected there was a few bits around. The strangest event was 2 Peregrines that were chasing each other around the cemo for 5 minutes before heading west. There was a total of 930 Starlings west/north west, also 455 Redwings, 107 Chaffinches, 3 Fieldfares, 40 Blackbirds and 170 Ring-necked Parakeets with 3 Crossbills west over the garden of rest, and a nice juvenile Ring Ouzel in the crematorium. Other bits included 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Snipe and 1 Stonechat in the allotments, with 15 Skylarks, 20 Meadow Pipits and 2 Pied Wagtails in the paddocks. The cemo also held 1 Goldcrest, 2 Siskins, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Buntings west, 6 Goldfinches, 7 Linnets, 20 Lapwings west, 2 Sparrowhawks and 12 Jays.

Tuesday 13th October

Red Kite & Common Buzzard (13th October 2009)

Today was surperb, I started off at 7:20am, and straight away there was a good sign that it could be a promising day. Last night a lot of Redwings were moving over the house so I was hopeful of some good action and it certainly disappoint. I was joined by Dave Gilbert who also fancied the overcast/sunny conditions with a very light northerly wind, between us we set a new record for the site of 57 species, previous record was 54, certainly not bad for an inland site, unbeliveably I could not find a Mistle Thrush anywhere for no 58, but overall I'm not to bothered. Now for today's news It was very busy all day with little hold up it was very difficult at times where to look next. In total 2,000 Redwings headed west/north west during the day, also 20 Fieldfares and 60 Bramblings. It was a little bit of two half's with Redwings moving through all day but only a small number of finches until 12:30pm when 815 Chaffinches headed west/north west in about 2 hours, also 24 Goldfinches, 15 Greenfinches and 10 Linnets. At 9:20am 3 Goldcrests were in the crematorium with several Long-tailed Tits in with them and calling occasionally was 2 Yellow-browed Warblers which remained very elusive and mobile throughout the day. A trip to the allotments produced 14 Crossbills north, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Whitethroat and 3 Reed Buntings at 1:25pm, a Red Kite was seen over the cemo accompanied by 2 Common Buzzards, the kite stayed around for about 10 minutes where I managed a distant shot of the bird alongside 1 of the buzzards. After a nice cup of tea Dave and I continued in the cemo where we came across 4 Ring Ouzels, 1 Woodcock, 10 Siskins west, 1 Snipe south, 3 Lapwings south, 4 Sparrowhawks, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow Wagtail east, 101 Ring-necked Parakeets, 18 Skylarks west, 10 Meadow Pipits, 700 Starlings west/north west, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrels north and 5 Grey Partridges. At 1:15pm, 8 Brent Geese headed north with 3 Cormorants west soon after. Late on 2 Jackdaws and 3 Rooks were in the paddocks. We both had to leave just after 2:00pm, when there was still bits moving but it won't detract from a fab day to which I went hope very happy.

Monday 12th October

Due to other commitments today I could only do a quick hour walk round between 7:00-8:00am, birds noted within this time included 10 Crossbills west, 14 Redwings, 40 Goldfinches, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 4 Sparrowhawks north, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Meadow Pipits, 10 Ring-necked Parakeets, 4 Chaffinches, 5 Skylarks, 7 Linnets, 2 Lapwings and 60 Black-headed Gulls.

Sunday 11th October

I covered the area for a few hours today with Dave Gilbert which started off pretty well with 9 Crossbills over the cemo, followed by 5 Lesser Redpolls and 19 Siskins. It was enjoyable wandering around the bushes without the recent blustery winds and it paid off when 2 Ring Ouzels were flushed by the crematorium, and then a mobile Yellow-browed Warbler was located soon after. Other bits noted were 4 Goldcrests, 2 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, 8 Redwings, 1 Cormorant south, 10 Chaffinches, 47 Meadow Pipits, 5 Skylarks, 60 Goldfinches, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 2 Green Woodpeckers.

Saturday 10th October

I was out for most of the morning and it was certainly a bit more quieter than yesterday. Highlights today included a Ring Ouzel in the garden of rest, with smaller movements of 20 Redwings, 20 Chaffinches, 15 Meadow Pipits, 100 Starlings, 20 Linnets, 10 Goldfinches and 20 Greenfinches. A Grey Wagtail headed west, and a Siskin was briefly seen in the crematorium. Other bits consisted of 8 Chiffchaffs, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10 Rooks, 2 Jackdaws, 5 Skylarks and 2 Green Woodpeckers.

Friday 9th October

I watched the area for 7 hours today which produced an excellent 51 species, I covered nearly every corner and bush I possibly could. There was a stiff Easterly wind so even the most sheltered places were quite difficult but the end results were very good. I started off at 7:20am, and straight away there was signs of some good vis mig, the first bird recorded was 2 Bramblings over the garden of rest, followed shortly after by 6 Crossbills which were feeding in the crematorium. As the sun came out so did the rest with a daily total of 207 Redwings, 185 Chaffinches, 20 Goldfinches, 40 Linnets, 40 Greenfinches, 22 Siskins, 400 Starlings, 5 House Martins and 6 Swallows many of these birds heading west. Out of the 51 species 49 were recorded either in or over the cemo, with the allotments being very quiet, but the horse paddocks did hold a late Whinchat. At 10:00am, a party of 8 Long-tailed Tits and 10 Chiffchaffs came through together, and mixed in with them was a Yellow-browed Warbler which was calling frequently for about 30 seconds. It was pretty much busy everywhere so I decided to stay in the cemo for much of the time when at 11:00am, a Lapland Bunting headed west with 5 Chaffinches, with a Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting south soon after. Other bits included 1 Cormorant south, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Jackdaws, 38 Skylarks, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 100 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Rooks and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. When I had to leave at 2:20pm, a Ring Ouzel also dropped in summing up a very good day.

Thursday 8th October

I could only get out for 3 hours which was a bit of a shame as it looked pretty good today. It started well with the first Brambling of the autumn, also 24 Redwings most of which stayed around the cemo. I managed to get 2 Crossbills heading north over the crematorium which also held most of the 12 Chiffchaffs. A wander round the allotments produced just 3 Blackcaps but there was a flock of 50 Golden Plovers that were seen heading high at 8:00am. There was certainly bits on the move the latter the morning progressed, but before I ran out of time I noted 85 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinches, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Grey Partridges, 4 Skylarks, 4 Alba Wagtails north, 7 Meadow Pipits, 1 Rook, 2 Jackdaws, 7 Linnets, 15 Greenfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 100 Starlings and 70 Black-headed Gulls.

Tuesday 6th October

My wife and I have just spent a lovely few days staying over and exploring London, what a super place for doing a bit of sight seeing including a great trip on the London Eye, followed by a relaxing River Cruise, also a nice bit of shopping time, the shops here are certainly a bit more classy than down this end of the woods. Anyway now down to earth, I returned to my patch today where I watched the area for about 3 hours in blustery winds and heavy rain, there was very little going on anywhere resulting in me seeing very little. There was just 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 House Martins, 17 Pied Wagtails, just a single Chaffinch, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel and 7 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Friday 2nd October

I watched the area for about 5 hours today and apart from 4 Stonechats, 31 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps and a few of the local common birds, it was otherwise very very quiet.

September 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Wednesday 30th September

The last day of the month felt a lot better with a bit of vis mig taking place, so it was pretty frustrating that I could only watch the area between 7:00 - 9:00am. Birds recorded were 3 Redwings over the garden of rest, with 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 8 Blackcaps in the allotments. The cemo held 25 Chiffchaffs, 1 Goldcrest, 18 Ring-necked Parakeets and 2 Grey Wagtails heading west. Others on the move were 5 Chaffinches, 5 Meadow Pipits, 30 Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Pied Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 12 Skylarks with 6 Grey Partridges by the cement works. On the way home there was another 4 Redwings heading west.

Tuesday 29th September

The main highlight today was the Little Owl which was seen again roaming around the cemo, otherwise there was 18 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 20 Linnets, 48 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Chaffinches, 5 Goldfinches, 6 Meadow Pipits, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Monday 28th September

I watched the area for about 6 hours today which produced 2 scarce species for the site. The first was a Little Egret that headed west over the cemo at 7:50am, and a Little Owl 2nd bird for the year, that was briefly seen sitting in trees by the paddocks. Also noted in the cemo was 1 Firecrest and most of the 21 Chiffchaffs, with a Tree Pipit heading west early on. A walk round the allotments produced 9 Blackcaps and 3 Grey Wagtails heading north. Other bits included 1 Golden Plover, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Lapwings, 17 House Sparrows, 6 Chaffinches, 10 Meadow Pipits, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Skylarks, 2 Sparrowhawks, 30 Linnets, 1 Grey Partridge and 5 Rooks.

Sunday 27th September

Dave Gilbert covered the area today which produced very little, at best was a Hobby over the allotments and a total of 20 Chiffchaffs. Other bits included 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 7 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 20 Linnets.

Friday 25th September

Lucky, somehow by a miracle this Wood Pigeon had just survived a Sparrowhawk attack.

Once again it felt very quiet with no vis mig taking place, grounded birds included a good total of 37 Chiffchaffs also 15 Blackcaps, 1 Wheatear and 1 Grey Wagtail, there was certainly a clear out of Meadow Pipits in the last few days with only 25 recorded today. Others noted were 2 Goldcrests, 2 Chaffinches, 5 Corn Buntings, 40 Linnets, 90 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 300 Black-headed Gulls in field adjacent to the paddocks.

Thursday 24th September

It was very quiet today at best was a Redstart in the paddocks, with 14 Chiffchaffs and 10 Blackcaps between the cemo and allotments. Very little else occurred just 1 Yellow Wagtail, 25 Meadow Pipits, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinches, 4 Jackdaws and 120 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Tuesday 22nd September

Just a quick look round today which produced 1 Redwing, 13 Chiffchaffs, 11 Blackcaps, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 106 Ring-necked Parakeets, 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Monday 21st September

Whinchat (21st September 2009)

I covered the area for about 6 hours today which produced 48 species, from the start it felt like it could be a good day and straight away 5 Crossbills headed west over the garden of rest, with 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Grey Wagtail, and 17 Mistle Thrushes in the horse paddocks. Once again Meadow Pipit numbers impressed with a total of 800, including 300 north, and a further 500 in field adjacent to the paddocks. There was a good movement of 3,000 House Martins most of the birds heading north, also 55 Swallows, the allotments was busy with 21 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Tree Pipit, with 3 Hobbies hunting together over the cement works. Others noted were 2 Goldcrests, 11 Grey Partridges, 1 Reed Bunting, 46 Golden Plovers south, 3 Sparrowhawks, 5 Chaffinches, 5 Pied Wagtails, 3 Kestrels, 28 Linnets, 93 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jackdaws, 9 Rooks, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Sunday 20th September

Dave Gilbert and I covered the area today in very overcast conditions and a slight NW wind, birds noted were 1 Redstart, 12 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Hobby, 7 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 1 Golden Plover south, 4 Sparrowhawks, 60 Starlings and a very good total of 500 Meadow Pipits.

Saturday 19th September

Due to other commitments it was disappointing that I couldn't watch the area until 5pm especially as the weather looked really good today. The little time I had which was an hour was concentrated on the allotments which produced 20 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, with 120 Meadow Pipits heading north.

Friday 18th September

Pied Flycatcher (18th September 2009)

It was a very pleasant walk round today especially in the afternoon with glorious sunshine. Even better was that it produced 50 different species, not an easy task, I have achieved it on several occasions before but it doesn't happen that often, strange but In that total I didn't record one House Sparrow. The first part of the morning certainly started well and was dominated by Swallows with at least 400 heading west, and Meadow Pipits with at least 240. As the E/NE wind started to drop so the rest of the birds began to appear, it was pretty much busy everywhere with the cemo holding 3 Crossbills west, 3 Redstarts, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Grey Wagtails west, 4 Tree Pipits north, 10 Sand Martins south, 5 Blackcaps and 2 Hobbies. A Siskin headed west over the paddocks early on which also produced 5 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a passing Sparrowhawk. The allotments held just 2 Whinchats but also present was a probable Ortolan Bunting which was flushed from an area of long grass, but unfortunately I only glimpsed it before it headed off strongly over the garden of rest and out of sight in a westerly direction. After a good search I couldn't relocate the bird and has to go down as one of those that got away. Best of the rest included a Goldcrest, 1 Kestrel, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Jackdaw, 20 Linnets, 3 Pied Wagtails and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Thursday 17th September

At long last the wind eased well for a day at least which produced a nice selection of migrants, the day started off well with 3 Crossbills heading west over the crematorium, and 5 Redstarts which were scattered around the recording area. The allotments were quiet today with just 2 Whinchats, but the horse paddocks fared slightly better with 8 Wheatears, and a total of 100 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins and 7 House Martins feeding overhead. The cemo held 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps and 1 Goldcrest and my first of 2 Grey Wagtails of the autumn headed north. Other bits recorded were 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Meadow Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 7 Linnets, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 7 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Wednesday 16th September

It was another difficult day walking round in a strong NE wind but it did produce a Redwing which turns out to be my 2nd earliest for the cemo, the previous record was on the 14th. Not surprisingly the sheltered areas in the cemo fared better and produced 3 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Redstart, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and a passage of 30 Swallows. The allotments held 2 Whinchats and 1 Whitethroat with a Wheatear in the paddocks. Other bits included 2 Kestrels, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10 Linnets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 10 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Monday 14th September

The brisk NE wind certainly didn't ease today and it wasn't until the morning showers died away that most of the migrants were seen, in the cemo these included 2 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Redstart, 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs and my first Goldcrest of the autumn. The allotments produced 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Wheatear with a total of 22 Golden Plovers in field adjacent to the paddocks. There was a movement overhead of 2 Yellow Wagtails, 60 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 42 Meadow Pipits and 1 Grey Heron, with 10 Linnets, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 3 Ring-necked Parakeets also seen.

Sunday 13th September

Today I covered the area in various stages but the end results were pretty much the same, there was a few varieties but little in the way of any numbers. It was certainly hard going in a brisk northerly wind with even the sheltered areas being fairly quiet. The paddocks produced 3 Whinchats, 1 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtails, with a Tree Pipit in the allotments. The cemo held 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat with 9 Swallows and 7 House Martins passing through. Other bits included a Cormorant north, 8 Meadow Pipits, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Linnets, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jackdaws, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel.

Friday 11th September

I just had 3 hours spare this morning so I started out at 6:30am, and finished at 9:30am, and straight away it felt a lot quieter, this was certainly true as today only produced a single Whinchat with the rest of yesterday's birds all clearing out. But without any doubt the best bird was a Raven that headed slowly north over the cemo at 7:55am, to the shear discomfort of a couple of Magpies that were making sure the bird didn't hang around too long. This is the 2nd record for the area and the first for many years. The allotments were very quiet but the cemo produced 2 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk and my first Chaffinch of the autumn. There was a good early morning count of 143 Ring-necked Parakeets, also 5 Meadow Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail over, with a Hobby and 10 House Martins over the main entrance when leaving.

Thursday 10th September

After yesterday's incredibly slow start it was quite the opposite today, with the wind direction turning round to a nice NNE there was always a chance of some new arrivals. I started out at 7:00am and finished at 1:15pm, which produced an excellent total of 21 Whinchats including 10 in the Garden of Rest, and a further 11 between the allotments/paddocks. There was 2 Redstarts by the cement works, with a Tree Pipit, 2 Wheatears, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler in the allotments. The cemo also produced 10 Chiffchaffs and a Common Buzzard that headed west at 10:45am. There was a slight movement of 23 Meadow Pipits with at least 10 Grey Partridges also by the cement works. Other bits noted were 4 Yellow Wagtails south, 8 Swallows, 6 House Martins, 3 Sparrowhawks, 6 Skylarks, 25 Linnets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Jackdaws, 50 Starlings and 5 Long-tailed Tits.

Wednesday 9th September

I once for my Master's Degree wrote a 15,000 word thesis on bird migration, its quite amazing how much more you learn when you properly study it and how technical/difficult it is for any long distant migrant facing a long journey back to their breeding grounds, or reverse migration heading back home. Today I witnessed once again how easy it can be to miss a fall of birds no matter how long you may have been watching your'e patch on that day. I started out early morning and for the first few hours it was pretty dead with just 1 Chiffchaff to my name, there was no overhead movement of any kind, neither was there little in the bushes suggesting that although the wind was a brisk Northerly no overnight birds had arrived. I had covered all the areas including the paddocks which was lifeless, so at 2:30pm, I just about had it, but all of a sudden way up in the sky I saw what looked like 10 pin dots heading slowly downwards over the cement works, the birds then landed straight in the paddocks, it wasn't rare but 10 Wheatears had just arrived from nowhere a sight I would have missed if going a minute earlier. It then gave me a little boost to carry on, and when heading back into the cemo there was a further 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, with a Hobby and 2 Yellow Wagtails over the garden of rest. These birds must had just arrived too, just as well it could off been a little embarrassing just a Chiffchaff at this time of year and in 7 hours of hard work. Other bits noted late on were 10 House Martins, 4 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 83 Ring-necked Parakeets, 20 Linnets, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Skylark and 30 Starlings.

Tuesday 8th September

I was out all day catching up on some work so didn't get to the cemo until 5:00pm. I spent a couple of hours walking round which produced virtually nothing. All I managed was 2 Blackcaps and 6 Swallows.

Monday 7th September

I once again thrashed out nearly every inch of the recording area and although it didn't produce any goodies it certainly had a good feel to it. Birds noted were a Hobby over the cemo, and 4 Sand Martins which headed east early on. My first Siskin of the autumn was briefly seen in the allotments which also produced 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats and most of the 10 Chiffchaffs. It was very quiet in the paddocks with just 3 Yellow Wagtails and a Swift heading west. Others recorded were 27 House Martins, 14 Swallows, 2 Grey Partridges, 3 Cormorants north, 3 Sparrowhawks, 7 Linnets, 11 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Jackdaws, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 4 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Sunday 6th September

Wheatear (6th September 2009)

Both Dave Gilbert and I covered the area this morning which produced 20 Sand Martins heading east, 1 Hobby over the allotments, and a Spotted Flycatcher by the cement works. There was a scattering of 13 Chiffchaffs also 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcaps and 3 Whitethroats. The paddocks held 3 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 15 Linnets. Just a single Swallow and 3 House Martins were recorded, with a party of 21 Long-tailed Tits moving through. Other bits included 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jackdaws, 30 Starlings and 3 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Saturday 5th September

I was undertaking some ecological work this morning so it wasn't until late afternoon when I arrived at the cemo. I covered what I could between 3:00 - 4:15pm, due to the area being unusually busy with visitors, and surprisingly most of which were in the quietest of areas. Birds of interest was 1 Whinchat, 2 Wheatears, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 10 Swallows and 7 House Martins.

Friday 4th September

With the westerly wind easing a lot more this morning it was certainly a little bit easier, best of the birds today included a Tree Pipit west, 1 Hobby, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk, 30 Linnets, 28 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Goldfinch.

Thursday 3rd September

Today never got going and it certainly felt like the start of autumn with dull overcast conditions and a strong SW wind. Not surprisingly there was very little to be seen in any such numbers, all I could manage was 3 Whitethroats, with singles of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Yellow Wagtail, Swallow, Sparrowhawk, Pied Wagtail and Great Spotted Woodpecker. There was 15 Linnets around the paddocks also 2 Kestrels, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 5 Ring-necked Parakeets in the cemo.

Tuesday 1st September

Grey Squirrel (1st September 2009)

It was a very quiet day all round, birds that were seen included a Whinchat in the allotments, also 7 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Swallows, 20 House Martins, 105 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 40 Linnets, 2 Jackdaws and 4 Long-tailed Tits.

August 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Monday 31st August

Little Owl (31st August 2009)

Dave Gilbert and I covered the area this morning which was very quiet, apart from a good record of Little Owl which is my 4th for the cemo, this bird was showing near the horse paddocks. Also today the Pale Phase Common Buzzard reappeared near the cement works which also produced 20 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Other bits included 3 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Kestrels, 3 Pied Wagtails, 1 Green Woodpecker, 40 Linnets, 1 Skylark and 30 Starlings.

Saturday 29th August

What a cracking start to the day, I went into the allotments at 6:50am, and straight away a Hoopoe flew over heading into the horse paddocks. The bird then showed well for about 30 seconds sitting on a fence post before heading off in the direction of Nash Court Farm. Unfortunately after a very good search this was to be the last sighting. This is the 5th record for the area and the first for several years. Apart from that it was a little bit on the quiet side with other bits including 3 Wheatears, 1 Whinchat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Willow Warblers, 10 Swallows and 30 Linnets.

Friday 28th August

The day started well this morning with a lot more activity in the bushes, with good numbers of Blackbirds, Dunnocks and Robins. It also looked promising for a good bird and at 7:00am, Dunnocks and Blackbirds were giving an alarm call around some blackberry bushes, I was hoping that a possible Shrike might be lurking somewhere but unfortunately it turned out to be a cat stalking the locals. Anyway back to today's sightings which included 2 Whinchats, 1 Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtails in the paddocks, with 8 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps and 1 Lesser Whitethroat between the cemo and allotments. At 7:30am, 9 Cormorants headed east, and 20 Swallows were above the cement works. Very little else occurred apart from 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 30 Linnets, 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted and 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 30 Starlings.

Thursday 27th August

Willow Warbler (27th August 2009)

Early morning started off very quiet but gradually got better as the day progressed. The main highlight was a Pale Phase Common Buzzard which drifted over the cemo at 11:00am, getting mobbed by the local gulls. This is certainly the bird I had a couple of days ago, and once again after a few minutes it headed off strongly west. Most of the bushes were quiet but there was a few warblers around including 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats and 2 Willow Warblers. The paddocks produced 1 juvenile Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 6 Yellow Wagtails and 1 Grey Partridge. There was a total of 12 House Martins and 20 Swallows feeding over the garden of rest, which held most of the 40 Linnets. Others bits noted were 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 50 Ring-necked Parakeets, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Pied Wagtails, 5 Skylarks and 30 Starlings.

Tuesday 25th August

I only had a couple of hours spare this morning, so I covered the area once again at first light which produced 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroats, 25 House Martins, 13 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 8 Mistle Thrushes and 15 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Monday 24th August

Grasshopper Warbler (24th August 2009)

Pale Phase Common Buzzard (24th August 2009)

I went out today between 6:40am to 12:50pm, eventually in very hot conditions but bird wise it certainly had a good feel to it. the morning started off well with a Whinchat straight away in the allotments followed by a very good record of Grasshopper Warbler which showed well on and off for 10 minutes, also 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, and 5 Swifts. Shortly after while I was scanning over the fields near the paddocks a white raptor sp caught my eye drifting away from the cement works, I couldn't see much of the bird at first as it was lost behind the rubbish dump, but soon after it reappeared giving its identity as a Pale Phase Common Buzzard, to say the least it was rather an impressive bird as it hunted around the fields for a couple of minutes. I did just manage to get a distant record shot before it headed off high to the west. After that a second Common Buzzard headed east at 10:10am, along with 1 Golden Plover. Another good autumn record was a juvenile Cuckoo in the paddocks, which also produced 2 Wheatears my first of the autumn, and 10 Yellow Wagtails. Other bits today were 10 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 3 Skylarks, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Goldfinches and 2 Kestrels.

Saturday 22nd August

It was very quiet everywhere today, best of all was probably an increase of 10 Blackcaps and 4 Willow Warblers. Others noted were 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whitethroats, 10 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Linnets and a single Jackdaw.

Friday 21st August

Today's sightings included 1 Tree Pipit west, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 40 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk and 50 Linnets.

Wednesday 19th August

It certainly felt very quiet today, but actually there was a few migrants on site including a Pied Flycatcher in the cemo, followed shortly after by a Peregrine Falcon heading north. Other highlights were 2 Tree Pipits west, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Willow Warbler, 40 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 2 Sparrowhawks, 40 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Grey Partridge.

Monday 17th August

Sightings today included 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warblers, 12 Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 17 Yellow Wagtails, 60 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 3 Lapwings, 3 Sparrowhawks, 60 Linnets, 3 Grey Partridges, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Pied Wagtails and 40 Starlings.

Saturday 15th August

It certainly felt a lot more quieter today, birds of note included 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps and 16 Yellow Wagtails.

Friday 14th August

Spotted Flycatcher (14th August 2009)

New autumn migrants included a Spotted Flycatcher in the allotments and 80 Golden Plovers heading east. There was 3 Sand Martins in with 100 Swallows over the paddocks, which also produced 20 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Hobbies. Other bits around the site were 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Garden Warbler, 11 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 7 House Martins, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 40 Linnets.

Thursday 13th August

I arrived at the cemo at 6:25am, and straight away the bird of the day was calling from pine trees near the crematorium. The star attraction was a Nuthatch a rare bird on the island of Margate, it called frequently up to 7:00am, but was seen on just one occasion as it was generally well hidden high up in the tree tops. Unfortunately when the rain arrived the bird stopped calling and subsequently was not seen or heard off again even when the weather improved. I have recorded Nuthatch here before on one occasion way back in October 1990, when visiting the site. Also recorded today were 5 Hobbies, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Whitethroats, 7 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 100 Swallows, 59 Swifts, 9 House Martins, 2 Sparrowhawks, 4 Cormorants (south), 75 Linnets and 65 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Tuesday 11th August

I could only manage a couple of hours today birds seen included 3 Willow Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Swift, 60 Swallows, 8 House Martins, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Linnets, 30 Starlings and 27 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Monday 10th August

I started out at 6:10am, and finally managed to drag myself away at 2:00pm, desperately needing a refill of coffee. Today looked promising with unsettled weather early morning, followed by high pressure early afternoon. The day was certainly worth while and didn't disappoint with a variety of raptors on the move. First of all a Marsh Harrier headed west over the paddocks at 8:00am, followed by 3 Common Buzzards between 10:30 - 11:25am, and a Peregrine Falcon west at 12:45pm.There was also 2 Hobbies, 3 Sparrowhawks and 2 Kestrels. Once again the allotments was alive with activity and produced a very respectable 8 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Garden Warblers, 9 Willow Warblers, 7 Blackcaps and 12 Whitethroats. The cemo produced 4 Crossbills heading north early on, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 7 Long-tailed Tits. There was a better number of 90 Swallows and 28 House Martins with 3 Swifts east late on, with the paddocks holding my first Whinchat of the year, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Pied Wagtails, 40 Linnets and 10 Mistle Thrushes. It was certainly an enjoyable day with 45 species noted and when leaving 20 Ring-necked Parakeets flew south.

Sunday 9th August

I was a little late over this morning and when I arrived the place was heaving with nearly ever corner of the cemo and allotments disturbed in some way. The counts I did made were 3 Whitethroats, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 20 Swallows.

Saturday 8th August

Early autumn migrants continue with a Tree Pipit in the garden of rest, also present was 1 Sedge Warbler and a Chiffchaff. Other bits today included 8 Willow Warblers, 11 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Meadow Pipit, 10 Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Linnets, 1 Kestrel and 25 Starlings.

Thursday 6th August

The allotment part of the cemetery grounds was alive with activity today more than I can say for the main part itself. In total the allotments held 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 24 Whitethroats, 14 Willow Warblers and 7 Blackcaps, with a Sedge Warbler by the garden of rest. Other records included a Sand Martin south early on, also 3 Swifts, 7 Swallows and 7 House Martins. The only contributions the cemo made was 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 30 Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel and a Meadow Pipit overhead. A walk in the paddocks produced 13 Jackdaws and 13 Rooks. There was also 6 Migrant Hawker Dragonflies today and still good numbers of Painted Lady Butterflies with at least 40+ recorded.

Wednesday 5th August

The most unexpected bird today was a Green Sandpiper which headed south over the crematorium at 6:10am. Other bits found on such a pleasant day were 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 12 Whitethroats, 13 Swifts, 4 Swallows, 17 House Martins, 1 Lapwing, 2 Jackdaws, 45 Linnets, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Goldfinches and 8 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Tuesday 4th August

Today's sightings included 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 9 Swifts, 13 House Martins, 4 Green Woodpeckers and 10 Linnets.

Monday 3rd August

There was a scattering this morning of 10 Blackcaps, 12 Whitethroats and 2 Willow Warblers between the cemo and allotments, also a Reed Warbler in the garden of rest. A total of 18 House Martins and 2 Swifts headed west, with 9 Jackdaws and another impressive total of 70 Rooks in the paddocks. Other bits included 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Linnets, 7 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Long-tailed Tit and 37 Black-headed Gulls.

Sunday 2nd August

Some early migrants continue to come through where this time a Redstart was noted in the garden of rest, also 5 Willow Warblers, 10 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 6 House Martins, 6 Jackdaws, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Rooks, 40 Linnets and 12 Ring-necked Parakeets.

July 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Friday 31st July

There was a bit more migrant activity today with 2 Lesser Whitethroats,12 Whitethroats, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Blackcap and 1 Meadow Pipit, also present was 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 100 Rooks, 3 Jackdaws, 60 Linnets and 4 Long-tailed Tits.

Thursday 30th July

Today produced a single Willow Warbler in the allotments, also 10 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 4 House Martins, 60 Swifts, 10 Linnets, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jackdaw and a party of 18 Long-tailed Tits.

Wednesday 29th July

New arrivals today included a Willow Warbler in the crematorium but that was pretty much it. Others of interest were 6 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 15 Swifts, 1 Cormorant north, 30 Linnets, 90 Rooks, 20 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a very respectable 8 Green Woodpeckers which I do believe is my joint highest total.

Tuesday 28th July

I went out between 6-8:30am, which produced a scarce autumn record of Cuckoo in the crematorium. Also present was 11 Whitethroats, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Goldfinches, 40 Linnets, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 15 Ring-necked Parakeets, 2 Jackdaws and 30 Rooks. Of interest a total of 400+ Swifts were moving west over Margate Football Club during the footie tonight.

Monday 27th July

I managed to get out for a couple of hours this afternoon which surprisingly produced my earliest ever Autumn record of Pied Flycatcher. Other bits included 5 Whitethroats, 3 House Martins, 30 Swifts, 90 Rooks, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 5 Linnets, 5 Jays, 9 Mistle Thrushes and 15 Ring-necked Parakeets. Of interest it was a good day for butterflies with a nice Clouded Yellow by the main entrance, also 25 Painted Ladies, 30 Large Whites, 8 Gatekeepers, 10 Small Whites, 4 Peacocks, 60 Meadow Browns, 1 Small Blue and 2 Tortoiseshells.

Thursday 16th July

After a long spell of paperwork it was nice to be out once again and making sure I was ready for the autumn. It turned out to be quite a good day in such glorious sunshine with a rare July record of a Common Buzzard which was seen over the cemo, and then hunting in fields by the cement works, the bird then stayed around for about 10 minutes before heading west. There was also a Turtle Dove in the crematorium, with 6 Blackcaps and 1 Chiffchaff in the cemo. Other highlights included 1 Whitethroat, 90 Rooks (all in the paddocks), 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 130 Swifts, 9 Swallows, just a single House Martin, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Kestrel.

June 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Monday 29th June

It was my first day back today in two weeks after enjoying a nice few days away. This included a very special birthday treat for my wife to the Ritz hotel in London. I didn't fancy the cheapest night at about £1,800 but both enjoyed having afternoon tea in a very posh part of the hotel where we were both treated like royalty at a superb location. I would certainly recommend this as a treat as the service by all staff was top class, even if a pint of beer was £7 and a glass of champagne at £17 a glass, even so its not every day you get waited on in such a classy fashion. Anyway now down to the birds of today, there was a total of 9 Whitethroats in the recording area, with 1 Yellow Wagtail and a very good total of 126 Rooks in fields next to the paddocks. Other bits of note included 70 Swifts, 1 Blackcap, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Kestrel.

Monday 15th June

After a good 4 hour wander round the best bird of the day was a Chaffinch, which surprisingly is very uncommon in the cemo during this time of year. Other bits included 6 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 30 Swifts, 3 Swallows, 3 House Martins, 5 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Goldfinch, 5 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Kestrels and 10 Linnets.

Saturday 13th June

I witnessed one of the most strangest of behaviours today (not to do with birds) that has baffled me ever since. I was sitting down on a bench enjoying a nice cuppa when I noticed a bee taking ants from the ground and dropping them into a spider's web to which the spider was taking the prey. It done this on several occasions constantly feeding the spider (weird I know but I was also taken back by this behaviour). Eventually after the spider had a full stomach it went for safety in the bush and the bee headed off. On the birding side it wasn't to bad with a male Cuckoo by the paddocks and a Grey Wagtail over the garden of rest. A good total of 23 Long-tailed Tits were flitting around the cemo, and a Yellow Wagtail by the cement works. Other bits included 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Whitethroats, 2 Sparrowhawks, 75 Swifts, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Kestrel.

Thursday 11th June

It was pretty much the same as usual but at least 100+ Swifts were recorded which is the best count so far this year, also 2 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, and 8 juvenile Mistle Thrushes.

Monday 8th June

The main highlight today was a male Blackbird with a ring on its leg, I'm once again pretty sure that this was the bird I ringed in 2007 at this site due to obvious white facial markings to which the bird had, but more surprisingly it was last seen here about six months ago. After a 4 hour walk round today I recorded 6 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Swallows, 30 Swifts, 3 House Martins, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Grey Partridges, 10 Linnets, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Jackdaw, 15 Ring-necked Parakeets, 3 Goldfinches, 3 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Kestrels and 7 Mistle Thrushes.

Thursday 4th June

It was another lovely walk round in such glorious sunshine even if there was little to report, highlights today included 2 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroats, 4 House Martins, 7 Swallows, 60 Swifts, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Goldfinches, 7 Linnets, 2 Corn Buntings, 1 Kestrel, 4 Long-tailed Tits and 5 Rooks.

Tuesday 2nd June

My 2nd Cuckoo of the year arrived today, and a Lapwing was in the paddocks. Others recorded included a Hobby, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 30 Swifts, 7 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 2 Grey Partridges, 2 Corn Buntings, 10 Linnets, 1 Sparrowhawk and 20 Ring-necked Parakeets.

Monday 1st June

After a very quiet couple of hours at first light it certainly felt like spring was coming to an end, but then my first Turtle Dove of the year arrived which is a welcome relief as I didn't record any in 2008. After that it got slightly better when a Hobby was seen hunting around nearby fields, also 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff and a total of 10 Whitethroats. There was 3 Yellow Wagtails in the paddocks, with just 30 Swifts, 2 House Martins and 7 Swallows overhead. Others of note included 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Grey Partridges, 7 Linnets, 1 Green Woodpecker, 4 Skylarks and 1 Kestrel. A good record of 1 Hairy Dragonfly was recorded by the garden of rest, also 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, and of note 100+ Painted Lady Butterflies were still present, 1 Ringlet Butterfly and 5 Hares. On the way home a Quail was calling on the edge of a private wheat field very close to where I was standing, after moving up a few extra yards the bird was flushed and then seen well in flight. Not surprisingly this is only the 3rd bird I have ever managed to see.

May 2009

LATEST BIRD SIGHTINGS

Friday 29th - Sunday 31st May

There was very little change within the last 3 days when Dave Gilbert and I covered the area, highlights over this period were a couple of Hobbies hunting over nearby fields, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff and a maximum count of 70 Swifts, 8 House Martins and 15 Swallows.

Thursday 28th May

Today looked to be quite promising but didn't actually turn out that way. Birds of note included 8 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 11 Swallows, 50 Swifts, 3 House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Grey Partridges, 2 Kestrels, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Corn Buntings. Painted Lady Butterflies once again impressed with at least 300+ in the recording area.

Tuesday 26th May

On the birding front there was very little to report, but more exciting today like many other places around the east coast was 100+ Painted Lady Butterflies.

Monday 25th May

Apart from a Hobby over the garden of rest it was extremely quiet with just a few Swallows, Swifts and House Martins, and just 1 Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap on show.

Sunday 24th May

Very little change from yesterday but no sign of the 2 Wheatears today.

Saturday 23rd May

After a fantastic week away with the family to the Isle Of Wight it was down to business once again, I covered the area for several hours with Dave Gilbert which produced 3 Hobbies, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Wheatears, 6 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 15 Swifts, 4 House Martins, 7 Swallows, 2 Cormorants west, 1 Grey Partridge, 4 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Corn Buntings.

Sunday 17th May

There was very little to report but of interest only my 2nd Lesser Whitethroat of the year turned up today, others present included a Wheatear in the paddocks, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Blackcap, 5 Swifts, 7 Swallows, 13 House Martins and 2 Corn Buntings.
Friday 15th May

I could only manage a couple of hours this morning which produced a record total of 20 Whimbrels heading north, with my first Spotted Flycatcher of the year by the paddocks. Other bits included 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats with several Swifts, Swallows and House Martins.

Thursday 14th May

It was certainly a misty start to early proceedings but the bumper year continued when 2 Icterine Warblers were found singing between 6:30 - 6:50am, in an overgrown area by the 2 chapels but were not seen or heard off during the morning after this time. I then met up with Dave Gilbert and between us we recorded 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Wheatears, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 50 Swifts, 50 Swallows, 45 House Martins, 7 Corn Buntings, 3 Jackdaws, 10 Linnets, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Meadow Pipit. We then headed off to Grove Ferry for a look at the Black-winged Pratincole which I must say showed rather nicely. We then returned back to the cemo hoping to relocate the Icterine Warblers but after a good search we had no luck, but did record a Common Buzzard heading south/east at 1:50pm.

Monday 11th May

Today not surprisingly was hard work in such blustery winds, the most notable was a total of 60 Swallows feeding around the paddocks, also 6 House Martins, 8 Swifts, 4 Wheatears and 1 Yellow Wagtail.The cemo was quiet even in the most sheltered spots with just a single Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcaps. The allotments held 3 Whitethroats and others recorded were 9 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Corn Buntings, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 Kestrels.

Sunday 10th May

The excellent spring for raptors continues when I received a call from Dave Gilbert at 9:00am, who had just found a Honey Buzzard heading slowly north over the garden of rest. I met up with him soon after and we watched the area up to 12:15pm, where between us we had just 2 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 7 Swallows, 25 Swifts, 1 House Martin, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridges and 15 Linnets.

(Steve Tomlinson & Dave Gilbert)

Saturday 9th May

Highlights today included 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Hobby, 4 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 15 Swifts, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Siskin, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows and 3 Grey Partridges.

Friday 8th May

This year has certainly been a bit on the slow side for common migrants, but for the scarce and rare birds it has so far been an excellent spring, and once again today it didn't disappoint. Due to some report writing I could only watch the area for about 3 hours so I headed out at 5:50am, with the day starting well when a Fulmar was seen heading east over the cemo, I have recorded a few of these in the past but still a good inland record for the site, soon after I went into the allotments and recorded 5 Whitethroats and 3 Blackcaps, with a Swift and 8 Swallows overhead. Time was pressing on so I quickly done the paddocks which held 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 6 Grey Partridges. At 7:45am, I decided to blitz the cemo for an hour with the highlights being 3 Siskins and a single Chiffchaff but the main attraction came at 8:30am, when a falcon sp, was seen a few feet above the chapels near the main entrance, I quickly got on to the bird as it worked its way round some nearby pine trees, to my joy it turned out to be a RED FOOTED FALCON, the bird showed very well for 3 minutes before heading off slowly in a south/south easterly direction. The only frustrating part was that I couldn't photograph the bird as I am without photographic equipment for about 6 weeks (not good at this time of year). Anyway it did not deter from a cracking bird which is my 2nd record for the cemo with the last being the 18th May 1992.

Thursday 7th May

Another 5 hour wander round in a brisk south westerly wind produced 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Tree Pipit, 32 Swifts, 2 House Martins, 14 Swallows, 4 Wheatears, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Grey Partridges, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Corn Buntings, 15 Linnets, 4 Goldfinches and 2 Kestrels.

Tuesday 5th May

Grey Partridge (5th May 2009)

I covered the area for a good 5 hours today which produced one of my all time favourite birds. The weather looked quite promising with overcast conditions mixed with light rain and sunshine, but the day started off slowly with little singing in the cemo and the migrants that were around were a bit subdued. A walk around the allotments produced 5 Whitethroats, and 2 of the 5 Blackcaps present. Early on there was 2 Wheatears in the paddocks and a Lesser Whitethroat was singing by the cement works. As mentioned the cemo was very quiet with just 2 Chiffchaffs and 1 Chaffinch (which surprisingly is a scarce bird here in spring). Around late morning due to all the excitement I was thinking about going home, but for some reason I decided to stay for another wander round, once again I looked across to the back of the horse paddocks when to my surprise I saw a female Red-backed Shrike sitting on one of the posts, I wondered if it had just arrived in a brief spell of light rain which happened just 20 minutes before. When the weather cleared the bird headed off strongly in a westerly direction. Also within that time period a Reed Warbler was singing in the garden of rest, with 4 House Martins and 3 Swifts also passing through. It is my 6th spring record of Red-backed Shrike here as most are autumn records. Also today there was 14 Swallows, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Partridges, 20 Linnets and 2 Corn Buntings.

Monday 4th May

A good record of 7 Whimbrels headed north early on but that was pretty much it, there was 2 Wheatears in the paddocks, and a Swift headed west. Other migrants stayed about the same with 8 Swallows, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Whitethroats and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

Saturday 2nd May

Hare (2nd May 2009)

It was certainly lovely conditions for birding today, a walk round the area produced 2 Wheatears, 1 Lesser Redpoll east, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Swallows, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 20 Linnets, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Corn Buntings, 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels and 2 Grey Partridges.

Friday 1st May

It was still very quiet but there was a few bits around including a Tree Pipit by the allotments, and the Redwing which was still present in the garden of rest. Others of note included 1 Swift, 1 Wheatear, 7 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Swallows, 5 Grey Partridges and 20 Linnets.