January 2008
New Years Day.
01/01/08
One of nine Redshank feeding in front of the Harrisons Drove hide this morning.
As the Grove ferry locals would be out number crunching this morning, I felt obliged to give them a hand, and took my place on the ramp at 07.10 a m. Martyn Wilson, Marc Heath, Sue Morton, Allan Ashdown, John Hollier and Phil Parker were all there when I arrived, and chatting made up a bit for the lack of activity around us. Birds of note from the ramp was a Ring-tailed Harrier, a Dunlin partially hidden on the spit and although the quality was scarce, every thing went into the note book, as the 1st of January Stour Valley count was being recorded. Results can be seen by clicking the link to the Stour Valley Sightings web site, on the "links to other web sites" tab. Martyn, Allan and I left the ramp and called in to the Turf field hide, where the usual Mallard and Teal were in place, but very little else. Next stop was the Harrison’s Drove hide, recording Stonechat and Bearded Tit on the way, and as we arrived at the hide, a Grey Plover passed over head, calling as it flew West towards Stodmarsh. 9 Redshank, some in the pool in front of the hide, and 3 Ruff were recorded there, but there was no sign of yesterday’s Green Sandpiper. We then decided to drive to Stodmarsh, where we met Norman Mc Canch, and Brendan Ryan, the latter having recorded a Firecrest at Collie Corner. A flock of at least 60 Siskin’s were seen, feeding in the Alders, with at least 2 Lesser Redpolls in amongst them. A Kingfisher was perched in a tree outside of the Reed bed hide, and a Woodcock flew out of the under growth, at the back of the Stodmarsh reserve.(thanks Marc). At Mid day, with the day's total on 72, i left for home, safe in the knowledge that the rest would push the total towards the magical 100 mark. I will check tonight.