July 2008
Black Stork seen at Seaton near Preston in Kent.
19/07/08
Black Stork leaving Seaton this morning.
I had not intended to go out today, so obtaining a new life tick in the shape of a Black Stork came some what as a surprise. After leaving my phone at home last night, and going out, I was unaware of the calls I had received, alerting me to a Black Stork at Seaton, near Preston in Kent, a few miles from where I live. Fortunately, it was still there this morning, and after a couple of calls, I made my way to Seaton, meeting Mike Gould as I parked my car. There were a few people watching in a field where we had parked, and Mike and I joined them. The bird had been roosting in a dead tree, but had dropped down into a dyke, and remained hidden for twenty minutes. It then was seen, as it flew up out of the dyke, and gained height quickly, circling over us, giving great views. Although the bird was high, a few images were obtained, as it passed over us. The bird was watched flying in an Easterly direction, towards the coast in the general direction of Deal and Dover, until it was lost from sight. I then had a quick look from the ramp at Grove Ferry, on the way home, where I noted Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Ruff and Little Ringed Plover, with 3 Marsh harriers seen, two juveniles and a Female flying over the reserve.