STEVE ASHTON'S WILDLIFE GALLERY

November 2008

Red flanked blue tail, my fourth new bird of the week.

My new bird sightings continue to rise with my fourth new bird this week, a Red-flanked Bluetail, seen at King George VI park in Ramsgate. The morning was spent at Grove Ferry, as I have not been there for a week, with little being seen, my entire time spent in the Feast and the Harrison’s Drove hide, sheltering from squally showers that persisted throughout the morning. What was noticeable was a movement through the reserve of Thrushes, with an estimated 3,000 Fieldfares seen, and 1000 Redwings. This was in itself a spectacular event, with the berry trees and bushes at times, covered with Thrushes. Three Common Redshank were seen from the Harrison’s Drove hide, a rarity nowadays at Grove, as was a single Spotted Redshank, a Dunlin and 3 Ruff. Two Stonechats were seen and three Water Pipits were feeding towards the rear of the mud in front of the hide. A solitary Little Egret flew over the pool, towards the ramp.Three Green Woodpeckers were also noted, as were two Kingfishers and several Starlings. A Mallard was the only photo opportunity, gratefully accepted. On arriving home from the trip, I was telephoned by Martyn Wilson, alerting me to a Red-flanked Bluetail, apparently showing well at King George VI park in Ramsgate. I decided that the weather was to bad to go out again, but after 30 minutes of self reasoning that a new bird for me not 20 miles away was well worth a soaking, it was not long before I was standing with about 20 other bird watchers, looking at the fore mentioned bird, my fourth new bird of the week. The weather really was appalling, and yes I did get my soaking, but did manage a record shot of the bird, before leaving for home. I will be back tomorrow morning if the weather is any better.