PAST TIMES (FEBRUARY 1982)

BLACK THROATED DIVER (1) remained on Alders lake all month from the 10th WILDFOWL Teal up to (250) at Burham all month.Pochard up to (125) at New Hythe all month.Pintail (1) Alders lake 21st.Gadwall up to (10) at New Hythe all month.Tufted Duck up to (300) at New Hythe all month.Shelduck up to (80) at Burham all month.Ruddy Shelduck (1) at Burham all month.Goldeneye (1) redhead Alders lake 20th.WADERS Snipe up to (100) at Burham all month.Ruff (2) at Burham all month.Green Sandpiper (1) at New Hythe 22nd.Dunlin (200) Burham 8th (100) 13th.Lapwing (500) at Burham 8th.Golden Plover (1) at Burham 13th.SHORT EARED OWL (1) in the area all month.BEARDED TIT up to (15) at Burham all month.

The month on the whole was milder than January.

February 11th (Snodland)

The Waxwings are still in the area of Hollow lane (21) were seen on the 10th and (10) today.

A small flock of Bearded Tit has been at Holborough marsh all month.

February 8th (New Hythe)

Beautiful clear spring- like day 8.30-1030am.

During my walk this morning birds of note that I saw were (32) Gadwall (63) Teal (1) Lapwing and (1) Redshank along the river (11) occupied Heron`s nests,two small flocks of Siskin,one flock being in the Alders at Brookland and the other at streamside,a small flock of Fieldfare in the east scrub (26) Pochard and (2) redhead Goldeneye on Abbey Mead and (21) Shoveler,(1) redhead Smew and (1) redhead Goosander on the streamside lake,at least (8) Song Thrush were in song.

Both Terry Laws and Phil Sharp were on their way around,so it will be interesting to see what they find.Last week Terry had eight Buzzards in the air together over the Downs at Burham,seen from New Hythe.

One Waxwing was seen at Snodland later during the morning.

February 5th (Snodland)

Just a quick post to say the Waxwings were seen again today,although the light for photography while I was there was very poor.Which was a shame as the birds due to the strong wind were flying around quite a bit before settling in the bush to feast on the berries.

BROOKLAND CAR PARK I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE OWNER OF THE CAFE WILL BE CLOSING AS EARLY AS 1500 FROM NOW ON,DUE TO VANDALISM OF THE CAFE.

February 2nd (New Hythe)

A rather quick walk in misty and gloomy conditions this morning produced amongst others (40) Gadwall (30) Teal (4) Little Grebe (2) Lapwing (1) G B B Gull and 6 Herons along the river, (1) redhead Goldeneye and (26) Pochard on Abbey Mead,(1) redhead Goosander (14) Shoveler and a small flock of Siskin at the streamside lake and another small flock of Siskin along with (1) Cetti`s Warbler at Brookaland.

The Waxwings at Snodland were seen today,3rd.