April 27th (Snodland and Holborough marsh)

Early this morning I walked across the fields between Snodland and Paddlesworth and saw 2 overflying Med Gulls,a pair of Yellowhammers and a large flock of 300 Stock Doves.The last of which were feeding in fields recently sown with cereal.This flock was by far the largest I have seen in the area.

Later I went to Holborough marsh and saw 1 Common Sandpiper,2 Shelduck 1 Little Egret and 1 Little Ringed Plover along the river,I also heard a Cuckoo

April 24th (Elmley)

Marsh Harrier (male)This morning I visited Elmley.

                                                             

I saw three Hares.

Sedge Warbler,Reed Warbler,Yellow Wagtail,White Wagtail,Wheatear and Corn Bunting.

April 18th (Ashdown forest)

Bright,but cold,NE.(0930 - 1330).

Four of us went to Ashdown forest this morning.We saw all of the expected specialities for this time of the year,apart from Dartford Warbler.A nice bonus as we sat eating our lunch was a flyover Red Kite.

Birds seen  or heard - Wood lark 3,Redtart 3,Tree Pipit 3,Stonechat 2,Common Buzzard 4,Red Kite 1 and Cuckoo 1.

This was the first time either of us had seen a Red Kite in Ashdown forest.We decided not to try for Dartfort Warbler,due to the rather windy and cold conditions.

Tree Pipit.Redstart and Common Buzzard

April 4th (New Hythe)

Nightingale

It proved not to be wishful thinking this morning (3rd).I did actually hear and see a Nightingale in the Brook House bushes,one day earlier than last years first bird.Now I wish I had stayed around and waited a bit longer last month on the 31st.

This evening (4th),I caught the bird.It proved to be a male which I had ringed in the same net ride during May last year.