Holborough marsh,22nd February

Walked around Holborough marsh from 0830-10.It was a rather cloudy morning and the sun never quite managed to break through.Walking under the bridge and down the central path a Green Woodpecker called and a Great spot drummed.Birds seen along this section were: Wren,Chaffinch,Robin,Dunnock,Great tits,Blue tits and Magpie.Out in the northern meadow,which is holding quite a bit of surface water,I could see,2 Gadwall,2 Mallard,30 Teal,1 Snipe,4 female Pheasant and 10 Woodpigeon.Along the river 4 Redshank,4 Shelduck and 2 Mallard were feeding and a Cormorant flew down.Two Cetti`s Warbler called from the Hawthorns along the dyke and as I neared the main reed-bed I could hear two Reed Buntings singing way out in the middle,15 Greylags flew over toward Burham and 30 Lapwing passed NE.In the large area of Hawthorn scrub Icould see a few Redwing along with 2 Blackbirds.In the southern meadow which is holding less visible surface water a few Moorhen and 1 Meadow pipit were present.Standing on the concrete 2nd world war bunker and looking out towards Burham marsh, I was surprised to see sheep grazzing in the large meadow there,in all the years I have known the meadow it has always held cattle. It must have dried out a fair bit in the last few years.Other bird species seen on the walk were:Herring gulls,B h gulls,Crow 8 (Jackdaw 4,Burham) Starling 10,Collared dove 6 and 1 calling Water rail.

Sheppey,February 18th.

Wednesday 18th,up to Sheppey for a bit of photography but as I went over Boxley hill through the low cloud and mist,I must amit I felt like turning back.However as I neared the bridge the light was improving.Out along the Elmley track birds were rather distant and out of reach,but I did find a very close and obliging Little egret and managed to fire off a few shots before the light went again.I stayed arround for a while one female Marsh Harrier was seen in the distance with clouds of Wigeon.Then on to Capel fleet,on the way just past the prison turn off I glimpsed a Green Woodpecker on the bank at the side of the road.A quick U turn,and I pulled up alongside and managed a few shots.By the time I reached Capel fleet the light had gone and as very few birds were to be seen I headed home.At home had one net up all afternoon and trapped one bird,but it was a nice male Reed bunting.

New Hythe,February 17th.