BITS AND PIECES

During the afternoon of the 8th,I saw 3 Yellowhammer and 3 Hobbies between Snodland and Paddlesworth and on the 9th a group of 6 Common Buzzards.

10th.New Hythe,west scrub,clear at first then a light mist (0630-0930).

BIRDS RINGED

Blackcap  25

L T Tit  1

Reed Warbler  1

Chiffchaff  3

TOTAL  30

September 7th (Sandwich Bay and Oare Marshes)

This morning at Sandwich there was a large fall of Blackcaps.Which coincided with a pre-dawn shower at around 0500,an estimate of 500 were present in the trapping area alone (273 were ringed).There was also smaller numbers of other warblers present,Chiffchaffs,Willow Warblers and Garden,in all,327 birds were ringed.Singles of Redstart,Pied Flycatcher and Spotted were seen.

Away from ringing,raptors were on the move from about 1030.With 25-30 Common Buzzards,2-3 Honey,6 Hobbies and 2 Sparrowhawks seen over Worth marshes.

On my way home I stopped off at Oare marshes and saw an Osprey,which capped off an excellent day.

Photo`s Osprey and Long-billed Dowitcher.

September 3rd (Sandwich Bay and Oare Marshes

Curlew Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher.

Sandwich (0630-1100) clear at first,light overcast later.

BIRDS RINGED

Blackcap  74

Reed Warbler  4

Blue Tit  1

Goldcrest  2

Whitethroat  1

Chiffchaff  11

Willow Warbler  5

Re-traps  3

Control  Blackcap 1

On the way home I looked in on Oare Marshes.I was hoping to see the Red-necked Phalarope,but apparently it departed some time on Friday.I did however managed to see the Long-billed Dowitcher,but only at long range.

BITS AND PIECES

Although a misty start,it cleared quickly.(0700-0930) New Hythe,west scrub.

BIRDS RINGED

Blackcap  18

All were young of the year.

Generally on the bird front it was very quite,apart from two noisy Jays and a G S Woodpecker.

The Sparrowhawk was was on a neighbours roof (31st) and the Hobby was seen again,this time during the afternoon of the 30th.

August 25th (New Hythe)

Hazy,calm (0700-0930) west scrub.

BIRDS RINGED

Blackcap  10

Lesser Whitethroat  1

Chiffchaff  1

Reed Warbler  1

TOTAL 13 all were young birds.Some of the Blackcaps are now carrying small fat reserves.

August 22nd (New Hythe)

Calm,light overcast (0700-09300) West scrub

BIRDS RINGED

Garden Warbler  1

Wren  1

Chiffchaff  1

Blackcap  17

Reed Warbler  3

TOTAL  23 (all were young of the year,apart from the Wren)

August 20th.

Yesterday during the evening and again today,we had a Hobby over our garden.