Kent Birding Highlights for May 2026

                                                                  1st

                                          STODMARSH

                                             

Hobby

My first birding trip of May was at Stodmarsh where i managed distant but good scope views of the ♀ Red Footed Falcon that had been found recently by Martyn Wilson. Sadly to distant for a photo , however  i enjoyed watching it hawk over the reedbed between the Lampen wall & Marsh Hide.

I also saw 12+ Hobbies which came alot closer and were often overhead.

2nd

GRAVENEY MARSHES

Grasshopper Warbler. Photo by Chiddy.

On the 2nd i teamed up with Chiddy & Mike .G. at Graveney Marshes in the evening to try and hear the Grasshopper Warbler.

It didn't take to long to hear this wonderful bird 'Reeling' in the nearby reeds and as luck would have it the Grasshopper Warbler landed on the fence and started to 'Reel' right in front of us.

There was also a bonus of a Little Owl hunting nearby which was a real treat to see.

8th

WORTH MARSHES

Red Footed Falcon (Photo from 2024)

A visit to Worth Marshes on the 8th produced another ♀ Red Footed Falcon, this bird remained distant the whole time but once again the views through the scope were good.

I also saw my first Common Swift & Turtle Dove of the year.

18th

STODMARSH

An early morning visit to Stodmarsh on the 18th was very successful with at least 3 'Booming' Bitterns heard plus a very close 'Reeling' Savi's Warbler.

Unfortunately the Savi's Warbler remained unseen despite being so close , i did manage a sound recording , you can just about hear the constant 'Reeling' .

Savi's Warbler 'Reeling'

21st

DUNGENESS  MOAT

Red Breasted Flycatcher Photo by Ross Newham.

An afternoon visit to Dungeness Moat to try and see the recently found Red Breasted Flycatcher was eventually successful.

I teamed up with Martyn .W. & Ross .N. and we had some brief views of the RBF then we heard it singing on at least 3 occasions.

It eventually showed well for me (MW & RN had already seen it well before i got there), i saw the distinctive tail pattern really well.

I also had brief views of a Black Redstart.

24th

DUNGENESS  TRAPPING   AREA 

Greenish Warbler

News of a Greenish Warbler singing at Dungeness on the 24th caught my attention big time , this would be a new bird for my Kent List, i have dipped 2 Greenish Warblers in Kent before !!

However i had mixed feelings about going for it, last years experience with the Eastern Bonelli's Warbler (an eight hour epic wait to see it 😟) did put me off a bit tbh, thinking in this heat i wouldn't last the pace !!!

Then a second report came out that the Greenish Warbler was playing ball and showing well !!!

Off i went and duly arrived on scene, i could hear it singing straight away and it wasn't long before it gave it's self up to me with some cracking views.

Greenish Warbler

Whilst watching the Greenish Warbler a superb Honey Buzzard flew through giving great views.

Honey Buzzard

Great to bump into a few Kent birders today making the whole experience even better.

Many thanks to both Chiddy & Ross Newham for the use of their photos.