Local Birding Highlights for February

                                       February Birding Highlights  2023

                                                  DENGE  WOODS

                                                                    

Marsh Tit sunning itself.

      Marsh Tit was the obvious highlight here , we also heard and saw several Firecrest , Siskin & 2 Lesser Redpoll flew over. The Marsh Tits were quite vocal including one bird which was in full song sunning itself out in the open.

                                                                           

In full song.

Marsh Tit.

GODMERSHAM  & BOSSENDEN WOODS

1 of 2  Little Owls at Godmershem.

A couple of visits to Godmersham in February produced superb views of 2 Little Owls plus a huge flock of Chaffinch which had at least 6 Brambling (including 3♂).

However the main attraction at Godmersham was Hawfinch and we were lucky enough to see at least 3 birds, always high up in the trees but cracking views through the scope were obtained.

Digi scoped .

Hawfinch.

Several visits to Bossenden Woods produced 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers , i heard only and another seen well.

Good numbers of Treecreepers (5+) plus Nuthatch, Coal Tit & Firecrest were all seen well.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

RECULVER

Snow Bunting

Having a preen

Wing & Tail stretching.

Snow Bunting.

I had cracking views of the Snow Buntings at Reculver on several dates varying in number from 5 to 8 birds in total. Other highlights at this site included Short eared Owl, Velvet & Common Scoter, Black Redstart & Bewick's Swan.

Black Redstart.

OARE MARSHES

Oare Marshes is my local patch and we have seen some cracking birds already this year, Water & Rock Pipit , Greenshank, Barn Owl, Merlin , Great white Egret (2), Spoonbill , Dartford Warbler  Bittern & Hen Harrier to name but a few !!!

Male Hen Harrier .

Bittern.

STODMARSH  &  ELMSTONE

A couple of visits to Stodmarsh produced distant but good scope views of the female Ring necked Duck which was like many a new species for me in the Valley 

Digi scoped record shot of the ♀ Ring Necked Duck.

A local twitch to Elmstone near Preston village produced some cracking views of the recently found Hume's Leaf Warbler !!

Sadly i never managed a photo as it was far to quick for me but did enjoy some great views and also heard it call frequently. Congrats to the finder Xavier Taylor !!!