Dec 18 - Isle of Sheppey

A great day out led by Brian Hobley. A large flock of Fieldfare to greet us on arrival at Functon Creek. Distant views of large numbers of Pintail, Avocet, Golden Plover and Lapwing were notable along with a good selection of waders. As we were leaving, our first Hen Harrier swept past (ringtail). Then a short visit to Elmley to find flocks of Reed Bunting, Fieldfare, Greenfinch and Goldfinch in the orchard. Nice views of Wigeon and Teal close to the farm.
The Isle of Sheppey was nothing less than spectacular! At the RSPB raptor watch point we had long close views in good daylight of: 2 x Short Eared Owls; 1 x Barn Owl; 2 x Hen Harrier (ring tail); 3 x Kestrel; group of RL Partridge with a Marsh Harrier never far away. Also a distant view of a Peregrine. At times we were able to enjoy the three owls in the same telescope view! Mark & Elizabeth Young

Short eared owl - Elizabeth Young

June 3 - Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest - where it was so windy the mosquitoes weren't even flying but we managed good views of Nightjar!

May - The New Forest (1)

Thanks to Brian T for oganisating such an excellent day out to the New Forest on Sunday and helping us see and identify new birds. Field trip pictures here .... www.flickr.com/photos/elizflickr/5768112749/in/set-72157626701007163/

Sunday was the first time we have been able to conclude with confidence that the dot in the scope was definitely a Honey Buzzard!

We decided to go back to the viewing point the next day to try and consolidate. Our field guides advise that now is the time to get the diagnostic wing shivering display flight (end May early June). In the calm, dry conditions we were presented with about 1 1/2 hours of Honey Buzzard viewing, including directly overhead and up to 2 birds. Also about 1/2 hour of Goshawk viewing, again up to two birds and over the woodland before the tall pine landmarks - so not too distant. One was putting flocks of pigeon up, dividing them in the air and trying to pick them off. A family group of 4 Hawfinch left a bush near us. No Wood Warbler song to be heard. Mark & Elizabeth Young

May - The New Forest (2)

The trip to the New Forest on a cold windy morning - two car loads went to Acre Down where we saw Honey Buzzard doing wing-clapping, plus Goshawk, Sparrow Hawk, Common Buzzard, Wood Warbler and Hawfinch.
Then we all went on to Beluelia Road Station for Redstarts, Hobby, Cuckoo, Siskin and a family of Tree Creepers. Brian Hobley

April - Selsey

The field trip to Selsey Bill and Church Norton was a good trip, 6 great northern divers off the Bill together with common and sandwich terns, fulmar and turnstones being the highlights.
Church Norton produced whimbrel, curlew, 3 ring ouzels, common buzzard and an adder. Sidlesham Ferry had a beautiful bullfinch, avocet and more whimbrel. A very good trip.

Brian Hobley.