Stodmarsh reserve Kent.

[michaelmacey]

Had a couple of hours around stodmarsh today, took in some of the nature walk and went to the reedbed hide just along from the main carpark. Not far from the carpark is a wooded area with quite a few birds singing away. These woods produced :chiffchaff - chaffinch - dunnock - wren - great tit - blue tit - reed bunting - jays - robins - great spotted woodpecker
There was also a goldfinch although it was very well coloured. Much more golden yellow than usual, it seemed to have a good 50% of its body in gold. Not sure what else it might have been.

On the water i saw great crested grebe - coot - moorhen - mallard - teal - swan - shoveler - shellduck - cormarant 2 herons flew past but didnt land, and common/herring gulls were flying fairly high.

Walking along by the water to the river i heard a cetti's warbler but didnt see it,(again) i did speak to someone who had though, it settled briefly only a few feet from him. He told me the marsh harriers had been up and i saw 1 male for a short time. He'd seen 4 together earlier in the day.

Other than long tailed tits and a fair few blackbirds crows and wood pigeons that was about my lot. Will be having a look for the cetti's again tomorrow, but there not the easiest of birds to find it seems. All in all a good day. Im looking forward to a few trips as the evenings draw out. Mick

[Mickymouse]

Nice couple of hours Mick, I envy you, Stodmarsh is one of my favourite places. That bit by the main lake, I think they call it the Lampen wall is a good spot for Cettis about this time of year, I have seen them there perched in the open doing their thing.

Mick

[Ruby]

Hi Micheal,

If you are keen on seeing Cetti's, try again in about 4-5 weeks time with an early morning visit..... they will often sit out in open to sing. I normally have a little walk round most years - the attached was taken on 21st April 2006.

With a bit of luck, you may also hear (but not necessarily see!) Nightingales....


Rgds.... Ruby

[michaelmacey]

[QUOTE=Ruby]Hi Micheal,

If you are keen on seeing Cetti's, try again in about 4-5 weeks time with an early morning visit..... they will often sit out in open to sing. I normally have a little walk round most years - the attached was taken on 21st April 2006.

Cheers Ruby, i'll try that. Had a look today but the weather was a bit of a wash out. Spent half an hour locked in a hide waiting for rain to subside, but the wind was pretty fierce. Saw the Long tailed tits & Male marsh harrier but nothing much else, only half of what i'd seen yesterday in all. I think they had more sense than me, and were tucked up. Didnt hear a single Cetti's while i was walking about. Looking forward to a look next week, soon be going after work which will be a bonus. Cheers Mick

PS nice pic there,

[michaelmacey]

Had a nice couple of hours this evening, until 7:30 walking around stodmarsh. Saw a few of the birds that were there last time i went, notably the marsh harrier plus the Hen harrier for a few seconds, it was higher than the marsh and seemed to fly right off without landing in the reeds.

Heard the Cetti's warbler again, but as always missed sight of it. With these i saw, Chaffinch-wood pigeon-Canada geese-Mallard-Pheasant-Robin-Wren-Great tit-Blackbird-Moorhen-Cormarant-Gadwell-Long tailed tit-Coot-Tufted duck-Reed bunting-Great spotted woody-Green woody-Dunnocks-Jay-Common gull-Collared dove

As i was leaving i watched a group of about 12 birds flying across the tree tops, i'm pretty sure they were Tree pipits there fronts were like that of a thrush, very speckled, they had an easily seen supercilium. I was quite a way away, but got a fairly good shot through the scope. The water was very quiet again , A great expanse, that was almost void of birds, im not sure when these will turn up, but im sure there is supposed to be more than there is at present. Till next week, Mick

[Mickymouse]

I paid a brief visit there this afternoon about 2 o'clock, didn't see as much as you but it was nice to be out, the amount of song was the main treat.

Mick

[michaelmacey]

I paid a brief visit there this afternoon about 2 o'clock, didn't see as much as you but it was nice to be out, the amount of song was the main treat.

Mick

Im quite surprized there isnt a lot more to see. With it being spring time, i thought there would be loads out there, especially with the different habitats, Reeds, water, trees etc. Is it the weather that is holding them back? The water being virtually empty is the bigest surprize to me, when there is so much of it. Did you go to the Stodmarsh end or Grove ferry end Mickymouse? Mick

When iv been to the Grove end there seems to be as many birds on the water, even though there's a lot less of it compared to Stodmarsh end. Is it likely to attract a lot more as the weather warms up?

[Mickymouse]

I went to the Stodmarsh end and walked from the car park to the tower hide and then back through the woods, the main lake was nearly empty there where a few ducks but I couldn't id them against the sun and what surprised me was the lack of Cormorants on what I call the Cormorant tree, only one when there is normally a dozen or so.
On the way back I drew a blank on Treecreepers which I was particularly looking for, I watched them nesting last year.

Mick

[michaelmacey]

The cormorants were back about 6:45. I saw them from the Tower hide. At least 15 or maybe more. The tree you mention was full of them. I met a chap last week who was looking for the treecreepers in the wooded area near to the car park. He hadnt seen them either, i'll start looking out for them. I think i'll have another go on Friday, with any luck the sun will be out. Is the marsh hide worth a walk? The one to the right of the nature trail, i hav'nt been down that track yet. Mick

[Mickymouse]

Presuming I'm thinking of the right hide(I tend to get the names mixed up) it can be worth a look, last year at the BF bash we had our lunch in there while we watched the Hobbies hunting, another time I went there and had stunning views of a Marsh Harrier on the ground but more often all I have seen there is Wood Pigeons.

Mick

[robinm]

We spent a few hours yesterday at Stodmarsh and it was very quiet. Other than lapwings the only other wader we saw was a Ruff - seen from the Marsh Hide as it happens ;).

Mick, Are you sure they were Tree Pipit? There have been no other reports of them there and it does seem bit early for them to have arrived. Also, Stodmarsh is not a site where they are seen.

I was chatting to the regulars there yesterday and they were saying how quiet ti was. I am sure it will "hot up" soon. By the time of the Stodmarsh bash it will be heaving with migrants ;)

[michaelmacey]

Hi robin, When they turned up, it was quite late and the light was fading, so everything looked dark brown, I got a fairly close shot of them right at the top of the trees, they flew closely together and had speckled fronts and were kind of the right shape. I didnt get really close though, as soon as i did, they were off and after about 15 minutes of trying to get a better look, they dissapeared for good. Wasnt sure what other birds mite have fitted the bill.

But iv just spent an hour in the garden practising digiscoping in the hope next time i can get a couple of shots. Im going to sit it out near the carpark friday in the hope i see them. The trouble is, when ever you see something that might be good, the lights on its way out and you never seem to get a good enough view. Is there anything else they might more likely be?

As for behaviour, they stayed tightly grouped together in flight and when perched, and never left the very tops of the trees. Mick

[Mickymouse]

Popped into Stodmarsh this morning and had a walk around in spite of the mist and very rewarding it was too, I didn't bother with the main lake because of the mist but stayed in the woods where I got see my first Treecreeper this year amongst the more usual birds. As the mist started to lift I set off for the Marsh hide, on the way I spotted a Little Owl on the farm buildings by the reserve so keep an eye out for that, when I got to the hide and had a look there was more water in the pond than I have ever seen there before, good number of birds too, Shovellers, Teal, Grey Heron , Little Egret but the best was outside on the way back, got a splendid view of a Cetti's in full voice right by the hide and a little while later nice views of a pair of Hen Harriers you can't mistake that white band across their back between wing and tail, least I hope not and a pair of Marsh Harriers to finish off my visit to the hide.
On the way back The Little Owl was showing on the farm buildings again so I thought I would try for a photo now the mist had lifted but guess what, the sun was in the wrong position, I had a go anyway.

Mick

[bitterntwisted]

Hi robin, When they turned up, it was quite late and the light was fading, so everything looked dark brown, I got a fairly close shot of them right at the top of the trees, they flew closely together and had speckled fronts and were kind of the right shape. I didnt get really close though, as soon as i did, they were off and after about 15 minutes of trying to get a better look, they dissapeared for good. Wasnt sure what other birds mite have fitted the bill.


Even from your first description I thought Redwings. I reckon they're your odds-on favourite.

Graham

[michaelmacey]

Even from your first description I thought Redwings. I reckon they're your odds-on favourite.

Graham

Just looked in the collins guide, they could certainly be the ones, obviously with the poor light i had no chance of seeing any red, but it will give me something to look out for next time i see them, thanks Mick

Hi mickymouse, a good day for you today i see, iv spent a couple of hours at Kingsdown, saw a purple sandpiper, i was about 6 feet above it so had a good look, and what i think might be a rock pipit, on the sea wall, i have spoke to someone who says these are regularly there. Im putting a desciption on the I D page for a smaller bird i cant find in the book, i had a great long look too.

Im off to Stodmarsh on friday, so i'l look for the treecreeper and owl, cheers Mick

[michaelmacey]

Just spent a nice 3 1/2 hours at Stodmarsh, i walked to the marsh hide first, taking in the nature trail through the trees, and looked in the reedbed hide, close to the carpark before i left. Saw many usual birds, and was very lucky to see the Treecreeper whilst walking to the reedbed hide. I had almost given up looking after a long blank spell in the trees, but it flew and landed on about 4 trees along the path i was walking, when making my way to the reedbed. After a very short look, it was gone, but it was nice to see something i was looking for.

The Marsh harriers were very busy, some in pairs and the odd 1 just trying to push in. I must have seen 6 or 7 different birds i think, 3 were very close to the reedbed hide, 2 by the marsh hide and 2 or 3 flying on the very outskirts in the distance.

I was lucky to see a new bird on my home too, im not totally sure what they are yet, but i put some rather poor long distance digiscope pics on the I D thread in the hope to find out. Here's my days list, including 1 or 2 from the car window.
Wren
Blackbird
Mallard
Wood pigeon
Goldfinch
Dunnock
Blue tit
Robin
Moorhen
Coot
Mute swan
Great tit
Marsh harrier
Grey heron
Greylag geese
Magpie
Rook
Canada geese
Teal
Shellduck (in flight)
Greater spotted woodpecker
Treecreeper
Chaffinch
Cormorant
Starling
Collared dove
Lapwing
Herring gull
Common gull
Shoveler (i think)

Plus a U F O, soon to be named on the other page i hope.

Fieldfare

[michaelmacey]

Hi all, i havnt been to Stodmarsh yet this weekend, a procession of kiddies parties and eggs to fatten up on first. But i wondered if you thought this was a good idea. As there arent many people yet adding to the Stodmarsh Local patch link, would it be an idea to print out a letter telling people who visit the Stodmarsh hides, about Birdforum and its many uses, and with a few more people responding to the thread, we may get some more good information. Yes or no? Mick

[robinm]

I have to own up to a split loyalty here. Any unusual sightings I tend to report to the KOS here http://www.kentos.org.uk/Stodmarsh/Aprilsightings07.htm. You will find a note about this in the hides there.

As I am on the Executive Commmittee I do feel it is important that the KOS website should be kept up to date.

[michaelmacey]

I'l join this forum perhaps to hear some local news, iv just looked at the April list and notice a lot of cetti's noted at Grove ferry, Do they appear a bit like a wren at a distance? As iv still not managed to spot 1 when iv looked after hearing them, but have seen what i thought were wrens, shall i not bother with the Birdforum notice do you think. Mick

[Mickymouse]

The most reliable place to see Cetti's I think is along the path leading to the Tower hide, I have seen them there quite often. You might confuse them with Wrens at a glimpse but not if you see them well, good luck keep looking, you are sure to see one eventually.
Mick

[robinm]

shall i not bother with the Birdforum notice do you think. MickHi Mick. It's a great idea but I think 2 notices might be confusing. As a BF mod I probably shouldn't say this ;) but it is more important that the KOS is notificed about sightings as the KOS is the official recording body for Kent and any sightings become part of the annual Bird Report.

We'll make a point of looking for Cetti's at the meeting :t:

[michaelmacey]

No probs robin, look forward to it. Mick

[michaelmacey]

Took both ends of Stodmarsh in today, saw the usual stuff, as well as a couple of redshank at grove end. I did see, you wait for it, a cetti's, as i walked along it sang about 4 feet to my left, as i looked round it flew over some shruby stuff, so iv given myslf half a tick, as it was in-flight. There was another that landed about 20 yards away but i lost it as i focused in. Nearly there. Have another go on Friday. Lovely day for it too.

[michaelmacey]

Had a nice spring evening walk at stodmarsh with me mum today. We saw a perched cetti's warbler (lifer) singing on the branch of a tree. We followed it for about 10 minutes as it moved along the bank flitting about, until it rested for a minute or so, so iv finally seen 1. We had a nice veiw of a Female marsh harrier and also saw many of the regular birds. Still not all that many birds on the water, although there were 36 Cormorants on the tree out in the middle of the main lake. We spent the last 20 minutes in the Reedbed hide watching the Carp getting frisky in the shallow water. I wonder if i can get a day ticket to fish for them. Mick

[michaelmacey]

Hi all,
Just spent an enjoyable day at the Stodmarsh meet, with some really nice birders. Robinm gave us all a few new ticks along the way with his good lady wife, who ended up with my daughter as a permanent companion. Thanks to Adrianne for that!!! Others included were Father and son 'crazy birders' Mickymouse, and the chap who's name iv forgotten, oh yes 'robski, and Perry grin(Rob). Lots of birds were spotted, and even more pics were taken, hope to see some of those soon. Paige, my daughter was really good considering the milage she put in, and i would like to thank everyone for being so tolerant of her.

We started at the Grove ferry end, and began our lists from the minute we left the toilets, all hides were taken in and we had a good few highlights, none more-so than the Swifts & Hobbies .There were at least 11 Hobbies from what we could make out and the Zoom lenses and cameras were busy recording them. It was a good spectacle. Here's the total list from my notes, Robin will have a few more + the 'Heard' birds.

Robin
Song thrush
Blackbird
House sparrow
Collared dove
Great tit
Cuckoo
Wood pigeon
Marsh harrier
Magpie
Starling
Lapwing
Teal
Sand martin
Tufted ducks
Garganey
House martin
Heron
Green sandpiper
Linnet
Reed warbler
Reed bunting
Whitethroat
Cetti's warbler
Mute swan
Swallow
Shellduck
Tern-common
Coot
Greylag
Ruff
Redshank
Little egrit
Rook
Sedge warbler
Moorhen
Pochard
Mallard
Swift
Skylark
Kestrel
Gadwell
Shoveler
Greenshank
Chaffinch
Hobby
Pheasant
Wren
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Cormorant
Blue tit
Great crested grebe
Spotted woodpecker
Green finch
Nightingale


Thanks to every one for a good day. Mick & Paige

P S, Did you see the size of that Water pipit?

[Mickymouse]

It was a splendid day wasn't it, I just hope Robski got home OK.

Mick

[michaelmacey]

Had a couple of hours at Grove end today, didnt fancy the fishing, too windy. Saw many of the birds from last weeks meet, but the wind made a few hide.

The best 10 minutes was by the carpark toilet again, i saw 12 species from there. The meadow just along the footpath as you begin had a pair of Goldfinches which i didnt see last week, and as i came out the marsh, i walked around the bit of river to the back of the meadow. I saw 3 Whitethroats and 4 Long tailed tits while i walked back. I'll use that path again, as its nice along the river. I saw a Little egrit in flight as i came away from the 2nd hide, and i spent a fair while watching the swifts and sand martins again. Heres the list:

Robin Chaffinch Mistle thrush Rook Collared dove House sparrow Greenfinch Starling Mallard Moorhen Jackdaw Blackbird Dunnock Wood pigeon House martin Gold finch Magpie Great tit Linnet Shellduck Lapwing Pochard Teal Sand martin Shoveler Tufted duck Skylark Swift Herring gull Carrion crow Reed bunting Coot Great crested grebe Greylag Marsh harrier Greenshank Gadwell Little egrit Redshank Cormorant Whitethroat Long tailed tit. Heard Cettis's Sedge warbler Nightingale

[Mickymouse]

Wot no Water Pippets.

Mick

[Mickymouse]

Mick, are you planning on checking that new place when it opens at the end of the month? http://www.fowlmead.co.uk/pages/home.html

Mick

[michaelmacey]

Yes, its only 2 miles from my house. The opening weekend is going to be like a circus, so im going the following week, maybe mid week evening, if you fancy it, send us an email and we'll check it out. That really will be my local patch. I used to get down there before it was 're-done' i hope they havnt made it too tidy. Used to be a good walk, and im interested to know where they put 100,000 trees. Mick

[Mickymouse]

Mick did you get down to Stodmarsh today? RedBacked Shrike and Spoonbill showing well at Grove Ferry end. Shrike was a lifer for me.

Mick

[michaelmacey]

Antone been visiting Stodmarsh recently? I havnt had time to go for a while, wondered if any good stuff was about. Mick

[michaelmacey]

Had a couple of hours at the grove end today. Very little about. 6 Snipe were in the field with a Green woodpecker as you begin the trail. But the water at the Mound and next 2 hides were completely free of birds. Not so much as a Duck. A pair of Marsh Harriers were seen for a short time, and about 20 Swans flew over. That was about the best of it. Mick

[John Cantelo]

There were also several parties of Bearded Tit about - including an obliging party near the green hide - and a few Cetti's (let's hope the frosts don't last!). Yesterday the alders at the Stodmarsh end also had a few Redpolls and 30+ Siskin,

John

[michaelmacey]

Il have a better look for them next time im there. A boxing day walk sounds like the time to go now.