[Jonny721]

I am going down to Kent with the family from Friday (27th) till next Friday (3rd), staying at Cowden near Tunbridge Wells.

In between going to a few olympic events and seeing other family I am hoping to get a couple of days birdwatching in, so was wondering where people would recommend going within reasonable distance.

I think I may take a trip down to Dungeness, hopefully something good might turn up! Also I notice that there are the RSPB reserves Tudeley Woods and Broadwater Warren near to where I'm staying, which I believe hold Woodlark and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, anyone able to suggest if these species are present and if so where is the best place to see them?

Then on the way home we are staying in Cambridge for 2 days, and on the Saturday I was thinking of taking the train up to Lakenheath/Brandon and visit Weeting Heath and Lakenheath for species like Stone Curlew, Golden Oriole and Crane, but does anyone know if I would be too late for these species?

Any info apprectiated
Jonny

[simmojunior]

The Stone Curlew will still be at Weeting but the Oriole and Crane are both tricky especially at this time of year when the Oriole will have stopped calling.

When you're in Kent, Stodmarsh is always worth a visit as it is nice even when there aren't too many birds moving with breeding Turtle Doves and Hobbies.

[Brian2]

Agree Stodmarsh definately worth a trip and Dungeness is my Favourite place in kent. I'd recommend Oar Marsh too near Faversham. If you go to Dungeness take in an early sea watch(the warm water outfall of the power station is a good spot) by the light house and enjoy the character of the place as well as heading back to the reserve. (Tree sparrows by the entrance to the reserve)

Elmley is another nice Kent reserve but patchy at this time of year.

As for Lakenheath you should get Crane with patience but the Oriole may be more challenging. Always good for Bittern/Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl though. Weeting should give you Stone Curlew and Wood lark.
Of course there's Wicken Fen in Cambridge too if you have time


Enjoy!

[Jonny721]

Thanks for the information guys, I head off tomorrow morning