[robinm]

Background on Stodmarsh/Grove Ferry: It is a NNR lying on the River Stour east of Canterbury. It has a good mixture of habitat with open water, flooded fields, reed beds and woodland. There are 5 hides and a viewing platform and it is worth a visit at any time of the year. Parking is at either Grove Ferry or Stodmarsh (or move between the 2). I tend to park at one end and walk round the reserve in a large circuit (about 3.5-4 miles). This visits all the hides and a few other places of interest.

Today (15/2/2002) the weather was overcast and there was a cold Easterly wind. We (my wife and I) decided that we would definitely finish in time to watch England beat the French at rugby. (for any Welsh supporters I shall refrain from making any comment). Some of the paths were very wet and we were wading through several inches of water with a thin covering of ice in places. However, not a bad days birding with the highlight being a pair of Marsh harriers in acrobatic display flight. Here is my list for the day (I have only put numbers against the more unusual birds).

Cormorant
Bittern (2)
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Shoveler
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Marsh Harrier (3)
Hen Harrier (1)
Common Kestrel
Water Rail (1)
Moorhen
Coot
Lapwing
Dunlin
Common Snipe
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Meadow Pipit
Water Pipit (1)
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
Bearded Tit (2/3)
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Jay
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Bullfinch
Reed Bunting

Robin

[Andrew]

A cracking day's collection of birds! Glad you had a good day and got two woodpeckers too!

[Steve]

nice one RM thanks for taking the trouble and posting, a good day

[robinm]

Steve, I hope this is the sort of thing you want to see on this forum. I would be happy to do the same for other sites if anyone is interested.

I was unable to take any pictures yesterday as my camera is being fixed at the moment (my carelessness I'm afraid) but I have posted some other photos I have taken in Stodmarsh in the past.

Robin

Robin

You're absolutely right: this is exactly the sort of thing BF is all about. A great list and a great day out.

Thanks a lot.

[robinm]

Kevin:

The one dissapointment yesterday is I didn't even hear a Cettis. Can't remember the last time that happened.

Stodbash sounds good to me.

Robin

[alan_rymer]

RobinM

Sounds like a fantastic day out. I have never seen half the birds you mention! ( well 8, just been back and checked ).
Can I suggest you copy your report into the :-
COUNTY BY COUNTY INDEX , SOUTH EAST, KENT places to bird?.

[robinm]

Alan:

Thanks for the suggestion - I have done just that. It's the first post for Kent, so it looks like I may need to follow this up in the weeks to come.

Robin