Ring Ouzel and Martins

Lade - 0745hrs - cool, cloudy, w2 - A distinctly chilly start to the day was suddenly warmed up when Barney flushed a male Ring Ouzel from the storm beaches at the top of Taylor Road, after which it duly `clacked` off high to the north. On south pit a few grebes and diving ducks but no sign of any Goldeneyes. Flitting over the willows was single Sand and House Martins, my first of the year, and in the scrub, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Also, a few Siskins `zinging` overhead and hunting Marsh Harriers over the airport.

Birdwatching Break - 1300hrs Picked up the London Ladies from Ashford station for their 10th visit to plovers. Firstly, we visited Greatstone Beach for waders on an ebb tide and had a good selection of Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Turnstone, Knot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and 25 Sandwich Terns. At the fishing boats the Glaucous Gull showed well. From the south end of ARC a couple of spanking Yellow Wagtails and a singing Sedge Warbler in the car park. From Hanson a lone Goldeneye on the pit plus all the usual diving ducks and a basking lizard from the willow trail. Had a run out to Cheyne Court this evening and had stunning views of Barn Owl leaving its roost.

Common Lizard, ARC