King of the finches

Godmersham - cold, grey, drizzle, n 2 - En-route to north Kent we stopped off with the group at Godmersham church for Hawfinches. These are the first we`ve seen since last autumns invasion/irruption and we were not disappointed with up to 20 noted during our two hour visit. Sadly the light conditions were appalling, which severely limited photographic opportunities.
  Also noted in the general area Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Nuthatch, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest and Great spotted Woodpecker.

                                Godmersham church and Hawfinch

                                Pintail and Stock Dove, Oare Marshes

Oare Marshes - The afternoon was spent on the coast checking out waders and wildfowl on The Swale and adjacent freshwater marshes. Hundreds of Avocet, Blackwit, Dunlin and Redshank noted, plus Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck and Pintail. Scanning across to Sheppey resulted in a constant movement of hunting raptors, mostly Marsh Harriers but also Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. On the reserve, Kingfisher, Bearded Tit, Cetti`s Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch and Stonechat. Despite extensive searching we could find no sign of the wintering dowitcher.