Turtle Doves

 Warm, dry and sunny, NE 4 - Spent the morning guiding for Sandra and Nichol from Surrey. They specifically wanted to see/hear Turtle Doves (a species that has declined by 90% in the past half century) which we achieved at the Kenardington crossing on The Dowels where at least three birds were `purring` along with flight views and two perched briefly on a dead branch. Also noted in the general area: Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo, Cetti`s Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Linnet and Yellowhammer, while Swamp Lane between Lydd and Old Romney yielded several Yellow Wagtails and Corn Buntings. Back at the coast on the bird reserve and from Hanson hide a variety of wildfowl included several Teal and Pochard and a pair of Shovelers, plus two Ringed Plovers, a Lapwing and a Sparrowhawk over, but not a single tern. The highlight on Hayfield 2 was a Little Ringed Plover in company with six Ringed Plovers, 12 Redshanks, two Lapwings and an Oystercatcher. Across Dengemarsh, Little and Great White Egrets, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Bearded Tit, Swift, House Martin, Kestrel, Hobby, Cuckoo and Marsh Harrier were all logged to combine a total of 72 species for the morning, not including the `exotic` on a gate along Dennes Lane, Lydd!

                                    Peafowl, Lydd