** My November Total For Halling.**

Seeing as I don't get out too often to wander around Halling, I was quite happy with my total species seen of 43 species. I managed to add a couple of species to that number today when I had a quick look down by the river. This was possible because Pam had to pop to the doctors. The 3 species I added was Snipe, Teal(m), and Pied Wagtail.
Species seen at the river this morning from the bottom of Ferry Road , over a 25 minute period was:
Mallard(7)
Mute Swan(2)
Teal(1m)
Cormorant(5)
Little Grebe(2)
Moorhen(3)
Kestrel(m)
Redshank(9)
Lapwing(11)
Common Sandpiper(1)
Snipe(1)
C/Crow(2)
B/H/Gull(13)
Common Gull(3)
Herring Gull(5)
Starling(small flock)
Grey Heron(1)
Little Egret(2)
Pied Wagtail(1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The complete list of species seen for November is as follows.
Blackbird
B/H/Gull
Blue Tit
C/Crow
Chaffinch
C/Dove
Common Buzzard
Common Gull
Common Sandpiper
Cormorant
Curlew
Dunnock
Goldfinch
G/B/B/Gull
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Tit
Greenfinch
Green Woodpecker
Grey Heron
Grey Wagtail
Herring Gull
House Sparrow
Jay
Kestrel
Kingfisher
Lapwing
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Mallard
Mistle Thrush
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Pied Wagtail
Redshank
Reed Bunting
Robin
Snipe
Starling
Teal
W/Pigeon
Wren

** New Bird For This Years Garden And Halling List.**

After being out for most of the day, Pam and I got home at around 2ish and after unpacking the shopping I happened to glance out of the kitchen window, and what did I see feeding up the garden under the fat balls, only a Grey Wagtail(f).I normally have one visit regularly most winters, usually around Jan/Feb time, so as one never appeared at the beginning of this year, I had sort of given up on seeing one, so it just goes to show, you just never know with birding.
I went to get the camera while Pam kept her eye on it,  and I did manage to take a photo of it through the window before it decided to leave. Hopefully it will be back again now it knows where there's a decent restaurant.



** Halling, East Malling, And New Hythe Lakes.**

I decided to stay local today as Pam has got to drive me to Kings College Hospital tomorrow morning  for a EEG scan. I started off by checking out the river at the bottom of the Dr's surgery. The tide was coming in quite quicky so I didn't have a lot of time. The species that I did see in the short time I was there was: Grey Heron, Mallard(2m1f), Lapwing(3), Moorhen(3), Common Sandpiper(1), Redshank(4), C/Crow, W/Pigeon, C/Dove, B/H/Gull(11), Common Gull(2), Herring Gull(3).
From here we went to East Malling. I haven't been there since the Waxwings was there last time. We parked by the church, and walked along the path at the side until you get to the orchard. The grave yard was alive with bird song, Thrushes, Finches, Tits. The most numerous bird around was Mistle Thrush, I counted 34 birds at the top of 1 tree alone. Their rattling call was everywhere.
 When I got to the orchard  the first thing I  noticed was that that a lot of the fruit trees have been cut down, nearly to ground level. I didn't think I was going to see anything because the workmen was still at it, but it didn't put all of the birds off, there was 1 apple tree with 7 Fieldfare on it.

At one point a helecopter went over putting all the birds up, and that was when I saw many more Mistle Thrushes and Fieldfare, with a few Redwing thrown in for good measure, but alas no Waxwing.
The other species of bird seen was: Green Woodpecker, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Magpie, C/Crow, B/H/Gull, Starling, Robin.
Next stop was New Hythe Lakes. Pam left me here as she wanted to go and do some christmas shopping, so I said I would ring her when I was ready to be picked up.
I started off by looking for the Goldeneye on Little Lunsford Lake, but I never saw it. Most of the birds I saw on both Lunsford Lakes was mostly the same species as was on Tesco Lake. Tufted Duck,Pochard, Greylag Geese,

G/C/Grebe, Mallard, Common Gull, B/H/Gull, Herring Gull,Cormorant, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot.

As I made my way to the Tesco Lake I saw, and heard some of the usual birds flocks of Blue Tits, and  Long Tailed Tits,Finches, and as I neared the 2 bridges 2 Robins was having a territorial dispute.
I sat on one of the benches for a coffee, and I think the wildfowl thought I had food for them as they all came over towards me......as they do here.

The only different species here from  down the road was Shoveler, G/B/B/Gull(1) MuteSwan, and then old faithfull came gliding along out of nowhere. The last time I saw him/her was the other day at the other end of the lake, I am talking about the Whooper Swan.

The sun was still shining bright so I thought I would move on a bit further. I decided to give the Bittern watchpoint a miss so I phoned Pam who met me at the treatment works, and took me to Brooklands lake as I heard that there had been a couple redhead Goosanders there, along with a Slavonian Grebe. So with fingers crossed, off I went.
I gave the lake a good scan for the Goosanders but to no avail, so I thought Iwould try for the Slav. I looked from the one of the fishermans platforms along by the factory, scanning everywhere and there it was, the Slavonian Grebe was on the far left side up against the reeds. It seemed to be making it's way towards me. By now the sun was going down and I desparately wanted to get a record photo of it, but all I could do is wait. The Slav was getting closer, but if I wanted to get a shot of it I was going to have to do it now, so I fired off a number of shots at various settings, but with the bright light in front of me I wasn't holding my breath, anyway this is about the best I could muster.

The last shot shows a Great Crested Grebe on the left of the Slavonian Grebe. Then as I was leaving a Cormorant flew in and landed on the water. This is my attempt at capturing this distant bird from behind as it came in to land.

These last 2 photo's was taken once back home of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, and  Blackbird  that I saw feeding in the garden. I had to shoot them through the window.

My Bird of the day is the ** Slavonian Grebe.**

** New Hythe Lakes.**

Another lovely day today, so while Pam went to Tesco's this lunchtime, I went to the lakes for about a hour and a half, give or take. She dropped me off at the footpath that runs between Lunsford, and Little Lunsford lakes. It started off very well, when I got to the 2nd or 3rd fishermans platform I stopped her to see what birds was on the water. After scanning the water I then turned to the sky, where I found myself watching a Common Buzzard soaring around, then it started going away from me, in fact it was going in the direction of Phil's home, so as it was a nice day and if he was out in the garden in his lounger he may have seen it glide over, who knows?? Ok forget the lounger bit. I did fire off a couple of shots but but the bird was just too far away. I will put one on her as a record.

Then a few minutes later I met Terry Laws who had  been watching the Bittern that Phil saw yesterday. After a bit of a chat we went our separate ways, and I made my way to the Bittern watchpoint at Streamside. I spent a while, resting, sitting watching the birds on Leybourne/Tesco's Lake. How peaceful, and warm  it was.
I continued on my way to try to see the Bittern. Once there that is where I remained until Pam called me. After waiting, watching the sun shining on the reeds where the Bittern  has been seen, it later become evident that I was not going to see it today, but I didn't mind. I know it is going to probably be there all winter so what's the rush. It was just nice being out on a glorious winters day.
I did see the Whooper Swan what likes spending  it's time here on the Leybourne Lake near the divers bridge. Again I wanted to take a half decent shot of it, but the bird just kept going between me and the sun, so again a not very good record shot.

** Monday 15th Nov, Halling, River Medway.**

It may have been a cold Monday morning, but at least it was dry so, I thought I would see what bird life was on the river. I also checked any berry bushes that I saw  just in case any Waxwings decided to grace my area again, but alas no nothing yet(but I live in hope).
The tide was about half way out while I was there. I couldn't stay long, Pam was going to meet me as we was going out.The bird species I saw on the way to the river was: Robin(1), Jay(3), Blackbird, W/Pigeon, Blue Tit, C/Crow, Herring Gull, Starling, Robin, C/Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie.
Once at the river, apart from B/H/Gulls, the most numerous species seen was Lapwing(14). The other species seen was: Redshank(7), Herring Gull(8), B/H/Gull(21), Common Gull(3), G/B/B/Gull(1),
Cormorant(3), C/Crow(6), Moorhen(4), Dabchick(1),Grey Heron(1),Common Sandpiper(1 flitting from side to side, as per usual), Pied Wagtail(1), Mallard(5). Then as I was about to leave I saw my first Curlew of the month, along with a flock of about 30-40 starlings which dropped in, and was feeding  in some washed up seaweed.
Garden birds are now increasing, both male, and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers are regulars on the square fat cakes.Other species visiting are: Starling, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, C/Dove W/Pigeon,Magpie.

** Oare Marsh Nature Reserve.**

I paid a visit to  Oare Marsh Nature Reserve today along with my friend Ian. We arrived at  10.45am. When we arrived we was greeted by high water level on the east flood, and a fairly strong south easterly wind, but at least it was dry.Why the warden hasn't lowered the water level from the east flood via the sluice, I don't know.
The first place that was scanned was from the road. The tide was just on the turn, coming in, and there wasn't a great deal of birds on the flood. After a cuppa we decided to have a look from the Sea Hide. It was going to be a slow walk, but the wind was behind us so that helped. Once in the hide I started making my list. There was good numbers of  Brent Geese around. Then after scanning the water I saw 3 birds diving for food, and it wasn't until they came up that I could see very clearly that they was 3 female Common Scoter.I then scanned around to see if there was any more, I found 1, a male. so not a bad start to the day.Thank goodness for telescopes.
The other species seen from the hide was: Shelduck; Curlew; Redshank; Dunlin; Cormorant; G/B/B/Gull; B/H/Gull; Herring Gull; Common Gull; G/C/Grebe; C/Crow; Little Egret; Magpie; Avocet; Turnstone; Pied Wagtail; Meadow Pipit; Ringed Plover; Grey Plover.
After leaving the hide we headed to the hide, south of the East Flood, but not until after lunch. The wind by now had dropped quite a bit. Once settled  in the hide I started to add to the days total. The bird number was now increasing, as the tide was a lot further in. The waders started to come in, in dribs and drabs, then the numbers got bigger. By around 2.30pm the waders had covered the muddy islands that was showing, After scanning through them 2 good birds showed themselves, they were 1 Little Stint, and 1 Spotted Redshank. As I was scanning through the hundreds of Black Tailed Godwits I noticed one with leg rings (left leg, top ring red - bottom ring white with a number 8 on it), then I found another bird with leg rings, a Ruff, this one had rings on both legs( blue at the top of both legs, left leg, white with white below, right leg,white with red below). I will email these off to see if I can find out whee they was ringed.
The total list of species seen from here was: Redshank;Dunlin; Ringed Plover; Grey Plover; Curlew; Oystercatcher; Black Tailed Godwit; Little Stint; Spotted Redshank; Lapwing; Turnstone; Snipe(6); Avocet; Little Egret; Grey Heron; Mute Swan; Cormorant; Mallard; Teal; Shoveler; Shelduck; Gadwall; G/B/B/Gull; Herring Gull; B/H/Gull; Common Gull; Moorhen; Coot; Dabchick; Greylag Geese; Wigeon; Pintail; Tufted Duck; Kestrel; Marsh Harrier; C/Crow; Magpie, Starling; Blackbird; Stock Dove; W/Pigeon; Wren; Chaffinch; H/Sparrow; Green Woodpecker.
From this hide it is a good place to scan over the river for Raptors, and Owls. The usual species seen was Pheasant; Marsh Harriers; Brent Geese; Kestrels, along with  27 Red Legged Partridges feeding in the corner of one of the fields.
I was hoping for a Hen Harrier, but no such luck, but what I did see from 3pm onwards was not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 Barn Owls. They was quartering the fields between the Harty Inn car park, right as far as the field below Harty church. I was Ian who actually spotted them. We saw 2 here and there but than a short while later the 4 individual birds were seen. They seemed to be staying in pairs. I never thought the day would come when I would ever see more than 2 Barn Owls, like I have done before. You just never know with birding.
We left at about 3.45, the wind had now dropped, but it was now raining instead. So, I had a good days birding at Oare, seeing a total of 52 species over about 5 hours.
The only other wildlife seen today was: 1 Common Seal swimming off Horse Sands, and 6 Polish Konik Horses grazing on the west side of the reserve.
My Bird species of the day has to be the ** 4 Barn Owls.**

** Halling Birds.November 1st - 3rd.**

Monday 1st November:
I thought it was time I had a look around to see what birdlife was around in Halling for November.
I started the month off from home.  Bird species seen:
Magpie, C/Crow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Herring Gull, B/H/Gull,  Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Starling, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, H/Sparrow.
Tuesday 2nd November:
I had a Dr's appointment at noon, and as the surgery is right by the river it seemed silly not to have a look to see what was about. This is the first time I have scanned the river for a while, so it was nice to check it out again.We was only there for a about 10-15 minutes but I did see 1 good bird. The tide was about two thirds out. Species seen:
Little Egret, Grey Heron, B/H/Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, G/B/B/Gull, Cormorant(3), Lapwing(2), Redshank(2), Kingfisher ( it flew from Wouldham across the river and over onto Halling Common), Moorhen(2), Starling, W/Pigeon, C/Dove, Magpie, Goldfinch,Green Woodpecker, Mallard(12), Dabchick(2).
Wednesday 3rd November:
Another lovely day, weatherwise, so I though I would have a look around to see if I could  add any more bird species to the months total. Below is my days sightings:
Common Buzzard(3 soaring over the tree line over the North Downs, I watched them from the garages around the corner) C/Crow, Magpie, W/Pigeon, C/Dove, Starling, H/Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel(m), B/H/Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Cormorant(5), Common Sandpiper, Moorhen(3), Mallard(3), Redshank(1), Dabchick(2), Moorhen(3),also seen was our local 1 Common Seal. Then I saw 2 Jays, a bird I don't see that often.
The past 3 days has bought my November Halling total to 34.