Snow finally stops play... but not for our Fieldfare

The snow finally fell in larger amounts this weekend but a trip to Dungeness and across Walland Marsh was completed without incident on Saturday.

Saturday 19th January.

Dungeness RSPB Reserve, 10:00 to 12:00
4 Goldeneyes (1 drake), 2 Smew (redheads - ARC & Burrowes Pits), 2 Great White Egrets (ARC & Burrowes Pits), 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk (Littestone beach), 5 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 15 Skylarks (Galloways Road), 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Goldcrest (RSPB Visitor Centre car park), 5 Long-tailed Tits.

Walland Marsh, 12:00 to 14:00
122+ Bewick's Swans (Hawthorn Corner (13), Old Cheyne Court (109+)), c20 White-fronted Geese (Old Cheyne Court), 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Hen Harrier (male - Baynham Farm), 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine Falcon (Old Cheyne Court), 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Corn Bunting.

Today (Sunday 20th) the heavier snow meant a day at home in Ashford. However an adult Fieldfare provided entertainment in the Cotoneaster bush in the garden as it chased off every Blackbird, Thrush and Starling that tried to plunder it's larder of berries. Over the last three days we have recorded 6 Blackbirds and singles of Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare on the Cotoneaster... where are the Waxwings??? A Pied Wagtail has also become semi-resident.

Fieldfare in the garden Cotoneaster.

Keeping a watchful eye out for other Thrushes and Starlings.

The berries are all mine !!!