December 2008

Monday 29th December

Best of today's bird included a Bearded Tit at the bottom lake, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Owl, 1 Water Rail, 4 Bullfinches, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Coal Tit, 10 Redwings, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Siskins and 1 Snipe.

Monday 22nd December

A very chilly day produced an excellent 50 species of bird including 2 Pochard, 1 Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 20 Mallard, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 21 Siskins, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Crossbill, 1 Water Rail, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Grey Wagtail at the bottom lake, with a total of 200 Common Gulls and 200 Black-headed Gulls in the pasture fields. Other highlights included 2 Coal Tits, 15 Long-tailed Tits, 7 Redwings, 10 Chaffinches, 17 Pied Wagtails, 2 Treecreepers, 30 Goldfinches, 2 Pheasants, 2 Kestrels, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Little Owls and 1 Grey Heron.

Friday 19th December

It was a very pleasant walk round today which produced 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Tawny Owl calling behind the horse stables, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Kingfisher, 135 Common Gulls, 2 Bullfinches, 10 Redwings, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Goldfinches, 11 Mallards, 14 Moorhens, 3 Coots, 45 Jackdaws, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Pied Wagtails, 15 Meadow Pipits and 7 Skylarks.

Tuesday 9th December

It was quite interesting down at the bottom lake this morning with a Water Rail  showing excellent feeding on a footpath, also a Chiffchaff which was ringed, and a male Bullfinch which had most of its feathers missing. There was 7 Mediterranean Gulls on the pasture fields, and 20 Chaffinches in the walled garden.

Monday 8th December

The day started of well with 10 Mediterranean Gulls over the bottom lake, this also held 23 Mallards, 3 Coots, 13 Moorhens, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Redwings and a Water Rail. The day continued with 15 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Little Owls, 3 Bullfinches, 17 Chaffinches and 2 Coal Tits in the house and woodland area. The rest of the site produced 3 Fieldfares, 2 Kestrels, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Treecreepers, 33 Lapwings, 63 Common Gulls, 127 Herring Gulls, 6 Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 2 Yellowhammers, 6 Pied Wagtails, 7 Goldcrests and 1 Redpoll.

Friday 5th December

Bird of the day was a Waxwing which was briefly seen feeding on rose hip berries at the bottom lake, before heading off with 5 Starlings. There was a Common Buzzard over the pasture field, which also held 10 Mediterranean Gulls. At least 3 overwintering Chiffchaffs were in the recording area, and our first Yellowhammer for the winter was seen over the house & woodland area. Others of note included 1 Water Rail (alive), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Buntings, 4 Bullfinches, 3 Coal Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 21 Mallards, 2 Snipes, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 12 Redwings, 9 Fieldfares, 16 Goldfinches, 3 Linnets, 3 Kestrels, 13 Moorhens, 3 Coots, 1 Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 2 Little Owls, 7 Goldcrests, 30 Chaffinches, 11 Skylarks and 14 Meadow Pipits.

Monday 1st December

The day started off well with 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Treecreepers, and 2 Little  Owls in the walled garden, and 12 Goldcrests in the house and woodland area. The lakes were quiet today with just a Water Rail, and a Coal Tit.

November 2008

Friday 28th November

Down at the bottom lake this morning was a very obliging Water Rail showing on one of the footpaths, it was the last day of mammal surveys so I returned in the afternoon to find that a male Sparrowhawk had just made a kill by some reeds. Unfortunately it turned out to be this bird, (why did it have to be this one). Anyway the day went on with 3 Mediterranean Gulls over the bottom lake, alongside 1 Snipe, and 1 Grey Heron. Other birds around the site included 2 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Goldcrests, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Bullfinches, 11 Chaffinches, 1 Little Owl, 22 Greenfinches, 1 Siskin, 1 Redpoll, 1 Stonechat and 2 Chiffchaffs.

Thursday 27th November

There was 3 Mediterannean Gulls over the bottom lake, with 2 Redpolls and 2 Siskins in the walled garden. Most of the 16 Goldcrests were seen by the top lake which also held 4 Mallards. Others of note included 2 Coal Tits, 1 Little Owl, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 12 Chaffinches, 1 Bullfinch, 10 Moorhens, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron , 1 Snipe, 22 Linnets, 10 Skylarks, 2 Chiffchaffs and 10 Meadow Pipits.

Friday 21st November

Best of the sightings today were 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Water Rail, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Stonechats, 30 Jackdaws, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 10 Chaffinches, 20 Goldfinches, 13 Lapwings, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 11 Moorhens, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, 35 Black-headed Gulls, 55 Common Gulls, 24 Rooks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 1 Kingfisher, 11 Goldcrests, 23 Greenfinches, 3 Siskins and 3 Redpolls.

Thursday 20th November

Due to mammal surveys at the bottom and top lake these next 2 days the site has been covered on and off. Birds noted included 1 Water Rail, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Redpolls, 3 Siskins, 3 Stonechats, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Tawny Owls, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Little Owls, 22 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Snipe 13 Moorhens and 1 Chiffchaff.

Thursday 13th November

It was a nice morning with plenty of sunshine, this in turn produced a variety of birds including 7 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 1 Brambling, 30 Chaffinches, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 33 Starlings, 11 Moorhens, 1 Wigeon, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Tawny Owls, 2 Little Owls, 11 Goldcrests, 45 Jackdaws, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 37 Black-headed Gulls, 12 Fieldfares, 3 Redwings, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff, 20 Mallards, 2 Linnets, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Pied Wagtails, 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Skylarks, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 11 Goldfinches.

Tuesday 11th November

It was certainly a day for gull movement with 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 400+ Black-headed Gulls and 155 Herring Gulls. There was 2 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 13 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Snipe, 1 Redpoll and 2 Siskins at the bottom lake, with the Kingfisher and 2 Chiffchaffs at top lake. Birds around the rest of the site included 10 Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, 11 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 22 Fieldfares, 22 Redwings, 2 Coal Tits, 150 Starlings, 1 Little Owl, 1 Bullfinch, 13 Chaffinches, 22 Goldfinches, 11 Skylarks, 13 Meadow Pipits, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels, 11 Moorhens, 2 Grey Wagtails and 10 House Sparrows.

Monday 10th November

It was a lot more quiet today although it did produce 2 Little Owls, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Siskins, 1 Brambling, 12 Mallards, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Coal Tit, 20 Goldfinches, 7 Fieldfares, 7 Redwings, 10 Linnets, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrels, 10 Moorhens, 3 Coots, 3 Skylarks, 55 Starlings, 17 Chaffinches, 2 Stonechats, 21 Blackbirds, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Chiffchaffs and 3 Grey Herons.

Friday 7th November

A good inland record of Bearded Tit was seen today at the bottom lake, also 2 Water Rails, 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 22 Tree Sparrows which headed west early on. 2 Tawny Owls were calling by the top lake, and 2 Little Owls in the walled garden. Others of note around the site included 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Stonechats, 40 Fieldfares, 40 Redwings, 7 Goldcrests, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Brambling, 1 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 18 Meadow Pipits, 45 Starlings and a record total of 16 Moorhens.

Thursday 6th November

There were a few good birds today including 23 White-fronted Geese heading west late afternoon, with a Mediterranean Gull and female Wigeon at the bottom Lake. Other birds of note included 1 Firecrest, 6 Chiffchaffs, 50 Redwings, 2 Fieldfares, 2 Stonechats, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Sparrowhawks, 5 Grey Wagtails, 1 Siskin, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Goldcrests, 7 Chaffinches, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants and 1 Little Owl.

October 2008

Friday 31st October

The Firecrest remained by the stables and a Tawny Owl was calling in nearby woodland. 2 Crossbills headed north early on and a good total of 15 Mediterranean Gulls were noted over the pasture field. Other birds of note included 10 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Coal Tits, 10 Goldcrests, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Bramblings, 21 Mallards and 3 Green Woodpeckers.

Thursday 30th October

It was nice to be back today after a little time off, and the birds were pretty good to. There was a Firecrest by the stables this afternoon which is only the 2nd record for the site, also a good movement of thrushes including 600+ Redwings, 30 Fieldfares, 15 Song Thrushes and 25 Blackbirds. Others moving through were 5 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldcrests, 1 Little Owl, 20 Chaffinches, 22 Siskins, 1 Redpoll and 60 Lapwings. There was a Little Grebe, 20 Mallards and a Cormorant on the bottom lake, and a Kingfisher on top lake. Others of interest around the site were 2 Coal Tits, 10 Goldfinches, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Meadow Pipits, 2 Treecreepers and 40 Jackdaws.

Thursday 9th October

Today started off quite slow which was a little surprising considering a light northerly wind and glorious sunshine, but as the day progressed it got a lot better with some good birds being noted. There was an excellent total of 7 Common Buzzards over the top lake, all the birds showed well in one group which stayed around for 10 minutes, when 3 birds eventually headed west and the other 4 birds north. A Merlin was also seen, and another good record of 20 Mediterranean Gulls were feeding over nearby woodland. Other highlights today included 5 Redwings, 10 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldcrests, 80 Siskins, 3 Redpolls, 4 Grey Wagtails, another passage of 310 Chaffinches mainly heading west, 1 Blackcap, 20 Goldfinches, 7 Jays, 35 Meadow Pipits, 20 House Martins, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Treecreepers and 5 Pied Wagtails.

Wednesday 8th October

A Grasshopper Warbler was found at the bottom lake this morning and is a new bird for the site. It was a good day with a few migrants passing through including  10 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 190 Chaffinches, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipits, 150 House Martins, 2 Swallows, 4 Grey Wagtails, 530 Starlings and 7 Redwings. On land there was 30 Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldcrests, 3 Coal Tits, 4 Treecreepers, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Stonechats, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Herons, 3 Cormorants, 7 Pied Wagtails, along with a good total of 14 Jays, and a Tawny Owl which was calling in woodland by the top lake.

September 2008

Tuesday 30th September

A good bird for the site today was a Yellow-browed Warbler seen and heard calling in sycamores by house & woodland area between 9:00 - 9:30am. Also today 5 Mediterranean Gulls headed south early on, and another movement of 500+ House Martins. Others of note were a single Redwing, 10 Chiffchaffs, 1 Siskin, 3 Swallows, 15 Goldcrests, 3 Grey Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Bullfinches, 3 Treecreepers, 10 Chaffinches, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Jays and 16 Mistle Thrushes. 

Monday 29th September

Thursday 25th September (News Update)

With reference to a Mute Swan that was found to be ringed at the bottom lake, (Ring no W12063), information has just been received  from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), which we thank them for. The bird itself was ringed at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in Sussex, England, (Grid Reference TQ 9318), on the 23rd January 2006, aged 1 year and 4 months. The sex of the bird is unknown. It was first found on our bottom lake (with a ring on) at Beachborough Park, Folkestone, Kent on the 8th July 2008, (Grid Reference TR 1638). Time found since ringing was 897 days, at a distance of 30km, Direction 52 deg.

Thursday 25th September

It was quite busy today with a few common and migrant birds scattered around the site, these included 2 Redwings, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Crossbill, 62 Siskins, 20 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Tree Pipit, 100 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 1 Hobby, 50 Meadow Pipits, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Kingfisher, 10 Goldcrests, 3 Coal Tits and 1 Sparrowhawk. Notably a very good total of 20 Jays passed through.

Thursday 18th September

It was certainly a pleasant day with lovely sunshine and a light north easterly wind. Bird wise is was not bad either with a few migrants on the move, best of all was another Raven our 3rd in a matter of days, also 2 Pied Flycatchers, 1 Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 17 Siskins, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Blackcaps, 25 Chiffchaffs, 1 Hobby, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 100 Swallows, 10 House Martins, 100 Meadow Pipits, 4 Goldcrests, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Little Owl, 6 Grey Herons, 9 Jays and a pair of Kingfishers which between them showed well on and off at the top lake for a good hour, on occasions catching small fish. Both birds continued to get closer to me and eventually I managed to get both on camera as one bird sat only 20ft away, so it was certainly well worth the wait.

Tuesday 16th September

With easterly winds still present there was a better fall of migrants overnight. Our 2nd Wryneck of the autumn was flushed from the pasture field near the bottom lake, but unfortunately headed off site and into adjacent woodland across the road, resulting in the bird not being seen again. Also a good record of 2 Ravens headed south early on being mobbed by crows. Other interesting sightings included 1 Redstart, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 64 Siskins, 2 Hobbies, 25 Swallows, 15 Goldcrests, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Little Owl, 25 Meadow Pipits, 40 Goldfinches and of note 7 Jays and 35 Mistle Thrushes.

Monday 15th September

Best bird today was a Common Crane seen away from the site before heading strongly off. On site there was also a trickle of migrants moving through including 42 Siskins, 40 Meadow Pipits, 10 Swallows, 4 House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Hobbies. On land 13 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 3 Grey Wagtails, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Cormorant and a Little Owl.

Thursday 11th September

Highlights today were 4 Whinchats and 2 Yellow Wagtails in the pasture field, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Hobby, 150+ Swallows, 50 House Martins, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Siskins, 1 Little Owl and 6 Goldcrests.

Tuesday 9th September

Star bird of the day was a Wryneck seen very briefly in an elderberry tree at the bottom lake, unfortunately it only showed for a few seconds just enough time for a distant record shot, and after a good search was not seen again. Also today the Kingfisher put on a good display at the top lake, although distant I also managed to get a record shot of the bird. Other birds around the site included 3 Whinchats, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Hobby, 10 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whitethroats, 100+ Swallows, 100+ House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails,  3 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Coal Tit and 2 Little Owls. 

Monday 8th September

At long last some decent weather without any rain and strong winds, it was also a pretty good day with a few migrants on site these included, 2 Siskins, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Whinchats, 1 Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Hobbies, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Crossbills, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 700+ House Martins, 500+ Swallows moving through, and 2 Grey Wagtails. Local birds found was a Kingfisher at the top lake, 2 Bullfinches, 7 Goldcrests, 10 Chaffinches, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Treecreepers and 1 Little Owl.   

Tuesday 2nd September

Very little was seen today due to the Persistence of very heavy rain and strong winds, birds of note were a Lesser Whitethroat in the walled garden, a Yellow Wagtail in the pasture field, 10 Swallows and 30 House Martins.

Monday 1st September

A total of 3 Whinchats were on the pasture field this morning, also a Yellow Wagtail. Highlights around the rest of the site was 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Coal Tits, 4 Treecreepers, 4 Goldcrests, 60 Swallows, 40 House Martins, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 10 Goldfinches.

August 2008

Friday 29th August

A Tawny Owl was once again calling at the top lake, and at least 6 Spotted Flycatchers were present around the walled garden area. Other birds recorded was a single Pied Flycatcher in the pasture field, 2 Garden Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Little Owls, 1 Bullfinch, 7 Goldcrests, 70 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Coal Tit and 30 Goldfinches.

Thursday 28th August

Although it felt very quiet around the site, it was actually a good day with a Pied Flycatcher a new bird to the site in the walled garden, followed by a total of 9 Spotted Flycatchers. 2 Tawny Owls were calling at the top lake, and our best total of 4 Yellow Wagtails showed briefly on the pasture field. Others of note included 2 Garden Warblers, 12 Blackcaps, 3 Reed Warblers, 7 Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Crossbills, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Little Owl, 2 Treecreepers, 2 Coal Tits, 200 House Martins, 30 Swallows, 7 Goldcrests, 30 Goldfinches, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 3 Green Woodpeckers.

Tuesday 26th August

A juvenile Redstart was also the 2nd record for the site, seen briefly in the pasture field. Other records today included 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 5 Reed Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Hobby, 150 House Martins, 40 Swallows, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 5 Goldcrests and 1 Little Owl.

Friday 22nd August

Only the 2nd record for the site was a Marsh Harrier  found over the bottom lake this morning, and 2 Common Buzzards around the pasture field. Other records included 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Blackcaps, 2 Garden Warblers, 1 Wheatear, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Hobbies, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Swift, 15 Swallows, 75 House Martins, 1 Little Owl, 1 Treecreeper, 7 Goldcrests, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 10 Chaffinches and 15 Goldfinches.

Thursday 21st August

A total of 3 Tawny Owls were calling on site late evening while a bat survey was being held.

Thursday 21st August

A few migrants were noted today with 3 Garden Warblers which were new birds to the site, a single Wheatear  in the pasture field, 20 Willow Warblers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Hobbies, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Sand Martin, 30 Swallows, 2 Coal Tits, 5 Goldcrests, 10 Chaffinches, 3 Swifts, 1 Cormorant, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Long-tailed Tits and a total of 250+ House Martins passed through.

Monday 18th August

Very little seen today in blustery conditions with just a single Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Bullfinches, 5 Swifts, 35 House Martins, 9 Swallows and 4 Goldcrests.

Thursday 14th August

A Common Buzzard headed west early on, with 3 Cormorants, 7 Reed Warblers, 6 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Lesser Whitethroats down the bottom lake. Other records around the site included 2 Bullfinches, 1 Little Owl, 30 House Martins, 7 Swallows, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Hobbies, 1 Coal Tit, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Mute Swans, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Yellowhammer and 4 Green Woodpeckers.

Tuesday 12th August

There was a Kingfisher up the top lake this morning, with 1 Sand Martin, 7 Reed Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroats and 5 Mute Swans down the bottom lake. House Martin numbers peaked 70, alongside 7 Swallows and 3 Swifts. A Little Owl was in the pasture field, and 1 Bullfinch in the walled garden. Other highlights today included 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrests, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Hobbies, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Herons and a Kestrel.

Monday 11th August

Today's records included a Crossbill heading south early on, also 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Reed Warblers, 6 Swallows, 35 House Martins, 2 Hobbies, 1 Coal Tit, 4 Goldcrests and 2 Yellowhammers.

Thursday 7th August

1 Sedge Warbler at the bottom lake was a new bird to the site, also present was 10 Reed Warblers of which one was ringed, 9 Mallards and 5 Mute Swans. Other records today included 2 Whitethroats, 2 Crossbills, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Hobbies including 2 juveniles, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Coal Tits, 4 Goldcrests, 15 House Martins, 10 Swallows, 2 Bullfinches, 4 Yellowhammers, 6 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Chaffinches and a good total of 24 Mistle Thrushes.

Tuesday 5th August

There was a total of 4 Willow Warblers around the site today, also 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Hobby, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Bullfinches, 6 Chaffinches, 2 Coal Tits, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Goldcrests, 2 Swifts, 7 Swallows and 10 House Martins.

Monday 4th August

A total of 5 Crossbills headed south early morning, with 2 Hobbies hunting in the pasture field. Other birds of note recorded around the site included 5 Blackcaps, 5 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Bullfinches, 1 Pheasant, 3 Goldcrests, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Meadow Pipits and 30 Swallows. 

Thursday 31st July

A Common Sandpiper was down the bottom lake this morning, also 7 Crossbills, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers and 3 Whitethroats. Other birds recorded today included 2 Hobbies, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Goldcrests, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Little Owls, 2 Treecreepers, 5 Green Woodpeckers and 10 Goldfinches.

Monday 28th July

A juvenile Willow Warbler and 1 Lesser Whitethroat were in the pasture field, with 2 Hobbies hunting over the bottom lake. Other highlights included 1 Treecreeper, 4 Goldcrests, 3 Yellowhammers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 7 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Whitethroats and 4 Reed Warblers.

Wednesday 23rd July

A Spotted Flycatcher was seen by the main house this morning, with 2 Crossbills and a Yellow Wagtail over the pasture field. 2 Bullfinches and 1 Treecreeper were in the house & woodland area, and nearby a Little Owl in the walled garden. Others of note included 1 Hobby, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Reed Warblers, 20 Swallows, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Yellowhammer, 4 Green Woodpeckers and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Tuesday 22nd July

2 Crossbills headed east early on, with a Little Owl in the walled garden. A Lapwing was in the pasture field during the morning, and 2 Yellowhammers near the bottom lake. Other birds of note included 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Kestrels, 3 Green Woodpeckers and 15 Swallows.

Monday 21st July

The day started off well with a juvenile Redstart in the pasture field, and 6 Crossbills. A total of 3 Sand Martins were feeding down the bottom lake with 53 Swifts, 30 Swallows and 2 House Martins also noted. A Little Owl showed well in the walled garden, with 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Hobby, 1 Chiffchaff  3 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats and 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers recorded around the site.

Thursday 17th July

A total of 7 Crossbills headed south early morning, and a good record of 3 Bullfinches were briefly seen by bottom lake. Other records of interest today included 7 Mallards, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Little Owls, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Green Woodpeckers, 10 Goldfinches, 12 Swallows, 7 Swifts and 14 Mistle Thrushes. 

Tuesday 15th July

2 Sand Martins were over the bottom lake this morning, with a Curlew over the pasture field soon after. Another Crossbill headed south early on and a Little Owl was seen in the walled garden. Other birds on note were 25 Swallows, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Treecreeper, 5 Green Woodpeckers, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Lapwing.

Monday 14th July

The main surprise today was a Raven heading south at 10:45am, being mobbed by two Crows. Other highlights included 7 Crossbills, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Hobbies, 1 Little Owl, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and a Lapwing.

Tuesday 8th July

Highlights today included another 5 Crossbills over the pasture field, 2 Hobbies, 4 Reed Warblers, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Goldcrest and a singing Blackcap. Of interest one of our Mute Swans this morning was found to be ringed, further details about this will be given when information has been received from the BTO.

Wednesday 2nd July

Another 16 Crossbills headed over the pasture field early morning.

Tuesday 1st July

The first returning Lapwing was over the pasture field this morning, with 2 Little Owls nearby. 2 Hobbies were hunting over the site, and the 3 cygnets remained on the bottom lake.

June 2008

Monday 30th June

Highlights today included a total of 4 Treecreepers, 2 Hobbies, 7 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Little Owl and a Coal Tit.

Thursday 26th June

Certainly a good month for Crossbills with another 7 over the pasture field this morning.

Wednesday 25th June

2 Little Owls were in the pasture field this morning.

Tuesday 24th June

A total of 3 Mute Swan Cygnets left the nest today, also several Reed Warblers and Whitethroats. 2 Hobbies were hunting over the pasture field early on and a Crossbill seen there later. A Bullfinch was a good record by the walled garden which also held a single Coal Tit. Other birds of note included 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Little Owl, 3 Yellowhammers and 2 Goldcrests.

Friday 20th June

2 Hobbies showed in the pasture field this morning, with one bird eating a juvenile Green Woodpecker. Also noted were a total of 8 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Little Owl, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Treecreeper and a Coal Tit.

Thursday 19th June

Birds of interest today included 2 Little Owls, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 35 Swifts, 4 Yellowhammers, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper and 2 Red-legged Partridges.

Monday 16th June

A Spotted Flycatcher was seen by the main house this morning, with a Cuckoo briefly in the walled garden. Other birds of noted were 3 Crossbills, 2 Hobbies, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Coal Tits, 1 Treecreeper and 3 Reed Warblers.

Thursday 12th June

Another 6 Crossbills were seen this morning in pine trees alongside the pasture field, also 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Little Owl and a Hobby.

Tuesday 10th June

Birds seen today included a Hobby, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Treecreeper, 3 Yellowhammers, 1 Coal Tit and 2 Red - legged Partridges.

Monday 9th June

An excellent total of 65 Crossbills were found over the site today including 3 separate flocks of 40, 15 and 10, also our 2nd Cuckoo of the year was in the pasture field along with 2 Hobbies, 1 Little Owl,  1 Common Buzzard, 3 Yellowhammers and a Sparrowhawk. The Whitethroat family have fledged the nest today with 6 in total and the juvenile Blackcaps were still being fed in the house and woodland area. Other birds of note included a Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Reed Warblers by the bottom lake, with 2 Coal Tits and a Treecreeper in the walled garden.

Friday 6th June

2 Hobbies were once again seen in the pasture field, with a Common Buzzard north early on. Our family of Treecreepers have flown the nest today with a very cute juvenile (1 of 5), showing just off the ground, and giving a nice photo. Also a family of Blackcaps were present near the walled garden, with a Coal Tit nearby. Other birds of interest today included a  probable Red - backed Shrike very briefly seen in the pasture field.

Tuesday 3rd June

A Spotted Flycatcher was seen this morning near the main house, and 2 Hobbies hunting around the pasture field. A good record of a Bullfinch was down the bottom lake which also held 4 Reed Warblers.

Monday 2nd June

2 Hobbies were found today, but very little else although 2 Lesser Whitethroats were by the bottom lake, and a pair of  Red-legged Partridges near the walled garden.

May 2008

Friday 30th May

The 2^nd Spotted Flycatcher of the year was seen near the main house, and a Common Buzzard headed north early on. 3 Little Owls, 2 Treecreepers, 4 Blackcaps, 6 Reed Warblers and a Coal Tit were also recorded.

Thursday 29th May

Apart from the regular species new birds to the site today was a pair of Tufted Duck which showed very briefly on the bottom lake. 1 Hobby headed north late morning and a Red-legged Partridge was in the pasture field.

Tuesday 27th May

A total of 3 Common Buzzards were found today 1 east early morning and another 2 showing well together above the walled garden. Also 2 Common Sandpipers were present down the bottom lake, early afternoon, with  3 Treecreepers, 2 Little Owls, 6 Reed Warblers, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat  and 50 Swifts recorded around the site.

Thursday 22nd May

2 Common Buzzards were present all morning around the site, with a third bird west at 8:20am. Also 3 Little Owls in the pasture field.

Tuesday 20th May

Our 2nd Red Kite of the spring headed slowly west at 8:20am, and a Little Owl was showing well in the Walled Garden. A good total of 5 Yellowhammers were around the site, and at least 5 Reed Warblers remained by the bottom lake. Other birds today included a Red-legged Partridge, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Coal Tits, 5 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 11 House Martins, 4 Swallows, 1 Swift, 1 Sparrowhawk and a male Bullfinch.

Monday 19th May

The first Cuckoo of the year arrived, also a Nuthatch was present in woodland near the main house, otherwise very little change although it was nice to see the second brood of Moorhen chicks out today.

Friday 15th May

A Common Sandpiper was a new species to the site showing well down by the bottom lake, also today 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallows, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Coal Tits, 16 Chaffinches, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer and 36 Jackdaws.

Thursday 14th May

Very little change from previous days, but at least 7 Reed Warblers remained by the bottom lake.

Tuesday 13th May

A Yellow Wagtail was by the bottom lake, but very little else migrant wise apart from a few Reed Warblers, Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Swallows.

Monday 12th May

No doubt that the bird of the day was a superb Red Kite which showed well hunting over the pasture field at 10:45am, before heading off slowly west. Also today a total of 7 Reed Warblers were down by the bottom lake, which also held 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Blackcaps. A pair or Red-legged Partridges and 2 Yellowhammers were also seen.

Friday 9th May

The first Spotted Flycatcher arrived today by the top lake alongside a couple of Coal Tits and 3 Chiffchaffs. Other migrants included several Reed Warblers, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroats, 1 Willow Warbler and 5 Swallows. A pair of Red - legged Partridges were in the pasture field, and 4 Green Woodpeckers around the site.

Thursday 8th May

New spring arrivals today included a Wheatear, Tree Pipit and Swift. A Peregrine headed high west early on, with a total of 5 Reed Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings near the bottom lake.

Tuesday 6th May

2 Hobbies and a Yellow Wagtail were new birds in today, with a Little Owl in the pasture field, and a Common Buzzard heading west late on.

Friday 2nd May

Highlight of the day was a Marsh Harrier hunting over the pasture field.

Thursday 1st May

A Marsh Tit (a bird I have not seen in sometime) was a good record and showing well in the woodland area behind the main house. A Treecreeper was in the walled garden, with a total of 4 Blackcaps, 2 Coal Tits and 3 Chiffchaffs around the estate.