Thursday, February 04, 2010

Thursday 4th January

I couldn't visit the park this morning because I had a meeting on the Romney Marsh with a farmer. I was arranging a guided walk for my local Maidstone RSPB Group for which I am the Outdoor Leader. The farm holds key farmland bird species such as Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Skylark, Yellowhammer, Grey Partridge, plus some goodies such as Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Hobby in the summer, and Barn and Little Owls. They also have Badgers and a colony of black Rabbits! Needless to say I'm very much looking forward to the full walk we have organised after being impressed on my visit today.

I didn't get home until half 3 and I headed straight for the park to see if the Jack Snipe could be seen in the old pond - which unfortunately it wasn't. A Grey Wagtail made an appearance and 3 Water Rail gave fantastic views - the old pond is a top spot for these guys this winter. I really like Water Rails with their intriguing mix of colours and patterns and with an opportunity to get close photos I couldn't resist some more!


Water Rail


Also seen was a Jay, 1 Treecreeper, and 1 Green Woodpecker.

5 comments:

Warren Baker said...

cracking photo Simon, doesn't get much better - 3 Water Rails indeed.

Good luck with the farm walk.

Greenie said...

Simon ,
If things go to plan , hoping to visit Mote Park tomorrow .
The Jack would be great , but any chances of Water Rail would be great too .
Yes , Hazel flower shot was with 100mm. lens .

Kingsdowner said...

Good wrail shot!

Any chance of non-maidstonians joining you on your Romney Marsh trip?

Simon said...

Greenie: Might see you, will probably be in between 8am and 11am.

Kingsdowner: Non-maidstonians are welcome to join the trip. The Maidstone RSPB is open to anyone around the county!

Kingsdowner said...

Thanks for the details Simon. I'll also watch out for your Mote walks.

Next Event - TBA