Sunday 2nd January

Today I spent an enjoyable morning with the Medway RSPB Group. Robin Smith, their outdoor leader for the day, had invited me along.

We began the walk down by the duck feeding area of the Lake, where our first bird was a Grey Wagtail picking up insects along the Lake edge, whilst on the water we could find Tufted Duck, Pochard, and a family of Mute Swan amongst the many Mallard and Coot.

Our next stop was the 'old pond' where we hoped for the Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper, and maybe a Water Rail, but unfortunately none of these species showed. (Soon before reaching the pond I heard a Skylark calling from above us, and 2 Stock Dove were seen.) On Jenner's Bank we listened to a Sparrowhawk calling from within the wood and located 3 Goldfinch at the top of an Alder, before we made our way to the Yew wood (old pleasure gardens) behind Mote House. Here we shared brilliant views of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest and Treecreeper, a Nuthatch was heard calling from the top of an Oak, and a few Coal Tit were singing. Next stop was the River Len...

At the footbridge we watched a flock of Siskin feeding at the tops of the Alders close by, several Grey Herons were seen, a Jay was noted, and flock of Redwing flew north. We then headed for the 'Little Owl Oak tree', but no luck, and then to the Weir bridge and Causeway. From there we saw another small flock of Siskin, 5 Cormorants were perched on the island close by, and 2 Grey Herons could be seen. We headed back to the car park following the western/Golf course side of the Lake. Via this route we could see the Common Gulls with the Black-headed Gulls, and 10 Pochard, and 14 Tufted Duck could also be seen. After reaching the car park, thus finishing the walk, I walked back to the 'old pond' with a few others. Unfortunately we still failed to see the 2 wader species we had hoped for, despite being told en-route that the Green Sandpiper was showing well.

As I walked across Jenner's Bank some Redpoll could be heard calling from within the wood.