KOS News The Newsletter of the Ornithological Society

Number 523 November 2019

Belted Galloway by Martyn Wilson

● News & Announcements ● National Young Birder 2019 ● American Golden Plover● Finding in Winter ● What Three Words ● Sightings -September and October● Fifty Years

Ago●

1 :KOS Contacts – Committee Members details are available on the society website

Newsletter Editor: Norman McCanch: 01304-813208 e-mail: [email protected]

Editorial

This autumn has been one of contrasts, dominated by south to south west winds which never seem to do us many favours in terms of ‘interesting’ birds, but rather wetter than I think we expect. Add to this some sporadic gales and it has been a trifle difficult to make any kind of predictions about what to look out for each day. In spite of this there have been some notable birds amongst the scarcer visitors including a rather co-operative Grey Phalarope and a particularly obliging Great Grey .

This last was in an area well supplied with public footpaths which gave excellent opportunities for viewing and photography and the great majority of visitors were responsible and kept to the path. Sadly, one trio of selfish vermin chose to cross the fence and enter the area with no public access to get ‘a better picture’. They were photographed but so far not recognised and it is clear from the picture I have seen that they were not birdwatchers as they carried none of the expected paraphernalia of binoculars and scope. Even so, the majority of people visiting seemed to have photography as their principal motive and none of those felt the need to intrude so obviously to the detriment of everyone’s enjoyment. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable on many levels; it can disrupt a bird’s normal behaviour and reduce feeding and increase energy expenditure at a time of year when both things can be critical. It can also disturb the bird and reduce opportunities for others to enjoy the experience, and it can produce the situation where landowners become reluctant to allow access to private land. None of these things are acceptable.

This issue of the newsletter is remarkable in that it covers a broad spectrum of birding. I am delighted to include the account of James King’s success in the National Young Birders competition: at a time when we are acutely aware of the low recruitment of younger people to our chosen pastime it is good to see that there is at least one capable and enthusiastic person in the county to carry on birding into the future. 2

I am also pleased to include a short piece describing the advantages of something known as ‘What Three Words’, a computer application which allows for the identification of precise locations much in use by various emergency services and proposed as being of similar advantage in birding. This does seem to an old fogey like me to be a techno version of re-inventing the wheel, as I am already able to precisely identify a locality by means of two letters, six numbers and an OS map! However, in a world where I seem to be the only person in the field without any Apps on my “mobile telephonic device” I daresay it will become almost universal.

Finally, I offer apologies to the old sweats ( of which there are many in the KOS) and include a short essay prepared some years ago on Finding Birds in Winter; this is basically a review of seasonal field craft tips which I hope will benefit any members who have come late to birding. ‘ Good birding Norman

News and announcements

Medway Libraries are hosting Birdwise ranger talks at 2 libraries: Strood Library on 5 December, 2.30-3.45pm and Chatham Library on 21 March 2020, 3-4.15pm. The talk may be of interest to local members. More information about these talks can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/2166225377013365 Erika Collison ( [email protected] )

3 RARE BREEDING BIRDS IN KENT

The Kent Ornithological Society, like other county bird clubs, coordinates records of rare breeding birds and submits them to the national Rare Birds Breeding Panel (RBBP). However, this is not straightforward. At a time when birders are being exhorted to be careful about publishing records of rare breeding birds on social media, we suspect that many observations are not reported. There are several ways in which you can help monitor rare birds and not risk publicising breeding locations.

1. Ensure you follow the bird watchers code, https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u10/downloads/taking- part/health/bwc.pdf and do not disturb the bird, 2. Always follow the RBBP guidelines for reporting on social media http://rbbp.org.uk/ 3. Submit to the KOS database, http://birdgroups.co.uk/kos/default.asp, there is an automatic filter, which means that the records are not shown on the website but stored in the database, 4. Submit your records to Birdtrack, there is a similar filter and your observations will be secure. 5. You can e mail in confidence the county recorder Barry Wright [email protected] or the county RBBP coordinator Brian Watmough [email protected].

The RBBP http://rbbp.org.uk/ collects data on the rarer species of birds breeding in the United Kingdom. Its records allow the production of annual totals of breeding pairs for each species on its list. It was formed in 1972 by representatives of the RSPB, the BTO, The Nature Conservancy Council and British Birds. The present Panel is made up of representatives of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, RSPB, BTO, three independent members, and a Secretary and a report is published each year in British Birds and available on their website. Approximately 160 species are monitored by the RBBP, although the list is reviewed and changing so that in 2019 Cetti’s Warbler will no longer be recorded but Turtle Dove is now being considered. Each year details of between twenty and twenty-five species are submitted by the KOS. Records from Kent are collated by the Kent Ornithological Society and submitted to the UK RBBP. These records form the basis for relevant sections in the annual KBR.

For more information refer back to the previous KOS May Newsletter.

Brian Watmough 4 COLOUR RINGED LAPWING

Picture by Richard Poppe

A number of young lapwing were colour- ringed, under license, at Elmley National Nature Reserve this summer as part of a pilot research project to investigate the dispersal of young birds. If you see a colour ringed lapwing please email Brian Watmough [email protected].

The number of Lapwing breeding in the UK has declined by 55% during the last 25 years and the species is red listed as a bird of conservation concern. Elmley National Nature Reserve is one of the most important sites for breeding lapwing in southern .

Brian Watmough

Surveys Current surveys are usually posted on the KOS website, for further information please contact Murray Orchard at

[email protected]

------

Kent Breeding Bird Atlas We still have a modest stock of this useful publication which was well received on its release a couple of years ago. If you do not yet own a copy there will shortly be an opportunity to purchase some of the remainder of the stock at a reduced price. Keep an eye on the KOS web site for further details 5

Editorial and Records sub-committee The KOS Editorial & Records Committee would like to hear from any individuals within the membership that would like to join the county rarity panel. Contact Barry Wright or Alan Fossey, (details above)

------

We like to keep in touch with all our members, so if you change address, email address or phone numbers please remember to inform our membership secretary, Chris Roome. He can be contacted at: Chris Roome, Rowland House, Station Rd., Staplehurst TN12 0PY Tel: 01580 891686 e-mail: [email protected]

We would like to encourage members to contribute items or photographs for inclusion in the newsletter, especially regarding birds in Kent. If you are interested, I am always happy to offer advice or assistance to aspiring authors. To facilitate page composition text needs to be presented as a Word document, photos or illustrations as j-peg files.

6

Articles

7

Martin Garner National Young Birder 2019 Final by James King

Earlier this year, I was excited to enter the first round of the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder 2019 Competition by completing an online questionnaire written on behalf of the British Trust for Ornithology and Spurn Bird 7 Observatory Trust. This detailed survey asked c.30 questions based on bird identification, ornithological knowledge/theory and general birding. In July, I was very pleased to receive notification from the BTO that I had been selected as 1 of the 3 entrants that had progressed to the finals to compete in the 14-16 year-old category. The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder 2019 Final was to be on 7th September, during the Migration Festival at Spurn Point, East Yorkshire!! The BTO and SBOT assessors had selected just 6 finalists to compete at Spurn, 3 for the 11-13 category and 3 for the 14-16 category.

And so, after school on Friday 6th September, my parents and I travelled to Hull in East Yorkshire to our accommodation, all set for competition day at the Migration Festival at Spurn the next morning! On Saturday, we left Hull heading East for Spurn Point, and by 9:10am we were pulling into the coastal car park at “Sandy Beaches”, Spurn. A quick scan out to sea found a distant Arctic Skua heading S offshore- a nice start! Soon, with info of a Marsh Warbler ringed at Church Field, a quick dash down the road scored heavily with excellent albeit brief views of this fantastic scarce migrant from south-east Africa in the hand. Shortly after, it was time to head to the Observatory for the 2019 Young Birder Finals!

Marsh Warbler at Church Field, Spurn Bird Observatory, 07.09.2019- photo by Alex Liddle. Wing formula and measurements were carefully checked by ringers to confirm identification- an excellent scarce migrant!

8 By 9:30am, the 6 finalists with their parents and families for both junior and senior categories were gathered in the Spurn Bird Observatory common room; everyone excited and eager for the competition to begin. The friendly expert assessors (Sarah Harris and Paul Stancliffe from the BTO; Jonnie Fisk, Lizzie Bruce and Andy Hanby from the Spurn Bird Observatory Trust) soon explained the running order and plan for the competition ahead.

Five disciplines would be assessed by the judges across the morning: Seawatching, “Vismigging”, Estuarine Waders, birding the bushes- identification, and, finally, a challenging “Lab Test”. Each finalist would be taken around the Spurn Bird Observatory Recording Area for a 1:1 assessment with the judges for 20 minutes field birding (finding/explaining the ID of all the species present), as well as answering questions on bird identification and general ornithological knowledge/theory at each stage. Finalists would score points for correctly answering questions and correctly identifying all species present throughout the morning across the assessments. The young birder in each category who both scored the most points across the finals, would win the 2019 Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder Award! The three competitors in the final for the 14-16 years old category were from Shropshire, London and Kent.

At 10 a.m the competition began, and first up for me was the Seawatching assessment with Lizzie Bruce, warden of RSPB Titchwell Marsh. A fairly quiet watch off Sandy Beaches was enlivened by 1 Fulmar, 10 Sandwich Tern and 20 Gannet offshore. However, the highlight here was watching Meadow Pipits flying ‘in off’ the ! The supplementary questions asked were: naming one identification feature separating Velvet and Common Scoter in flight, describing the comparative length/shape of the tails of adult Arctic, Long- tailed, Pomarine Skuas, and naming two species of Shearwater that have bred/held territory in the UK. I found the latter tricky, scoring half marks with Manx Shearwater - I later discovered that Little Shearwater had held territory on Skomer Island, in 1982!

Next up was the Visible Migration or “Vismig” assessment with the highly skilled Andy Hanby, an ex-Kent birder who is now a dedicated recorder at Spurn Bird Observatory! The birding was fairly slow, however enjoyable, with a few migrants passing through, including 50 Meadow Pipit, 15 Tree Sparrow and a few each of Swallow, House Martin and Swift moving through, while a Buzzard headed East. The supplementary questions here consisted of: describing the ideal conditions for September Vismig at Spurn Point, describing the shape/structure of all British corvid tails, describing the flock shape of migrating Tree Sparrows and naming the goose species arriving in Norfolk in large numbers from Iceland throughout September. Some other questions included describing species that migrate in prominent numbers in mid-October along the East coast of Britain in ideal conditions! 9 After a short break at the Observatory, Jonnie Fisk (the estate warden at Spurn Bird Observatory) and I headed over to look at the Humber Estuary on a quickly rising tide. 3 juvenile Sanderling were good to see feeding out on the mud, as well as Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. A stunning Peregrine also flew low over the Humber during the assessment! Some supplementary questions comprised the identification of Whimbrel and Curlew in flight and stating whether a tricky list of waders displayed white wing bars. I was also asked to discuss whether Redshank, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper breed annually in Britain!

Next up was the ‘Lab Test’ at the Observatory with Sarah Harris of the BTO. A wide variety of questions were asked in this assessment, beginning with bird topography. I had to indicate where the lores, mantle, primaries, tertials and undertail coverts were on a stuffed Whimbrel. Next, I had to describe the breeding and wintering ranges of Yellow-browed Warbler and Swift, as well as describing their migration/annual movements through Britain, using BirdTrack Reporting Rate Graphs provided to support answers with evidence. Also included in the theory section were questions such as describing why Turtle Dove has declined in Britain; the habitat needed for successful territories, problems encountered on migration, problems encountered on breeding grounds etc. Finally, I was tested on recorded bird calls/songs, including Great Tit, Robin, Lapwing, Wren, Nightjar and Tree Pipit.

Lastly, I went out for the /Bushes assessment around the Observatory area with Paul Stancliffe of the BTO. Throughout the test, highlights were 1 Pied Flycatcher near the Obs garden, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrow and Goldcrests, while Meadow Pipits, Swifts and hirundines also moved in notable numbers overhead. The supplementary questions were: separating similar vocalisations of Great and Blue Tit, identifying House Sparrow and Tree Sparrow, identifying Melodious and Icterine Warbler and finally stating whether Jay, 1w Masked Shrike, Great Tit, , Magpie and Skylark have white outer tail feathers. Naming three ageing features of 1cy passerines was also tested. After answering these, Paul and I headed back to the Observatory; the assessments were finished!

10

Winners Award Presentation, . Left to right: Andy Clements (Chief Executive Officer of BTO), me (14-16 category winner), Corin Woodhead (11-13 category winner), David Lindo (“The Urban Birder”) and Per Alström (Swedish Professor of Ornithology)

Everyone gathered back in the common room of the Observatory and the assessors went upstairs to total up the scores, which they very soon announced: Corin Woodhead won the junior category and I won the senior category!! We were both so excited and pleased and it was then fantastic to plan the rest of the day ahead birding off recent sightings and latest info from the Obs! Congratulations also to the other finalists; the judges told us the competition had been very close! Having chatted with the expert judges, we discussed all the questions from the assessment and all the sightings we’d had throughout the morning. Corin, Jack Bradbury (Spurn Young Birder Winner 2018) and I, with families, met up to go birding around Spurn for the rest of the afternoon until the evening events. We managed some fantastic sightings that all managed to see, including the White-rumped Sandpiper at Kilnsea Wetlands, a rare vagrant to Britain with Northern Canadian/Alaskan breeding grounds! We also saw many more scarce waders and also a good variety of both grounded and migrating passerine species across the area. Some great migrant species seen included Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed 11 Plovers, Green Sandpiper, Knots, Bar-tailed Godwit, Yellow Wagtails, Whinchats and Sand Martins.

By 6pm, most birders and everyone that attended Migfest had gathered at Westmere Farm for the annual Hog Roast, to be shortly followed by the Evening Presentation. The awards ceremony for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder 2019 Final took place in front of an audience of 150- I was thrilled to be awarded the Senior Winner’s Trophy, Swarovski Optik Binoculars and memberships to Rare Bird Alert, British Birds, BTO and Spurn Bird Observatory Trust by Per Alström, David Lindo and Andy Clements! A great video of the Awards Presentation can be found here https://twitter.com/RareBirdAlertUK/status/1170400996083650560.

Soon after the Awards Presentation, the Andy Roadhouse Memorial Lecture was delivered by expert Swedish Professor of Ornithology, Per Alström. Per’s fascinating talk was titled ‘Dispersal, Migration and Speciation in Birds’, and was superbly backed up with images and info on the screen behind. A video of Per’s fantastic lecture can be found here: https://twitter.com/RareBirdAlertUK/status/1170403362740690944

Photo by Spurn Bird Observatory from “Dispersal, Migration and It wasSpeciation a brilliant in Birds” day and by experience,Per Alström ,and 07.09.2019. I’m really proud to have won the senior category of the Martin Garner Young Birder Final 2019 representing 12 Kent up at Spurn! I’d like to say a huge thank you to my fantastic birding mentor, Barry Wright, and all the birders I’ve spoken to and met around Kent across the last few years- all the sightings, experiences and time have been worth it!! Thank you also to the BTO and Spurn Bird Observatory Trust for organising this fantastic annual competition!

And a massive thanks to Spurn Bird Observatory Trust and British Trust for Ornithology for organising the 2019 Migfest!! Pictured above, the late Martin Garner (left) and Andy Roadhouse (right) at their launch of the 1st Migration Festival at Spurn Bird Observatory- a truly amazing annual event, first created by two pinnacle-top birding experts!

James King

13 Photo-Essay : American Golden Plover

American Golden Plover is a species which is always on my radar in autumn and winter. I have long imagined finding one in amongst a tidy flock of Golden Plover, indeed I have spent a lot of time going through the goldies, checking every bird that shows a bold supercilium. As it turns out, that is probably one in three Golden Plover! What seems at first to be a striking figure is not necessarily the key to finding this enigmatic species. Indeed, the few I have found myself (in West Wales) were all first winter birds which, notwithstanding a good supercilium, stood out from the crowd by virtue of their rather dull brown ground colour, quite unlike the yellow-suffused fawn of a nice winter Golden Plover.

The supercilium is quite noticeable but it is definitely one of those that falls into the category “you know it when you see it”. Actually, the most striking feature to my eyes is just above, a tendency to show a rather uniform dark cap, largely devoid of spots or spangles. I do recall an adult in breeding plumage at Pegwell Bay some years ago, which was a pretty straight forward individual not least because it was quite obliging, wandering about on the short spartina grass, no distance from the sea wall and allowing good close views.

Recently another bird arrived in Kent in a rather more transitional plumage, moulting from breeding to winter. During its stay it seemed to commute between Sheppey and Oare Marshes and was the subject of some nice photos and no little confusion – at least some of the photos on social media were not the bird in question! A good series of informative pictures did emerge from the camera of Barry Wright and a selection of these illustrate a number of the key points of identification.

14

In the field this species needs to be separated from Golden Plover and the somewhat similar Pacific Golden Plover. They key to separation lies in the relative lengths of primaries and tertials, relative to the tail. In a nutshell, American Golden shows a long primary projection well beyond the tertials, which are themselves somewhat short of the tail tip. Both Golden and Pacific have a more similar arrangement and require some careful scrutiny.

The rough field sketch below shows that relative positions of wing point, tail tip and tertials on a first winter bird. It is also noticeable that American Golden Plover shows more visible primary tips , but that does require a pretty corking view or a great photograph!

15

American Golden Plover first winter, Pembrokeshire October 2017

Barry’s fine photographs giver a good insight into the character of the species and repay some close scrutiny. Both American and Pacific GP’s differ from European goldens in breeding plumage by the upperparts pattern. This is somewhat coarser and shows white spotting scattered amongst the golden dots.

16

The two photos above also show a good comparison of the underwings, Golden on the left (white coverts), American on the right (typical fawn-grey coverts). This can be noticeable both in flight and also when, as here, birds stretch during preening.

All photos by Barry Wright, field sketch by Norman!

Norman McCanch

17 Finding Birds in Winter

The key to finding birds in winter is to understand how the essential elements of birds’ lives at this time of year are affected by the extremes of weather.

Only a very few species of British birds actually start their breeding cycle in winter (Tawny Owl, Heron, Mallard, Crossbill and Raven), so at this time of year there is little emphasis on defending territory. Most species have completed their major moults by mid-autumn, and migratory movements have generally ceased by mid-November, although cold weather will encourage some species to move south and west across Europe in search of unfrozen ground and open water. A consequence of these factors is that, in winter, most birds primary preoccupations are to find sufficient food and to establish a safe and protected roost-site. Compared to the summer, birds in winter tend to concentrate around good sources of food during the day, and often congregate at communal roost sites towards evening. Because some food sources are temporary (e.g. fallen apples in commercial orchards; weedy stubbles after harvest) species which rely on them tend to be somewhat nomadic, although they may use a particularly favoured roost-site throughout the winter and travel considerable distances to find food

It can be worthwhile to make notes on a map of your local area about sites where birds congregate in winter, as there is a good chance that, if similar

18 weather conditions prevail in subsequent years, birds will return to use the site once again.

It is worth bearing in mind that winter flocks of birds can contain several different species, or that what appears to be a flock of predominantly one species may in fact contain odd individuals of a different, but related species. Wild Geese, wildfowl and' waders are particularly prone to this, but it also happens with any group where different species exploit a similar food source, such as mixed flocks of seed-eating finches and buntings.

Where birds come regularly for food, as in gardens or along a shoreline, they can become accustomed to the presence of people and may be quite approachable, although they tend always to react predictably to unruly dogs or children! These areas can be particularly good for getting to know a sample of species really well, which in turn is the first step on the road to learning to recognise birds easily.

Finding birds in different habitats

Having emphasised the importance of food sources, it is also important to realise that birds need to drink every day, so during severe frosty conditions any open water is likely to be attractive, particularly in woodland where water may otherwise be scarce. In severe cold this becomes even more important, as birds need to bathe every day to keep their plumage in good order and maintain its insulating properties. If they have a choice most birds will prefer to feed and bathe in areas sheltered from the prevailing winds, for not only does this tend to make finding food easier, but blustery conditions ruffle feathers and can lead to a further loss of insulation.

Woodland When birding in woodland try to plan your route so that the sun is either behind you or from one side, it is quite difficult to see birds against the light, particularly among branches. Take note of the types of trees, coniferous or deciduous; if the latter, are they a species with a seed crop (beech, oak, ash) which may attract birds, or something which shelters insects or has berries (holly; hawthorn; ivy on trunks). Be aware that many birds in winter woodland forage on the ground (finches, tits even woodpeckers) and look out for them flying up as you approach. If you retreat a little and wait quietly. They will generally come back down to feed again. Above all, listen out for calls; even if you cannot identify them, they will guide you to birds for a closer look. Remember that many small birds will be in mixed-species flocks, so you may walk for some time before you encounter them. Stop regularly and listen, but keep your eyes open. Woodland edge and rides or paths are often the most productive areas.

19 Lakes and Marshes Birds on lakes or marshes are generally a lot farther away from you, so although you don't get the nice close views, they are often not too bothered by your presence. In most cases, these areas are rather flat and it is unwise to appear prominently silhouetted against the skyline, keep down below the sea wall or use a bush or tree as a background and all but the wariest birds (generally those that are regularly shot at in winter) will ignore you. It is also important to take regard of the light conditions because of the flatness, try to visit with the sun overhead or behind you. It is not always possible, Stodmarsh is particularly good on winter evenings for harriers and wildfowl, but the view across the lake is directly at the setting sun. Windy conditions on marshes tend to inhibit bird activity, they try to find shelter in the lee of the reeds or among rough tussocky grass.

Seashore and Estuary Many of the comments under marshes apply to the seashore, because topographically both tend to be rather flat and exposed to the elements. Critical for birding on these habitats is a clear understanding of the time and state of the tide. At most sites locally, it is better to arrive well ahead of High Water and watch as the incoming tide brings birds closer. The other alternative is to locate a hightide roost site and arrive an hour or so before predicted high tide and watch the birds as they gather Shellness on Sheppey, and Shellness at Sandwich Bay are good sites for this, although the latter requires a very long walk to reach the estuary mouth. Do not be tempted to follow birds out on to the mud, apart from the fact that it is counterproductive as they will move rapidly away from you, it disrupts their feeding patterns and can cause extra mortality in hard weather. It can also be dangerous; more than one birder has been cut off by the tide while gazing ecstatically down a telescope. It is a good idea to visit your local shore area at low tide to gain a better idea of its topography, particularly the nature of the substrate. This has a bearing on which species are likely to be able to exploit the area, as soft, fine mud or sand favours probers and prodders (dunlin, redshank curlew), while gravel or shingle favours pickers and potterers (turnstone, ringed plover). Rocky shores attract specialist feeders like purple sandpipers.

Hides Winter birding lends itself to watching from hides particularly when weather conditions are unfriendly. Remember, where possible, do not open the viewing flaps if the hide door is open; birds will be quick to notice movement against the light where they haven't seen it before, and may move away. For the same reason, try not to point fingers, arms or (God forbid!) your head out of the viewing slits. Noise within a hide should be kept to a minimum, but there is no need for ecclesiastical whispering, a normal speaking voice is acceptable. Obviously, in a popular area try not to monopolise the best seats, most hides

20 have a particular corner which gives the best views, it can often be recognised by the worn condition of the surrounding woodwork.

Equipment and notes . Remember that to enjoy birding in winter you need to be warm, dry (especially feet) and comfortable. You may find something interesting and spend far longer in the field than you anticipate, so carry some snack food and a warm drink in a small rucksack, carry a spare pair of socks; take gloves scarf or hat, if it turns out warm you can always carry them in the rucksack. Sensible footwear with a good sole and ankle support makes walking long distances more enjoyable, and take a map and a small pocket torch if you are venturing out on the marshes away from familiar areas. While it may be sufficient at the moment to gain a sense of achievement simply by identifying a few species you haven't recognised before, it is well worth developing the habit of carrying a notebook and pencil and keeping some sort of written record of what you have seen and when. Simple counts of familiar birds encourage you to take a closer look at them, often leading to the discovery of something different. Brief notes about the highlights of birding days can build to provide ca useful reference for planning future trips, particularly to areas you don't visit regularly. Above all, it makes birding into a more active pastime, as opposed to a passive one. This ultimately leads to increased skills of observation and greatly enhanced understanding. Norman McCanch

What3Words - an introduction for birders

21

Imagine being asked to give directions to another birder for them to accurately find a particular woodland clearing or pool in a marsh. There is no road address and you have no obvious landmarks to describe. Was it the second or third path on the left after the dead tree that leans to the left? The answer could be What3words. The team behind the free app and web- based tool have divided the whole planet up into a three metre by three metre grid and then assigned three words to each square. So as examples the David Feast hide at Grove Ferry NNR is represented by ///ripen.nutty.retrieves whilst you might want to park at ///courier.tanks.insolvent before doing a sea watch from the Fishing Boats at Dungeness. What3Words is available as an app for iOS and Android smartphones or on the internet at www.what3words.com. As well as relaying verbally or emailing the three magic words to someone, the app gives the ability to share the location via a SMS or WhatsApp message, which when opened by the recipient can show them the location and even provide directions to get there. The system typically starts with /// and separates the words using full stops. Even if you don’t intend to use the system it is worth knowing what the locational links look like so as not to inadvertently share the location of rare breeding species by copying a link and not knowing what secrets it could reveal. What3Words won’t help you identify a bird, or guarantee it will be there but it will help you to be in the right place. Apart from the benefits of helping birders, the system has potential for describing the location of other wildlife such as a rare plant you have asked a specialist to check or the ditch where an interesting dragonfly has been seen. The more featureless the habitat the more useful What3Words becomes and it can act as a tool for both leisure birding and ornithological research. Lifesaving capability - In the unfortunate event of an accident or medical emergency being able to use What3Words could help save a life. All the emergency services covering Kent (Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard) are now able to use the system in their Control Rooms. The system even works when there is no data connection for your phone so being without a 4G signal is not a limitation. To learn more about What3Words please visit www.what3words.com

Martin Collins

22

KENT BIRD SIGHTINGS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2019 - Chris Hindle

Where necessary the acceptance of records within this report is subject to ratification by the “British Birds” Rarities Committee (species in capital letters) or the KOS Rarities Committee. The results of their deliberations are regularly published on the KOS Website. Species that fall into these two categories and therefore need descriptions or good quality photographs to be accepted are highlighted in red.

WEATHER______The first few days of September saw a westerly airflow and then it became quieter for a time with some pleasantly warm days. Rainfall was generally below average but the final week was unsettled with south westerly winds and frequent showers or longer periods of rain.

October began warm and showery and until 20th the weather was unsettled with frequent low pressure systems and rain belts crossing the country. There was a quieter interlude from 21st to the 23rd and then after another wet spell the weather turned cool, dry and sunny at the end of the month. There was 88.5mm of rain at Bishopstone during October.

WILDFOWL______Five Bewick’s Swans flying SW at on Oct 28th were the first of the autumn and later three flew W past Swalecliffe on 31st.

A Black Brant was seen at Seasalter on Oct 29th.

23

Bean Geese by Mark Chidwick

Five Pink-footed Geese flew NW at Northward Hill on Oct 3rd and two Tundra Bean Geese were seen at Grove Ferry/Stodmarsh from Oct 13th-22nd whilst three Bean Goose sp. flew over Bockhill on Oct 22nd.

The first Russian White-fronted Goose was seen at Swale NNR on Oct 13th.

As many as 29 Egyptian Geese were seen at Dungeness, Northward Hill, Oare Marshes, Sandwich Bay, Bough Beech, Brokes Hill Farm, Cliffe Pools and Scotney with 132 counted at Bough Beech on Sept 15th and up to 15 Mandarins were recorded from Furnace Pond, Hayesden, Singleton, Sandwich Bay and Penshurst Estate.

During September up to eight Garganey were recorded from Dungeness RSPB, Oare Marshes, Worth Marshes and Grove Ferry. In October one or two were seen at Dungeness RSPB until 18th.

A Red-crested Pochard was seen at Dungeness RSPB between Sept 3rd and 8th.

24 An immature/female Scaup was seen at Dungeness RSPB on Oct 17th and the first Velvet Scoter of the autumn flew past Walmer on Oct 5th and was followed by one or two birds at DBO, Foreness, Swalecliffe, Shellness, Minster, Sandwich Bay and Folkestone.

A juvenile Long-tailed Duck was seen at Dungeness RSPB from Oct 19th-29th and two flew past Shellness on 20th.

An early juvenile Goosander was found on the river at Wouldham on Sept 22nd after which single birds were recorded at Sandwich Bay, Foreness and Cliftonville.

PARTRIDGE TO CORMORANT______A late Quail was flushed from a stubble field at Aycliffe on Oct 17th and was seen again on 19th.

Single Black-throated Divers flew past DBO on Oct 13th, 16th, 22nd and 30th whilst a Great Northern Diver was seen at Cliftonville on Oct 21st and Shellness on 30th.

A Storm Petrel was identified at Palm Bay on Oct 21st and a Leach’s Petrel flew past the fishing boats at Dungeness on Oct 13th and another was seen at Cliftonville on 21st.

In September single Sooty Shearwaters flew past DBO on 1st, 19th and 27th with two on 20th and 25th and ten on 29th. Three also flew past there on Oct 11th with eight on 13th and single birds on 14th, 15th and 17th. One also flew past Sandwich Bay on Oct 29th.

Three Manx Shearwaters flew past DBO on Sept 1st and Oct 13th with two on Sept 13th and 24th whilst one was seen at Swalecliffe and Shellness on Sept 7th with another at Swalecliffe on Oct 2nd. One also flew past DBO on Oct 16th and on 20th there were two at Grenham Bay and one at Shellness.

A Balearic Shearwater flew W at DBO on Sept 23rd and five flew past the next day with nine seen on 25th. There was a large movement at DBO on Sept 26th when their second highest Observatory total of 57 was counted and on the next day 20 flew W with two on 28th and three

25 on 29th. Single birds were also seen at Copt Point on Sept 27th and at Samphire Hoe on 29th. In October one flew past DBO on 13th.

A Red-necked Grebe was seen at Cliffe Pools regularly during September and October.

Black-necked Grebe by Ray O’Reilly

Two Slavonian Grebes were reported from Sandwich Bay on Oct 2nd and 30th with one at Shellness on 29th and 30th and single Black- necked Grebes were seen at Dungeness RSPB from Sept 14th-Oct 2nd and on Oct 18th whilst others were seen at Seabrook on Oct 22nd and 23rd and at Grenham Bay on 27th.

A ringed White Stork was seen flying S at and was also seen at Pegwell Bay on Sept 29th.

During September and October as many as 10 Spoonbills were recorded from Cliffe Pools, Dungeness RSPB, Oare Marshes, Shellness, Sandwich Bay, Seasalter, South Swale LNR, Dartford Marshes,

26 Foreness, Reculver, Swalecliffe, Pegwell Bay and Cooling Marshes. In addition, a group of 31 flew over at Oare Marshes on Sept 30th and 16 returned later that day and were also present on Oct 1st.

During these two months one or two Bitterns were recorded from Dungeness RSPB, Swale NNR and Oare Marshes.

Just after dark on Sept 15th a calling bird flying south-east over the trapping area was sound recorded at Dungeness and proved to be a Night Heron. Another was reported flying over Faversham on Sept 17th.

During these two months as many as five Cattle Egrets were seen at Dungeness RSPB, Lydd, Oare Marshes, Hope Point, Swalecliffe, Reculver, Grain, Swale NNR, Luddenham Marsh, Stodmarsh/Grove Ferry and Harty Marshes.

A Purple Heron flew S at Chamber’s Wall on Sept 19th.

Up to six Great White Egrets were seen at Dungeness RSPB, up to five at Bough Beech and as many as four at Lade with up to three birds at Swale NNR, Grove Ferry/Stodmarsh, Furnace Pond, Sandwich Bay, Langdon Cliffs, Northward Hill, Folkestone and Luddenham Marshes.

A Shag was seen at Sandwich Bay on Sept 24th and in October up to four were seen at Foreness with single birds at Dover, Cliftonville and Reculver.

27 BIRDS OF PREY______

Osprey by John Smiddy Smith

During September and October single Ospreys were seen at Dungeness, Oare Marshes, Conyer, Marden, Graveney, Shellness, Swalecliffe, Sandwich Bay, Seabrook, Tankerton, Birchington, Elmley, Sissinghurst, Dover, Chartham, Grove Ferry/Stodmarsh, Uplees, Grain, Lade, Tenterden, Westbere and Greatstone-on-Sea.

In September single Honey Buzzards were recorded at Folkestone, Shellness and Northward Hill and in October one was reported from Dungeness RSPB on 2nd.

After the first returning Hen Harrier was seen at Graveney on Sept 16th birds were recorded at Dungeness, Capel Fleet, Oare Marshes, Swale NNR and Elmley.

During these two months single Red Kites were seen at Sandwich Bay, Stodmarsh, Naccolt, Eastry, Westerham and Oare Marshes, Penshurst Estate with three at Harrietsham on Oct 30th.

A Rough-legged Buzzard was reported from Ash Levels on Oct 15th. 28

RAILS TO WADERS______A Spotted Crake was seen and photographed at Stodmarsh on Oct 6th and nine Common Cranes flew SW and out to sea at Dungeness RSPB on Sept 7th.

A Stone-curlew was found in “the Desert” at DBO on Oct 29th.

An American Golden Plover identified at Oare Marshes on Sept 7th was present until Oct 12th and was also seen across the Swale at Shellness. If accepted this will be the seventh record for Kent.

Curlew Sandpiper by Chris Bond

During September up to 22 Curlew Sandpipers were recorded from Oare Marshes, Shellness, Grove Ferry, Sandwich Bay, Cliffe Pools and Dungeness RSPB. In October as many as six were still present at Oare Marshes and Cliffe Pools.

A Temminck’s Stint was reported from Bough Beech on Sept 5th.

29 The first returning Purple Sandpiper was found at Hampton on Sept 29th after which as many as six birds were seen at Sandwich Bay, Dover, Foreness, , and Reculver.

In September and October one or two Little Stints were seen at Oare Marshes, Cliffe Pools, Reculver, Dartford Marshes and Dungeness RSPB and a juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was found at Dungeness RSPB on Sept 17th and remained there until 20th.

The first Jack Snipe of the autumn was flushed from a path at Minnis Bay on Oct 5th after which single birds were recorded from Grove Ferry, Sandwich Bay and Willop Sewage Works.

Grey Phalarope by Steve Ashton

A first winter Grey Phalarope was seen at Minnis Bay on Sept 21st and at nearby Grenham Bay between the 24th and 27th whilst two flew past DBO on Sept 27th with others on Sept 29th and Oct 14th. In addition, one flew W at Tankerton on Oct 2nd and there was another bird at Cliffe Pools from Oct 26th-29th.

30 During September one or two Wood Sandpipers were recorded from Dungeness RSPB, DBO, Pegwell Bay, Worth Marshes, Bough Beech, Lade and Oare Marshes.

During September as many as three Spotted Redshanks were seen at Dungeness RSPB, Sandwich Bay, Grove Ferry and Oare Marshes. Single birds were also reported from Oare Marshes from Oct 14th-20th and at Minnis Bay on 21st.

AUKS TO GULLS______

Sabines Gull by Russ Blackman

A juvenile Sabine’s Gull was reported flying W at Reculver on Sept 7th with another at Oare Marshes on Sept 17th. In October one juvenile was seen at Sandwich Bay with two juveniles at Reculver on 2nd and others reported from Shellness on Oct 14th and 20th and DBO from Oct 19th-

31 21st. On Oct 21st, two juveniles flew past Minnis Bay whilst one was seen at Cliftonville and Foreness.

The Oare Marshes BONAPARTE’S GULL remained there until Sept 4th.

Little Gull by Chris Bond

During September up to 13 Little Gulls were seen at DBO, Swalecliffe, Foreness, Shellness and Dungeness RSPB whilst in October as many as 189 were seen at Dungeness, Reculver, Minnis Bay, Shellness, Swalecliffe, Sandwich Bay, Tankerton, Grenham Bay and Hythe.

An unexpectedly early adult Glaucous Gull flew E at DBO on Oct 5th.

A first winter Caspian Gull was reported from Deal on Sept 7th with as many as three at DBO and Dungeness RSPB from Sept 10th to the end of October and in September up to 18 Yellow-legged Gulls were reported from Cliffe Pools with as many as five seen at DBO, Sandwich Bay and Oare Marshes during September and October.

32

Eastern Common Tern by Chris Bond

A bird showing characteristics of an EASTERN COMMON TERN, S. h. longipennis was found at Dungeness RSPB between Sept 28th and Oct 1st.

In September and early October up to 26 Black Terns were seen at DBO with smaller numbers at Dungeness RSPB, Oare Marshes, Egypt Bay, Sandwich Bay, Seasalter and Shellness and the last bird at Oare Marshes on Oct 21st.

During September and October as many as 11 Great Skuas were seen at DBO, Swalecliffe, Bockhill, North Foreland, Foreness, Reculver, Deal, Egypt Bay, Samphire Hoe and Shellness.

A Pomarine Skua flew E at DBO on Sept 1st with three reported from Shellness and one at Seasalter on Sept 5th whilst on 7th there was one at Shellness and one reported from Reculver. An adult flew W past DBO on Sept 24th and other birds were seen at Sandwich Bay on 26th and at Foreness on 29th. Single birds were also seen at Shellness on Oct 2nd and at DBO on Oct 14th whilst on Oct 21st, during heavy rain, up to four 33 birds were seen at Reculver, Tankerton, Cliftonville, Swalecliffe and Shellness. On Oct 28th and 29th one or two were seen at Swalecliffe, Sandwich Bay and Shellness.

Three Long-tailed Skuas were reported from Shellness on Sept 5th with single birds on 7th and at Lower Hope Point on 20th. On 21st up to three were identified at Shellness, Reculver and Cliftonville.

Single Little Auks were seen at Cliftonville, Leysdown-on-Sea, Minnis Bay and Reculver on Oct 21st and one flew past Sandgate on 23rd and a Black Guillemot was recorded at Murston on Oct 26th.

DOVES TO RING-NECKED PARAKEET______

A migrant Long-eared Owl was seen at Foreness on Oct 13th.

During September single Short-eared Owls were seen at Shellness on 16th and 23rd and at Conyer on 19th. In October one or two birds were recorded at DBO, Deal, Bockhill, Sandwich Bay, Foreness, Reculver, Tankerton, Oare Marshes, Langdon Cliffs, and South Foreland with up to seven roosting at Shellness at the end of the month.

A Bee-eater flew N over Leysdown-on-Sea on Sept 1st and a Hoopoe was seen at Ramsgate and Pegwell Bay on Oct 19th.

A Wryneck, first seen at the end of August, was still to be found at Dungeness RSPB from Sept 1st-4th and there was one in a garden at Birchington on 1st and another at Fan Bay on 6th. One was also ringed at Sandwich Bay on 9th and another was seen at Dungeness RSPB on 11th. In October one was recorded at DBO from the 7th-10th and at Dover on the 20th.

A juvenile Red-footed Falcon was seen at Northward Hill on Sept 27th.

A Merlin was reported from Shellness on Sept 13th after which as many as three birds were recorded at Dungeness, Oare Marshes, Conyer, Reculver, Kingsdown, Shellness, Bockhill, Shuart, Hythe, Northward Hill and Lower Hope Point.

34 TO HIRUNDINES______

Red-backed Shrike by Phil Smith

A juvenile Red-backed Shrike was found at Dungeness RSPB on Sept 1st and 2nd and another was seen at Reculver Marshes also on 2nd whilst a Great Grey Shrike was found at Shuart on Oct 22nd and another was seen at Fan Bay and Langdon Cliffs on 28th and 29th. A first winter was identified at Seaton GPs on Oct 30th.

35

Woodchat Shrike by Norman McCanch

During these two months up to seven Ravens were seen at 20 sites throughout the County.

Two “Continental” Coal Tits were identified at Dungeness and one was seen at Swalecliffe on Oct 24th.

36

Shore Lark by Peter Maton

A Shore Lark was found at South Foreland on Oct 21st whilst two flew W at Swalecliffe on 28th and one was at DBO from Oct 29th-31st.

Single Woodlarks flew over DBO and Foreness on Sept 30th, at Shuart and Northward Hill on Oct 3rd, at DBO on Oct 7th and at Hope Point on Oct 9th. On Oct 13th there were two at South Foreland and one flew over Tankerton whilst at DBO there was one on 15th and 19th and two on 17th. On Oct 20th three were recorded at Bockill with one at South Foreland and on the 22nd there were two at DBO and singles at Shuart and Bockhill and one at South Foreland on 24th. An impressive total of 22 birds.

CETTI’S WARBLER TO WHEATEARS______

A Siberian Chiffchaff was trapped and ringed at DBO and another was seen at Dungeness RSPB on Oct 28th.

A Wood Warbler was ringed at Sandwich Bay on Sept 6th with another was seen at Worth Marshes on Sept 13th and others recorded from Kingsdown, Sandwich Bay and Broadstairs. 37

A Pallas’s Warbler was found at Swalecliffe on Oct 29th.

Yellow-browed Warbler by Barry Wright

The first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn was seen at Kingsdown on Sept 21st and was followed by up to three birds at Foreness, South Foreland, Kingsdown, Walmer Beach, Shuart, Northdown Park, Birchington, Folkestone, Dover Castle, Whitstable, Oldstairs, Tilmanstone, Bishopstone, Reculver, Walmer, Netherhale, Shellness, Sandwich Bay and Cemetery.

A BOOTED WARBLER was seen briefly at Langdon Cliffs on Oct 14th. If accepted by BBRC this will be the tenth Kent record.

During September up to four Grasshopper Warblers were recorded at Sandwich Bay and Bockhill with single birds at DBO, Aycliffe, and Shuart. There was a final report of a late bird at Aycliffe on Oct 17th.

38 A Dartford Warbler was found at Bockhill on Oct 12th and during the rest of the month one or two were seen at DBO, Sandwich Bay, Seasalter and Lade.

Firecrest by Barry Wright

The first Firecrest of the autumn was seen at Bockhill on Sept 3rd after which up to 21 birds were recorded from DBO, Samphire Hoe, Reculver Marshes, Foreness, Clowes Wood, Northdown Park, Walmer Beach, Bockhill, Mill Point, Kingsdown, Shuart, Abbotscliffe, St Margarets-at- Cliffe, Sandwich Bay, Harbledown, Langdon Hole and South Foreland.

A species that does not normally feature in these reports is Nuthatch but one flew over at Sandwich Bay on Oct 3rd and is only the Observatory’s ninth record of this species.

A SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER was seen and photographed at Langdon on Sept 21st.

39 The first returning Ring Ouzel was seen at Grain on Oct 1st and was followed by as many as 30 birds at 30 sites predominantly around the coast.

The first Redwing of the autumn was seen at Langdon Hole on Sept 23rd and the first Fieldfare was recorded at South Foreland on Oct 2nd.

During September up to six Pied Flycatchers were seen at DBO, Aycliff, Sandwich, Leysdown-on-Sea, Walmer Beach, Bockhill, Minnis Bay, Northdown Park, Foreness, Langdon Hole and Ramsgate.

As many as 22 Black Redstarts were recorded from Dungeness with smaller numbers at over 20 widely spread sites within the County.

A male DESERT WHEATEAR was identified at Seasalter on Oct 30th.

Desert Wheatear by Brendan Ryan

DUNNOCK TO BUNTINGS______The first Water Pipit of the autumn was seen beside a dyke on Reculver Marshes on Oct 14th and was followed by one or two at Grove Ferry and Worth Marshes. 40

A Hawfinch was seen at Benenden on Oct 17th after which others were seen at Margate Cemetery, Langdon Cliffs, Cliffe Pools, South Foreland and Nickoll’s Quarry.

Two Twite were seen at Bockhill on Oct 19th and a male Mealy/Common Redpoll was identified at Foreness on Oct 22nd.

Two Common Crossbills flew over Shuart on Sept 30th with one on Oct 20th and single birds flew over Bockhill on Oct 13th and 15th and Botolph’s Bridge on 18th.

A Serin was seen at DBO on Oct 15th with others at Bockhill on 20th and Kingsdown on 25th.

The first Lapland Bunting of the autumn was seen at Abbotscliffe on Sept 11th with another at Foreness the next day and was followed by one or two birds at DBO, South Foreland, Foreness, Sandwich Bay and Reculver Marshes.

The first Snow Bunting of the autumn flew in off the sea at Minnis Bay on Oct 9th and subsequently up to three were seen at Sandwich Bay, Foreness, Epple Bay and Samphire Hoe.

DBO = Dungeness Bird Observatory BBRC = British Birds Rarities Committee RSPB = Royal Society for the Protection of Birds “The Patch” = the warm water outflow from Dungeness Nuclear Power Station NNR=National Nature Reserve NR=Nature Reserve LNR=Local Nature Reserve FC = Field Centre WR = Wildlife Reserve GP = Gravel Pits CP = Country Park

41 CONTRIBUTORS______This summary owes much to the contributors to the various sites in “Latest Sightings” on the KOS Website at www.kentos.org.uk, KOSForum, Twitter and the RBA Hotline. Records have been contributed by S. Bellinger, B. Blackman, Bockhill Birders, Bough Beech (per A. Ford), R. Bonser, M. Bournat, E. Brown, N. Burt, G. Burton, F. Cackett, R. Carr, M. Casemore, J. Chantler, D. Chesterman, M. Chidwick, R. Collins, G. Coultrip, G. Crocker, K. Cutting, DBO (per D. Walker), R. Dean, D. Eade, B. East, R. Elvy, D. Faulkener, D. Feast, Folkestone and Hythe Birds (per I. Roberts), C. Gibbard, R. Gomes, M. Gould, V. Green, J. Guiver, J. Hall, A. Hindle, C. Hindle, M. Hindle, M. Hollingworth, B. Hunt, J. Jones, M. Kennett, T. Laws, O. Leyshon, A. Lipczynski, J. Massey, N. McCanch, S. Message, S. Miller, S. Mills, P. Milton, R. Morris, S. Mount, R. O'Reilly, M. Orchard, J. Partridge, A. Perry, J. Perry, K. Privett, M. Puxley, R. Rackliffe, B. Ring, M. Roser, K. Ross, Samphire Hoe (per L. Collins, P. Holt, D. Smith, and P. Smith), SBBO (per A. Lipczynski and S. Walton), I. Shepherd, D. Smith, South Foreland (per Ian Hodgson), W. Stoneham, M. Sutherland, Swale NNR (per R. Smith, D. Faulkner, I. Davidson), T. Swandale, D. Taylor, C. Tedder, S. Tomlinson, P. Trodd, C. Turley, D. Tutt, M. Varley, M. Watts, M. Wilson, T. Wilson, J. Woolgar, B. Woolhouse, B. Wright, M. Wright and J. Young.

Please send records for this review to: Chris Hindle, 42, Glenbervie Drive, Herne Bay, Kent. CT6 6QL Email: [email protected]

Records sent to me may not all be used for this report as I try to extract the more interesting sightings. However all records are equally important and I forward them to the appropriate Area Recorders who enter them all onto the KOS database.

42

Letters and Notes

Fifty Years Ago

Shore Larks, by Henrik Gronvold (PDI)

Several small flocks of Shore Larks were seen during this period and this exceptional influx was reflected elsewhere along the east coast. Woodlarks were also recorded in in unprecedented numbers, but this influx appears to have ben confined to Kent.

KBR 1969

Norman McCanch 43

44