COMMON SAND

This common sandpiper was found feeding in the park's grazing fields on Monday 25th by Andy Field. At times it was hidden from view as it fed amongst the thick vegetation. It flew into view calling and landed along the edge of the water where this shot was taken of it.
Hopefully there should be one or two more individuals seen here over the next few weeks as birds head north.

The first lapwing chick was seen at the back of the pools in the fields, this adult above seemed to be one of the parents that flew over to the edge of the field to feed. At least three other lapwings have been sitting, so hopefully they will be successful too.

Also noted in the fields were 300 black-tailed godwits and 50 redshank roosting at the pools. A pair of Canada geese were in the fields too.

A couple of pictures taken at the park on Monday by Andy of black-tailed godwits in their breeding plumage.

A brief visit earlier on Monday morning to the north-east end of Shop Lane produced a common buzzard, goldcrest, singing Cetti's warbler near the Oyster Fishery and a lesser whitethroat.

On Sunday 24th by the Strood a hen harrier was seen by Adrian Kettle. Two house martins were seen by the Strood on Friday 22nd by Adrian Amos.

A close-up shot of an adder at the park taken by Adrian Kettle on Sunday.
Two pipistrelle bats and a blackcap were seen in the East Road garden of Adrian Amos on Friday while two slow-worms were seen in my Firs Chase garden compost heap on Monday 25th.