CLOSER VIEWS OF WHITE-FRONTS

The ten white-fronted geese were feeding in the grazing fields close to the horseride path on the northern edge of the country park on Monday 3rd, allowing Andy Field to take these two photographs.

The white-fronted geese have spent most of their time over the last month feeding at the back of the fields, so it's nice to now see what they look like close-up! 

Also seen by Andy on the fields were 14+ snipe and 300+ black-tailed godwits, while the water rail was watched feeding by the edge of the pond. Also at the pond a pochard was seen briefly and a wintering chiffchaff heard by Martin.

Along the Strood seawall on Monday 3rd, three buzzards, 92 shelduck, 50+ curlew, 10 little grebes ad four little egrets were noted.

On Sunday 2nd along the Strood seawall, the male stonechat, one corn bunting, rock pipit, buzzard, 20 golden plover and six Mediterranean gulls were the highlights.

Steve Entwistle found two firecrests near Fishponds Wood in Shop Lane on Sunday, also eight red-legged partridge near the Dog and Pheasant pub.

A large flock of 1500 brent geese was feeding on the grass on the Reeveshall fields on Saturday 1st.

Two pairs of overwintering stonechats were still on their respective fencelines, while 25 stock doves and 200 starlings were also feeding in the fields. In the Pyefleet three red-breasted mergansers, 500 dunlin and 20 knot were of note while a marsh harrier was flying over Langenhoe.

At the country park Andy Field saw the ten white-fronted geese, 650 black-tailed godwits (including five colour ringed birds) and at least ten snipe in the grazing fields, while the water rail showed well at the park pond again.

The male blackcap visited the Firs Chase garden again on Saturday.

On Friday 3rd a stonechat, ten Mediterranean gulls, marsh harrier, kestrel, 100 wigeon and 70 golden plover were seen along the Strood Channel.

A pair of stock doves has been visiting the Firs Chase garden in recent days, feeding on some scattered bird-seed. The male has been heard singing from nearby tree-tops. 

The coal tit has still been visiting the Firs Chase garden feeders, while a sparrowhawk suddenly appeared and landed amongst the feeders as the small birds went into hiding.

The first frog of the spring was seen on Sunday 2nd, hopping along a pavement in St Peters Road. The following day a dead toad was seen on the road in Firs Chase, close to the pond where it was heading. I think these first appearance dates are the earliest I've seen previously by a week.