STOPP PRESS- Monkey reported at rainham

News broke of several un-confirmed phone calls that Martin the blowmonkey was making his way to Rainham RSPB, having needed this species for a rm life and London tick. I dashed to Ferry Lane, calling Shaunboy on route who was idealy placed nearbye. We arrived together and began to suggest the best watch point for such a rare species to occur. Bagsy travelled down from Leicester and Jono as far as Wansted ,we eagerly awaited the monkey-mobil. Just as we were about to give up the little blue focus apppeared in the distance and before we knew it the Monkey was showing well down to several feet for all to see, unluckly my camera batteries were dead but hopefuly someone should have some pics.

Blowmonkey sp on scilly oct 09 (6th from right)

Male Dartford Warbler (Honest!)

Also supporting cast of several adult Yellow-legged gulls and a fine male Dartford warbler not a bad mornings stroll.

Serin

Managed a couple of record shots of the Serin this morning at Rainham.

probable female

Both birds showing well, and this bird a lot brighter than the other. female and a juv probably best bet, also a common buzzard low over wennington and green sandpiper and 7 fieldfare over.

How time fly's

Jack's been birding since day 1!

1 week old (hasn't got a chance)

19 months (Bou 72)

Serin's return to Rainham

With a report of 1 or 2 Serins reported (again, as 3+ birds were present last autumn) at the west end of the reserve, and a free afternoon off work, it was an ideal opportunity to go and check it out. I arrived at 12:30 and there were several local birders looking (inc Jono Leth, the filthy dirty year lister!). I gave it a couple of hours in blustery conditions and was about to leave when I picked the bird up in flight with a small flock of goldfinch, before disapearing from view.

A male Marsh Harrier was an added bonus hunting the reed bed by the owl box, until harrassed by local corvids and chased south of the river.

Male Marsh Harrier

Harrased by local corvids

Zitting Cisticola - 07/11/2009

Or Fan-tail to me and you!! Monkey Cabs picks me up at 06:00 sharp, for what would be attempt N0 2 for me and third time lucky for Monkey. All is well at 07:15 when we arrive at Pegwell bay, no wind and sun rising. We wait patiently at the reed bed in front of the car-park where the bird has been showing well all week!! A crowd of nearly 100 gather and at 08:00 we could here the bird singing in front off us. It was not long before we had cracking views of the bird perched openly on the saltmarsh, and even hovering to compete with the nearby stonechats.

Cracking little bird, also had a pair of Peregrines and a fem Merlin upsetting the wintering waders in the bay, and the odd ring-necked parakeet over.