The Maidstone RSPB Local Group are hosting this fantastic speaker this evening. Should be a great evening #kentbirding #kentnature #wildlifephotography #wildlife #photography #whatsoninkent #maidstone

An interesting spring at Elmley with it being so dry this year. Reels drying very quickly, but the floods are holding up well for the Avocets, Common Terns and gulls. The winners so far this spring appear to be Yellow Wagtail, Skylark, Corn Buntings, Pochard, Gadwall, and the herons.

The Bearded Reedlings have been stars at Elmley this week, feeding within 4 metres of visiting birders. The Shorties are now up to 25 individuals, and 3 Hen Harriers continue to roam the reserve, surprising the lucky few or rewarding those who are willing to wait #kentbirding

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for following me. At Elmley I recorded 173 bird species in 2024, with highlights definitely being Smew, Wryneck, Pec Sandpiper, Richard’s Pipit, Red-backed Shrike, & Red-footed Falcon. Wishing you all the best for 2025! Happy Birding #kentbirding

A Great Northern Diver was a nice surprise in the Swale this afternoon between Elmley and Conyer #kentbirding

Beautiful views of the 5 Snow Buntings on the beach just west of Minnis Bay this afternoon #kentbirding

The dry & cold weather this week encouraged shyer species out into the open, like Jack Snipe & Water Rail, showing well at times. The Bitterns, however, don’t need any encouragement & are seen daily along the self-drive section of the reserve all year. Voles, Eels, and Newts on the menu this week.

WeBS highlights today was numbers & diversity of raptors. At least 4 Peregrines, 2 Merlins, a male & ring-tail Hen Harrier, several Short-eared Owls, amongst other species. Ended the day with over 130 Marsh Harriers into one of the roosts. Interesting to spot a Red Kite join them! #kentbirding

At Elmley we are fortunate to have 3 pairs of Little Owls. Autumn is a tricky time of year to find them, as they choose to stay hidden rather than perching in the open. This one was tucked away at the top of an Oak.

Sun shining at Elmley today, and a corporate event at the Reserve. Lovely group and a 10-mile guided walking tour around the Reserve. Star bird was this Snow Bunting at Spitend. Male Hen Harrier, Merlin, and White-fronted Geese still present. #kentbirding

Cracking day at Elmley today… both Ospreys showed amazingly this afternoon, a Yellow-browed Warbler still present, a Firecrest in the car park, and ending the day with super views of one of our Long-eared Owls during a private dusk tour #kentbirding #ukbirding

Another great Saturday at Elmley. Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Ospreys, Hobby, Merlin, Short-eared Owls, ring-tail Hen Harrier, and we welcome our new Oxford Sand & Black’s to help with the Reserve management. #kentbirding

Birding at Stodmarsh today. At least 7 Great Egrets, 10 Cattle Egrets, 1 Green Sand, 2 Bitterns, 3 Hobby, 50+ House Martins, Bullfinches, Treecreeper, and Goldcrests the highlights of a good day. And stayed dry! #kentbirding