Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

Another 30 degrees plus day for a visit to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve which was the first example of a gravel pit site being developed for the purpose of nature conservation. This former quarry is owned by Tarmac and leased to Kent Wildlife Trust under a long term agreement for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of all. As well as birds, dragonflies and damselflies there is also a diverse community of plants, fungi and other wildlife. The nature reserve covers 73 hectares and comprises five lakes surrounded by woodland, with ponds, seasonally flooded pools as well as grassland and small areas of reedbed, while the river Darent flows through the northern part of the reserve and supports a reasonable population of invertebrates and fish. There is a very impressive recently rennovated Visitor Centre. Dragonflies everywhere including in the beaks of all the water birds. The Egrets and the young Moorhen kept us entertained along with Great Crested grebes, a Heron family, Lapwing etc

Paxton Signs of Spring

 Many birds are already paired up and nest building including Grey Herons and Cormorants at Paxton. Mostly the birds manage courtship in a dignified way even with long wings to keep free of the branches etc but the overenthusiastic Coot shows what can go wrong if you watch too much Winter Olympics or jet ski racing!

Gulls Catching Flies

The Black-headed Gulls were busy catching flies from the surface of the water making very elogant shapes against the dark water. The Grey Heron just looked grumpy.

Bird Walk at Paxton

Our monthly walk at Paxton this morning concentrated on Birds, especially looking out for winter visitors. We did see a large flock of Redwings and several winter duck species - Wigeon, Goldeneye plus a lot of residents (36 species). Good to see all three Heron species (Great and Little Egret and Grey Heron). I spent a bit of time in the Cobham Hide after lunch and photographed a hovering Migrant Hawker.

Wetland Birds Count

Paxton Pits along with other wetland reserves carry out a monthly count of the birds on the Pits  (WeBS). Beautiful morning for our December count though difficult for ID etc against the light. The most prominent birds for our route round Rudd, Cloudy and Weedy Lakes were the 40 or so Canada Geese plus this one Canada GooseXGreylag hybrid. Looking it up they appear quite common and very consistent in marking with just the head, neck length and beak revealing the Greylag parentage. All the usual Ducks plus a solitary Grey heron. Couldn't resist photographing the Long-tailed Tit at the end of the walk.