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 Pits

The mist cleared at Paxton on Saturday to give some wonderful reflections with the absence of wind. Cormorants, Herons, Coot and Moorhens were all getting on with building nests and setting up territories etc

 

Water Rail at Fowlmere

It was a surprise when a Water Rail showed itself in the reeds at Fowlmere and then walked out into open water and walked across the pool to disappear into foliage on the other side. The Moorhens seemed unperturbed.

Peregrine St Albans Cathedral

Great to record the Peregrine falcon hopefully nesting on St Albans Cathedral - rather distant but unmistakable! The lakeside birds are all getting ready for breeding with many squabbles and displays.

Paxton Pits Snow, Ice and Birds

With the Pits themselves  frozen, the water birds have congregated by the river, while smaller birds are struggling to find food in the snow covered vegetation. Only the Heron remained on Hernonry South Lake. The Barn Owl was out quartering around midday while the Goldcrest was tirelessly hunting on the river bank. Bright sunny day so the views were magical with the ice patterns and frost on top of snow