19/02/14. Kent Outing. Bitterns, Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler and Crossbills

Wednesday 19th February 2014
Kent Outing
Paul James

Great weather today, dry and sunny.  We decided to go east  to take in Dungeness,  looking  for the Hume's Warbler, Penduline Tits, Bitterns and Bearded Tits.

I'm afraid we failed to spot the Hume's Warbler or the Penduline Tits; these were seen later on by other birders.  We did,however, get excellent views of Bitterns fling, Bearded Tits in the Reed beds and Cetti's Warbler.

Bittern
Library picture

Cetti's Warbler
Library picture

Bearded Tit
Library picture

 Other birds of special interest included Great White Egret, Raven, Tree Sparrow and Goldeneye.

We then moved the short distance back into Sussex to see a pair of Snow Buntings at Camber Sands.  

Snow Bunting
Library picture

The views were remarkable considering the many dog walkers and children around.  The birds just carried on foraging for food, totally oblivious to everything going on around them.  There were probably 5 or more elsewhere on the beach but we were content to see this lovely pair.

Paul was keen to look for the 2-barred Crossbill that had been reported in Hempstead Forest so we headed inland.  Unfortunately we were unsuccessful.  We did, however, have some consolation by virtue of seeing a group of 10 or so Common Crossbills feeding on the cones at the top of the nearby trees.  A lovely Yellowhammer was also seen.

On the way home we stopped off at Potato Lane where I showed Paul the site of yesterday's Little Owl sighting;  this time however they were not there but 30 minutes later, after dropping Paul off, I returned and saw one of them.

Additions to 2014 UK Bird List:
Bearded Tit   (164)
Bittern   (165)
Snow Bunting   (166)