Birding Herne Bay Downs

My first full year birding the Herne Bay Downs area and what a year it has been. Pending any birds seen on the last day of the year, I ended up on 161 species. A few birds missed during the year which no doubt flew through the area included Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Goldeneye, Long tailed Skua, Short eared Owl and Hen Harrier to name a few but on a positive note, I did manage to see 24 new species for the patch. These included White fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Scaup, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Osprey (2 seen), Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Tern, Kingfisher, Wryneck, Tree Pipit, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, Mistle Thrush, Pied Flycatcher, Long eared Owl, Tawny Owl and Barn Owl. Many hours were spent looking out to sea and with the help from Andy Taylor at Swalecliffe, I was able to see some birds that were flying east from there and through the Downs. I think the exciting thing about birding the coast is that you never quite know what you are going to see, either on the sea or flying over. There's always an anticipation of something appearing and given time, I'm sure that a few more bonus birds will be seen. I think my personal highlight has to be finding a Wryneck in the spring whilst a male Pied Flycatcher was in the bush above. Birding quite early in the mornings helps with not seeing too many people but during the coarse of the year, I have met quite a few familiar faces now who always ask what I have seen now, and are often surprised as to what can be seen here. It's been quite hard hearing of birds flying west past Reculver and then seen at Swalecliffe while you are at work, but I just need to let this go and enjoy the birds I do see. I'm sure if I continue to put the time in, I will find a few more good birds during the year and with the help of Nocmig recording at night, It's always exciting to see what's flying over during the night when we are all asleep. 

Hopefully 2026 will deliver a few more good birds and wildlife experiences and with that in mind, I wish you a bird filled Happy New Year. 

Wryneck