Ringing: February 2024
Saturday 24th A calm, clear, night resulted in a shock to the system with a slight frost to start with. The sun quickly cleared this. It was a case of quality over quantity with just two birds caught. One of these was the second male Firecrest this year and the other was a retrap Redwing. Friday 23rd It was a…
Birds: February 2024
Thursday 29th After a week or so with only one or two birds the Cattle Egret flock at the Observatory increased again with five birds present in the morning. There’s also been a flock of six nearby at Ham Fen. It isn’t currently clear if they are additional or whether the birds are going to back and forth to us.…
Dragonflies: February – March 2024
It may be a quiet time for Odonata but it’s perfect for planning ahead for the summer. Here at SBBOT we have recorded 31 species of Dragonfly and Damselfly, of which 28 are regular breeders in the area. Highlights include Dainty and Variable Damselflies, Southern, Scarce, and Willow Emerald Damselflies, Scarce Chaser, Norfolk and Southern Migrant Hawker, Lesser Emperor, and…
Butterflies: January
Wednesday 24th It was some surprise to see a Small Tortoiseshell fly in off the sea. A strange record and our first butterfly to be recorded this year.
Moths: January 2024
Our Moth Nights for this year have just been announced. They will be held on Saturdays June 8th, July 6th, August 10th (all at 18:30), September 7th, and October 5th (both at 16:00). Come along and bring family and friends and see and learn about Moths up close. You can even stay the night and book into our accommodation. Saturday 6th A…
Ringing: January 2024
Saturday 20th Another very frosty start but this time a bit of a breeze removed some of the frost in exposed spots. Twenty-five birds were caught of which seven were new. The new birds were headed up by a Blackcap, there were also four House Sparrows, a Blackbird, and a Song Thrush. Such is the scarcity of Starlings these days…
Birds: January 2024
Wednesday 31st There was a high count of 100 Dunlins on RSPB Worth marshes with Great White Egret, 18 Pintails, and Water Pipit all present. A Woodcock was along the Green Wall. Tuesday 30th A Woodcock was on the Estate and a Great White Egret on RSPB Worth marshes. Monday 29th The drake Goosander relocated to Pegwell Bay but the…
Butterflies: December
Sunday 17th Another Peacock was seen on New Downs. Friday 8th It was a surprise to record two butterflies today, both Peacocks. One was on New Downs and another on the Worth track.
Ringing: December 2023
There must be somebody out there who can help. We are still looking for a Treasurer who can replace Bo when he moves out of the area. Please contact treasurer@sbbot.org.uk. Tuesday 26th The promise of a more settled day tempted two of us out and it was worth is in quality if not quantity. There were only seven new birds…
Moths: December 2023
We are still looking for a volunteer to offer to take up the Treasurers post. The current incumbent is moving out of the area but has prepared plenty of information for any body who can help. Tuesday 26th The night time weather is mostly unsuitable still but if you can find a sheltered spot There are good numbers of Winter…