Kent Ornithological Society 
Ray O’ Reilly writes:- ‘The March 2025 Kent Ornithological Society Field Outing took place on March 25th.
It was a splendid Spring day and we saw many butterflies - especially Commas - as well as 69 species of birds.
We met at Blean Woods RSPB Reserve Car Park serenaded by Chiffchaffs and the odd Firecrest (one of five seen) and we were met by Kieron McDonnell,a local birder who watches this ‘Patch” regularly. We began by walking the back trail and Eurasian Jay, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were quickly seen, as was our first singing Coal Tit. Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawks were display-flighting in the clearings too.
The wood was carpeted with Wood Anemones and Lesser Celandines, both Common Treecreeper and Eurasian Nuthatches were singing and showing well, Stock Doves were nesting in tree holes and three species of thrush - Redwing, Song and Mistle Thrushes were spotted by the group and seen well. Despite this we appeared to be having little luck with our main quarry - the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker until Kieron and I heard one calling distantly. Careful tracking of the sound eventually led to great views for all the group of a beautiful crimson-capped male Lesser Spot! A real highlight for us all.
We had lunch at the car park before completing a forty minute drive to Worth Marshes where here Neil Davies met us, this being his local patch. The floods here were in top condition and stacked with birds. Between us we picked out two male Blue-headed and a White Wagtail, Water Pipit, five Little Ringed Plovers. Peregrine, Red Kite and a Barn Swallow.
It was gone 4pm when we left for Sandwich Bay to spend our final hour enjoying two pairs of Grey Partridges and a fine cock Northern Wheatear our final bird for the day. I personally managed nine first of the year birds. A very good day was had by all.
Thanks to Yuti for the wonderful image.’
Ray O’Reilly (KOS Field Trip Organiser)