Little Bunting drawing - John Carnell

The best bird of the week was a Little Bunting that was seen by one of the locals at North Foreland for a few minutes in the early morning of the 12th. There have been less than 20 records of this species before in the county. A pair of Gargeney at Oare Marshes on the 10th were the first of the year, which is exactly on the typcial date over recent years. The first Osrpey of the season flew over Bough Beech on the 11th, a couple of weeks earlier than normal. The (Kumlien's) Iceland Gull was discovered on Worth Marshes this week, showing well for a couple of hours on the 7th before once again flying off. One wonders were it will next show up. The long stayers, the American Wigeon at Scotney, Red-flanked Bluetail at Crockham Hill, Pallas's Warbler at Faversham Creek and the Ruddy Duck at Cliffe were all seen again on most days this week. Cliffe also continued to host two Scaup as well as a Spotted Redshank.

Kumlien's Iceland Gull - Rob Rackliffe

A few White-fronted Geese remained in the county, with for instance 35 at Highham Marshes and 10 at Dungeness. The two Whooper Swans were seen again at Cockles Bridge, Dungeness. A male Hen Harrier flew over Oare Marshes. Siberian Chiffchaffs remained at Stodmarsh and Faversham Creek.

In terms of sea-watching the movement of waterfowl picked up, as 6427 Brent Goose were counted past Dungeness on the 10th. A few Velvet Scoter and a Pale-bellied Brent were also seen this week. Another Woodlark flew in off the sea at North Foreland on the 6th.

The weather remains mixed, which may make sea-watching the most rewarding this week, while Little Ringed Plover, Swallow and Wheatear are likely to make their first appearance. Good luck.

Peter Eerdmans

American Wigeon - Graham Parry

(Thanks to all the observers who posted their records on the KOS Sightings website, BirdGuides, eBird and/or the main Kent Birding WhatsApp groups, Thursday-to-Thursday. Apologies for any omissions. If anyone has any photos they think may be useful for the weekly, please send to me by Wednesday. All records of rarities are still subject to official confirmation by the relevant rarities committees)