Bockhill and Kingsdown 13th September

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A day in east Kent, starting off at Bockhill where it was sunny with a brisk SW wind. We slowly main our way down to the farm, noting in the process a single flyover Tree Pipit (calling), plus Hobby, Kestrel, Ravens, Chiffchaffs and two peachy coloured first winter female Stonechats, the first of which was initially thought to be a Whinchat.

Near the farm the track alongside the Freedown had a number of migrants in the hedgerow, especially Chiffchaffs which were very active. The picture below of the bird facing away illustrates well the short primary projection of Chiffchaff. Other birds in this area included Blackcap, two Yellowhammers and a brief view of a male Redstart.

Whilst at Bockhill we were treated to flypasts from a couple of Spitfires demonstrating in the process some impressive aerial manouveres jokingly laid on especially for Brenda's forthcoming birthday!

Chiffchaff

Chiffchaff

Stonechat

Kestrel




Butterflies at Bockhill included the odd Common Blue and a single Small Copper. We then headed to Kingsdown with the intention of looking for Long-tailed Blue which had been seen there the previous day.  Walking along the cliff top we saw Common Blues, and a couple of Brown Argus, but despite searching the Everlasting Pea which still had some flower couldn't find any LTB. Subsequently found out (via Facebook) that another observer there later found a male hunkered down in the grass.

Small Copper

Brown Argus


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