Nethergong Birding

With the year drawing to a close, I thought I would share some highlights from the year and some stats. Pending any new birds in the next week, the year list made it to an excellent 132 species, which includes birds seen, heard and recorded during 'nocmig' sessions at night. I consider reaching 120 species at year here good, 125, very good and beyond 130 species, excellent. There were six new patch birds seen this year which included Wood Warbler, Garganey, Rock Pipit, Pink footed Goose, Egyptian Goose and Barnacle Goose which takes my personal Nethergong list to 154 species which does not include birds recorded at night. I made 105 visits throughout the year and recorded the following times during the months for 'Nocmig'. The 'first of the year' noted in brackets.

January     7                (White fronted Geese)

February   14               (Long eared Owl, Little Grebe)

March       22               (Avocet, Wigeon, Brent Geese, Common Scoter, Bittern)

April         13               

May         13

June         1

July         11               (Oystercatcher)

August    10

September    5

October       11

November   4

December   3

Although the early part of the year up until March was quite productive, it was generally a poor year for recording species at night in the area. This could be down to a number of factors including poor equipment (hopefully an upgrade to come soon) choice of locations recording, weather patterns and lack of birds generally moving. I would have expected to pick up a few more waders at night throughout the year including Redshank, Greenshank etc. Hopefully next year will prove a little better on this front. 

It was also great this year to observe and photograph a Beaver on the site which made the owners, Jed and Christine very happy. Add to this, a good range of dragonfly, damselfly and butterfly species noted and this area continues to produce some outstanding wildlife experiences. I have extended the boundary of the patch a little to include the southern end of Chislet Marshes from Chitty Lane and I hope that a few more species will be able to be seen throughout the year. 

Overall, it's been another brilliant year. I think finding a Wood Warbler on my birthday was probably my highlight and just goes to show with perseverance and knowing your patch, what can turn up. I just wonder what was missed also. I'm sure there are still more birds to be seen and found here and no doubt, 2025 will deliver some ornithological surprises. Many thanks as ever to Jed and Christine for allowing me access to bird the Nethergong campsite. That just leaves me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a bird filled New Year. 

Garganey 

Tree Pipit

Wood Warbler (It's in there)

Firecrest