Spring

Blackcap and Chiffchaff from out the back of Regency Place.

Plans

Out of Canterbury at present. This April/May I plan to begin visiting one or two of the nature reserves nearest to Canterbury.

Recently, I visited Covert Woods with a group. These are great woods for blue tits and other birds and for the Green Woodpecker.

Time now 11am date April 8

Various

One Kestral flying over the woods at the end of Regency Place at 1640 yesterday. This morning a Great Tit on the garden feeder, a Dunnock on the lawn, and a Robin also present.

Time now: 9.13 (8.03.07)

Looking forward

I hope to continue birding in and around Canterbury for at least as long as it takes to finish my studies here (ending in summer 2008). I look forward to seeing species such as brent geese, ruff, shore lark, bittern, hobby, merlin, bewick swan, etc etc. I'm sure I will be able to see most of these types providing I continue to venture in to bird friendly places.

I feel I also should mention my recent visits to Howletts Wildlife park where they have some extraordinary animals to see. I was incredibly impressed by the range of different animals that are cared for at Howletts and the excellent condition in which they are kept. Well worth a visit.

29.12.06 Time now 0428.

Left Canterbury

I have left Canterbury behind along with its high river levels. I attended a good bat talk at Canterbury Christchurch University in the Powell building a few weeks ago. I shall be back on January 6th or there abouts and will look forward to visiting the marshes and the coast again then.

Time now 1620/4.15pm. Date 12/12/2006.

Not a lot

I haven't really been taking a good look around recently so I haven't seen much. The wagtails that live between Asda and the bike path are interesting to look at.

Time now 1927. 27.11.2006.

Policy

I think I will endeavour to make it a policy not to comment on protected species on this page. This is for the protection of the species in and around Canterbury.

Time now 9.41am 17.11.2006

Hobby

Alas I feel I have been ornithologically rebuked, for, the Falcon was not a Falcon a la Peregrine Falcon (which means, by the by, in loose terms, small falcon), but, a Hobby. I am fairly sure of this.

Time now 9.32am Friday 17.11.06

Update 29.12.06. Time 04.18. After looking at a good photograph of a Hobby I feel that by the colourings of the bird I saw resembling a falcon was indeed a Peregrine. The markings around its face were suggestive of Peregrine. Also its boldness and strength of flight point to a Peregrine falcon, a strong bird capable of preying birds as large as geese.