Can't believe I forgot to include Leeds Castle in my last update. Again, not a birdwatching trip as such, but plenty of wonderful birds there, and in one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine.
The lake, moat and gardens have swans, geese, ducks and other birds aplenty :
Peacocks roam the grounds, and for the first time ever, I saw peachicks :
There were wagtails all around the castle walls, but one of the most striking birds was the jackdaw. They were everywhere, competing with the geese for the food some of the visitors were providing. But one of the best sights was a jackdaw that kept flying in and out of a gap in one of the walls - to a nest by the sound of it. It certainly didn't like it if you came anywhere near the wall (I kept my distance) :
There are raptor displays at Leeds Castle too :
I feel uneasy about these (captivity and performing), here and at Eagle Heights - but it is amazing to see these birds which I might not otherwise see, or at least not so close.
Caught a few shots of dragonflies too :
All right, the same dragonflies but from different angles.
Leeds Castle is one of my favourite places - so much to see. I still can't believe I forgot to include it!
I've not been out and about much this month, which has been particularly frustrating as the weather has been so good. My garden has fortunately been full of life, particularly with young house sparrows, starlings and goldfinches all competing for attention and food. Down by the seaside I've also been lucky enough to watch terns diving - spent a good hour watching them - no camera though.
Only two brief visits to Elmley, some highlights of which were :
I had to go up to London one day and managed about an hour in Dulwich Park - nice to see all the old favourites :
And finally, I had a great day out at Eagle Heights in Eynsford. I know it doesn't count as birdwatching - but it's a wonderful place to see some very exciting raptors up close, including during the flying displays. And there are some other surprises there too. It's also set in the most beautiful scenery, with panoramic views of the Kent countryside.
So it's not been all bad - but I'm looking forward to getting out and about more in Kent and beyond maybe while the weather's good.
