New Patch Species starts a great weekend!

Having made the effort to get up at 6am on Friday 19th August, and do a walk around the patch, I was pleasantly surprised to find 3 Whinchats and then a Northern Wheatear. At just after 06.30 I was walking along the hedgerow along the fields adjoining the paddocks. The sun was up and a despite some threatening clouds and cool easterly wind, it was pleasant and fresh. As I neared the junction of the fields I saw a large sparrow-sized bird sitting atop a bush and as I raised my bins I saw a splendid Juv/1st Winter RED-BACKED SHRIKE. This was my third RBS find for Kent in the past 4 years but was the first for the patch and so was a great thrill. After heading back to the house to get my camera and phone, I returned with Virginia to get some record shots of the bird. Shortly after, Gerald and Nigel arrived and got some good views. It was last recorded at midday, although it was seen by several other local birders. Other birds of note were 4 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroats.