Two rare birds in Kent, mid April 2024
The Hoopoe ( Upupa epops ) is a striking bird recognized by its distinctive crown of feathers. In the UK, Hoopoes are very rare breeders with no established breeding pairs reported. They are primarily seen as occasional visitors during migration in spring and autumn. They are considered to be ‘overshooting’ birds from Europe. The number of these birds in the UK during winter is extremely low. Hoopoes generally migrate from their breeding grounds in central and southern Europe to winter in Africa, showcasing a clear pattern of moving southward as the colder months approach . This bird was feeding on the dunes at Greatstone for a few days before moving on to parts unknown. A fantastic looking bird and fairly calm, considering the attention it was getting! Ferruginous Duck ( Aythya nyroca ) is a small diving duck. In the UK, it is a rare and irregular breeder with approximately 1-2 breeding pairs reported in recent years. Wintering numbers are slightly higher, with estimates suggesti