Yesterday afternoon a Red-rumped Swallow was reported over a cabbage field in Kent. I didn't give it much thought until it was re-identified as an American Cliff Swallow! Having missed the Minsmere bird in 2016 I was keen to make the trip. However, events conspired against us, Brian was busy and wasn't available until late afternoon, by which time the Dartford crossing had been closed and there were two-hour delays. We decided we would wait until today and go if positive news came through.
The overnight weather forecast was in our favour and by 7am this morning the bird had been seen flying between the Captain Digby Pub and the car park. We left at 9am and after a clear run arrived at Joss Bay car park at 10.50am. On route, the swallow had been reported over the cabbage field once again. Upon arrival, we joined the other birders present, who were split up into several small groups stretched out along the edge of the cabbage field. The bird had not been seen for half an hour or so.
Brian had been rushing around at home before we left and had managed to leave his camera and bins at home! He borrowed Dad's bins and within a few minutes was shouting to the gathered birders that he had picked up the swallow flying along the cliff face towards us. We enjoyed several views as it circled over the cabbage field and along the cliffs within a small flock of House Martins, Sand Martins, and a single Swallow.
It had taken seven years after missing the Minsmere bird but today I finally managed to add American Cliff Swallow to my life list.
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| Joss Bay |
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| Cabbage Field and North Foreland Lighthouse |
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