A 'Swift' Twitch

With my Kent list at a more respectable 331 species having added Two Barred and Parrot Crossbill last week, news broke of a Pallid Swift at Foreness which had been seen on and off for a few days. A few birders had tried in previous days without much success and I even heard that 5 Pallid Swifts had been seen in the area recently. I had no intention of making a birding trip today but after washing the cars I noticed that a Pallid Swift was again showing well at Foreness. A call to Phil Parker confirmed its attendance and so with the sun shining I made the dash there hoping to see another new Kent bird. On arrival c30 minutes later I met a few local birders and within a few minutes a Swift could be seen distantly over the cliff tops. I was told it would eventually make its way towards me but with the excitement of a new bird I could not wait and decided to go and walk further down the coast. Not long after the PALLID SWIFT was much nearer and through binoculars a few features could be picked out, the dark eye standing out well and the pale fringed breast along with the general paleness of the bird. Photos were going to be a challenge but after watching the bird for some while I put myself in an area where occasionally it flew by allowing me to grab a few rushes efforts, most attempts being of tails, wings and some blurred but in between them were a few usable efforts. Whilst photographing and chatting to other birders a second Pallid Swift was also seen along with a few House Martin and Swallow. Wow, 2 PALLID SWIFTS in one day and my Kent list jumping to 332 species. With some excellent views of the birds I made my way back to the car and home for a Sunday roast.

Pallid Swift