0715—1000  Blustery from the S/SW with significant showers in the estuary. With some site clearance work on the E flood margins it was prudent to walk W to the FSB. No sign of the recent Osprey lingering—as reported by Murray W and John S. Some Black T Godwits are in stunning plumage presently and deserve accolade for `best dressed` sp. Family party of Green Woodpeckers were marshland visitors; Sand Martins, Swallows and Swifts were in numbers collectively moving west; a Meadow Pipit lingered with food for nestlings which were sited at the base of entangled Salsify and grasses. circa 80 Curlew were along Sheppey banks and Whimbrel were probing the seawall rocky foreshore. Grey Plovers were prominent in summer dress and a Green Sandpiper was at a favoured dyke. Common Terns and a Buzzard completed the early (ish) scene. Graeme B reported a Yellow-legged Gull in Oare creek. The stands of Toadflax continue to spread in the damp rank grassland near Dan`s Dock.
Mike R

Clockwise from top left: Toadflax
Meadow Pipit
Green Woodpecker
Black-tailed Godwits
Green Sandpiper /Mike Roser