Oare W

Initially foggy and autumnal, developing into a hot sunny morning. Walked westward and deep into TQ past the FSB. Sandwich Terns were calling, and a mournful whistling came from a flock of c 40 Golden Plovers appearing out of the mist. 22 Linnets were atop the seawall in the seeded flora; with Shoveler and 2 Little Grebes just discernible in the main dyke. c 50 Stock Doves were near Uplees copse; Goldfinches were flocking and 2 Greenfinches with them on thistle heads. Cetti`s song was fore-shortened , but loud, and  the first for several weeks. Nice to find the elusive Whinchat—with Stonechat—in the same bush. Common Terns were plunge diving in the Swale and a flock of c 60 Curlew were Sheppey side. a Greenshank was probing the muddy runnels and Common Gull numbers have started to build with a group of 17 on the foreshore. Whimbrels continue to be present—-one interestingly facing-off with a Curlew. Starlings joined Lesser Whitethroats at the blackberry harvest, and Dan`s Dock serpents were again active—a copious supply of toadlets are now to hand for easy pickings.
Mike Roser

Whinchat (L)
Greenshank / Mike Roser