1130—1300 A near gale from the W/NW as high tide approached. Plenty of activity on the E flood, but reed growth is giving restricted viewing of the small party Curlew Sandpipers and other smaller waders in the SW shallows. An impressive party of 33 Greenshanks circuited the flood, calling continuously. The bulk of the circa 1000 Black-tailed Godwit flock and equally…
Author: Michael
Oare Marshes
1300—1430 Blustery SW and hint of further rain. A short walk round part of E flood. Water levels were lower than of late, and muddy surrounds attracted returning waders.Tide was falling with much of the Redshank flock departing for salt water margins. 8 Curlew Sandpipers were largely associating with the Redshanks; and a few score Dunlin were widely dispersed. One…
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
19-7-17 Turtle dove heard purring in picnic area at 17:20. also little egret x 3, Curley x 1 (East Lake), mistle thrush x 2, kingfisher x 3, Mandarin duck x 1 female, swift x 15+, pochard x 4. 15-7-17 Red kite (flying over from North), hobby x 1. 12-7-17 Kingfisher x 1 (Carter Hide), little-ringed plover x 2, grey wagtail…
Oare marshes
1400—1630 A near SW gale of Mistral warmth took me westward. In an hour`s watching two Grass Snakes at Dan`s Dock I failed to see them catch a frog, although there was a great deal of underwater activity. Surface scanning Marsh Frogs seemed transfixed at the stealth of the snakes which appeared frequently on the surface, well camouflaged in water…
Oare
The Bonaparte`s Gull continues to provide long-staying views—unlike the brevity of Saturday`s other American visitor. Oare`s muddy foreshore is favourite, where very short darting flights and determined gait seem to ensure an adequate supply of marine worms. The black bill is delicately pointed and not as robust as the Black-headed Gull. The narrow eye-arcs contrast with the near-black hood– (light…
Oare and beyond
1000—1630 Pleasantly warm and plenty of eyes and ears around the site , with KOS to the fore , plus other well known personalities ! I was joined by Dave P. and Keith C. watching the Bonaparte`s Gull in different locations including the shoreline , main W dyke and E flood during the morning. Some excellent images were immediately available…
Oare Marshes
The Adult Bonaparte’s Gull was feeding on the mud shoreline all morning and moved on to the East Flood at rising to High Tide around 14.00hrs. The main event of the day was 70 Mediterranean Gulls that flew into the East flood at 10.00hrs they moved on again after roosting for a short while; around 6 stayed on into the…
Oare
It says something when artists are out at 0500— finding, sketching and having the work on social media the same day. Well done Norman Mc.! The Bonaparte`s Gull was still on the muddy foreshore when I returned from reptile hunting some few hours later. Greenshank, and Ruff / Reeve were again on the E flood together with a Mediterranean Gull.…
Oare Marshes
07 07 17 0830–0900 Hot and humid, with horticultural duties to follow, and Napoleon cherries a pre-cursor to Bonaparte`s Gull ! A few obs included Ruff and Reeve; 1 Spotted Redshank (the predominately all dark individual); Peregrine, Mediterranean Gulls and a smart Common Gull. Water Rail squealed but remained hidden. 08 07 17 1330—1230 On cue date-wise, and thanks to…
Oare E
0830—1030 Humid with a threat of thunderstorms, which in the event failed to materialise. Met up with Dave P for a short circuit. Waders starting to materialise with 2 distinctly different Ruff /Reeve—the former in colourful black/ orange plumage. 6 Dunlin were feeding alongside the Blk tailed Godwits and c 30 Dunlin left the scrape northwards, presumably for the Sheppey…