After a brief appearance at Denge Marsh on Saturday the rather elusive cattle egret is now showing well in the field beyond the lake to the right of the entrance track just past Boulderwall Farm.
A good variety of waders around the site over the weekend included up to 300 golden plovers, 80 knot, three ruff, several common sandpipers and a little stint. Three black terns were seen at the ARC site on Sunday. Passerines around the site included several yellow wagtails and wheatears, a redstart and lesser whitethroat on the return trail and three spotted flycatchers - two in Christmas Dell and one at Hooker's pits.
Youngsters taking part in our Marsh harrier scavenger trail during our Family Fun weekend turned out to have super scavenging skills! Children set out with goodie bags and a challenge sheet to collect 10 items including something that someone in their family liked the smell of or a pebble smaller than a pound coin. Children each received super scavenger certificates and a chance to enter the prize draw. The winners of a copy of Bill Oddie's How to watch wildlife were Keane and Acacia from Hythe. Well done to everyone who took part and we hope to see you all at the reserve again very soon for more family fun. Check out our website to find out when the next family events will be.
A purple heron was seen briefly at Denge Marsh this afternoon. It's a juvenile bird, not one of our youngsters from last year, so has presumably strayed over from the continent.
Sadly there has been no sign of the white-rumped sandpiper since Sunday.
A white-rumped sandpiper was found on the ARC site at about 3 o’clock. It was still there ten minutes ago on the island nearest the hide. Also of note today: wood sandpiper, knot, dunlin, great white egret and whimbrel.
We're busy getting geared up for our family Fun Days on Saturday and Sunday. This should be a fun-packed weekend for all the family. Activities include pond-dipping, face-painting, bug hunting, competitions, games, guided walks and much more! There's free entry to the reserve all weekend and a free goody bag for all kids. Let's hope for good weather but even if it's raining there'll be plenty to do indoors in our spacious classroom.
The full programme for the weekend can be seen here