Waders at the Hanson-ARC site are getting more interesting by the day, with a Temminck's stint turning up yesterday evening. Unfortunately, it hasn't been seen yet today but a curlew sandpiper was spotted. Two wood and several common and green sandpipers were also there yesterday and the pectoral sandpiper was seen in the morning.
The great white egret is still on Denge Marsh but bittern sightings have decreased over the past few days.
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.
The female goosander remains on the ARC site and the great white egret is still being seen on Denge Marsh. A little gull, 154 golden plovers and a single bar-tailed godwit were also seen at the ARC site this morning along with whimbrel and wood sandpiper.
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
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.