Re: Aiki, GrahamC and Shane re-visit of Rainham Marshes.

Superb set of shots Graham! Love the Sprawk and Dabchick (?) chick!!

Thanks Birdie Wild, Im very happy you enjoyed it and it makes the day even better knowing others have enjoyed the reports and pics

Anothe great report and photos Graham it shows how much you all enjoyed the day out, can't wait for Aiki,s contribution.

Thanks for your report Graham, I love the Little Grebe chick, the shots I took were poor, and the Sparrow Hawk I just could not catch it in flight. The Marsh frogs were off one of the platforms sticking out in the water in the area where we had to crawl under the fence after hitting the dead end. I must admit at the time I was unsure if they were frogs as I am well overdue another eye test and booked one when i got home, it was only when viewing it on the computer i saw they were frogs.

I too look forward to our next day out.

Shane

Another excellent report Graham, followed by beautiful photos as ever. I particularly like the cow. No comments please! LOL.

Hi Sparrow

Heres another shot of the cow having just dropping a pat that looked just like a pylon ;-)

Great report, Graham. Highly amusing as always. No carrot cake - hope you didn't get withdrawal symptoms.

Fab shot of the Little Grebelet; what a little stunner it is. How you took the photo of the Sparrowhawk without falling over I shall never know.

Shane

Hi Sparrow

Heres another shot of the cow having just dropping a pat that looked just like a pylon ;-)

LOL

Thanks Shane & Graham,

I love reading your reports of your days out,

you always see so much & have a fun day out,

plenty of butterflies & dragonflies about by the looks of things,

Thanks again for sharing

Hi Sugar, thank you for your kind words I'm sure I can speak for Graham and say, part of the day out is being able to share it with all on here afterwards.

Shane

Love your report too Graham and the photos, what a great day you all had, I'm so pleased for you all.

Hi Shane & Graham,

For various reasons I haven't visited this site too much recently, but I'm glad I picked up this interesting report! Lovely pics as usual, especially the dragonfly & butterfly ones.  Also the aerial sparrowhawk one is amazing! Love to join you guys again at some point - I have great Lee Valley memories!

Hi Keeta, funny thing is we said we had not heard from you for a while, it would be great to meet again, Rye Meads looks like the next visit in the hope to get Kingfisher pics. Thanks for your comments and glad you liked the pics.

Thanks for the great report and photos, guys :) It was a great day, and i got my Small Red-eyes so I'm reet happy! I don't have a lot to add, report-wise, but here's a few piccies... first some Chicory, super-pretty flower.

My version of one of the Little Grebelets. I hadn't noticed before that they have white eyebrow markings, set at an anxious angle.

The Kestrel that nearly collided with us. My closer pics were all blurry, sadly.

A female Common Blue Damselfly of the blue form, bit more interesting than the sludge-coloured 'drab' form.

A male Common Darter...

... and a female Ruddy Darter. Something's had a bite out of her wing.

The obliging Sprawk (you could have picked a better position light-wise though, sprawk...)

Small Tortie enjoying the Buddleia.

I'll end with the star of the show (albeit a ropey photo...) male Small Red-eyed Damselfly :)

Wow, the chicory flower is gorgeous, and a superb photo Aiki. Well done with the red eyes.

I'm glad you enjoyed the day out and hope it won't be long before your internet is sorted and you are back with us more often.