Trip reports

Trips to the North Kent Marshes 10th-11th Feb

Monday, 12 February 2007

Saturday started off gloomy as persistant rain all the way down the A2 put a dampner on the day, until reaching Oare nature reserve and the rain finally stopped. Walking around the perimeter of the reserve, bearded tits were heard pinging away with one or two flying up from the reeds and promptly diving back into cover. Reaching the estuary, a drake Red-breasted Merganser was seen preening at the water's edge.
Amongst the waders, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Redshank and Curlew were observed. Walking East along the seawall, we came across two of the star birds that were frequenting the area, a Great Northern Diver and a
Red-necked Grebe. Returning to the reserve , another birdwatcher waved us over to where the long-staying Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well.
We moved onto Elmley RSPB reserve, which was quiet, although, large flocks of Starlings and Lapwings with smaller flocks of Golden Plover, swirling around were impressive.
As the light faded, we moved on to the Capel Fleet Raptor viewpoint, where up to 10 Marsh Harriers were seen together as they came into their night roost. A Merlin dashed through, A male Hen Harrier lazily patrolled a field and distant views were had of the over-wintering Rough-legged Buzzard. Grey Partridge and a few Corn Buntings were seen.
Athough the weather as better on Sunday, despite strenuous scanning, none of Saturday's star birds were seen, although excellent views were had of Rock Pipit.
Again, Elmley was quiet, but on leaving, those on the right -hand side of the bus were treated to a pair of Merlins raced past the bus.
At the viewpoint, again Marsh Harriers were in abundance, one mobbing a perched Peregrine. A female Hen Harrier was also noted, but no sighting of the Rough Legged Buzzard.
A flock of 60+ Corn Bunting along the telephone wires was a notable sighting along with covey's of Red-legged Partridge.
On our way off Sheppey, driving around one of the round-abouts a cry of "Barn Owl" from those on the left-hand side of the bus, had me turning the bus around to retrace our route, but the owl had flown.