Trip reports

Field Meeting at Elmley

Thursday, 20 November 2008

Though clouds and a cold wind threatened at times, we had a fine, clear and enjoyable day with a total of 44 species.
Generally there were large numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Lapwing and Curlew. Of course we were at the
wrong time as regards tide and migration, however just two other wading birds from the hides
overlooking the 'flood' and adjacent areas caused comparison with Oare Marshes!
We had good views of a variety of waders from the Swale hide, including Black-tailed Godwit, Grey
Plover and Turnstone 'weed-turning'.
There were several Kestrels; one headless corpse suggested the work of a Peregrine.
On the walk back from the hides we were rewarded with a Water Rail seen then heard in the reeds.
We'd had a very brief glimpse of a Little Owl in the oaks at the start, and we finished at the car park
(good to see the House Sparrows) with a Goldcrest close enough to touch!
Nick Barlow