Trip reports

Oare Marshes

Wednesday, 8 April 2009

As we approached the reserve the clouds lifted, and despite a cool north-west breeze we enjoyed warm sunshine and blue skies with 42 species seen.
Two Swallows had been seen on the way in, and the two Avocets on the West flood were the first of several seen around the reserve. There were several Reed Bunting, House Sparrows and Meadow Pipits in the vicinity of the car park; but few waders on the mudflats. In the reeds, Bearded Tits were unusually active and seen by everyone with some having super views, also a Sedge Warbler was singing and seen by some. There were a few Linnets around, and a couple of House Martin flew past (the first this year for all of us).
Waders included a few Snipe and Black-tailed Godwits; from the hide we saw 4 Little Stint scampering to and fro, and then had even better views from the road. After lunch we watched Marsh Harriers over Sheppey, and past the West flood there were 40+ Curlew on the fields.