Trip reports

Minsmere - May 07

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

A full coachload of 49 set off just after 8 am. Everyone was at their pick-up points on time as we headed for the Dartford Tunnel. Unfortulately the M25 was closed and so we were detoured onto the A13. We had an interesting run through the lovely countryside, eventually rejoining the A12 and on to Minsmere.

The day was damp and breezy but not enough to spoil the birdwatching. Over 75 species were seen, including the Bittern which was also heard booming by most of us. Summer plumaged Black-Tailed Godwits, Knots and Turnstones were great to see and of course the Avocets with their blue legs were nesting. Marsh Harries displayed in front of the Bittern Hide and a lucky few saw Redstarts in the wood. The Swallows at the sluice gate were showing off their brilliant plumage as one looked down on them.

On the journey home it appeared everyone had enjoyed themselves. We drove through torrential rain and the Tonbridge by-pass was closed with stop-start traffic from before Morley's roundabout through to Tonbridge. Some amazing maneuvers by the driver got us through faster than most cars! The joys of going by coach and not driving yourself!