Oare Marshes

We have now hit the mid-June doldrums.  A week waylaid by tonsilitis and now the welcome start of the World Cup will make this month dominated by the sofa.

It was great to head out today though and in the company of Dominic Mitchell, spent an enjoyable day at Oare Marshes.

Highlights were this drake Garganey, that in between naps, spent most of its time dabbling close to one of the islands densely populated by around 300 summering Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit.

'Napoleon' has also returned, and a prolonged wait was finally rewarded with laughable views of the Bonaparte's Gull, seen hunkered low down on 'Godwit' island, mostly obscured by waders, but occasionally its jet black head and grey-ish upperparts did appear into view.


Also of interest was a vocal Cuckoo seen perched on a dead tree, a single Yellow Wagtail flew through, Bearded Tit 'pinged' from the reeds by the channel, and a distant Red Kite tussled the breeze beyond the bridge.  A dozen Avocet were present around the reserve, as was a Common Redshank.  A Marsh Harrier was seen distantly on the far side of the Swale.  A Peregrine was seen perched high on an electricity pylon, and a total of three Mediterranean Gull were seen, two adults and a 1st summer.


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