Oare Marshes

These are heady days, footballing success coupled with a protracted period of hot weather.  Some might call these 'good times'.

Oare Marshes was bathed in glorious summer sunshine, the warmth tempered by a refreshing breeze.  A three week gap between visits and how different it was since the last trip down to this fabulous wetland site.

Wader numbers have increased as have the variety in species.  Autumn migration has commenced, evidenced by greater numbers of 'Icelandic' Black-tailed Godwit, some very smart individuals in their fantastic rustic plumage.

There were more Avocet than a few weeks ago, a few juveniles were feeding on the flood.  Similarly, Common Redshank numbers were up with many young birds present.  At least six Ruff had arrived still in their breeding attire, as had a Spotted Redshank similarly in it's dark summer plumage.  Two juvenile Little Ringed Plover were scampering along the fringes of the exposed mud.

There were some stars in town.  Four Black-winged Stilt were still present, presumably having bred nearby or perhaps wanderers from the near continent.  Two of these were young birds seen here hunkered down on the island.

The shimmering heat giving the feel of a South European wetland.

Seeing a Turtle Dove these days is such a thrill.  So rare and so localised.  It's been a sad decline, symptomatic of changing agricultural practices, habitat destruction, and relentless persecution.  There were at least two birds here.  This one paused briefly before flicking away into cover.

The Bonaparte's Gull showed much better today, this time on the slipway before being flushed to the shoreline. A couple of smart adult Mediterranean Gull were present, one accompanying a juvenile around the reserve.