Oare Marshes Latest Sightings

April 2007

Kent Wildlife Trust

KWT has an unmissable opportunity to achieve huge gains for wildlife by purchasing a 35 acre extension to this popular reserve. Click here to find out how you can help.

Reporting Your Sightings

To help keep this page as up-to-date and informative as possible, please send your sightings and any pictures taken onsite (please see 'Guidelines for submissions' on the KOS Photo Gallery for details of how to resize your pics etc.) to Murray Wright, at murray_wright8@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Other Wildlife

Mammals: A Brown Hare dashing around in front of the East Hide on the 3rd. 3 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 4th. 15+ Common Seals on the 5th. 12+ Common Seals on the 9th. 16+ Common Seals on Horse Sands, 2 Brown Hares around the South East Scrape and a freshly dead Mole(!) along the sea wall to the west on the 10th. 6+ Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 11th. 1 Red Fox at Uplees on the 14th. 1 Brown Hare near the West Hide on the 15th. 15+ Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 16th and 17th.  A Brown Hare at Uplees and 12 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 18th. 2 Brown Hares around the West Flood on the 22nd. 1 Brown Hare at Uplees on the 23rd. 1 Brown Hare at Uplees and 10+ Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 26th. A Weasel at Uplees on the 26th. A Brown Hare at Uplees on the 30th.

Amphibians: Marsh Frogs much in evidence from the 4th onwards.

Reptiles: A Slow-worm was near the sea sluice on the 23rd.

Insects: A Small White and a Peacock on the 1st. 2 Red Admirals near the Sea Wall hide on the 5th. Several Peacocks and Small Whites on the 7th. A Green-veined White on the 8th. Several Peacocks and Small Whites on the 9th. More Peacocks and Small Whites on the 10th. Several Peacocks on the 11th. Lots of Peacocks and Small Whites, plus several Green-veined Whites on the 13th p.m. A Small Copper reported near the sea sluice on the 16th. Several Peacocks and Small Whites on the 21st. 2 Hairy Dragonflies in the ditch by the East Hide on the 25th.

146 species have been recorded in the area so far this year

April 30th

Late news from Friday 27th when a Spoonbill was present on the West Flood early evening - the first reported this year (Michael Onslow). Whimbrel numbers today: 22 on the saltmarsh, 2 on the New West Scrape, 3 on the West Flood, 1 on the East Flood, 4 on the sheepfields and 2 at Uplees. A pair of Grey Partridges were on the sheepfields with a second pair near Uplees again. Also at Uplees this morning: 3 Wheatears (2 males and 1 female), 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Turtle Dove in the copse, and 2 Golden Plovers and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on the mud. A pair of Marsh Harriers were active over the west side. 2 Avocets and 9 Tufted Ducks were on the New West Scrape. 5 Common Terns were on the Swale. On the East Flood: 2 Little Stints, 1 Greenshank, 2 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, a pair of Pochard and 9 Common Swifts, and small numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins over. The Lesser Whitethroat was showing well by the entrance to the path to the West Hide, and a Red-legged Partridge and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers were in the paddocks.

(Murray Wright)

April 29th

A summer plumaged Spotted Redshank was on the West Flood this morning, plus 1 Greenshank over, 6 Whimbrel, 1 pair of Pochard, 15 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese and a pair of Marsh Harriers. 16 more Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh, and 13 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud east of the slipway. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 1 Greenshank, 4 Avocets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, a pair of Pochard, 3 Little Egrets and 2 Common Terns, a Hobby, plus good numbers of hirundines and swifts in the murky conditions this morning: circa 100 House Martins, circa 25 Sand Martins, circa 40 Swallows and 20 Common Swifts. The Lesser Whitethroat was showing well in the paddocks, plus 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove, and 1 Cuckoo there. Another Lesser Whitethroat was still singing at Uplees copse, plus a singing Cetti's Warbler, a pair of Wheatears, and a pair of Grey Partridges on the sheepfields.

(Murray Wright)

April 28th

Two drake Garganey were on the West Flood today, plus 1 male Ruff, 4+ Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plovers and 4 Gadwall. 22 Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh at high tide, plus 6 on the sheepfields and 2 on the mud at Uplees. Also at Uplees today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler in the copse, and 1 female Wheatear, 2 Grey Partridges and 2 Golden Plovers nearby. One of the regular Little Owls was near Dan's Dock again. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks and 2 Common Terns. More swifts and hirundines were over the reserve today - circa 25 Common Swifts, circa 50 Swallows (plus the regular pair around the sea sluice) and 3 House Martins. 16 Bar-tailed Godwits flew west along the Swale. A pair of Marsh Harriers were over the west side again. The pair of Avocets were still on the New West Scrape. 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Turtle Dove were in the paddocks.

(John Pymm and Murray Wright)

April 27th

Two more species new for the year were recorded this morning: a Yellowhammer around the East Flood (a difficult bird to find in the area these days), and a Hobby flying across the Swale from Sheppey at 07:45 and then continuing off south over the West Flood. A good late April record this morning was a winter plumaged Great Northern Diver off the slipway heading west along the Swale on the incoming tide. 16 Whimbrel were by the causeway this morning, with 7 more near Uplees copse. Also at Uplees this morning: 9 Swallows, 2 Grey Partridges, and 1 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover and 1 Curlew on the mud there. 5 Marsh Harriers were over the West Flood, with 2 heading north across the Swale to Sheppey. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 2 Greenshanks, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Avocets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, 1 Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Terns, plus 2 Common Swifts flying east and 4 House Martins over. The regular pair of Swallows were around the sea sluice. Again no sign of the Nightingale opposite the cottages today, but 1 calling Turtle Dove and 1 Lesser Whitethroat there. 3 Canada Geese were on the new fields. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock again. A Spoonbill present on the West Flood early evening was the first reported this year.

(Geoff Burton, Michael Onslow and Mick Southcott)

April 26th

2 Common Swifts flying north over the reserve this morning were the first reported this year. 9 Common Terns were around the slipway at high tide, with 14 Whimbrel roosting on the saltmarsh and 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls flying over. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Brent Goose, 1 drake Ruddy Duck, 3 Pochard and 2 Little Egrets. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock. At Uplees copse: 1 male Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Cuckoo, with 2 more Whimbrels on the mud there. On the West Flood: 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Pochard, 12 Tufted Ducks and 6 Gadwall. In the paddocks: no sign of the Nightingale today, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove and 2 Red-legged Partridge. Several Bearded Tit's were pinging near the Sea Wall hide. On the new fields south of the sea sluice along Oare Creek: 1 female Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Sand Martins.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 25th

2 Little Terns fishing on the Swale mid-morning were new for the year, plus 4 Sandwich Terns and 5 Common Terns. 11 Whimbrel were roosting on the saltmarsh west of the slipway at high tide, with 4 more on the West Flood and 11 on the sheepfields. A single Golden Plover, a pair of Grey Partridges and a pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were also on the sheepfields. A second pair of Grey Partridges were at Uplees copse, plus 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a pair of Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, and a male Wheatear nearby. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 1 Whimbrel, 1 drake Ruddy Duck, a pair of Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mediterranean Gulls over and a male Marsh Harrier. The Nightingale was still singing today, plus 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 2 Cuckoos. A White Wagtail was on the new fields along Oare Creek. Sedge and Reed Warblers now present in good numbers throughout the area.

(Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

April 24th

A fine male Whinchat in the paddocks was new for the year and a good spring record. Also in the paddocks today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, 1 Blackcap, 1 singing Nightingale and 2 Cuckoos. On the East Flood today: 1 drake Ruddy Duck, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 6 Redshanks, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Avocets, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets and a pair of Pochard. 3 Wheatears were around the New West Scrape, plus 2 Avocets, but sadly the lone drake Pintail appears to have met an untimely demise! 5 Whimbrel were west of the slipway this morning, with 11 more on the sheepfields this afternoon. The Lesser Whitethroat was still in the copse at Uplees this afternoon, plus a pair of Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 2 male Wheatears, and on the mud there 3 Whimbrel and  4 Golden Plovers. 2 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns and 7 Mute Swans were on the Swale. A pair of Marsh Harriers were over the west side. Also today: several Mediterranean Gulls heard; 2 Little Owls; circa 8 Swallows; circa 6 Yellow Wagtails over; 8+ Sedge Warblers; 6+ Reed Warblers; 3 singing Cetti's Warblers; and the escaped Harris's Hawk over Sheppey again.

(Geoff Burton, Mick Sinden, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 23rd

2 Sandwich Terns on the Swale early morning were the first for the year, plus 4 Common Terns and 4 Great Crested Grebes on the Swale. 5 Whimbrel and 1 Black-tailed Godwit were on the mud west of the slipway. 17 Whimbrel, 3 Golden Plovers and a pair of Wheatears were on the sheepfields, with a pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls over. A Lesser Whitethroat singing at Uplees copse was the second new bird for the year, plus a second pair of Wheatears, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Reed Warbler there, and 3 more Whimbrel on the mud. On the East Flood today: 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Stints, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, a pair of Pochards and 1 Little Egret. The Nightingale was singing opposite the cottages, plus 1 Blackcap and 1 Turtle Dove there, and 2 Whitethroats in the paddocks. The final new bird for the year and best find of the day was a superb male Ring Ouzel found by Margaret Rusbridge on the new fields west of Oare Creek around midday and still present at 16:30 this afternoon. Also today: a pair of Marsh Harriers over the west side; 1 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Little Egrets on the West Flood; 2 calling Cuckoos; a drake Pintail and a pair of Pochards on the New West Scrape; 3 singing Cetti's Warblers; 5 Reed Warblers; 8+ Sedge Warblers; 2 Little Owls in their usual locations; a pair of Mediterranean Gulls were over the floods this afternoon; a fifth Wheatear (a male) near the East Hide; 4 Yellow Wagtails; several Swallows; and the escaped Harris's Hawk over Harty Hill on Sheppey again.

(Geoff Burton, John Pymm, Mike Roser, Margaret Rusbridge and Murray Wright)

April 22nd

2 Common Sandpipers and 2 male Ruddy Ducks on the East Flood were the first records of both species this year. More Reed Warblers arrived overnight with now at least 5 birds singing: 3 between the car park and the Sea Wall hide, 1 behind the West Hide and 1 still near Uplees. Also at Uplees early morning: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Grey Partridges in the copse, and 4 Whimbrel and 7 Black-tailed Godwits on the mud. 4 Whimbrel, 3 Golden Plovers and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the sheepfields. 3 more Whimbrel were west of the slipway and a further 6 flew south along Faversham Creek. The Nightingale was singing well oppsite the cottages again, plus 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroats and a Cuckoo in the paddocks. 2 Little Stints were on the East Flood again this morning, plus 2 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls over. Also today: 2 Avocets on the New West Scrape; 1 Common Tern on the Swale; 8+ Sedge Warblers; 3 singing Cetti's Warblers; 6 Yellow Wagtails; a male Wheatear on the roof of the West Hide; a male Marsh Harrier over; 2 Little Owls - one sitting out on one of the blockhouses near Dan's Dock, and a second in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide again; 15 Canada Geese on the West Flood; and the escaped Harris's Hawk was around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey again.

(Ken Browne and Murray Wright)

April 21st

3 House Martins over the West Flood mid-morning were the first of the year. The Nightingale was singing well opposite the cottages, plus 1 Turtle Dove there, and 2 Whitethroats and a Cuckoo in the paddocks. 2 Little Stints and 2 Avocets were on the East Flood and a Little Ringed Plover was heard flying over. 7 Whimbrel and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the sheepfields near Dan's Dock with circa 100 Black-headed Gulls, and a Peregrine flew over chasing a Curlew. The Reed Warbler was still singing near Uplees, and 1 Whitethroat and 1 Cetti's Warbler were in the copse, 7 Whimbrel, 11 Golden Plovers and 22 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud, and 6 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Mediterranean Gulls were on the Swale. A Sparrowhawk flew south west over the West Flood, where there were 2 Wigeon and 12 Canada Geese. A single Brent Goose was on Horse Sands. 8 Sedge Warblers, 4+ Bearded Tits and 6+ Yellow Wagtails were around the East Flood, plus several Swallows. The solitary drake Pintail was still on the New West Scrape. 1 Whimbrel, 2 Ringed Plovers and 2 Avocets were around the slipway. 1 Little Owl was sitting out on one of the blockhouses near Dan's Dock, and a second was in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide again. A Red-legged Partridge was along the entrance road south of the cottages.

(Chris Gibbard, John Pymm, Mick Southcott and Murray Wright)

April 20th

The Nightingale was singing again today opposite the cottages, plus 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Whitethroat there, and 2 Yellow Wagtails over. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were around the slipway and 2 Avocets were on the East Flood.

(Mike Stevens)

April 19th

A Reed Warbler singing near Uplees this morning was the first reported in the area this year. At Uplees this morning: 1 male Blackcap, 1 male Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and several Linnets in the copse, 1 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets and 20 Golden Plovers were on the mud. 2 Whimbrel and 8 Golden Plovers were on the sheepfields, plus a male Wheatear just inland from Dan's Dock. The Nightingale was singing well opposite the cottages, plus 1 Turtle Dove and 1 male Blackcap there, and 2 Whitethroats and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers in the paddocks. 2 Common Terns flew south over the East Flood, and 2 Greenshanks flew west. A Little Owl was in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide again,  plus a Cuckoo calling nearby. 2 Avocets and a male Pintail were on the New West Scrape. Also today: a Sparrowhawk flew south west over the East Flood; a pair of Marsh Harriers around the west side; 1 Whimbrel and 1 Black-tailed Godwit by the slipway; 4 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek; several sightings of Mediterranean Gulls over the reserve; a pair of Wigeon and 6 Pochard on the West Flood; 8 singing Sedge Warblers around the East Flood; 4 Yellow Wagtails; and several Swallows.

(Murray Wright)

April 18th

Bird of the day was a superb Red Kite picked up by John Pymm flying low west over the reserve at 09:43 (same bird reported over the New Thanet Way at Whitstable at 09:12?). The Nightingale was singing well again this morning opposite the cottages, and the first Turtle Dove of the year was on wires along the track to the fishing ponds, plus a singing Cuckoo and 2 singing Whitethroats there. 10 adult Mediterranean Gulls (5 pairs) were on the sheepfields with circa 200 Black-headed Gulls early morning, plus several other sightings over the floods/Swale. A Blackcap was singing at Uplees copse plus circa 20 Linnets, also 23 Golden Plovers and 1 Black-tailed Godwit on the mud there, and 25 Curlews on the sheepfields. A Whimbrel was on the mud just west of the slipway and 37 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud opposite on Sheppey. 11 Canada Geese were on the West Flood at dawn before flying off towards Sheppey. A pair Wigeon, three Pochard and a drake Pintail were on the New West Scrape. Also today: a Spotted Redshank flew west over the floods mid-morning; a Little Ringed Plover was heard over the West Flood; 3+ Marsh Harriers over; a Little Owl was in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide again; a Wheatear was perched on the East Hide early morning; 8+ Sedge Warblers around the reserve; 3 singing Cetti's Warblers; several Bearded Tits; 2 Yellow Wagtails over; circa 20 Swallows flew west; and a Corn Bunting was along the entrance road on the bends south of the cottages.

(Geoff Burton, John Pymm and Murray Wright)

April 17th

A Nightingale singing opposite the cottages was the first recorded in the area for some years. The singing Blackcap was also opposite the cottages again, with a singing Whitethroat nearby and the regular bird still in the paddocks. On the East Flood today: a Whimbrel flew SW, 1 Little Stint, 1 Greenshank, circa 25 Redshanks, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets and 6 Pochard, also a pair of Greylag Geese with 4 young goslings. A Green Sandpiper flew west over the entrance road around midday. 4 Yellow Wagtails were around the reserve, and 6+ singing Sedge Warblers were in the reeds around the East Flood, plus several Bearded Tits. The pair of Avocets, 1 drake Pintail and 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. 12+ Sand Martins were over the fishing pits, and 4 Swallows were around the sea sluice. At Uplees this morning: 1 Whimbrel, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 36 Golden Plovers on the mud, and 15+ Linnets and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler in the copse. A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the sheepfields with Black-headed Gulls, plus 2 looking across to Sheppey from Uplees, and several other sightings of a pair over the reserve. 2 Common Terns and 4 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, and 6 Dunlin flew west. A Whimbrel was on the mud west of the slipway and 6 more flew north across the Swale there. Looking across to Sheppey 87 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud and the escaped Harris's Hawk was again over Harty Hill. A Little Owl was in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide again early morning, and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers were nearby. 12 Canada Geese were on the West Flood.

(Geoff Burton, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 16th

4 Common Terns on the Swale this morning were new for the year. A Cuckoo was calling on the west side today. At Uplees: 3 Black-tailed Godwits and 52 Golden Plovers on the mud, plus circa 100 Golden Plovers flew high west, and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 12 Linnets were in the copse. The male Blackcap and male Whitethroat were still in the paddocks, plus 1 Long-tailed Tit(!) and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers. 6+ Sedge Warblers and 4+ Bearded Tits were in the reeds around the East Flood. Also on the East Flood today: 1 Little Stint, 5 Black-tailed Godwits (plus 19 flew around the flood before heading off west), 1 Ringed Plover, circa 30 Redshanks, 2 Swallows by the sea sluice and 3 Yellow Wagtails. On the West Flood today: 2 Wigeon, 2 Pintail and 6 Gadwall. Mediterranean Gull sightings this morning: 2 adults flew east at circa 07:00, 2 adults were on the sheepfields at circa 08:00 with circa 300 hundred Black-headed Gulls, and 2 adults flew west at circa 08:15. A male Marsh Harrier flew north across the Swale circa 10:30. A Whimbrel and a Black-tailed Godwit were on the mud west of the slipway. 2 Avocets, 1 drake Pintail and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape.

(Murray Wright)

April 15th

A Cuckoo was at Uplees this morning, plus 1 Wheatear, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 16+ Linnets, 73 Golden Plovers and 2 Grey Partridges. Up to 6 Sedge Warblers were in song around the reserve, plus 4+ Bearded Tits. On the East Flood today: 2 Little Stints, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 2 Pochard and 3 Yellow Wagtails. On the West Flood today: 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Pintail, 2 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, circa 25 Tufted Ducks, 21 Canada Geese and 24 Greylag Geese. The singing Whitethroat was still in the paddocks, and the singing Blackcap was in the trees opposite the cottages again. One or two pairs of Mediterranean Gulls were seen over the reserve several times during the morning. 4 Fieldfares were reported in the fields behind the cottages this morning. The pair of Avocets were on the New West Scrape again, plus 2 Little Egrets. Also noted today: a male Hen Harrier flying NE; several Marsh Harriers over Nagden Marshes plus 3 around the reserve; 5 Sparrowhawks flying over SW - NE plus a pair displaying over the trees behind Uplees; 20+ Swallows; 15+ Sand Martins; and 3 singing Cetti's Warblers.

(Tony Lowry, Tom and Kay Robertson, and Murray Wright)

April 14th

Two more species reported for the first time this year: 2 Cuckoos calling through the early morning mist, and a singing Whitethtroat in the paddocks near the entrance to the path to the West Hide. A Blackcap was singing in Uplees copse with another singing in the trees opposite the cottages. Also at Uplees this morning: 1 1st summer male Wheatear again, 2 Grey Partridges, 1 singing Corn Bunting and a pair of Cetti's Warblers in the copse, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Avocets and circa 75 Golden Plovers on the mud, the leucistic Curlew on the saltmarsh, and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls over. 4 Yellow Wagtails were around the reserve this morning and 4 Sedge Warblers were singing from the reeds between the carpark and the sea sluice, plus 4+ Bearded Tits. Circa 25 Swallows flew west this morning, plus 2 around the sea sluice and 1 Sand Martin over. On the East Flood at high tide: 1 Little Stint, circa 25 Redshanks, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Pochard and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls over. 3 Marsh Harriers (2 males and one female) were calling high over the East Flood mid-morning, plus a pair hunting over the west side. A Green Sandpiper was heard over the west side. A Little Ringed Plover was on the East Flood from the road late afternoon, plus a White Wagtail. 4 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, and 6 Little Egrets were noted around the reserve.

(Steve Clinch, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

April 13th

A cold and foggy morning, but bright, sunny and warm this afternoon. On and around the East Flood this morning: 1 Brent Goose, 20+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, circa 18 Yellow Wagtails (10:00-10:30) and 2 Sedge Warblers. At Uplees today: 1 1st summer male Wheatear again, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 20 + Linnets, 96 Golden Plover, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Grey Partridges and 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls over.  A Green Sandpiper was on the West Flood this morning, plus 2 Pintail and a pair of Marsh Harriers this afternoon. A pair of Avocets were on the New West Scrape this morning. 60+ Redshanks were along Faversham Creek this morning. 2 Little Owls were sunning themselves near Dan's Dock again this afternoon. 5 Whimbrel and the leucistic Curlew were on the mud west of the slipway this afternoon.

(Ian Harding and Murray Wright)

April 12th

Bird of the day was an Osprey seen over the west side around midday. The Barn Owl was showing well over the west side early morning. 2 Little Owls were seen again today - one near Dan's Dock and the other behind the West Hide. A first summer male Wheatear was at Uplees (a different bird to the one on the 9th). Also at Uplees: 1 Whimbrel, 102 Golden Plovers (most now in full summer plumage) and 5 Black-tailed Godwits on the mud, the leucistic Curlew again on the saltmarsh, circa 150 Curlew on the sheepfields, and 2 Grey Partridges and a Jay in the copse. The almost fully summer plumaged Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood mid-morning, plus 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Avocets, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls over and 1 Little Egret. On the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek: 3 Knot, circa 200 Dunlin and 27 Grey Plovers. On the West Flood: 2 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 6 Gadwall and 4 Pochard. 2 Avocets and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. 5 Sand Martins were over the fishing ponds, and 2 Swallows flew west plus 2 more around the sea sluice again.

(Tony Lowry, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 11th

This morning a singing Willow Warbler in Uplees copse and a calling Yellow Wagtail flying north west over the sea sluice towards the Swale were both new for the year. 3 Sedge Warblers were singing from the reeds between the carpark and the Sea Wall hide, plus 4+ Bearded Tits there, and a Chiffchaff in the carpark early morning. 2 showy Cetti's Warblers were in Uplees copse plus 3 Jays, with 22 Black-tailed Godwits and 74 Golden Plovers on the mud there, and the leucisitc Curlew on the saltmarsh. 2 Little Owls were sitting out near Dan's Dock and 2 Whimbrel were on the sheepfields. 2 Green Sandpipers flew over the west side this morning. The almost fully summer plumaged Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood from mid-morning onwards. Also on the East Flood today: a Spotted Redshank early morning (a different bird to the one on the 8th), 2 Avocets and 2 Little Egrets. 4 Swallows were around the sea sluice. On the West Flood today: 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Pochard and 9 Canada Geese. A pair of Avocets and 1 Pintail were on the New West Scrape. 3 Mediterranean Gulls noted today - a 2nd summer east over the cottages and 2 adults south over Dan's Dock. 150 Dunlin were along Faversham Creek, and 5 Brent Geese were on the Swale. 2 Sparrowhawks together were over the scrub south of the path to the West Hide, and 2 Sand Martins were over the fishing ponds nearby.

(Geoff Burton, John Pymm, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

April 10th

Two more species were new for the year this morning: a Whimbrel was with 10 Curlews on the sheepfields near Dan's Dock, and 2 singing Sedge Warblers were in the reeds between the carpark and the Sea Wall hide. The moulting Long-billed Dowitcher was on the New West Scrape early morning before moving back to the East Flood this afternoon. 2 Grey Partridges were on the sheepfields, with 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls dropping in to join several hundred Black-headed Gulls there. Another pair of Mediterranean Gulls were over the East Flood late morning. Circa 100 Golden Plovers and 1 Black-tailed Godwit were on the mud at Uplees. A single Swallow was around the sea sluice. A Little Owl was perched in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide. A pair of Avocets were on the East Flood with another pair on the New West Scrape. The escaped Harris's Hawk was over the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey again. A Greenshank and a Ruff were on the mud near the slipway this afternoon.

(Geoff Burton, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 9th

The first Wheatear reported in the area this year was a (1st summer?) male on the rubble near Uplees this morning. On the mud at Uplees this morning: 136 Golden Plovers, 31 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale there, and 6 Linnets and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler were in the copse. 2 adult Mediterranenan Gulls flew onto the sheepfields early morning joining circa 300 Black-headed Gulls gathered there. 2 Little Owls were on show today: 1 near Dan's Dock and 1 in the window of the blockhouse south of the West Hide. On the West Flood today: 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Pintail, 8 Gadwall, only 4 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, 16 Tufted Ducks and just 1 Canada Goose. 21 Shelduck were on the East Flood early morning, plus 2 Avocets, 2 Pochard, 2 Pintail and 1 Little Egret. 2 Avocets and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. 7 Bearded Tits were in the reeds between the Sea Wall hide and the sea sluice. A Sand Martin was seen over the track to the fishing ponds opposite the cottages. 2 Corn Buntings were at Dan's Dock.

(Keith Cornish and Murray Wright)

April 8th

An immature White-fronted Goose (of unknown origin) was with the Greylag Geese on the West Flood this morning until 09:42, when it flew off north west with two Greylags. Also on the West Flood today: 1 Spotted Redshank, the first reported Little Ringed Plover of the year flying west over the flood this morning, 2 Common Snipe, 3 Pintail, 8 Gadwall and 5 Canada Geese. A Barn Owl was around Uplees and over the west side this morning, and watched carrying prey back to its regular barn. One of the Little Owls was sitting out near Dan's Dock. 185 Golden Plovers were on the mud at Uplees, plus a singing Cetti's Warbler and 11 Linnets in the copse there. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east along the Swale at 09:10. 3 Sand Martins were over the fishing ponds viewed from the cottages, plus a report of a Swallow on the wires along the entrance road. 3 Sparrowhawks were circling together high over the East Flood mid-morning. 2 Avocets were on the New West Scrape, with another pair and 3 Little Egrets on the East Flood. Also noted today: a Peregrine on the pylons east of Faversham Creek; several Marsh Harriers; the escaped Harris's Hawk again circling over Sheppey with Marsh Harriers; 6+ Bearded Tits; and 3 singing Cetti's Warblers.

(John Booker, Geoff Burton, Bob Gomes, Robin Mace, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

April 7th

A Red Kite was picked up at circa 09:55 circling over Harty Ferry Inn and Harty Church on Sheppey, and was in view more or less continuously until 10:45, by which time it had drifted south across the Swale (with a male Marsh Harrier) and was circling high over the West Flood before eventually flying west. The escaped Harris's Hawk was again around the Harty Ferry Inn this morning, at one point seen mobbing the kite. A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls circled over the Sea Wall hide at 08:40 before flying west along the Swale. The moulting Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood all day. Also on the East Flood today: 2 Little Stints, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Avocets, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 Little Egret and 2 Marsh Harriers over. 2 Avocets and 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. On the West Flood today: wildfowl numbers now much lower - only 4 Pintail, 7 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 28 Tufted Ducks and 13 Canada Geese, plus small numbers of Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler. 3 Bearded Tits were near the Sea Wall hide and 3 Cetti's Warblers were in song this morning, with one showing very well in the paddocks mid-morning. A Common Buzzard and 2 Marsh Harriers were over Harty Hill on Sheppey this afternoon. 195 Golden Plovers were on the mud at Uplees this afternoon before being pushed off by the incoming tide and flying across the Swale to Sheppey.

(Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

April 6th

A drake Garganey was reported on the West Flood early morning. The moulting Long-billed Dowitcher showed well on the East Flood all day, plus 3 Little Stints, 2 Turnstones and 2 Avocets. A pale phase Common Buzzard was over the Swale this afternoon. A single Golden Plover was on the West Flood where there were noticeably fewer ducks this afternoon - only 2 Pochard and 1 Pintail noted.

(Geoff Burton)

April 5th

The first Swallows reported this year were singles flying west along the Swale at 08:42 and 11:55. The moulting Long-billed Dowitcher (now into its 7th month of occupation) was showing well on the East Flood all day. Also on the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints again, 61 Redshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Avocets, 1 Pochard, 2 Little Egrets and circa 200 Black-headed Gulls. A Greenshank was along Faversham Creek towards the Shipwright's Arms. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east along the Swale at 09:00, and the same or another pair were circling over the East Flood at 10:00 and 10:40. 14 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud east of the slipway, plus circa 200 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plovers, 35 Grey Plovers and circa 20 Avocets. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. On the West Flood today: 13 Golden Plovers, 8 Pintail, 15 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, circa 20 Tufted Ducks and 2 Little Egrets. 2 Corn Buntings were in Uplees copse and 153 Golden Plovers were on the mud there. 1 Little Owl was sunning itself near Dan's Dock. 2 Avocets, 8 Tufted Ducks and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. Also noted today: several Bearded Tits; 3 singing Cetti's Warblers; and 5 Marsh Harriers over Nagden Marshes.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 4th

The Barn Owl was showing well again this morning along the path to the West Hide circa 07:15. One of the Little Owls was sitting out near Dan's Dock and the 2 Grey Partridges were flushed by a male Marsh Harrier at Uplees. A female Mallard was pursued by 11 very young ducklings just west of the West Flood. 2 Avocets and 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. 2 Little Stints were on the East Flood again this afternoon.

(Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

April 3rd

Grey and murky again this morning with a continuing strong NE wind. Still fairly quiet, however, a Barn Owl quartering west of the entrance road near the 'Welcome to Oare Marshes' sign for 20 mins around 06:40 was the first reported on the reserve this year. A Corn Bunting was singing on the wires along the entrance road on the bends south of the cottages. On the mud at Uplees this morning: 151 Golden Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 32 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Grey Partridges were flushed near Uplees copse and 1 Little Owl was noted near Dan's Dock again. Still good numbers of Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal around, plus on the West Flood this morning: 18 Pintail, 12 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, circa 30 Tufted Ducks, 5 Canada Geese and 6 Little Grebes. 26 Black-tailed Godwits and circa 20 Avocets were on the mud east of the slipway. 2 Avocets were on the New West Scrape. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east over the reserve and along the Swale at circa 11:00. 8 Great Crested Grebes and circa 50 Brent Geese were on the Swale, and a Greenshank was along Faversham Creek again. Also noted this morning: 3 Marsh Harriers around the reserve; 3+ Little Egrets; and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers.

(Geoff Burton, John and Clare O'Donnell, and Murray Wright)

April 2nd

2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east over the East Flood at circa 09:00 this morning. 169 Golden Plovers and 4 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees, and one of the Little Owls was near Dan's Dock. 19 Black-tailed Godwits and circa 20 Avocets were on the mud east of the slipway. On the West Flood this morning: 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercathchers, 12 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 19 Pintail, 13 Gadwall, 6 Pochard and 5 Canada Geese. A Red-legged Partridge was flushed from the path to the West Hide. On the East Flood: 2 Avocets, 34 Sovelers, 31 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets and a male Marsh Harrier over. 2 Avocets and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. The escaped Harris's Hawk was around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey again.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

April 1st

A quiet start to the month in the continuing strong NE wind. 2 Little Stints were on the East Flood this morning, plus 2 Avocets, 25 Redshank and 2 Little Egrets. A flock of circa 800 Wood Pigeons left their roost around the fishing ponds at around 08:00 most flying north across the Swale to Sheppey. On the mud at Uplees: 172 Golden Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Black-tailed Godwits, plus 2 Grey Partridges and 8 Linnets in the copse, and 16 Brent Geese on the Swale. On the West Flood this morning: 14 Pintail, 10 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 25 Tufted Ducks, 20 Canada Geese, 1 Little Egret and a female Marsh Harrier over. 9 Black-tailed Godwits and circa 20 Avocets were on the mud east of the slipway. A female Red-breasted Merganser was on Faversham Creek.

(Mike Roser and Murray Wright)