Oare Marshes Latest Sightings (April)
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Wanted - volunteers to help monitor and protect breeding birds. No particular experience is required. Training is provided. If you can spare a few days, half days or evenings between May and August, please contact the Reserve Warden, Tony Swandale for further details (Tel: 07889 822412, E-mail: tony.swandale@kentwildlife.org.uk). Thank you.
April 25th
The first Turtle Dove, House Martins and Swifts of the year plus a big increase in the number of hirundines feeding over the floods. Single Wheatear and Greenshank, Mediterranean Gulls flying over. The "Ashy-headed" Yellow Wagtail was still present on the East Flood.
April 23rd
The Greenshank was still present and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew over the reserve again. Single Corn Bunting flying south over the reserve and possibly the same bird singing from telegraph wires before the cottages. Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Bearded Reedling also seen today. Still a few Wigeon and Pintail.
April 22nd
The first Greenshank of the year was on the East Flood this morning. Other recent arrivials include 3 Reed Warblers and a Whitethroat near the cottages. Mediterranean Gulls (at least 2 adults) were seen flying over and on the West Flood. There were 300 Black-tailed Godwits on the reserve and another 100 or so on fields to the west - unprecedented numbers for the time of year. A Barn owl was hunting on the reserve shortly after dawn and there was a Little Owl in the usual place near the west side. Several Whimbrel, 2 Common Terns, Kingfisher, male Stonechat, 2 Sand Martins, 3 drake Ruddy Ducks and at least 4 Water Rails.
April 20th
Immature Little Gull on the West Flood plus 325 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Whimbrel and 4 Dunlin. Drake Ruddy Duck, Peregrine, single Wheatear, 2 Common Terns on the Swale, Common Buzzard to the west of the reserve.
A record 21 Common Seals on Horse Sands (viewable distantly from the Sea Wall Hide).
April 15th
One Spotted Redshank on the West Flood early am and over 100 Black-tailed Godwits. The first cuckoo of the spring. Swallows and 2 Sand Martins feeding over the East Flood. A few Whimbrels on the adjacent mudflats. Single male Stonechat, Kingfisher, male Sparrowhawk, 8 Avocets and 5 Bearded Reedlings.
Weasel in the dinghy park near the Information Centre.
April 11th
At least 2 Mediterranean Gulls were heard and seen overhead at frequent intervals throughout the day. There was a male Stonechat and Water Pipit near the car park and at least 6 Yellow Wagtails including the "Ashy-headed" individual recorded last month (presumed to be of the race "cinereocapilla"). Two Sedge Warblers between the car park and sea wall hide; 2 Bearded Reedlings, immature and adult male Marsh harriers and 2 or more Water Rails also on the east side. Only one Swallow reported today.
April 10th
Two Whimbrels flying over the Swale. Little Owl near the west boundary, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and 2 Wheatears about 1/2 mile west of the reserve. Single Water Pipit, 8 Avocets, 5 Grey Plovers, c25 Black-tailed Godwits and a lone Dunlin on the West Flood at high water in the afternoon. One Sedge Warbler still near the car park. Three Mergansers on the Swale. Numbers of Pintail and Wigeon now much reduced.
April 7th
Single Ruff, 10 Avocets and 28 Black-tailed Godwits all on the West Flood.
April 6th
One Sedge Warbler near the car park, 5 Black-tailed Godwits and 10 Avocets on the West Flood, Marsh Harrier and Yellow Wagtail.
April 5th
Sedge Warblers have begun to arrive. Also one Reed Warbler and a Swallow near the reserve today.
April 4th
The first Garganey of the Spring was reported today - a drake on the West Flood. Single Water Pipit also on the west side. Two Mergansers on the Swale.