Dec'06

Urgent Appeal: £150 000 needed for major extension to Oare Marshes Nature Reserve

Kent Wildlife Trust has had an unmissable opportunity to achieve huge gains for wildlife by purchasing a 35 acre extension to this popular reserve. We used cash reserves for this in order to act swiftly. We need your help to pay for the restoration of habitats flourishing in wildlife - and to cover the cost of purchase so that we are able to take similar action as opportunities arise in the future.

Please support this important project by making a gift in one of the following ways:

3. By sending a cheque to: Kent Wildlife Trust (Oare Marshes Appeal), Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BD. Please make cheques payable to "Kent Wildlife Trust".

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.

Brent Goose good nos. on and around the Swale. Not very often seen on the reserve itself - recently 9 on the East Flood on 29th November was a good count

A (striking looking) leucistic Curlew regularly on the saltmarsh to the west of the Watch House, presumed the bird that wintered in the same area last year

Peregrine 1-3 often perched on the pylons east of Faversham Creek, also 1-2 regularly seen over Harty Hill on Sheppey

Little Owl 1 regularly in hawthorns behind the cottages and 1-2 regularly near Dan's Dock (Uplees)

Kingfisher 2+ (check under the Sea Sluice - there's often one fishing there at low-tide)

Redwing and Fieldfare noted in small numbers passing over and in the paddocks opposite the cottages

Cetti's Warbler up to 4 singing males on the reserve plus another at Uplees (a bit of a range extension)

Also, large numbers of Lapwing and Snipe on the East Flood, circa 8 Great Crested Grebes on the Swale, small numbers of Little Grebes on the reserve plus 2 regularly on Faversham Creek, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall (very low numbers recently), Pintail (up to 4 on the reserve recently), small numbers of Tufted Ducks and Pochards starting to show up again now, Red-breasted Merganser (up to 11 on the Swale recently), Little Egret (at least 4+ on the reserve plus lots around the Swale), Avocet (small numbers roosting on the East Flood over high-tide plus up to a max of 70 around the mouth of Faversham Creek), Water Rail (quite common and a couple of showy individuals currently fairly regular from the pull-in along the entrance road), Green Woodpecker (several around), Great-spotted Woodpecker (1-2 regularly near the cottages), Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch.

Mammals: up to 12 Common Seals present on Horse Sands/the Swale. 1 Red Fox noted near the West Hide on 23rd and 24th

183 species were recorded in the area in 2006. Thanks for all the records received and please keep them coming in 2007.

An adult drake Mandarin Duck was picked up by Richard Smith from the Sea Wall hide this morning flying into Faversham Creek at circa 10:05. It continued inland along the creek - probably only the second record of this species for Oare (and the first adult drake). This afternoon it was showing well on the East Flood. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood again this morning. Also on the East Flood today: 2 Little Stints (this afternoon they were on the mud near the slipway with Dunlin), 1 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 3 Golden Plovers, circa 25 Redshanks, 4 Common Snipe, circa 400 Lapwings, 6 Pintail, 6 Gadwall, 43 Tufted Ducks, 52 Greylag Geese and 2 Little Egrets. There were 6 Red-breasted Mergansers on the Swale, plus 17+ Great Crested Grebes. A Peregrine was on the pylons east of Faversham Creek and another was over Harty Hill. A Little Owl was again near Dan's Dock. 2 Marsh Harriers were over the East Flood this morning. 5 Turnstones were at the mouth of Faversham Creek, and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was there this afternoon before flying off towards Oare village. Also around the reserve today: 2 Fieldfares, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 pair of Stonechats, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 4 Bearded Reedlings. 4 Common Seals were on Horse Sands. (David Burt, Janet Burt, Neil Burt, Richard Smith and Murray Wright)

3 Grey Partridges were on the fields just south of the cottages early morning. The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood again this morning. Also on and around the East Flood today: 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, circa 25 Redshanks, several Common Snipe, 47 Tufted Ducks, 52 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Bearded Tits and 2-3 Kingfishers. A Red-throated Diver was on the Swale plus 13+ Great Crested Grebes, and a drake Red-breasted Merganser was on Faversham Creek. 2 Peregrines were on the second pylon east of the Creek. 2 Little Owls were on their usual perch near Dan's Dock and 27 Curlew were counted on the sheep fields there. 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were on and around the slipway. Also noted today: 3 Rock Pipits, 1 pair of Stonechats and 1 Fieldfare. (Murray Wright)

A single White-fronted Goose flew south east over the East Flood towards Ham Marshes at 11:45. Noted on the East Flood today: 1 Merlin, 7 Pintail, 127 Wigeon, 63 Teal, 47 Shoveler, circa 40 Tufted Ducks, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Greylag Geese, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Snipe and 561 Lapwings. 76 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek and between the car park and the Sea Wall hide: circa 210 Dunlin, circa 30 Redshanks, 12 Curlew, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers (1 male and 2 females), 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Grey Plover and 1 Rock Pipit. West from the car park to Dan's Dock this morning: circa 600 Golden Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits and circa 100 Shelduck. This afternoon a Hooded Crow was with 20 Carrion Crows on Horse Sands and a Kingfisher was tucked under the Sea Sluice. Also noted today: 1 pair of Stonechats and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. (Geoff Burton, Dudley Hird, Mike Roser and Mike Stevens)

Another quiet day. Of interest on the East Flood: just 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Common Snipe with the Lapwing flock, plus 2 Mute Swans, 3 Stonechats between the East Hide and the entrance road and a Fieldfare near the Sea Sluice. 3 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, and there were 2 Little Stints, 2 Dunlins and a Ringed Plover along the shore east of the slipway. A Rock Pipit flew along the Swale in front of the slipway. (John Hinton, Dudley Hird and Paul King)

Amongst the large numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Mallard and Coot on the East Flood this morning: 7 Pintail (4 drakes), 6 Gadwall, 47 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 59 Greylag Geese, 26 Mute Swans and 3 Little Egrets. 2 Greenshanks were along Faversham Creek again and 64 Avocets were at the mouth of the creek. 1 Peregrine was on the pylons. 5 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. Also noted today: 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 4 Bearded Reedlings. (Murray Wright)

An adult Yellow-legged Gull was showing well on the East Flood early morning - only the third record for the reserve, the first two being April 21st and May 29th this year. Also on the East Flood today: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher again showing well from the entrance road, 1 injured Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Golden Plovers, circa 400 Lapwings, 3 Pintail (2 drakes and a duck), 32 Tufted Ducks, circa 50 Mute Swans and 56 Greylag Geese. 8 Red-breasted Mergansers were on the Swale, along with 7 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2+ Knot, circa 150 Dunlins, 16 Grey Plovers, plus 37 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham creek and 2 Greenshanks along the creek towards the Shipwright's Arms. The leucistic Curlew was on Horse Sands. Also today: 3 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Merlin over the Swale, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Rock Pipits, plus Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Reedling heard. (Geoff Burton, Steve Clinch, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

21 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek this morning, plus 9 Grey Plovers and circa 100 Dunlins. 3 Canada Geese were on the Swale and 1 Turnstone was near the slipway. On the East Flood: the injured Black-tailed Godwit again, 2 Grey Plovers, 109 Teal, 93 Shovelers, 12 Gadwall, 59 Wigeon, 31 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochards, 4 Little Egrets and 1 Kingfisher. 2 Marsh Harriers were over the west side and 54 Greylag Geese were on the West Flood. 2 Fieldafares were in the hedge south of the East Hide and a Peregrine was on the pylons. (Murray Wright)

Thick fog again made observations difficult today. However, through the gloom along the shoreline to the Sea Wall hide and back this morning: circa 40 Redshanks, circa 60 Dunlins, 6 Grey Plovers, 33 Oystercatchers, 1 Kingfisher, plus Curlew and Bearded Reedling heard. At high tide on and around the the East Flood: the Long-billed Dowitcher showing well again despite the fog, just 1 Black-tailed Godwit (missing the lower half of its left leg), 5 Grey Plovers, 2 Ringed Plovers, circa 40 Dunlins, 4 Redshanks, 6 Common Snipe, 127 Lapwings, 27 Tufted Ducks, 11 Gadwall, plus good numbers of Teal, Wigeon and Mallard, 54 Greylag Geese, 98 Coots, 16 Moorhens and 3 Little Egrets. Water Rail and Bearded Reedlings were heard calling. (Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was again on the East Flood this afternoon. Also, on the East Flood: 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Dunlins, 37 Redshanks, circa 150 Lapwings, 28 Gadwall, 33 Tufted Ducks, 43 Greylag Geese, 213 Coot, 2 Little Egrets, 1 male Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers over and 2 Kingfishers. There was a drake Red-breasted Merganser on Faversham Creek and 3 (a drake and two redheads) flew east along The Swale. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew north across the Swale mid-afternoon. 2 Peregrines were on the first two pylons east of Faversham Creek. A Little Owl was near Dan's Dock. 3 Rock Pipits and 4 Stonechats noted around the reserve this afternoon. (Murray Wright)

A redhead Goldeneye was on Faversham Creek again this morning. Thick fog hampered observations, but the following species were noted around the East Flood this morning: 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Redshanks, 30 Tufted Ducks, 2 Pochards, 43 Greylag Geese, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Fieldfares. 2 Ringed Plovers were by the slipway. (Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

2 Goldeneyes were seen this morning: the first a redhead along the water's edge on the Swale circa 08:35, the second an adult drake on the East Flood which flew off over the Swale just before midday. On the Swale this morning 9 Great Crested Grebes, 11 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers, 87 Shelduck, 300+ Dunlin, 50+ Redshanks and 28 Mute Swans off of South Swale NR. On the East Flood this morning: the Long-billed Dowitcher reported again, 1 Avocet, 8 Ruff, 90 Lapwings, 34 Greylag Geese, 10 Gadwall, 1 drake Pintail, 90 Shovelers, 31 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 35 Tufted Ducks and 174 Coot. There were 3 Marsh Harriers over, 1 Merlin seen twice over the East Flood and 1 Peregrine on the pylons east of Faversham Creek. Also on the reserve today: Green Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, a male Stonechat, 8 Fieldfares dropped into the trees behind the East Hide before flying off west, 1 Redwing in the car park bushes at dawn, 1 Cetti's Warbler by Faversham Creek, 4+ Bearded Tits, 60 Greenfinches, 15 Goldfinches, 1 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer west towards the cottages over the flood and later east again.
(Geoff Burton and Mike Stevens)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was again on the East Flood this morning. Also on the East Flood: 4 Ruff, circa 300 Lapwings, 21 Mute Swans (before flying off east towards Nagden Marshes), 34 Tufted Ducks and 3 Little Egrets, plus 2 Marsh Harriers over. An immature male Merlin was perched and showing very well in the elderberry in the West Flood mid-morning. 3 Bar-tailed Godwits were along the Swale. 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser was on Faversham Creek. A Little Owl was again near Dan's Dock and 5 Twite flew west along the seawall to the west of the Watch House. (Murray Wright)

2 Peregrines flew north over the reserve towards Sheppey at dawn. A male Hen Harrier flew east towards Nagden Marshes early morning, and other raptors noted this morning were 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Marsh Harriers over (plus 3 together over Harty Hill on Sheppey). On and around the East Flood today: the Long-billed Dowitcher again, 1 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Grey Plover, circa 250 Lapwings, 26 Mute Swans, circa 25 Greylag Geese (flew north to Sheppey early on), 24 Tufted Ducks, good numbers of Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler, 3 Little Egrets and 1 Kingfisher. 6 Bearded Reedlings were showing well in the north east corner near the Sea Wall hide and 3 Rock Pipits were along the seawall. 4 Red-breasted Mergansers and 6 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. (Geoff Burton, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

2 Bewick's Swans flew east over the reserve at circa 08:45 before dropping onto Nagden Marshes where they were still present late morning at least with Mute Swans (picture below). There was a Red-throated Diver briefly on the Swale looking east towards Castle Coote before flying off east. 8 Great Crested Grebes were counted on the Swale and Faversham Creek. 42 Avocets were at the mouth of the creek and a Peregrine was on the pylons to the east. On the East Flood this morning: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher again roosting in the north east corner, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 36 Redshank, circa 250 Lapwings, 27 Tufted Ducks, 2 Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers over, 1 female Sparrowhawk and 1 Kingfisher. The leucistic Curlew was again on the saltmarsh west of the Watch House. At least 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 3 Rock Pipits and 4 Stonechats still on the reserve. (Murray Wright)

A Slavonian Grebe was showing well on the Swale mid-morning between the Watch House and the Sea Wall hide. Also on the Swale: 5 Red-breasted Mergansers and 6 Great Crested Grebes. 64 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. On the East Flood this morning: the Long-billed Dowitcher, 9 Ruff, 1 Golden Plover, 314 Lapwings, 25 Tufted Duck, 2 Pintail, circa 200 Teal, 106 Shoveler, circa 50 Mallard, 56 Wigeon, 33 Greylag Geese, 19 Mute Swans and 2 Marsh Harriers over. There were also 54 Wigeon and 20 Teal in front of the West Hide. 3 Marsh Harriers were together over Harty Hill. (Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

Down towards Uplees this morning there was a male Merlin and 7 Grey Partridges, and circa 300 Golden Plover roosting on the mud. The leucistic Curlew was showing well on the saltmarsh (picture below). A Little Owl was on its usual perch south east of Dan's Dock. The count of Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek was up to 74. 5 Great Crested Grebes were noted on the Swale. On the East flood: 3 Pintail (2 drakes and a duck), 27 Tufted Ducks and 3 Little Egrets. A Green Sandpiper was over the west side. A ringtail Hen Harrier was over Harty Hill on Sheppey. (Dudley Hird and Murray Wright)

This morning on and around the the East Flood: the Long-billed Dowitcher, 10 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 193 Lapwings, 1 drake Pintail, 25 Wigeon, 43 Teal, 76 Shovelers, 28 Mallards, 27 Tufted Ducks, 153 Coot, 2 Kingfishers and 2 Marsh Harriers. There were 36 Avocets at the mouth of Faversham Creek and 5 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. A Peregrine was on the first pylon east of the creek despite the strong wind. (Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

A Great Northern Diver was again on the Swale all morning fishing between the slipway and the mouth of Faversham Creek (record shot below). Also at the mouth of the creek there were 47 Avocets. 6 Great Crested Grebes were counted on the Swale. The Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood until circa 08:45 when it was flushed by a Sparrowhawk and flew out across the Swale towards Sheppey. Counts on the two-thirds frozen East Flood this morning: 19 Mute Swans, 36 Greylag Geese, 133 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 89 Shovelers, 4 Pochard, 18 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Kingfishers. A Greenshank was along Faversham Creek. There was a Peregrine again on the pylons east of the creek at Nagden Marshes. (Murray Wright)

The Long-billed Dowitcher was again on the East Flood today, along with 1 Little Stint, 2 Dunlin, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Golden Plover, 43 Greylag Geese, 25 Tufted Ducks, 6 Little Grebes, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Kingfishers. 4 Rock Pipits were along the sea wall. 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser flew west along the Swale, as did a summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit. 8 Great Crested Grebes were counted on the Swale and 47 Avocets were roosting at the mouth of the creek. 2 Marsh Harriers were hunting over the west side. The leucistic Curlew was again on the saltmarsh at Dan's Dock. (John Hinton, Paul King and Murray Wright)

On the reserve this morning: 9 Mute Swans, 37 Greylag Geese, 1 Pochard, 24 Tufted Ducks, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers (2 females and 1 male) flew west along the Swale, 5 Redwings, 1 Goldcrest, 43 Avocets from the Sea Wall hide around the mouth of Faversham Creek, plus 5 Great Crested Grebes on the Swale. From the East Hide around 11:00: 2 Ruff, 86 Redshank, 11 Common Snipe, 5 Gadwall. A Marsh Harrier was noted over the East and West Floods. (Geoff Burton and Mike Stevens)

From the Sea Wall hide between circa 10:00 and 12:00: 4 Marsh Harriers together over South Swale Nature Reserve (1 male and 3 females), plus 1 female crossing the Swale from Sheppey, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 43 Avocets, 91 Dunlin and 2 Little Stints. 270 Dunlin counted by the slipway. From the East Hide at high tide: the Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, 182 Redshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, c1000 Dunlin, 110 Knot, 40 Grey Plover, 80 Golden Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 950 Lapwing, 123 Shovelers and 134 Coot. No Black-tailed Godwits were noted again today. (Mike Stevens)

A Great Northern Diver was fishing near Castle Coote, viewable distantly from the Sea Wall Hide.This morning 8 Red-breasted Mergansers (6 drakes and 2 ducks) and 6 Great Crested Grebes were logged on the Swale, and 3 male Marsh Harriers flew south across the Swale from Sheppey to Nagden marshes. 42 Avocets were counted at the mouth of the creek from the Sea Wall hide. On the East Flood over high tide around lunchtime: the Long-billed Dowitcher again, 3 Little Stints, circa 300 Dunlin, 6 Knot, 2 Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plover, 18 Grey Plover, 56 Golden Plover (plus 200 on the mudflats at Uplees early morning), 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Gadwall, 1 drake Pintail and 1 Kingfisher. No Tufted Ducks were recorded today. Notably, there were no Black-tailed Godwits on the East Flood between 07:45 and 15:30 (probably the first time they have been outnumbered by Bar-tailed Godwits this year!), although small numbers were noted early on flying west along the Swale. (Dudley Hird, Tony Swandale and Murray Wright)

Twite and single Lapland Bunting reported in the copse at Uplees (no further details)

Only 1 drake Tufted Duck noted on the East Flood today, plus 48 Avocets and later on 40 around the mouth of Faversham Creek. Also on the East Flood: 1 Little Stint, the first winter Long-billed Dowitcher roosting with Common Snipe in the north east corner, 3 Greenshank and 1 Kingfisher. 3 Fieldfares in trees opposite cottages. (Geoff Burton)

December 4th

On the East Flood today: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 Little Stint, 289 Dunlin, 4 Grey Plovers, 122 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Avocets (plus 32 around Faversham Creek), 3 Pintail and 4 Little Egrets. A male Merlin flew close in front of the East Hide. A male Sparrowhawk and a male Marsh Harrier were also noted flying through. (Murray Wright)

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher again on the East Flood and now into its third month of residence (first noted on October 2nd). Also on the East Flood this morning: circa 300 Dunlin, 4 Grey Plovers, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, only around 25 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 22 Mute Swans, 3 Pintail, 71 Shoveler, 22 Mallard, good numbers of Teal and Wigeon, and 12 Tufted Duck (17 noted this afternoon). 2 Sparrowhawks (a male and a female) and a female Marsh Harrier caused plenty of disturbance to the roosting waders and wildfowl. A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were on Faversham Creek. 2 Redwings were noted in the paddocks opposite the cottages. (Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood again all day - early morning it was roosting with Common Snipe (circa 75 present) in the north east corner towards the Sea Wall hide. At high tide on the East Flood this morning: 2 Little Stints, circa 400 Dunlin, 5 Knot, 5 Grey Plovers, only 76 Black-tailed Godwits, 94 Redshank and 8 Avocets. Also present: 4+ Little Egrets, 2 Pintail, 26 Mute Swans and 9 Tufted Ducks (the first noted for some time). 4 Marsh Harriers flew over (including 3 together early morning). A male Sparrowhawk caught a Common Snipe and preceded to tear it up on one of the islands on the East Flood (disturbing the wader roost in the process!). A female Merlin was in a hawthorn along the hedge opposite the cottages, plus 2 Redwings there. A Peregrine was on the pylons east of Faversham Creek and a Little Owl was in bushes opposite the cottages. 12 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, 3+ Rock Pipits were around the slipway in front of the Watch House, and the Greenfinch flock around the East Flood was up to around 100 birds. Several Bearded Reedlings were noted around the East Flood, there were 2 singing Cetti's Warblers present, and 2 Kingfishers were very active again today. The leucistic Curlew was again on the saltmarsh west of the Watch House. A Common Buzzard was over Harty Hill. Of note today 2 Hooded Crows were on Horse Sands out in the Swale with circa 30 Carrion Crows - presumably the 2 birds noted on the Swale reserve on Sheppey recently. (John Hinton, Paul King, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)