Oare Marshes Latest Sightings

July 2008

Kent Wildlife Trust

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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 by clicking here.

Species List for 2008

To view the complete list of species recorded so far this year please click here.

157 species have been recorded in the area so far this year.

July 31st

(06:30-12:30) Hot, humid and mainly overcast with the odd spot of rain. Still at first, but a warm SE wind picking during the morning. On the East Flood: 1 Garganey, 6 adult Curlew Sandpipers, 5 adult Little Stints, 6 Dunlin, 13 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 16 Ringed Plovers, 23 Golden Plovers, 14 Ruff and 1 Reeve, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Avocets, circa 800 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 400 Redshanks, 39 Common Terns, 2 adult Common Gulls, circa 250 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Kingfisher and several Yellow Wagtails. 3 Green Sandpipers were on the West Scrape. Birds moving through included flocks of 10 and 31 Greenshanks heading west,  a flock of 14 Bar-tailed Godwits heading north, a flock of 9 Whimbrel heading south west, and a flock of 17 Common Terns heading south west. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was over the west side. 27 Curlews were on the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek.

(Murray Wright)

July 30th

(06:15-09:15) Hot and sunny with a light S wind. Due to other commitments I only had time for a short visit this morning and had to leave well before high tide. Met Steve Clinch along Faversham Creek. On the East Flood we noted: 11 adult Curlew Sandpipers, 8 adult Little Stints, 6 Dunlin, 3 Knot (one in summer plumage), 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 15 Ruff, 20 Golden Plovers, 2 Grey Plovers circled over, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits flew north, 2 Avocets,  several Whimbrel flew over south west, circa 750 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Redshanks, only 3 Little Egrets, 1 Garganey and 4 Common Terns. 2 Peregrines were on the first pylon east of Faversham Creek, 1 Common Sandpiper was along the creek, and 3 Sandwich Terns were on the Swale. 4 juvenile Bearded Tits (two males and two females) were in the reeds between the sluice and the Sea Wall hide. A Turtle Dove and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were opposite the cottages.

(Murray Wright)

July 29th

(06:05-11:30) It was rather cool first thing and arriving four hours before high tide, the east flood was rather quiet. Only a few Little Egrets this morning and a fading summer plumage Knot. However, birds were soon coming in, at first just four Curlew Sandpipers gradually rising to 12; all adults. Steve Clinch and Andy Appleton (west Kent refugeee) arrived and they soon found two Wood Sandpipers amongst the increasing numbers of godwits and redshank. The first of the autumn and, after only one record in the spring, very welcome. Steve thoughtfully phoned Murray. However, when he fired up his turbo-charged Ford Annihalator for a late rush to work, the birds winged it towards the tranquililty of Elmley. Birds continued to pore in; an adult Little Ringed Plover, a few Ringed Plovers, only six Golden Plovers, three adult Little Stints, three Dunlin (including a juvenile), a single female Bar-tailed Godwit joined 850 of its Black-tailed cousins, ten Avocets and a similar number of Ruff, a party of 14 Whimbrel dropped in, 13 Greenshank and single Green and Common Sandpipers whilst Turnstones could be heard and a party of ten Grey Plovers flew west. Other than waders, there were 20 Little Egrets and a Garganey on the flood. Away from the flood, a Green Sandpiper was seen over the west flood, a Sparrowhawk was perched on a gate on the west side and a Peregrine on one of the Nagden pylons. Only a single Swift was seen, there were two Turtle Doves in the scrub and an adult and juvenile Green Woodpecker and Steve reported a Barn Owl near the track to the east hide. A total of 23 wader species for the day out of a total of only 26 seen here all year!

(Geoff Burton)

(11:45-15:00) News of Wood Sandpipers and Andy Appleton (a scarce passage migrant) had me heading to Oare as soon as I could. Sadly neither were seen - the Wood Sands obviously still too traumatised to return, and Andy, satisfied with the morning's sightings, off home to enjoy the rest of a day's holiday! Only thing to add to Geoff's report above was that the Little Stint flock had grown to 13 adults this afternoon.

(Murray Wright)

July 28th

Late news from last Thursday when a Cattle Egret was watched and photographed from the West Hide late afternoon - details and photo added to last Thursday's sightings.

(07:15-11:45) Hot and sunny, but with a pleasant ENE breeze taking the edge off the temperature. Made a circuit of the East Flood with Mike Stevens. On the flood this morning: 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 5 Knot (three in faded summer plumage), 4 Green Sandpipers, 16 Greenshank, 10 Ruff and 1 Reeve, 3 Golden Plover, 5 Whimbrel dropped in briefly before flying off east, 6 Common Snipe in flight, up to 1000 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 400 Redshank, 3 Sandwich Terns (2 adults and a juvenile), 6 Common Terns, 35 Little Egrets and several Yellow Wagtails. 4 Common Sandpipers were along Faversham Creek. 3 Sandwich Terns were on the Swale, with 7 Common Terns and 1 Common Gull roosting on the posts along the slipway, and 2 Whimbrel on the mud to the west. A further 14 Common Terns flew south west. On the West Scrape: 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 7 Common Snipe, circa 50 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Little Egrets.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

(12:30-15:30) We visited Oare from 12.30 to 15.30 today, strong sunshine with a brisk easterly wind kept the temperature at a comfortable level. The following birds were seen, 1 Grey Plover on the estuary, 1 Golden Plover, 6 Knot, circa 700 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Ruff, 5 Greenshank, 5 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher and a lot of Redshank on the East Flood. Highlight of the day was when a flock of 16 Whimbrel flew in from the east to be joined by a further flock of 18, totalling 34, which flew over the East Flood, but then flew further west without landing. A Curlew Sandpiper had been seen earlier in the day. The usual Linnets were evident and Bearded Tits were heard and seen briefly.

(Malcolm McVail and Barry Woolhouse)

July 27th

Some excellent pictures taken by Mike Gould yesterday evening have been added to yesterday's sightings, including a nice one of a Short-tailed Vole along the entrance road.

(05:15-10:45) Very hot and sunny again with no wind to speak of. The Starlings left their roost on the East Flood at 05:23. 5 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew were around the slipway, with 4 Common Terns and 2 adult Common Gulls roosting on the posts there, and 2 Sandwich Terns flew west along the Swale. On the West Scrape: 7 Common Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, circa 40 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Little Egrets. Met up with John Pymm, Dick Bailey and Keith Privett. 2 Turtle Doves were opposite the cottages with seven more on the wires amongst the Wood Pigeons and Stock Doves, plus 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker. Dick and Keith had an adult Little Gull flying south west over the cottages. 2 Peregrines were showing well on the first pylon west of Faversham Creek i.e. the Oare side for a change! On the East Flood this morning: 2-3 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin(!), 16 Greenshank plus 16 more circled over and flew west, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Snipe, 17 Golden Plovers (only three of which settled down), circa 750 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Redshanks, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (an adult and a juvenile), 1 adult Common Gull, 2 Common Terns, 62 Little Egrets early on, and 5 Grey Herons. A Common Sandpiper and 5 Curlew were along Faversham Creek. Several Bearded Tits and a bright male Linnet were near the Sea Wall hide. A Hobby was circling high over the East Flood. Most unusual sighting was a fresh looking Rock Pipit showing well on the rocks along the foreshore between the Sea Wall hide and the car park - not usually seen at Oare between mid-April and mid-September.

(Dick Bailey, Keith Privett, John Pymm and Murray Wright)

July 26th

(05:20-10:45) Hot with hazy sunshine and more high cloud than recently. Wind was very light and variable. Up to 2000 Starlings left their roost in the reeds at the east end of the East Flood at 05:25. On the West Scrape there were 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, circa 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Snipe and 1 Little Egret. 3 Common Terns and 2 adult Common Gulls were roosting on the posts along the slipway. 17 Greenshanks flew in from the east and circled over the reserve before heading north, and Turnstones were heard flying  high south west. A Green Sandpiper and a Common Snipe were along the dyke just west of the West Scrape. At 06:15 7 adult Little Stints flew onto the East Flood, with one bird still present when I left. Also on the East Flood this morning: 1 adult Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Greenshanks, 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Common Snipe, 10 Ruff and 1 Reeve, 22 Avocets, up to 750 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 400 Redshanks, 81 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 1 or 2 Kingfishers and 4 Yellow Wagtails (an adult and three juveniles). 2 Turtle Doves were opposite the cottages, plus a female Great Spotted Woodpecker nearby. A Peregrine was on the first pylon east of Faversham Creek. 2 juvenile Marsh Harriers were over the west side.

(Murray Wright)

2 Garganey were present on  the East Flood this evening, plus 1 adult Little Stint still.

(Steve Clinch)

July 25th

(05:15-08:15) Hot and sunny again with a light SE wind. A quick "pre-work" visit with Steve. Early on a flock of 18 Common Terns flew SW inland. At 05:55 a flock of what I thought were going to be circa 25 Cormorants flew high south, however, through the optics they appeared to be Common Scoter - honest! On the East Flood: a moulting adult Little Gull was roosting amongst the many Black-headed Gulls, 3 adult Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, 15 Greenshank plus a flock of eight flying W, 10 Ruff, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Snipe, 37 Avocets, up to 750 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Redshank, 56 Little Egrets, 9 Grey Herons and 2 Common Terns. A Little Owl and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker were opposite the cottages. A male Marsh Harrier was over the west side. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. 1 Greenshank, 48 Black-tailed Godwits and 9 Little Egrets were feeding on the West Scrape.

(Steve Clinch and Murray Wright)

(12:00-16:00) In Tour de France mode I cycled to the Marshes but got no further than the viewing pull-in. At low tide there was little to be seen on the East Flood, but reports from those who'd done the circuit suggested that apart from a summer plumaged Grey Plover on the mudflats and 3 Golden Plover near Dan's Dock, I'd missed nothing of any import. Initially on the East Flood there were: 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 7 Avocet, 13 Ruff , 150+ Redshank and 40+ Black-tailed Godwit. However, just prior to my departure the picture had altered somewhat with: 1120+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Golden Plover, circa 450 Redshank, 18 Greenshank and circa 600 Black-headed Gulls. The largest high tide roost I've seen in several months with more birds still ariving 2 hours before high tide. Raptors totalled two with a male Marsh Harrier high and distant over the West Flood, and a Sparrowhawk that put up everything on the East Flood.

(Mike Stevens)

July 24th

(05:15-11:00) Hot and sunny with a strengthening ENE breeze. I arrived at high tide and there were stacks of birds on the East Flood. At 05:25 circa 1000 Starlings left their roost in the reeds at the east end of the flood, and dispersed in all directions. 77 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons and circa 750 Black-headed Gulls were feeding  mostly at the east end. Black-tailed Godwits numbered circa 600 and there were circa 400 Redshanks, plus 48 Avocets, 11 Greenshanks, 14 Ruff, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel with three more flying over SW, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Garganey and 2 Sandwich Terns (an adult and a juvenile). Apart from the Ringed Plovers small waders seemed to be absent, but eventually I picked out a single Dunlin! Then, after about an hour of scanning, a smart summer plumaged adult Curlew Sandpiper wandered into view (a bright and short-billed bird so perhaps a male?) - the first of the autumn and the first addition to the Oare year list since Whinchat on 26th June! I was joined by Steve Clinch and Julian Russell and we soon located a second Curlew Sandpiper amongst the remaining godwits, both birds present until mid-morning at least. A Peregrine caught a juvenile Starling over the new acquisition and carried it off to the first pylon east of Faversham Creek, the Starling shrieking all the way! A Corn Bunting was singing from trees behind the cottages, and a male Sparrowhawk flew south over the cottages. 4 Little Terns were feeding in the mouth of the creek (the first I've seen for while), and 30 Curlews were on the mud. 3 Whimbrel were west of the slipway, and 2 adult Common Gulls and 2 Common Terns were roositng on the posts there. A second Sparrowhawk circled over the West Flood and drifted west. 53 Black-tailed Godwits and a pair of Avocets were feeding on the West Scrape. A juvenile Green Woodpecker was on the poles along the entrance road. 3 Yellow Wagtails were feeding amongst the cattle around the East Flood. Finally, at least 3 noisy juvenile Cetti's Warblers were by the path to the West Hide.

(Murray Wright)

(16:45-17:20) A Cattle Egret was watched preening on a small island in front of the West Hide from 16:45 until 17:20 at least - photograph below.

(Bill Elsmere)

(19:30-20:45) This evening there were 3 adult Curlew Sandpipers and 1 adult Little Stint on the East Flood.

(Steve Clinch)

July 23rd

(06:15-12:00) An overcast and muggy start with no wind. Brighter later with a light ENE wind picking up. First thing there were 86 Little Egrets and 5 Grey Herons on the East Flood, plus a large gathering of circa 750 Black-headed Gulls. It was a couple of hours after high tide, but there were still circa 350 Black-tailed Godwits, most having moved out to the Swale leaving only 50 or so by 08:00 and building again to circa 500 by the time I left. Also on the flood over the course of the morning: 1 Garganey, 9 Greenshanks, 1 Common Snipe in flight, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Dunlins, 14 Ruff, 3 Whimbrel flew SW, 3 Avocets, circa 300 Redshanks and 1 Common Tern. 12 Bearded Tits were between the sluice and the Sea Wall hide. 30 Curlews were on the mud east of Faversham Creek, and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew south along the creek. 5 Whimbrel were on the mud west of the slipway. 35 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Little Egret were on the West Scrape.

(Murray Wright)

July 21st

(07:30-11:45) Bright and sunny with a strong NW wind still blowing. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west, plus 3 adult Common Gulls and several Lesser Black-backed Gulls also moving west. Swifts were still moving west too, but in smaller numbers than yesterday morning. On the East Flood: 1 fading summer plumaged Knot, 3 Turnstones, 6 Greenshanks, 33 Dunlin, 12 Ruff, 6 Golden Plovers, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Avocets, circa 600 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 250 Redshanks and 4 Little Egrets. 2 fresh juvenile Marsh Harriers circled over the reserve together before drifting west.

(Murray Wright)

July 20th

(05:50-11:30) Mainly bright and sunny with a strong and cool NW wind. Another chilly July morning! Good numbers of Swifts were heading west for the first couple of hours, perhaps hoping to find some warmer weather!. On the East Flood over the course of the morning: 2 Garganey, 21 Golden Plover, 3 Greenshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers, 12 Ruff, 12 Dunlin, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Avocets and only 7 Little Egrets, plus a female Marsh Harrier flew west. A Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers and 2 Whimbrel were on the mud west of the slipway. 2 Sandwich Terns were roosting on Horse Sands and a third was fishing in the mouth of Faversham Creek. A Kingfisher was fishing around the sluice. A Green Sandpiper, 2 Avocets and circa 20 Black-tailed Godwits were on the West Scrape. Hopefully some Curlew Sandpipers are due any day now - and not before time as I haven't had an Oare year tick since 12th June (Osprey)!

(Murray Wright)

July 19th

(06:15-09:15 & 11:15-12:15) A grey start with some light rain on the strong W wind. Brighter later. 17 Little Egrets were on the East Flood when I arrived and a Greenshank flew off north. 4 Whimbrel and 2 Curlews were on the mud west of the slipway. A Blackcap was singing opposite the cottages, plus the regular Little Owl and 1 Turtle Dove there, and a male Cuckoo calling nearby still. A Kingfisher shot along one of the dykes near the West Hide. Met Steve Clinch and we sheltered from the rain in the East Hide before a (quick!) circuit of the East Flood. 2 Garganey were on the flood, plus 2 Green Sandpipers, 10 Ruff (including the two colour-ringed birds still), 1 Ringed Plover (with a second flying west), 1 Dunlin, 3 Avocets, a Whimbrel, only a handful of Black-tailed Godwits and circa 50 Redshanks (including the two well grown chicks). A Kingfisher flew east passed the hide and a Fox was running along the southern edge of the flood. A Sandwich Tern was in the mouth of Faversham Creek. 32 Curlews were counted from the Sea Wall hide, and 2 Greenshanks and 8 Common Seals were on Horse Sands. 2 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. At 09:07 my pager reported the Black Stork present again near Wickhambreaux, so we dashed back to my car and off there for excellent views of the bird taking off and circling over Seaton before eventually drifting off high to the east - a much wanted Kent tick for both of us (and most of the assembled birders)! Returning to Oare for another hour or so, and with the tide coming in rapidly, there were now circa 600 Black-tailed Godwits on the East Flood, plus 4 Greenshank, 12 Dunlin and 2 Common Terns. A Hobby put on a great show again making a couple of attempts at a kill before flying west. A Kingfisher flew east over the car park. Not a bad morning - and worth coming out for eh! Steve?

(Steve Clinch and Murray Wright)

July 17th

(07:15-12:30) Mainly cloudy with some light showers and a blustery SW wind. There were 32 Little Egrets on the East Flood when I arrived, plus 1 juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 2 Garganey. The pair of Little Grebes now have four chicks in their nest. A Lesser Whitethroat was in the scrub opposite the cottages, plus 1 Little Owl, 1 Turtle Dove, and a pair of Cuckoos calling still. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. 4 Sandwich Terns (two adults and two juveniles) were feeding along Faversham Creek. 28 Curlews were counted on the mud from the Sea Wall hide, plus a single Whimbrel. 3 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, plus several Common Terns feeding. 2 more Whimbrel and 2 Common Sandpipers were on the mud west of the slipway, and 4 Ringed Plovers flew west there. Around 50 Black-tailed Godwits were on the West Scrape. Returning to the East Flood I met Mike Stevens and we watched the wader roost from the road and later from the East Hide to get out of the rain. The number of Black-tailed Godwits this morning was around 900 - an impressive sight particularly when they all took flight as a Peregrine shot through. Also on the East Flood we noted: circa 40 Dunlins, 5 Greenshanks, 4 Turnstones, 10 Ruff (including the two colour-ringed birds) and 1 Reeve, 2 Green Sandpipers, 5 Avocets (including 2 juveniles), circa 500 Redshanks, 3 Common Terns, circa 300 Black-headed Gulls (still only small numbers of juveniles though), and excellent views of a Hobby making several attempts to catch a Dunlin before giving up and heading west.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

July 16th

(06:50-09:45) A grey and overcast start with a few spots of rain, brightening later from the west with a freshening WNW wind. Met Steve Clinch (making one of his pre-work visits) along the entrance road. A pair of Little Grebes on the nest with their three stripey chicks were showing very well along the entrance road, and we watched as the chicks were regularly thrown off their parents back's and into the water at change-over/feeding time! On the East Flood there were 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Greenshanks, 8 Ruffs and a Reeve, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Redshanks, 2 Garganey, 42 Little Egrets and 1 Common Tern, plus a pair of Marsh Harriers hunting around the flood, and a Hobby flew west. 2 Sandwich Terns and 1 Great Crested Grebe were on the Swale, and 2 Whimbrel were on the mud west of the slipway. A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the trees opposite the cottages, plus 1 Turtle Dove, 1 calling male Cuckoo and 1 male Blackcap.

(Murray Wright)

July 15th

(06:10-11:00) Cloudy with a moderate SW wind. 77 Little Egrets plus five Grey Herons breakfasted on the east flood; most of the egrets had left by 8 a.m. There were also two Garganey and about ten Ruff (including the ringed bird firom 6th) and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. As the tide came in, numbers of Black-tailed Godwits rose to 425, there were three Greenshank and four Dunlin. There were five Common Sandpipers and an adult Ringed Plover on the foreshore west of the slipway and single Great Crested Grebe and Sandwich Tern were seen on the Swale. In the scrub area, there was one Turtle Dove, the male Cuckoo was heard, a male Green Woodpecker and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker and the singing Blackcap. Two juvenile Yellow Wagtails were on the road early morning and a male was on the rocks to the east of the slipway.

(Geoff Burton)

July 13th

(05:45-10:45) Bright and sunny with a light WNW wind. A Common Sandpiper was west of the slipway, plus 6 Whimbrel, and 23 Curlews were counted looking east. On the East Flood: a summer plumaged Golden Plover (my first since 16th May), 2 Little Ringed Plovers (an adult and a juvenile), 5 Ruff and 1 Reeve, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Greenshanks, 2 Dunlins, 130 Black-tailed Godwits over high tide (rising to circa 300 by the time I left), circa 250 Redshanks (plus the two rapidly growing young still), 13 Avocets (including the two juveniles still), 3 Garganey, only 14 Little Egrets, and a pair of Common Terns. 4 juvenile Bearded Tits were between the sluice and the Sea Wall hide. A juvenile Turtle Dove was opposite the cottages with two adults, plus 1 Blackcap, 1 Little Owl and calling male and female Cuckoos still.

(Murray Wright)

July 12th

(06:05-10:45) A bright and sunny start, but cloud gathering later. Wind was a brisk W. An hour or so before high tide there were 6 Common Terns and 1 adult Common Gull roosting on the posts along the slipway, with 3 Whimbrels and 2 Curlews on the mud to the west, and a Great Crested Grebe on the Swale. A Little Owl, a 'purring' Turtle Dove and a calling female Cuckoo were opposite the cottages. A Kingfisher was hovering over the the dyke along the southern boundary of the reserve. On the East Flood: 4 Little Ringed Plovers (three adults and a juvenile), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 summer plumaged Dunlin, 5 Greenshanks, 5 Ruff (including one colour-ringed bird - see below) and 1 Reeve, only around 75 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 200 Redshanks, 2 Whimbrel flew west, 2 Garganey, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (an adult and a first summer) amongst circa 200 Black-headed Gulls, 40 Little Egrets early on, and 2 Common Terns. A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the trees behind the East Hide. Small numbers of Swifts were heading west all morning.

A second colour-ringed male Ruff was present today and yesterday on the East Flood: on the right leg it has a metal ring on the tibia and a white c-ring above a red c-ring on the tarsus, and on the left leg a blue flag on the tibia and 2 white c-rings on the tarsus. This bird was trapped and ringed at Nijhuizum, Monnikeburenpolder, the Netherlands on 29/3/08 - information from Yvonne Verkuil at the University of Groningen.

(Murray Wright)

(16:50-18.30) A quick visit concentrating on the east flood. There were five Little Ringed Plovers - four adults and a juvenile, six Ruff including one Reeve and a colour-ringed bird, which appeared to be the one seen on 6th, and three Garganey. There was also two Common Sandpipers on the foreshore west of the slipway and a Common Gull on the posts there and another over the east flood - both adults.

(Geoff Burton)

July 11th

(05:15-10:10) Sunny periods and the occasional shower, light to moderate southerly winds. There were 55 Little Egrets on the east flood early in the morning and also two Garganey, 24 Avocets, one summer plumage Dunlin, four male Ruff (including a different flagged and ringed individual from the one on 6th), three Greenshank and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Opposite the cottages, there were two Turtle Doves, a male Cuckoo, Little Owl, a Mistle Thrush over the paddocks, two Cetti's Warblers chasing each other and "singing" around the bushes, two singing Blackcaps and a rather tatty adult Chiffchaff. A Hobby was "roosting" in the elder bush on the west flood early in the morning. Four Sandwich Terns alighted on Castle Coote but were chased off by an Oystercatcher, two Little Terns flew off high away from there and five Whimbrel were west of the slipway on the outgoing tide.

(Geoff Burton)

July 10th

(06:15-10:45) After a few spots of rain early on the cloud started to break to give some nice sunny spells. Wind was a freshening SW. Met Mike Stevens and we made a circuit of the East Flood. Yesterday's heavy rain had raised the water level a little. The following were noted on the flood at high-tide: a single summer plumaged Dunlin, 6 Greenshanks, 6 Ruffs and 1 Reeve, only around 100 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 200 Redshanks (plus the two chicks still), a Curlew flew west, 28 Little Egrets, 2 eclipse drake Garganey, a pair of Common Terns, and a male Marsh Harrier flew west. A Whimbrel was at the mouth of Faversham Creek. 5 more Whimbrel and 2 Curlews were on the mud west of the slipway. A Bullfinch was heard calling opposite the cottages, plus the male Blackcap singing well and a female seen briefly (the first I've seen here this year), a pair of Turtle Doves, 1 Green Woodpecker, a family party of Linnets including three juveniles, and 1 Cuckoo singing in the distance still. Also, small numbers of Swifts flying west all morning.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

July 9th

(05:45-10:30) Heavy cloud spreading in from the west with steady rain falling from circa 07:30. Wind was only a light SW breeze. Arrived just as the sun was disappearing behind the cloud. A quick look from the sea wall produced only a single Great Crested Grebe on the Swale and 6 Common Terns roosting on the posts along the slipway. The Blackcap was singing well opposite the cottages again, plus 1 'purring' Turtle Dove and a pair of Cuckoos. On the East Flood: 40 Little Egrets early on with twelve still present when I left, 2 eclipse drake Garganey, a single adult Little Ringed Plover (only my fourth record this year and the first since May 16th), 8 Greenshanks, 5 Ruff (four Ruffs and one Reeve again), 1 Whimbrel, 21 Avocets, circa 150 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 75 Redshanks, 17 Common Teal, 2 Common Terns and 1 Kingfisher. A female Marsh Harrier was over the West Flood.

Last Saturday (July 6th) a colour-ringed male Ruff was present on the East Flood: on the right leg it has a metal ring on the tibia and a red 'flag' between two white c-rings on the tarsus, and on the left leg a blue c-ring above a yellow c-ring on the tarsus. This bird was trapped and ringed as an adult at Exmorra, Allingawier, Makkumermeerpolder, the Netherlands on 11/5/06 and has now been recorded on and off at Oare for the following three summers/autumns - information from Yvonne Verkuil at the University of Groningen.

(Murray Wright)

(12:00-15:30) A decidedly damp and fairly unexciting stroll produced: Cottages - 1 Cuckoo; East Flood - 3 Avocets but by the time of my departure the numbers had swollen to 17, 130+ Redshank, 30+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2 drake Garganey, 4 possibly 5 Ruff and 1 Reeve, and a Marsh Harrier over on a couple of occasions; Mud flats from the sea wall and Sea Wall hide - 18 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, 15 Avocet, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Great Crested Grebe on the water and 1 Cormorant engaged in a prolonged tussle with a large eel - quite gruesome!
(Mike Stevens)

July 8th

(06:05-09:30) Sunny periods with a fresh SW wind. Arrived at high tide; surprisingly, there was only one Little Egret on the east flood, only  a few Black-tailed Godwits but other waders included 28 Avocets, five Ruff (including one Reeve), six Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper. The pair of Redshank with two chicks was also present. A Barn Owl was hunting between the east hide and the road when I arrived. There was also two Garganey (adult and juvenile) and two juvenile Yellow Wagtails on the flood. Opposite the cottages, there were three Turtle Doves (two in song), both male and female Cuckoos were heard and the Blackcap continues to sing strongly. A Sparrowhawk flew west behind the scrub carrying prey. Two Kingfishers were chasing each other south of the east flood. Later, two Whimbrel were on the mud west of the slipway.

(Geoff Burton)

July 6th

(05:45-12:00) A grey and overcast start with some light showers and a strengthening S wind, but brighter later. On the East Flood the Little Egret count had risen to 68, again all in one tight feeding flock and gradually dispersing during the morning. Also on the flood: 2 eclipse drake Garganey, 5 Ruff (4 Ruffs and a Reeve), 3 Greenshanks, 4 Common Sandpipers, 7 Avocets, circa 250 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 75 Redshanks, an eclipse drake Wigeon and 2 Common Terns. A Green Sandpiper flew west dropping onto the West Flood. The male Blackcap was singing well from the trees opposite the cottages, plus a pair of Cuckoos and a 'purring' Turtle Dove there. 2 Whimbrel were along Faversham Creek. A Greenshank dropped onto the mud in front of the Sea Wall hide, and 32 Curlews and 11 Avocets were on the mud around the mouth of the creek. 3 Whimbrels were west of the slipway. A pair of Marsh Harriers were hunting around the reserve.

(Murray Wright)

July 5th

(06:15-12:00) A grey and showery start but brightening later with a moderate SSW wind. On the East Flood first thing there was an impressive gathering of 63 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons and circa 100 Black-headed Gulls  all feeding actively in two tight, mixed flocks, the Little Egrets gradually dispersing (mostly flying off south-west) and by 08:00 there were only four remaining. Also, on the flood this morning: 1 eclipse drake Garganey, 5 Ruff (4 Ruffs and 1 Reeve), 2 Greenshanks, 1 Common Sandpiper, 300+ Black-tailed Godwits (with birds still arriving as I left), 7 Avocets (including two juveniles), circa 100 Redshanks (plus the pair with two chicks being very aggressive to any other birds coming too close - the chicks later watched swimming across to the main island), a second summer Common Gull, 22 Teal, circa 40 Gadwall,  and 1 male Marsh Harrier. Also, lots of Sand Martins feeding over the flood. The male Bullfinch was seen opposite the cottages again, plus single Blackcap, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo and Little Owl there. A pair of Kingfishers were chasing each other near the sluice. 11 Avocets were along Faversham Creek. 24 Curlews were on the mud either side of the mouth of the creek, with several more on Horse Sands. 20 or so Common Terns were feeding on the Swale. 2 Whimbrel were west of the slipway, plus 2 more Curlews. A Hobby was hunting low over the west side.

(Murray Wright)

(11:30-13:00) On the East Flood I had 3 Garganey (the drake you photographed still at close range and two probable juvenile types which were feeding with a small group of Teal out in the middle), 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Ruff (no sign of a Reeve), 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Avocet (including two juveniles), 1 Ringed Plover and 4 Little Egret. Flood is looking great for autumn passge.

(Mike Buckland)

July 4th

(06:10-11:00) Sunny, calm and warm. Early morning there were 43 Little Egrets on the east flood, a single Garganey, broods of five Pochard and four Tufted Duck were noted, 11 Avocets included three juveniles, a Reeve, single Greenshank, Green and Common Sandpipers and the pair of Redshank with two chicks. Opposite the cottages, a pair of Bullfinches, a Little Owl in the paddock, the singing Blackcap, a Cuckoo and two Turtle Doves. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers flew around high over the east flood and, later, a juvenile was in the hedge behind the east hide where a Lesser Whitethroat was heard in song briefly. There were two Whimbrel in the creek, another flew south over there and one was present just west of the slipway. An adult Common Gull was seen asleep on the mud just west of the slipway. The walk up to Dan's Dock was most notable for the number of butterflies seen; seven species with numerous Whites, mostly Green-veined but some Small, single Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral, Small Skippers, Meadow Browns and my first Gatekeeper of the year. Ruddy Darters were also numerous and Black-tailed Skimmers also seen. A Hobby was hunting over the west flood and the grassland beyond.

(Geoff Burton)

(13:00-17:00) I got no further than the viewing pull-in and the cottages mainly because I kept coming across interesting people like Pete Maton and Rob Clements. However, a very pleasant afternoon weather-wise was enhanced by sightings as follows. On the East Flood: 330+ Black-tailed Godwits, 17 Avocets, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Ruff, a Mediterranean Gull in the north-east corner before flying off over the sea wall, and 1 female Hobby. Two more sightings of Hobby over the west side. At the cottages a Bullfinch and a Blackcap were sharing the same tree and more in hope than anticipation, since they were at some distance, I digiscoped them and was predictably rewarded with a nice image of two black blobs. As I made my way back to the car a Cuckoo flew west across the entrance road. Most enjoyable!

(Mike Stevens)

July 3rd

(07:15-11:15) Mainly bright and sunny after some overnight showers with a pleasant SSW breeze. The pair of Bullfinches were in the dead trees opposite the cottages again, plus 1 Little Owl, 2 Turtle Doves, 3 Cuckoos and 1 singing Blackcap nearby. 5 Garganeys were on the East Flood - 1 eclipse drake and 4 females/juveniles (didn't get a good look at the undersides - would be nice if they turn out to be young birds). Also on the East Flood: 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 11 Avocets, 250+ Black-tailed Godwits, circa 50 Redshanks (plus a pair with two young chicks -  the first I've seen so far this year), a Whimbrel flew north, 5 Little Egrets, 13 Common Teal, and a Hobby circled over putting everything else up. A Whimbrel was on the mud west of the slipway. The female Marsh Harrier with the drooping leg was hunting over the West Flood. 2 Avocets and 12 Black-tailed Godwits were on the West Scrape.

(Murray Wright)

July 2nd

(05:40-10:30) Bright early on but heavy cloud soon spread in from the west. No more than a very light S wind and still feeling muggy. Geoff arrived first and counted 22 Little Egrets on the East Flood including several juveniles (these early morning gatherings are a regular feature during mid-summer), and a Whimbrel flew west over the entrance road. In the paddocks and scrub opposite the cottages most of the usual suspects were noted: 2 Turtle Doves, a pair of Cuckoos, the Little Owl having a dust bath, 1 male Blackcap in full voice, 1 Cetti's Warbler, a Yellow Wagtail flew west, a juvenile Swallow was feeding around the cottages, and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker was sharing a tree with one of the local Green Woodpeckers (definitely no sign of the juvenile Great Spot today though!). A male Lesser Whitethroat was singing well behind the East Hide. On the East Flood: 4 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 78 Redshanks, 10 Avocets (including the three juveniles), circa 80 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 eclipse drake Wigeon, 6+ Common Teal and 43 Gadwall. A Peregrine was perched on the first pylon east of Faversham Creek (the maintenance work on the pylons should be finished any day now), and a Whimbrel flew west across the creek there. A Sandwich Tern and an adult Mediterranean Gull were feeding amongst a gathering of Black-headed Gulls on the Swale off of the Sea Wall hide. 27 Curlews were on the mud east of the mouth of the creek with several more on Horse Sands. Plenty of Common Terns were on the Swale with seven roosting together on Horse Sands. 2 more Whimbrel were on the mud west of the slipway, plus 3 summer plumaged Dunlin along the tideline there. 2 Greenshank flew west at Dan's Dock. Finally, it was nice to see and hear a male Yellow Wagtail singing at Dan's Dock with a female nearby.

Of non-avian interest a high pitched buzzing along the sea wall just north of the sluice drew our attention to a small bumblebee. Geoff suggested it could well be a Shrill Carder Bee (Bombus sylvarum). And on returning home and with reference to books and the internet that it was it appears to have been - a species that has declined drastically in the UK since 1970.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)