Oare Marshes Latest Sightings

March 2007

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, at murray_wright8@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Species List for 2007

Below is a list of species recorded in the area so far this year. It includes species seen from Oare e.g. on Sheppey and on the Swale, and those on adjacent areas to the reserve itself e.g. down to Uplees and in the trees and scrub opposite the cottages etc. The species in bold are those added during the current calendar month.

Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Garganey, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Eider, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Common Bittern, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Common Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Turnstone, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Sand Martin, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Bearded Reedling, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Hooded Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Twite, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting (Y.T.D. 119 species).

Other Wildlife

Mammals: 1 Brown Hare on the 1st. 10 Common Seals and 1 Red Fox on the 2nd.

9 Common Seals on the 7th. 4 Common Seals on the 10th. 16 Common Seals on the 13th. 21 Common Seals on 14th. 1 Red Fox crossing the entrance road on the 20th. 5 Common Seals on the 22nd. A Weasel at Uplees on the 24th. Considerable Mole activity much in evidence along the path to the West Hide on the 25th! A Weasel crossed the entrance road just south of the carpark on the 26th. 10 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 27th. 2 Brown Hares in the north west corner of the reserve on the 28th.

Amphibians: Marsh Frogs 'croaking' on the 3rd and 11th. Several Marsh Frogs on the 27th, and very vocal on the 28th.

Insects: A Small Tortoiseshell opposite the cottages on the 10th. A Peacock along the sea wall east of the carpark on the 27th. Significant numbers of Bombus (Bumble Bee) species on the wing on the 28th.

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

March 31st

8 Sand Martins were present over the East Flood during the early morning mist. 130 Golden Plovers and 4 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees. One of the Little Owls was near Dan's Dock. On the West Flood this morning: 14 Pintail, 9 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 30 Tufted Ducks, 14 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese and 1 Bar-headed Goose. A female Merlin was perched in the solitary elder on the west side. 14 Black-tailed Godwits were west of the slipway and 40 Avocets were around the mouth of the creek. Bearded Tits were 'pinging' near the Sea Wall hide. 2 Avocets were on the East Flood, with another pair on the New West Scrape. A Red-legged Partridge was flushed from the path to the West Hide.

(Murray Wright)

March 30th

A short visit this afternoon in poor conditions produced 4 Sand Martins lingering over the East Flood - the first reported this year. Also on the East Flood this afternoon: 4 Avocets, 2 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 37 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 9 Tufted Ducks, 12 Greylag Geese, 1 Little Egret, 1 female Merlin, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 2 male Marsh Harriers and 8 Pied Wagtails. On the mud between the slipway and the Sea Wall hide: 92 Black-tailed Godwits and 12 Avocets.

(Murray Wright)

March 29th

An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south east over the carpark at circa 08:05. 77 Black-tailed Godwits and 16 Avocets were on the mud around the slipway and just to the east this morning. The leucistic Curlew was on the saltmarsh near Dan's Dock and 6 Linnets were at Uplees copse. A male Red-breasted Merganser was along Faversham Creek down towards the Shipwright's Arms. The Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood again this morning. Also on the East Flood over high tide: 1 Greenshank, 89 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 4 Ringed Plovers, 2 Avocets, 2 Pintail, 1 Little Egret and a male Marsh Harrier over. 2 Red-legged Partridges were feeding along the track to the fishing ponds opposite the cottages. 3 singing Cetti's Warblers and 4 Bearded Tits noted this morning.

(Murray Wright)

March 28th

A drake Garganey was on the East Flood early afternoon. 3+ Bearded Tits were between the Sea Sluice and the Sea Wall hide, plus 1-2 Water Rails 'squealing' loudly there. 79 Black-tailed Godwits and 39 Avocets were on the mud between the slipway and Faversham Creek, plus large numbers of Dunlin - circa 900, and Grey Plovers - circa 190 (pre-migratory numbers building?). 30+ Brent Geese were on the Swale in the mist. 1 Cetti's Warbler was singing along the southern boundary of the reserve. 2 Corn Buntings were singing again in Uplees copse, plus 3 moulting Golden Plovers on the mud there. Constant corvid movement was noted heading north across the Swale to Sheppey. A large flock of circa 700 Woodpigeons was noted flying high south across the Swale this afternoon. Circa 10 - 15 pairs of Stock Doves noted in the area.

(Mike Roser and Stephen Short)

March 27th

A Blackcap singing in the early morning fog opposite the cottages was the first reported this year, plus 2 Mediterranean Gulls flew over there. The Short-eared Owl was seen again this morning hunting between the West Hide and the entrance road, and a female Merlin was hunting near Dan's Dock, plus 1 Little Owl there this afternoon. The moulting 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood this afternoon. 81 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud east of the slipway, plus 21 Avocets. 20 more Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees, plus 1 Knot, the leucisitic Curlew and 20 Golden Plovers there, and 1 singing Corn Bunting in the copse. 4 Bearded Tits were in the reeds just east of the carpark.

(Keith Cornish and Murray Wright)

March 26th

A Corn Bunting was singing along the entrance road early morning by the bends circa 1/4 mile south of the cottages. 2 more Corn Buntings were at Uplees Copse, plus 5 Linnets. On the mud at Uplees: 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 35 Black-tailed Godwits, plus a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and 12 Great Crested Grebes on the Swale there. The leucistic Curlew was near Dan's Dock plus 1 Little Owl, and 2 Grey Partridges and 164 Curlews were on the sheep fields. The Long-billed Dowitcher was on the West Flood circa 09:00. Also on the West Flood this morning: 1 Common Snipe, 34 Pintail, 14 Gadwall, 13 Pochard, 3 Canada Geese and 7 Mute Swans. On the East Flood this morning: 32 Mute Swans first thing, 2 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 2 Avocets, 1 Little Egret and 1 male Marsh Harrier over. 110 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud east of the slipway, plus 17 Avocets, 336 Dunlin and 31 Grey Plovers. 2 Turnstones were on the slipway. 2 Pintail and 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. 46 Brent Geese were  on the Swale.

(Mike Roser and Murray Wright)

March 25th

The Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood again this morning. A female Merlin was around the West Flood. Also on the West Flood this morning: no sign of yesterday's Garganey, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, circa 35 Pintail, 22 Gadwall, 17 Canada Geese, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Marsh Harriers over. At Uplees: 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Golden Plovers and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. 92 Black-tailed Godwits and 29 Avocets were on the mud east of the slipway. 2 Pintail and 2 Avocets were on the East Flood.

(Richard Bailey, Keith Privett, John Pymm, Mike Roser, Mick Southcott and Murray Wright)

March 24th

A pair of Garganey on the West Flood this morning were the first of the year and a sign of spring despite the continuing cold northerly wind and inclement weather.

However, they could not be located this afternoon. Also, on the West Flood this morning: 35 Pintail, 13 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 23 Tufted Ducks and 2 Marsh Harriers over. 43 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud east of the slipway with another 21 at Uplees. Also at Uplees: the leucistic Curlew again, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 104 Golden Plovers. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the path to the West Hide this morning.  1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock early morning and a female Merlin was seen nearby perched on one of the blockhouses. 34 Avocets were on the mud around the mouth of Faversham Creek. 8 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale and 2 Marsh Harriers flew north to Sheppey. A Chiffchaff was singing opposite the cottages. On the East Flood this morning: 1 injured Avocet, 2 Pintail and 2 Little Egrets. An escaped Harris's Hawk was seen around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey.

(Geoff Burton, Chris Gibbard, James Hunter, Richard Smith and Murray Wright)

March 23rd

The Long-billed Dowitcher was present on the East Flood again this afternoon. Also on the East Flood over high tide late afternoon: circa 20 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 94 Redshank, 2 Avocets, 1 Snipe, 2 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 33 Shoveler, 21 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 8 Shelduck, 8 Greylag Geese and 2 Little Egrets. A male Merlin was perched briefly in the lone Elderberry on the west side before being flushed by a Kestrel. A male Sparrowhawk was perched on the fence by the East Hide. 2 female Marsh Harriers headed north across the Swale to Sheppey.

(Murray Wright)

March 22nd

24 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees this morning, plus 17 Bar-tailed Godwits flew west along the Swale there, and 2 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers and 5 Great Crested Grebes on the water. A female Merlin showed well sitting on the track to the fishing ponds oppsite the cottages, and 2 Red-legged Partridges were along the entrance road just south of the cottages. On the West Flood this morning: 46 Pintail, 27 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 19 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese, 28 Greylag Geese and 16 Mute Swans. 20 Avocets were on the mud just west of the slipway and 46 more were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. 3 Avocets and 2 Gadwall were on the East Flood. 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing this morning and several Water Rails were heard. Stonechats and Rock Pipits appear to have moved on with no records of either for two weeks.

(Murray Wright)

March 21st

The Long-billed Dowitcher was seen in flight and heard calling over the West Flood at 07:15 and appeared to drop into the western end, and a Green Sandpiper flew over the west side shortly afterwards. 7 Little Egrets together were on the new fields. A Greenshank was along Faversham Creek again, and circa 80 Avocets and 1 Turnstone were at the mouth of the creek. An adult Kittiwake flew west along the Swale this morning, and 2 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers and 5 Great Crested Grebes were also noted. 75 Golden Plovers were on the mud at Uplees, plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit there and circa 40 Black-tailed Godwits flew east along the Swale. 1 Little Owl was perched out near Dan's Dock. A female Marsh Harrier was watched dropping into the reeds on the north side of the East Flood with a male nearby. 3 more Marsh Harriers were seen flying north across the Swale to Sheppey. Bearded Tits were calling near the Sea Wall hide. On the East Flood over high tide this afternoon: the Long-billed Dowitcher again, 3 Little Stints, 15 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 113 Redshanks, 7 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, 2 Avocets and 42 Mute Swans. The small passage of Lesser-blacked Back Gulls moving west continued today.

(Geoff Burton, Mike Roser, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

March 20th

The Long-billed Dowitcher was on the East Flood again this afternoon. Also on the East Flood this p.m. shortly after high tide: 2 Little Stints, 42 Dunlin, 72 Redshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 1 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Avocets, 2 Pintail, 19 Wigeon, 48 Teal, 39 Shoveler, 29 Tufted Ducks, 8 Greylag Geese and 2 Marsh Harriers over. 23 Pintail were on the West Flood, and 3 Pintail and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. A flock of circa 40 Black-tailed Godwits flew west along the Swale. Large numbers of gulls were flying north into the gale force N wind over the East Flood and along Faversham Creek from inland late afternoon - mainly Black-headed Gulls, with smaller numbers of Common and Herring Gulls, but also included 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls and circa 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Also of note 27 Kittiwakes (24 adults and 3 1st winters - first records this year) - flocks of 11, 6 and 3 blown into Faversham Creek before flying high south west inland, and a flock of 7 flying north out of the creek into the Swale.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

March 19th

Bird of the day was a Rough-legged Buzzard picked up by Mike Roser as it flew from circa 10:15-10:20 west across Faversham Creek, across the north east corner of the East Flood and then out across the Swale north west (back?) to Sheppey. The Long-billed Dowitcher circled several times calling over the west side before dropping onto the West Flood at circa 09:25. Also on the West Flood this morning: 23 Pintail, 35 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Pochard, 3 Canada Geese, 1 Little Egret and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 13 Black-tailed Godwits flew west along the Swale early morning. 2 Grey Partridges were near Uplees again and 59 Golden Plovers were on the mud there. 56 Curlews were on the sheep fields. Another Grey Partridge was flushed from the path to the West Hide. 107 Avocets were around the mouth of Faversham Creek, and 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Great-crested Grebes and 1 redhead Red-breasted Merganser were along the creek. On the East Flood over high tide around midday: 1 Greenshank, circa 25 Dunlin, 68 Redshanks, 9 Ringed Plovers, 3 Avocets, 2 Pintail, 28 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Ducks and 1 Little Egret. Also, a small passage of Lesser-blacked Back Gulls was noticeable moving west today.
(Mike Roser, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

March 18th

No reports received.

March 17th

Circa 400 Woodpigeons left their roost around the fishing ponds at 06:45 most heading north across the Swale to Sheppey. A Chiffchaff was singing at Uplees copse this morning, plus 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 5 Linnets, and 10 Black-tailed Godwits and 174 Golden Plovers on the mud there. 46 Curlew were counted on the sheep fields including the leucistic bird. On the West Flood: still good numbers of Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon, 51 Pintail, 26 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, circa 40 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Marsh Harriers over. A Little Owl was again in the blockhouse looking south from behind the West Hide. 31 Avocets were on the mud east of the slipway just prior to high tide and a further 109 were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. A single Turnstone was with Redshank along the creek. 4 Red-breasted Mergansers were on the Swale. The Long-billed Dowitcher was present again on the East Flood until late morning at least. On the East Flood over high tide: 3 Little Stints, 12 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, circa 150 Redshanks, 5 Avocets, 3 Ringed Plovers, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Ducks and 2 Little Egrets.

(Murray Wright)

March 16th

No reports received.

March 15th

The drake Common Scoter was still present on the Swale this morning looking west from Uplees. 58 Black-tailed Godwits  and 120 Golden Plovers were on the mud at Uplees, and the leucistic Curlew was on the saltmarsh nearby. A Red-legged Partridge was flushed from the sea wall and dropped into Uplees copse, plus 4 Linnets there. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. On the West Flood: 2 Avocets, 4 Ringed Plovers, 6 Oystercatchers, 61 Pintail, 27 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 26 Tufted Ducks, 5 Canada Geese, 19 Mute Swans, 1 Little Egret and a female Marsh Harrier over. A second Red-legged Partridge was flushed from the path to the West Hide. On the East Flood: 4 Avocets, 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Egrets and a Sparrowhawk over. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock and second was behind the West Hide. 4 singing Cetti's Warblers noted again this morning.

(Murray Wright)

March 14th

A Jay was in Uplees copse this morning, plus 4 Linnets. On the mud at Uplees: 58 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 138 Golden Plovers.  On the West Flood today: 59 Pintail, 16 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 33 Tufted Ducks, 17 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag Geese and 1 female Marsh Harrier over. 1 Little Owl was sunning itself near Dan's Dock again and the leucistic Curlew was on the saltmarsh there. 6 Black-tailed Godwits were by the slipway at high tide early morning and 59 Avocets were on the mud and around the mouth of the creek. A White Wagtail was between the Sea Sluice and the East Hide mid-morning. 3 Avocets were on the East Flood, plus 2 Pintail and 2 Little Egrets.

(Murray Wright)

March 13th

The moulting 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was showing well on the East Flood all morning. The Red-necked Grebe was on the Swale again west of the slipway until midday at least, and the drake Common Scoter was still present on the Swale west of Uplees copse early morning. 3 Red-breasted Mergansers and 24+ Great Crested Grebes were counted on the Swale today. 23 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees this morning, plus 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 28 Golden Plovers. 2 Grey Partridges were flushed by dogs (they do have their uses!) near Uplees copse. On the West Flood today: 74 Pintail, 19 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks, 20 Canada Geese, circa 25 Greylag Geese and 33 Mute Swans. 3 Little Stints and 3 Black-tailed Godwits were on the mud west of the slipway this morning, plus 1 Knot, circa 400 Dunlins, circa 150 Grey Plovers and 91 Avocets counted on the mud. 1 singing Chiffchaff was in the trees oppsite the cottages. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock again and a second was in the window of the blockhouse looking south from the back of the West Hide. Also noted today: a Green Sandpiper flying over south of the floods, a Common Buzzard over Harty Hill, several Marsh Harriers, a Water Rail showing well in the paddocks (several others calling), 3+ Little Egrets, 1 Redwing opposite the cottages and 3 singing Cetti's Warblers.
(Geoff Burton, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

March 12th

A Red-necked Grebe was on the Swale again this morning (starting to moult into summer plumage) - first drifting west up to Uplees before drifting back east and eventually out of view. 2 Grey Partridges were on the sheep fields just east of Uplees copse this morning, plus 5 Linnets and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler in the copse, and 91 Golden Plovers on the mud. The 2 Little Owls were sunning themselves near Dan's Dock again. The leucistic Curlew flew onto the saltmarsh at Dan’s Dock. Also this morning: 2 male Marsh Harriers flew high over the West Flood, 3 more singing Cetti's Warblers noted, and a Common Buzzard flew in high from the west and circled for some time over the fields behind the cottages before drifting off. No sign of any Chiffchaffs this morning.

(Mike Stevens)

March 11th

3 singing Chiffchaffs today were the first for the year - one around the carpark (and the reeds just to the east), 1 opposite the cottages and 1 in the copse at Uplees. Also at Uplees this morning: 2 Linnets in the copse, 194 Golden Plover, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits and 43 Curlews on the mud. 82 Avocets were counted along the Swale and at the mouth of the creek, plus 48+ Grey Plovers. On the West Flood this morning: 58+ Pintail, 23 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks, 7 Canada Geese, 29 Greylag Geese, 33 Mute Swans and 2 Little Egrets. 2 Peregines were over Harty Hill on Sheppey, plus 6+ Marsh Harriers. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and 16 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. On the East Flood this morning: the 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher showing very well close to the road again, 4 Pintail, 19 Tufted Ducks and 3 Canada Geese. 3 singing Cetti's Warblers today and 3 Bearded Tits between the carpark and the Sea Wall hide.

(Keith Cornish and Murray Wright)

March 10th

2 adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the Swale off of Uplees this morning before flying west, plus 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes, 288 Golden Plovers and 2 Knot on the mud there, 2 Linnets in the copse and a male Merlin just inland. 1 Little Owl was near Dan's Dock and another was in the blockhouse looking south from the back of the West Hide. On the West Flood this morning: 102 Pintail, circa 30 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks and 23 Mute Swans. 78 Avocets were counted on the mud around the mouth of Faversham Creek. 2 Bearded Tits were near the Sea Wall hide. 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. On the East Flood: just 4 Pintail and 2 Tufted Ducks.

(John Pymm and Murray Wright)

March 9th

The 1st winter Long-billed Dowitcher was showing very well on the East Flood all afternoon (now starting to show some summer plumage coverts and tertials). Also on the East Flood this afternoon: 1 Greenshank, 124 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Snipe, 4 Oystercatchers, 6 Pintail and 2 Tufted Ducks. 345 Golden Plovers (some starting to show signs of summer plumage) were on the mud at Uplees. 2 Little Egrets were on the New West Scrape. 5 Ringed Plovers were on the slipway. 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale, and circa 100 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek.

(Mike Roser, Mick Sinden, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

March 8th

The Long-billed Dowitcher reported again this afternoon.

March 7th

The Great Northern Diver flew west along the Swale at circa 07:15 and landed off the slipway where it was still present until at least 09:00. 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 8 Great Crested Grebes were also on the Swale. The leucistic Curlew was on the saltmarsh at Dan's Dock and 4 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the mud at Uplees. 93 Avocets were around the mouth of Faversham Creek early morning and a Peregrine was on the pylons to the east. On the West Flood this morning: 4 Snipe, 20 Redshank, 6 Oystercatchers, circa 70 Pintail, circa 25 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks, 16 Canada Geese and 2 Little Egrets. On the East Flood today: the Long-billed Dowitcher again this afternoon (now entering its sixth month of residence), 1 Greenshank, 107 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 6 Pintail, 1 drake Pochard, 19 Tufted Ducks, 3 Canada Geese and 23 Greylag Geese. 4 Cetti's Warblers were singing today with one showing very well near the car park, and 2 Rock Pipits were along the seawall. The 2 Little Owls were roosting again this afternoon near Dan's Dock.

(David Newman and Murray Wright)

March 6th

The Great Northern Diver and drake Common Scoter were both on the Swale again off of Dan's Dock late morning, the scoter having drifted west past the Sea Wall hide on the incoming tide a little earlier. 6 Red-breasted Mergansers and 9 Great Crested Grebes also noted on the Swale. 128 Avocets were counted at the mouth of Faversham Creek. On the East Flood at hightide: 1 Greenshank, 156 Redshank, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Canada Geese, 7 Pintail, 43 Shovelers and 21 Tufted Ducks. 75 Pintail were counted on the West Flood. 1 Peregrine was on the pylons. A winter plumaged Guillemot flew west up the Swale and landed off the Sea Wall hide, where it remained for some time. A Redwing was in the scrub south of the path to the West Hide this afternoon plus 1 Little Owl and a female Sparrowhawk there.

(Geoff Burton, Mick Southcott and Mike Stevens)

March 5th

Two Red-necked Grebes were on the Swale today: an immature from the Sea Wall hide from 10:40 - 11:30, and an adult between the rusty barge and Harty Ferry. The drake Common Scoter drifted in with the tide at midday before flying west. 17 Red-breasted Mergansers were counted today: 6 at the mouth of Faversham Creek and 11 on the Swale north of Horse Sands. 120 Avocets were counted from the Sea Wall hide. 1 Fieldfare was in the copse at Uplees and on the shore there: 72 Golden Plovers, 29 Curlews, 6 Turnstones and 2 Grey Plovers. A Hooded Crow was on Sheppey with other corvids below the maize field east of Harty Church, plus a male Hen Harrier over the fields there. 2 Bearded Tits were near the Sea Wall hide again. On the East Flood over hightide: 3 Avocets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, 27 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Pintail, 41 Shoveler, 32 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 3 Pochard, 7 Tufted Ducks, 7 Shelduck, 2 Canada Geese (also 4 flew across the Swale to Sheppey) and 9 Greylag Geese. 48+ Pintail were on the West Flood. The Great Northern Diver was still present on the Swale to the west of Uplees.

(Jim Bloor, Tom and Kay Robertson, Mike Roser and Mike Stevens)

March 4th

The Slavonian Grebe was still on the Swale at Uplees this morning. Also on the Swale: 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 8+ Great Crested Grebes and a Canada Goose flew west. A single Fieldfare was in the copse at Uplees, with 4 Bar-tailed Godwits on the mud there and 3 Grey Partridges in the sheep fields. On the West Flood: 78 Pintail, circa 30 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese, 20 Redshank, 6 Oystercatchers and 2 Little Egrets. 98 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek with smaller numbers also along the Swale. On the East Flood: 2 Avocets, 6 Pintail and 18 Tufted Ducks. 2 Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide.

(Murray Wright)

March 3rd

The Great Northern Diver flew west along the Swale at 07:30 and was present off of Uplees late morning again. The Red-necked Grebe was on the Swale west of the slipway this morning, plus up to 12 Red-breasted Mergansers and 10 Great Crested Grebes (including a group of 6 flying west). 70 Curlew were on the mud at Uplees and good numbers of Knot were along the northern shore. Most of the wildfowl are now preferring the West Flood due to the improved water level and less disturbance following the end of the wildfowling season. Amongst the many Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal and Mallard this morning: 49 Pintail, circa 30 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, circa 50 Tufted Ducks, 23 Greylag Geese, 40 Redshank and 1 Little Egret. 62 Avocets were counted at the mouth of Faversham Creek. Also noted today: 2 Canada Geese on the East Flood, 5 Little Egrets flew west along the Swale, several Marsh Harriers over Harty Hill on Sheppey, 3 singing Cetti's Warblers (including one at Uplees copse still), 2 Rock Pipits near the Watch House and one pair of Stonechats.

(Murray Wright)

March 2nd

The Red-necked Grebe and drake Common Scoter were both on the Swale again this morning, plus 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. Also noted this morning: 4 Ringed Plovers on the slipway, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 pair of Stonechats, 1 Long-tailed Tit opposite the cottages and 1 Linnet.

(Geoff Burton)

March 1st

On the East Flood over hightide this morning: 1 Greenshank, 155 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers, 4 Pintail and 8 Tufted Ducks. On the West Flood this morning: 40 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plovers, 44 Pintail, 20 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 53 Tufted Ducks, 2 Canada Geese, 27 Greylag Geese, 2 Little Egrets and a male Sparrowhawk. Another male Sparrowhawk was over Harty Hill on Sheppey early morning. On the Swale this morning: 4 Red-breasted Mergansers and 3 Great Crested Grebes. 102 Avocets were counted at the mouth of Faversham Creek just prior to hightide. 2 Fieldfares were in the copse at Uplees and circa 150 Golden Plovers on the mud there. 25 Curlew were on the sheepfields at Uplees. 2 Bearded Reedlings were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide.

(Steve Clinch, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)