Oare Marshes Latest Sightings

May 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: 1 Brown Hare on the sheepfields and 4 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 2nd. 2 Brown Hares and 1 Red Fox on the sheepfields, 1 Red Fox in the paddocks and 4 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 3rd. 2 Brown Hares on the sheepfields and 10+ Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 5th. 2 Brown Hares on the sheepfields and 6 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 6th.  1 Brown Hare on the sheepfields and 7+ Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 8th. 13 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 9th. 1 Brown Hare on the sheepfields on the 13th. A young Brown Hare  in front of the East Hide on the 14th. A Brown Hare behind the West Hide and 14 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 15th. A Red Fox cub at Uplees on the 17th. 1 Brown Hare was in front of the East Hide on the 19th. A Brown Hare near the East Hide with another on the sheepfields, and a Red Fox in the paddocks and the same or another on the sheepfields on the 22nd. 2 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 23rd. 10 Common Seals on Horse Sands on the 29th and a Water Vole reported in a dyke near the car park late evening.

Reptiles: A Common Lizard was briefly along the sea wall north of the sea sluice on the 23rd. A Slow-worm was on the path to the West Hide on the 24th.

Insects: Red Admirals, Small and Green-veined Whites on the 6th. Several Red Admirals on the 12th. 2 Common Blues on the 14th. Several Red Admirals on the 15th. Several Red Admirals on the 22nd and 23rd.

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

May 31st

The Bittern 'boomed' again 3 or 4 times at circa 07:25 from the East Flood. Also on the East Flood today: a flock of 18 Black-tailed Godwits circled over a couple times before flying off north, 3 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns, 3 Ruddy Ducks (a drake and 2 ducks), 5 Pochards (3 drakes and 2 ducks with broods of 7 and 9 young), 4 Tufted Ducks, 42 Mallard, 28 Shelduck and 3 Marsh Harriers (2 males and 1 female). A Little Owl was near Dan's Dock. 4 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale at Uplees. On the West Flood: 1 drake Ruddy Duck, 1 Avocet, 2 Little Egrets, and a pair of Bearded Tits near the West Hide. In the paddocks/scrub: 1 male Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Nightingale and 2 Cuckoos. 2 Avocets and a drake Teal were on the New West Scrape.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

May 30th

The Bittern was heard 'booming' again briefly on the west side at circa 05:45. On the mud at Uplees this morning: 2 Dunlins, 15 Ringed Plovers and 7 Avocets. A pair of Grey Partridge were on the sheepfields. On the West Flood: 2 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Pochards (7 drakes) and a pair of Mute Swans with 7 cygnets. On the East Flood: 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern, 4 Pochards plus the female with 9 ducklings, the pair of Mute Swans still with 7 cygnets, 11 Greylag Geese with two broods of 3 and 5 goslings, and 1 male Marsh Harrier over.  On the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek: 2 Grey Plovers, 1 Curlew and 5 Avocets. Starlings have bred well with lots of noisy juveniles around the reserve now. In the paddocks/scrub: 1 Nightingale, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 2 Cuckoos. 2 Avocets, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Tern and 3 Teal (2 drakes) were on the New West Scrape. The escaped Harris's Hawk was seen over the Swale heading back to Sheppey. Nearby a male Montagu's Harrier (John Bartlett) was seen flying west along the reeds/dyke behind the sea wall at Castle Coote, South Swale and then headed across Faversham Creek towards Oare.

(John Bartlett and Murray Wright)

May 29th

On the East Flood today: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Terns, 4 Pochard and 2 Little Egrets. In the paddocks/scrub: 1 singing Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 Cuckoos, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew east towards the East Hide. 3 Grey Plovers, 2 Curlews and 2 Avocets were on the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek. 3 Marsh Harriers (2 males and 1 female) were around the reserve. A Teal was on the New West Scrape and an Avocet was on the West Flood. 4 Common Terns were on the Swale. Small numbers of Swifts, Sand Martins and Swallows, plus 1 House Martin were over the floods.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

May 28th

A drake Garganey was on the East Flood again this morning, plus: 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns, 4 Pochards (3 drakes) plus the female with 9 ducklings, 8 Tufted Ducks, 2 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 11 Shovelers, 20 Mallard, and good numbers of Swifts, Sand Martins and Swallows, plus a few House Martins. On the Swale this morning in the stiff N wind: 1 Fulmar and 18 Gannets (groups of 9, 6 and 3 - mainly adults) were new for the year, plus circa 25 Common Terns, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Dunlins, 3 Turnstones and 2 male Marsh Harriers flew north. A Common Sandpiper flew south along Faversham Creek. The pair of Avocets were still on the New West Scrape, plus 1 Little Egret. A Greenshank was on the West Flood. The pair of Marsh Harriers were around the reserve again.

(Murray Wright)

May 27th

2 drake Garganey were on the East Flood often showing well close to the road, plus: 1 Ringed Plover with 7 more flying over, 3 Avocets, 2 Teal, 21 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, a pair of Pochard plus a female with 9 ducklings, 8 Tufted Ducks, 2 Common Terns and 9 Little Egrets. Water Rails were very vocal around the East Flood, plus several 'pinging' Bearded Tits. 3 Common Terns were on the Swale. 1 Peregrine was on the pylons at Nagden. In the paddocks/scrub: 1 singing Blackcap, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 1 singing Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove and a Hobby flew west. Large numbers of Swifts were over the reserve in the damp conditions, plus smaller numbers of Sand Martins and Swallows. A pair of Marsh Harriers were hunting around the reserve again. 3 Avocets and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. The Corn Bunting was still singing from wires on the bends along the entrance road. The Bittern was booming again this evening and was seen briefly over the reeds at the eastern end of the East Flood at 20:34.

(Dick Bailey, Keith Privett, Julian Russell and Murray Wright)

May 26th

A drake Garganey was on the East Flood this morning, plus 2 Ringed Plovers, 6 Avocets, 2 Whimbrels flew east, a pair of Ruddy Ducks, a pair of Teal, 4 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Common Terns, 6 Little Egrets, several calling Water Rails, circa 100 Sand Martins, circa 25 Swifts, 1 male Yellow Wagtail and 6+ Bearded Tits. A pair of Peregrines were chasing the Avocets (4) around the mouth of Faversham Creek, with one settling briefly on the mud before they headed off to settle on the pylons at Nagden. 4 Common Terns were on the Swale. In the paddocks/scrub: 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Cuckoo. A pair of Marsh Harriers were around the west side again. 6 Ringed Plovers were on the mud west of the causeway with 2 more on the West Flood at high tide. The pair of Avocets were still on the New West Scrape. The escaped Harris's Hawk flew north over the reserve at 10:48 heading across the Swale back to Sheppey. The Bittern was heard 'booming' again 7 -8 times between 16:00 and 18:00.

(Stewart Honey and Murray Wright)

May 25th

2 Egyptian Geese flying west over the West Flood at 07:00 were new for the year. Also on the West Flood: 1 Snipe and a pair of Ruddy Ducks (later seen on the East Flood), and a Greenshank over. The Barn Owl was hunting over the west side at 07:15. A Bittern was heard 'booming' briefly from the reeds at the eastern end of the East Flood this morning and again this afternoon, plus 1 Black-tailed Godwit flew over. A Peregrine was on the pylons east of Faversham Creek again. On the Swale: 1 Sandwich Tern and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew east. A Wheatear was on the new fields. A female Pochard with eight ducklings was watched crossing the Swale from Sheppey, then crossed the mud and over the sea wall on to the East Flood. 1 singing Blackcap and 3 Turtle Doves were opposite the cottages. On the New West Flood: a pair of Teal and a pair of Yellow Wagtails. A single Grey Partridge was on the sheepfields. The male Great Spotted Woodpecker was on the fence along the entrance road, then flew across to the East Hide and then flew west over the  scrub. A Corn Bunting was singing on the bends along the entrance road again.

(Geoff Burton and Stuart Goodwin)

May 24th

No sign of the Spoonbill today. On the New West Scrape early morning: 6 Avocets, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Teal, 2 Little Egrets and 48 Black-headed Gulls. In the paddocks/scrub: a singing Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo and 2 Bullfinches flew west. A drake Ruddy Duck was on the West Flood from the West Hide. Also on the West Flood this morning: 1 Ringed Plover and 6 Gadwall. A male Great Spotted Woodpecker was behind the East Hide. 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults and 2 1st summers) were hawking insects over the sheepfields with Black-headed Gulls. A Little Owl was around the blockhouses from Dan's Dock. A Common Buzzard circled over Uplees before heading north across the Swale to Sheppey. 3 Cuckoos were chasing each other around Uplees copse, plus the singing Cetti's Warbler still there. On the East Flood: 1 Avocet, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns (plus 4 over), 3 Little Egrets and 4 Pochard. A pair of Marsh Harriers were around the reserve. The Corn Bunting was singing early morning at the bends on the entrance road.

(John Pymm and Murray Wright)

May 23rd

An adult Spoonbill was present on the New West Scrape early morning until at least 07:30, but no further sign until late afternoon when it was present again until dusk, plus 5 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Gadwall and 2 Yellow Wagtails. Circa 30 Black-tailed Godwits flew east over the reserve. In the paddocks/scrub this morning: 2 purring Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo, 1 singing Nightingale, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 3 juv. Mistle Thrushes. 3 Marsh Harriers (a male and 2 females) were around the reserve, plus a Peregrine was on the pylons east of Faversham Creek again. On the East Flood this morning: 1 Avocet, 2 Common Terns, 3 Little Egrets, 1 Brent Goose, 5 Pochard (3 drakes), 6 Gadwall and 36 Mallards. A Greenshank flew along Faversham Creek and a flock of 26 Common Terns were off the western end of Horse Sands. 4 juvenile Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the sea sluice. On the West Flood: 1 Avocet, 6 Redshanks, 3 Little Egrets, 1 drake Ruddy Duck and 6 Gadwall. A Hobby flew west behind the West Hide at circa 11:00. A single Grey Partridge was on the sheepfields. The Harris's Hawk was around the Harty Ferry Inn again.

(Stephen Palmer, Keith Privett, Ben Ring and Murray Wright)

May 22nd

On the West Flood this morning: 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Redshanks, 1 Avocet, 2 Little Egrets and 4 Gadwall, plus 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew north, and 2 Dunlins and 2 Ringed Plovers flew over. 2 1st summer Mediterranean Gulls were on the sheepfields, plus 2 Grey Partridges. At Uplees copse: just 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Cuckoo. A Peregerine was on the pylons east of Faversham Creek. A male Bearded Tit and 2 juveniles were near the Sea Wall hide. 6 Common Terns were on the Swale. On the East Flood today: 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 3 Little Egrets and 4 Pochard, plus a male Marsh Harrier over. In the paddocks/scrub: 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Jay, plus Bullfinch heard. 2 Avocets and 2 Teal were on the New West Scrape. A Corn Bunting was singing along the bends on the entrance road. The escaped Harris's Hawk was over Sheppey again.

(Murray Wright)

May 21st

A quiet day in the brisk northerly wind and overcast and murky conditions. No sign of the Savi's Warbler today. On the East Flood: 1 Dunlin, 3 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns and 4 Pochards, plus a male Marsh Harrier over. On the West Flood: 2 Avocets, 1 Little Egret, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks and 12 Gadwall, plus 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew north. In the paddocks/scrub: 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 4 Turtle Doves and 1 Cuckoo. On the New West Scrape: 4 Avocets and 1 Little Egret. 5 Common Terns were on the Swale. A Corn Bunting was singing from wires south of the cottages.

(Murray Wright)

May 20th

The Savi's Warbler was heard briefly early morning, but no further reports the rest of the day. The Barn Owl was hunting west of the entrance road early morning. 8 Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide today, including a family with 3 juveniles. 8 Lapwings were on the New Fields plus two broods of 4 young. In the paddocks/scrub: 2 Bullfinches flew west, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 2 purring Turtle Doves and 2 Cuckoos. On the West Flood: 1 Whimbrel, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks and 11 Gadwall. 4 Avocets, 1 Little Egret and 2 Teal were on the New West Scrape. A male Marsh Harrier was over the west side. On the East Flood: 3 Avocets, 2 Pochard and 3 Little Egrets. 2 Great Crested Grebes and 4 Common Terns were on the Swale. A Corn Bunting was singing from wires on the bends along the entrance road again.

(Dick Bailey, Steve Clinch, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

May 19th

The Savi's Warbler was singing and showing on and off all day in the reeds to the west of the Sea Wall hide. On the East Flood today: 3 Avocets, 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets and 5 Pochards. A Hobby flew west over the paddocks/scrub this morning, plus 1 Nightingale, 2 Turtle Doves and 1 Cuckoo there. 2 Grey Partridges and 2 Wheatears were at Uplees. A female Wheatear was on the new fields. On the West Flood: 2 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets and 8 Gadwall, plus 2 Marsh Harriers over. 2 Avocets, 1 Little Egret and a pair of Teal were on the New West Scrape. Several Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide this morning, and 6 Common Terns were on the Swale. 9 Grey Plovers and 6 Avocets were around the mouth of Faversham Creek. Around 300 Swifts were over the reserve this morning. A Red Kite was reported mid-afternoon heading west towards Uplees - no further details.

(Murray Wright)

May 18th

Bird of the day was a Savi's Warbler (Geoff Burton) singing and showing intermittently in the reeds to the west of the Sea Wall hide until mid-morning at least - the second record of this species for the reserve. In the trees/scrub opposite the cottages this morning: a pair of Bullfinch briefly - the first reported in the area this year, 1 singing Nightingale, plus 1 Jay and a male Green Woodpecker in the paddocks. On the East Flood today: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Avocets, 2 Little Terns, 3 Common Terns, the pair of Mute Swans still with 7 cygnets, and 1 Hobby flew east, plus 2 Bearded Tits in the the reeds at the eastern end and 2 Water Rails heard there. On the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek this morning: 23 Dunlin, 18 Grey Plovers and 4 Turnstones. Wheatears reported today (all females) - 1 near the slipway, 1 on the short grass between the West Hide and the scrub to the south, and 1 on the new fields south of the sea sluice. A Brent Goose was on the Swale, plus Great Crested Grebe, and 6 Sandwich Terns there this afternoon. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew south over the sheepfields and 2 flew east down Swale this morning. Between 11:55 and 12:05 2 Common Cranes (presumed same that were present yesterday p.m. and today a.m. at Elmley RSPB on Sheppey) were circling high over the Swale before drifting south over the East Flood and then heading off towards Faversham - new for the year. A pair of Teal were still on the New West Scrape today, plus Yellow Wagtail nearby. 3 Whimbrels noted in the area today. A Corn Bunting was singing again at Oare corner. The escaped Harris's Hawk was around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

May 17th

The Barn Owl was hunting over the west side this morning at 06:50 and a pair of Mediterranean Gulls flew south east there. On the West Flood: 3 Ringed Plovers and 1 Dunlin flew over, 3 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets and 10 Gadwall. In the paddocks and scrub: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 singing Nightingales, 2 purring Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 2 male Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide. 4 Common Terns were on the Swale. On the East Flood: 3 Avocets, 1 Whimbrel, 1 drake Ruddy Duck, 6 Pochard, 2 Common Terns and 2 Little Egrets, plus a second pair of Mediterranean Gulls over. 2 Whimbrels were on the mud west of the slipway. The Golden Plover was still on the sheepfields, plus 1 Little Owl on the blockhouses there. 2 Corn Buntings were flushed from the sea wall near Dan's Dock. At Uplees copse: a pair of Turtle Doves, a pair of Wheatears and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler. 2 Avocets and 2 Teal were on the New West Scrape. Smaller numbers of Swifts and hirundines than recently.

(Murray Wright)

May 16th

A Garden Warbler singing and showing intermittently opposite the cottages this afternoon was new for the year, and the first record since 2004 - a scarce species in the area, but perhaps under reported. Also, a male Blackcap opposite the cottages this afternoon and an adult Mediterranean Gull over, and in the paddocks today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Nightingale, 2 Cuckoos and 2 purring Turtle Doves. On the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek this morning: 29 Dunlin, 7 Grey Plovers, 4 Curlew and 8 Avocets. 10 Common Terns were on the Swale. A Hobby was hunting over the sheepfields this morning before settling on a hawthorn at Uplees copse. Also, a pair of Wheatears and a pair of Grey Partridges on the sheepfields this morning. On the East Flood today: 4 Avocets, 3 Little Egrets, a pair of Common Terns and 7 Pochards (incl. 4 drakes). Good numbers of Swifts, House Martins (lots this morning), Sand Martins and Swallows were again over the reserve today, with many hirundines settling on the wires along the entrance road early morning. The only Whmibrel today was on the New West Scrape this afternoon. A Corn Bunting was singing again from wires on the bends along the entrance road.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

May 15th

The Barn Owl was hunting along the path to the West Hide at circa 06:00. In the paddocks today: a Jay, 1 singing Nightingale, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoos. A Red-legged Partridge was calling from the roof of the cottages again. A pair of Wheatears were along the sea wall in front of the Watch House. A second pair of Wheatears were near Uplees copse, plus 2 Grey Partridges and 1 Cetti's Warbler, and 2 Whimbrels were on the mud there. A Little Tern was fishing off the slipway, plus 3 Common Terns. On the East Flood today: 4 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Terns and 6 Pochards. 2 Marsh Harriers (a male and a female) were over the West Flood, plus 10 Gadwall on the flood. A Little Owl was around the blockhouses to the west of the West Flood. Several hundred Swifts were over the reserve again this morning, plus good numbers of Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows.

(Murray Wright)

May 14th

2 Wheatears were along the path to the West Hide early morning, and in the paddocks: 2 singing Nightingales, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Cuckoo. On the East Flood: 1 Greenshank flew east towards the creek, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Avocets, 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks and 9 Pochards (6 drakes). On the West Flood: 2 Whimbrel, 11 Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets, and 2 Marsh Harriers and an adult Mediterranean Gull over. The solitary Golden Plover was still on the sheepfields, plus 3 Whimbrel and 3 Little Egrets, and 1 Little Owl nearby. 4 Wheatears were near Uplees copse, plus 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 1 Cuckoo in the copse, a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull over, and 2 Whimbrels on the mud. 7 Great Crested Grebes were on the Swale. Good numbers of Swifts, and smaller numbers of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins were over the reserve again this morning. A Corn Bumting was singing from wires on the bends along the entrance road. The escaped Harris's Hawk was around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey again.

(Murray Wright)

May 13th

The second Osprey of the spring was picked up by Geoff Burton as it flew west along the Swale at 08:05. Also on the Swale this morning: 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Brent Geese (including 5 flying west), 2 Little Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns and 4 Common Terns. On the East Flood this morning: 12 Pochard (8 drakes), 1 drake Ruddy Duck (the second drake was on the dyke behind the sea wall west of the carpark), 1 Avocet, 1 Whimbrel, 2 and 15 Dunlin circled over but did not land, 1 Greenshank flew high north west, 2 Little Egrets and 3 Common Terns. A second Greenshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover were on the new fields south of the sea sluice. At Uplees copse this morning: 4 Wheatears and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler. A pair of Grey Partridge, 1 Wheatear and 3 Whimbrel were on the sheepfields, and 1 Little Owl was sitting out on one of the blockhouses. A Spotted Flycatcher showed well this morning in the trees opposite the cottages, plus in the paddocks: 1 Nightingale, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Turtle Doves and 1 Cuckoo. On the New West Scrape this morning: 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Avocets and a pair of Teal, plus 1 Wheatear nearby. On the West Flood: 2 female Marsh Harriers over, 9 Gadwall, 10 Shelduck with 11 young, and 2 Little Egrets. Again good numbers of Swifts over the West Flood and moving west, plus smaller numbers of Swallows and House Martins. 2 Bearded Tits were in reeds near the sea sluice. The escaped Harris's Hawk was still around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey.

(Dick Bailey, Geoff Burton, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

May 12th

Good numbers of Swifts were over the West Flood and steadily moving west this morning, plus smaller numbers of Swallows and House Martins (and several hundred racing pigeons!). A female Wheatear was along the the sea wall just west of the car park, with another at Uplees copse. The Lesser Whitethroat and singing Cetti's Warbler were also still at the copse, a near adult Mediterranean Gull flew north across the Swale there, and 3 Whimbrel were on the mud. A single winter plumaged Golden Plover was on the sheepfields plus 6 Whimbrel. 8 more Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh west of the slipway. On the East Flood today: 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Avocet, 3 Little Terns, 2 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets and 6 Pochard. 16 Gadwall and 1 Whimbrel were on the West Flood, plus a male Marsh Harrier over. 4 Avocets, 3 Whimbrel and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. In the paddocks this morning: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Nightingale, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 Turtle Doves and 1 Cuckoo. A Greenshank was on the floods on the new fields. 8 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. The Great Northern Diver was reported on the Swale again late morning.

(Murray Wright)

May 11th

On the East Flood this morning: 2 Little Terns, 2 Common Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Avocet. On the New West Scrape: 5 Avocets and 5 Whimbrel. 3 Whimbrel and 1 Avocet were around the mouth of Faversham Creek. 2 Greenshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover were on the floods on the new fields. In the paddocks: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 1 Nightingale, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Cuckoo. 2 male Marsh Harriers were over West Flood.

(Mike Stevens)

May 10th

2 Common Sandpipers were on the slipway early morning, plus 1 Little Tern and 2 Common Terns fishing on the Swale. 2 Little Terns and 1 Little Ringed Plover were on the East Flood.

(John Pymm)

May 9th

2 Little Terns were fishing on the Swale off the slipway just after high tide this morning, plus 5 Common Terns, a Common Sandpiper on the slipway and 11 Whimbrel on the saltmarsh nearby. On the East Flood this morning: 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Egrets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, 4 Pochard and a pair of Mute Swans with a brood of 7 cygnets. 1 Greenshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover were on the floods on the new fields. On the West Flood: 1 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 8 Gadwall and 11 Tufted Ducks. At Uplees this morning: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a pair of Whitethroats, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 3 Reed Warblers in the copse, plus an adult Mediterranean Gull over, and 3 Whimbrel on the mud. A female Wheatear was near Dan's Dock and a Little Owl was perched on one of the nearby blockhouses. A pair of Marsh Harriers were over the west side. In the paddocks today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Nightingale and 2 Cuckoos. The escaped Harris's Hawk was again around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey.

(Murray Wright)

May 8th

On the East Flood today: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Avocets, 3 Common Terns, 2 Little Egrets, 17 Shelduck, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks and 7 Pochard (5 drakes), plus 3 Bearded Tits near the Sea Wall hide. At high tide this afternoon 2 Little Terns were fishing in the dykes on either side of the entrance road. In the paddocks: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale (with another singing towards the fishing ponds), a second summer Mediterranean Gull flew over west, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Turtle Dove and 1 Cuckoo, plus a female Peregrine flew west over the cottages. 11 Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh near the slipway. A pair of Grey Partridges were on the sheepfields, plus 9 Whimbrel and 5 Marsh Harriers. At Uplees: a second pair of Grey Partridges and a female Wheatear near the copse; 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a pair of Whitethroats and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler in the copse; 3 Whimbrel on the shore; a female Sparrowhawk flew low over the saltmarsh; and 13 Great Crested Grebes on the Swale there. 99 Dunlin, 1 summer plumaged Knot, 13 Grey Plovers and 2 Avocets were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. Again good numbers of Swifts moving west over the reserve this morning. 4 Avocets, 2 pairs of Teal, 1 Little Egret and 2 Yellow Wagtails were on the New West Scrape. A Little Ringed Plover was on the floods on the new fields. A Little Owl was by the blockhouses towards Dan’s Dock. The escaped Harris's Hawk was still around the Harty Ferry Inn on Sheppey, plus 3 Marsh Harriers.

(Geoff Burton, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

May 7th

Good numbers of Swifts and smaller numbers of hirundines were over the reserve this morning  generally moving west. A Hobby was hunting over the West Flood this morning before heading across to Sheppey where it lingered over Harty Hill. Also on the West Flood today: 2 Whimbrel, 10 Gadwall and 3 Marsh Harriers around. A single Golden Plover was still with the Lapwings on the sheepfields, plus several Whimbrel there, and at Uplees copse: 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls over. No sign of the male Ring Ouzel in the paddocks today, but 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove and 2 Red-legged Partridges noted there. A Little Owl was sitting in the window of the blockhouse to the south of the West Hide. 2 Avocets were on the New West Scrape still. On the East Flood today: 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, 7 Pochards (5 drakes) and 2 Little Egrets. 106 Dunlin and 10 Grey Plovers were on the mud near the mouth of Faversham Creek, and 12 Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh west of the slipway.

(Steve Clinch, John Pymm and Murray Wright)

May 6th

The Barn Owl was hunting west of the entrance road at circa 06:00 this morning. The Great Northern Diver was still present on the Swale west of the slipway early morning, plus 8 Great Crested Grebes. Up to 20 Whimbrels were around the reserve today. At Uplees: 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat and 1 singing Cetti's warbler in the copse; 1 Corn Bunting along the seawall; a single Golden Plover on the sheepfields; and 1 Mediterranean Gull over. The male Ring Ouzel was on the southern edge of the paddocks again all morning for at least its 4th day, plus 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 1 singing Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Turtle Dove, 1 Little Owl and a Sparrowhawk over. 4 Avocets were on the New West Scrape and a male Marsh Harrier was over the West Flood. 2 Common Terns and 3 Brent Geese were on the East Flood. A Greenshank was on the floods on the new fields.

(Dick Bailey, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

May 5th

A Great Northern Diver was on the Swale west of the slipway early morning (an unusual May record), plus 2 Great Crested Grebes and 3 Canada Geese. The male Ring Ouzel was still showing well on the southern edge of the paddocks mid-morning (take the path to the West Hide and view from the mound circa 30 metres from the road - look south across the paddocks to the area of short grass on the slope up to the fields behind). Also in the paddocks today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, several Whitethroats, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 2 Turtle Doves, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Red-legged Partridge and 1 female Sparrowhawk over. A Hobby was over the fishing ponds briefly this morning, plus a male Marsh Harrier over the sheepfields. On the East Flood today: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, 2 Little Egrets (plus several more over), 2 Common Terns, 2 Pochard, 4 Brent Geese and 6+ Yellow Wagtails; plus circa 50 Swifts, circa 25 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins over. 2 Avocets and 1 Little Egret were on the New West Scrape. Circa 30 Whimbrel were around the reserve today. On the mud around the mouth of Faversham Creek: circa 500 Dunlin (most in summer plumage), 35 Grey Plovers and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. At Uplees today: 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat, a pair of Whitethroats, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 3 Wheatears (2 males and 1 female) and 2 Grey Partridges; 2 Golden Plovers were on the sheepfields; and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 3 Whimbrels were on the mud. A Greenshank was along Faversham Creek, and a Little Ringed Plover was on the floods on the new fields.

(Steve Clinch, Bob Gomes and Murray Wright)

May 4th

2 Hobbies chased a Swift over the cottage gardens at 06.30 - one caught it and they flew off west. 2 pairs of Teal and 2 Avocets were on the New West Scrape. 2 Golden Plover were still on the sheepfields. 22 Grey Plovers, 395 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and 3 Turnstones were at the mouth of Faversham Creek. The summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit was on the East Flood again, plus 1 Little Ringed Plover.

(Geoff Burton and Steve Clinch)

May 3rd

A male Ring Ouzel was showing well in the paddocks this morning (possibly the same bird as seen circa 3/4 mile further west on Tuesday), plus 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 singing Nightingale, 1 Turtle Dove, 2 Cuckoos and a male Sparrowhawk over. On the East Flood today: 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Avocets, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, 3 Pochard, 6 House Martins and 8+ Yellow Wagtails. 165 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 37 Grey Plovers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2 Avocets were on the mud at the mouth of Faversham Creek prior to high tide. At Uplees today: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, a pair of Wheatears and 2 Grey Partridges in the copse; and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel and 2 Curlews on the mud. The 2 Golden Plovers were on the sheepfields again. 18+ Whimbrel were on the saltmarsh. A Greenshank was on the floods on the new fields. The roof loving Red-legged Partridge was on top of the West Hide this morning. A Corn Bunting was flushed from the seawall near Dan's Dock and another was singing from the wires on the bends along the entrance road again.

(John Booker, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

May 2nd

A Spotted Flycatcher was in the trees opposite the cottages early morning before flying west - the first record for the year, also a Reed Warbler singing there and a Red-legged Partridge calling from the roof of the cottages (also seen later on the roof of the East Hide). In the paddocks: 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat, the Nightingale heard singing again but now further west, 1 Turtle Dove and 2 Cuckoos. A Hobby flew west over the west side. No sign of the male Ring Ouzel this morning, but 2 Golden Plovers still on the sheepfields, and at Uplees: 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 3 Wheatears (2 males and 1 female) at the copse; 2 Golden Plovers, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew on the mud. Up to 30 Whimbrel were around the reserve today. On the East Flood: 2 Little Stints, 1 Spotted Redshank flew west, 1 Ruff, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 96 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Terns, 2 drake Ruddy Ducks, a pair of Pochard and 5 Brent Geese (again briefly this morning before flying out to the Swale). On the West Flood: 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Snipe, 3 Pochard and 2 drake Teal. The pair of Avocets were on the New West Scrape again. 2 Greenshanks were on the floods on the new fields. A notable flock of circa 50 Turnstones flew up the Swale as far as Faversham Creek before turning round and flying off east. 6+ Yellow Wagtails were around the reserve today.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

May 1st

A male Ring Ouzel showed well along the track that run's south west from Dan's Dock to Uplees this morning (record shots below) and was still present early evening, plus 2 Golden Plovers on the sheepfields there and 5 House Martins over. On the East Flood today: 3 Little Stints, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a moulting Bar-tailed Godwit (with another on the mud west of the slipway), 2 Greenshanks, 2 Avocets, 2 Oystercatchers, 5 Brent Geese (this morning before flying off east), 2 Common Terns and 2 drake Ruddy Ducks.  32+ Whimbrel were around the reserve today. At Uplees this morning: 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler in the copse, with 2 male Wheatears nearby, and 2 Greenshanks and 1 Golden Plover on the mud there. A Green Sandpiper flew west over Dan's Dock, and 3 Common Terns were on the Swale there. A pair of Marsh Harriers were hunting over the west side again, plus a Sparrowhawk over. The Lesser Whitethroat was singing well in the paddocks, plus several Whitethroats, and 2 Turtle Doves flew west towards the fishing ponds. A pair of Avocets were on the New West Scrape with 7 more near the mouth of Faversham Creek. A Greenshank was on the floods on the new fields.

(Geoff Burton, Mike Roser and Murray Wright)