Oare Marshes Latest Sightings

September 2008

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 by clicking here.

Species List for 2008

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

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

September 30th

(08:30-11:15) Inclement conditions with rain on the freshening W wind and fairly murky too. Disturbed a Kingfisher by the East Hide. Black-tailed Godwits were already coming onto the East Flood from an easterly direction in groups of 50-60. Pulses of Swallows and House Martins were intermittent and heading west as were large groupings of Meadow Pipits, and 3 Grey Wagtails. The East Flood hosted 1 Little Stint together with the usual small numbers of Ruff and a few Common Snipe.
Great Crested Grebes were much in evidence at the mouth of Faversham Creek, with a duck Common Eider further out - the first to be recorded this year. A small party of Avocets were trawling the creek shallows and there were scatterings of Grey Plovers on the mud banks. 5 Wigeon were also in the shallows. On the West Flood a fine Whinchat was conspicuous in the herbage, plus male and female Stonechats. A well seen Fox sloped past the hide through the reeds disturbing Mallards and Common Snipe alike. A Marsh Harrier quartered the dykes and a Common Buzzard was hanging in the wind over Mocketts.
(Mike Roser)
 

(11:30-17:00) I began my odyssey at the Sea Wall hide wherein I was confined by inclement weather for the next couple or so hours. That wouldn't have been so bad had there been anything really interesting to see....but there wasn't. But that's not wholly true because almost an hour was passed watching a very large mixed House Martin and Swallow flock feeding right in front of the hide. So many were there that at one stage it was impossible to see anything beyond them. Other than that the only thing of note was a trio of Marsh Harriers crossing to Sheppey. I arrived at the East Hide just before a deluge - Apres moi le deluge...or is it la deluge? Anyway, arrayed before me were several hundred Black-tailed Godwits in amongst which were a few of the Bar-tailed variety, 30 or so Knot, 12 Ringed Plovers, 8 Little Stints, 7 Greenshank, over 300 hundred Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, about 350 Redshank, a solitary Turnstone and just 1 Golden Plover. In fading light and with the wind strength increasing all the time I returned to the Sea Wall hide, however, I fared no better than I had earlier except that just as I was on the point of leaving 3 Little Gulls appeared over the Horse Sands. A good way to end the day.

(Mike Stevens)

September 29th

(07:30-12:15) Cloudier and cooler first thing with a freshening WNW wind. Brighter and warmer later. I was joined by Mike Stevens, not looking or sounding his best (quite an achievement!) after attending a wedding in Manchester over the weekend. The pair of Stonechats were along the path to the West Hide again. In the copse opposite the cottages there were just 1 female Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaffs, plus Goldcrests calling again. A Wheatear was in the field east of the cottages, and the Little Owl again in the hedge at the end of the cottage gardens. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. Only a few Swallows were moving west this morning, and circa 100 House Martins flew west between 08:30 and 09:30. A Common Buzzard was hanging over the slopes west of Mocketts, plus 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Peregrine and 2 Kestrels there. A Whinchat and 3 Wheatears were near Dan's Dock. Back at the East Flood: 12 juvenile Little Stints, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, circa 200 Dunlin, 37 Knot, circa 800 Golden Plovers, 5 Grey Plovers over, 4 Greenshanks, circa 300 Redshanks, 37 Ruff (including the blue flagged male still), 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, circa 600 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Kingfishers.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

In addition to at least 6 Wheatears Malcolm and I saw the Whinchat (1st winter bird?), and 5 Stonechats - I reckon one was a Siberian (maura) male - showing a great deal of black and white, unlike any other Stonechat I've seen.  I'm interested to know if anyone else has seen it and what they think. We also saw a Whimbrel in one of the saltpans and  a Hobby.

(John Bartlett and Malcolm Wilkinson)

September 28th

(06:45-12:00) The early morning mist quickly burnt off to leave a superb sunny and warm September morning, with no more than a gentle and variable wind. 2+ Siskins flew over first thing. A pair of Stonechats was along the path to the West Hide, and a Water Rail was sitting at the top of the reeds along one of the dykes there. In the scrub/paddocks: at least 20 Song Thrushes and good numbers of Robins again, plus 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 male Blackcap, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 2 Chiffchaffs. In the copse opposite the cottages: 1 male Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests were calling, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, and 1 Sparrowhawk over. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. The Little Owl was sunning itself in the hedge at the bottom of the cottage gardens. Bearded Tits were performing well again all around the reserve with 20+ being seen - some posing nicely in the sun, plus small flocks of four to eight birds often flying up high 'pinging' noisily, circling round and dropping back into the reeds. A Grey Wagtail flew west along the seawall. A juvenile Hobby was hunting over the West Flood. On the East Flood at high tide: 5 juvenile Little Stints, 1 Spotted Redshank and 5 Greenshanks.

As per yesterday there were lots of people enjoying the Kent Wildlfe Trust's ' This Is Your Wildlife' weekend, and I joined the morning small mammal identification tour led by Dave Watson an old friend and former work colleague (in what almost seems like a past life now!). Very informative and enjoyable with several Pygmy Shrews, a couple of Common Shrews and a Short-tailed Vole all being trapped and studied closely in the hand/bag (plus Harvest Mouse trapped on Saturday). It will certainly help me identify the occasional corpse that I come across around the reserve! I hope the KWT make it a regular event - with a couple of other birding groups visiting today (and keeping those directing the traffic busy!) it was great to see wildlife enthusiasts outnumbering the dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, anglers and wildfowlers etc. for a change.

(Murray Wright)

September 27th

(07:00-13:00) The fog lifted around 10:15 and it was then a fine, warm and sunny morning with just a very light NE wind. Visibility was poor until mid-morning although looking directly overhead I could see blue sky and was able to make out several thousand Starlings fly north just after I arrived. In the scrub/paddocks: 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 male Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, a pair of Stonechats, lots of Robins and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, plus 6 Swallows resting on the wires nearby. A Lesser Whitethroat was in the hedge near the East Hide. A Cetti's Warbler showed well in the fog near the sluice. With high tide around 11:00 the fog lifted just in time: 9 juvenile Little Stints, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 75 Dunlin, 11 Knot, 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Grey Plover, circa 300 Golden Plovers, circa 250 Lapwings, 2 Turnstones, 1 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshanks, circa 300 Redshanks, circa 600 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Ruff, 5 Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Kingfishers and several hundred Starlings. A male Marsh Harrier disturbed the roost early on as it flew through. As it warmed up Bearded Tits were much in evidence again with 7+ in the reeds along Faversham Creek, plus 2 Reed Warblers there. A Hobby was over Nagden Marshes. A juvenile Marsh Harrier and a Sparrowhawk circled high over Mocketts. 2 Sandwich Terns were fishing in the mouth of the creek.

(Murray Wright)

A quick look in the churchyard this evening had 5000+ Starlings going to roost in the direction of Ham Road pits including the albino bird and a Sparrowhawk feeding on a freshly killed Wood Pigeon.

(Julian Russell)
 

September 25th

(07:15-12:15) Bright, sunny and warm with a freshening E wind. A Green Sandpiper was on the West Scrape. In the scrub/paddocks: 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. On the East Flood over high tide: 5 juvenile Little Stints, 15 Dunlin, 2 Knot, 2 Ringed Plovers, circa 300 Golden Plovers, circa 250 Lapwings, 1 winter plumaged Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshanks, circa 300 Redshanks, circa 600 Black-tailed Godwits, plus 9 Wigeon, 2 Kingfishers and circa 500 Starlings. 3 Little Gulls were lingering on the Swale. Bearded Tits were enjoying the sun around the reserve including 7 in the reeds behind the Sea Wall hide and 3 to west of the Watch House. A Rock Pipit was along the forshore east of the slipway. A male Stonechat was on the fence around the Watch House. 2 Sandwich Terns (an adult and a juvenile) were roosting on the posts along the slipway. 2 Wheatears were on the sea wall to the west of the Watch House, and 3 Whinchats were on the West Flood. A Grey Wagtail flew over and dropped onto the saltmarsh near Dan's Dock. Another Whinchat, a pair of Stonechats and 2 Wheatears were at Dan's Dock. More chats were at Uplees copse - a pair of Stonechats, a Whinchat and 3 more Wheatears. 3 Sandwich Terns were on the Swale off Uplees. A Common Buzzard was over Mocketts. A juvenile Hobby was hunting over the west side again. A final look at the copse opposite the cottages revealed a very confiding Spotted Flycatcher, which posed well for a few pictures before disappearing into the cottage gardens. Butterflies were much in evidence this morning with Small Heath, Small Copper, Comma, Red Admirals and Peacock all seen.

(Murray Wright)

September 24th

(07:00-13:00) Heavy cloud and squally showers with a brisk NE wind. Brighter later and the wind veered round to an ENE. It was chucking it down when I arrived, but sheltering behind the car in the pull-in I noted the following on the East Flood: 2 juvenile Little Stints, 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshanks, 18 Wigeon and 13 Little Egrets. The Starling flock of several thousand birds flew low north to Sheppey at 07:19 during a brief lull in the rain. Headed for the Sea Wall hide and stayed there until 10:30. Much quieter than yesterday: 3 Bonxies flew high west, as did a single pale phase adult Arctic Skua, plus 16 Little Gulls, 3 Sandwich Terns, 1 Common Tern and 2 Gannets, and a Guillemot was close in on the water again. A Merlin flew north across the Swale. A Wheatear was between the hide and the sluice. The scrub/paddocks were very quiet: just 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Long-tailed Tits and 1 Jay. A Common Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk were over Mocketts.

(Murray Wright)

(13:00-16:00) Nothing to report from 3 hours seawatching with the wind having dropped somewhat and come round from a more Easterly direction. The highlight on the water was a flock of circa 200 Brent Geese on the spit from Whitstable, and a Wheatear along the Sea Wall on the way to the hide. I knew that I should have gone to the pub....er.....I mean the cricket!

(Mike Stevens)

September 23rd

(12:00-17:20) Grey and overcast with heavy, squally showers on a strong N-NE wind. I joined Mike Stevens at the Sea Wall hide for an afternoon's seawatch. Mike had been onsite since 07:00 having no luck with the Short-eared Owl or Spotted Crake. He had been at the Sea Wall hide since about 08:00 and had seen 4 Arctic Skuas, 6 Little Gulls, 5 Sandwich Terns and 5 Gannets, plus a Greenshank on the mud in front of the hide. Most movement occurred during or just after the heavy, squally showers and although not matching what was seen at Shellness and Reculver today it was an enjoyable afternoon. Bird of the afternoon was a fine juvenile Sabine's Gull which flew close in west along the Swale at 12:45 - the first I've ever seen at Oare and a new bird for Mike. We were joined later by Geoff, Chris Abrams and Eustace Barnes. Birds seen were: 6 Great Skuas all of which flew high west  and the first of which (a group of three) didn't appear until 14:55 - new for the Oare year list, 28 Arctic Skuas, 36 Little Gulls, 35 Gannets, 11 Sandwich Terns, 10 'Commic' Terns, and a Guillemot on the water close in front of the hide. There were also circa 100 Brent Geese towards Seasalter, several small flocks of Wigeon, 3 Marsh Harriers flew north across the Swale, and small numbers of Swallows were heading north all afternoon. Chris and Eustace had a Spotted Redshank on the foreshore.

(Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

September 22nd

An enjoyable morning, albeit in that fresh NW breeze and rather murky visability. Managed the objective of 60 species, but with many singletons such as Yellow Wagtail, Blackcap, Green Sandpiper, Little Stint; Greenshank and Sandwich Tern. The Short-eared Owl gave prolonged views - on a fence post for 3-4 mins - as well as hunting over the West Flood. There were possibly 6 Wheatears around the Uplees area, but they were pretty mobile and six might have been four! A Peregrine flew low over the Swale to Sheppey. A Common Buzzard was mixing it with Marsh Harriers and Kestrels for a while over Mocketts Hill. Small numbers of Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits with about 40 Ringed Plovers were on Uplees mud, and with several Curlew was one Whimbrel close to the shoreline. Two cock Stonechats were noted during the morning. A Cetti's Warbler was in the car park area and one on the creekside of the East Flood. Circa 90 Golden Plovers were roosting on the East Flood, and I guess somewhere around 2000 Starlings were spooked from roost at around 07:05.

(Mike Roser)

(07:30-12:15) A mainly grey and murky morning, but with some brighter spells. The wind was a fresh NW, but had swung to the NE by the time I left. A pair of Stonechats were in the scrub/paddocks, plus 3 Chiffchaffs and up to 6 Green Woodpeckers. 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in the trees opposite the cottages, plus 1 Jay. While trying to photograph a male Great Spot. a flock of up to 75 Siskins flew low west - easily the largest flock I've ever seen at Oare, and new for the year. 33 Goldfinches were in the willow behind the East Hide. On the East Flood this morning: 3 juvenile Little Stints, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 30 Ruff (including a new colour-ringed male with a yellow flag on the left tibia), 97 Golden Plovers, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Wigeon plus 10 more circled around before heading north, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Kingfishers. A call from Mike Roser near Dan's Dock had me heading in that direction, and I got excellent views of the Short-eared Owl hunting over the West Flood - the first I've seen on the reserve this year (the others have all been over Sheppey). Spent around 45 mins. with John Pymm looking for the Spotted Crake, but no luck - 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, a juvenile Hobby and 1 immature Water Rail were seen. 3 Marsh Harriers were over the west side - an adult male and two juveniles. A Little Owl was heard calling from behind the cottages, but wasn't seen. Just a few Swallows were moving south-east through the morning.

(Murray Wright)

(15:00-17:00) A brief foray after work produced little of interest. A Jay showed towards the fishing lakes and a pair of Stonechts were seen on the track to the West Hide.  On the East Flood there were 2 Little Stint, 6 Greenshank and otherwise several hundred Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, about 50 Golden Plover and 1 Common Snipe. Overall the high tide roost was a good deal smaller than in recent times. There was little happening on the Swale but 3 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern were active at the end of the slipway and 3 Great Crested Grebe were toing and froing opposite the Sea Wall hide. Hopefully there will be more to be seen tomorrow morning.

(Mike Stevens)

September 20th

(06:30-12:00) A warm and sunny morning after a chilly start with only a light ENE wind. A Grey Wagtail flew west early on. Small numbers of Swallows were heading south, and a few Meadow Pipits were on the move too. There was a pair of Stonechats in the paddocks. A Goldcrest was calling from the cottage gardens. Had a look for the Pied Flycatcher with Julian Russell, but there was no sign of it, just a couple of Chiffchaffs in the copse, plus 1 Jay and 2 or 3 Sparrowhawks flying over. 2 juvenile Little Stints were on the East Flood, and 2 juvenile Spotted Redshanks and 2 Green Sandpipers were on the West Scrape. Met Steve Clinch at the carpark and we checked the bushes and scrub there: up to 6 Reed Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 8 showy Bearded Tits were noted. We joined Mike Henty and co. looking for the Spotted Crake and just before 09:00 it appeared and showed quite well for 10 mins. There was also an immature Water Rail, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Common Snipe on the same pool. Heading back east along the sea wall towards the hide a second Grey Wagtail flew west. A Wheatear was on the rocks near the hide. 7 more Bearded Tits were in the reeds and the elder behind the hide, plus 2 Sedge Warblers. Several more Reed Warblers and 2 Sedge Warblers were in the reeds at the east end of the East Flood. A Peregrine was on the first pylon east of Faversham Creek. The Little Owl was in its usual hawthorn to the east of the cottages, and a second Jay flew over there. A Common Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk were soaring high over the fields to the south-west of the cottages. There was still no sign of the Pied Fly. just a couple of Chiffchaffs, but after 20 mins or so a Spotted Flycatcher flew in from the west, hovered a couple of times over the dead trees and disappeared towards the cottages, where we refound it later in the gardens. Back at the sea wall I counted at least 6 Common Buzzards soaring over Sheppey - tried hard to turn one into a Honey Buzzard but no joy. There were also several Marsh Harriers around including a juvenile flying west along the Swale. Finally, a juvenile Hobby put on a good show catching dragonflies over the West Flood.

(Murray Wright)

September 19th

(12:45-17:00) A warm and sunny afternoon with a moderate NE wind. I was joined by Mike Stevens. In the copse opposite the cottages the Pied Flycatcher was showing well again this afternoon and (quite rightly!) attracting a few admirers too, plus 2 Reed Warblers, several Chiffchaffs, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Jay and a Sparrowhawk circling over. 2 Common Buzzards were circling high over Sheppey. On the East Flood: 3 juvenile Little Stints, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a few Knot, 2 juvenile Spotted Redshanks, 3 Greenshanks, 17 Ringed Plovers, 25 Dunlin, 1 Avocet, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, lots of Golden Plovers, Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Garganey and 2 Yellow Wagtails. A call from Chris Abrams, who was onsite, letting me know of a report of a Fan-tailed Warbler near the carpark had us heading there. A good description was given later by the finder Mike Norman, and two other observers Mike had told of his sighting were 90% sure they had seen a Fan-tailed Warbler around the carpark bushes before it had dropped into the long grass and scrub nearby at circa 14:30. We were joined by a number of other Kent birders, but there was no further sign by 17:00 at least - worth looking out for tomorrow though. A Cetti's Warbler was singing around the carpark and 2 Reed Warblers were in the bushes there, plus a male Sparrowhawk and a Kingfisher flew east. 35 Little Egrets were roosting on the saltmarsh on the north side of the Swale to the east of the Ferry Inn. A Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern were roosting on the posts along the slipway.

(Murray Wright)

September 18th

(06:30-13:30) A misty and cloudy start with no wind. The sun broke through by about 09:30 and a cool and brisk ENE wind picked up. In the copse opposite the cottages there were 4 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. 3 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers were in the scrub/paddocks. Met Mike Stevens and we headed down to Uplees copse. An adult Water Rail was on the West Flood, and 2 Green Sandpipers flew over. 3 Wheatears were at Dan's Dock and they accompanied us to Uplees. The copse was pretty quiet: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat, a female Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaffs. 1 Whimbrel, 20 Golden Plovers and half a dozen Grey Plovers were on the mud, and 40 Avocets were scoped on the Sheppey side of the Swale. Heading back towards the carpark 5 Bearded Tits flew west. Another look at the pools where the Spotted Crake had been and there it was again - showing briefly but quite well on two occasions. A Cetti's Warbler was singing by the carpark. 10 Brent Geese flew west along the Swale before heading back east, and a male Marsh Harrier flew north. A fourth Cetti's Warbler was singing near the Sea Wall hide. On the East Flood: 3 juvenile Little Stints, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshanks, circa 200 Golden Plovers, circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 35 Ruff, 1 Garganey, 1 Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Common Tern. Another look at the copse west of the cottages and all seemed quiet, but as we were about to head off Mike refound the Pied Flycatcher in the same spot as on Tuesday - an Oare tick for Mike.

(Murray Wright)

September 17th

(06:35-10:00) Pleasant, hazy sunshine and a bit warmer than yesterday. The wind was only a very light E. The Starling flock (circa 2000 birds) headed north to Sheppey shortly after I arrived with several hundred peeling off and dropping into the reeds around the East Flood. I was joined by Steve Clinch for the first hour or so. We had a good look for yesterday's flycatchers but no sign. In the copse opposite the cottages we noted: 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaffs , 2 Blackcaps, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Sparrowhawk flew west. In the scrub/paddocks: 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Common Whitethroat, 3 more Blackcaps, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 2 more Chiffchaffs, and a Jay. A further 2 Chiffchaffs were in the hedge behind the East Hide. On the East Flood at Low tide: 2 juvenile Little Stints, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshanks, 35 Ruff and 1 Garganey. Around 50 House Martins were lingering over the flood this morning. A Green Sandpiper was over the West Flood.

(Murray Wright)

September 16th

(06:35-15:40) It was cloudy and calm and the tide was out. I met Murray when I arrived and later Chris Abrams came down. A light easterly breeze got up and it did, eventually, brighten up. Early morning, there were 31 Ruff on the east flood and a juvenile Spotted Redshank with them. There were a few Wigeon and a single Garganey also. Opposite the cottages, there were two Turtle Doves, a Blackcap, two Lesser Whitethroats and a few Chiffchaffs. A Peregrine was on one of the pylons over Nagden Marshes and there were 60 Shelduck on the mud between the mouth of the creek and Castle Coote. In the reeds, there were a number of Reed Warblers and Bearded Tits were quite vocal. I walked up to Dan's Dock; the Crake pool was birdless, there were two Wheatears on the sea wall and a Hobby flew west low over the Swale. Back on the east flood, as the tide came in, there were good numbers of godwits, including three Bar-tails, Redshank and Golden Plover but only three Greenshank, a single Litte Stint and no Curlew Sandpipers were noted. Single Common and Sandwich Terns fished from the slipway poles. Before leaving, Murray and I rechecked the copse opposite the cottages and found a Spotted Flycatcher, the first this year, a Pied Flycatcher, a first here for Murray, Chris and me, a Willow Warbler and a Hobby flew overhead. A long session but one which netted me 91 species for the day.

(Geoff Burton)

There was a fine Osprey at Oare around lunchtime today. It was seen (not by me) catching a fish in Faversham Creek and taking it to one of the low telegraph poles near the cottages before moving on. I then relocated it on a rather distant telegraph pole further west, where three of us watched it finish off its meal while being harassed by magpies. It then sat and digested its meal for a while before flying back over the reserve, making a failed attempt to catch a fish in the Swale and disappearing in the direction of Whitstable.

(Peter Newmark)

September 15th

(09:30-14:00) A pleasant, warm and sunny start, but the cloud was back by 10:00 with a few spots of rain, and a brisk ENE wind cooling things down a bit. On the East Flood: 1 Garganey, 1 Pintail, 1 Wigeon, 2 Little Stints, circa 30 Dunlin, 19 Knot, 21 Ringed Plovers, 367 Golden Plovers, circa 250 Lapwings, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshanks, circa 400 Redshanks, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 750 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Ruff, 1 Avocet, 37 Cormorants, 1 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Kingfishers and 3 Yellow Wagtails. A Common Buzzard was over Mocketts. 3 Sandwich Terns were on the Swale. 18 Little Egrets were roosting on the saltmarsh on the north side of the Swale to the east of the Ferry Inn. In the scrub/paddocks: 1 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, several Common Whitethroats and 1 Reed Warbler.

(Murray Wright)

September 14th

(06:40-13:00) A mainly bright and sunny morning with a freshening NE wind. Met Dick Bailey and Keith Privett. In the scrub/paddocks: 5 Chiffchaffs (one singing occasionally), 2 male Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, several Common Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3+ Reed Warblers, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler, 1 Whinchat, 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker and just 1 Turtle Dove. 13 Ruff were seen flying out to the fields south of the cottages. The Little Owl was in its favoured hawthorn east of the cottages, plus a Jay nearby. 3 juvenile Spotted Redshanks were on the East Flood, plus 1 Garganey and 13 Wigeon. Small flocks of Swallows were heading south during the morning. A Peregrine was on the first pylon west of Faversham Creek for a change. A Wheatear was on the foreshore to the west of the Sea Wall hide. Circa 25 Brent Geese were on the Swale. At around 09:50 we picked up an Osprey over Sheppey just east of the Ferry Inn and watched it for 20 minutes as it circled and drifted west over the Swale. A juvenile Arctic Tern showed well feeding close in along the edge of the Swale - an Oare year tick for me. Dick and Keith headed off at 10:30 and I stayed by the hide until 12:00 during which time I noted: 1 dark phase Arctic Skua flew west along the Swale and then headed inland following the creek, 2 Little Gulls (an adult and a juvenile) flew east, 1 Black Tern, circa 20 Sandwich Terns and 10 'Commic' Terns, plus and adult male and a juvenile Marsh Harrier headed north across the Swale, as did a flock of 8 Little Egrets. 2 Common Sandpipers dropped onto the rocks in front of the hide. At around 11:45 I picked up the Osprey again hovering and drifting west further up the Swale towards Uplees. Back at the East Flood at high tide: 2 Little Stints, 5 Common Sandpipers, 10 Knot, circa 25 Dunlins, circa 30 Ringed Plovers, 600+ Golden Plovers, and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit amongst circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits.

(Richard Bailey, Keith Privett and Murray Wright)

September 13th

(06:45-10:00) Fog lifted by 08:00 but cloud soon rolled in from the north. Wind was a light NW. Brighter later. A Grey Wagtail flew west  at circa 08:30 - the first this year. A Lesser Whitethroat was in the paddocks and just 2 Turtle Doves were opposite the cottages. 3 Green Sandpipers flew east over the cottages. 2 more Green Sandpipers and 27 Ruff were on the East Flood. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. A Chiffchaff was in the small bushes just north of the sluice. 4 Avocets were on the mud east of the mouth of Faversham Creek, plus 6 Little Egrets. 2 Sandwich Terns were off the slipway. 2 Wheatears were on the sea wall west of the Watch House and 3 Sedges Warblers were in the rushes there. Met Mike Heny and friend looking for the Spotted Crake, however, they hadn't had any luck. At this point (circa 09:45) all our luck improved when I received a call from Geoff at Swalecliffe reporting that he'd just found a Fan-tailed Warbler, so, after a few calls, texts and directions, it was a quick dash back to the car and off there (my second visit in a fortnight) for some excellent views of this second for Kent!

(Murray Wright)

A Guillemot was a surprise on the Swale near Uplees Copse, swimming west a few meters offshore at 15:30.

(Gavin Coultrip)
 

September 12th

(07:00-13:00) A cool, dull and overcast morning with some light rain. The wind was no more than a very light NW. Brighter later on. Circa 500 Starlings left their roost on the East Flood and headed to Sheppey shortly after I arrived. 15 Wigeon were on the flood, plus 1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Greenshanks, 13 Knot, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits amongst circa 500 Black-tailed Godwits, 27 Ruff (including two juvenile Reeves) and circa 200 Golden Plovers. In the paddocks/scrub: 2 Lesser Whitethroats, several Common Whitethroats and 3 Reed Warblers. A Wheatear was along the path to the West Hide. A female Blackcap was in the cottage gardens and 6 Turtle Doves were in the trees to the west, plus a Jay. A juvenile Hobby was sat on a fence post to the east of the cottages, and the Little Owl was in its favourite hawthorn. 2 Peregrines were on the Nagden Pylons. I'd hoped that the light NW wind might bring a skua or two into the Swale, but it was just too light, however, I did note: 10 Black Terns, 17 Little Terns, 23 'Commic' Terns and 3 Sandwich Terns all heading west. Waders were on the move again with 6 Whimbrel, 23 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 160 Ringed Plovers, circa 100 Grey Plovers, plus numbers of Dunlin, Knot and Turnstones heading south-west inland. A second Wheatear was on the foreshore near the Sea Wall hide. 2 Sandwich Terns were roosting on the posts along the slipway. I had a look for the Spotted Crake around lunchtime, but no sign - just 2 Green Sandpipers on the West Flood. Reported on the East Flood at high tide: 6 Curlew Sandpipers and 3 Little Stints.

(Murray Wright)

A dark phase Arctic Skua flew high inland over the East Flood at about 09:00.

(John van der Dol)

September 11th

(13.30-14.50) We visited at low tide and just thought we'd check to see whether the Spotted Crake was still there. Unbelievably it was! We had good views as it sat and preened before it took flight and flew towards us landing on the other side of the dyke where it was totally obscured by reeds. It didn't reappear. A single Kingfisher near the sluice was the only other bird of note.

(Chris Abrams and Eustace Barnes)

A Short-eared Owl was showing well on the rough grass to the west of Dan's Dock this evening.

(Kevin Duvall)

September 10th

(06:20-12:00) A bright, sunny and calm start, but cloud soon built from the west on the freshening SSW wind. Around 2000 Starlings flew north towards Sheppey shortly after I arrived, with several hundred dropping in and around the reserve, and amongst some birds settled on the wires to the south was an albino individual. Waders were on the move early morning on the incoming tide with circa 200 Grey Plovers, 130 Ringed Plovers, 40 Bar-tailed Godwits and a few Dunlin, Knot and Turnstones flying south-west in small mixed flocks. It was a fairly low high tide this morning and around the slipway there were 8 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits amongst the many Ringed Plovers, Dunlins, Black-tailed Godwits and Redshanks, plus 5 Little Egrets, 4 adult Common Gulls, 1 Sandwich Tern and 1 Common Tern, and 2 Kingfishers flew east along the sea wall. On the East Flood: 2 Garganey, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 13 Knot, 2 Ringed Plovers, circa 300 Golden Plovers, circa 200 Lapwings, 7 Greenshanks, circa 400 Redshank, 1 male Bar-tailed Godwit, circa 750 Black-tailed Godwits, 24 Ruff (some flying to the newly ploughed fields to the south), a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull amonst the many Black-headed's, 1 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Little Egrets. In the paddocks/scrub: 3 Blackcaps (two males), 3 Lesser Whitethroats, several Common Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Jay.  7 Turtle Doves were in the trees opposite the cottages with several more on the wires to the south. A Peregrine was on the Nagden pylons. 9 Little Terns and 15 Common Terns were on the Swale. A Cetti's Warbler was singing by the car park. A Common Buzzard was over Mocketts. On the West Flood: 2 Green Sandpipers and 4 Little Egrets. 2 juvenile Hobbies were hunting over the west side. 2 Whinchats and 3 Wheatears were at Dan's Dock. Walking back along the sea wall I scoped the pools where the Spotted Crake had been and there it was again - three weeks since I last saw it! It showed well for around 10 mins. I've checked the area more or less every visit (including on the way up this morning) and I was certain it had gone. Perhaps the heavy rain recently, which has topped the pools up, has made it 'easier' to see again. Finally, a steady stream of Swallows and a few House Martins were heading south throughout the morning.

(Murray Wright)

September 8th

Late news from yesterday when a Honey Buzzard was seen over the reserve in the afternoon - see yesterday's sightings for details.

(07:15-12:15) A blanket of cloud was sitting over Oare much of the morning, although it did break later to give some pleasant, warm sunshine. A much lighter SW wind than recently. On the East Flood: 1 adult Little Stint, circa 45 Knot, 4 Greenshanks, circa 400 Redshanks, circa 400 Black-tailed Godwits, circa 300 Golden Plovers, 19 Ruff, 2 Avocets, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Kingfishers and up to 300 Starlings. 36 Canada Geese flew west. In the paddocks/scrub: a female Yellowhammer, 2 Blackcaps (a male and a female), 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Common Whitethroats, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpeckers and 1 Jay. 4 Turtle Doves were in the trees opposite the cottages, with three more on the wires nearby, and a juvenile Hobby was sitting in the stubble field to the south of the cottages. A male Sparrowhawk was perched on a gate near the fishing ponds. Hirundines were moving in a southerly direction this morning - mainly Swallows, with the occasional pulse of House Martins. A Peregrine flew over the East Flood heading to the Nagden pylons. 2+ Bearded Tits were in the reeds near the Sea Wall hide, plus a Wheatear on the foreshore. 2 Sandwich Terns were fishing on the Swale. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the mud and there were good numbers of Grey Plovers, many still in summer plumage. A dozen or so Yellow Wagtails were amongst the cattle on the west side. 2 Common Buzzards were over Mocketts again, plus a Hobby. Up to 12 Wheatears were between Dan's Dock and Uplees (with five together at Dan's Dock), plus 2 Whinchats. An adult Water Rail was along the northern edge of the West Flood, plus 2+ Green Sandpipers and 1 Common Snipe.

(Mike Roser, Mike Stevens and Murray Wright)

September 7th

(06:20-12:30) A grey and overcast morning with occasional rain on a freshening WSW breeze. With the heavy rain over the last few days the water level on the East Flood has risen significantly, but there were still plenty of waders a little after high tide early morning. Prior to 07:00 on the Flood I noted: 2 Garganey (an adult and a juvenile still), 2 adult Little Stints, 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, circa 50 Dunlin, circa 50 Knot, 7 Ringed Plovers, 2 Grey Plovers, 11 Golden Plovers, circa 250 Lapwings, 9 Greenshank, circa 500 Redshanks, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, circa 800 Black-tailed Godwit, 23 Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Kingfishers and a few Yellow Wagtails. The wildfowlers opened up at around 07:00 and 15 minutes and circa 20 shotgun blasts later most of the roosting birds had been disturbed and left, and there wasn't much left behind - I did count 74 Coot though! Met Geoff Burton at around 07:30. There were 20 Turtle Doves in the trees opposite the cottages, plus 1 Little Owl, and 2 singing Cetti's Warblers nearby. A second Little Owl was in the small hawthorn east of the cottages again. From the Sea Wall hide 5 Little Terns were fishing around the west end of Horse Sands, plus 2 Sandwich Terns and 10 Common Terns flew along the Swale. A third Cetti's Warbler was singing near the hide. 3 Avocets flew in from the north and dropped onto the East Flood. A Wheatear was on the sea wall near the Watch House with another to the west. 4 Canada Geese flew west - quite scarce here recently! On the West Flood: 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 adult Water Rails and several Little Egrets, plus a juvenile Hobby hunting over the flood. At Dan's Dock there were 3 Whinchats, 3 more Wheatears, and a Kingfisher flew towards the Swale. 8 Kestrels were hunting over the sheepfields to the west, and a juvenile Marsh Harrier circled south. 2 Common Buzzards were over the slopes below Mocketts on Sheppey, plus a couple of Marsh Harriers. Several Yellow Wagtails were amongst the cattle on the west side. Back at the East Flood a Green Sandpiper dropped in and a flock of 13 Common Terns flew west. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in trees opposite the cottages before flying west. A female Sparrowhawk was seen in flight to the west.

(Murray Wright)

I had a Honey Buzzard over Oare Marshes this afternoon. It was a male - a fairly worn individual - and it flew over at 15:30 heading south-east. The first record since September 2006. I stayed until high-tide but it was fairly quiet on the wader front: 12 Greenshank, 1 Little Stint and circa 20 Ruff.

(Gary Howard)

September 6th

(06:45-11:45) Sunshine with some heavy showers on the strong and gusting SW wind. I arrived almost two hours after high tide. On the East Flood there were: 4 Greenshanks, circa 50 Knot, 39 Golden Plovers, 22 Ruff and circa 400 Black-tailed Godwits, plus 2 Kingfishers buzzing around and 5 Yellow Wagtails amongst the cattle. 11 Turtle Doves were in the trees west of the cottages, with a couple more in the paddocks, and at least seven more on the wires nearby with good numbers of Stock Doves, Wood Pigeons and circa 50 Linnets. Just 4 Common Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers and 1 singing Cetti's Warbler were noted in the scrub. A Green Sandpiper was seen over the West Flood. 2 Bearded Tits were heard and seen in flight at the east end of the East Flood. 3 Common Buzzards were over the slopes below Mocketts all morning, plus 2 Hobbies and 1 Sparrowhawk. A second Sparrowhawk (a female) flew over the East Flood later, disturbing the remaining waders in the process.

(Murray Wright)

September 5th

(10:30-17:00) More in hope than anticipation, on arrival I spent some time scanning the Swale for an Osprey which wasn't there. What there was was about 50 Black-tailed Godwits west of the slipway together with 5 Grey Plover, a handfull of Dunlin, a dozen or so Redshank and 2 Curlew. A quick glance at the East Flood showed that there were very few birds to be seen and as the rain became heavier I decided to seek shelter in the Sea Wall hide. Jim Maynard was already in residence and for a couple of hours we contented ourselves by counting Cormorants on the spit at Shellness (42 at max). In addition we saw 44 Common Tern heading downstream and a total of 9 Sandwich Tern that seemed unable to decide which they were heading. On the flats in fornt of the hide as the rain turned to deluge proportions it was possible (just) to make out 2 Knot, circa 10 Dunlin and about 20 Black-tailed Godwits. At about 13:30 Jim looking upstream announced that he'd picked up a probable Osprey on the wreck west of the Ferry Inn. Sure enough despite the encircling gloom an Osprey it was. Over the next 2 hours we watched it until with the rising tide lapping around its talons it took to the air revealing a fish in its clutches. The bird circled around upstream for a while before alighting on a pile just off the copse at Uplees. A photo opportunity beckoned and so I set off in arthritic fashion to the copse, checking every couple of hundred yards that the bird remained in situ. It did until I arrived at the copse at which point it flew off east and was last seen heading towards Tankerton still clutching what must have been a less than fresh fish. Somewhat downcast I headed back to the car park my spirits only slightly lifted by sight of 2 Green Sandpipers and a very confiding Wheatear en route. All in all, an interesting but ultimately frustrating day at the Marshes.

(Mike Stevens)

September 4th

(07:15-11:45) Mainly overcast with heavy, squally showers on the blustery SW wind. The adult and juvenile Garganey were on the East Flood, plus 26 Ruff, 6 Knot and circa 150 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Lesser Whitethroats were around the paddocks, plus 3 Reed Warblers, several Common Whitethroats, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler and 6 Turtle Doves. A Little Owl was in the hawthorn east of the cottages again. 8+ Yellow Wagtails were around the cattle on the west side. A Common Buzzard was over Mocketts Hill. Sheltering in my car during a shower Derek Jackson and Bob Bland passed by and told me they'd been watching an Osprey fishing on the Swale at around 10:45 - last seen plunging into the water and presumably successful. I headed to the sea wall and after a couple of minutes located it on the shoreline on the Sheppey side just west of the slipway with a fair sized fish, and attendant Carrion Crow. Steve Clinch came down for a look and we watched it for around 30 minutes during which time it flew a little way up the 'beach' to avoid the incoming tide. It was still there when we left. Also, there were 2 Hobbies and 2 Marsh Harriers over Mocketts. Derek and Bob had 1 Whinchat and up to 4 Wheatears at Dan's Dock.

(Murray Wright)

(13:15-15:45) Spent my time around the East Flood mainly in the hides sheltering from the blustery SW wind and associated heavy showers. Some impressive storm clouds on one occasion I noted. On the East Flood as the tide rose were 4 Greenshank, circa 50 Redshank, circa 650 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Golden Plovers, 90 Ringed Plovers, 2 Little Stints, 30 Dunlin, 2 Common Snipe, 15 Knot, 2 Garganey and 1 Yellow Wagtail. The Cormorant roost continued to expand as I left with min 47 birds. There was combative interaction over Mocketts Hill with Common Buzzard, Kestrels and Sparrowhawk getting involved with the inevitable corvids. A Kingfisher zoomed past the hide towards the sluice. At around 13:50 the Osprey appeared over Mocketts and continued SE into Whitstable airspace over Seasalter. 1 Little Gull noted from the Sea Wall hide, drifting and climbing SE against the blow and lost over Seasalter.

(Mike Roser)
 

(15:00-16:30) I returned for a quick look at high tide. Met Rob Clements who told me that the Osprey had flown south-east over the Swale shortly before 14:00. Rob had also had 2 Common Buzzards hanging over Mocketts. On the East Flood I noted: 2 adult Little Stints, circa 100 Dunlins, circa 50 Knot, 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 9 Greenshanks, 75 Ringed Plovers, 1 Common Tern and 53 Cormorants. Didn't see any Curlew Sandpipers this afternoon.

(Murray Wright)

September 3rd

(07:15-11:40) Overcast and cool for much of the morning with a strengthening SW wind, but brighter and a bit warmer later. Geoff arrived shortly after me and we made a circuit of the reserve - two coats, one fleece, a pair of gloves and a hat being the order of the morning! The tide was low and still running down. The adult and juvenile  Garganeys were on the East Flood again, plus the 'blue-flagged' colour-ringed Ruff, a Greenshank (nearby for comparison), and only a few Black-tailed Godwits, plus 6+ Yellow Wagtails feeding amongst the cattle. 13 Turtle Doves were on the wires to the west of the cottages, with good numbers of Stock Doves and Wood Pigeons, and a Hobby flew east there. A Wheatear was perched on the straw bales in the field to the south-east. In the trees, paddocks and scrub west of the cottages we noted: 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3-4 Common Whitethroats, 1-2 singing Cetti's Warblers, 1-2 Reed Warblers, 7+ Long-tailed Tits, a juvenile Sparrowhawk, 2 Turtle Doves and 2 Kingfishers. 3 more Turtle Doves were sharing the lone Hawthorn to the east of the cottages with the regular Little Owl, and a Whinchat and a Wheatear were on the fence by the flight pond nearby. From the Sea Wall hide there were plenty of Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank, Knot, Dunlins and Ringed Plovers feeding on the mud, plus 1 Turnstone. 4 Green Sandpipers were around the West Flood, plus 2 Whinchats on one of the bramble patches again. A Wheatear was at Dan's Dock. A Common Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier were sparring over the slopes to the west of Mockett's on Sheppey. A Whimbrel was on the mud west of the slipway. Back at the East Flood there were now 38 Golden Plovers, circa 150 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 winter plumage Common Tern. Small numbers of Swallows were heading south-west during the morning and Geoff saw 2 House Martins. A female Sparrowhawk dropped into the scrub west of the cottages. 10 Wigeon were flying over Mockett's.

(Geoff Burton and Murray Wright)

(15:30-16:40) A quick look at high tide. Sign of the season that there's always someone down there you know; on this occasion Steve Clinch and John Tilbrook. Apparently a Hobby had put up the birds on the east flood and not all had returned. However, amongst the waders there were two adult Little Stints, three juvenile Curlew Sandpipers and a Bar-tailed Godwit. There were two juvenile Pochards present and Steve had seen three Garganey. No sign of any terns on the Swale.

(Geoff Burton)

September 2nd

(12:45-17:15) Heavy rain until around 15:30 when it finally stopped and the sun broke through. The wind was a freshening SW. Joined Steve Clinch in the East Hide sheltering from the rain. On the East Flood we noted: 5 Little Stints, 7 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, circa 300 Dunlin, 87 Knot, 95 Ringed Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, 8 Golden Plovers, 7 Greenshanks, circa 400 Redshanks, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, circa 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Ruff, 7 Turnstones, 5 Wigeon (my first of the autumn), 1 Common Tern, 46 Cormorants and 1+ Kingfisher. 8+ Yellow Wagtails were feeding amongst the cattle. 2 Sandwich Terns flew west along the Swale. A Hobby appeared over the flood as the rain stopped, scaring a lot of the small waders off before settling in the lone elder on the west side. 4 Turtle Doves were in the dead trees opposite the cottages, and 1 Reed Warbler and 2 Whitethroats were in the scrub. Steve saw a juvenile Cuckoo fly over the East Flood and drop into the car park bushes again. On the West Flood we saw 2 Green Sandpipers, a juvenile Reeve, 4 Little Egrets and 2 Whinchats. A Common Sandpiper was on the slipway with a Whimbrel on the mud to the west, and 3 Common Terns were on the Swale. Back at the East Flood Steve picked out the adult and juvenile Garganey (right on cue!), there was an adult and a juv/1st winter Mediterranean Gull amongst circa 200 Black-headed Gulls, and a Swift flew west.

(Steve Clinch and Murray Wright)

September 1st

(12:00-16:00) A mainly bright and sunny afternoon, but there was plenty of heavy cloud around, and the wind was a strong SSW. An afternoon visit to catch high tide. 2 Turtle Doves were in the trees opposite the cottages, plus a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker and a female Sparrowhawk, and a Cetti's Warbler was singing from the scrub nearby. Four more Turtle Doves were on the wires to the west and two more were behind the cottages. On the East Flood: 4 smart juvenile Curlew Sandpipers (three of which were as close to the road as it was possible to get!), 2 adult winter Little Stints, a good count of 114 Knot, circa 200 Dunlins, 2 juvenile Spotted Redshanks, 85 Ringed Plovers, 250 Golden Plovers, circa 100 Lapwings, 13 Greenshanks, circa 400 Redshanks, 1 juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit, circa 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 16 Ruff, 1 Turnstone, several Common Snipe, 1 Common Tern, circa 300 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Little Egrets. An adult Hobby was causing a lot of mayhem on the flood late afternoon. 6+ Yellow Wagtails were sheltering below the sea wall. A juvenile Cuckoo flew west along the sea wall and disappeared into the bushes around the car park. There was a steady passage of Swallows and Sand Martins moving south west all afternoon. Also, it was nice to see a Grass Snake slithering across the road near the pull-in - only the second I've seen here this year.

(Murray Wright)

(16:10-18:00) Met Murray and Steve Clinch leaving as I arrived. Tide was already receding and some of the waders appeared to have left the flood. I did note, however, 51 Cormorants roosting on the east flood, a lone drake Gadwall and four Shelduck (a female with three juveniles) flew in. Two Buzzards were "hanging" and sparring over Mocketts Hill, an adult male Merlin was chasing passerines over the west side before resting briefly in the elder. Finally, the male Ruff (blue flag, red and white rings) first seen here on July 11th was present on the east flood.

(Geoff Burton)