Ray O'Riley - KOS Field Trip Organiser, writes:-

Warlock's weather seems to await our KOS monthly outings at the moment - and Wednesday March 24th was no different, with raging winds and heavy showers.  Not an auspicious day for birding, but, nevertheless,  the hardy KOS group did well to clock up 60 species  - including some quality seasonal migrant birds in the mix.

So first, a huge thanks to all of the keen attendees  - that included Beno our guest from Southern California (welcome to the British weather).

 We started the day at Oare Marshes NR on the Swale, where 80-90 red Black-tailed Godwits were on the East Flood in orange/red breeding plumage, as well as one or two Red Knot in their basic plumage. Some Dark-bellied Brent Geese were still very much in evidence and good numbers of Skylarks serenaded us along our walk.

Stock Doves were on the buildings near Dan's Dock to the west, and we enjoyed watching Marsh Harriers flight displaying, tumbling, rolling and giving a yelping call.

 A small group of Bearded Tits gave brief views in the wind-blown phragmites along the ditches, and as we walked Water Rail, Green Woodpecker and Song Thrush were all added to our day list.

 One of the group - George Khali -  found a handsome drake Garganey in the reeds with a bunch of Eurasian Teal,  and I spotted a Water Pipit that simply walked by and which was just coming into its breeding plumage.  I was delighted that several members of the group also saw this understated and attractive bird.

We then headed off to Shellness on the Isle of Sheppey  - which is five minutes away as the Marsh Harrier flies,  but nearly one hour by road thanks to the Swale, its bridge and several road closures.

 We questioned the wisdom of our choice as, on arrival, the wind increased even more and we suffered one of the heaviest rain showers of an already wet day. However, Shellness worked its magic and the group experienced great views of some waders,  including Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Grey and Ringed Plovers, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and a single Purple Sandpiper.  The finale was a splendid total of five magnificent Short-eared Owls, seen by members of the group, and our final stop, along the Capel Fleet Road, yielded good views of several smart, breeding -plumaged Mediterranean Gulls.

 Wet and windy yes - but great birding too!

 Ray O’Reilly.