Elmley Marshes

Decided to get some walking in today, so ventured over to Elmley Marshes to try and get a look at the Spoonbills that have been in the area for some time. From the car park we were off to a great start with Common Buzzard, Yellow Wagtails, Marsh Harriers and Green Sandpiper so the birding was already underway. Walking to the seawall some distance past Southfleet hide enabled us to enjoy reasonable views of the six Spoonbills alongside the fleet and in addition to the expected birds such as Little Egrets, Common Terns, Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Mediterranean Gulls we were also treated to nine Spotted Redshanks from the Counterwall hide before making our way back to the car park and a final bonus of three Barn Owls to complete our visit. Quality!

Redshank

Avocet

Common Tern

Hare

Dungeness RSPB Reserve

Arrived at the Dungeness RSPB reserve soon after 10:00. Whilst walking to the raised view point we came across a number of small groups of Whitethroat and there were a large number of Common Swifts everywhere. Within minutes of arriving at the view point we were watching the Squacco Heron where it took shelter under a Willow at the edge of a channel from the strong south westerly winds. After ten minutes, it flew and was relocated nearby on Denge Marsh, viewable from the gateway. After some twenty minutes of watching from here, we started to make our way through the reserve managing to view the Great White Egret briefly feeding on the marsh before flying across the reedbed and landing eventually from view. Other birds seen today elsewhere on the reserve included: Little Egret (3), Hobby (2), Marsh Harrier (1), Common Tern (8), Little Ringed Plover (2), Brent Goose (1), Sedge Warbler (1), Reed Warbler (4), Swallow and House Martin.


Squacco Heron



Squacco Heron

Flitcham Abbey & Salthouse Heath

Linnet

Linnet

Moorhen

Grey Partridge

Dragonfly (Broad-bodied Chaser)