Rainham Marshes RSPB

After a long drive back from Newcastle from an epic Maximo Park gig, I fancied a look over Aveley Bay which over the last few days has been highly productive.

I was tired, but a two hour wander round the bay and over the Landfill proved to be a good choice.  Despite missing out on the calling Quail that inconveniently decided to cower in silence on the slopes of the landfill, there was plenty of interest that included;

Three Bar-tailed Godwit including one spanking summer plumaged adult in the company of five Black-tailed Godwit were present on the bay, nine Grey Plover all of which were in various stages of plumage transition with two in fine summer plumage, a total of 15 Dunlin, most in summer plumage, three Whimbrel flew low onto Wennington, four Ringed Plover, two Oystercatcher, and at least ten Common Redshank.

Common Swift were conspicuous by their large numbers with over 500 wheeling over the reserve including a few Swallow and two Sand Martin.

A single Yellow Wagtail called as it flew through, and a Grasshopper Warbler reeled distantly toward the reserve.  A Lesser Whitethroat rattled within the scrub by the car park, and nearby, a male Stonechat flew to the top of a bush.  A pair of Northern Wheatear arrived by the car park.

A Hobby was seen actively pursuing prey on the west side of the landfill and another (or possible the same bird) flew low over Wennington.

A group of nine Common Tern flew downriver.






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