A good weekend at Northward Hill and Cliffe Pools.

A great weekend at RSPB Northward Hill. Saturday morning I was with Finn again and his Father this time, back out at Cliffe Pools for collecting plastic off the Creek shore-line

This time because of the nature of the large amount of small plastic items in amongst the washed up seaweed it was decided to rake up the whole lot and bag it.

In an hour and a half, ten full bags were filled and subsequently deposited in a skip.

I know this will end up in landfill, but for me that is the lesser of two evils.

Whilst there it was incredible to witness a huge flock of waterfowl taking to the air over Flamingo Pool, thousands of mainly Lapwing and Dunlin swirling and whirling over the water, pretty spectacular.

Back at Bromhey Farm Roger was catching netting and ringing as he does. Alongside the usual birds it was nice to hear a couple of Brambling were caught as well.

Owls are still calling in the darkness and Woodcock still showing well at Sweeney Viewpoint at dusk.

Mallard are quack/laughing, geese are cackling and Widgeon whistling.

As dusk descended Blackbirds 'pink'all over at seen or unseen threats as they prepare to roost.

The North Kent Marshes are magical at any time of the year.