I don't normally manage to get onto the reserve much before lunchtime, however this morning I was there just after ten. I walked, as usual from the car-park towards Sweeney Viewpoint stopping at the Willow tree by the old bench to listen to a Nightingale singing full throttle as he often does.
A blackcap was also singing very close by. I looked into the greenery to see if I could spy the latter (as there is no chance of seeing the Nightingale!). After a moment or two I saw it, it was a little obscured by the leafage. After a couple of moments it started to sing and to my amazement, it was the Nightingale.
I shifted my position a tad. I couldn't believe it for the first time ever I was watching a Nightingale singing its' whole repertoire in full view. I was gob-smacked, I could see the opening and closing of his beak, his trembling throat as the magical notes poured forth.
Most years I am lucky to catch a brief glimpse as they are usually deep into the foliage.
I walked down to Gordons' hide with a smile on my face, the Marsh Frogs were in good voice as well and a Redshank was chasing insects on the water surface just in front of me.
When I came out a cuckoo was calling in a tree close by, seeing me it flew off still calling, which is something I don't normally notice, mostly they cuckoo from a vantage point.
The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.