It is pleasing to note five nests have hatched chicks, making a total of 17 youngsters at the moment, with plenty more under their parents.
They are the symbol of the RSPB after all. Originally extinct as a breeding bird in 1842, due to land drainage, however large areas of East Anglia were flooded to hinder perceived invasions by the Germans during the second world war allowing them to breed again for the first time just over a 100 years later in 1947.
The distinctive black and white colouration of the adult and the unmistakable bill shape make it easily identifiable even at a distance.
Thanks to Ruby Merriman for the photo.
The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.