The long awaited return of this iconic bird at one of its' most important sites in Kent, let alone the UK was confirmed, when local North Kent Marsh, BTO ringer Andrew netted a Nightingale yesterday at Lodge Hill, Chattenden.
This precedes their return to Northward Hill RSPB Reserve by 5 days or so, this evening I went to Lodge Hill to listen for singing males, a little early, and alas no Pavorottis were limbering up, early days I know, they are problably still establishing their turf, but hope springs eternal.
Today was another year landmark, the first confirmed Barn Swallow flying through Bromley Farm and over the RSPB Office there.
We still await the first Cuckoo and Nightingale at Northward Hill, and should be here by this weekend or at least early next week, perhaps you or your children on Easter Holidays could be the first to hear them a report them to a member of staff!
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The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.