So tomorrow sees a return to sub-zero temperatures, howling easterlies and the chance of snow but today was glorious and proper springlike with the first proper migrants being seen with a calling Little Ringed Plover and two dapper male Wheatears. No Sand Martins as yet though.
Wheatear from today - Russ Sherriff
The winter duck are still to be found but the Avocets and Ruff seem to have left us overnight and the Golden Plover flock was down from 33 to 19 today although some have now got black bellies.
Thirteen Buzzards were in the air at once and I suspect that some will have been migrants while Mark Phillips had a good visit by seeing the Bittern near the Bog Wood and a flock of 30 calling Kittiwakes heading high and east...
There are still Water Pipits to be found and the Marsh Harriers have been showing well.
Water Pipit - Russ Sherriff
Wrap up if you are visiting tomorrow!
Friday 16th March 2018
• RSPB Rainham Marshes: 2m Wheatear, 13 Buzzard, 15 Fieldfare, Little Ringed Plover, Bittern 1430, 30 Kittiwakes high east 1300, 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Oystercatcher, 19 Golden Plover, 60 Dunlin, 17 Snipe, 4 Curlew, Chiffchaff, 3 Little Egret, 3 Water Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit,
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer