With a wet and very windy weekend it was not suprising that bird sightings were a little thin on the ground. The Short-eared Owls were seen but were reluctant to show themselves in such inclement conditions and it was actually surprising that at least one of the Dartford Warblers has been seen every day!
SEO - Bob Jenner
The Water Pipits have continued to provide a good draw and at least six were seen today from the Butts and Ken Barrett Hides on the newly exposed re-profiled areas. Three Jack Snipe were also reported from the Ken B on Saturday so keep your eyes open for bobbers!
Water Pipit - Paul Hackett
Water Pipit - Alan Reynolds
Grey and Pied Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Goldfinches and Skylarks have all been seen feeding on these disturbed areas. Stonechats have been standing sential as ever depite the buffetting winds and Cetti's Warblers are still singing well. Such mild conitions favour these small bird communities but it does mean that we may be in for another quiet winter (good for the birds but not us birders!).
Stonechat - Moi Hicks
Little Grebes are still showing well around the MDZ and Water Rails have become more vocal and keep your eyes out for one swimming across a ditch as captured the other day...
Water Rail - Magnus Anderson
Little Grebe - Helen Mathias
As waters slowly rise duck numbers are on the increase and the waders that have been frequenting the riverside when the tide drops are now starting to visit the Purfleet Scrape complex at high tide which bodes well for the coming months. Four Curlew and 65 Golden Plover lounged around with the Lapwing this morning.
Cracking Curlews - Anne Keenan
And because it is never over till I close that final gate I was pleased to add my first Woodcock to my year list as it shot overhead in the sodium glare :O)
9-11-15